I've not been any particular flavor of religion throughout my life, but I respect all religions and the ability for a free people to make their own choices.
Recently I watch (on Netflix) "Buddha" (55 Episodes!) which covered the Life of Buddha from his birth to his death. I now have a new respect for his teachings, and realize that many of my own beliefs are similar. (non-violence, compassion, Living in the Now)
I can't say I'm a Buddhist exactly, (I have not mastered the ability to meditate - although in my love of nature and spending as much time in the wilderness as I can, I think this is my own way of meditating).
I've not been able to become vegan (I'm so there morally, but problematically, I really do enjoy eating meat. What a dilemma), and I really enjoy my cocktail after a 13 hour workday..... but I do feel that having compassion for people, and animals, is one of the most important things in life.
At any rate, I was a Pier 1 shopping for Christmas presents for my family, and I came across a Buddha statue. It was inexpensive, and so I bought it for myself. Turns out when I went to the checkout, it was one of two! (bookends), so I gave one of them to my mom. For Christmas. I love the irony in that. She loved it by the way.
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