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Overwhelming

sobergirlsobergirl
edited July 2011 in Buddhism Basics
I've been reading and reading and reading. Every time I read something, there is a link that leads me to more reading. I started with the four noble truths, eightfold path and five precepts. Then the wheel of life, 6 realms, 31 levels of something (?) a whole bunch of dharma talks online...I don't think I've retained anything in the last two days. I'm seriously going to buy Buddhism for dummies/idiots or whatever. I have so many sites bookmarked and really just don't know where to go next. It's quite complicated ;) But you already knew that. Hehe

Comments

  • VincenziVincenzi Veteran
    you can focus on meditation and ethics if it gest overwhelming.

    it may be the 31 planes of existance.
  • kacikaci
    it is indeed a vast, beautiful and magical garden to explore - if it gets too complex just remember, the breath is always available :).
  • personperson Don't believe everything you think The liminal space Veteran
    Yes, there's a vast amount of scripture and knowledge. Fortunatly the practice for beginners is simple and straightforward. Focus on the meditation and keep reading, it just takes time.
  • kacikaci
    a thought - one of the nicest introductions to dhamma i have ever found is "Lovingkindness - the revolutionary art of happiness" by Sharon Salzberg. a clear, simple and practical introduction that is well worth looking into - its available in paperback (cheap .. i wish it was free but ..).
  • santhisouksanthisouk Veteran
    It is not wrong to increase our intelligence on a subject of our interest, but it is even better to experience it.
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    Everyone has their own style. For awhile I had a series (3) of Pema Chodron CDs. They were broken down into 5 minute sections. I was listening to a 5 minute section each day and then meditating. I listened until I completed the CD (over days) and then switched to another.

    I think I did that practice for 2 or 3 months. I retained quite a bit.
  • kacikaci
    @santhisouk

    with kind intention - intelligence and experience are not two mutually exclusive phenomena; engaging in the development of intellectual understanding and reasoned reflection is a critical factor supporting confidence in the path and contributes to dissolving delusion (moha). intellectual functioning is in itself a part of experience. basically hearing/learning from others (paratoghosa), understanding and critically reflecting (yonisomanasikaara) on the dhammma are the basis of right view/understanding (sammaditthi).

    in short, its not only not harmful - it is an essential part of development and helpful.

    peace.
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