A Journey for life

 

A Journey for life

by Leandro D. Nueva Cruzada

(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

A journey always start with one step.

A journey always start with one step.

I am raised from a very Catholic country, the Philippines. My parents are devout Catholics. They enrolled us to private Catholic schools, encouraged to join christian groups and taught us to value Catholic Christianity more than anything else.

Since I was little, my mother discussed the value of Catholicism in our family, culture and identity. However, as I grew older, I felt a sense of detachment from my religion. The doubt to believe is increasing. There are several teachings in the Roman Catholic faith I don’t agree on. It is the same feeling for all Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Baha’i).

When we emigrated to Canada, I began reading more on my religion, its sects as well as other known faiths. As I turn and finish reading books, I felt dissatisfied. There’s an overwhelming sense of anxiety after I read Islam. Then, I looked and seek Buddhism upon reading some texts. I felt this connection. I have the excitement and eagerness to learn more. Furthermore, I somehow felt at peace and started to apply the basic things I know from Buddhism to my everyday life.

I felt great! Unfortunately, I can only keep this for myself. I love my mother and I know for a fact she’ll be upset when I tell this to her. I haven’t converted yet. However, I need to study more and set an example so the people around me cannot just say that Buddhism brainwashed me.

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Jan 10, 2012

Finding Peace in Buddhism

by: Bita


Hi Leandro,

Thank you for your article and honest feelings about being unable to settle in the religion you were raised in. The quest for truth is indeed what truly sets us free. Once you learn more about Buddhism, not only will your newly-found peace of mind deepen but also you will gain the teachings’ principles that can help you explain your beliefs to others in a logical and coherent way. Not only will you feel grounded in what you believe in but also you will definitely have a great impact on others’ lives as well as they see Buddhism for the first time in their lives. I think very few people in the West know about the real teachings of Buddhism. I learned Buddhism myself by living in Japan for 7 years. Now I live in Los Angeles and feel happy to be able to talk about the teachings freely in a way that others also can relate to. I’m sure if more people knew Buddhism, we would all be more respectful of each other and together seek on our journey toward lasting happiness. I strong recommend the following books for you to read:

Unlocking Tannisho

Something You Forgot along the Way

by Kentetsu Takamori

If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact me. My skype address is:

bitaasakura


Nov 21, 2012

BEING A BUDDHIST

by: Dev


There are several schools of thought about “being a Buddhist” or ” Buddhist” in relation to an individual. In my opinion, one does not have to “become” a Buddhist to follow the teachings of Buddhism. Unlike many other religions, whereby one has to “belong” to a Church or Faith, Buddhism does not require a person to have an affiliation to it as a Faith nor place of worship. However, most of us “Buddhists” like to refer to ourselves as Buddhists simply as an identity to our faith or practice, but I have seen many people who, although they do not follow the path of Buddhism or practice its teachings, they naturally have the traits of a “Buddhist” simply by their actions. One such person is my wife – who is from a Christian family background, but gave up practicing that religion because she felt that her family and environment when she was growing up forced her to follow Chriatianity and questioning about the religion was taboo. She now feels much comfortable following the path of Buddhism with me – even though she does not identify herself as a “Buddhist” – but I see the traits of a Buddhist in her because of her loving kindness and compassionate ways. You need not really “convert” to Buddhism to follow its path, but simply practice its teachings.


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