Thelema & Buddhism

93,

A 5-part essay called "Thelema & Buddhism" is available for free in

* The Journal of Thelemic Studies Vol.1 No.1 (Part 1-4)
* The Journal of Thelemic Studies Vol.1 No.2 (Part 5)

It investigates how Buddhism may have influenced Aleister Crowley, his history with Buddhist ideas and practices, Thelema's (in The Book of the Law's) view on Buddhism, and more.

Enjoy.

IAO131

This should be fairly interesting, from my standpoint and of course I may be failing miserably when I say this, but I see thelema and buddhism being (almost) polar opposites.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xervans

This should be fairly interesting, from my standpoint and of course I may be failing miserably when I say this, but I see thelema and buddhism being (almost) polar opposites.

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There are some very important differences, but a Buddhist who has learned about the different elements in the body and how they manifest in the body as suffering, will find this to be almost identical with the elemental makeup of the body discussed in thelema. At least this is my understanding. Unfortunately, my knowledge about Buddhism greatly surpasses my knowledge of thelema and so I much make this statement tentatively.

I would agree with the polar opposites part. Mainly because I like Thelema, but do not see much that appeals to me about Buddhism.

In particular, the idea that all is suffering and becoming nothingness doesn't appeal to me at all. The meditation idea also sounds pretty tedious.

I've always seen Thelema as the Tao of the west.

I'll give this journal a read, sounds interesting.