Looking for a basis for belief... possibly a buddhist question?

[lunavix]

Although don't ask me why I think that!

Basically, I've thought for a while that it would benefit me to have some kind of basis of what I believe in, not that I really believe in much if I'm entirely honest.

I've posted about this before, quite a while back, but nothing suggested really struck me, and it's occured to me now that I've really been actively seeking something, but I have no idea what that is. I have some very devout Christian friends, and I envy them for their belief and also the 'community' feel to it, but to be honest (this sounds terrible!) I'm not entirely sure I believe in Christianity as a whole.

To be honest, I guess I'm looking for something that's more about 'doing' than 'done' - there's so much strict 'Bible' parts to what my friends do and I have a lot of problems with that.

I've always had a minor interest in Buddhism, I've felt perhaps drawn to it, but I don't know much about it really.

In essence, I believe that there is some form of 'higher power' or 'up there type thing' Prayer and meditation are things I'm comfortable with, even enjoy. I'd like to not feel like I'm doing wrong by it, by watching a movie with guns and violence, like others I know do, and -possibly one of my strongest urges- I have a very strong deep down feeling of needing to atone for things in my past.

Yes -sigh- I doubt anyone can help but I need to get that off my chest!

oK I am just going to be blunt, cause I think thats what your after. the higher power your talking about is the Holy Spirit, who has been trying to urge you towards God, the more you pull yourself away the lower and more your reaching out for something more. I did it, Yoga , martial arts, worship the sun all that jazz.read every herbal remedy book. watched the stars......high on drugs,.....need I say more. It took me 26 years of that. Tiresome isnt it. give yourself a break and talk to God. What have you got to lose.oh and it wont be lighting forks either, just incase your waiting for that.

I would like to recommend to you the Journey by Brandon Bays,
It helped me lots,
good luck

watching with interest

have had similar 'wonders' but am more between buddhist and spiritualist belief i think, am still trying to see if any "fit" me.

I'm not a Buddhist but my DH is interested in it so I've picked up a bit. Its quite different to most religions, in fact it can be said to be more of a philosophy than a religion. Buddhists don't believe in 'higher powers' and are not dogmatic - the teachings are all open to question. It is very much about 'doing' - meditating to work on your mind. They really do seem to be able to achieve altered states of consciousness - (which I suspect is what most 'spiritual' experiences by other means are about too really -thats just my take on it as a sceptic!)

There are various buddhist centres around the country which do 'introduction to meditation' type things, judging from leaflets my DH occasionally brings home. Its probably something you have to try rather than read about.

You might also find it helpful to have a look at the British Humanist Association website and literature. Having a moral, ethical and philosophical framework you are comfortable with doesn't necessarily need to involve supernatural beings.

may i also suggest that you consider that 'faith' and religeon two seperate things.

you can have faith in god - whatever god you chose - god is god and thats that. you can speak to him whenever you like.

and you dont have to be dogmatic about anything. what i think most christians have lost sight of is that jesus simply wasn't what we have structured him to be for our worshipping purposes.

so dont want to frighten you off with over christian speak - becuase it can come accross as happy clappy praise the lord SAAAAAAAAAAAAAve your soul bollocks - but simply start by just taking ONE minute and talk to your higher being.

madamez can you give more of a clue or should i just go away and find my search engine

Gigglewitch... I bookmarked it for something this morning :
www.humanism.org.uk/site/cms/

thank u! will go see

Oops, just went and got the link but emsmum already supplied it. If you're basically more comfortable with the idea of a higher being it might not be for you, but it might be of interest anyway.