Entering Catholicism After Buddhism

[IGCampbell]

This is the first thread I’ve erected here and I’m amusingly nervous. Bear with me.

So, I’ve been a Buddhist for years now, and feel an ineffable pull towards the Church. It’s incredibly odd; I’ve had a chip on my shoulder about Catholicism for many years, and suddenly I find myself moving towards becoming Catholic. I have no Catholic family members; my mother is a Unitarian, my father is a new age hindu shaman hybrid, one brother is apathetic, one is an evangelical, and one is now a Buddhist as well. This is all way, way outside my comfort zone.

I’m a very solitary person. It’s one of the reasons Buddhism clicked with me; solitude and meditation are two fundamental building blocks of enlightenment. And I almost, almost, followed a solitary path back into Christianity. I had to philosophically slap myself across the face and force myself to realize the necessity of a community.

Due to that, and some overwhelming support by Catholic friends (who all sadly happen to be about two thousand miles away), I’m attending my first Catholic Mass ever this coming Sunday. And I’m very nervous, but also excited.

Like I said, though, this is all way outside my comfort zone. I’ve been reading and studying so much the past few weeks; using a lot of internet resources and podcasts and such. Struggling with myself over certain political issues (especially abortion). Struggling with my own ego and my need to be right. Struggling with a lot! This after the Buddhist path, which emphasizes not struggling about anything!

I’ve taken to praying the holy rosary, and while the general outside view is that it’s similar to mantra meditation, I have to smash that notion into little atoms. It’s mechanically similar, but the fundamental basis (mantra meditation focuses on one’s own consciousness, for the most part, whereas the rosary is intercessionary) is entirely different. It’s also much more humbling.

I suppose I’ll stop rambling now…not sure I had a point to begin with! But here I am, after years of Buddhist practice, accepting the authority of the Petrine office. It’s…a unique experience.

 

[Geremia]

That is quite a conversion, for

Buddhism, in its various forms, realizes the radical insufficiency of this changeable world; it teaches a way by which men, in a devout and confident spirit, may be able either to acquire the state of perfect liberation, or attain, by their own efforts or through higher help, supreme illumination. (Nostra Ætate)

It is contrary to Catholicism which believes the Holy Trinity—the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit—is our only savior, not a “higher help” nor “our own efforts” toward an anthropocentric and not theocentric “supreme illumination.” I will continue to pray for you. God bless.

 

[rossum]

So, I’ve been a Buddhist for years now, and feel an ineffable pull towards the Church. It’s incredibly odd; I’ve had a chip on my shoulder about Catholicism for many years, and suddenly I find myself moving towards becoming Catholic.

I hope that your new path works out well for you.

rossum

 

[Lion_of_Narnia]

Welcome IGCampbell!

While technically God saves one soul at a time, He, as Christ, died for us all. Each soul is incredibly precious and unique, but we are “one body” in Christ.

I will be praying for you.

 

[water]

Hi Campbell,

My friend’s mother was from Buddhism most of her life, but later she converted to Catholicism. No one was forcing her and she is a good Catholic now.

May God continue to be with you on this Journey!

 

[Dirk_Skene]

First off a hardy welcome :tiphat: Now I gots me a querstion:
I have always theorized that someone that was good at explaining Quan Yin in a Christian and cooralate her to Mary could convert many Buddists to Christianity. What do you think. Now I admit I understand Quan Yin only a little. You may think it a bad idea.

 

[cathopologist]

First off a hardy welcome :tiphat: Now I gots me a querstion:
I have always theorized that someone that was good at explaining Quan Yin in a Christian and cooralate her to Mary could convert many Buddists to Christianity. What do you think. Now I admit I understand Quan Yin only a little. You may think it a bad idea.

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ef/Guanyin_and_child.jpg
Guan Yin and child, similar to a Madonna and Child painting

Some syncretic Christian observers have commented on the similarity between Guan Yin and the Blessed Virgin Mary of Christianity, the mother of Jesus Christ. The Tzu-ChiMadonna and Child Foundation, a Taiwanese Buddhist organization, also noticing the similarity, commissioned a portrait of Guan Yin and a baby that resembles the typical Roman Catholic painting.
[1]
During the Edo Period in Japan, when Christianity was banned and punishable by death, some underground Christian groups venerated the Virgin Mary disguised as a statue of Kannon; such statues are known as Maria Kannon. Many had a cross hidden in an inconspicuous location.

Despite what Wikipedia states about Guan Yin, many conservative Buddhists, especially those in South Asia, namely India, do not regard Guan Yin as part of Buddhist teachings.

Trying to resemble, simulate or emulate the BVM as Guan Yin is honestly, sacrilegious. Not to mention, deceptive. I can and do accept the piety of those persecuted for practising Catholicism. But its best to avoid making any associations with something that is not part of Christian teaching, if possible.

 

[cathopologist]

IGCampbell, i was a former Brahmin convert to Catholicism. I have some in the family, who also revere Buddha for his teachings. I am the only convert within my immediate family.

