[Enjknsua]

Hello


Its been a few weeks since I posted here, nice to be back



In the last few weeks I have found myself facing an issue. That is how to give a name to the Buddhadhamma I practice to people who have no knowledge of it. I can simply say "I am a Buddhist" or "I follow the Buddha" but I find on many occasions this leads to people assuming the stereotype of me believing in karma, reincarnation and the like. I have toyed with the term "Secular Buddhist" but I am not a 100% sure on it. Sometimes I think of saying Im an Atheist or Agnostic, however I feel this also gives them the wrong impression of my character, that of being disinterested in any "spiritual practice" such as meditation and being materialistic both philosophically and culturally (I find this is the general stereotype of Atheism)



In relation to my issue I recently read this article by Sam Harris


http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.ph...2903Itemid=247


It has been around for a while now but I have not read it fully until now (I skimmed over it in the past)



I feel he is completely correct in his assessment that the Buddhas teachings are shrouded by the religion of "Buddhism" that has been built up around it. However even though I can see this I am still stuck on how to label myself in regards to others peoples inquiries.

Any thoughts? How do you "label" yourself to others.




Metta