Hi. My name is Amanda and I am a 20 year old girl from Bangor, Maine. I have recently made the choice to convert to Buddhism. This blog will center on my experience with the new religion as well as other related topics such as combining meditation, yoga, and Pilates into my life. Hopefully this will enable me to share my experience in a way that both helps me to organize my thoughts and assists others in the understanding of Buddha. Any references made to reading materials will be in MLA format.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Note to the Reader
Before beginning to read my blog please be aware that this will be written much like a diary. While it is my intention to write in such a way that is understandable to the reader, the subject matter is one that is both novice and very personal. Please be respectful in reading as the posts are simply my reflections. I mean no disrespect to the members of this religion or any other. I will not be condescending towards the views of others, although I may briefly explain my opinion on certain topics. I more than welcome the opinions of others however, I do expect that a mutual level of respect be maintained by all. Also, please note that this is my first blog and, given the subject matter, I am somewhat nervous to begin writing. I again welcome any comments, questions, or words of advice. If there are any practicing buddhist in the area that are subscribing to this, please let me know. I would love a chance to discuss this subject with some one who may be more knowledgable or, experiencing something similair. If nothing else, I hope the reader finds my writing interesting. Okay. *sighs* here goes...
October 30th; Day 1
Today is Saturday, October 30th and it is the first day of my study of the Buddhist religion. I am currently working on finding a group of Buddhist in my area however, being from Northern Maine, I am finding this disparagingly difficult. I have begun reading a brief book on Buddhism title Buddhism; A Very Short Introduction by Damien Keown. I have read the first chapter of the book today, delineated below, and have also decided to take a course on Buddhism, PAX 350, through the University of Maine in Orono where I am in my third year of nursing school. The class is offered online which will fit nicely into my schedule however, I am somewhat dissappointed that this may limit my interaction with my professor as well as the other students.
The chapter that I read this morning, Buddhism and Elephants, discusses the definition of religion and whether or not Buddhism fits within said definition. While some scholars have denied that Buddhism is a religion as it is a religion without a God, the book ascertains that it does, in fact, qualify as Buddhism fulfills the "seven dimensions" of religion outlined by Ninian Smart. The seven dimensions are as follows and will be expanded on later.
The Seven Dimensions of Religion:
1. Practical and Ritual
2. Experiential and Emotional
3. Narrative and Mythical
4. Doctrinal and Philosophical
5. Ethical and Legal
6. Socail and Instituational
7. Material
References:
Keown, Damien. Buddhism; A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford, 1996. 1-15. Print.
The chapter that I read this morning, Buddhism and Elephants, discusses the definition of religion and whether or not Buddhism fits within said definition. While some scholars have denied that Buddhism is a religion as it is a religion without a God, the book ascertains that it does, in fact, qualify as Buddhism fulfills the "seven dimensions" of religion outlined by Ninian Smart. The seven dimensions are as follows and will be expanded on later.
The Seven Dimensions of Religion:
1. Practical and Ritual
2. Experiential and Emotional
3. Narrative and Mythical
4. Doctrinal and Philosophical
5. Ethical and Legal
6. Socail and Instituational
7. Material
References:
Keown, Damien. Buddhism; A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford, 1996. 1-15. Print.
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