Hi. I am actually a theistic Satanist.
But I am interested in learning about Buddhism.
Where can I start to gather more information about Buddhism?
Hi, this is a good read for a start:
Thanks.
Are there any fellowship of buddhists available for people in their mid 20s to discuss about and practise buddhism together?
Buddhist fellowship, Singapore buddhism mission, Fo Guang Shan,Dharma Drum
just to name afew..
You can try attending the basic buddhism class in kmpks if you are really keen.
Thanks.
hi S.gal83,
Glad to know you have the aspiration heart to know about Buddhism. Yes there is a place where people in their mid-20s discuss about practising Buddhism..you can visit
http://www.ssabuddhist.org/ this is the website about Nichiren Buddhism, or you can pm me if you need more information..take care
Hi,
please note that Soka Gakkai is not considered mainstream Buddhism, either in Singapore or Japan.
Gassho
Originally posted by sanath:Hi,
please note that Soka Gakkai is not considered mainstream Buddhism, either in Singapore or Japan.
Gassho
hi,
"mainstream" pls elaborate your definition..perharps there is a misconfusion of understanding..unless you are referring to as not being a Buddhism school that following the typical path of Buddhism being taught? i would gladly address to any questions you have..:D Thank you. As for your statement, i would like to highlight that it is contrary of what you have put.
Hi,
Mainstream Buddhist schools, no matter which tradition, will have the following:
1. The Triple Gems - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
Soka Gakkai has the "Buddha" as Nichiren, Dharma as the "Lotus Sutra", but does it have a "Sangha"? Maybe you might argue that the Sangha are Soka Gakkai members, but is that really a "Sangha"?
2. Acknowledge Sakyamuni Buddha as our Founder
Soka Gakkai, and its former "parent body" Nichiren Shoshu do recognise Sakyamuni, but term Nichiren as the "Eternal Buddha", more supreme over Sakyamuni.
3. In Japan, both Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu have termed other schools of Buddhism, including other traditions within Nichiren Buddhism, as "heretic" and "value-less". Not even mentioning that it does have a political party "New Komeito" and sometimes uses it to power themselves.
Above are some points.
Originally posted by sanath:Hi,
please note that Soka Gakkai is not considered mainstream Buddhism, either in Singapore or Japan.
Gassho
Yes, agreed. May all take note.
Originally posted by sanath:Hi,
Mainstream Buddhist schools, no matter which tradition, will have the following:
1. The Triple Gems - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
Soka Gakkai has the "Buddha" as Nichiren, Dharma as the "Lotus Sutra", but does it have a "Sangha"? Maybe you might argue that the Sangha are Soka Gakkai members, but is that really a "Sangha"?
2. Acknowledge Sakyamuni Buddha as our Founder
Soka Gakkai, and its former "parent body" Nichiren Shoshu do recognise Sakyamuni, but term Nichiren as the "Eternal Buddha", more supreme over Sakyamuni.
3. In Japan, both Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu have termed other schools of Buddhism, including other traditions within Nichiren Buddhism, as "heretic" and "value-less". Not even mentioning that it does have a political party "New Komeito" and sometimes uses it to power themselves.
Above are some points.
Hi,
Interesting points, let's us go through each of them, shall we?
1) Sokkai Members terms as "Sangha"? According to what i know about "Sangha" it is an assembly of people (higher learning people) who work towards a common goal or mission. Sokkai members are definitely working towards world peace with action and not just plain talk. There is also action at all members to help those in distress or really need help. To teach them Buddhism, so that they can understand their situation and challenge it.
2) Shakyamuni Buddha is revered as the founding father of Buddhism, not a disrupting fact. Shaykamuni Buddha come out with the Lotus Sutra and hid the essence in the Sutra. But Nichiren is the one who helps to reveal the real Law in the Lotus Sutra which has been hidden away for years. Without Nichiren, the Law will be hidden. No one is above the Law, not even Shakymuni Buddha or Nichiren.
3) Perharps you will like to elaborate a bit more on this. But as far as i knew, Komeito consists of members who are from Sokka Gakkai and it is setup to be help their people to "stand up" for injustice etc. It is also logical to say if the person in the political party is from xxx sect then the party belongs to that xxxx? Over in Japan, there is a more liberal society compared to what we have here and hence it is difficult to accept/understand. For example, in U.S, the people forming the political party is from yyy church but doesn't imply so.
