Whats Your Religion? (An Interfaith Dialogue)

[seattlegal]

I am a Western Mahayana Buddhist (Zen) and member of the above mentioned Mercuræn Order.
The Mercuræn idea that we are fallen Lucifers nicely parallels the Buddhist idea of unawakened Bodhisattvas. The separation of our consciousness from the objective universe parallels the Buddhist practice of anatta--this objective thing is not my Self, that objective thing is not my Self. I use the Buddhist apophatic approach to self, as nibbana is beyond concepts. Becoming a Mercuræn Luciferian has really helped me to understand Buddhism better, as well as providing many additional methods I haven't found within Buddhism.
Regarding the other thoughts presented within our order--trying to understand other points of view will often lead to unexpected insights--even if you don't entirely agree with the other idea presented.
Regarding the problems faced within this practice--I haven't had any problem from other Buddhists at all. I originally got a lot of flack from other members of my order due to misunderstanding and outright misrepresentation of Buddhism, but that has improved. I've really made a lot of progress, and am still learning.

 

[Nasruddin]

Alan Watts used to say that once one learns that a religion is unnecessary, it's fun to have one.

 

[wil]

Nontheistic Panentheist Universal Unitic...
New
Topics of discussion:
-What are the fundamental beliefs in your religion?

listen...encourage people to think...don't tell them what to think.


-What are the fundamental doctrines of your religion?

attempt to treat others as they'd like to be treated.

-What are the main ritual and rites?

affirmations, denials, and letting go

-What/Who are the authorities of your religion?

Jesus, Buddha, Mohamed, and many others...

-How do you regard the other sects/thoughts in your religion?

with wonder...

-What are the problems faced in practicing your religion?

orthodoxy which deems us blasphemers...

 

[Senthil]

Topics of discussion:
-What are the fundamental beliefs in your religion?
-What are the fundamental doctrines of your religion?
-What are the main ritual and rites?
-What/Who are the authorities of your religion?
-How do you regard the other sects/thoughts in your religion?
-What are the problems faced in practicing your religion?

religion ... Hindu, Saivite, monistic Saiva Siddhanta, Nandinatha sampradaya, Kailasa parampara
1) Karma, reincarnation, divinity within all, God is formless, and with form
2) same as 1 I guess
3) puja, japa, 16 samskaras
4) individual heads of sampradayas (esoteric schools)
5) love them all, love the diversity, appreciate differences
6) no problems, maybe some challenges, harder where no other Hindus exist, or few exist

 

[Thomas]

-What are the fundamental beliefs in your religion?

God is One.

-What are the fundamental doctrines of your religion?

Love God. Love your neighbour.

-What are the main ritual and rites?

The Seven Sacraments. Primarily Baptism and the Eucharist.

-What/Who are the authorities of your religion?

God. Scripture. Tradition.

-How do you regard the other sects/thoughts in your religion?

Benignly.

-What are the problems faced in practicing your religion?

Prejudice.

 

[Ahanu]

Our main rites consist of practices and disciplines which separate our consciousness from the objective universe allowing us to experience our higher Self

And what are these practices and disciplines that "separate our consciousness from the objective universe allowing us to experience our higher Self?"

"and that through separation and control of the objective universe we can Become more than Human"

Like Neo in the Matrix stopping bullets with his mind? If so, I like the idea.

 

[Ahanu]

I am a Western Mahayana Buddhist (Zen) and member of the above mentioned Mercuræn Order.

I just did a quick search. Why can't I find the Mercuræn Order online? Any websites you can suggest for learning more about this?

 

[seattlegal]

I just did a quick search. Why can't I find the Mercuræn Order online? Any websites you can suggest for learning more about this?

http://tarkhem.wix.com/herald-of-the-dawn

 

[Devils' Advocate]

Completely, totally absopositively off topic. Seattle, the reason cows say Mu is because they originated on that lost continent. Thought everybody knew that.

 

[Nasruddin]

Topics of discussion:
-What are the fundamental beliefs in your religion?
-What are the fundamental doctrines of your religion?
-What are the main ritual and rites?
-What/Who are the authorities of your religion?
-How do you regard the other sects/thoughts in your religion?
-What are the problems faced in practicing your religion?

I practice Buddhism, and I suppose that would make me a Buddhist, but I'm not so sure that's accurate. It isn't as if I believe in Buddhism, and disbelieve in everything else. I find that the practice of mindfulness, the eightfold path, understanding how I am creating my own suffering, these things help me get by in life. Funny that as I get older, I can understand Zen from reading the Bible, and the Sutras remind me of my early Christian studies. I'm not a fan of mixing up religions into a syncretic mishmash, but it isn't hard to see where the fingers are pointing. I think the biggest difficulty in practicing is remaining non-judgmental of my experience and not pushing things away. In meditation, there can be great peace, but also great turmoil. Many inner battles are fought during meditation time! The peace, for me, comes when I realize the deeper inner truths, the simple secrets that are right in front of me, but I cannot see, because "I" am telling myself a different story.

 

[arthra]

Topics of discussion:
-What are the fundamental beliefs in your religion?
-What are the fundamental doctrines of your religion?
-What are the main ritual and rites?
-What/Who are the authorities of your religion?
-How do you regard the other sects/thoughts in your religion?
-What are the problems faced in practicing your religion?

I just noticed this thread so will respond..

Baha'is believe in God and that He has sent Prophets and Manifestations down through the ages for the benefit of humanity...
Baha'is accept the Divine origin of the major religions.

Fundamental doctrines of Baha'is include the oneness of God and the oneness of humanity in this day. We believe prejudice of race, class, religion should be eliminated; Baha'is pray daily facing the Qiblih in the Holy Land (Israel) and fast one Baha'i month a year.. if possible we make pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Baha'is accept the revealed Writings of Baha'u'llah and turn to the Universal House of Justice in Haifa for guidance.
Baha'is face persecution in Iran where Baha'is can be imprisoned or oppressed for their beliefs... there are occasional instances of persecution in other countries.

 

[Craz]

-What are the fundamental beliefs in your religion?
Truth permeates everything and can be known.

-What are the fundamental doctrines of your religion?
Aspire to be aware of said Truth in all aspects of your life.

-What are the main ritual and rites?
If the above two points are followed,then every action becomes a ritual.


-What/Who are the authorities of your religion?
My own experiences.

-How do you regard the other sects/thoughts in your religion?
No sects. ...we are British!(..that's a joke btw)

-What are the problems faced in practicing your religion?
None.

 

[Wibble]

I am a Buddhist and I will jump on any fake Buddha quotes in a firm but compassionate way.

 

[Wibble]

Baha'is believe in God and that He has sent Prophets and Manifestations down through the ages for the benefit of humanity...
Baha'is accept the Divine origin of the major religions.

By "major religions" I assume you mean the Abrahamic ones?

 

[Nasruddin]

I am a Buddhist and I will jump on any fake Buddha quotes in a firm but compassionate way.

I think I remember that quote...