You don't have to put blind faith in me, or in my connection to Buddhism. I don't expect anyone to accept what I say simply because I call myself a Buddhist.
I don't really see myself as religious in the usual sense either. Buddhism has become something I actually practice and experience rather than simply a list of beliefs I am supposed to blindly accept. I meditate, recite mantras, study the teachings, go to my local Diamond Way center, and try to bring what I learn into ordinary life. Sometimes the practice brings a lot of joy and clarity, sometimes it makes me question things or shows me parts of myself I would rather not see. But I think that is part of being on a genuine path.
I follow the Buddhist path within the Diamond Way of the Karma Kagyu lineage, and I have a lot of respect and gratitude for the Karmapas, especially the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, and for the great lineage masters, especially Jetsün Milarepa, whose life and realization are a huge inspiration to me. I don't expect anyone else to simply take my word for any of this, and I certainly don't think that being a Kagyu Buddhist makes me somehow more knowledgeable, more spiritual, or more correct than anyone else.
I don't expect anyone to believe what I believe just because I'm Buddhist. The Buddha himself said not to simply accept something because you've heard it, because it's tradition, or because someone you respect tells you it is true. He encouraged people to investigate for themselves and see what is true through their own experience, and as I said earlier, I don't really see myself as a religious person, but I do follow the Buddhist path.
Anyway, I just wanted to share a little about the path I have chosen in life. Have a wonderful day, and may I bring a little joy and happiness your way. Below is one of my favorite Buddhist thangkas at the moment.
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