Buddhism: Won-Buddhism

[V]

I got the link to work:

http://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/pdfs/annual%20report%20practitioner.pdf

Let me know your thoughts on this reform view of Buddhism! I think the beauty of Buddhism, especially this form of Buddhism, is that you can have roots in any faith!

[V]

OKAY

I see that someone of you have check this out, and here is a working link

http://www.wonbuddhismnc.org/pdfs/an...actitioner.pdf

I also created a new thread!

[V]

From the Dharma Practitioner
Michael Macklin (WonHyong)

All my life, I have been a spiritual person, but I
have never found a spiritual tradition in which I
could rest. So I have been a seeker, but not a
joiner, and not a dabbler. I have been a committed
agnostic, with a strong feeling of there being a
real "truth". For many years, I have satisfied my
spiritual inclination through my work as a psychotherapist.
Believing in people and seeking the deepest possible
understanding is a kind of spiritual quest, but it is limited in some
way.
In Buddhism, I have found a complementary pathway in spiritual
development. Studying Buddhist writings has been a type of spiritual
practice for me, but it is not the practice of Buddhism. To practice
Buddhism, I feel I need a teacher and a sangha.
In the fall of 2003, I wandered into a free meditation session taught
by a WonBuddhist
priest (kyomunim). As many found, the atmosphere
surrounding this WonBuddhist
meditation was a delightful,
welcoming, and loving practice that made them feel at home from
their first contact. WonBuddhism
is free from rigidity and dogma
and is a practice that I can embrace. I have continued an active practice
ever since and have had the opportunity to meet many priests,
both here in the U.S., and also on a trip to Korea two years ago. The
priests of WonBuddhism
are the embodiment of Buddhist practice:
loving, joyful, and inspiring.
Since coming to the WonBuddhism
Temple in Chapel Hill, I have
also had a chance to study the scriptures of WonBuddhism
and have
found them to be a practical approach to living a good life and striving
for enlightenment. In addition, WonBuddhism
is an active social
action organization, working for peace and reconciliation throughout
the world. They are active against world poverty, both through providing
charity, as well as creating opportunities for education. I
foresee our Temple becoming more socially active as we grow.
I have found in WonBuddhism
a spiritual tradition in which I can
rest and continually renew myself in seeking awakening.

[Jiddy78]

Que?

[V]

I just wanted people's thoughts on this type of Buddhism! This is a message from a Buddhist. Its a unique take on Buddhism that is relatively new (established in the 20th Century) that focuses on Universal truths and social justice!

[V]

Que?

I also tried to post the link several times in different threads, and so I finally was able to copy the PDF. SO, let me know your thoughts, Jiddy! Since you detest Babylonians!

[Jiddy78]

Believing in people and seeking the deepest possible
understanding is a kind of spiritual quest, but it is limited in some
way.


Translation: I live in f*cking la la land.

[ryr8828]

I'm thinking of taking an orange, drawing eyes and a mouth and ears on it and then sitting and staring at it.

I may find peace in this way.

[V]

Translation: I live in f*cking la la land.

Oh really, so how is Christianity NOT living in Lala Land? I find Buddhism to at least be practical in every day life.

[V]

I'm thinking of taking an orange, drawing eyes and a mouth and ears on it and then sitting and staring at it.

I may find peace in this way.

So, that is your interpretation of Buddhism???

[Jiddy78]

Oh really, so how is Christianity NOT living in Lala Land? I find Buddhism to at least be practical in every day life.


I don't think anything I quoted or said has anything to do with comparing Christianity to Buddhism....I think it has to do with some guy saying he's having a spiritual experience by trying to figure out the goodness in a bunch of Babylonians...but he discreetly excuses himself at the end by implying that this is limited....Because he has no f*cking idea what he's talking about....

[Jiddy78]

So, that is your interpretation of Buddhism???

Fat guys > Jews?

[Hotpapa666]

I haven't read your link. But this sounds allot like Zen Buddhism. Like most religion it's just dressed up common sense. Something that is interesting from a socialogical stand point is Japanese Buddhisms focus on singularity, unity, etc.. It grows out of a huge focus on unity (wa) in Japanese culture; it sounds better when you can say that a person goes to heaven if they achieve it...

