Buddhism in Our News, Our Country, and Our Lives
Buddhism is No Longer a Far-away, Exotic Way of Life
I once wrote an article, "You Don't Have to Be Buddhist to Appreciate Buddhism: A Guide to Buddhism for Non-Buddhists" as an index to my online articles on Buddhism. In it, I stressed my appreciation for Buddhism, although I am not a Buddhist:
Of all spiritual traditions, Buddhism seems less concerned with demanding that others accept its teachings, although those teachings have much to offer, again, not to take the place of your teachings but to enrich your life and spirituality. So, feel free to read these articles of mine about Buddhism. You will not be pressured to change your beliefs, but you may find your path, your own path, enriched by treasures that I have enjoyed learning about from the spiritual riches of Buddhism.
Buddhism in the News
"Planes, Trains, Cable Cars: It's Buddhist News" - There is more to Buddhism in the news than just Tiger Woods.
"Skateboards, Eye Donations, Monks, Inc., And a Very Cool Buddha" - Buddhists do more than ring temple bells and burn incense.
"Fox News Tells Tiger Woods: Drop Buddhism" - Fox News commentator Brit Hume advised Tiger Woods, "Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery."
Buddhism in our Country
"Do Buddhists Worship Idols?" - When Buddhists kneel before a statue of the Buddha, they do not worship an idol, any more than patriots worship their flag when they salute it.
"Buddhists in the United States Military" - For some people, the idea of Buddhists serving in the military seems to be a contradiction. Tell that to a Buddhist US military chaplain.
"Buddhism and Vegetarianism" - There are at least three different answers to the question about Buddhist vegetarianism.
"How to Find a Free 'Buddhist Bible' Online" - There is no one book with a role in Buddhism comparable to the role of the single "holy book" of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
"A Buddhist Santa Claus?" - There are two reasons that many Buddhists typically do not have a problem wishing "Merry Christmas" or participating in other aspects of the holiday season.
Buddhism in my Life
It amazes me how much Buddhist activity there is here in Florida where I live. There's more to my home than that exploitative rodent in Orlando.
"Tampa Bay's Seventh Annual Change Your Mind Day" - For the seventh year, the Buddhist Peace Fellowship of Tampa Bay is sponsoring "Change Your Mind Day," bringing together Buddhists of all varieties and non-Buddhists.
"The Tampa Weekly Thai Food Festival" (article) and "Tampa's Weekly Thai Food Festival" (slideshow) - A Buddhist temple and monastery in Tampa hosts a weekly Thai food festival where you can enjoy great food and friendly people in a charming riverside setting.
May all beings - as Buddhists pray - be happy!Published by Michael Segers
I'm old enough to know better, but too young to admit it. I've been a teacher, owner of a sandwich shop, collector of neckties, acupuncture student. Now I get bossed around by my parrot and rejoice that I d... View profile
- 'Glenntertainment' to Leave Fox News Before End of the YearGlenn Beck will be leaving Fox News before the end of the year. I think this will be a loss of entertainment for the network.
- Fox News Calls Jon Stewart a Racist and Stewart Strikes BackStewart built a verbal wall of erroneous statements and stories presented and repeatedly perpetrated by Fox News, then the Fox collective decided that their best shot at the "liberal" comedian was to question his fair...
- A Vacation Guide to Tampa BayPlanning on a trip to Florida? Instead of choosing one of the heavily crowded tourist spots or spring break getaways, such as Daytona Beach or Miami, why not try the beautiful Tampa Bay area? Read on to learn about s...
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays Become "The Rays"The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have begun their reinvention process by shortening their moniker to "Rays." - NFL Team History: The Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers originally owned by Ted McCloskey was added to the National Football League in 1976.
- Best Bookstores for Buddhist Books in Bangkok, Thailand: Want to Learn More About...
- Hinduism Vs. Buddhism
- Mahayana: The Buddhism of Bodhisattvas
- You Don't Have to Be Buddhist to Appreciate Buddhism
- The Tampa Weekly Thai Food Festival
- 2008 World Series Preview: The Tampa Bay Rays
- Stewart, Chris Wallace Prove Ably Matched Opponents in Fox News Showdown
27 Comments
Post a CommentWonderful!
great article
Very pleasing to read, Michael. No religion promotes violence but some followers misinterpret the teachings - sort of more loyal than the king himself! There can be only one creator and we are all one and the same in every way. I believe if one does good to others, the returns in terms of peace and brotherhood just grows in geometric proportion. All religious teachings should promote a lifestyle filled with love. then all our problems will disappear overnight! I do hope to read your articles soon; thanks for the link - siva
You're right. The very foundation of Buddhism is uplifting when people follow their beliefs. Christianity is the same...however, not everyone follows it to a T. (I never understood religious wars..it seemed a contradiction.)
Well written and insightful, great job on this.
We have sponsored a Tibetan Buddhist student in India through his college education. WE have enjoyed a wonderful friendship with this young man for many years
Well, at least they haven't bombed anybody lately.
Great collection of your Buddhist articles. I remember when Brit Hume "advised" Tiger to become a Christian. In many ways, Jesus upheld many Buddhist principles.
There is a lot of wisdom in Buddhism. Thanks for these articles.
There is a lot of wisdom in Buddhism. Thanks for these articles.