@**freethinker_bob** wrote:
@cat_mioux wrote:
Buddhism. I've been practicing for 14 years now and had my enshrinement ceremony 13 years ago.
Why?
Because it doesn't allow you to blame outside influences for your suffering. You take responsibility for your own happiness. Because Buddhism teaches compassion. Because it's a continual process of learning. Because the Buddha said not to take his teachings on blind faith but to only practice Buddhism if you see the proof in your own life. Because the purpose of life is happiness. Because researchers have studied the effects of meditation/chanting/mindfulness on the brains of Buddhist monks and even lay persons who have only practiced for 6 weeks and they can measure the changes in the brain.
Buddhism comes close. But whether being a strict vegetarian goes with it is debatable. I do think the world would be a better place if everyone did follow this religion.
There are no 'rules' that force you to become a vegetarian. Most Buddhist Tibetans eat meat if they have to because the environment (mountain Tibet) they live in isn't conducive to growing crops except for barley. But they are never cruel to an animal, they do not kill for sport and they do not kill smaller animals like fish and chickens because killing a larger animal means more people can be fed from the death of one animal rather than many smaller ones.
When I first attended a BBQ at the temple they were cooking meat. In shock and righteousness I asked my Buddhist teacher why were they cooking meat. She replied there are no judgements. Vegetarianism is a choice. I was a vegetarian but health issues 'forced' me to start eating meat. But I try to minimize the damage by buying stall free and free range.
