[propolo]

I recently wished to consider myself a Buddhist. But I have some personal beliefs I don't wish to change. Is it alright to consider myself a Buddhist with these personal beliefs, and would other Buddhists consider me a Buddhist?

I agree with the Buddha on the Fourfold Noble Truths.

My personal beliefs are these:


1. - The Universe

This universe was not designed by a god.
By nature the universe just comes into being.
No god controls or interferes with the phsyical universe.
From an incomprehensible nondual source duality arises.
This source is pure awareness.
Where there is duality there is impermanence.

2. - Metaphorical Reincarnation

There is no literal reincarnation of individuals.
The source incarnates into psychical universes, over and over again.
If I live in burning worldly passions, I incarnate, in the mind, as a hungry demon.
If I live in sexual lust, I incarnate, in the mind, as a beast.
The mind is always dissolving and reincarnating into illusory entities.
Reincarnation (Samsara) is only in the mind.

3. - After Death

Upon the death of the phsyical body, consciousness enters a state of woe or bliss.
In the state of woe one repents of the evils done.
After repentance the one in woe joins others in a Pureland.
In the Pureland all reach Nirvana.
Upon Nirvana the illusory individual dissolves into the nondual source.
Where there is duality there is impermanence.

4. - The Pure Spirit

Buddha-nature, apart from delusions of the egoic mind, is holy and pure awareness.
This holy awareness manifests as Buddha's for those who draw upon it.
The holy awareness dwells unaffected, but manifests to the needs of the one who is drawing upon it.
This holy awareness pours out compassion in response to suffering.
Where suffering arises it is met with the compassion of the holy Buddha-nature.
This nature, apart from manifestation, dwells as nondual pure potentiality.
Beings, like bodhisattvas, draw upon this holy source in relation to the needs of those in ignorance.

5. - Karma

Karma dissolves upon Nirvana.
All past things are forgotten and dissolve upon Nirvana.
Karma from one universe does not affect the next universe that manifests.


Again, is it acceptable to believe these things and be counted a Buddhist?