[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

[masterso]

Just as the practice of what "the buddha", meaning the one who awoke from ignorance, taught.

[Averti$ingGuru]

Saying you're a Buddhist is fine; worrying about what others think of you is less useful, and if misunderstandings become apparent they are teaching moments, not moments to regret how you phrased the first impression.

[Stoottnoiciek]

Hi Craig,

It's lovely to have you back here again!

I have no interest in speculation about reincarnation and karma myself, but I don't worry too much about labels. What's important is practice. However, if people ask, then I say I'm a Buddhist - and if they should require more detail, then I answer as appropriately as I'm able to, according to the situation and my own understanding at that time.

[ViaplyVuple]

A person I knew once asked me what I was doing at the weekend, I explained I was going to a buddhist festival. She replied by saying sarcastically "Oh, that's very ZEN, isn't it?". I said "No". Peoples misunderstandings are to be expected sometimes. Maybe it's how you respond. If someone is interested in the Dhamma, great. If not, you could wish them well anyway.

Nowadays if someone asks me, I say that I just follow Buddhist teachings. It seems to avoid labelling.

[sciectotacype17]

Nowadays if someone asks me, I say that I just follow Buddhist teachings. It seems to avoid labelling.

Great Jade, it avoid labelling and usefull debate...

When people ask me to tell what did the buddha taught then, I just tell... to awake from ignorance. And that is all. I know... people is waiting for a long and exotic stuff... full of new age vocabulary... but there is no room for philosophical entanglements when you state in that way what the buddha taught.

[mloversia]

When people ask me to tell what did the buddha taught then, I just tell... to awake from ignorance. And that is all. I know... people is waiting for a long and exotic stuff... full of new age vocabulary... but there is no room for philosophical entanglements when you state in that way what the buddha taught.

Excellent, I agree with the simplest and most direct language is best I normally say "Do good, refrain from evil, purify the mind". If they are genuinely interested I may talk about the 4NT's, but no more than that - I'm no teacher or even an experienced practitioner.

[seperalem]

"Do good, refrain from evil, purify the mind".

I'm no teacher or even an experienced practitioner.

neither I

[QwOpHGyZ]

'Buddhist'

[illiniastibly]

labels are for food - not people!


But I am happy to tell people I'm a Buddhist

[Crundaangerge]

labels are for food - not people!

[bxxasxxa]

Was trying to upload the actual sticker .... here it is...
[img width=300 height=136]http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv153/Tenzint/labelscopy.jpg[/img]

[yWleIJm4]

labels are for food - not people!

Good point!