Ima Buddhist.

[Fengzi]

Xinjiang is "a bit dry", haha, I like that. I'd love to get out to Xinjiang sometime but there's a ton of other places in China I'd like to go too. It really is an incredible country.

Sounds like you had a considerabley different experience then I had. I first went as a languange student and then ended up teaching English. I also met my wife there, and when we go back we stay with her family; which is always an experience for the typical white guy who grew up in suburban America. Even though I have a degree in East Asian Studies it still blows my mind everytime. I guess reading about a culture in a book and living it are just totally different things.

The Jade Buddha Temple is indeed spectacular, I have been several times. If you ever get back and go to Xiamen check out Nanputuo Temple. It's a multilayered temple complex that winds its way up a mountain. Not quite as spectacular as Yufousi in Shanghai but the location makes up for it.

[Gautama Siddhattha]

I havent really studied under one.
I use Buddha's words,and meditate daily,and that works for me.
It is a shared philosophy,and all can have the same results.
I think Buddhism is about liberation,totally,in every way.
It may not seem liberating to call oneself a Buddhist,but just being one leads to liberation.
It hasnet went the way I assumed it would,it went better.
When I was young I wanted a way to beat the hell out of others,and now I see that Buddhism IS NOT about that at all.
I would take a bullet for any other human or life form,be them enemy or not,and thats not how I was.
It has opened many doors for me spiritually,and thats great!!!!
Thankz for all replies.
Peace:thumbsup:
K@

[markomon]

I practice Nicheren Daishonin Buddhism -going on 13 years this November. The crux of this practice is the realization that I & you all out there are the Buddha. Not some diety "out there".
I chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for a variety of things like to change personality defects to protection of everybody who is getting my MJ to me. I also chant for the BC 3's protection from extradiction to an DEA kangaroo court here in the ole USA. Of course all this is bullshit unless action is taken so I have donated a little money to marc emery ,michelle & MJ man by getting a no extradition t-shirt.