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Newbie, looking for some starter points!

StaitStait
edited August 2012 in Buddhism Basics
I'm starting off with 15 minutes meditation in the morning along side 15 minutes of tai chi.

I'd like to learn more about the teaching of Buddha but I'm not sure what pieces to start off by reading. I'd like to learn a sutra or two to chant during meditation in the evenings, I'm currently listening to a few chants on YouTube that I've found.

I'm also not sure what types of Buddhism there are. If someone could clear that up I'd be much more confident in my searching through google as it comes up with varying results.

Last question (that's right it's nearly over), what apart from meditation and helping those when help is needed would be included in day to day practises for a Buddhist?

Thank you anyone in advance!

Comments

  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    Hi, Stait. The answers depend to some extent on your practice goals, what you're experiencing in your meditation and tai chi, and what impact this has already had on the rest of your life. Could you give us an outline?
  • CloudCloud Veteran
    @Stait, try http://www.BuddhaNet.net.

    Particularly the Basic Buddhism Guide, and the Online Study Guide.

    These should be a good beginning primer!
    Tosh
  • PatrPatr Veteran
    Yup, cant go wrong with Buddhanet, great site with easy to understand language.
    Read up the NIKAYAS, supposedly the Buddha's words.
    The Theravada tradition is a very good starting point, try not to go into other traditions just yet.
    Ciao
  • DhammadinaDhammadina
    Hai Bro.. You could learn from sutta. Or you can joint to "Www.dhammasukha.org". U can learn more from there, and u can make a personnal conversation with the senior monk and sister. They're so helpfull. :)
  • Geoff-AllenGeoff-Allen
    Yes, Buddahnet is a great site!

    For a bit more on meditation try this -

    http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=2125

    And here's a video you may like -



    Best of luck!
  • Geoff-AllenGeoff-Allen
    If you was lookin 4 some MP3 teeachings ...

    http://www.talkingbuddhism.org/info.php?title=67

    http://dharmaseed.org/talks/?search=compassion&sort=-rec_date

    Happy Trails!
  • Geoff-AllenGeoff-Allen
    If you want a HUGE list of Buddist quotes/thoughts on a variety of topics -

    http://www.viewonbuddhism.org/dharma-quotes-quotations-buddhist/index.htm

    Cheers
  • ToshTosh Veteran
    edited August 2012
    Ajahn Brahm got me interested into looking into Buddhism deeper:

    Buddhism and sects:

  • Nek777Nek777 Explorer
    If you are into Tibetan Buddhism ... Chogyam Trungpa, The Tibetan Buddhist Path
  • EnlightenedFeatherEnlightenedFeather
    Buddhism is only the passing through the life in itself. My advice to you is to be kind to the ones dear to you, for their life is as precious as the great world that we as people walk under.
  • chariramacharirama Veteran
    I like to listen to the Audio Dharma talks by Gil Fronsdal from the Insight Meditation Centre

    http://www.audiodharma.org/teacher/1/
    DaltheJigsaw
  • footiamfootiam Veteran
    You can get a free Buddhist course here, Gorinto@yahoo.com
    I like it and I hope you like it too.
  • DairyLamaDairyLama Veteran Veteran
    Last question (that's right it's nearly over), what apart from meditation and helping those when help is needed would be included in day to day practises for a Buddhist?
    Keeping the precepts and practising mindfulness are important, some Buddhists also do chanting.
  • ph0kinph0kin http://klingonbuddhist.wordpress.com Explorer
    Stait said:

    I'm starting off with 15 minutes meditation in the morning along side 15 minutes of tai chi.

    I'd like to learn more about the teaching of Buddha but I'm not sure what pieces to start off by reading. I'd like to learn a sutra or two to chant during meditation in the evenings, I'm currently listening to a few chants on YouTube that I've found.

    I'm also not sure what types of Buddhism there are. If someone could clear that up I'd be much more confident in my searching through google as it comes up with varying results.

    Hello,

    Not to toot my own horn, but I made up a series of "Beginner Buddhism" videos recently that cover a lot of these topics:

    https://www.youtube.com/user/TheJkllr

    You can jump straight to a topic you find useful, or just follow them all. The early ones are a little unpolished, but hey it's been a learning process.

    Also, I recommend Walpola Rahula's "What the Buddha Taught". A bit drier than other Buddhist books, but it actually has substance and not a bunch of platitudes.

    After that, Thich Nhat Hanh's commentaries on the Heart Sutra are a solid read too.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    Everyone is adding some marvellous suggestions; however, the OP's last visit to the site was on the day he posted, and he has not returned since...
    I'm going to close this, until such a time as he returns for further input.
    many thanks for all your efforts, people. :)
This discussion has been closed.