As a Buddhist living in the southern United States, no less Texas, it is very hard to find a place to that is compatible to my beliefs but I have. My wife and I are member of a unique fellowship. It is a Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. It is made up of people of all beliefs. There are Buddhists, Pagans, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and many others that attend our Fellowship.
Today, our service was about compassion and love. Our pastor discussed how all beliefs speak of compassion and love for all humans. I felt so good hearing the words that were coming from her this morning. I felt a kinship with everyone in the room. Our particular Fellowship has a big Pagan group and I felt a great deal of love for and from them. I also learned more about their beliefs today and found many things similar to mine. In a moment of clarity it hit me. We are all looking for the same thing. Understanding. It is just a few fundamentalists that are ruining it for everyone. I mean fundamentalists from Islam, Christianity and many others that preach that their way is the only way. As a Unitarian Universalist-Buddhists and as a Buddhist I believe that any way that teaches love and compassion is a good way to go. It is just a different path to the same place, once again Understanding.
The service today was amazing. I urge anyone that cannot find a place to practice, worship or feel welcomed in their beliefs to try a Unitarian Universalist Fellowship near them. All are welcome, no matter your belief, sexual orientation or political stance, all are welcome.
Namaste and Metta to you all. Have a great week.
Musings on life as a Punk Rock Loving Buddhist with my wife the Hippie and our beautiful daughter.
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I discovered that there is a Zen Meditation group that meets at our local UU Congregation. I've been thinking about checking them out. (The Zen group, that is.)
ReplyDeleteI agree about the fundamentalists. I used to go to a church that, while not fundamental, was certainly conservative. The hate that came out of their mouths was distressing, especially when they tried to couch it as "the word of God." Very frustrating.
Love and compassion. That's all we need.
Hey there - maybe because I'm Australian but I don't know a lot about the Unitarians. Would love to read a longer post on this church - what happens during a meeting? Who gets to speak? Do you find that they are more accepting of women? Would love to know more from your perspective.
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