And so it begins...

This blog is the beginning of a new journey that my husband and I are taking. We are 30 somethings feeling our way through Buddhism. For several years, we were what some people call "Nightstand Buddhists." This refers to reading about Buddhism and discovering things that you'd like to change or discover within yourself. Most people in this stage keep copies of books on their nightstand, usually reading before sleep to maybe have more profound dreams? Who knows.

My husband and I have progressed past this stage and found a wonderful Buddhist temple, where we can participate and learn through weekly dharma talks. Having a Judeo-Christian upbringing, I compare dharma talks to sermons. Unlike sermons, dharma talks encourage questions and discussions. For example, today during a dharma talk about the Pure Land, a member raised her hand and stated that she didn't believe in the Pure Land as she didn't believe in Heaven, therefore she was confused. Our reverend stopped his speech and as a group we openly discussed the differences in Pure Land belief just within our group at the temple.

It was acceptable that she didn't believe in it as an after-death place, because others agreed and thought it was more similar to attaining that "perfect moment" or what the world would be like if everyone was more compassionate and let go of their egos. With most of the people in our temple, most come from some form of Judeo-Christian upbringing and are in need of something else. Something in their lives doesn't fit into that blind faith anymore; their questions need answers. Buddhism allows you to question, constantly.

This acceptability within a "religion" is what made the difference to my husband and I. The fact that we could have differing opinions and discuss our ideas or questions with others in an open-minded atmosphere was the "cherry on top."


We are going to use this blog as a way to discuss ideas or questions we may have with each other or anyone who feels compelled to comment. I will say that those who do leave comments, if you choose to say hurtful things about anyone's opinion, it won't be posted or it will be deleted. I want the discussions to be just that, discussions. We may just find a way to enlighten each other!