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 Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:10 pm
Last year I decided that Buddhism was the religion I wanted to follow. I am confused about the different sects. Could someone please help me find one that matches in what I believe in?
Here is a shart list of my beliefs:
I respect all life, and would only kill animals to keep myself alive if I were in a position where I had no other choice.
Although I respect those who go full monk, I don't truly want that lifestyle. I just need to find something that keeps me calm and makes me feel happy about life. I want to meditate all the time, and live for the moment.
I don't know if I believe in god. Part of the reason I wanted to become Buddhist was so I could have a religion where I don't have to worship something I don't believe in.
I curse, but recently stopped to see if it will change anything. I dont believe in waiting for marriage to have sex, but I also believe it should be shared with someone you care deeply about. I am against lying, but sometimes I feel the only way to get out and live a little is to lie a bit to get there. But thats because I am a kid. When I am older I will stop lying completely unless it is to save someone's life. I feel that lying is acceptable then.
I am totally and completely AGAINST drugs and alcohol. NEVER NEVER NEVER! I MIGHT drink red wine when I am older, but only without alcohol. Red wine is good for the heart.
Well, that pretty much covers the majority of my beliefs. If you know of a sect that goes with that....I would be much appreciative. If you need more info, just let me know. I really want to be buddhist, but my own research just isn't getting me what I need.
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:16 pm
Well, I just recently became a Buddhist (well, officially declared but kind of have been for a while) and bound myself to Theravadan Buddhism. It is the oldest known and traces back to Gautama Buddha himself. However, I recently discovered that I may possibly be happier being non-sectarian. I can pull my beliefs from the various Buddhist sects and never have to worry about conflicting interests. This may be the same path you may want to go down, but if you are dead set on finding a sect, my personal recommendations would be either Theravada or Zen.
Peace, Love, and Tranquility to you.
P.S. The Buddha does state that lying is NEVER skillful. I think I understand what you were getting at, but lying only causes more trouble and the truth will always be just.
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Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 4:36 am
I'd start reading the differences, maybe some commentary from monks in the different lineages. See if anything resonates with you, and really feels like something you believe in. That's how I ended up somewhere between Vietnamese Zen and Theravada. biggrin
Also, while I understand lying to save someone's life, I don't know that I'd open that floodgate either - it's a short road between rationalizing one lie and rationalizing others. 3nodding Just something to think about.
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