I am really new to Buddhism. Where do I begin?

Renee

Hi everyone, I'm Renee and I've only recently discovered how realistic, honest and inspiring Buddhism is.

But I don't know where to begin in practicing or meditating. I've tried meditation in the past but always got irritated or bored or didn't feel any different. I'm not sure what the results should have been but I'm pretty sure I didn't get there. The most I've ever gotten out of meditating is a headache and a numb foot. So I'm pretty sure I'm doing it wrong.

And I've noticed that meditation is a big part of Buddhism so I'm willing to give it another shot. But what else should I do, apart from meditation?

So can anyone please share some techniques, tips or personal experiences to put me on the right path?

Thank you all,
Renee

mindatrisk

Hello, and welcome! I would suggest to anyone that they start by considering carefully what issues they care deeply about... social issues like homelessness, abused children, lonely old people, pollution, cruelty to animals. If you can identify something like the above then you will locate - if you haven't already - your natural, easy-flowing compassion. From there, go and find an opportunity to help your identified cause. Find a volunteering opportunity, or establish your own project... whatever it is that will you allow to engage in compassionate action.

As you engage in your compassionate action then you will become aware of certain difficulties, obstacles, problems etc. that confront your ability and desire to maintain your compassionate action... THIS would then be the time to approach Buddhism, because then you will know what you are looking for, you will find it, and it will mean something to you that is both enlightening and of tangible use to your daily life, which is, ultimately, what we are all looking for... y'know, tools that help us be happy!

To study and practice Buddhism now when you may not have any real sense of why you are studying and practicing or of how it is going to benefit you is a sure-fire way of becoming disillusioned and disinterested, because, of all the thousands of texts and books and practices, how are you going to know where to start? You could end up reading and practicing stuff that isn't going to be relevant to you for another 42 lifetimes! But compassion... compassion is relevant right now. And it is the one guaranteed element of Buddha-nature that you already have and that will already bring you happiness. Everything else then becomes about nurturing and bringing wisdom to that core of compassion.

I hope this helps!

genkaku

Welcome @Renee. Hope you find something useful here.

First and foremost, slow down. Accomplishing what you hope to accomplish by yesterday just doesn't work, so cut Renee some slack. Read a little, visit some centers or lectures, and extend your patient investigation. Here is one description of how to do meditation. It's offered from a Zen point of view, but the effort is pretty much universal in Buddhism.

Less is more ... try to do a little. Never mind becoming some enlightened, compassionate being who emanates a blissful light. Just be a patient Renee. See what actually happens as distinct from expecting something to happen. Meditate, read, consider, discuss ... whatever Renee needs ... patiently and with some determination.

Best wishes.

Sabre

Hi @Renee!

Welcome!

I would advice this series of videos:


It goes into a lot of detail and uses words that are probably new to you, but it is a great introduction to pretty much everything you will need in sitting meditation.

I wish you a lot of joy from meditation!

zsc

Incorporate chanting into your meditation if it helps. That's what helped me. I just couldn't sit down and completely shut up. One favorite is Om Mani Padme(pay-may) Hum.

how

A common way to approach this is to
research a bit of the different forms (schools) of Buddhism for the one that seems right for you. You can then contact that form (school) of Buddhism for instructions on the meditation practise that pertains to it.

Mindfull

Honestly the more you try and seek a path for yourself thru others,the more confusing it becomes.

Try and get along to a local Buddhist Centre, and enquire about the courses they teach, my first course was over a 5 week period, how to meditate, then I did another course the 4 noble truths. Dont worry most of the people you Meet there will like minded newbies, like yourself.

All the best on your path to a happier life...

Cloud

@Renee, I always recommend these two sites:

http://www.BuddhaNet.net (has all kinds of info & study guides)
with things like the "Basic Buddhism Guide" and "Online Study Guide"

http://www.accesstoinsight.org (has the Pali Canon mostly translated to English)

KarunaDharmakaya

hey Check out KarunaDharmakayaBuddhism.org

for teachings Based on Tathagatagarbha(Buddha nature)and the Bodhisattva vows.

DairyLama

A common way to approach this is to
research a bit of the different forms (schools) of Buddhism for the one that seems right for you. You can then contact that form (school) of Buddhism for instructions on the meditation practise that pertains to it.

Yes, or visit a number of Buddhist groups / centres and see what you think.