Comments on Paddling Otaku: Buddhism, simply put, in western terms.

Frank and honest description, PO. :) My own faith ...

2012-12-08T13:12:04.920-05:00

Frank and honest description, PO. :) My own faith tradition can learn much from what you share. I am, admittedly a "liberal" (and well "left" of centre) and I have a sense that the Buddha and Jesus would have enjoyed many marvellous conversations together and I believe they would have deeply respected each another. They would also have rolled their eyes at the way a lot of us have interpreted their thoughtful guidance. I have been in parish ministry, in a major Protestant tradition, for thirty-six years - just three years less than in the kayak cockpit - and I don't think of myself as "religious" but, rather, as a seeker of spiritual nurture and growth. The door to learning and discovery in life, therefore, opens much wider. As for me, I can't imagine why some would want it any other way. Here's to open minds and open hearts - in every way possible. Thank you and bless you for all that you share. Duncan.

I am flattered Mark! Thrilled to have had even a s...

2012-12-07T20:02:55.121-05:00

I am flattered Mark! Thrilled to have had even a small impact.

PO

Thanks for sharing PO. Not only did I learn how to...

2012-12-07T20:01:28.355-05:00

Thanks for sharing PO. Not only did I learn how to kayak from you but I also have begun an understanding of what Buddhism is and what the philosophy can be in my life. Karma is a wonderful thing.

Mark

That is a very interesting question. Many people f...

2012-12-07T19:54:37.314-05:00

That is a very interesting question. Many people feel that Buddhism isn't really a religion, but a philosophy. I don't have an immediate answer as to how to classify it. I guess the real question is what makes something a religion. As far as I know, Buddhism doesn't preclude much of anything.

PO

I'm not an expert on Buddhism, but this is ver...

2012-12-07T19:33:35.860-05:00

I'm not an expert on Buddhism, but this is very nicely put!

But I wonder if that is really what it is about, then it seems you could be another religion and a Buddhist too. Or does Buddhism preclude other religions like most of them do?