I always find it a bit comical when people think of the "east" as a great spirital destination. The vast majority of people in Japan couldn't give a shit about Zen or Shinto or Won or Christianity or Mormonism whatever catagory that wacky religion falls into)....

[Hotpapa666]

Fat guys > Jews?

Not all Buddhas are fat. Mostly just the Chinese ones. Indian and Sri Lanka Buddha are very fit. Japanese Buddhas are a little pudgy; in need of a work out regimine....

[Jiddy78]

Not all Buddhas are fat. Mostly just the Chinese ones. Indian and Sri Lanka Buddha are very fit. Japanese Buddhas are a little pudgy; in need of a work out regimine....


Anti-semites it is. :cool:

[ryr8828]

Searching.....
Searching.....
Searching all drives for enlightenment.....
Searching all files and folders for enlightenment...
Searching pharmeceuticals for enlightenment...
Not searching hidden files and folders....
Not searching memory.....
Searching foreign drives and files....
Sorry....
Search is complete. There are no results to display.

[Ed Who?]

I just wanted people's thoughts on this type of Buddhism! This is a message from a Buddhist. Its a unique take on Buddhism that is relatively new (established in the 20th Century) that focuses on Universal truths and social justice!

Do we get to run people over in tanks through Tiannemman Square?

[V]

I don't think anything I quoted or said has anything to do with comparing Christianity to Buddhism....I think it has to do with some guy saying he's having a spiritual experience by trying to figure out the goodness in a bunch of Babylonians...but he discreetly excuses himself at the end by implying that this is limited....Because he has no f*cking idea what he's talking about....

Nobody does Jiddy! That's the whole damn point!

[V]

I haven't read your link. But this sounds allot like Zen Buddhism. Like most religion it's just dressed up common sense. Something that is interesting from a socialogical stand point is Japanese Buddhisms focus on singularity, unity, etc.. It grows out of a huge focus on unity (wa) in Japanese culture; it sounds better when you can say that a person goes to heaven if they achieve it...

I always find it a bit comical when people think of the "east" as a great spirital destination. The vast majority of people in Japan couldn't give a shit about Zen or Shinto or Won or Christianity or Mormonism whatever catagory that wacky religion falls into)....

I would say that out of all the responses this thread has gotten, yours was actually the only one truly worth reading.

It is speculated that Jesus went to the East before he was in his final stages of preaching before the crucifixtion. Thomas went to India after Jesus died.

Read. Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Naht Hanh. But you are right, it is an Asian philosophy (Won-Buddhism is actually Korean but Korea and Japan share cultural similarities) "Like most religion it's just dressed up common sense." I would say MOST religions are not and far from dressed up common sense, which is why I am drawn to Buddhism because it gives you techniques to achieve praticality on Jesus' teachings. no time to check sp or grammar

[V]

And it is similar to Zen Buddhism--but not as strict or rigid, less focus is given on legality in Won-Buddhism. But there is a Zen meditation center that I wanted to check out, but I am really happy where I am. MOre than I ever was with a church...

[Hotpapa666]

I would say that out of all the responses this thread has gotten, yours was actually the only one truly worth reading.

It is speculated that Jesus went to the East before he was in his final stages of preaching before the crucifixtion. Thomas went to India after Jesus died.

Read. Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Naht Hanh. But you are right, it is an Asian philosophy (Won-Buddhism is actually Korean but Korea and Japan share cultural similarities) "Like most religion it's just dressed up common sense." I would say MOST religions are not and far from dressed up common sense, which is why I am drawn to Buddhism because it gives you techniques to achieve praticality on Jesus' teachings. no time to check sp or grammar


Speculation is for speculators. I'm not one and don't really give a shit about what Jesus is speculated to have done. Show some documentation if you want to make a point. As far as Thomas goes. It is pretty well documented that he went to India and founded a church there (Hell, there were Jews who were there before him who founded a Temple there around the same time). There is a community of Thomas-following Christians in India who claim to be decendants of the first Indian Christians who have a big Church that, if I remember correctly is in Kerela. They were hanging out at their church one day, when the water receded, revealing the old church that was built by the first followers of Thomas several hundred years prior. They ran out to the church, thinking it was the second coming. Then the wave came and 600 hundred whorshipers were all killed in the Tsunami... Irony.


