As a buddhist, I don't celebrate Christmas. Not even secularly.
But I did grow up in a Muslim household, where we celebrated Christmas until I was "old enough to know better" or more specifically, until our parents donated the family plastic christmas tree to the school.
At first my sisters and I were pretty upset that we weren't going to get presents like everyone else. But then my mom told us that instead of getting presents only 1 day a year, we'd have 6 days scattered throughout the year where we'd get presents. As a form of religious conversion, bribery really works.
After all that, I turned away from any theistic religion to the practice of buddhism, specifically American Theravadan Buddhism. Buddhism has been described as a downwardly mobile practice because it runs counter to the idea that we should consume in order to be happy. I hold no judgement of what others practice, but for me the idea of finding compassion and generosity of heart really resonates.
So for this holiday season whatever you celebrate, may you live in joy.
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4 comments:
I grew up in a Muslim household too but was ok about never being able to celebrate Christmas. As an adult, I watch most of my friends dash around to get last minute presents and prepare large family meals whilst I watch tv and eat chocolate. I love these holidays, it's so chilled (for me) :)
I have been asked if I am a Buddhist because of my beliefs. Blessings.
thank you and may you live in joy as well.
I love the Buddhist philosophies. They are a peaceful people.
I wish the holidays were not treated so meaninglessly. It has become a materialistic meltdown. Commercials on TV show people getting a Lexus for Christmas or diamond rings.
When did more expensive start to mean more love?? It's so warped.
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