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Newbie (Hi!) and how to find an 'introduction retreat'

WhiteBalanceWhiteBalance
in Buddhism Basics
Hello all, I am new to the site and relatively new to Buddhism and I am looking for a long weekend retreat or a virtual weekend retreat that would provide an introduction to Buddhism, meditation, perhaps a review of the primary traditions (and their differences), and how to start a practice.

Yes, I know, that may be a tall order! However, in discussions of late, I have found that there are many looking for this type of information and help in 'ramping up'.

Any ideas, suggestions, links to sites would be helpful.

Comments

  • howhow Veteran Veteran
    Perhaps disclosing your location might narrow down the non virtual possibilities.
  • BrianBrian Detroit, MI Moderator
    Hello, welcome to NewBuddhist :)
  • WhiteBalanceWhiteBalance
    I travel a lot for work - so really anywhere in the US would work. West Coast would be easiest, but I have been looking for a while for a good introduction course that would provide an overview of the noble truths, 8-fold path, and precepts... and a way to start to incorporate a practice into the western way of life. I don't want to start off with a silent retreat with hours of meditation when I am really so new I need a 'primer' course - with discussion, practical approach to starting meditation and how to initiate a practice that can be sustained for a newbie...

    I know finding all that is probably not going to happen, but you get the idea :) It could be anywhere... and could be 3 to 7 days...
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    Shambhala has different levels of classes and they are all over the map.
  • JasonJason God Emperor Arrakis Moderator
    edited November 2012
    Welcome, @WhiteBalance. :)

    As for your question, it's hard to say without knowing specifics, but depending on where you are, you might what to check out places like the Insight Meditation Center and the Sati Center.
  • karastikarasti Breathing Minnesota Moderator
    This is just my experience, but I don't know that you'll find a short retreat that can cover all of that. I just did a short retreat, which was 7 hours the first day and 5 hours the second, and in that 12 hours all we covered was the 4 Noble Truths, lol. It does help to be with like minded others, for sure. I don't have any suggestions, since I live in the northern plains, but in the mean time, I'd highly recommend "The Heart of Buddha's Teachings" by Thich Nhat Hahn. It's a very good introductory book and does an excellent job explaining the things you are asking about. The latter half of the book goes more in-depth with other things but you can just stop wherever you are comfortable, of course.

    A lot of places offer a weekly or biweekly meditation group, which is a really nice way to be introduced to meditation. There are also a lot of decent online practices, and Deepak Chopra is doing an introduction to meditation course right now, for free. You can sign up on his webpage.
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    Welcome @WhiteBalance. Hope you find something useful here.

    As a speculative guess, I would suggest you scale back on your hopes and expectations. If, as you say, you are relatively new to Buddhism, then a weekend -- or perhaps just an introductory evening -- should be plenty for starters. A. Find a center (and there are gobs of them on the west coast) that seems to appeal to you. Most have some form of introductory instructions. Consult the Great God Google. B. Try it. C. Assess the experience. D. Decide whether you want to return to the first location or try another. E. Try it. F. Assess the experience. Etc.

    Little by little -- using some patience and determination -- you will naturally winkle out not just what you think you want but what you actually want. Roughly speaking, Buddhism is not a one-and-done deal: Just because anyone knows The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path does not mean they know diddly about The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path. Exercise some patience, pick a practice after whatever amount of time you need to investigate the realm ... and then practice it. In this way, you will not have to seek out The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path ... they will come looking for you.

    Best wishes.
    Vastmind
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