Denomination differences

Nice to meet you, Yurun-san. My name is Ishida.

You left a Christian school in Japan and then spent time in an Islamic country. I think it's been an experience that's hard for me to imitate. Should we be envious, or are you strong enough not to show it at all even though there must be tremendous hardships? ... should we still be envious?

In my case, I don't intend to choose my own denomination or religion. I feel like this is how it has come naturally. However, from the perspective of others, it seems like I made my own choices. Around that, I sometimes feel something like a decisive difference between so-called “non-religious” people.

After entering a certain faith (faith), the differences between one's faith and other beliefs become quite clear. It even makes me wonder that they looked and felt the same way before entering. (There may be individual differences)

Of course, it is important to learn doctrines and teachings as knowledge, but all religions have been transmitted to the present day through books, things, and above all, “people.” Buddhism definitely does. That was the case for me too. So, first I listened to Tekito a lot of stories about monks that I felt good about, and then...

I thought... but if you're in an Islamic country, I don't know if there aren't many Buddhist monks nearby. hmm.

... I don't know if a method such as watching NHK's “The Age of Mind” archives etc. would be good.

Other than that, there are files on the internet where monks talk about the Dharma, so it may be realistic to search for them from there.

I'm sorry I couldn't help you much. However, yes, it's not something to choose, and I think faith is something that naturally becomes like that.

I hope Yurun-san will be blessed with a good encounter.

I am happy that you are interested in Buddhism.
I don't know about other sects in detail, but considering the birth of Buddhism, the first choice would be Seidomon.

Seidomon is about controlling one's mind through zazen or meditation, eliminating suffering, and living comfortably (enlightenment) in this world. It is also called self-help.
Speaking of denominations, it's probably all denominations except the Jodo sect, the Jodo Shinshu, and the Ji sect. In particular, I think the Soto sect, Rinzai sect of Zen, or primitive Buddhism (Therawada Buddhism) are close to the Buddha's teachings. (There may be others nearby, but I'm sorry I didn't know the details)
I hope the Dharmapada (Dharmapada) etc. are read, but it's easier to understand if you read it from an explanatory book.

So, if you're frustrated because you can't get close to enlightenment at Seidomon, or if you're really afraid and sad about dying, visit the Jodo Gate.

Jodomon is about putting in one's own efforts but getting frustrated and seeking enlightenment in the next life (Pure Land of Paradise). It is also called the power of others.
In terms of sects, it corresponds to the Jodo sect, the Jodo Shinshu sect, and the Ji sect.
They just stick to Amida Buddha and hope that they will be born in the Pure Land of Paradise. They aim for enlightenment in the Pure Land of Paradise.
Maybe it's close to Christianity, etc.
I think the merciful Amitabha Buddha is kinder than Western gods.

Also, there are sects within the Seidomon Gate that are closer to the Jodo Gate, and even within the Jodo Gate, they are closer to the Seidomon Gate, and it also differs depending on the monk.
This is because the Buddha left his will with his own lantern and the Dharma lamp.
Self-illumination means to think for yourself and aim for enlightenment.
Dharmimei means aiming for enlightenment according to truth and law.
Therefore, the way we interpret and accept the teachings left by the Buddha and his disciples changes depending on the monk and the individual.

So, be sure to read various books, listen to monks, and walk your own Buddhist path. Let's work hard together.

Yurun-sama

This is Kawaguchi Hidetoshi. This is a humble answer to the question.

What is the difference between other religions and Buddhism, simply put, that Buddhism has an elaborate philosophy of “sky” that cannot be seen in other religions, so I think that if something is the same thing, there is an ideological philosophy of love, compassion, and altruism aimed at improving personality and happiness.

I think it's okay to think that “science and mystery, space and humans are all the same” is something that can be said to be the same as “something lucky in the sky” from a Buddhist perspective.

There are various divisions regarding the sects of Buddhism, but the ultimate goal is enlightenment and nirvana, and for that reason, I believe it is necessary to firmly understand the true meaning of the 84,000 Dharma that Shakyamuni preached and work on the practice.

Also, since all the teachings are explained as principles, the four sacred truths of suffering, gathering, destruction, and the road, which were explained in the first Dharma ring, and they are being taught a wide range of Buddhism from now on, I don't think it would be that wrong if the principles of those teachings are understood with an awareness of the “Four Holy Sages.”

Also, in Shakyamuni's teachings, there are the teachings of “Katsu Yoshitaka,” which is explained with the intention of inviting the supreme truth, and the “two rules” of “secular,” which are explained as convenient teachings aimed at convenient and temporary understanding, so it is also necessary to learn while paying careful attention to which teaching those teachings are.

Of course, we still have a long way to go, but by all means, let's work hard together and walk the path of Buddhism.

Kawaguchi Hidetoshi Gassho