MY Story - Anybody Else Out There Like Me?

These are the memorable words of Buddha:



"Believe not because an old book is produced as an authority. Believe not because your father said [you should] believe the same. Believe not because other people like you believe it. Test everything, try everything, and then believe it, and if you find it for the good of many, give it to all." And with these words, the Master passed away.



See the sanity of the man. No gods, no angels, no demons -- nobody. Nothing of the kind. Stern, sane, every brain - cell perfect and complete, even at the moment of death. No delusion. I do not agree with many of his doctrines. You may not. But in my opinion -- oh, if I had only one drop of that strength! The sanest philosopher the world ever saw.



~ Swami Vivekananda

I have been through a similar experience as you. Born to two religiously devout parents, who raised me right, and did a very good job. But as you, my teenage years found myself questioning, and wishing to partake of sin. So I did. I did in secret for some time, and got sick of living a double life. So I confronted my parents about my disbelief, and disappointed them greatly. I continued down the wrong path for a few years, only to wake up and realize, they were right. You question why you are forbidden of doing what others your age are doing? It is because you shouldn't, and for many reasons. The lusful desires of the devil are many. Ranging in severity. While temporarily pleasing, they are destructive in nature, and very addicting. And they bring no true and lasting pleasing feeling. The effect wears off, and you gotta do more and more, to try to get the same level of temporary appeasement. All whilst further strenghthening the bonds of the devil, and harming yourself and those around you. It may be difficult to see this in the small things you are forbidden to do, such as the wrong music, inappropriate dancing, bad movies, ect. But these are only the small steps, that bring a little of the wrong enjoyment, that you notice, but also bring a little destruction and addiction, that you likely will not. But these little steps lead to big falls. Your parents and your religion want what's best for you. Their words are not arbitrary, but have completely true and just meaning. It may be difficult to trust them, not having experienced yourself why you shouldn't do what they tell you not to, but believe me and them, you don't want to.

Your relationship with God is a personal one. don't let anyone else dictate to you how you should celebrate it or live your life in His light. Keep the faith, that's what's improtant.