Troubled over bf's vision
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Unless those Buddhist monks or Christians were asked for, I seriously think your father has been hallucinating.Originally posted by hamirra:I am a Muslim. Quite honestly, let me tell u guys my experience....
Before my father passed away coz of cancer about 10 years ago, on his deathbed he was seeing 'things'.
1) He saw a Buddhist or Taoist monk chanting some mantras at the foot of his bed one nite.
2) He saw a Christian priest and a group of nuns singing a choir on another
3) He saw the Devil offering him a glass of water (coz muslims believe before a person dies, he will feel an utmost sense of thirst) on the pretext of declaring to himself that Muhammad is a liar. I saw him staring with anger to his left coz the Devil came from his left side.
4) When i recite the Quran (holy book of Islam), he felt peaceful and comfortable.
Muslims believe the Devil will try his best to stray u away from The Path before your death coz that is the best and last time he may be able to do so.
From that day onwards, I truly believe that Allah is God and muhammad is His Messenger.
My advice to you........study all the known religions and make your choice. Religion cannot be forced upon, it must be received with an open mind and heart.
Humanity is breed through religion....... -
Different ppl have different near-death experiences.
Some people see Buddha...
some people see Jesus Christ...
some people see angels...
some people see ray of light and hear a booming voice assumed to be from God...
some see Satan/devil.
Just because your father saw illusions of people from Buddhism, Christianity, plus Satan, does not indicate that these religions are pagan/fake. And just because he responds to chanting of scriptures from the Koran means that Muslim religion is the one and only. He may respond likewise to chanting from Buddhist and Christian scriptures. How would you have chosen your faith then?
No intention to pick a fight, just voicing my opinions, that's all, so don't take offence. -
My advice is for her only.Originally posted by laurence82:mabbe should ask her to approach a sangha, for there is a need to renounce the present faith?
geez, this type of answer doesnt help
again its her free will to choose. -
Originally posted by OrneryBoy:My advice is for her only.
again its her free will to choose.
hmmm......Originally posted by OrneryBoy:I encourage you to seek help from your church pastor, for there is a need to renounce your previous faith.
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where do u find peace within? I think that will help u make a decision.
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Dont get me wrong....
I am not saying all those religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity) are fake.
I am just telling u guys the things that my dad go through before he passed away.
He could be hallucinating..he could really be visited.....but that's not the whole point.
The point is...he's dying....to a dying man, seeing all these may be his a sign from God. We will all die one day. Imagine started seeing all these vsions a couple of weeks before your death while you are on your deathbed. You would also try to make out if God has something to say to you through all these rite?
My point for all these is that, We may or may not believe but deep down inside all of us, we know there is God....For some of us, its Buddha, for others it may be Jesus Christ, for me Allah. All teaches good. But do we abide even when we do not know when we will die?
Maybe those visions are trying to tell u something.....for all you know it could be the Devil himself playing tricks on you. The best thing is to do your own research and have faith in yourself. -
I am not sure whether i could understand by ur post, but in Buddhism, as far as i know, Buddha isnt a god.Originally posted by hamirra:Dont get me wrong....
I am not saying all those religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity) are fake.
I am just telling u guys the things that my dad go through before he passed away.
He could be hallucinating..he could really be visited.....but that's not the whole point.
The point is...he's dying....to a dying man, seeing all these may be his a sign from God. We will all die one day. Imagine started seeing all these vsions a couple of weeks before your death while you are on your deathbed. You would also try to make out if God has something to say to you through all these rite?
My point for all these is that, We may or may not believe but deep down inside all of us, we know there is God....For some of us, its Buddha, for others it may be Jesus Christ, for me Allah. All teaches good. But do we abide even when we do not know when we will die?
Maybe those visions are trying to tell u something.....for all you know it could be the Devil himself playing tricks on you. The best thing is to do your own research and have faith in yourself.
I think you got to make a distinction between the concepts of the judae-christian religion from the eastern ones... -
sorry if i make a wrong statement that buddha to buddhist is God........anyway, my point is all religion teaches good.....Originally posted by laurence82:I am not sure whether i could understand by ur post, but in Buddhism, as far as i know, Buddha isnt a god.
I think you got to make a distinction between the concepts of the judae-christian religion from the eastern ones... -
I had read some dream book. Sometimes dream that u only dream for 1 time may not mean wat it is... Some dream book says that if a man dream of a nun will have a small tragedy. In another way, maybe ur bf somehow sub-consiously afraid u may leave him to become a nun? Even if fortune teller says so doesn't mean u will become a nun. Fate lies in ur hand. You had the choice. Some people can read palm but yet the lines can change from time to time. If u study buddhism, you may find that there are lots of story about changing destiny. Maybe u are fated with buddhism. But doesn't mean you will become a nun. Unless you had ur mind of becoming one.Originally posted by surfbabe:Hi fellow Buddhists,
My Christian bf recently had a vision of me bald and wearing a nun's Buddhist robes. It stunned me because I was formerly told by a fortune teller (who uses the "ba zhi" and "san si shu" to see the past, present and future lives) that I would attain eternal happiness if I leave my parents and seek refuge in Buddhism. (somewhat indicating that I may renounce a secular life and become a nun)
It worries me because although I have converted to Christianity, my faith seems to remain pretty strongly in Buddhism. I converted on my own accord because I believed that God or my Creator healed me when I was unwell (my bf encouraged me to pray to God). Personally I believe that God appears in many forms, one of which is Buddha. But I just can't identify with what is written in the bible, no matter how hard I try. On the other hand, I can agree and accept the teachings in Buddhist books, and the image of Buddha and Goddess of Mercy instils a feeling of calmness and well-being in me, even when I'm upset, agitated or feeling down.
