- NEW!
by j ninja... on November 3rd, 2008
Sure count me in, I need all the help I can get...
by TjoeBaxter is Hot Yo on November 3rd, 2008
sign me up yo:):)!! I need all the prayers and posistive energy I can get:):)
by HelloRe is anxious on November 3rd, 2008
i would definately love to participate! u can always use more encouragement and ppl might dr kuzi find that there ae ALOT of ppl on AB that are uh...well just say not religious but there are just as many who are dont give it up
by jeanie16 on November 3rd, 2008
it sounds like a great idea, all positive thoughts and actions, go towards the greater whole ! :)
by Lori K still ignores stalkers and trolls on November 3rd, 2008
I like the idea, but I'm afraid there will be too much trolling to make it enjoyable. I would, however, give it a chance. :D
by Emikat_is_in_LOCLAB on November 3rd, 2008
I would love to but don't really know how. And you will be doing this it 6:45 in the morning for one half hour?
by Jen-Jen on November 3rd, 2008
Where do I sign up, and can you teach me how to chant? ( I believe I read some where that you know how, but if I'm wrong, please forget I asked)
by Amorphous Blob on November 3rd, 2008
Sure! But how is it "morning"? I don't usually get a chance to log in until lunchtime-ish.
(And who's in charge of passing the collection plate?)
by Galeanda on November 25th, 2008
I really appreciate the offer. I do care about many of the people here, and feel deeply of their happy moments and their sad ones, the difficult things they go through. I do send positive thoughts and prayers as I can And try to do some things on a more personal note as well. How kind of you to want to bring more people together in a small way.
by j ninja... on November 4th, 2008
Rickster before we begin can you tell me what buddist say about God?
Question: "What is Buddhism and what do Buddhists believe?"
Answer: Buddhism is one of the leading world religions in terms of adherents, geographical distribution, and socio-cultural influence. While largely an "Eastern" religion, it is becoming increasingly popular and influential in the Western world as well. It is a unique world religion in its own right though it has much in common with Hinduism in that both can be called "eastern" religions, believing in Karma (cause and effect ethics), Maya (illusory nature of the world), and Samsara (the cycle of reincarnation) among other things. Buddhists believe that the ultimate goal in life is to achieve “enlightenment” as they perceive it to exist.
Its founder Siddhartha Guatama was born into royalty in India nearly 600 years before Christ. As the story goes, he lived luxuriously growing up and even marrying and having children with little exposure to the outside world. His parents intended for him to be spared from influence by religion and any exposure to pain and suffering. However it was not long before his thin shelter was penetrated and he caught a glimpse of an aged man, a sick man, and a corpse. His fourth vision was of a peaceful ascetic monk (one who denies luxury and comfort). Seeing his peacefulness he decided to become an ascetic himself. He abandoned his life of wealth and affluence to pursue enlightenment through austerity. He was very skilled at this sort of self-mortification and intense meditation. He was a leader among his peers. Eventually he let his efforts culminate in one final gesture. He "indulged" himself with one bowl of rice and then sat beneath a fig tree (also called the Bodhi tree) to meditate till he either reached “enlightenment” or died trying. Despite his travails and temptations, by the next morning, he had achieved enlightenment. Thus he became known as the 'enlightened one' or the 'Buddha.' He took his new realization and began to teach his fellow monks, with whom he had already gained great influence. Five of his peers become the first of his disciples.
What had the Gautama discovered? Enlightenment lay in the "middle way," not in luxurious indulgence or self-mortification. Moreover he discovered what would become known as the ‘Four Noble Truths’ – (1) to live is to suffer (Dukha), 2) suffering is caused by desire (Tanha, or "attachment"), 3) one can eliminate suffering by eliminating all attachments, and 4) this is achieved by following the noble eightfold path. The "eightfold path" consists of having a right 1) view, 2) intention, 3) speech, 4) action, 5) livelihood (being a monk), 6) effort (properly direct energies), 7) mindfulness (meditation), and 8) concentration (focus). The Buddha's teachings were collected into the Tripitaka or "three baskets." [Win Corduan, Neighboring Faiths (IVP, 1998): 220-224].
