Buddhism – The Personal Challenge

It feels a bit strange, an atheist, typing a description of how they want to learn more about Buddhism. Although after many years of identifying myself to my friends in real life and in cyberspace as an “Atheist/Buddhist” (slash pronounced as “slash”), I should be comfortable with this idea by now.

In actuality, my lifetime as a fairy in the Second Life – metaverse has shown me that I’m in fact probably not so unique in my beliefs. Those people who are similar to me probably do not pronounce their title as I do, with the “slash” or communicate the “Atheist” part of the description of what their beliefs are, but there is certainly an Atheist contingent of Zen. There have been differences between me and other Atheists though, these differences sometimes give me that “sinking feeling”.

This series of articles are certainly not about Atheism, my belief or in this case disbelief in a god, but I think it may influence my interpretation of things in the way of describing Zen, so I think it is important that I state this point up front.

I also would like to take the opportunity to say my “conversion” to Atheism was a positive experience. There is no void there for me from it, for being Atheist is really as simple as believing in a god, but it is really just the opposite. Although some may see Atheism as a religion, or the telltale signature for a person’s rebellion from religion, I can say that it is neither of those two for me, but that subject is probably better left to a whole different set of blog articles. – DV

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Buddhism – The Personal Challenge

This series of articles will be a personal journey for me in finding out the basics about Zen Buddhism and Buddhism in general. My understanding of Zen is quite simple, it is not laden with historical events, and I kind of like it that way. Although sometimes I think it helps me not get lost in the details, there are some basics that I don’t know, don’t yet understand, or that I really need to refresh in my mind. This series of articles will be my way of attempting to round out my basic knowledge of Zen, hopefully in a simple and playful way.

Groping For the Elephant

It would be possible, but very haphazard to proceed with this portion of my personal challenges with out a few friends at my side to help me when my queries have gone amiss. I have been very fortunate to know many people who know much more about Buddhism than I do and that have also practiced Buddhism much longer than I have. I hope the discussions with them will propel me a little more quickly, clearly, and easily on this seemingly arduous journey.

Dharma V.

Articles that may interest you:

Zen Buddhism – The Dharma V. Collection

Dharma V. in Second Life

Saving My Life, My Soul, My Money – That Sinking Feeling: An Experiential Writing About Being Mindful of One’s Own Beliefs

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What is Second Life?

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