Interfaith Dating for Buddhists
Advantages of Interfaith Dating with Buddhists: You may want to date a Buddhist once you learn some of the vows in Buddhism. They include not finding fault with others, accommodating others' wishes, and giving victory and accepting defeat. Of course, not all Buddhists are living up to their vows, and I think some students are just making up their own list. Still, a serious practitioner should be relatively easy to get along with. Plus, even if you have to break up with them, they can't blame you. Feeling any pressure to convert should also not be an issue because Buddhism is not a proselytizing religion. Buddhists can get married, but being single is not stigmatized in any way so Buddhism can help people feel less pressured about relationships which may be more pleasant for everybody.
Disadvantages of Interfaith Dating with Buddhists: Depending on your lifestyle, you may encounter some disadvantages in dating a Buddhist. There are vows in Buddhism to avoid intoxicants which some students interpret as using no alcohol. Personally, a cup of Starbucks coffee affects my mood more than a couple ounces of wine with dinner, but even this standard means you usually can't order a full bottle of wine when you're dining for two. Similarly, not all Buddhists are vegetarians, but the tradition puts other creatures on an equal footing with humans which may be problematic for some people of different faiths.
The biggest problems can often be avoided if Buddhists just behave themselves. Buddhism stresses behaving naturally even while you're working on spiritual attainments that most of society might not understand. You're not supposed to be alarming people with your realizations about emptiness when they're just asking you to pass the salt.
As long as you're comfortable knowing that your partner is focused on ending their cycle of countless rebirths, it may not be a problem that only one of you even believes in rebirth. On the other hand, there can be serious conflicts for couples, especially if children are involved, so you may want to look ahead when you consider interfaith dating so you don't discover your incompatibility too late to avoid a more painful separation.
Interfaith dating with Buddhists can be an enlightening experience if you're comfortable with the basic vows of Buddhism.
Published by Anne Wright
Freelance writer and longtime student of Buddhism and nonprofit professional. As an AC Featured Arts & Entertainment Contributor, she draws on her experience in development and managerial positions with n... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a Commentexcellent info
Having written quite a few articles on Buddhism for AC, I was wondering what you'd have to say. I think you handled this topic very well, with insight and humor. Thanks.
Very interesting and informative. Thank you!