Back of these distinguishing teachings are teachings common to Hinduism, namely Reincarnation, Karma, Maya, and a tendency to understand reality as being Pantheistic in its orientation. Buddhism also offers an elaborate theology of deities and exalted beings. However, like Hinduism, Buddhism can be hard to pin down in regards to its view of God. Some streams of Buddhism could legitimately be called atheistic, while others could be called pantheistic, and still others theistic such as with Pure Land Buddhism. Classical Buddhism, however, tends to be silent on the reality of an ultimate being and is therefore considered atheistic.
Buddhism today is quite diverse. It is roughly divisible into the two broad categories of Theravada (small vessel) and Mahayana (large vessel). Theravada is the monastic form which reserves ultimate enlightenment and nirvana for monks while Mahayana Buddhism extends this goal of enlightenment to the laity as well, that is, to non-monks. Under these categories can be found numerous branches including Tendai, Vajrayana, Nichiren, Shingon, Pure Land, Zen, and Ryobu among others. Therefore it is important for outsiders seeking to understand Buddhism that they not presume to know all the details of a particular school of Buddhism when all they have studied is classical historic Buddhism. (Corduan, 230).
It is important to be aware that the Buddha never considered himself to be a god, or a divine being of any type. Rather, he considered himself to be a ‘way-shower' for others. Only after his death was he exalted to god-like status by some of his followers, though not all of his followers viewed him that way. With Christianity however, it is stated quite clearly in the Bible that Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 3:17 “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”) and that He and God are one (John 10:30 “I and my Father are one”). One cannot rightfully consider himself or herself a Christian without professing faith in Jesus as God.
Jesus taught that He is the way, and not simply one who showed the way as John 14:6 confirms, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me." By the time Guatama died, Buddhism had become a major influence in India; three hundred years after his death Buddhism had spread so far that it encompassed most of Asia. The scriptures and sayings attributed to the Buddha were written about four hundred years after his death. This delayed period between his death and the writing or commentary containing his message allows for several scholarly challenges to arise over the authenticity and reliability of Buddhist scriptures.
The Buddha lived and died well before the time of Jesus. His travels never took him more than a couple of hundred kilometers from his home. The Bible and its message do not appear to have been known by the Buddha, and in fact he never spoke of God, or Jesus; consequently, Buddhists generally don’t speak out for God as Christians do. In its classical form, Buddhism does not speak of any personal God or Divine Being.
Sin is largely understood to be ignorance. And where it is understood as somehow "moral error," the context in which "evil" and "good" are understood is amoral. Karma is understood as nature's balance and is not personally enforced. Nature isn't moral; therefore karma is not a moral code, and sin is not ultimately moral. Thus we can say, by Buddhist thought, that our error is never ultimately moral since it is ultimately just an impersonal mistake and not an interpersonal violation. The consequence of this understanding is devastating. For the Buddhist, sin is more akin to a typo than to transgression against the nature of omnipotent God. This understanding of sin does not accord with the innate moral consciousness that men stand condemned because of their sin before a holy God (Rom. 1-2).
Since sin is an impersonal and fixable error, it does not agree with the doctrine of depravity, basic doctrine of Christianity. The Bible tells us man's sin is a problem of eternal and infinite consequence. Buddhist views of sin do not compare. Therefore there is no need for a Savior to rescue people from their damning sins. For the Christian, Jesus is the only means of rescue from eternal damnation from our personal (and imputed) sins. For the Buddhist there is only ethical living and meditative appeals to exalted beings for the hope of perhaps achieving enlightenment and ultimate Nirvana. But more than likely one will have to go through a number of reincarnations to pay off their vast accumulation of karmic debt. For the true followers of Buddhism the religion is a philosophy of morality and ethics, encapsulated within a life of renunciation of the ego-self. One may appeal to countless Boddhisatvas ("Buddhas in the making") or Buddhas (Gautama is later viewed as being one among many Buddhas) (Ibid., 229). But ultimately reality is impersonal and non-relational; therefore it is not loving. Not only is God seen as illusory, but in dissolving sin into non-moral error and by rejecting all material reality as maya ("illusion"), even we ourselves lose our "selves." Personality itself becomes an illusion.
