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If you had to start fresh again, what would you do/read/learn first?

aclark24aclark24
edited May 2011 in Buddhism Basics
Hello everyone,

I'm very new to this new path in my life. I'm a christian cult survivor, and my eyes are just opening.

My question is - if you were to start your path into Buddhism over again, what would you learn/do/seek/read/listen to first?

I ask to gather the resources, thoughts, opinion, and knowledge of all you amazing people.

Thanks,
Adam C.

Comments

  • VincenziVincenzi Veteran
    anapanasati meditation.
  • TalismanTalisman Veteran
    The dhammapada
  • MindGateMindGate United States Veteran
    Nothing, really. I think I did pretty well. I first started reading about the basics. And, I still didn't completely understand Buddhism, so friends of mine (TheJourney, compassionate_warrior, and Taiyaki) helped me out. TheJourney and Taiyaki really helped me grasp the concepts of mindfulness and emptiness. Now I seem to be on the right path. :)
  • compassionate_warriorcompassionate_warrior Veteran
    The most important thing, I'd say, after observing beginner buddhists here for awhile, is not to bite off more than you can chew. If people try to grasp too many complex concepts at once, they get very confused. We always say, start with the basics: the 4 Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the precepts, mindfulness, meditation. That'll keep you busy for awhile. Then you build on that gradually.
  • taiyakitaiyaki Veteran
    read a lot less. spend more time on my ass meditating.

    but even if we aren't on the right path, that is the path. but we can only know that in hindsight.
    it seems all the chasing and reading and seeking all serves a purpose. even the healthy amount of laziness serves a purpose.

  • DaltheJigsawDaltheJigsaw Mountain View Veteran
    Sitting more and keeping things as simple as possible.
  • thewalkindudethewalkindude
    I am new and i will take these suggestions to heart. :D
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    I agree with Leon. Also Sanos lute. Not too tight not too loose.
  • BuckyGBuckyG
    satipatthana
  • CloudCloud Veteran
    edited May 2011
    I really don't think that I'd have done it differently, though it might have been nice to have started sooner instead of wasting as many years not knowing about the Buddha's teachings. After learning about the Buddha's message of suffering and its cessation for the first time and smacking my forehead with my hand (ohhh, duh!), I pretty much devoured all Buddhism-related material in sight, from books to websites to individual sutras to audio lectures.

    And I still think that's the best way! If I had just chosen a school because I "liked" that school, it would've been more driven by desire to have my own views supported by others than trying to find the truth. Always good to research even the things that don't vibe with you personally.
  • ThailandTomThailandTom Veteran
    not take drugs, simply
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