user946: Is there a way where someone (could meditate and take up certain Buddhist practices without initiation into Buddhism?
This is just a question to understand theory, not directed to be anything argumentative or offensive
Thank you and Peace!

user2291: Meditation as a healthy practice of "spiritual hygiene" is not limited to Buddhist practitioners though the language used to teach meditation is easily accessible through Buddhist teachings.  Contemplative practice is part of Judaism and other religious traditions.  Jewish Buddhist retreats combining practices from both traditions in the setting of competent teaching and supportive community are available.  See www.truenorthinsight.com for further information.

user12344: There is a misconception that Buddhism is a religion, and that you worship Buddha.
Buddhism is a practice, like yoga. You can be a Christian and practice Buddhism. I met a Catholic priest who live in a Buddhist monastery in France. He told me that Buddhism makes him a better Christian. I love that. 
— Thich Nhat Hanh

user12107: Yes of course. HHDL regularly agrees that anyone can take up some Buddhist practices without becoming a Buddhist and also advises against changing ones tradition. Practice what is helpful. Abstain from what is not.

user563: There are a lot of Jewish Buddhists. There is even a slang term for it (Jewbu or Jubu).
Wikipedia's Jewish Buddhist article says.

A large demographic of Jewish Buddhists, constituting its majority, still maintain religious practices and beliefs in Judaism coupled with Buddhist practices and perhaps beliefs.
Since most Buddhists do not consider the Buddha to have been a "god", Jewish Buddhists do not consider Buddhist practice to be "worship". In addition, many Buddhists (particularly Theravada Buddhists) do not "worship" the Buddha but instead "revere" and "express gratitude" for the Buddha's [...] accomplishment and compassionate teaching [...]. In Mahayana Buddhism (the dominant form of Buddhism in the world today), the Trikaya (three bodies) Doctrine, and praying to Buddha as savior in Pure Land Buddhism significantly blurs the issue for Jews of whether Buddhism is a religion and whether Buddha is considered a God.[citation needed]

There's more information ("Further reading", "External links", etc.) in the Wikipedia article.
I believe the best example of a "Jewbu" is Leonard Cohen who is a Zen practitioner.

user295: Buddhist training is around:

Morality
Development of a controlled mind
Develop true understanding of reality and wisdom

There would be no religion which is incompatible with this.
Also, Buddhist meditation revolves around how to get out of stress and misery. Any religion will not be opposed to someone seeing a psychologist. Likewise, there is no issue with someone taking up Buddhist Meditation.
As you see things for yourself, any wrong views will be abandoned as you see things at the experiential level. The main thing is getting started, not worrying about theoretical aspects which you have not seen at the experiential level (In Buddhism, any theory not put into practice is of little use). What you see at the empirical level is what you should consider as reality (Dhamma). Also, care should be taken not to jump to conclusions when you have seen things partially, either at the experiential level or through logical deduction. You are in the best position to judge this when you have reached the final goal, i.e. liberation of your mind from stress. 

user254: For the sake of discussion, and (by searching Mi Yodeya) to try to answer from the Jewish perspective,

This answer warns that certain practices (e.g. bowing) might be seen as "devotional".
And this answer, that worshipping the Buddha or seeing him as God-like would be prohibited.
This answer says,

For a Jew to burn incense in front of a statue is horrifying, no matter what he will say are his inner intents. Similarly, the proclamation, "In Buddha I find refuge" is a catastrophe for the Jewish soul.

... but it also (rightly or wrongly) claims that,

Today, this refinement process is extending to Buddhism. Many Jews began their spiritual trek with the path of Buddha and continued by discovering their own heritage in Torah. A twofold process occurs: Buddhism has evolved more in the past thirty years than in all its history before, to the point that what is presented today in America as Buddhism is already more Jewish than it is Buddhist. And, secondly, when those practicing "Jubus" return to Jewish practice, they reject those aspects that are anathematic to Torah, while making good use of those aspects that are complimentary.