When asked how the world started, who/what created the universe, the Buddha is said to have kept silent because in Buddhism there is no beginning and no end. Instead there is an endless circle of birth and death. One would have to ask what kind of Being created us to live, endure so much pain and suffering, and then die, over and over again? It may cause one to contemplate, what’s the point, why bother? Christians know that God sent His Son to die for us, just the one time, so that we don’t have to suffer for an eternity. He sent His Son to give us the knowledge that we aren’t alone, and that we are loved. Christians know there is more to life than suffering, and dying (2 Timothy 1:10 “… but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
Buddhism teaches that Nirvana is the highest state of being, a state of pure being. And it is achieved by means relative to the individual. Nirvana defies rational explanation and logical ordering and therefore cannot be taught, only realized. Jesus in contrast was quite specific. He taught us that our physical bodies die but our souls ascend to be with Him in heaven (Mark 12:25) “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” For Buddhists there is no merciful Father in heaven who sent His Son to die for our souls, for our salvation, to provide the way for us to reach His glory. The Buddha taught that people don’t have individual souls for the individual self or ego is an illusion.
by Don Gorgeous George on November 3rd, 2008
Wait are you the Buddhist? That sounds like a good idea, but I pretty busy.
by Little Miss Dangerous on November 3rd, 2008
Sure would, but can morning be like midnight my time? lol
by Candygirl on November 3rd, 2008
count me in, I need it!!
by its me_im back_lol on November 26th, 2008
hey Rick- I'm in :)
by Inquisitive minds want to know... on November 25th, 2008
this is exactly where I need to be....thanks for showing me!
by Elaine on November 25th, 2008
Sure! email is in my profile :)
by Firebrand on November 25th, 2008
Yes I am interested Rick.
The only problem is when is morning? I have been back in England this week, and will probably be here for another 3 months at least.
How are we going to synchronise this energy?
by mamamc on November 25th, 2008
sounds good to me
by Bsweet. on November 25th, 2008
yes ill sign up please.:)
by sm00z on November 15th, 2008
Count me in, my friend. I am willing to help others and I can sure use some help myself at times.
by abby has super sneaky ninja skilz on November 15th, 2008
count me in rickster :) i'm working alot now but i will check in every chance i get....but i will not forget every morning~hugs
by redcatt63 is around here somewhere...... on November 11th, 2008
Here I am, Rickster! While I'm not an athiest, I'm not a regular church-going/praying/meditating type. But, if it's all about positive energy, we can all use a little of that! So much negativity/hatred I see on here on AB every day, it's nice to see some positive!
by meowry on November 11th, 2008
Me! *raises hand*
by VS Angel aka Mrs. Stealth Intelligence on November 6th, 2008
This is awesome and the best idea I've seen on AB.
I'm busy, but very interested.
There are so many people I pray for everyday and would love to participate in your group.
Thanks for your email.
Please email me with the time/details.
I am on EST.
:D
by Rock the dance floor on November 4th, 2008
That sounds awesome, count me in! I love positive energy!
by KayJ on November 4th, 2008
This is fantastic, Count me in!!
by Miss Anubis loves this season on November 4th, 2008
Absolutely, I prefer positive energy any day! I may need some guidance - I've never done this before. :)
by Trisha Had her baby on November 4th, 2008
i would love too!!!!!
by jas on November 3rd, 2008
What a wonderful idea! Count me in, 6:45a.m. EST it is. Thank you!
by Wickels on December 10th, 2008
I'm all for this!
Thanks, Rickster, for the email alerting me to this. Things are going well, but my new job doens't allow for me to spend most of my work time on AB as my last job did. Other than that, it rocks, though!!
by Nemesis on December 7th, 2008
I would like to join. i'm meditating for 2 yrs now and i've discovered a huge knowledge about life :)
by herecomesred2 on November 26th, 2008
I would be honored.
by Bull wears a COAT of many colours on November 11th, 2008
Since this is a global website, it's always morning somewhere. So, somebody should always be praying. Sounds like a good thing to me.
by chenina on November 11th, 2008
How does it work b/c as I am praying I need to stay focused and move a lot. It's a great thing you are doing. Getting people to pray is always a positive.
by LoggyBren on November 10th, 2008
Rickster, I will join your group. I had to put some thought into it. So, here I am. I'm awake early in the mornings at least three days a week when I work. My time now is 2:36 eastern standard time. Let me know what the time will be.:)
by Ed the Jetpacking Headbanger on November 9th, 2008
I found a good video we can watch while in prayer.
