Can Buddhism be a mixed practice?

By on October 18, 2009 in Spirituality

I have been interested in Buddhism for a long time now, but only recently actually considered myself to be "Buddhist". I know that there are many different ways of following the example & teachings of The Buddha, and the path I generally use is that of Tibetan Buddhism. Hence my problem. In the town I live in, within a 5 block radius of my home there are no less than 11 Christian Churches and a Jewish Temple. Wow. However, the closest Buddhist meditation center that I’m sure of is 23 miles away in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, which with all of my obligations; school, work, family and so on, makes it extraordiarily difficult to even take refuge. Now, down the street about 3 blocks from my house is a place that well, certainly has Buddhist leanings. There are Thankas hanging in the windows, the house is decorated with references to Nibbana, and other indications that it at least sometimes is a home for Buddhists. However, every time I have been there, there seems to be no-one there, even though there are definate signs of it being occupied. So, I keep trying. One of these days I will talk to someone there and find out more. The lettering on the outside of the structure is not Tibetan, but a script that Iwith my lack of knowledge, can’t quite identify. SO, if by some chance that it is a Buddhist meditation center, what do I do? Would an approach like in the old CSN&Y song "Love the one you’re with" apply? Am I being unnecessarily picky since it’s not Tibetan? I don’t know, but I do intend to keep trying.

About Robb

I am a married 51 y/o Nursing student who has recently found Buddhism after traveling a long, sometimes rocky path while looking for a meaningful, compassionate way to live life and help others. As one of my fellow students told me, "better late than never!" How True!

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6 Responses to Can Buddhism be a mixed practice?

  1. zenmonk October 18, 2009 at 6:24 pm #

    Have you tried leaving a note with your number at the house Robb?

  2. DOMINIC October 18, 2009 at 7:20 pm #

    Robb, why would you want to be something outside yourself…be something inside yourself instead…all these trappings and this is my own belief on any form of religion or someone elses philosophy is trappings you can never attain your own Oneness by something that is not in your grasp…it is more settling within..but it is your life anyways and if you listened to me it would be outside yourself so you may do what you please..enjoy in getting there which is here(+)

    Dom*

  3. Mindtalk October 20, 2009 at 9:12 am #

    Robb, there is a Buddhist meditation center right in my neighborhood, and although it isn't my particular "brand" of Buddhism, I find it helps to go there periodically, just for the feeling of being with others who are on a similar path. No one else in my family or circle of friends is Buddhist or follows Buddhist teachings (that I know of), so I feel a kinship with those at the Buddhist center that helps me stay on that path. Otherwise it would be a pretty lonely practice. One of the things I've found helpful about the various Buddhist factions is that they are not laden with dogma and don't expect you to follow everything they do or say. There seem to be more similarities than differences, in my humble experience. ~Bonnie

  4. Robb October 22, 2009 at 5:15 pm #

    Thank you for your insight. I can empathize with your practice, since it is a lot like my own, based on your description. I am the only Buddhist in my circle of friends & family, and it would be good for mt practice if I could be with other Buddhists, hence my blog post.

    Again, Thank you!

    Namaste'

  5. Robb October 22, 2009 at 5:19 pm #

    Dom*, thank you for your advice. You see, the reason I stopped by that wonderfully decorated home was I just knew that there were Buddhists there. And an important part of practice is the Sangha. And since I don't think The Buddha meant a Sangha of one, I'm looking for the support that the Sangha gives.

    ANyway, thank you for your post

    Namaste'

  6. Robb October 22, 2009 at 5:21 pm #

    Hmm. No, I haven't. No reason why I shouldn't either. As a matter of fact, I'm going up there now to do that very thing.

    Thank you for your clarity of mind.

    Namaste'