ok right now i am catholic and i am wondering about buddhism... can any of you who are buddhist tell me if they are more accepting of homosexuality? because i don't like catholicism's teachings against gays... and i might convert if it is more accepting i'm nobody's little weasel
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Re:Buddhism?
Date: 2007/09/10 17:49
By: periodical
Status:
According to Religioustolerance.org: There are many schools, sects and sub-sects of Buddhism. As with Christianity, no consensus exists within Buddhism about gay and lesbian relationships. Buddhism is most concerned with whether an action is helpful, based on good intentions, and free of harm. This differs from the positions taken by Christian faith groups. They often evaluate a specific action itself, based on whether it is good or evil according to a system of morality derived from that group's interpretation of the Bible.
Apparently, the Buddha did not leave any teachings on homosexual orientation or homosexual behavior. He strongly encouraged his followers to "be a lamp onto yourself" -- to examine and test the truth of religious teachings before accepting them.
Many women, gays and lesbians have been attracted to Buddhism because of its relative lack of misogyny and homophobia, when compared to some other religions. But others report "virulently anti-gay sentiments and teachings from religious teachers in Tibetan and other Buddhist" schools. 5
And also: I don't want to sound like I'm proselytizing, but not all christian denominations/congregations condemn homosexuality. You can also investigate some of these different varieties if you still hold your beliefs in basic Christian tenets.
I wish you luck in your search! If you need any help with anything, just let me know.
Post edited by: periodical, at: 2007/09/10 17:53
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Re:Buddhism?
Date: 2007/10/03 05:04
By: titojtd
Status:
It just so happens that I'm a Zen Buddhist (and a Unitarian Universalist), and I'd say that the general consensus is that it doesn't really matter, since the point of Buddhism is to liberate oneself from suffering. I'd have to agree wholeheartedly with periodical's post.
Also, I went from Christianity to Buddhism, and let me warn/tell you: do your homework before converting, because Buddhism is a complete 180 from Christianity in so many ways. It can really throw you through a loop if you're not prepared. But don't get me wrong! Buddhism has completely changed my life for the better and I would never go back . But once you start on that path, it's very hard to go back to the way your were in the past. Good luck ! Feel free to PM me if you need help or want to talk .
Post edited by: titojtd, at: 2007/10/03 05:07 "Try not. Do or do not, there is no try."
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Re:Buddhism?
Date: 2007/10/03 08:32
By: MooYak
Status:
Accepting? It's hard to say. The basic philosophy of Buddhism does not condemn homosexuality, but as already stated by titojtd, the concept is not what is and is not good or bad, as that represents a dualistic idea of reality which Buddhism avoids, but to liberate from suffering. Letting go of your suffering, in essence. There are of course Buddhists that, seeing the way so many other religions work, seem to think that Buddhism should have some sort of set doctrine and rules. I've know Buddhists that say homosexuality is wrong, as it is "against nature," though nature itself produces it. So really it is the individual that chooses his hate. Generally, you will find a more accepting and empathetic following in Buddhism though.
While I do not follow any set path of Buddhism, I maintain many of the philosophical beliefs, and even some of the more mystical beliefs such as karma and reincarnation I have worked out with a more pragmatic reasoning and find it understandable, if not flawed. I would be more than happy to share if you have questions, but if your looking for a more... orthodox version of Buddhism, ask titojtd... I'm just a philosopher.
I can however attest to the power of the ideals, as I converted from Christianity after a time of severe depression, and I can say that studying Buddhism and the ideas and concepts it stresses pulled me through admirably. "Where we have strong emotions, we're liable to fool ourselves." - Carl Sagan
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Re:Buddhism?
Date: 2007/10/18 01:43
By: noidea1112
Status:
From my point of view being raise a Theravardha[Southern] buddist in a Buddist country; Thailand. Buddhism do not condone or accept homosexuallity, But if u wanna reach Nirvana...as they say, one of the things u have to acheive is let go of all ur sexual desires. Technicly speaking Nirvana is not a thing you can achieve in one life time, it would take many reincarnation which you slowly give up ur personal desires.....another thing...gays can become monks since sex and masturbation are not allowed.....another interesting facts are female monkhood no longer exist[they had female monks in the past] and a person who're born with both male and female genitals[don't know the medical term for this] are not allow to become a monk.
Ps.I'm just technicly a budhist; I have no religious preference and I'm refering to Thervardha Buddhism only, not including other spiritual believes that are practice in every single buddhist communities.
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Re:Buddhism?
Date: 2007/11/03 04:20
By: Dartflame
Status:
That's hard to say...
I'm buddhist (haven't really come into which sect i am yet) but I've kinda discovered that usually (not always) hte Buddhists living in like China and India and places like that are more non-accepting of gays but in like American and Japanese Buddhism they're usually a lot more accepting..
But someone said it b4.. Not all Catholic groups are even against gays.. talk to most younger hispanic and irish catholics... They're kool with it usually.
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Re:Buddhism?
Date: 2007/11/06 14:31
By: bisexual_girl_88
Status:
Buddhism does tend to be more accepting of homosexuality (thought some people have reported nonacceptance). That is in part why i became one. I think you would really enjoy it, personally. I converted from chrisitian baptist - so there.
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Re:Buddhism?
Date: 2007/11/30 19:06
By: BravoLima
Status:
He's an idea, instead of swinging from branch to branch of formal religions like a proverbial Tarzan looking to hook up with Jane, why don't you form your own mindset of how you view the world.
Learn what you will from where you can, then interpret it your OWN way, not how some stuffy pastor in a overly-dressing robe or some bald dude who thinks he sounds mystical because he speaks broken English.
Break free and think for yourself, and you won't have to worry about people preaching against gays. You should always respect one's religious beliefs, however imaginary friends, delusional behaviour, a belief in a two thousand year old folk-lore should be treated by a professional.
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Re:Buddhism?
Date: 2007/12/02 17:04
By: titojtd
Status:
Very well put. I fully agree with you, but I still advocate Buddhism, even though I don't believe it's the only way. "Try not. Do or do not, there is no try."
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Re:Buddhism?
Date: 2007/12/05 02:42
By: MooYak
Status:
I agree with you BravoLima. That is how I have developed my own path in life, by looking at everything I know and piecing it together to make sense. In doing this though, I recognize that my truth is not necessarily truth for another. We all piece together our own lives whether we realize it or not, some people just take more from someone else's story than they ought. "Where we have strong emotions, we're liable to fool ourselves." - Carl Sagan
. But once you start on that path, it's very hard to go back to the way your were in the past. Good luck 
! Feel free to PM me if you need help or want to talk 
