Contemplating Buddhism. Where do I start?

Ski_Hugger

I was raised Lutheran, converted and became Catholic when I married, now I find myself at a spriritual crossroad. Living in North Carolina, I am constantly exposed to all forms of Christianity and what I see on almost all counts has caused me to question the religion. I see competition, cliques, preaching without practice, etc., not things that would help a person develop spiritually. I've started looking into other religions and have been drawn to Buddhism. I am former US Army Special Forces and a former team leader who I respect a great deal was a follower of Zen Buddhism. I've started reading and learning the basics and would like to move forward. Where may I find an online course in learning basic Buddhism?

Cloud

One great site that has learning tools and access to all kinds of information, on all Buddhist traditions, is http://www.buddhanet.net. I highly encourage you to start there.

Mountains

Lots of discussions here (see under Buddhism for Beginners). Lots and lots of great books as well. I recommend "Buddhism Plain & Simple" and (believe it or not) "Buddhism for Dummies". Both are very good primers on Buddhism, and are easy to read.

I don't know that there's an online "course" per se. It's mainly going to be your own effort at reading and studying.

Depending where you are in NC, there are *lots* of Sanghas that I would encourage you to explore. You can connect with other Buddhists, and possibly (if you're lucky) find a teacher.

Ski_Hugger

Thanks Cloud, thanks Mountains. Funny about the Dummies books. I actually have more than a few of them on different topics on my bookshelf. Will check out the link and books you've both recommended.

Kwantum_Kev

@Ski_Hugger, I might also recommend a book that I found very, very helpful in my search to better understand Buddhism : "Awakening to the Buddha Within" by the Lama Surya Das. It is written from a westerner's perspective, and I found it very easy to read, entertaining, and informative.

Best of luck in your search.


Namaste'

Kwan Kev

DhammaDhatu

Where may I find an online course in learning basic Buddhism?

hi Ski H

the basics of Buddhism are three-fold, namely: (1) refrain from harming; (2) cultivate virtue & skill; and (3) purify the mind (from attachment-'self-views')

the following book is a little serious but may possible be helpful (if suitable)

regards

http://www.buddhanet.net/budasa2.htm

Jeffrey

http://www.buddhism-connect.org/what-we-offer/

Thats the course my lama, lama shenpen hookham, teaches. It is called discovering the heart of buddhism. When I took the course I made a donation (substantial) to the sangha though I am not sure if there is any change in the sangha's finances affecting the price currently, I think we've got some large donations and it may have.

You can read lama shenpen's bio on that site but she is a well respected teacher in a lineage tradition. The karmapa asked her to teach if I recall and the karmapa is kinda like the Da Lai Lama in a different sect of Tibetan buddhism. I have found her very knowledgeable, sensitive, personable, and powerful thinker. In addition she is ethical which has been a concern with gurus on occasion.

Tibetan buddhism is rather esoteric but her course is not. It is called formless practice and eschews the formalization and rituals and focuses directly on experience. The first part examines the language you know from your own culture regarding 'the heart' which my lama finds that her students already have some profound realizations about the nature of awareness that they may build upon.

Ski_Hugger

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions on links a reading material. These have given me an excellent start point and I am moving forward...

Ski_Hugger

In addition to all of the resouces that have been posted, I found another site that may be helpful to others in my position. http://viewonbuddhism.org/where_beginner_study_practice_meditation.html

genkaku

Not to subject you to Buddhist overload @Ski_Hugger, but Zen, if that turns out to be your cup of tea, puts some emphasis on zazen or seated meditation. Here's a relatively straightforward how-to with pictures: http://mro.org/zmm/teachings/meditation.php

Good luck.

Ski_Hugger

Thank you Genkaku. I have a rudimentary background in meditation and have done some basic breathing and body relaxation in the past. I will check out the link. I am enjoying the journey right now.