I’ll be honest with you. Christianity is a struggle. It was a struggle for me then, when i was undergoing RCIA and i still struggle everyday in order to practice the faith i so dearly love. I can relate to how you feel. My immediate family members (especially my mother) are still upset over my conversion after all these years. Despite that, i always remind my mother that she will still be my mother no matter what her religion may be and i still love her.

My mother’s side of the family may never convert - that’s the reality i have to face, but i always pray for them, everytime i go for Mass. God knows their hearts and i know they are good, decent people.

I hope you continue with your journey. The struggle is there, but the rewards are great.

 

[IGCampbell]

Thanks everyone!

First off a hardy welcome :tiphat: Now I gots me a querstion:
I have always theorized that someone that was good at explaining Quan Yin in a Christian and cooralate her to Mary could convert many Buddists to Christianity. What do you think. Now I admit I understand Quan Yin only a little. You may think it a bad idea.

I’ll take a crack at it, keep in mind though that I’m new to Catholicism (and Mary) and some of my thoughts on her may be wrong or incomplete at this time.

As for the question at hand: It’s an excellent sentiment, but in theory and practice there are problems. The only direct corrolary to make is that of mercy.

Quan Yin is typically regarded as a female, but has also been portrayed as a male, and some traditions consider her both. Contrast that with the explicit feminine quality of Mary.

Quan Yin is also typically portrayed with trappings of royalty; from what I understand of Mary, she’s thought of and portrayed much more simply. I’m just beginning to learn about Mary, though, so I could be wrong here.

As a Bodhisattva, Quan Yin is considered the more or less spiritual equal as all other beings in Buddhism (not the most honored; that typically goes to Sakyamuni, but still equal). Mary, of course, isn’t held in as high esteem as, say, Jesus.

The biggest problem they would have, I think, is that Mary, while venerated, is not autonomously divine. She is blessed by the grace of God. Contrast that with Quan Yin and bodhisattvas in general, who work toward their own liberation.

I hope the above made sense, and was on-point. The basic thrust is, while there are corrolaries, there are many more differences, which I believe might lead to a large gap in the end. Any correlation would necessarily be based on the idea of mercy and compassion, and not on the actual figures.

 

[Dirk_Skene]

…I’ll take a crack at it, keep in mind though that I’m new to Catholicism (and Mary) …As for the question at hand: It’s an excellent sentiment, but in theory and practice there are problems. The only direct corrolary to make is that of mercy. …

I read your reply once & it looks like I must reread a time or 2 to get it all. Thanks for being so indepth but at the same time dumbing it down so somebody like me can get it From what you said it looks like the theologies of the 2 have just not enough in common to be helpful as an evangilization tool. O’ well it was a thought.

See ya’ around the boards my friend.

 

[IGCampbell]

Happy to help!

I’ve thought a bit about the corrolaries myself, on a few levels. There’s potential, but the problem is to find a happy medium you’d need to water down some of the Catholic beliefs, which may not be a good thing.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk with a strong following, has published two books about similarities between Buddha and Christ, and Buddhism and Christianity. They’re interesting reads, but a lot of the sentiments aren’t quite orthodox with either traditional Buddhism or Catholicism.

 

[Ahimsa]

This is the first thread I’ve erected here and I’m amusingly nervous. Bear with me…

Like I said, though, this is all way outside my comfort zone. I’ve been reading and studying so much the past few weeks; using a lot of internet resources and podcasts and such. Struggling with myself over certain political issues (especially abortion). Struggling with my own ego and my need to be right. Struggling with a lot!..

Welcome to the Forum!

Struggle is good. If Buddhism was not a struggle for you, then you’re probably meant for something else. Practicing Catholicism is a good way to go “against the stream”, especially in America these days.

 

[vee8]

Welcome aboard IG.

If you have one hour to spare there is an audio program I think you would enjoy. Go here ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/intro.asp
and in the search programs field search for Paul Wiliams. Only one program should appear The Journey Home then just click on it to listen. Mr. Williams is a university professor and was a Buddhist for over twenty years, he even wrote textbooks on it, so what happened to him to make him change? You`ll have to listen to find out.

He also has a book, that I havent read, titled The Unexpected Way.

 

[IGCampbell]

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[cyberwolf001]

Welcome to the Forum!

Struggle is good. If Buddhism was not a struggle for you, then you’re probably meant for something else. Practicing Catholicism is a good way to go “against the stream”, especially in America these days.

Well as I understand it if you hit a point where there is no struggle in Buddhism that can be a good sign. It means no obsticales and you can make great progress.

As I understand it.

 

[Lisa44]

Welcome home!

I practiced tibetan buddhism for a few years and it was my dissatisfaction with the doctrines that kept me searching for the truth.

I don’t know why Buddhism irritates me so much but it does. I think its the laissez faire attitude. Oh, if you don’t get it right in this life there’s always the next.

