Skeptic Project

Do you CSers consider the new age spirituality a type of woo? I ask because it's actually something I like and found applying some of it to my own life has actually helped me deal with problems with anxiety and depression, alongside more modern treatment like psychotherapy and taking anti-depressants. The thing about the new age spirituality, or at least some aspects of it, is that it's basically modernized Buddhism, and I think I can say I'm starting to seriously consider calling myself a Buddhist. And on Buddhism itself, I think it's a poorly understood religion/philosophy.

I guess I'm asking for your thoughts on this topic(s).

I have actually considered it.

I think by and large, in many ways, you might be right. But I think at least for myself, I do want something different spiritually and I think this sort of ties in with it being misunderstood. I have been to various Christian church services and none of them really felt right for me.

But I have a large number of books about Buddhism, some by Buddhists and some not, and when it comes down to it, most of it seems more like a philosophy than a religion to me. One of the books I have is about comparing Christ to the Buddha, written a monk by the name of Thich Nhat Hanh, and another one is about Buddhism and how it should embrace science, by the Dalai Lama.

In the books I read, a lot of them make a distinction between monastic Buddhism and Buddhism for lay people, and they say that for lay people, no rituals are really required.

I dont consider it as "woo" as it seems to mainly just be a philosophy and they aren't into any doomsday, apocalyptic bullstinky. Although it could be classed as "New Age" particularly the form practiced by most Westerners. I think alot of the New Age stuff draws influence from some of the Eastern religions/philosophies.

I don't believe in any of it myself but it is completely harmless and isn't complete bullstinky like "The Secret" and as far as I know isn't obsessed with Tarot cards and Psychics and so on.

Sounds like its really about selling books to lazy westerners.

@NWO Florst

Maybe some truth to that, but how else can you make these teachings, believe in them or not, available to people? I won't accept the the internet for the answer, as for something like this, I think a book is a bit more appropriate.

That said, I also don't really get any sense that any true Buddhist advocates the full rejection of western culture or anything close to it. They seem a lot like some academics in their criticism of it.

@Ez

I think that's a pretty accurate assessment.

@NWO Florist

Okay, that's pretty true, lol. But finding such a thing, at least in the western world, is pretty difficult. And, I actually do go to some spiritual events like meditation circles and music events, at a place near where I work, at least when my schedule allows.

Full of shit on what?

I'm sure there are plenty of Buddhist Temples in the West. There are heaps in the USA (assuming you live there). A quick search in your phonebook should produce some results.

I don't think anyone's intentions are to mock your desire for spiritual fulfilment, but more so the notion that it can be achieved by ordering a book from Amazon.

I'm an atheist and I go to Unitarian church.

Why not?

They're nice people. Its not easy to find groups of left-leaning people in Oklahoma.

I enjoy the sense of community. They don't care if I'm an atheist.

Matt, what's it like at one of those places? A friend of mine wants me to go but I am skeptical.