I may have found a religion

Kevin:

;8-{

88-{

:8-{

Rolls eyes

Thanks again Larry
it was a celebration

Kevin I appreciate your humour

But I am interested in opinions, this site is made up with such a diverse selection of people, I thank everyone who has contributed.
I am just using the main forum page as my 'club'

Buddhism seems to be one of the more atheist-friendly religions. I remember reading about it many years ago and being surprised that my intuitive way of living was quite 'Buddhist' without my knowing it. I don't know about the different types of Buddhism and I know my understanding of the religion is very shallow and simplified. But from what I remember, Buddhism, in short, seemed to be about easing suffering by being free of desire. It sounded beautiful and peaceful and connected to the intricacies of life, but it also seemed too passive and too detached. In trying to transcend reality and be free of suffering, it seemed you also become free of human emotion, normal reactions, struggles, expectations, fears... all things which I think are essential to living a rich, mortal, earth-bound, one-chance life, one where divinity already exists in each experience. But there are many ways to practice this religion and I admire it, just don't think it is for me.

The only criticism I have heard of it from intelligent-sounding people is that this is a religion that focuses so heavily on the suffering of life, on compassion and non-violence, that it increases your ability to suffer oppression, projects a fragile image of your struggling ego, and reduces your will to fight and protect. Much of this comes from Hindus living in India (Buddhism was derived from Hinduism in India) who partly blame the impact of Buddhism for making India a weaker nation that preaches non-violence as it gets conquered again and again.

Darren, do you feel a need to follow a religion and apply some guidelines to your life, or does this one just sit well with the values you already have?

What I find is not a lessening of involvement in life but a deeper appreciation for all aspects of life. As I mentioned earlier, I follow no religion per se, but I try to abide by the tenets of many. Zen carries more meaning for me than any other.

An example: a disciple of a religious demigod once boasted to a Zen monk that his liege could stand on one side of the river and knock down a tree on the other side. He asked what miracles came from the study of Zen. The monk answered that when he is thirsty he drinks, when he is hungry he eats.

All of the world's religions have become clouded by the followers, just so, Buddhism has a multitude of deities. The basic tenets are a bit more available, though, without having to accept the mythology.

Abby, I think it is a bit of both, my wife is church of England, my three kids attend a catholic school.

Me?

er I spend time on here.......

I am changing direction career wise, so maybe it is time to change direction spiritually.