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do others not 'study' much?
I am not sure how common this is, especially on a forum here where obviously people come to talk about Buddhism, however I have felt very confident in not doing much study/reading on Buddhism over the years. I find that sometimes I get too much into my intellectual side and that is unbalanced, but also I have this feeling that if I study then I get into the realm of trying to know it all or more than others to be an 'authentic Buddhist'. So i don't. I guess I feel that interferes with practice
I have less than 12 books on Buddhism, 4 of those purchased just for a group I study with at the UU church. We joke in the group because I often lose the book even though I always read them. I am the least studied one in the group however every year when we do a service for our UU church I do a dharma talk that is well recieved.
So meanwhile one of my life goals is to be tri-lingual and teach meditation. I need to practice my French and just started taking Spanish classes. The reason to study more would be to have some credentials for possibly teach meditation only. I think that working with a teacher could also do that.
Hmm, just wondering what others may have to say.
I have less than 12 books on Buddhism, 4 of those purchased just for a group I study with at the UU church. We joke in the group because I often lose the book even though I always read them. I am the least studied one in the group however every year when we do a service for our UU church I do a dharma talk that is well recieved.
So meanwhile one of my life goals is to be tri-lingual and teach meditation. I need to practice my French and just started taking Spanish classes. The reason to study more would be to have some credentials for possibly teach meditation only. I think that working with a teacher could also do that.
Hmm, just wondering what others may have to say.
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Comments
But for someone who wants to teach meditation, I think it would be useful not to shy from the intellect. A good grounding helps to give others a hand. True, getting swept up in intellectual appreciations carries its dangers. But getting caught up in non-intellectual appreciations carries very similar dangers. I guess I'm saying that I think each person will make his or her decisions based on careful and sometimes courageous investigation. It's not something to worry too much about ... either way, you are bound to make mistakes.
Some of this is like riding a bike. Nobody can tell you when to lean left and right.
It's especially common here in the West.
Pali Canon suttas can be found at this website:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/index.html
I think reading the Suttas and Meditating is very important in ones practice.
But, I definitely went through a period of Sutta and Sutra study in a kind of compressed time, during intense practice neglecting most all else except necessities kind of format.
Books?
Masters?
Personally, I believe that all of us will need a combination of practice and study. Some of us may want/need to study more, some may want/need to practice more - the "right" amount of study is going to be an individual thing. Discussion can be useful as well, especially if the people we discuss Dhamma with have a good understanding of the Suttas and are well practiced. Also important is reflection - reflect on what you have studied, what others have said (especially those whom you consider to be wise) and also on the practice itself. In my opinion, these things - study, Dhamma discussion, practice and reflection - should be balanced, refined and repeated in order to guide the mind in the right direction.
In the time when the Buddha was around, we could simply ask him to read our minds and tell us what we need to do. Nowadays we are not so fortunate, we must learn to read our own minds. To whatever extent the Suttas or commentaries or modern teachers or spiritual friends help us to understand our own mind - then such words and advice are useful. If study or discussion becomes an obsession and an attachment, then it is not useful.
Even sharing our views with others can become an obstacle and it is something I am wary of as I write this - so I will call it a day for now, just in case.
Metta,
Guy
I'd say start with Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's "Blazing Splendor". If you actually read that and get through that, it will rock your world, trust me! Then come back to me and I'll recommend some more.
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche is a very highly regarded Rinpoche of an entirely different world than we are accustomed to.
We all know the answers deep down. Just ask the heart, search the soul. Listen to others, yet trust few. Walk, don't run. Glide, don't slide....
Most important, enjoy whatever ur doing.
Be well and good luck!
i recommend "Buddhadhamma" by Ven. P. A. Payutto. i also find that bikkhus Thanissaro and Bodhi are quite insightful - they are two of the most prolific modern translators of the pali canon.
@AHeerdt
Phra Payutto's book is a very astute and well grounded presentation of the "middle way" based on the pali; he is one of the most respected thai scholar monks and does a very good job of giving an overview. it was also written with the purpose of providing a basic guide for study - it might be a good book for your study group.
cheer.