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TheManWhoLivesintheClouds
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 Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 6:45 pm
I don't know if I would call this a problem, but it is an inkling at least. I am a Sokka Gakkai Buddhist and if you are part of this sect you will know that the chanting is very set in it's ways. Much like any church has a set service and a way of doing things we have the way we chant and it is a very strict set. Normal meditating doesn't fall under it but the actual chanting itself of our main teachings very structured. I know I am a Nicherin Buddhist but I can't fall into the structured sessions. The fact that we set aside a certain time to perform an age old practice just feels wrong. Everything about Buddhism is about connecting with either the universe, nature, or your fellow man and when we perform the chant not only do we isolate ourselves from outsiders we kind of alienate newcomers. It is like being thrown into the middle of a test without knowing what is going on for some. Any thoughts on my concern?
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Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 9:10 pm
In order to better appreciate having something, you must for some time go without it.
That was my first thought after reading your post. Taoism reflects upon that quite a bit. Let's use water as an example. Especially in countries like America, clean water is rather common. Most states take it for granted. If they were to go to countries with filthy water, they would be without clean water. Or, better yet, if they went to a desert with no water at all and were stuck there for a couple weeks they would realize just how precious and necessary water of any kind can be, they certainly would not take it for granted.
It is the same with anything. Food, luxuries, company, etc. Anything you enjoy having or being connected to you will appreciate more after having gone without it. I don't know if this is the reason for isolation or not, but it is what came to my mind. I hope this information was helpful.
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Lord Alucard Ere Casanova
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Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 1:12 am
 Well, I think that you shouldn't tie yourself to a certain sect, and definitely a sect that you feel is keeping you from enlightenment. I consider myself a Buddhist, but I no longer cling to a certain sect. I feel that the Buddha wouldn't have wanted us to, his preaching against Dogma of any sort. I think the foundation of Buddhism could be summarized in a simple quote by the Buddha:
"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense."
Hope that helps.
~Om Mani Padme Hum~
 heart 4laugh
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Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 6:31 pm
That, Je Suis La Vie, is my favorite Buddhist quote and has been for a long time.
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Lord Alucard Ere Casanova
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Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 2:41 pm
indeed. smile so, do whatever you feel is best, Clouds, and try to experiment a little. ^_^ if you feel more comfortable, you can inform your Teachers that you want to see something regarding your practice, and try going without it for a while to see if that suits you better.
i think that being able to try out new experiences helps you to discover what works best, and what makes sense to you in life. i know that sentiments like these are common in both Zen and Ni'chirin Buddhism, so exect that it isn't something uncommonly heard in your school.
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