These answers suggest that Judaism already has some forms/objects of meditation of its own.


user111: Monotheism falls under Sassatha Ditti. It is one of the two false views that prevents one from progressing in the path. Such beliefs are called Maggavarana Ditti. But it does not prevent the path to heavens. Then again, you don't really need Buddhism to reach heavens. But if Nibbana is what you are looking for, you have to give up Monotheism at some point. You won't get far as long as you cling to such a belief.
Buddha preached the Dhamma to non-Buddhists, but they gave up their false views once they've embraced the Dhamma. Nobody attained enlightenment while still retaining such misbeliefs. It's not even technically possible.

user533: I think we can split Buddhism in 3 different levels of commitment:

Meditation, Dana (charity) and basic Sila (precepts). In this level, you can easily keep any peaceful religion, you will benefit from meditation and people will feel you are slowly changing, more inclined to a spiritual life, usually your family/friends/priests/bishops etc. will not see it as a threat.
Lay Buddhist Life. Here you may have some conflicts depending on your religion and how orthodox you are. Lay buddhists may prostrate and take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. This is where your previous religion may tell you that you are turning your back on them.
The life of a monk/recluse.

So, as long as you commit to the first level, i.e:  meditating; cultivating generosity; refraining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and intoxicants, you should be fine with your current religion.
Problems will arise if you want to progress in the Buddha's teachings while keeping your current religion, but it is up to you; the path is there, it is your choice.

user745: From a Buddhist perspective that's fine. The Buddha gave his teachings in order to alleviate the sufferings of living beings, and last time I checked that includes everyone, not just Buddhists. If a non-Buddhist wants to take up certain aspects of Buddhist practices because they feel it will help them, then that is fine. 
Are you wondering about any particular practice in particular?

946: <p>Is there a way where someone (could meditate and take up certain Buddhist practices without initiation into Buddhism?</p>
<p>This is just a question to understand theory, not directed to be anything argumentative or offensive</p>
<p>Thank you and Peace!</p>
 2291: <p>Meditation as a healthy practice of "spiritual hygiene" is not limited to Buddhist practitioners though the language used to teach meditation is easily accessible through Buddhist teachings.  Contemplative practice is part of Judaism and other religious traditions.  Jewish Buddhist retreats combining practices from both traditions in the setting of competent teaching and supportive community are available.  See www.truenorthinsight.com for further information.</p>
 12344: <p>There is a misconception that Buddhism is a religion, and that you worship Buddha.
Buddhism is a practice, like yoga. You can be a Christian and practice Buddhism. I met a Catholic priest who live in a Buddhist monastery in France. He told me that Buddhism makes him a better Christian. I love that. </p>

<p><strong>— Thich Nhat Hanh</strong></p>
 12107: <p>Yes of course. HHDL regularly agrees that anyone can take up some Buddhist practices without becoming a Buddhist and also advises against changing ones tradition. Practice what is helpful. Abstain from what is not.</p>
 563: <p>There are a lot of Jewish Buddhists. There is even a slang term for it (Jewbu or Jubu).</p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Buddhist" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Wikipedia's Jewish Buddhist article says</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>A large demographic of Jewish Buddhists, constituting its majority, still maintain religious practices and beliefs in Judaism coupled with Buddhist practices and perhaps beliefs.</p>
<p>Since most Buddhists do not consider the Buddha to have been a &quot;god&quot;, Jewish Buddhists do not consider Buddhist practice to be &quot;worship&quot;. In addition, many Buddhists (particularly Theravada Buddhists) do not &quot;worship&quot; the Buddha but instead &quot;revere&quot; and &quot;express gratitude&quot; for the Buddha's [...] accomplishment and compassionate teaching [...]. In Mahayana Buddhism (the dominant form of Buddhism in the world today), the Trikaya (three bodies) Doctrine, and praying to Buddha as savior in Pure Land Buddhism significantly blurs the issue for Jews of whether Buddhism is a religion and whether Buddha is considered a God.[<sup>citation needed</sup>]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There's more information (&quot;Further reading&quot;, &quot;External links&quot;, etc.) in the Wikipedia article.</p>
<p>I believe the best example of a &quot;Jewbu&quot; is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Cohen#Religious_beliefs_and_practices" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Leonard Cohen</a> who is a Zen practitioner.</p>
 295: <p>Buddhist training is around:</p>

<ul>
<li>Morality</li>
<li>Development of a controlled mind</li>
<li>Develop true understanding of reality and wisdom</li>
</ul>

