Buddhism

"If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking." ~Buddhist Saying

I've been interested in Buddhism for a little while now. I'm not a fan of organized religion and the fact that Buddhism is not a religion in the tradional sense of the word, appeals to me.

I was raised and baptised Roman Catholic, as was my husband. Although I wouldn't ever formally change my religion (because I feel like it's as much a part of me as being female or caucasian), I don't follow it or attend church.

I've identified myself as agnostic for all of my adult life, but in looking for something more spiritual over the last years, my path has taken me to learn more about Buddhism.

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What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development leading to insight into the true nature of life. Buddhist practices such as meditation are means of changing oneself in order to develop the qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom.
The experience developed within the Buddhist tradition over thousands of years has created an incomparable resource for all those who wish to follow a path — a path which ultimately culminates in Enlightenment or Buddhahood.

Because Buddhism does not include the idea of worshipping a creator god, some people do not see it as a religion in the normal, Western sense. The basic tenets of Buddhist teaching are straightforward and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible.

Thus Buddhism addresses itself to all people irrespective of race, nationality, or gender. It teaches practical methods (such as meditation) which enable people to realise and utilise its teachings in order to transform their experience, to be fully responsible for their lives and to develop the qualities of Wisdom and Compassion.

There are around 350 million Buddhists and a growing number of them are Westerners. They follow many different forms of Buddhism, but all traditions are characterised by non-violence, lack of dogma, tolerance of differences, and, usually, by the practice of meditation .
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