Can I apply buddhist philosophy to my life, if I'm a Christian?

Buddhist philosophy and religion is different, yes? Would that go against any of the christian beliefs? I mean .... I don't want to go around chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo - if it goes against anything.

I was told "Buddha said not to go by faith, and that any concept of a God is irrelevant, his teachings are impossible to reconcile with Christianity."

Edit: ...I found this. Thought it was interesting. http://www.patrulrinpoche.org/02buddhism.htm

"What is Buddhism ?

Buddhism cannot be categorised. No label suits it.

Buddhism is not a religion, at least not in sense that we generally use the word. In fact, it does not at all presuppose belief in the existence of one or several gods, and in a more general way, categorically rejects the idea that there is anything to believe in without being able to submit it to analysis through reasoning.

Buddhism is not a philosophy either, because it is not limited to an intellectual or conceptual approach. It teaches, in fact, that to understand is not enough. One must also experience and eventually "realise". That is the spiritual dimension of Buddhism.

Buddhism is not a cultural, political or social phenomenon either. [...]"

Originally Posted by kimmery

Buddhist philosophy and religion is different, yes? Would that go against any of the christian beliefs? I mean .... I don't want to go around chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo - if it goes against anything.

I was told "Buddha said not to go by faith, and that any concept of a God is irrelevant, his teachings are impossible to reconcile with Christianity."

If you live in the United States and trust me enough to send your address by way of PM. I'll send you a brand new bible, that is, if you are a Buddhist and not a Christian and don't already have one.

Originally Posted by kimmery

Buddhist philosophy and religion is different, yes? Would that go against any of the christian beliefs? I mean .... I don't want to go around chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo - if it goes against anything.

I was told "Buddha said not to go by faith, and that any concept of a God is irrelevant, his teachings are impossible to reconcile with Christianity."

Strictly speaking yes. However there is no problem to use some methods or practices as 'skillful means'. Having a very limited set of transformative practices is the major failure of Christianity.

You don't have to chant the Nichiren sect's mantra, there are many others, including the one recommended by the Russian Orthodox Church, to be recited 10,000 times every day while on pilgrimage, "Jesus have mercy on me."

Above everything else, Buddhism is practical, Christianity should be likewise.

If you don't mind reading something rather unorthodox, Osho (otherwise known as the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh) wrote extensively on the subject of Jesus as a kind of zen master. Yes, it's a radical interpretation, but not all that implausible given the nature of the gnostic and other non-canonical gospels.

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by Bhagavad ****

If you don't mind reading something rather unorthodox, Osho (otherwise known as the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh) wrote extensively on the subject of Jesus as a kind of zen master. Yes, it's a radical interpretation, but not all that implausible given the nature of the gnostic and other non-canonical gospels.

Many Eastern teachers explain Jesus better than Westerners understand him, in my opinion...many expound with such deep insight that rings true.
Afterall, Jesus was Eastern.
And, as I believe, traveled to the East to learn as any man can learn --- to show what we all can do.
Learn, pray, trust and you can do what he did and greater works, that's what I get from Jesus' teachings, anyway.

Knowing many followers of Rajneesh in the 80s - and after giving him a chance many times watching him on youtubes, to be fair - I just don't 'resonate' with him.
I've tried to see what others see, really, I have. He's just not 'for me'.

I don't see a problem with applying Buddhist teachings to your spiritual path if you are a Christian. Buddhism is primarily concerned with ending the suffering of all sentient beings. The Buddha laid out an eightfold path which has simple practices to help your own spiritual progression, as well as help to end (or at least lessen) the suffering of other sentient beings.

I do not find any teachings of the Buddha to be incompatible with Christianity, unless you want to argue that Jesus did not want to end the suffering of other sentient beings.

While I consider myself to be Christian, I follow teachings from numerous religions. If you break down the teachings of almost every religion into its most basic parts, you will find that they are all concerned with love, developing a personal relationship with the divine, and helping humanity. Incorporating various spiritual teachings into your personal path allows you to see God from different view points.

[Triner]

Originally Posted by HBuck72

I don't see a problem with applying Buddhist teachings to your spiritual path if you are a Christian. Buddhism is primarily concerned with ending the suffering of all sentient beings. The Buddha laid out an eightfold path which has simple practices to help your own spiritual progression, as well as help to end (or at least lessen) the suffering of other sentient beings.

I do not find any teachings of the Buddha to be incompatible with Christianity, unless you want to argue that Jesus did not want to end the suffering of other sentient beings.

While I consider myself to be Christian, I follow teachings from numerous religions. If you break down the teachings of almost every religion into its most basic parts, you will find that they are all concerned with love, developing a personal relationship with the divine, and helping humanity. Incorporating various spiritual teachings into your personal path allows you to see God from different view points.

+1

This is how I feel as well. There are some very good teachings in Buddhism as well as Christianity and others. Take what works for you at your point in your spiritual path and don't judge others on theirs.

Though I can see how 'strict' followers of many religions' dogma wouldn't deem it possible. IMO, they don't know what they're missing.

Originally Posted by Triner

+1
IMO, they don't know what they're missing.

Well said. We are all experiencing this mystery of life, and just like with a medical condition, it is sometimes useful to have a second opinion. ;)

[Perspective]

Kimmery,
One of the bits of wisdom I pulled from Buddha's teachings is encouragement to continue to respect one's religious roots, since that is how one usually resonates best.

Originally Posted by HBuck72

While I consider myself to be Christian, I follow teachings from numerous religions. If you break down the teachings of almost every religion into its most basic parts, you will find that they are all concerned with love, developing a personal relationship with the divine, and helping humanity. Incorporating various spiritual teachings into your personal path allows you to see God from different view points.

I agree too & well put!
There are many perspectives of any given "truth" - so the more perspectives, the more truthful.

[Saint Seraphim]

Hello kimmery,
There are actually some Christian monks who practice Zen meditation. Back in the 1960's a Christian Monk named Thomas Merton traveled to Asia and studied many different schools of Buddhism. He wrote many books about his journeys and about the differences and similarities of Christianity and the different sects of Buddhism. He also wrote a book about Zen Buddhism that is respected around the world. Any of Thomas Merton's books may give you some answers to your question.
Good Luck,
Saint Seraphim