Expert: Judy - 3/3/2010

Question
1. How did you discover Buddhism?

Answer
Hi, Liz,

I don't quite understand exactly your question for me, so I would answer it in the ways I think what you mean:

1.  If you mean how I discovered Buddhism in the sense as Columbus discovered America, then I can tell you that I did not discover Buddhism.  The lord Buddha discovered the truth of life and taught the followers the ways to liberation almost about 2600 years ago.  Buddhism was not even discovered by the lord Buddha.  However, since he has had followers who practiced and used his teachings, the practices and the philosophy of it were categorized religiously as Buddhism.

2.  If you mean how I discovered Buddhism in the sense as a person discovered and appreciated the beauty of piano music, then I can tell you that I grew up in a family where regional and local religious rituals and worshiping to higher power were somewhat important.  My family did not understand anything about Buddhism at all; they did not have done any Buddhist rituals or ceremonies at all.

I grew up in a place where diverse religions were present.  I went to different denominations of Christian churches when I was a teen just to see what's going on there.  Everybody in all the churches I went to were all so very nice to me, but for some reason, I felt so far from Christianity and what Christians believed.  

When I was 20 years old, I had roommates who were Buddhists.  I went to lectures and ceremonies with them from time to time.  I was very attracted to the teachings.  From that point on, I have always been a Buddhist.  However, I actually don't claim myself as a Buddhist, for I don't think the Buddhist teaching and philosophy is religious.  To me, Buddhism is a religion, yet Buddhist teachings are not religious at all.  Everybody can practice the teachings and apply the philosophy into day-to-day life.

Did I answer you question?  if not, write me back.  I will be glad to answer it.

Thanks