by Alex-ALi on November 9th, 2008
hi RIck,, i am all for meditating, but praying in the conventional Christian sense I don't feel comfortable with, it is more just sending out positive energy because I can do that :)
by pam i am on November 9th, 2008
Connect with you all tomorrow at 6:45am EST:) Glad to be a part of positive energy work.
by Alex-ALi on November 9th, 2008
what a gem! would love to - lets all being by saying fuck what everyone thinks about you, the inner self is important, and we should love ourselves as much as one another, without ourselves we have pig all...love you Rick, mwa...i'm drinking Green Tea and it makes me feel awesome! try greeeen teaa! x Here are some pictures to inspire
by LeeLee Chickybabe Avenger SLAB on November 8th, 2008
I'd love to! You know I'm there Ricky!
by Starmaster on November 8th, 2008
Yes! What can I do?
by Lovely on November 8th, 2008
sure sounds good!!
by honeychild on November 8th, 2008
Sure, this looks like fun.
by coffeemaniac can cry on November 8th, 2008
Absolutely, I'll be joining you in your evening prayer/meditation as often as I am allowed here.
by FreshApples on November 8th, 2008
sure buddy count me in
by ConservativelyLiberal on November 8th, 2008
I'd join in except I'm not nearly positive enough.
by Chris on November 8th, 2008
Yes, I would like to celebrate our deep thoughts.
For they bring us places! And they bring us closer together.Remember, at one time, they were crazy thoughts, but, the staff felt we needed to keep digging !
And so we started thinking deeply, and here we are! Gotta love it !
by technios on November 6th, 2008
I might not make it there on time but my participation is there in spirit... I sort of do my own thing spiritually
by Chingles on November 5th, 2008
I'm in! That's very thoughtful of you Rick.
by angelzz on November 5th, 2008
Wow, what an awesome idea.
May be a lil tough on the school schedule, but whenever I can, sure thing.
Everybody needs a little enlightening for the day :)
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You're reading I would like to start a morning inter-faith prayer/meditation group on AB. Would you like to participate? (nb: The purpose is to generate positive energy in helping ourselves and others break through difficult challenges and to reach important goals. :)
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Comments
Awesome! Not sure of time zones, but I do so at 6:45 (am) EST for 30 minutes each morning M-F and the start time varies on the weekend (Fri./Sat.). Sound OK js?
by Rickster is victorious on November 3rd, 2008
6:45??? Sure I'll stay up,, How about 6:00am.
by j ninja... on November 3rd, 2008
PS Feel free to e-mail me for support with this, if needed!
by Rickster is victorious on November 3rd, 2008
If that is better for you, I'll do it js
by Rickster is victorious on November 3rd, 2008
No it sounds like almost everyone is happy with 6:45 am. I don't get off work til 3:00am. So I'll just stay up a little longer. Is Ab. going to let you do this?
by j ninja... on November 3rd, 2008
What we do on our time is our business js.
by Rickster is victorious on November 3rd, 2008
You figure it out and I'll be there...:)
by j ninja... on November 3rd, 2008
Do on your own time, at the same time (6:15) preferably, and we'll have the spiritual connection and energy happening!
by Rickster is victorious on November 3rd, 2008
I'm excited... When do we start? Off to work I go, leave message and I'll read it at 3:30. Thank care!!
by j ninja... on November 3rd, 2008
Tuesday 6:45 am...thanks for going out of your way...staying up to do so js!
by Rickster is victorious on November 3rd, 2008
Thank you and I'll be there in 2 hr.s and 45 min. :).... hmmm this should be interesting....☺
by j ninja... on November 4th, 2008
Hope you were able to participate today js! I did!
by Rickster is victorious on November 4th, 2008
Well I stayed up and looked everywhere, the bag, your profile, my email and looked until 7:30, I gave up and went to bed. I think it will be have great if I could have found you. But only had 4 hr.s sleep and have to go work a 12 hr. shift. I think I might have to pass on this, both time frame's and work schedule does not work out. Good luck in your goals and journey..
by j ninja... on November 4th, 2008
Oh sorry js. We do so on our own, at the same time or when convenient. It is flexible. Maybe that will work better for you. If not, that's cool.