As for your statement "In Japan, both Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu have termed other schools of Buddhism, including other traditions within Nichiren Buddhism, as "heretic" and "value-less", perharps you will like to point all of us here to the relevant article to get a better understanding? that will helps a lot..:D
Hi,
1. ok, for the 1st point i forgot about the broader definition of the term so i take that back.
2. Then why in earlier SGI books (or at least, during my short stint in SGI in 1999-2000) are there definitions that Nichiren is the "Eternal Buddha" or 本佛, while Sakyamuni is 跡佛?
3. I live in Japan, so i know what I'm saying. Of course, most Gakkai members are urged to vote for Komeito, and to support Komeito.
4. Not forgetting that Gakkai and Shoshu are still at loggerheads at each other. I remember attending meetings on both sides (1999-2000), and was asked to chant the Daimoku and pray for one to "attain victory" over the other.
Also, when an American friend of mine wanted to take Refuge in Buddhism at my temple in Japan, his then girlfriend from Gakkai objected to it. If Gakkai recognizes the value of other Buddhist schools, was there a need to object? It was only after they broke off did he manage to come down again to take Refuge.
Originally posted by sanath:Hi,
1. ok, for the 1st point i forgot about the broader definition of the term so i take that back.
2. Then why in earlier SGI books (or at least, during my short stint in SGI in 1999-2000) are there definitions that Nichiren is the "Eternal Buddha" or 本佛, while Sakyamuni is 跡佛?
3. I live in Japan, so i know what I'm saying. Of course, most Gakkai members are urged to vote for Komeito, and to support Komeito.
4. Not forgetting that Gakkai and Shoshu are still at loggerheads at each other. I remember attending meetings on both sides (1999-2000), and was asked to chant the Daimoku and pray for one to "attain victory" over the other.
Also, when an American friend of mine wanted to take Refuge in Buddhism at my temple in Japan, his then girlfriend from Gakkai objected to it. If Gakkai recognizes the value of other Buddhist schools, was there a need to object? It was only after they broke off did he manage to come down again to take Refuge.
Hi,
1. ok, for the 1st point i forgot about the broader definition of the term so i take that back.
2. Then why in earlier SGI books (or at least, during my short stint in SGI in 1999-2000) are there definitions that Nichiren is the "Eternal Buddha" or 本佛, while Sakyamuni is 跡佛?
>> Good question. Eternal (本佛) and Provisional ( 跡佛) Buddha - it is not about status of supremacy that as implied by the name in case you are thinking along that path. Provisional Buddha meant that what Shakyamuni Buddha had preached is fixed at the certain point of life in the past (dust particle kalpas) whereas what Nichiren himself preached is with the Mystic Law that is eternal in its own entity since beginningless time. If you refer to the Lotus Sutra, it is mentioned "I have preached the Law in many ways, devising many means. But in these more than forty years, i have not yet revealed the truth"..and the truth is the Mystic Law...but it is so hard to preach. Put ourselves in the shoes of the Shakyamuni Buddha, trying to think hard how to convince his followers. just imagine if one tells us one that 1 + 1 doesn't equal to 2, after so many years of belief. And the Law exists no where exist ourselves, the answer is in us, the cause of our suffering. That is why, if you refer to other Sutras, you can find a common thread that he is trying to preach the Law but to the capacity of the intellectual capacity of the people, as no one can accept that the Law exists within himself and can be a Buddha like Shakyamuni (if you have read the story of the father and his sons analogy in the Buddhist sutra)...sorry i deviate again :D
3. I live in Japan, so i know what I'm saying. Of course, most Gakkai members are urged to vote for Komeito, and to support Komeito.
>> Definitely, but even those in priest robes may not be preaching real Buddhism if their intent is not correct, as long as they are human and have wrong intent.(Shakyamuni Buddha had even warned about priests who do not preach the real Buddhism) Moreover, it is the duty of the members to speak and highlight. Sometimes it just take one person to undo all the good efforts that have been put in by others. Being any political party, who wouldn't want to have all the votes? But it is still the choice of the members to choose who they want to vote to utimately
4. Not forgetting that Gakkai and Shoshu are still at loggerheads at each other. I remember attending meetings on both sides (1999-2000), and was asked to chant the Daimoku and pray for one to "attain victory" over the other.
>> Indeed, Gakkai and Shoshu have been at loggerhead since the spilt due to different practice ideological. It is nothing new, if you knew about the Christians side, the Methodist, Protestants etc..even between the Muslims and Christians during the Crusade. Sorry, i have drifted but i think the idea is there. If one sees evil and choose to be silent and not do anything, one is no different from the doer of evil. Speaking from Gakkai side, if not chanting for the victory against the Shoshu, what kind of compassion, righteous are we showing to the rest? It is precisely the reason that Shoshu has goes reversal the real essence of Nichiren Buddhism that victory must been seen.
