When/How to Begin Alternative "Learnings"

Yishai

So, I have only really educated myself about sitting meditation, just "sitting and breathing". Lately, on the forum, there has been more talk about yogic meditations, chakras, qi, and plenty of other things that a newbie like me hadn't even thought of yet.

My question is, where does a beginner start with these other concepts? When is the correct time to even try them? Obviously, they aren't a vital practice in order to gain enlightenment, but I have always been naturally curious. And if it is something about my religion, I'd like to know what it is exactly.

Kinda like how Christians have the apocrypha, I'd still want to know about everything. Just because it isn't mainstream doesn't mean there is nothing to be learned from it.

ihbryant

Have you read any sutras? The Heart Sutra is one that is often coupled with meditation. It is very short. I would recommend finding a book that explains it to you. There are many of them around, and they will introduce many new concepts.

Don't be intimidated with the amount of material that exists. A favorite story of mine is about a man that is traveling and has run out of water. He is about to die, but then comes across a giant river. He just stands on its bank, staring at the river. A stranger comes along and notices him. The stranger says "You look very thirsty, why don't you drink?" The man replies "I don't think I can drink all of it."

Don't worry too much about what you don't know. At this point, just find the part that is interesting to you and start learning.

Yishai

@ihbryant

That story made me laugh I have already been studying some, but I wanted to study some non-core Buddhist material. I just didn't know where to start. It's easy to get into Buddhism. You read the 4NT, 8FP, 3Js, 3 Marks, and so on and so forth. Then start meditation with anapanasati. Or do zazen and just sit. I do both.

These other facets of Buddhism are not as core, and therefore, I find it hard to find where to start. That's all I guess I should just dive right in, eh?

santhisouk

Not to discourage you, and not to make any arguments on what you want to do, but you should always keep in mind that any "alternate learnings" fall short of liberation from suffering.

with metta

Yishai

Not to discourage you, and not to make any arguments on what you want to do, but you should always keep in mind that any "alternate learnings" fall short of liberation from suffering.

with metta

I pointed this out in my first post. I know it isn't vital. But I am a curious creature

Mr_Serenity

@Yishai
I would categorize Qigong as a style of meditation, and I would categorize Astral Projection as a test of ascension that tests your awareness, that will eventually also test your true nature and teach you many things. So they're concepts that share the same goals of Buddhism. With that in mind you can start any time you want.

These aren't things you will learn right away most likely. They're things you have to explore and continue to build on. You will learn through trial and error, and you may even have to go through several teachers till you find one that fits you best. So if I was you I would research it online for now. You can learn astral projection from books.

But as for Qigong I would say find a teacher. If you live in a city, they should be easy enough to find. Most Kung Fu schools are also familiar with Qigong, and often they have Qigong curriculum. Same with some martial art schools.

Vincenzi

read the samaññaphala sutta; it describes many skills that can happen while walking the path.

some buddhists may argue ad nauseum that they are "alternate teachings"; but it is in a sutra.

Jeffrey

Yishai, I think you should pay attention to what the authors and people you meet say about a practice. If they say you need preparation you shouldn't assume that you don't. If mom and dad say you have to look both ways before crossing the street?

Aside from that I would respect your body and mind in those studies. Don't push yourself too far. Don't get caught up in the false view that those are 'better' because they are less known than the basic 8, 4, 3, and 5. At the same time they could have great value but there is every possibility that you could use them to avoid the other teachings. There is every possibility that you would be fearful and greedy when practicing them which is the wrong direction.

I like ihbryant's story. Thanks ih.

We can't know what truly does and doesn't bring liberation until we attain that. Or someone we trust and respect lets us know what will bring about.