Quote:
Originally posted by Chewbacca:
this parental behavior sounds like more of a cultural trait than a religious one. No where in buddist doctrine is there any sort of rule, commandment, by-law, obligation or punishment for not being a buddist.
Like christians, buddists may feel an individual that leaves their particular path may not have felt the impact or expirience that comes with long term practice of achieving enlightenment. Unlike christianity, their is no inherent punishment by rule or rede in buddism that forbids the practice of other religions or spiritual paths. Unfortunatly, buddism, like any belief system, is subject to human ego. These people can twist beliefs, subjecting their beliefs upon others in a game of power and control. Ironicly these are the types of tendencies that buddists attempts to abolish through meditation.
|
I'm told, the Chinese concerned believe you're born Buddhist. Buddhism has incorperated and been incorperated into and by, different relgions and worldviews.
Aside from the major schism between Mahayana and Theravada, we have Tantric influenced Buddhism, the Chinese Religion, which is Buddhism, Taoism and Confucionism. The Japanese have their own strands, and the Lamaism of Tibet, who believe the sitting Dalai Lama to be an incarnation of the Buddha.
The problem I have with that concept is that for starters Theravadans believe Buddha attained Nirvana. The whole point of Buddhism is about escaping the cycle of rebirths, yet Lamiasts believe he's still caught in it.
Also the posts of Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama were established by the Chinese government. Which is why we have the 'ratification' dispute over the Panchen (the no 2 Lama), currently raging between the now Communist government, and the Dalai Lama.
Regardless, it's said that only a Buddhist Monk can attain Nirvana. All a westerner can do is hope to be born a Buddhist Monk in the next life.
Oh, now the point of this (I forgot) is that with Buddhism, and especially Hinduism, one can practice any relgion they like as long as they still call themselves Hindu and still acknowledge the pantheistic nature of their beliefs.
Christianity is totally different. Disregards reincarnation, karma and pantheism. I know of Hindus and Sikhs in New York disowned and reviled by their families for finding Christ. The aforementioned Singaporeans have already been discussed.
As far as culture goes, where does culture end and religion start with Hinduism and Buddhism? The most spoken native language in India is Hindi. To be a Hindu, involves rituals that are inherant to the culture, as it is with Buddhism.
Certainly Mao's horrific 'cultural revolution' indicates the merger of culture and religion.