You want answers on how to live life, religion won't give them. Religion offers common sense dressed up as puzzles. If you think otherwise, then type it out. The teen-like rapt quotes like "I would say MOST religions are not and far from dressed up common sense" mean nothing without examples that being the case.

If meditation improves your life, then meditate. If thinking about the World as unfied, do that. There is no need to shroud personal awareness in a robe of spiritual nonsense.

[V]

Speculation is for speculators. I'm not one and don't really give a shit about what Jesus is speculated to have done. Show some documentation if you want to make a point. As far as Thomas goes. It is pretty well documented that he went to India and founded a church there (Hell, there were Jews who were there before him who founded a Temple there around the same time). There is a community of Thomas-following Christians in India who claim to be decendants of the first Indian Christians who have a big Church that, if I remember correctly is in Kerela. They were hanging out at their church one day, when the water receded, revealing the old church that was built by the first followers of Thomas several hundred years prior. They ran out to the church, thinking it was the second coming. Then the wave came and 600 hundred whorshipers were all killed in the Tsunami... Irony.


You want answers on how to live life, religion won't give them. Religion offers common sense dressed up as puzzles. If you think otherwise, then type it out. The teen-like rapt quotes like "I would say MOST religions are not and far from dressed up common sense" mean nothing without examples that being the case.

If meditation improves your life, then meditate. If thinking about the World as unfied, do that. There is no need to shroud personal awareness in a robe of spiritual nonsense.


They were called Gnostic Christians, and that is a sect of Christianity I subscribe to. I didn't post it, so that you and everybody else who proclaims to be "Christian," can tear Buddhism or Won-Buddhism to shreads.

Here's the thing. I know a lot about the history of Christianity. I have been researching and reading about the history of Christianity for over ten years. Chrisitianity today is NOT what Christianity was originally intended to be. Christianity today...especially, Catholicsim and Evangelical Christianity is a far cry from what Jesus preached. Buddhism is older than Christianity by at least 500 years, and it is through Thomas that Christianity was influenced by buddhism and thus, Gnostic Christianity was born. It was because of Constantine that Gnostic Christianity was considered heresy.

WON-Buddhism was founded in the 20th century in Korea, and it is a new take on Buddhism. Unlike what Jiddy adn RYR implied, they do not "worship" Buddha. They do not "worship" a 'God.' They respect principles and universal laws and truth. Sotesan who founded Won-Buddhism believed all religions had common threads, and through the common thread, the universal truth could be found.

However, Buddhism and Won-Buddhism and practically all Eastern religions are fairly new to me, and I was especially interested in hearing the opinions of what others on this board thought about this new practice (they shun "religion" being used to describe them.)

I have to say though, my Kyomiums (priests) have become very special to me and the temple. They live very frugally, and they are very humble and open to all. They have never not onced forced their beliefs or even bombarded me. Instead they answer my questions, and ask me, 'Well, what do you think it means," etc. They would never tell anyone they are guaranteed Heaven or Hell, they are accepting of all sexes and sexual orientation. Its been a wonderful experience for me. However, I went to them because I was incrediably stressed out due to a horrific car accident, and yes, meditation does help me manage my stress and live in the moment.\

One of the Reverends said to me that she considered becoming a Buddhist Monk, because then she could shave her head and not have to waste time washing her hair, but then she found out that she would have to bow to the male monks, and didn't agree with that. Won-Buddhism is the only "religion" I know of, where women have as much power as men, if not more--by default. 60% of Won-Buddhist priests are women.

Buddhism in general, gives people answers on how to live this life in the moment. Won-Buddhism is less rigid than Tibetan Buddhism or Zen Buddhism. Instead they focus on giving off proper energy. Living life, so that you produce good karma, etc

[ryr8828]

They were called Gnostic Christians, and that is a sect of Christianity I subscribe to. I didn't post it, so that you and everybody else who proclaims to be "Christian," can tear Buddhism or Won-Buddhism to shreads.

Here's the thing. I know a lot about the history of Christianity. I have been researching and reading about the history of Christianity for over ten years. Chrisitianity today is NOT what Christianity was originally intended to be. Christianity today...especially, Catholicsim and Evangelical Christianity is a far cry from what Jesus preached. Buddhism is older than Christianity by at least 500 years, and it is through Thomas that Christianity was influenced by buddhism and thus, Gnostic Christianity was born. It was because of Constantine that Gnostic Christianity was considered heresy.