<p>There would be no religion which is incompatible with this.</p>

<p>Also, Buddhist meditation revolves around how to get out of stress and misery. Any religion will not be opposed to someone seeing a psychologist. Likewise, there is no issue with someone taking up Buddhist Meditation.</p>

<p>As you see things for yourself, any wrong views will be abandoned as you see things at the experiential level. The main thing is getting started, not worrying about theoretical aspects which you have not seen at the experiential level (In Buddhism, any theory not put into practice is of little use). What you see at the empirical level is what you should consider as reality (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_(Buddhism)" rel="nofollow">Dhamma</a>). Also, care should be taken not to jump to conclusions when you have seen things partially, either at the experiential level or through logical deduction. You are in the best position to judge this when you have reached the final goal, i.e. liberation of your mind from stress. </p>
 254: <p>For the sake of discussion, and (by searching Mi Yodeya) to try to answer from the Jewish perspective,</p>

<ul>
<li><p><a href="https://judaism.stackexchange.com/a/40862">This answer</a> warns that certain practices (e.g. bowing) might be seen as "devotional".</p></li>
<li><p>And <a href="https://judaism.stackexchange.com/a/134">this answer</a>, that worshipping the Buddha or seeing him as God-like would be prohibited.</p></li>
<li><p><a href="http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/60122/jewish/Is-Buddhism-Kosher.htm" rel="nofollow noreferrer">This answer</a> says,</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>For a Jew to burn incense in front of a statue is horrifying, no matter what he will say are his inner intents. Similarly, the proclamation, "In Buddha I find refuge" is a catastrophe for the Jewish soul.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>... but it also (rightly or wrongly) claims that,</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Today, this refinement process is extending to Buddhism. Many Jews began their spiritual trek with the path of Buddha and continued by discovering their own heritage in Torah. A twofold process occurs: Buddhism has evolved more in the past thirty years than in all its history before, to the point that what is presented today in America as Buddhism is already more Jewish than it is Buddhist. And, secondly, when those practicing "Jubus" return to Jewish practice, they reject those aspects that are anathematic to Torah, while making good use of those aspects that are complimentary.</p>
</blockquote></li>
<li><p><a href="https://judaism.stackexchange.com/q/14567">These answers</a> suggest that Judaism already has some forms/objects of meditation of its own.</p></li>
</ul>
 111: <p>Monotheism falls under Sassatha Ditti. It is one of the two false views that prevents one from progressing in the path. Such beliefs are called <a href="http://theeyeofdhamma.blogspot.com/2013_07_01_archive.html" rel="nofollow">Maggavarana Ditti</a>. But it does not prevent the path to heavens. Then again, you don't really need Buddhism to reach heavens. But if Nibbana is what you are looking for, you have to give up Monotheism at some point. You won't get far as long as you cling to such a belief.</p>

<p>Buddha preached the Dhamma to non-Buddhists, but they gave up their false views once they've embraced the Dhamma. Nobody attained enlightenment while still retaining such misbeliefs. It's not even technically possible.</p>
 533: <p>I think we can split Buddhism in 3 different levels of commitment:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Meditation, Dana (charity) and basic Sila (precepts). In this level, you can easily keep any peaceful religion, you will benefit from meditation and people will feel you are slowly changing, more inclined to a spiritual life, usually your family/friends/priests/bishops etc. will not see it as a threat.</p></li>
<li><p>Lay Buddhist Life. Here you may have some conflicts depending on your religion and how orthodox you are. Lay buddhists may prostrate and take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. This is where your previous religion may tell you that you are turning your back on them.</p></li>
<li><p>The life of a monk/recluse.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>So, as long as you commit to the first level, i.e:  meditating; cultivating generosity; refraining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and intoxicants, you should be fine with your current religion.</p>

<p>Problems will arise if you want to progress in the Buddha's teachings while keeping your current religion, but it is up to you; the path is there, it is your choice.</p>
 745: <p>From a Buddhist perspective that's fine. The Buddha gave his teachings in order to alleviate the sufferings of living beings, and last time I checked that includes everyone, not just Buddhists. If a non-Buddhist wants to take up certain aspects of Buddhist practices because they feel it will help them, then that is fine. </p>

<p>Are you wondering about any particular practice in particular?</p>