by Rickster is victorious on November 4th, 2008
Well in that case I'll have to find out what I'm doing and what it is.. before I can join in on what I'm suppose to be doing. :)
by j ninja... on November 4th, 2008
Cool. Pray, chant or meditate for 30 minutes for yourself and/or others, focusing on breaking through difficult struggles or attaining important goals. That’s it.
by Rickster is victorious on November 4th, 2008
I do that most of my waking hr's, so I guess I'm off to a good start.. ☺
by j ninja... on November 4th, 2008
I prayed for you this morning js.
by Rickster is victorious on November 5th, 2008
and I thank you sir,, ☺
by j ninja... on November 5th, 2008
PS Feel free to invite your favorite AB friends here js. The greater joy we will no doubt reach together! :)
by Rickster is victorious on November 5th, 2008
Sincere and consistent daily prayer for self and others, is a path to self-fulfillment and a more peaceful, joyous world!
Rick
(PS I am thrilled to be your friend in prayer:)
by Rickster is victorious on November 7th, 2008
and I as well :)
by j ninja... on November 7th, 2008
Thanks!
by Rickster is victorious on November 7th, 2008
Oh I have a question... Why do you chant?
by j ninja... on November 7th, 2008
It is prayer and with consistent faith and study, it helps me live in harmony with the laws of the universe and reach my highest potential js
by Rickster is victorious on November 7th, 2008
Hmmmm I really do have to look into this. Thanks ☺
by j ninja... on November 7th, 2008
Chanting? If so, see sgi-usa.org, js
by Rickster is victorious on November 7th, 2008
well do.
by j ninja... on November 7th, 2008
i dunno whether to say "amen" or "jai" but ya, i agree. i need all the help i can get.
by Isha on November 8th, 2008
FYI js: I also pray (chant) at 7 pm EST evenings (19:00), if you want to really accelerate the positive outcomes in your life! Up for it?
by Rickster is victorious on November 9th, 2008
Nope working then.. I don't think they would appreciate me chanting while I'm making heart kits.. They might think I'm putting a voodoo one it or something (wink)
by j ninja... on November 9th, 2008
I'm still trying to study up on this Buddhist thing.
by j ninja... on November 9th, 2008
This will help js: http://www.amazon.com/Buddha-Daily-Life-Richard-Causton/dp/071267456X
by Rickster is victorious on November 9th, 2008
When I go to the book store,, never bought anything on the internet.
by j ninja... on November 9th, 2008
A fellow group member posed this important question, which I wanted to share: "Do you have people post comments after wards?"
by Rickster is victorious on November 11th, 2008
And where would they post them?
by j ninja... on November 12th, 2008
Right here is fine js.
by Rickster is victorious on November 15th, 2008
Sorry I didn't understand the question, but now I get it! "DAH" me.
by j ninja... on November 15th, 2008
lmao...no DAH's here js! :)
by Rickster is victorious on November 15th, 2008
> ☺ <
by j ninja... on November 15th, 2008
By the way js, my wish is that you lift your heart each day in prayer, chanting or meditation, so that your absolute "higher self" shines forth in your life!
by Rickster is victorious on November 17th, 2008
Thank you and you as well Rickster. ☺
by j ninja... on November 18th, 2008
Thanks js!
by Rickster is victorious on November 18th, 2008
Hi js! How is your prayer life? I'm praying for you daily!
(PS My son has reached and important goal, for which he worked and saved for all summer long. I thought I would share it with you.:)
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1106641
by Rickster is victorious on November 23rd, 2008
Hi js! While we are busy during the holidays and praying/mediating for ourselves and so many others, would you please take a moment and pray or meditate for your fellow AB inter-faith prayer/meditation group members? (nb: I will be doing so for you.) My sincere thanks. I am honored to have you here.
Peace, love & hugs!
Rick
by Rickster is victorious on December 7th, 2008
Peace, love & hugs my friend and Thank you. ~_~
by j ninja... on December 7th, 2008
:):):)
by Rickster is victorious on December 7th, 2008
where do you guys live?
by Isha on December 17th, 2008
Isha: I'm in western Massachusetts. And you?
by Rickster is victorious on December 17th, 2008
Philippines.
by Isha on December 23rd, 2008
Wonderful Isha!
by Rickster is victorious on December 23rd, 2008