[bapimporb]

I am 20 years old. A practitioner of Muay Thai and I love everything about Muay Thai (and many other Martial Arts). Recently, I've decided to follow the philosophical side of martial arts rather than the physical side. I want to be a better person. I want to be more aware of myself and others. I want to bring peace, enlightenment, and protection to those in need.

I am also starting to study meditation (for focus and to understand the softer side of martial arts). I agree with almost everything regarding Buddhism, except that I am skeptical of reincarnation. I was raised by a Christian family but in my past and even now, I have come to question the legitimacy of that religion and of a higher power that want such praise from blind faith. Not saying I don't believe... but I'd like to look into another religion for some piece of mind.

I used to be pretty aggressive. Heavy drinker. Smoked weed, partied, stole, fought, etc. I've done some time in prison and been in and out of jail. I've moved past these things and done my best to put them behind me. I want to live a moral life and have nothing but total respect for Buddhism. So, considering all these things... am I on the right path for studying Buddhism?

Sorry if these aren't the forums for such questions. Just looked like a good place to ask. Thanks in advance, brothers.

[Wachearex]

Welcome, Teep

Yes, from what you have said, I think you are on the right path for studying Buddhism. It's also ok to be skeptical about rebirth/reincarnation because the life we're living right now is the important one !

Feel free to ask questions about the core teachings of the Buddha in this Beginners forum and our members will do their best to respond.

If you want to talk about anything tradition-specific such as Tibetan Buddhism or Zen then we have a Mahayana/Vajrayana forum for that purpose.

In the meantime, I recommend that you read the short text and listen to the MP3 (click at the top of the page) of ''What is Buddhism"

http://www.dhammasukha.org/Study/Tal...T-MAR03-TS.htm

With kind wishes

Aloka

[hictchewisa]

I am 20 years old. I am skeptical of reincarnation. I have come to question the legitimacy of a higher power that want such praise.

welcome brother Teep

personally, i have been meditating for more years than your good life & received great satisfaction from Buddhism (but never believed in reincarnation or god). the best benefits of buddhism are not related to beliefs

I used to be pretty aggressive. Heavy drinker. Smoked weed, partied, stole, fought, etc. I've done some time in prison and been in and out of jail. I've moved past these things and done my best to put them behind me. I want to live a moral life and have nothing but total respect for Buddhism. So, considering all these things... am I on the right path for studying Buddhism?

yes, you are certainly on the right path for studying Buddhism. please feel welcome to both this forum and Buddhism in general. Buddhism is a path of learning from experience & moving forwards

warm regards

element




He who having been heedless is heedless no more, illuminates this world like the moon freed from clouds.

He, who by good deeds covers the evil he has done, illuminates this world like the moon freed from clouds.

Buddha Let one not trace back the past
Or yearn for the future-yet-to-come.
What is past
is left behind.
The future
is as yet unreached.
Whatever quality is present
you clearly see right there,
right there.
Not taken in,
unshaken,
that's how you develop the heart.

Buddha

[Dumpishchaism]

Thank you for the warm and sincere replies. Even though it's on the internet, thats one simple thing that has brought me to wanting to follow Buddhism: Buddhists are just good people, and the world could use that. I'll definitely be looking into it more and checking that mp3 out. Thank you, brothers.

Random question, but is it possible to follow Buddhism and Taoism? From what I've read, they're both pretty related both hold morals to be of high importance. Not sure if this is the place to ask but I've always been interested in Eastern philosophies/religions so I'm trying to find whats right for me, or maybe even a balance of multiple beliefs/studies.

[Uttephabeta]

Be welcome to BWB Teep!

I agree with Aloka and Element that you are in the correct direction toward a peaceful mind. IMO, Buddhism is the best choice.

As you, I am skeptical about reincarnation or rebirth or any other sort of metaphysical entanglement. The present moment is the important one. The here and now. Understanding, practicing and evaluating the results just can happen in the present moment.

Meditation will do a lot of good for your life, Teep.

[PyncGyncliacy]

is it possible to follow Buddhism and Taoism?

Yes it is. Most of the Zen branch of Buddhism has been mixed with Taoist philosophy. Mostly Chinese Zen traditions.

From what I've read, they're both pretty related both hold morals to be of high importance. Not sure if this is the place to ask but I've always been interested in Eastern philosophies/religions so I'm trying to find whats right for me, or maybe even a balance of multiple beliefs/studies. Teep,

The Mahayana forum is the best place to ask any questions about Zen/Dao or any other Mahayana tradition you like to explore.

Also we have the Comparative religion is for comparing other religions with the teachings of the Buddha and the General Buddhism is for debate between all Buddhist traditions.

To try to find what is right for you is very important. I changed from Zen to the practice of the teachings that are given in the Pali Canon texts by Gotama Buddha.

Give yourself some time to explore which are the teachings that resonate deeply with you.

[NumsAmenniams]

Welcome Teep- like you my interest in Buddhism was sparked through practicing the martial arts (gong fu and tai chi in my case) and I became very interested in the philosophy behind it. I have found it has given me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the arts, understanding how the soft and hard are linked and how practicing one makes you better at the other.

I hope that Buddhism will help you move into a life of peace and leave behind whatever you may have done in the past. The present, the here and now is what is important. I have found the members of this forum to be very welcoming and helpful, and hope you have the same experience.

[Haibundadam]

You're on the right way. Religions and beliefs don't have to be followed 100%. Take what you like from certain religions, learn it, and become a better person from it. Regardless of your past, this is the moment where you move forward, not backwards.