God
Someone recently asked me if I believe in God. This is my answer.
I practice Buddhism. Buddhism is a way of life that - on the most fundamental level - makes no distinction between the individual human being and the environment in which that person lives. Like a fish in water, the two are not only inseparable, but each serves as a catalyst for the other. Thus, to a Buddhist, self-improvement and enhancement of our circumstances go hand in hand. The two are actually so interlocked that it is incorrect to consider them separate entities.
I believe there is a power higher than man, you can call it God, Allah, goddess, Mother Nature, the Universe, whatever. But I don't believe that change and life and destiny is entirely up to this entity (I personally call it the Universe).
I believe that our lives are what we make of our circumstances. I believe in the interconnectedness of all beings, the sanctity of the life of all creatures, big and small. I believe in the Butterfly effect, that a small change in my actions or how I am towards others can change things the world over.
I believe that change comes from within, that how we are and act is a powerful force that brings change to our circumstances. I believe that every person has the potential to become enlightened, that there is a Buddha inside all of us and it is our own responsibility to develop the good traits and overcome the bad.
When I chant, I chant to bring forth the good qualities that I know are in me. I chant for strength, for patience, even for will power. I chant to effect a small change in me that will change the Universe. I chant to send healing energy to my ill father, I chant to send strength to my sad friend. I don't ask someone else to take care of my problems, I chant and focus and work hard to bring forth the qualities I need in order to overcome the problem.
I don't think God decides what my life will be. I take full responsibility and believe that *I* decide what my life will be.
It's not WHAT you face in life, it's HOW you face it that makes the difference between happiness and misery.
I practice Buddhism. Buddhism is a way of life that - on the most fundamental level - makes no distinction between the individual human being and the environment in which that person lives. Like a fish in water, the two are not only inseparable, but each serves as a catalyst for the other. Thus, to a Buddhist, self-improvement and enhancement of our circumstances go hand in hand. The two are actually so interlocked that it is incorrect to consider them separate entities.
I believe there is a power higher than man, you can call it God, Allah, goddess, Mother Nature, the Universe, whatever. But I don't believe that change and life and destiny is entirely up to this entity (I personally call it the Universe).
I believe that our lives are what we make of our circumstances. I believe in the interconnectedness of all beings, the sanctity of the life of all creatures, big and small. I believe in the Butterfly effect, that a small change in my actions or how I am towards others can change things the world over.
I believe that change comes from within, that how we are and act is a powerful force that brings change to our circumstances. I believe that every person has the potential to become enlightened, that there is a Buddha inside all of us and it is our own responsibility to develop the good traits and overcome the bad.
When I chant, I chant to bring forth the good qualities that I know are in me. I chant for strength, for patience, even for will power. I chant to effect a small change in me that will change the Universe. I chant to send healing energy to my ill father, I chant to send strength to my sad friend. I don't ask someone else to take care of my problems, I chant and focus and work hard to bring forth the qualities I need in order to overcome the problem.
I don't think God decides what my life will be. I take full responsibility and believe that *I* decide what my life will be.
It's not WHAT you face in life, it's HOW you face it that makes the difference between happiness and misery.