Hi Wisdomeye
Your question: Why did I convert
to Buddhism? .....
In my teenage years, I used to attend charismatic church with a
circle like minded Christian peers. At that point in time, it
was fun and hippy if you would compare it to a temple when it
was rather boring and dull.
I was a very stauch Christian after my first baptism
of holy spirit with initial sign of speaking in tongue due to
my friend demonic possession case. Of course, I was affected
by the incident which further convince me that I need to
go for my water baptism. Against my mum will I went ahead
with the decision. In the years to come, I was very
deeply rooted in the church activities.
The initial change was when I went oversea for my
further studies. Being away from my Christian peers. I have a lot
of time for myself. I begin to read a Buddhist book written by
Dalai Lama without the typical
"demonic connotation". I used to sneer at Buddha
thought as pessimistic teaching especially the 1st noble
truth. In life there is suffering. However, when I am on my
own after all the busy activities socialising, exam prep
and etc. I realise the profoundity of this simple
truth. After all, you do not need to be Buddha to realise
that. Beside Buddha did not claim that you need to believe in him
in order for the truth to be realised. The more I reflect on the
1st and 2nd noble truths. The more I being to appreciate Buddha
teaching. Of course, in the midst of all this self reflection, I
still continue to serve and attend church due to
my connection. In fact, I had a dream when an evil unseen
being was going after me. I was very frightened that I start to
cast the being away in god's name. For some reason, it did not
go away and suddenly I chanted, "Namu Guan Shi Yin Pusa." The
being stop his approach and I was awake. I wonder
how can I chant that when I have been attending church for 10
years. Something spiritual is awaking within me.
The utlimate turning point was when I came back from
oversea. To me there was nothing wrong being a Christian and
Buddhist. After all, it is quite common in the west
as Buddhist is a practice not a religion. However, due to my
family's concern I decided to make the choice. Which mean I
might lose a group of Christian social peers due to their lack of
understanding. Of course, I did receive the typical anti Buddhist
sneers and comment from them but I can't be bother. To me if you
are my friend then you need to respect my choice.
Eversince I begin to embark my Buddhist journey from
the basic Theravada Buddhism to Mahanayana. As I was
always looking out for the ultimate sutra to be used for
my practise, in the end I settle for Lotus Sutra which co
insight with the dream I mentioned. If you happend to
read, Chapter 25 of Lotus Sutra, "Universal door" you will
realise how compassionate Guan Yin is to all sentient beings
both believer and non believer in assisting
us. Well I would like to thanks those little things that
happened along the way to lead me to where I am. I am still
learning.
If you ask me, do I miss the church. Yes, I still enjoy some
of the smoothing songs. Well I think Buddhist temple, do
need to change some of the style to cater to the needs of
youth. Some temple or group has already embarked on the change
process.
May Buddha out of compassion continue to raise up more Earth
Spring Bodhisattvas to lead Singapore Buddhist to a new
height.
Gassho
Namu Myo Ho Renge Kyo
Hi reborn76,
Namu Myo Ho Renge Kyo!
Thank you for your story. I find that people who come into
Buddhism thru reflection on the basic tenets and seals tend to be
less likely to give up halfway... jus my
opinion.
I am also very deep faith in Guan Yin Bodhisattva.
Tibetan traditions have many songs with very touching tunes
too... sometimes u may be able to hear them. It is said that
some tunes are inspired by higher beings.
Thomas Merton is a Catholic (Father, in fact) who very
interested in Buddhism. maybe you can derive some inspiration
from him... in fact i feel that he is realised... but juz my
guess.