Also, when an American friend of mine wanted to take Refuge in Buddhism at my temple in Japan, his then girlfriend from Gakkai objected to it. If Gakkai recognizes the value of other Buddhist schools, was there a need to object? It was only after they broke off did he manage to come down again to take Refuge.
>> it is anticipated reaction because who's wouldn't want one partner to practice the same as ones? would you object if someone who has been practicing close to you choose to join Soka Gakkai? As you have mentioned, it is his then girlfriend who object not Gakkai as an organization objects to him not practising Nichiren Buddhism.
========================================================
Sorry but i can't help to share with you this..perharps this is the contrast i see between Nichiren and Shakyamuni Buddha.
Nichiren: Life as a fisherman's son (lowest status of the society) Shakyamuni: Life as a prince (highest status of the society)
Nichiren: Persecute by all Buddhist schools and Court officials of entire country at that time including his followers (execution for 3). Almost being beheaded. Live in exile. Shakyamuni: Not much persecution of that degree.
Nichiren: Reveals the Truth to all people in the Lotus Sutra despite getting troubles with the officials. Inscribe the object of worship that symbolized the Law within ourselves and for us to see via "the mirror" so that we can "see" who we are. Shakyamuni: Taught the different vehicles to all so that their intellectual level can be at the level to accept the One vehicle. But did not reveal the Truth. He assigned the burden of following the preaching of the Law to his followers that is us to carry on preaching the Law.
============================================================
Originally posted by macTea:Hi,
1) Sokkai Members terms as "Sangha"? According to what i know about "Sangha" it is an assembly of people (higher learning people) who work towards a common goal or mission. Sokkai members are definitely working towards world peace with action and not just plain talk. There is also action at all members to help those in distress or really need help. To teach them Buddhism, so that they can understand their situation and challenge it.
There are plently of charity organisations in the world doing good. I have heard that Sokkai members are active in volunteerism which is a good thing. However, for the records, there are also many buddhist and also non-buddhist organisations in the world who are also very active in volunteerism.
Originally posted by Isis:
agree agree, it is encouraging fact that irregardless of the religion one may from, that there are compassionate act from all regligions. it is important to note that, when we seek religion, do we practise for oneself or for others? :D
Originally posted by S.gal83:Are there any fellowship of buddhists available for people in their mid 20s to discuss about and practise buddhism together?
Originally posted by Isis:Buddhist fellowship, Singapore buddhism mission, Fo Guang Shan,Dharma Drum
just to name afew..
You can try attending the basic buddhism class in kmpks if you are really keen.
Hi S.gal83,
I have more organisations to intro to you:
- Buddha Dhamma Mandala Society http://www.bdms.org.sg/
- The Mahaprajna Buddhist Society http://tmbs.org.sg/
- Singapore Buddhist Mission Youth http://sbmyouth.blogspot.com/
- Buddhist Fellowship Youth http://the-youngones.xanga.com/
- Kwan Yin Chan Lin http://www.kyclzen.org/
- The Buddhist Library http://www.buddhlib.org/
- Lotus Sutra Buddhist Association http://nichiren-shu.org/
If you need more assistance, I'm more than happy to help you.
Yours in Lord Buddha's Grace,
With Gassho,
Supa Naga
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo! Homage to the Original Teacher, the Eternal Sakyamuni Buddha!
Originally posted by macTea:
agree agree, it is encouraging fact that irregardless of the religion one may from, that there are compassionate act from all regligions. it is important to note that, when we seek religion, do we practise for oneself or for others? :D
When i like to eat durian, others might not like to eat durians. We can't really say that it is important that they have to eat durian. It is personal preferances.
Though it is wonderful to practise for others. We can't really say practise for oneself is not wonderful too. It, itself has its own merits too.
Originally posted by Isis:
When i like to eat durian, others might not like to eat durians. We can't really say that it is important that they have to eat durian. It is personal preferances.Though it is wonderful to practise for others. We can't really say practise for oneself is not wonderful too. It, itself has its own merits too.
i think i know where you are coming from but "eating durian" as an analogy is not really suitable for comparision to saving other people life..unless you are saying that it is individual choice/preferences to choose whether one should save or not save others (when practising Buddhism)?
Definitely practising for oneself is not to say not wonderful..but that is the tip of the ice-berg of the true meaning of Buddhism. We typically stop there and no more when our wishes comes true. It is the extra effort to break out of our narrow-minded self that we can really say we are in sync, having the same thoughts as Buddhas. And that is enlightment.