WON-Buddhism was founded in the 20th century in Korea, and it is a new take on Buddhism. Unlike what Jiddy adn RYR implied, they do not "worship" Buddha. They do not "worship" a 'God.' They respect principles and universal laws and truth. Sotesan who founded Won-Buddhism believed all religions had common threads, and through the common thread, the universal truth could be found.

However, Buddhism and Won-Buddhism and practically all Eastern religions are fairly new to me, and I was especially interested in hearing the opinions of what others on this board thought about this new practice (they shun "religion" being used to describe them.)

I have to say though, my Kyomiums (priests) have become very special to me and the temple. They live very frugally, and they are very humble and open to all. They have never not onced forced their beliefs or even bombarded me. Instead they answer my questions, and ask me, 'Well, what do you think it means," etc. They would never tell anyone they are guaranteed Heaven or Hell, they are accepting of all sexes and sexual orientation. Its been a wonderful experience for me. However, I went to them because I was incrediably stressed out due to a horrific car accident, and yes, meditation does help me manage my stress and live in the moment.\

One of the Reverends said to me that she considered becoming a Buddhist Monk, because then she could shave her head and not have to waste time washing her hair, but then she found out that she would have to bow to the male monks, and didn't agree with that. Won-Buddhism is the only "religion" I know of, where women have as much power as men, if not more--by default. 60% of Won-Buddhist priests are women.

Buddhism in general, gives people answers on how to live this life in the moment. Won-Buddhism is less rigid than Tibetan Buddhism or Zen Buddhism. Instead they focus on giving off proper energy. Living life, so that you produce good karma, etc
The occult.

[V]

The occult.

Uh? No. WOW, where the hell did that come from?

[ryr8828]

Gnostics were around before Christ's birth. Some sects revere snakes. Their teaching of knowledge equals salvation is not Christ's teaching. They believe they have secret mystical knowledge.

Sounds occult to me.

[V]

Gnostics were around before Christ's birth. Some sects revere snakes. Their teaching of knowledge equals salvation is not Christ's teaching. They believe they have secret mystical knowledge.

Sounds occult to me.

Greek Othrodox were considered Gnostics back in the day. Gnostics (means knowning) Christians combined Eastern practices with Jesus' teachings. They meditated, and didn't practice in a "church."

Gnostic Christianity is still around today. There was a Gnostic Church in Madrid that I wanted to to go.

[ryr8828]

Greek Othrodox were considered Gnostics back in the day. Gnostics (means knowning) Christians combined Eastern practices with Jesus' teachings. They meditated, and didn't practice in a "church."

Gnostic Christianity is still around today. There was a Gnostic Church in Madrid that I wanted to to go.

They changed Jesus' teachings into something that they liked better. Beware of the great deceiver.

[V]

They changed Jesus' teachings into something that they liked better. Beware of the great deceiver.

EVERYBODY in Christianity did that! Simon Peter thought Christianity was jsut for the jews and got upset when the apostles travelled topreach. Paul completely morphed Christianity into his own realm, and do not get me started on Catholicism and Evangelicals.


"Christianity" is a great deceiver, but not Jesus.

[ryr8828]

So how does merging Christianity and buddhism stay true to Jesus' teachings?

[V]

So how does merging Christianity and buddhism stay true to Jesus' teachings?

It brings you into the present and makes you take more responsiblity for your own actions and thoughts and feelings, in the present. It teaches you to be still and commune with God. Meditation is a wonderful thing!

[ryr8828]

It sounds like secular humanists embracing spirituality and mysticism, which is a contradiction in itself.

[Jiddy78]

It brings you into the present and makes you take more responsiblity for your own actions and thoughts and feelings, in the present. It teaches you to be still and commune with God. Meditation is a wonderful thing!

You mean I can't blame my fault's on Hillary's smear campaign?

[V]

It sounds like secular humanists embracing spirituality and mysticism, which is a contradiction in itself.

I wouldn't say this is necessarily a wrong statement, minus the contradiction judgement, I would say it is a "religion" for those disliking "religion."

[V]

Do we get to run people over in tanks through Tiannemman Square?

That's a sick comment. Jesus wouldn't be proud of you for saying that.