For the past few months, I have been struggling with an internal religious conflict within me. Somehow I feel as if I'm in no man's land. Even though I'm a Christian, but I don't feel nor behave like one. And my bf's persistently trying to pull me back to church and cell group, but I feel a strong resistance against his attempts. It's straining our relationship.
Quite troubled about it now...
I also had seen a fortune teller, he says almost the same as urs. I am not so kind of fate with this world. Quite true also, but I still will not become a monk. Maybe some day i may change my mind but for now, no way. I also had read some christian and other religion stuff. There is even books on buddhism and christian that says some of the similar meaning in the quotes.
In the end, u can take ur time to make ur choices, wat ever the religion u choosen. Remember they are only the path to ur enlightenment. The choice lies with u. God bless... -
Perhaps you're right, zandland...my bf may be afraid that I will go towards the "dark side" so to speak, cos Christianity to him is the light. He doesn't want me to quit being a Christian, even in the event that we're no longer attached.Originally posted by zandland:I had read some dream book. Sometimes dream that u only dream for 1 time may not mean wat it is... Some dream book says that if a man dream of a nun will have a small tragedy. In another way, maybe ur bf somehow sub-consiously afraid u may leave him to become a nun? Even if fortune teller says so doesn't mean u will become a nun. Fate lies in ur hand. You had the choice. Some people can read palm but yet the lines can change from time to time. If u study buddhism, you may find that there are lots of story about changing destiny. Maybe u are fated with buddhism. But doesn't mean you will become a nun. Unless you had ur mind of becoming one.
I also had seen a fortune teller, he says almost the same as urs. I am not so kind of fate with this world. Quite true also, but I still will not become a monk. Maybe some day i may change my mind but for now, no way. I also had read some christian and other religion stuff. There is even books on buddhism and christian that says some of the similar meaning in the quotes.
In the end, u can take ur time to make ur choices, wat ever the religion u choosen. Remember they are only the path to ur enlightenment. The choice lies with u. God bless...
I've always had a close affinity with Buddhism...am always attracted to it like a magnet. Not so for Christianity. But I definitely have no plans to become a nun, at least that's so for now. Can't say so for the future cos I'm not sure what lies ahead.
Thank you for your words of advice. -
maybe try showing him some basic Buddhism teachings. Say why not understand the esscence of Buddhism before judging the book by it's cover. That's really unfair if one only believe what people say, w/o seeing it for oneself.Originally posted by surfbabe:Perhaps you're right, zandland...my bf may be afraid that I will go towards the "dark side" so to speak, cos Christianity to him is the light. He doesn't want me to quit being a Christian, even in the event that we're no longer attached.
I've always had a close affinity with Buddhism...am always attracted to it like a magnet. Not so for Christianity. But I definitely have no plans to become a nun, at least that's so for now. Can't say so for the future cos I'm not sure what lies ahead.
Thank you for your words of advice.
another thing is if Buddhism is dark side(satanic), it should be after Christianity, yet it's 500 years before Christ. Then it should be the other way around, Christianity is the dark side of Buddhism per se. but we Buddhist don't do contemning btw.
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Originally posted by surfbabe:Perhaps you're right, zandland...my bf may be afraid that I will go towards the "dark side" so to speak, cos Christianity to him is the light. He doesn't want me to quit being a Christian, even in the event that we're no longer attached.
I've always had a close affinity with Buddhism...am always attracted to it like a magnet. Not so for Christianity. But I definitely have no plans to become a nun, at least that's so for now. Can't say so for the future cos I'm not sure what lies ahead.
Thank you for your words of advice.
u r welcome... -
below is a very good letter/note/gift to ur bfriend: An Episcopalian Priest writes about Amitabha :
Thoughts on Amida Buddha
I find the symbol of Amida (Amitabha) Buddha to be one of the most radical symbols of self-sacrificing love in the world. In fact, my own conception of Christ has been changed and deepened through my encounter with Amida Buddha. Amida Buddha symbolizes the universal embrace of compassion and in doing so, calls and inspires us to follow in the BuddhaÂ’s footsteps.
Buddhas, like the saints, are people like you and I who managed to break free from the shackles of illusion and self-centeredness to attain true awakening. But to be a Buddha is not merely to attain enlightenment for one's self--it is to strive to bring all people into the light and life of true enlightenment, freed from the suffering of illusion and self-deceit. To be enlightened is to touch and be assured of nirvana. Yet the Buddha delays nirvana in order to serve others out of deep compassion. One of the primary Buddhist prayers is to pray for “the salvation of all beings.”