Originally posted by macTea:
i think i know where you are coming from but "eating durian" as an analogy is not really suitable for comparision to saving other people life..unless you are saying that it is individual choice/preferences to choose whether one should save or not save others (when practising Buddhism)?
Definitely practising for oneself is not to say not wonderful..but that is the tip of the ice-berg of the true meaning of Buddhism. We typically stop there and no more when our wishes comes true. It is the extra effort to break out of our narrow-minded self that we can really say we are in sync, having the same thoughts as Buddhas. And that is enlightment.
I'm saying from a broader point of view that people because of their different inclination, some prefer to walk path A or B or C or etc.
Though one can encourage that others walk the Bodhisttva path but they should not impose the idea. It will hurt one's Bodhicitta and others.
Originally posted by Isis:
I'm saying from a broader point of view that people because of their different inclination, some prefer to walk path A or B or C or etc.
Though one can encourage that others walk the Bodhisttva path but they should not impose the idea. It will hurt one's Bodhicitta and others.
of course, one need to respect for others for whatever path they choose to take. No one have the right to force others to choose the path. And if the person is happy on his/her path, that is fine. But now the question is will we help those who not living well..that is others paths, other than A,B, C etc.
As a Buddhist practicioner, it is one duty to understand one's mission in life. I wouldn't use the word "impose" it is a bit too hard, it is like forcing people. I should say, "gently" guide people with the desire to provide awareness. Again this should be classify under the technique to handle people tactfully. But coming back, just because one's is afraid of "hurting one's Bodhicitta and others", one refuse to act and have courage to help others. That is not compassion. E.g. If a father knows his children is doing wrong but do not guide them, he is not acting his part as a father.
Attaining Buddhahood or Enlightment is not a sudden spark that goes into one's head and bingo, we are enlighted. It is through the act of helping people that we challenge our inner thinking and extend our compassion and created good rewards for ourselves. We learnt to be stronger and have more compassion. It all comes back to us, just that the rewards would be inconspicious.
Originally posted by macTea:
of course, one need to respect for others for whatever path they choose to take. No one have the right to force others to choose the path. And if the person is happy on his/her path, that is fine. But now the question is will we help those who not living well..that is others paths, other than A,B, C etc.Of course, we can help others who are not living well in the path. Seeking religion to help themselves are not wrong either, as long as they, themselves are happy and free from suffering, it is still okay. Many people help others in their own special way such as preaching the dharma, volunteering, using their knowledge as a doctor to help others, or just being a good husband and wife, and also being a cultivator.
What is Bodhicitta ( a short explaination )
In Buddhism, bodhicitta[1] (Ch. è�©æ��心, pudixin, Jp. bodaishin, Tibetan jang chub sem, Mongolian бодь Ñ�Ñ�тгÑ�л) is the wish to attain complete enlightenment (that is, Buddhahood) in order to be of benefit to all sentient beings – beings trapped in cyclic existence (samsÄ�ra) and have not yet reached Buddhahood. One who has bodhicitta as the primary motivation for all of his or her activities is called a bodhisattva.
I'm not saying helping others are wrong, infact it should be encouraged to foster harmonious living condition for all.
when we seek religion, do we practise for oneself or for others? :D - i'm just adding a comment that different people might choose to practise differently and not for others due to different preferances.
And you are not wrong neither
Originally posted by macTea:
Attaining Buddhahood or Enlightment is not a sudden spark that goes into one's head and bingo, we are enlighted. It is through the act of helping people that we challenge our inner thinking and extend our compassion and created good rewards for ourselves. We learnt to be stronger and have more compassion. It all comes back to us, just that the rewards would be inconspicious.
In order to become a buddha, doing good isn't enough.
In Buddhism, do good, avoid evil and also to cultivate insight that purify the mind from defilement - Defilement such as hatred, aversion, angry, jealously, pride and egoistic etc.
To become a buddha, one generate Bodhicitta, practise the four immeasurable bhavana, go through many lifetimes to perfect their paramita and also to realise emptiness.
Originally posted by Isis:In order to become a buddha, doing good isn't enough.
In Buddhism, do good, avoid evil and also to cultivate insight that purify the mind from defilement - Defilement such as hatred, aversion, angry, jealously, pride and egoistic etc.
To become a buddha, one generate Bodhicitta, practise the four immeasurable bhavana, go through many lifetimes to perfect their paramita and also to realise emptiness.
