[Staillateno]

Hi,

I have recently begun to investigate the world of Buddhism and found the benefits of meditation to be profound!(both spiritually and merely in terms of mood/everyday life outlook)
My parents and friends however seem to be taking issue with my new found practices and to be honest I don't really know how to answer them . I know I shouldn't be worried about what other people think, but the questions they ask are beginning to stir doubt in my own mind. Their accusations of Buddhism are that it is only attractive because:

1) by belonging to it you can touch the infinite
2) you can have joy without concrete religious obligations.

Can anyone help me to understand these claims?
Thanks!

Welcome to the forum.

I would not give much weight to these accusations. Although there are some people who are attracted to Buddhism because of these [misleading] impressions, the main reason for the Buddha having taught and the main reason for putting the teachings into practice is for the cessation of suffering.

Both of the accusations leveled sound like stereotypes. To "touch the infinite" may be a misinformed metaphor for Nirvana, which is the cessation of suffering. Many Buddhist monks and nuns who have made great accomplishments in the cessation of suffering had "concrete religious obligations" in the form of monastic vows. Not everyone takes these vows, of course.

Still, ultimately the Buddha taught:

Simsapa Sutta (SN 56.31)

"What I have revealed is: 'This is Suffering, this is the Arising of Suffering, this is the Cessation of Suffering, and this is the Path that leads to the Cessation of Suffering.' And why, monks, have I revealed it?

"Because this is related to the goal, fundamental to the holy life, conduces to disenchantment, dispassion, cessation, tranquillity, higher knowledge, enlightenment and Nibbaana, therefore I have revealed it.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipit....031.wlsh.html That you are experiencing the benefits of meditation is excellent and supports this point made by the Buddha.