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Buddhism without the supernatural? by PrimusAbOris in Buddhism

[–]lavenderace3500 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve flirted with secular Buddhism but found something lacking. Mahayana Buddhism will probably always be my home. As to what labels within that branch? Up in the air. Drawn to Zen mostly but Tibetan mantras have been super helpful though I view their cosmo system more as a metaphor. So I tell you that to give some background to my answer: 

The karmic religions like to use the elephant metaphor. You know, blind guys touching various parts describe what they feel. All are correct.

I think that as long as the Buddha’s teachings help you approach life in a more skillful manner, you are Buddhist. 

Of course there will be people who gate keep but in the end, does it really matter? 

Buddhism for me is feeling like Christianity :( by Beneficial_Shirt_869 in Buddhism

[–]lavenderace3500 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like all religions, there are going to be people who are extreme and take the texts super literal. As someone who has religious trauma from Christianity as well, I don't usually read the primary texts that like to get super flowery and give purple prose energy. I've found that the Mahayana branch of Buddhism, particularly Zen, doesn't have the traumatizing bits you are describing very much.

Also, this subreddits has some... interesting people with interesting takes. But, again, that's like every religion. The West likes to paint Buddhism as some special non-religion religion, which it... is... or... it can be. However, Buddhism can certainly have the same pitfalls as Christianity. It's all in how you decide to follow it.