At my Catholic high school, my favorite choice of uniform (yes, we had a choice!) was my plaid skirt (opposed to the grey kilt), with a white oxford shirt, white knee socks and platform penny loafers (no pennies). Look past my penny loafers, and let me tell you that along with the dress code of Catholicism came a wealth of religious knowledge: I could rattle off the gospels in my sleep (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), received four out of the seven Holy Sacraments (I used to pretend I was chewing the host before 2nd grade), and recite the Hail Mary in Spanish.
Though I wouldn't currently consider myself a practicing Catholic, I still take pride in the community in which I spent so many years of my youth. From little on up, I went to church on Sundays and didn't eat meat on the Fridays of Lent. I often miss the traditions that truly did shape my life but, beyond that, I now marvel at the wealth of religious information I obtained during those years. It was never a choice to learn about Jesus, the Bible and the saints (until I was old enough to decide for myself, sometime shortly near the end of high school), and years were spent in classrooms and in a community of people bound by ties of rosaries and Our Father's. Remembering those times are good memories for me, not at all bound by hostility or contempt. My path has just lead me to explore other thoughts and beliefs systems and, yes, other religions and spiritual communities.
According to Wiki, Buddhism is "a family of beliefs and practices variously described as religious, spiritual and philosophical." Though truly familiar with "3 in 1" concepts (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit anyone?), perhaps it's the complexity of the system and openness of interpretation in Buddhism (that I personally feel Catholicism lacked), that presents a challenge for me as I navigate the newness of this belief system and trade the path of schooling from 18 years in a classroom to 18 pages of "Awakening the Buddha Within" on the subway ride to work.
Wiki goes on to further explain that, "Buddhists use various methods to liberate themselves and others from the suffering of worldly existence. These include: ethical conduct and altruism; devotional practices; ceremonies; the invocation of bodhisattvas; renunciation; meditation; the cultivation of mindfulness and wisdom; and physical exercises." Anyone who has been following my blog knows that I am a big supporter of mindfulness and at least try to put it into practice. Meditation is also something I've dabbled in (I twice attended meditation classes at the local Shambhala Meditation Center, after both times feeling rejuvenated and relaxed, during one time being asked to perform an exercise where I listened to a complete stranger speak about anything they wanted for 5 minutes while looking them straight in the eye without nodding, smiling, or politely saying 'mmm-hmm, that's nice, tell me more'. It was an exercise on listening and actually had an eye opening effect - try it!) Similarly, anyone who has been following me in real life knows that I practice (and practice, practice) yoga at least 3 times a week, so I love that Buddhism acknowledges physical exercise as a tool for spiritual growth.
I suppose it's the rest I'm curious about - the devotional practices and ceremonies, the invocation of bodhisattvas (I can't really even remember what those are, even though I just read about that today!) and Buddhist history in general (although there is even more than one branch of Buddhism!) Some parts I get, some parts I don't.
However, I may take it upon myself to assume that Buddha would respect and bless an ability to recognize what is good for you and what may not be good for you at this time. I feel that beliefs can be taken from a spiritual buffet - a little meditation and physical activity on this plate and perhaps a little renunciation in that bowl; a little Sunday mass mixed lightly with mantras for dessert. Can I combine the traditions of the religion of my youth with new ideas I learn about the spiritual and religious beliefs of cultures and community in which I am less familiar, but can relate to certain ways? I think so. I think I've always thought so. Thus my hesitation to ever call myself one thing or the other. But I've always been the variety show kind of girl.
I'm still learning about Buddhism. Perhaps I'm learning about it in hopes of learning more about myself, or to reestablish a sense of spiritual community, or for the comforting ideas it provides me, such as this one:
Leave everything as it is in fundamental simplicity, and clarity will arise by itself. Only by doing nothing will you do all there is to be done...
- Khyentse Rinpoche
Or prayers, such as this:
May all beings be happy, content , and fulfilled.
May all beings be healed and whole.
May all have whatever they want and need.
May all be protected from harm, and free from fear.
May all beings enjoy inner peace and ease.
May all be awakened, liberated, and free.
May there be peace in this world, and throughout the entire universe.
Amen, Namaste, Hallelujah, Om Shanti Shanti Shati.
Enjoy!
Julie
Post Script: I went to yoga class in between writing this entry. At the end of every practice you sit with your legs crossed, bow your head, and bring your hands to your heart to give thanks. Admittedly I had been letting my mind wander about writing this piece and the similarities and possible combinations of the religious beliefs I've been exploring. So I crossed, bowed, and instead of bring my hands to my heart I unconsciously folded them into prayer...just like I did when I used to wear my favorite plaid skirt.
