catholic to buddhist

[shivvy]

I was raised as a catholic but have never been able to identify with this religion. Even as a child I couldn't believe what I was being taught. This was not made any better when I went to a convent boarding school where I saw the wickedness of many nuns toward children. As an adult, I have not been able to identify with most of their (quite obvious) opinions re divorce, contraception etc.

I really feel the need to disassociate myself from the catholic religion and whereas when I was younger I thought that I didn't want any religion in my life, I now think that I would be interested in a religion that I could identify with re my lifestyle and life choices. Buddhism seems to fit this bill but my knowledge of it is narrow.
What is the process for becoming a buddhist, is it about how you live your life, what are the worshipping principles etc.
All info/ideas/opinions welcome.
Thanks

[Whickerman]

http://www.godulike.co.uk/az.php

Have a look here. Keep seeking, you'll find your own truth.

[naomi24]

Of all the religions, Buddhism seems to me to be the nearest to the truth. It's gentle and caring. To give you an example, I went to Sri Lanka shortly after the Tsunami struck. The island was in a truly desperate plight - far worse than I could have ever imagined - but even so, the people still found time to hang flags across the streets to show their sympathy for those of the Catholic faith on the death of the pope.

[Theland]

Buddhism does not, I believe, address the problem of wrongdoing, wickedness, what the Bible calls, "sin."
It teaches reincarnation, and ultimately, Nirvana, a state of non existence.
I find that sad, and absurd.

[Whickerman]

Theland - have respect for others' beliefs!

The points you raise are valid to you, but to others are just as absurd to them. Some of us try to have conversations but without lowering ourselves to disrespectful states. Be strong in your faith, but allow others do the same please.

[naomi24]

Theland, you need to do some homework. The word 'nirvana' comes from Sanskrit and means 'extinction', but in Buddhism it means extinction of passion, hatred, anger, ignorance, delusion and earthly suffering. Buddhism is a religion older than Christianity and nirvana is the highest spiritual level a person can attain.

Whilst Buddhism doesn't threaten people with eternal damnation to hell if they don't repent their 'sins' through Jesus Christ, it does address wrong-doing in as much as its followers believe they are reincarnated time and time again, learning new lessons in each new life, in the process of achieving that for which they strive - perfect spiritual enlightenment - nirvana.

As you know, I believe man, and the church, have twisted Jesus's message into something it wasn't meant to be, and it wouldn't surprise me if he had studied Buddhism at some time - perhaps during all those years of his youth and early adulthood when we hear nothing of him. Could the Wise Men from the east who visited at his birth have had a hand in his education? I don't know, and neither does anyone else, but it's possible. However, I expect you'd find that idea sad and absurd too.

[Theland]

Am I wrong for thinking that Buddhism is centred around "self" and not God?