Boyfriend now thinking of practising Nichiren Buddhism

surhythms

Hey all

My boyfriend is now thinking of starting to practice Nichiren Buddhism and he wants to go along to a local meeting. He is not part of my district in Dublin. I told him to go think about it and I would put him in touch with someone from his district where he lives. Do you think its ok for someone else to SHAKA BUKU him even though i introduced him to the practice. We have had loads of chats about Buddhism over the last while and I do find it difficult to explain to him how it really works and how chanting helps you. He is buying into it slowly but surely I dont want to scare him off either about it but I think it would be great if he was practising.

Any suggestions?

Asiaprod

surhythms wrote:

Hey all

My boyfriend is now thinking of starting to practice Nichiren Buddhism and he wants to go along to a local meeting. He is not part of my district in Dublin. I told him to go think about it and I would put him in touch with someone from his district where he lives. Do you think its ok for someone else to SHAKA BUKU him even though i introduced him to the practice. We have had loads of chats about Buddhism over the last while and I do find it difficult to explain to him how it really works and how chanting helps you. He is buying into it slowly but surely I dont want to scare him off either about it but I think it would be great if he was practising.

Any suggestions?

Hum, I though long and hard before answering this. My thoughts are as follows:

1. This is not an appropriate thread for this group. As far as I know, the only people here practising this sect of Buddhism are yourself and I.
2. I am very happy to talk to you via PM on this issue.
3. The answer to your question relies on too many factors. Just because you want him to practise is not a good enough reason. He also has to want to do this himself. This is usually achieved by example, that is he sees Buddhism reflected in your life and your life condition and he wants the same for himself. If you do not feel confident that you can explain properly I would look to someone in your group to help you, but would caution that if he is not that interested in it at this time, and it is really you that wants it for him, you could very well drive him away from both you and Buddhism. The sect we belong to is unique in that it activley promotes converting people. This not the normal convention; people generaly find Buddhism themselves. I have convert a couple of people, one my wife, but they approached me, not I them.
For the record, I have many Buddhist friends happily married to non-Buddhists.

DublinWriter

surhythms wrote:

He is buying into it slowly but surely I dont want to scare him off either about it but I think it would be great if he was practising.

Any suggestions?

Maybe you want him to practice Buddhism more than he does himself?

Allow him to find his own path.

surhythms

surhythms wrote:

He is buying into it slowly but surely I dont want to scare him off either about it but I think it would be great if he was practising.

Any suggestions?

Stop trying to convert him. He shouldn't be "buying into it", he should either want to look into it of his own accord, or not.

Asiaprod

Thanks Guys, its important:)

Asiaprod

Asiaprod wrote:

Thanks Guys, its important:)

What is?

Oh, I didn't realise your sect converts people.
I do think buddhism (if not any religion) is one that should be found for oneself.

Asiaprod

bluewolf wrote:

What is?

Oh, I didn't realise your sect converts people.
I do think buddhism (if not any religion) is one that should be found for oneself.

Exactly, no one says you can't teach a person that has an interest, but I really believe that it is something one must find for oneself for it to have meaning. This is where I part ways with my sect.

surhythms

Maybe I didnt explain myself properly guys

He actually approaches me and looks for information about buddhism - I have never tried to convert him just tried to answer his question. He was actually going to go to Tibet over to Buddhist Monks before I mentioned anything.

Asiaprod

surhythms wrote:

Maybe I didnt explain myself properly guys

We are all guilty of that:)

surhythms wrote:

He actually approaches me and looks for information about buddhism - I have never tried to convert him just tried to answer his question. He was actually going to go to Tibet over to Buddhist Monks before I mentioned anything.

And that is good, unfortunately your first post made it appear that it was you that trying to turn him to Buddhism. My apologies for any misunderstanding.

surhythms

Ah thats quite alrite - sometimes my ability to communicate short circuits.

Anyway he has not said anymore to me about it.

Asiaprod

surhythms wrote:

Anyway he has not said anymore to me about it.

I am sure he will. Just make yourself something he can aspire to:)