Amida Buddha sacrificed everything...he vowed and aspired never to reach full enlightenment unless all beings would join him in enlightenment upon hearing and entrusting in his name. To me, this symbolizes the ultimate end of faith and life not only for Buddhists, but for all people on the spiritual journey. Like Amida, I desire to embrace this level of compassion, that I may touch and know what it means to truly love others.
And this is grace...to be drawn irresistably by the light and life of true compassion.
I find inspiration from Buddhism--with it's universal hope in humanity, its principles of karmic reality, its Eight Fold Path, Four Noble Truths, its path of humility, non-attachment, liberation, wisdom, and peace..but above all, its compassion and grace.
From Rev Rebecca's website (http://www.franciscan-anglican.com/Buddha.htm)
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A correction. The website should be http://www.franciscan-anglican.com/Buddha.htmOriginally posted by sinweiy:below is a very good letter/note/gift to ur bfriend: An Episcopalian Priest writes about Amitabha :
*snipped*
From Rev Rebecca's website (http://www.franciscan-nglican.com/Buddha.htm)
Just to slide off-topic for this moment:
It appears that Anglicants and Catholics are more receptive to Buddhism than Protestants. If I'm not wrong, they share a similarity - both use altars, candles, incense, prayer beads, etc, and honour Mother Mary. Whereas Protestants...they seem to be a different breed altogether, no offence intended.
I can derive an answer this question from Buddhism - why do bad things happen to good people? But I've yet to hear a good answer from Christians or the Bible about this. -
thx...i corrected it.Originally posted by surfbabe:A correction. The website should be http://www.franciscan-anglican.com/Buddha.htm
Just to slide off-topic for this moment:
It appears that Anglicants and Catholics are more receptive to Buddhism than Protestants. If I'm not wrong, they share a similarity - both use altars, candles, incense, prayer beads, etc, and honour Mother Mary. Whereas Protestants...they seem to be a different breed altogether, no offence intended.
I can derive an answer this question from Buddhism - why do bad things happen to good people? But I've yet to hear a good answer from Christians or the Bible about this.
i have the same sentiment about Catholics are more receptive to Buddhism than Christian.
first time i heard of Anglicants though.
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The greatest religion is the religion of love and compassion. A supreme lifestyle is nothing but harmonious living.
God has no religion.
Seek your answer from within. Because your true nature or self is complete with abundance of wisdom and ability. Do some meditation or yoga or Taichi. Let your mind be at complete peace and harmony, experience the spectacular WHOLENESS and ONENESS state. The answer you are seeking will naturally surface to you.
All greatest religions are good and they have existed for the many thousands of years. They offered some of the greatest guidances and wisdoms to their respective followers for the many generations. They also carried seeds which blossomed into great unique cultures of their own - which made our world stunningly beautiful.
For a healthy love relationship, it is really about the cultivation of Bodhisattwas.
Amitabha. -
fyi, Buddha never do convert btw. Buddha was not discriminating to race, countries and religions. People of other faith went to ask Buddha, Buddha was always delighted to help. He never tell them to convert. You never see it in the texts/sutras. If they are Brahma religion, they can still have faith in Brahma religion. They just went to Buddha to look for wisdom. Buddha always respect all the many religions in India during that time. He never even criticize them in any way. Rare and understanding was Buddha. Look at Earth store Sutra, Po Luo Men Nui (Brahma girl) was a hindu also, and did not convert even when she attain enlightenment.
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Yes indeed. There is one story of Upali, a great Jain disciple and debator, who was eventually 'converted' into Buddhism and attained enlightenment... (note that this Upali is different from the top disciple in Precepts)Originally posted by sinweiy:fyi, Buddha never do convert btw. Buddha was not discriminating to race, countries and religions. People of other faith went to ask Buddha, Buddha was always delighted to help. He never tell them to convert. You never see it in the texts/sutras. If they are Brahma religion, they can still have faith in Brahma religion. They just went to Buddha to look for wisdom. Buddha always respect all the many religions in India during that time. He never even criticize them in any way. Rare and understanding was Buddha. Look at Earth store Sutra, Po Luo Men Nui (Brahma girl) was a hindu also, and did not convert even when she attain enlightenment.
/\Upali was one of the chief followers of the Jain master, Mahavira. Because of his intelligence, Upali often appeared in public debates on behalf of the Jains.
There was one incident where Upali had a debate with the Buddha. At the end of the debate, Upali was so impressed with the Buddha's teachings that he asked to be the Enlightened One's follower. "Venerable Sir, please allow me to be your follower".
To that, the Buddha answered, "Upali, you are at the height of your emotions. Go home and reconsider it carefully before you ask me again".
Upali was extremely impressed, "If it was any other guru, he will parade a banner saying, 'Mahavira's chief lay-disciple has become my follower'. But you, Venerable Sir, you asked me to go home and reconsider. Now, I want to be your follower even more. I will not stand up until you accept me".
Finally, the Buddha agreed to accept Upali, under one condition, "Upali, as a Jain, you have always given alms to Jain monks. When you become my follower, you will CONTINUE to give alms to Jain monks. This is my condition".
Upali agreed to this condition.