One of the most wonderful things Buddhism has given me is a kind of new-found freedom. Most people don't realize there are as many different types of Buddhists as there are denominations in any other religion. Some believe in God, some choose not to believe in a supreme being. Some eat meat while others are strict vegetarians. Some like to sit in a full lotus position and meditate for hours while others consider any act performed with good intent to be meditation (yes, even washing the dishes)!
I can meditate as I drive, as I walk, as I lay on my back and watch the clouds pass by or gaze at the night sky filled with stars. I can concentrate on my breath as I inhale and exhale or I can concentrate on an object.
There are no concrete boundaries relative to being a Buddhist other than a deep desire and commitment to follow the eight-fold noble path. A further desire to try not to judge others and a commitment to do good things for others or at the very least to do no harm.
I had a wonderful opportunity to spend Yom Kippur with a wonderful Jewish congregation recently. It was an amazing service, filled with dancing, music and praying. Everyone was invited, welcome and accepted. Even though I am not Jewish, the Rabbi was quick to greet me and she gave me a big hug. A truly outstanding individual. Why was I there? Because my better half is Jewish by birth.
One of the blessings Buddhism has given to me is the ability to remove myself from the need to practice a single religion and to believe that it is the one and only true religion. As a Buddhist I can play well in everyone's sandbox and am consequently welcome at any religious ceremony. Any time a group of folks is gathered to celebrate the Great Supreme Being (name it as you wish) there are good things happening! In short, I am free to celebrate with anyone and everyone. Wouldn't it be great if everyone felt so free and easy about life?
We are all nothing but energy. Every religion is full of energy so how can it be denied? Maybe it is something worth thinking about......Emaho!