Talk about blind faith! There is no proof for reincarnation. Everything those lamas say is taken on blind faith. Did you know the Dalai lama said he decided he wasn’t going to reincarnate next time round.

Wow, must be nice to have such power over your destiny like that. Its hogwash.

I could talk about how silly I think Buddhism is all day. But I wont.

Yeah! You made it home! Praise God.

 

[RebeccaJ]

This is the first thread I’ve erected here and I’m amusingly nervous. Bear with me.

So, I’ve been a Buddhist for years now, and feel an ineffable pull towards the Church. It’s incredibly odd; I’ve had a chip on my shoulder about Catholicism for many years, and suddenly I find myself moving towards becoming Catholic. I have no Catholic family members; my mother is a Unitarian, my father is a new age hindu shaman hybrid, one brother is apathetic, one is an evangelical, and one is now a Buddhist as well. This is all way, way outside my comfort zone.

I’m a very solitary person. It’s one of the reasons Buddhism clicked with me; solitude and meditation are two fundamental building blocks of enlightenment. And I almost, almost, followed a solitary path back into Christianity. I had to philosophically slap myself across the face and force myself to realize the necessity of a community.

Due to that, and some overwhelming support by Catholic friends (who all sadly happen to be about two thousand miles away), I’m attending my first Catholic Mass ever this coming Sunday. And I’m very nervous, but also excited.

Like I said, though, this is all way outside my comfort zone. I’ve been reading and studying so much the past few weeks; using a lot of internet resources and podcasts and such. Struggling with myself over certain political issues (especially abortion). Struggling with my own ego and my need to be right. Struggling with a lot! This after the Buddhist path, which emphasizes not struggling about anything!

I’ve taken to praying the holy rosary, and while the general outside view is that it’s similar to mantra meditation, I have to smash that notion into little atoms. It’s mechanically similar, but the fundamental basis (mantra meditation focuses on one’s own consciousness, for the most part, whereas the rosary is intercessionary) is entirely different. It’s also much more humbling.

I suppose I’ll stop rambling now…not sure I had a point to begin with! But here I am, after years of Buddhist practice, accepting the authority of the Petrine office. It’s…a unique experience.

Solitude is a Catholic tradition. Check out the Desert Fathers.

But no, you cannot be Catholic on your own, it requires community. Something that is difficult for me as well, but it just happens.

 

[cyberwolf001]

I don’t know why Buddhism irritates me so much but it does. I think its the laissez faire attitude. Oh, if you don’t get it right in this life there’s always the next.

Talk about blind faith! There is no proof for reincarnation. Everything those lamas say is taken on blind faith. Did you know the Dalai lama said he decided he wasn’t going to reincarnate next time round.

Don’t hold back tell us how you REALLY feel!

Seriously there is about the same amount of evidence for reincarnation as Catholicism has for the real presence.

That is a good bit, but in the end you got to take a leap of faith.

 

[CHESTERTONRULES]

This is the first thread I’ve erected here and I’m amusingly nervous. Bear with me.

So, I’ve been a Buddhist for years now, and feel an ineffable pull towards the Church. It’s incredibly odd; I’ve had a chip on my shoulder about Catholicism for many years, and suddenly I find myself moving towards becoming Catholic. I have no Catholic family members; my mother is a Unitarian, my father is a new age hindu shaman hybrid, one brother is apathetic, one is an evangelical, and one is now a Buddhist as well. This is all way, way outside my comfort zone.

I’m a very solitary person. It’s one of the reasons Buddhism clicked with me; solitude and meditation are two fundamental building blocks of enlightenment. And I almost, almost, followed a solitary path back into Christianity. I had to philosophically slap myself across the face and force myself to realize the necessity of a community.

Due to that, and some overwhelming support by Catholic friends (who all sadly happen to be about two thousand miles away), I’m attending my first Catholic Mass ever this coming Sunday. And I’m very nervous, but also excited.

Like I said, though, this is all way outside my comfort zone. I’ve been reading and studying so much the past few weeks; using a lot of internet resources and podcasts and such. Struggling with myself over certain political issues (especially abortion). Struggling with my own ego and my need to be right. Struggling with a lot! This after the Buddhist path, which emphasizes not struggling about anything!

I’ve taken to praying the holy rosary, and while the general outside view is that it’s similar to mantra meditation, I have to smash that notion into little atoms. It’s mechanically similar, but the fundamental basis (mantra meditation focuses on one’s own consciousness, for the most part, whereas the rosary is intercessionary) is entirely different. It’s also much more humbling.

I suppose I’ll stop rambling now…not sure I had a point to begin with! But here I am, after years of Buddhist practice, accepting the authority of the Petrine office. It’s…a unique experience.

That’s great to hear. I think you will find true peace in the Catholic Church.

The mass itself can be confusing. Here’s a good article that helps us to understand what is going on during mass.

americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0889.asp

 

[Lisa44]

Seriously there is about the same amount of evidence for reincarnation as Catholicism has for the real presence.

Really, do explain.