Agree with your statement , but i don't agree that "To become a buddha, one generate Bodhicitta, practise the four immeasurable bhavana, go through many lifetimes to perfect their paramita and also to realise emptiness" is just an expedient means by the Buddha to lead people to Buddhahood. What has been employed is just an expedient means to help people but it is the not the ultimate aim of the Buddha.
Quotation from Lotus Sutra, Chapter 2
"Shariputra, all the Buddhas only teach and transform Bodhisattvas because they wish to demonstrate to living beings the Buddha’s knowledge and vision, because they wish to awaken living beings to the Buddha’s knowledge and vision, and because they wish to lead living beings to enter the Buddha’s knowledge and vision."
"Shariputra, I, now, too am also like this. Knowing that living beings have various desires to which their hearts are deeply attached, according to their basic dispositions, and by means of various causes and conditions, analogies, expressions, and the power of expedient devices, I speak the Dharma to them."
"Shariputra, this is all done so that they may attain the One Buddha Vehicle and the Wisdom of All Modes.
"Shariputra, all of you should, with one heart, believe, understand, accept and uphold the speech of the Buddha, for in the words of all the Buddhas there is nothing vain or false. There are no other vehicles; there is only the One Buddha Vehicle."
Quotation from Lotus Sutra, Chapter 16
"In all places, although the names by which I refer to myself are different and I may be older or younger, I also appear and announce that I am about to enter Nirvana. I also employ various expedient devices, speaking the subtle and wonderful Dharma and enabling living beings to bring forth happiness in their minds.
If to achieve the Buddhahood needs to take lifetimes of practice, then these people who never achieve Buddhahood in this lifetime. As quoted below, the "quickly perfect" attest to this.
Quotation from Lotus Sutra, Chapter 16
>I am always thinking,
>"How can I cause living beings
>To enter the Unsurpassed Way
>And to quickly perfect the body of a Buddha?"
Originally posted by macTea:Agree with your statement , but i don't agree that "To become a buddha, one generate Bodhicitta, practise the four immeasurable bhavana, go through many lifetimes to perfect their paramita and also to realise emptiness" is just an expedient means by the Buddha to lead people to Buddhahood. What has been employed is just an expedient means to help people but it is the not the ultimate aim of the Buddha.
Quotation from Lotus Sutra, Chapter 2
"Shariputra, all the Buddhas only teach and transform Bodhisattvas because they wish to demonstrate to living beings the Buddha’s knowledge and vision, because they wish to awaken living beings to the Buddha’s knowledge and vision, and because they wish to lead living beings to enter the Buddha’s knowledge and vision."
"Shariputra, I, now, too am also like this. Knowing that living beings have various desires to which their hearts are deeply attached, according to their basic dispositions, and by means of various causes and conditions, analogies, expressions, and the power of expedient devices, I speak the Dharma to them."
"Shariputra, this is all done so that they may attain the One Buddha Vehicle and the Wisdom of All Modes.
"Shariputra, all of you should, with one heart, believe, understand, accept and uphold the speech of the Buddha, for in the words of all the Buddhas there is nothing vain or false. There are no other vehicles; there is only the One Buddha Vehicle."
Quotation from Lotus Sutra, Chapter 16
"In all places, although the names by which I refer to myself are different and I may be older or younger, I also appear and announce that I am about to enter Nirvana. I also employ various expedient devices, speaking the subtle and wonderful Dharma and enabling living beings to bring forth happiness in their minds.
If to achieve the Buddhahood needs to take lifetimes of practice, then these people who never achieve Buddhahood in this lifetime. As quoted below, the "quickly perfect" attest to this.
Quotation from Lotus Sutra, Chapter 16
>I am always thinking,
>"How can I cause living beings
>To enter the Unsurpassed Way
>And to quickly perfect the body of a Buddha?"
So your point being ?
now you are already a Buddha ?
Quite interesting to see that you quote certain passage without rethinking what it means in real ..The Tientai and Tendai essence of Lotus Sutra
You say all this are expedient ..but how about voting to Komeito ?
Is that politics ?then where does Politics and religion complements each other
Taiwan is a Buddhist majority country ,so why doesnt the Buddhist Organisation influenced the voters ?
I am hoping to see how you would define mundane affairs and spiritual affairs clearly .
I have ex-sokka Gakkai friends who told me about the convenient path ,which leads to more confusion on the status of Lotus Sutra in the Order of Sokka Gakkai .Care to tell me ,honestly ,What does the Universal Gate Chapter of Avalokiteshvara meant to you ?