“Do not try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.” – Dalai Lama
Noah is the founder of Secularbuddhism.com where you can find his podcast, where shares his ideas about Buddhism and mindfulness/meditation, and where he hosts a blog about secular buddhist practice.
Noah offers workshops on secular Buddhism and mindfulness and meditation practice in Utah, throughout the United States and internationally.
Noah Rasheta and I talk about what brought him to Buddhism, what it means to practice Buddhism and how Buddhism can be integrated into a Mormon life. Noah Rasheta
Almost, Noah, thou hast convinced me to be a Buddhist. Lol. Really, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I’ll have to see if I can make a retreat sometime, given my tumultuous situation. Cheers!
I think it’s important to educate ourselves in other faiths social interactions and how they create a community.
I have many stories about why we all should aspire to live our lives like the LDS. I’m not sure if the desire to see others happy is innate or nurtured but I have witness true kindness from many LDS in my community. I have lived in the Great Northwest for over a decade and I have new incite about how a community should treat one another. I’m not advocating for the LDS faith but I am encouraging everyone to experience the LDS community. I’m confident in my belief that the LDS is a pillar of any community they reside in. I’m a Baptist by birth, Methodist by intellect, and LDS by association. I guess my religious faith is not something I want to push onto the LDS nor have they force theirs on me. True Interfaith friendships are uneventful in my community, we just love the person. I somehow always find myself simply enjoying the hospitality, kindness, debates, and friendships freely given by LDS members. I have learned to be “opened to whatever might be” and this helps quell anger and hatred.
I love your story about “Chris the female”.
Thank you Noah for bringing to light the positiveness of interfaith relationships,
Blu Loony
There is a small, but important, subsection of Buddhist Christians within the wider Christian umbrella, and their influence seems to be growing. Roshi Kennedy (Jesuit) is one, as is Paul F. Knitter, author of “Without Buddha I Could Not be a Christian” is another. Both of these come from the Catholic tradition, but within Mormonism there is a lot of Buddhism in the new approaches to theology and outlook. Adam Miller’s recent works are awash in Dharma teachings, something I believe he would recognize though others may not. I particularly liked the section on sexuality in “Letters…” which approaches human sexuality from a very Buddhist, and LDS, perspective. I have used that as a Branch President and a member of a Bishopric when talking to youth, not shaming sexuality, but rather celebrating it as part of the human experience, but part that needs to be controlled as much as any other characteristic or appetite.
That being said, I wish there was more explanation of Noah’s training and lineage. I am part of the Soto Zen tradition. Most openly Buddhist Christians are some flavor of Zen, the philosophy is easily adaptable to other faiths. I was really interested on where Noah studied, where he drew his teachings, which scriptures he used, and so on… There are as many sects in Buddhism as there are in Christianity, and I could not pin Noah down. Also it would be nice to know how he currently affiliates with the Church. Does he still attend/believe? It would be nice to have an active, believing Mormon, who was also a Buddhist adherent, I would be interested in that POV, because I think that Buddhism offers some significant tools for dealing with faith questions and concerns. But it was a good discussion overall.
I connected with this podcast so much. Thank you Noah! Thank you Gina❤️
I’m a mormon podcast junkie and this has been one of the best conversations I’ve devoured. Thank you Gina and Noah for verbalizing so much of where I now dwell with my personal religious and spiritual journey.
That’s so nice to hear Nancy!
I listen to Alan Watts constantly. I want a voice like his running the show in my head. If I could do that I feel I would be much better off.