Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

The Sutras; Should I read them, and if so in what order?

StudentStudent
edited February 2012 in Buddhism Basics
As some of you know I'm very new to Buddhism. I've done a lot of reading since my first interest was sparked, but all of it has been the writing of various respected members of Buddhism, or examinations of it's philosophy by people who do not practice. I haven't yet attempted to read Sutras, and I'm not sure where to begin, which to read, or if I even should. I am wary of reading the Sutras, and in ignorance drawing from them a conclusion that is far from the intended message. If it makes any difference, I find myself drawn to Mahayana and the idea of The Great Vehicle. Any advice is much appreciated, and thank you for taking the time to respond if you choose to.

Comments

  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    edited February 2012
    We had an OP almost identical to this a few weeks ago. That wasn't you? It's best for beginners to read a book or two that is a general introduction to Buddhism, outlining basic concepts. The sutras are an awful lot to chew for a beginner.

    We used to have a permanent thread with book references for beginners. Admins @Lincoln,--could that be reinstated? Book suggestions, anyone?
  • StudentStudent
    Couldn't have been; I joined this forum only five days ago. And, that's what I thought. I've got plenty to read in the way of modern books on Buddhism, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't ignoring some key element by having not read the Sutras myself, like how many Christians believe reading the Bible for yourself is absolutely vital.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    It's best to read the sutras after you have a good orientation in Buddhism. Stick around here, and links to sutras relevant to discussions will be posted occasionally. That's as good a way to start as any. Otherwise, you could get overwhelmed.

    No, you're not required to become a sutra-thumper. ;)
  • SpinyNorman2SpinyNorman2
    I find myself drawn to Mahayana and the idea of The Great Vehicle. Any advice is much appreciated, and thank you for taking the time to respond if you choose to.
    You might find the Heart Sutra interesting and inspiring.

    Spiny

  • RichardHRichardH Veteran
    edited February 2012
    If you are just a starting from square one.. IMHO it is a good idea to start at the root.

    The Four Noble Truths: by Ajahn Sumedho is free online here...http://www.buddhanet.net/4noble.htm This is the basic orientation, from an impeccable source.

    For moving beyond thinking about practice to actually practicing... this sutta (easy to find) is a source handbook..

    The Satipatthana Sutta :The Foundations of Mindfulness



    That is a good basic tool kit to get you off on the right foot. Then, for support, it is a good idea (if possible) to explore different Sangha, communities of people practising these teachings in various styles and ways. It's a big basket including Mahayana and Theravada.



  • personperson Don't believe everything you think The liminal space Veteran
    edited February 2012
    Therevade sticks alot to the original suttas. As far as I know most of the translations have commentary at http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ .

    If you want to study more mahayana in depth I'd start with some of the old Indian philosophers, Nagarjuna in particular, and understand what they have to say first.
  • ManabuManabu
    Its always best to read the original sutras, so you should learn another language like Sanskrit or Chinese. Of course it is difficult to learn foreign languages. But a translation is actually not the same book as the original, and is in fact the interpretation of the translator. If you cannot accept the new text, the best way is learn a language. If you cant learn a language, then get a good translation. But dont depend on ione versoio if you can.







  • SpinyNorman2SpinyNorman2
    But dont depend on one versioin if you can.
    Yes, it's good to read different translations because they can be quite different.

    Spiny
Sign In or Register to comment.