I think that I'm trying to avoid intimacy by diving head first into Buddhism.  Like most philosophies of life it certainly changed the nature of my questions.  I had to get the over emphisis on Christianity and the 12 steps out of my head.  I want to see the truth in all things in a compassionate way.  No God No self No one... the emptiness.  The earth was without still and void.

I still haven't reached meditation levels or the ability to sit, but I like the way I look at defilements and disire now;  the five hiderances.  These precepts are much more vast and I could have never grapsed them 20 years ago.  I have seen and heard things that spirtual people avoid living with active addiction in my household.  The group, the readings and the path.  I met a buddhist many years ago leaving his Catholism behind.  He was into the Nechren Shoshu sect.  They kept telling him that everything was slander. We went seperate ways.

There are many answers to the same question.  All roads lead to the same destination.  Its in the journey. The ability to let go of old ideas is not restricted to Chritianity or Buddhism.

Sorry... Found the post... it started out reverse order.

good topic

I attend Soto Zen group meditations that are hosted by a Catholic church. A number of Jesuits practice with us, and one occassionally leads. I've talked with them from time to time about the combination, and they seem comfortable with "spiritually mature" Christians practicing meditation.  Just a data point.

Several members of my family have meditated with me. Some found it rewarding, some did not. I don't know if their religion was a factor, or if it had more to do with their personalities and where they were spiritually.

On the "rewarding" side: Unitarian, Catholic, Quaker, Baptist, Mormon

On the "not rewarding" side: Catholic, Church of Christ, Atheist, Pagan.

Most of those who didn't find it rewardingall seemed nervous and a little defensive, and one commented that she was afraid the Devil would come in while she meditated.

One of the "nots" was very open and relaxed with the idea, but really had trouble with the idea of NOT visualizing something.

Not a statistically significant sample, I know, but it's the experience I have.

La

Jul 17, 2009 -- 4:37PM, RenGalskap wrote:

So, if you're a Christian, you can practice Buddhism as long as it doesn't make you nervous. Sounds reasonable to me. ;)

I know, I know - THANK YOU, Captain Obvious!

I just don't have anything to say about what either Christians or Buddhists "can" or "may" do, nobody left me in charge of doctrine or dogma for either faith. I figured it might be useful to relate some experiential data to the mix of input.

La

Buddhists also practice service. It's sometimes referred to as practicing the perfections, the first of which is charity or generosity. You'll see Buddhists working in shelters, child care centers, with the homeless and the aged. Same concept, I think. Prayer or meditation is reflection and communication, service is action on behalf of others.