Tiger Woods Hopes Buddhism Will Help Him Put His Life Back Together

In his public apology, Tiger Woods spoke about Buddhism, and how he hopes his renewed faith will help him put his life back together.

Tiger Woods explained that he had been raised with Buddhism, but that he had drifted from his childhood faith. He hopes that applying the principles of Buddhism will go a long way towards repairing his marriage as well as his public image.

As Tiger Woods explains, "Buddhism teaches that a creation of things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously, I lost track of what I was taught." (as reported by CNN)

Buddhist scholars generally agree with Tiger Woods' description of the faith. As Janet Gyatso explains, "Craving causes unhappiness. That's a fundamental Buddhist idea."

Allan Lokos, another Buddhist teacher, suggests that Tiger Woods apply Buddhist meditations, be more mindful, and try to make amends. He talks about the need for personal responsibility. ""All beings are the owners of their actions." (as reported by New York Daily News).

Many famous figures, including Kate Bosworth, Leonard Cohen, Goldie Hawn, Oliver Stone, Uma Thurman, and Alice Walker have sought solace in Buddhism. (Adherents.Com has a more extensive list of famous Buddhists).

Another of Buddhism's most famous adherents is Tina Turner. In the movie What's Love Got To Do WIth It? her sister introduces her to the principles of Buddhism in order to give her the strength to leave her abusive husband, Ike Turner.

Yet not everyone believes that Buddhism is the right path for Tiger Woods. FOX's Brit Hume suggests that Tiger Woods convert to Christianity, arguing that only Christianity will offer him the full redemption and forgiveness he needs (CNN).

Whatever path Tiger Woods takes, hopefully it will give him the strength and character to repair his marriage, his career, and his public image.

Sources:

Tiger Woods' apology brings new attention to Buddhism, CNN

Buddhist suggests that Tiger Woods meditate, be more mindful to repair damaged marriage, New York Daily News

Famous Buddhists, Adherents.Com