[ferelrossi]

I hope this for both of you Cal.

The real issue, IMO, of the practice of Buddhism is to improve our lives and to develop a peaceful mind free from suffering.

When I started into this practice, some sort of "I am a Buddhist..." was there making things really difficult for me and others.

Now, and maybe I am wrong, but I have seen that the teachings left by Buddha are about the "Natural Law" or the natural way things are.

This answer -to live in accordance to the Natural Law- is far more friendly, polite and respectful for others believes.

Natural Law embraces any believe that leads toward happiness and a joyful live.

The more meditation; the more understanding, the less the need to say "I am a Buddhist..."



The same for you Cal,

I like your advice about representation of it as natural law. It's actually meditation and the teachings thereof that is driving towards Buddhism. It all seems to resonate at such a deep and profound level.

Have a joy-filled day!
Cal