Comments on: What is a Buddhist, and Am I One?

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:42:24 +0000

Hi John. Perception is one of the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, consciousness). Perception is part of what we are. When I say, “I’m a Buddhist,” not only do I have a certain perception of what that means to me, I also expect others to have a perception of “Buddhist.” But I can’t control what others perceive, that is, what arises in someone’s mind. For example, one person may respond, “Wow, aren’t you mysterious and mystical.” Another may say, “I’ll pray for you since you’re obviously going to hell.” (When my daughter told a friend she was a Buddhist, the friend replied, “I can’t believe you worship some fat dude!”)

So, yes, there is so much room for misunderstanding. But that’s not what I’m addressing here. Rather, it’s the identification with being – and not being – Buddhist I’m talking about. Identification with our perceptions and the other aggregates is, says the Buddha, suffering. It’s not that we shouldn’t have perceptions, rather we should strive not to identify with them. A person can take great pride in announcing, “I’m a Buddhist.” Likewise, a person can take great pride in announcing, “I’m not a Buddhist, I just practice the Dharma.” Both indicate a strong identification.

By: John Torcello

John Torcello — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:27:17 +0000

I found this post very clear and helpful; thanks Paul. I have often struggled with the distinction between what was implied when I once called and identified myself as a ‘Christian’ (or more specifically, a ‘Catholic’) and struggling with – in that former context – calling myself a ‘Buddhist’.

From that perspective and confusion, it got to the point that it seemed best, and more genuine, to not invoke the ‘Buddhist’ label at all…Maybe that’s what that person meant by claiming not to be a Buddhist, just a follower of the Dharma?…

Later, I came to understand what you are saying…the problem persisting though…that when identifying myself as a ‘Buddhist’ to a person who understands this label with the implications of being ‘Christian’ or ‘Jew’ or ‘Muslim’; it makes for misunderstanding between the two of us…

Any thoughts?, Comments?

John

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:39:18 +0000

Two cents accepted, Canoe. Yes, I know many people carry the scars and baggage of religion, and therefore are glad to get rid of the trappings as best they can. I’m not suggesting it’s necessary or even desirable that one who practices Buddhism identify as being a Buddhist. But it’s a bit spiritually snobbish – in my opinion – to go out of one’s way to avoid the connection so as to appear above all that mundane superficiality. I’m not an American, I’m merely a collection of forms, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness who happened to be born in a place called the United States….

And I agree, it’s more important to live it rather than label it. But when asked if I’m a Buddhist, I say “yes.” It’s so much easier that way. Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you again.

By: fw

fw — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:38:25 +0000

You ask why avoid such a common convention as identifying with religion. Because in the minds of many people that “common convention” known as religion is in no way regarded as a positive thing, but represents superstition and empty relgious trappings at best, and I won’t even go into what it represents at worst. (History can be consulted for that.) I, for one, can fully understand someone wishing to distance themselves from anything that smacks of religion, even if they love and try to live by the the teachings of the Buddha. I would most likely fall into the same category as the person you are writing about. I could turn your question around and ask, “If you’re living it, why do you need a label for it anyway?” Just keep living it.

My two cents, humbly (I hope) offered.

Peace, and I’ve been enjoying your blog.