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Hi
I am a Wiccan and am very fond of the teachings of Buddha. I would like to know can I incorporate Buddhism with my Religion? I have an altar set up to Him and I do respect Him
Hi Isis,
Thank you for asking me.
The teachings of the Buddha are like air. They exist everywhere, if one cares to find them. Like air, the teachings are free for everyone irrespective of beliefs. Being Buddhists is just a label. It is the practice that is important. It is up to the person whether to accept the Buddha's teachings or not. If one understands and accepts his teachings, one would be committed fully to his teachings. There are many like you who subscribe to other beliefs and yet respect the teachings of the Buddha, simply because of their universal appeal. In this respect, it is indeed an honour to us Buddhists knowing that others respect our Teacher. The Buddha never introduced the practice of paying homage to his image. It is our human weekness for rites and rituals, and desire to satisfy human emotions, that we introduced such practices. If your altar is specially set up just for the Buddha image, then it is very respectful of you. The Buddha image should not be placed with other images or objects not related to Buddhism.
Smile from justinchoo :-)
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Answers by Expert:
Justin Choo
Expertise
When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.
Experience
I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple.
My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @
http://www.ksridhammananda.com
Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.
Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/
Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)
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