Posted by Adam on January 28, 2000, at 13:58:03
In reply to Re: Buddhism and Depression, posted by dj on January 28, 2000, at 0:19:58
dj brings up some important points here: There is a plurality of groups, both organized and disorganized, that fall under the umbrella of buddhism. Also, there are certainly many adherents of other faiths who incorporate some of the core buddhist principles to the practice of their faith and other aspects of their lives. Many buddhist communities welcome such members, as well as empirical agnostics such as myself. I would find such a community very interesting and stimulating, I think. I hope I wouldn't cause too much trouble. :)
> I just did a very, quick scan of Adam's comments and noted the focus on Buddhism. A few quick comments. Lots of links between Buddhism and psychotherapy. Some good books on such written by Alan Watts and Mark Epstein (Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart).
>
> In Vancouver there are something like 50 or so flavours of Buddhism, from more conservative to less. Peter Matthiesen writes well about some of these distinctions in a book about a search for the Snow Leopard in Tibet. Many excellent books written by American Buddhists, which are usually nicely polished gems.
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> The core of buddhism is, as Adam indicated, how to let go of suffering by recognizing it is based on one's graspings for this or that, and to learn how to recongize when one is doing this and how to not do so.
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> Throughout North America there are Shambalha Centres based on a mix of tibetan buddhism and other streams. HQ is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, used to be in Denver. Very good influence on the community there. These are communnity run and offer free intro. into a simple meditative technique and a space to pursue the same with others as well as some interesting discussion of principles. By donation. Great atmosphere, generally, very ecunemical -- adherents come from many religiious traditions, including judaism, catholism -- some still practice such and are not contradicted by buddhism which is very accepting and down to earth, generally, though it has its fringe groups as with any philosophy.
poster:Adam
thread:19818
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/19897.html