I have been raised Catholic since birth, and my family is heavily Catholic. I believe in God,and I believe in Jesus. But I don't find myself believing in almost the entire bible. Everything seems corrupt.
I feel as though I have a spark inside of me, which could shine and become a blazing fire. Or more like, I have a seed in my heart which has the capacity to become something beautiful if planted in the right soil. I do not feel that my spirituality can "grow" in Catholicism, that Catholicism is not the right "soil."
I've studied a little bit of Buddhism and Taoism, and I agree with aspects of each (The only sticking point I have in Buddhism is that they do not believe in God). I am really interested in learning more and probably converting, but I am at a loss. I don't know where to go from here. I live in a tiny Christian town, and I don't have anyone I can discuss this with. More than anything, I want to be a better person. I want to be the best self that I can be, and I want to help this world change into a world of compassion and love. Because everything is finite, everything will fade away one day, and I want to dedicate my time on Earth to what is "real."
Okay, so my real question (sorry this is so long and rambling) is: has anyone else made the conversion? Or as a Buddhist or Taoist, what should I do or where should I go to study further?
Therevada Buddhism is largely atheistic. I however Practice Tibetan Buddhism. I do believe in a Higher Power. the same may work for you. Your mileage may vary.
I invite you to discuss this with my kind lama. His address is below.
Buddhism is primarily a practice tradition, rather than a faith tradition. This means that Buddhists generally don't question one anther's beliefs -- they just focus on practice.
Buddhist practice (meditation, chanting, bowing, study) cultivates wisdom, compassion, generosity, kindness, creativity and other qualities that form the basis of all spiritual experience.
Even some Catholic priests and nuns practice Buddhism, particularly in the Zen tradition. Of these, some have even become recognized as Zen masters -- while remaining true to their vows as Catholics. For information on one of these priests, go to: http://kennedyzen.tripod.com/
The best way to explore Buddhism is by visiting centers near you and getting instruction and support. If you're fortunate enough to live in a community with more than one center, you'll find that each center has its own approach. Stick with the one that feels right to you.
Here's a good list of centers around the world: http://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/
If you'd like to read a little, I recommend "It's Easier Than You Think" by Sylvia Boorstein. This short book sets out the basics of Buddhism in the context of modern life. It's very accessible. http://www.amazon.com/Its-Easier-Than-You-Think/dp/B000H2MEGY/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199124299&sr= 1-1
I was a practicing Catholic (even teaching in Church and working as a Cantor) for many years, and eventually met Buddhist and Taoist thoughts inside the Catholic Church, from Catholic theologians, monks and other thinkers living in Asia. For some years I sincerely continued my Catholic practice at the same time as I took inspiration and methods (mainly mindfulness and meditation) from Buddhism.
If you believe in the Christian teachings, I would still say there is no contradiction whatsoever in using inspiration, methods and thoughts from Buddhism and still be a faithful Catholic. You can have very great use of Buddhist thinking without ever actually becoming a Buddhist. For me, this made my Christian life more vivid, more meaningful, more reasonable and more fruitful. I can highly recommend you to read the late writings by the famous American Catholic monk Thomas Merton, for example his "Asian Journal". Another Catholic writer you might want to try is Anthony DE Mello (Jesuit priest), for example "Sadhana: A Way to God - Christian Exercises in Eastern Form".
As regards myself, I eventually found the Buddhism that gave me inspiration in itself was more meaningful, rational, methodical, eye-opening and fruitful than the Christianity that needed that inspiration to be meaningful (for me personally, no other claims!). About ten years ago I decided to fully leave my Christian life behind and dedicate myself to the Buddhist path. You don't have to do this if you're not fully convinced it's your way, and you also don't have to decide if it's your way or not before you start to make use of the Buddhist wisdom and methods.
If you choose to learn from Buddhism, I would strongly advise you to check your sources carefully. Buddhism is a popular religion in today's Western world, and unfortunately that means also charlatans and diluted teachers try to take their shares of the market. On the other hand, there are many, many highly qualified teachers and books available all over the Western world, including some excellent on line study programs and e-study groups. In other words, always be careful when you choose your teachers!
If you have other questions or want to discuss something, feel free to send me a message.
a new beginning for me in Buddhism or Taoism..?
