How do you go about 'picking up' a faith?

I mean, a few years ago when I was trying to fuck a really sweet Goth, I was introduced to Wicca, and I'm a closet ELF/ALF supporter, so it kinda made sense to me. But I had no idea what I was doing, I just got information on important dates, loads of ritual crap and hoped for the best. Good thing I got bored of the pathetic shit.

Recently though, I've taken an interest in stuff like Shinto, Tendai Buddhism and stuff, perhaps even Zen. I'd like to practise Zen quite heavily since I come from a martial arts background. But how do you go about this? I mean, where's the starting point? I'm not being raised with Zen, and there's no convenient temple nearby where a layman can be taught, so.. yeah. I'd like to practise, but I have no idea how to.

[IanBoyd3]

quote:Originally posted by ChaosPenguin:

I mean, a few years ago when I was trying to fuck a really sweet Goth, I was introduced to Wicca, and I'm a closet ELF/ALF supporter, so it kinda made sense to me. But I had no idea what I was doing, I just got information on important dates, loads of ritual crap and hoped for the best. Good thing I got bored of the pathetic shit.

Recently though, I've taken an interest in stuff like Shinto, Tendai Buddhism and stuff, perhaps even Zen. I'd like to practise Zen quite heavily since I come from a martial arts background. But how do you go about this? I mean, where's the starting point? I'm not being raised with Zen, and there's no convenient temple nearby where a layman can be taught, so.. yeah. I'd like to practise, but I have no idea how to.

To pick up faith is easy or hard depending on what kind of a person you are; you simply have to believe things without good reasons and accept what you are told. At least 99% of the time, your faith will be wrong and coincidentally you will burn in an infinitely painful environment for all eternity.

I don't think zen quite qualifies as a faith though.

[AngryFemme]

Independent reading FTW.

quote:Originally posted by ChaosPenguin:

I mean, a few years ago when I was trying to fuck a really sweet Goth, I was introduced to Wicca, and I'm a closet ELF/ALF supporter, so it kinda made sense to me. But I had no idea what I was doing, I just got information on important dates, loads of ritual crap and hoped for the best. Good thing I got bored of the pathetic shit.

Recently though, I've taken an interest in stuff like Shinto, Tendai Buddhism and stuff, perhaps even Zen. I'd like to practise Zen quite heavily since I come from a martial arts background. But how do you go about this? I mean, where's the starting point? I'm not being raised with Zen, and there's no convenient temple nearby where a layman can be taught, so.. yeah. I'd like to practise, but I have no idea how to.

Find whichever religion or lack thereof that makes you happy.

Why would you want to have faith, why would you want to corrupt the reasoning skills of your mind?

Well, you have to take the Main prayer of all the religions your considering and put them down on a stack then go into the basement/garage somewhere secluded and take a hammer/mallet/steak knife whatever you got with you.

Now take the weapon whatver it may be in your right hand (or left if your a lefty) and place the other hand on a sturdy table. Read off the first prayer and then say "god/spirit/elron hubbard I belive in you, please protect me" and bring the weapon down on your other hand with signifigant force.

Take notes and remember the prayer with the least damage and then shuffle the deck and if you randomly pick that one out its your new religion!

Sorry I had to post that, the devil made me do it.

seriously just go with what feels right and don't let your cock lead you.

My personal reccomendation is buddism as I see it as the most peaceful.

[AngryFemme]

Also, align yourself with other practicing Buddhists. People are usually very eager to share their knowledge, and help a fellow traveler along.

[---Beany---]

It's cool to study various religeons, but why adhere to any one of them?

You believe what you believe.

[Graemy]

here is a place where you can learn about zen and get advice

http:../../www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php

along with other buddhist sects

AngryFemme and Graemy - thanks for seeing the point.