Gone since 2012. I'm back

ginab

I'm back to realize my faults and change my habits. It's good to be home.

ginab

What websites could you recommend to me to reaffirm Buddhism? Thank you!

Jeroen

Heya… it depends on what kind of Buddhism you’re into. If you’re looking to do something formal like taking precepts I suspect most teachers would recommend a waiting period and then doing it in person, rather than online.

Welcome back, you were an old timey denizen.

ginab

Thank you Jeroen for the open arms. I'm not looking for something formal like taking precepts. I'm looking for something practical that I can practice every day to help me understand and accept all the suffering in the world. I want to be kind. I want to be patient. Mainly, I need to work on, and accept, some of my own shortcomings.

marcitko

Thank you very much for coming back @ginab! This means I get to share my favorite - nay, only - Rumi quote :-)
'Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again , come , come.'
Maybe a book or teacher on Youtube is a good place to (re)start.

Jeroen

As far as shortcomings are concerned, we all have those. Most of them have specific antidotes, but unless you’re willing to get specific it’s hard to share remedies. I understand not everyone is willing to talk about their issues online, and would rather do so 1-on-1 with a teacher. That is what the personal mail feature is for, I guess. But I am just an amateur, though I know a few things.

On the more general front, I found contemplating this list from @pegembara to be very helpful, it showed me a number of things I did well and a number of places where I fell short… it is a list of blessings that functions as a kind of roadmap to good behaviour.

The 38 Highest Blessings
To avoid the company of fools: Steering clear of those who are unethical or unwise.
To associate with the wise: Surrounding yourself with people who encourage spiritual and moral growth.
To honour those worthy of honour: Respecting parents, teachers, and elders.
To live in a suitable place: Residing in an environment conducive to ethical and safe living.
To have done good deeds in the past: Enjoying the fruits of past merits while continuing to build more.
To set oneself on the right path: Directing your life toward virtue and wisdom.
To have a good education: Cultivating both general and moral knowledge.
To be proficient at work: Mastering a craft or profession to support yourself ethically.
To follow a code of discipline: Practicing moral restraint, such as the Five Precepts.
To practice pleasant speech: Using words that are true, kind, and beneficial.
To support your parents: Caring for father and mother with gratitude.
To cherish your spouse and children: Fulfilling duties toward your immediate family.
To have peaceful occupations: Engaging in work that does not cause harm.
To be charitable: Practicing generosity and giving to others.
To practice virtuous conduct: Living a life of moral integrity.
To help your relatives: Providing assistance to extended family and friends.
To perform blameless actions: Engaging in socially and ethically responsible deeds.
To shun evil: Avoiding unwholesome and harmful behaviours.
To abstain from evil: Actively refraining from negative speech and actions.
To refrain from intoxicants: Avoiding substances that cloud the mind.
To be diligent in righteousness: Staying steadfast in following the teachings (Dhamma).
To have reverence: Showing deep respect for the Triple Gem and spiritual mentors.
To be humble: Avoiding pride and conceit.
To be content: Being satisfied with what one has.
To be grateful: Recognising and returning the kindness of others.
To hear the teachings at the right time: Listening to the Dhamma on appropriate occasions.
To have patience: Enduring hardships and difficulties with equanimity.
To be amenable to correction: Being open to advice and self-improvement.
To see holy persons: Meeting monks or spiritually realised teachers.
To discuss the teachings: Engaging in spiritual dialogue at suitable times.
To practice self-restraint: Controlling the senses and desires through meditation or discipline.
To live a noble/holy life: Adhering to the Noble Eightfold Path.
To realise the Four Noble Truths: Penetrating the deep reality of suffering and its end.
To attain Nibbana: Reaching the ultimate goal of liberation from suffering.
To have a mind unshaken by worldly events: Remaining calm amidst gain/loss, praise/blame, etc.
To have a mind free from sorrow: Living without grief or distress.
To have an undefiled mind: Keeping the mind free from greed, hatred, and delusion.
To have a secure mind: Attaining a state of ultimate peace and safety

ginab

Thank you. That's a long list to work through!

Jeroen

But that’s why it is sooo gooood! Many of the words it uses are known concepts in Buddhism and link in to other things, it’s very rich. But even on the surface level it is good.

For example, the first item, to avoid the company of fools, is the same as from the sutra, “Half of the Holy Life” here.

person

I think it helps to understand how you like to take in the teachings. By reading, listening, watching, in person. Maybe books or podcasts or YouTube or a Dharma center will be good options.

I like podcasts. My favorites are 10% Happier, Audio Dharma, and Hardcore Zen. Buddhism Guide and Secular Buddhism are sound choices too. I've also recently started listening to The Way Out Is In, the Plum Village podcast, Thich Naht Hahn's continuing community, I think they're carrying on in his spirit.

I think the important thing for trying to establish a practice is to engage with something daily. It really doesn't have to be a long commitment. Some days you'll be tired or just not in the mood. On those days just sitting on the cushion and taking 3 solid breaths, or reading an inspirational quote or two will help you get into the habit. Other days you'll want to do more, or on the days you don't feel up to it, you'll stick to your brief commitment but then feel motivated for more.

It also helps reflecting on how life is when you don't or haven't practiced compared to when you do.

Jeroen

@person said:
I've also recently started listening to The Way Out Is In, the Plum Village podcast, Thich Naht Hahn's continuing community, I think they're carrying on in his spirit.

That is a good tip, I generally like their content. Their app is good too, it provides a variety of meditation and contemplation aids.

Yes, it depends very much on how you like to connect to the Dharma. I like to read, so I sometimes visit the Lions Roar or Tricycle websites, I occasionally explore the sutras, and so on. I’ve not yet found a really good YouTube offering, but I like this Japanese teacher a lot…

ginab

Thank you, I've always enjoyed Thich Naht Hahn's teaching and I'm glad to hear it's being continued.