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Today I'm becoming a Buddhist
Four years ago, I brought a bunch of books and my dog to a remote campsite with my travel trailer, and read for 3 days straight. My goal was to find the meaning of life. After 3 days, I decided that Buddhism was the path for me.
For the past four years I have been a wishy-washy Buddhist. Sure, I'm a vegetarian, and I when I fill out forms, I put "Buddhist," but I have not been a "real" Buddhist in so many other areas. Heck, its easier to watch TV then meditate.
About 4 weeks ago I decided to change my life. No more feeling sorry for my self. I have read an amazing self-help book every morning (and actually done the written exercises), and read a great Buddhist book every night (without fail!!) My secretary is going crazy with my increased productivity, and all my friends and family see a huge change.
So this morning, I decided its time for me to be a practicing Buddhist. Time to get off the fence and onto the mat. Time to think and act like a Buddhist 24/7 (or at least do my best). Time to put the Buddha's teachings to work in my life.
So, I think this is my first post on the this board that I joined months ago. I look forward to being a part of this list.
Anthony
For the past four years I have been a wishy-washy Buddhist. Sure, I'm a vegetarian, and I when I fill out forms, I put "Buddhist," but I have not been a "real" Buddhist in so many other areas. Heck, its easier to watch TV then meditate.
About 4 weeks ago I decided to change my life. No more feeling sorry for my self. I have read an amazing self-help book every morning (and actually done the written exercises), and read a great Buddhist book every night (without fail!!) My secretary is going crazy with my increased productivity, and all my friends and family see a huge change.
So this morning, I decided its time for me to be a practicing Buddhist. Time to get off the fence and onto the mat. Time to think and act like a Buddhist 24/7 (or at least do my best). Time to put the Buddha's teachings to work in my life.
So, I think this is my first post on the this board that I joined months ago. I look forward to being a part of this list.
Anthony
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Comments
hello, and welcome to our friendly little forum, Goby!
Nice to meet you!
So you're taking Refuge, are you?
Good one!
Take it easy, don't rush, be calm and enjoy!!
Cheers, Anthony.
May your practice bring you and all beings the greatest benefit.
And yes, the finding myself and self-displine is a biggy. I'm really patting myself on the back for that one!! This might be the first self-help book I've ever completed. And wow, the change is amazing.
BTW, this morning I forwarded Knitwitch's great article (I think it was Knitwitch's) on Quakers to my wife and sister.
It 8:00, so time to hit the mat and read my Buddhist book. Is life exciting!!
Anthony
Palzang
As far as the self-commitment goes, congratulations. I'm working on that myself, hoping to make a difference for the future.
I spent 3 years at Ft. Carson as a legal clerk from 84-87.
I live in Weaverville, in Trinity County. On top of a mountain between Eureka and Redding.
Thanks for the kind words.
Anthony
We are getting numerous here!
(Sorry, I couldn't resist it...!)
Now you've gone and dunnit....See... all I'm gettin' is Maw, Paw, Gramma, and Granpappy.... and "That's gold that is....
Black gold......."
(cue Banjo....)
Paradise!
Palzang
Welcome, and congradtulations on your recent decision to actively change your life for the better. Our actions are like seeds, and we have the ability to mold and shape the fruits of those seeds through the skillfulness and unskillfulness of our actions. The effort that is put into practicing the Dhamma is a seed that will eventually grow and ripen into the sweetest of fruits. Additionally, it helps to keep in mind that sometimes unpleasant feelings and/or situations will arise, which are quite possibly due to the ripening of past or present unskillful actions, but that should not discourage us from continuing to put forth the effort that will eventually ripen in the form of pleasant feelings and/or situations. This is especially true when we must sacrifice our comfort and happiness in the present for the sake of a greater comfort and happiness in the future. As the Buddha once said, "If by renouncing a lesser happiness one may realize a greater happiness, let the wise man renounce the lesser, having regard for the greater" (Dhp. 290).
Jason
P.S. Care to tell us which Buddhist and self-help books you have found to be helpful and/or inspirational?
Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh was huge.... But "Wherever You Go, There You Are" was the biggie. The bomb. Wow! That's all I can say. It changed my life.
I ended my weekend with my first ever service at Shasta Abbey. It's now my "home church" when I can get there (2 hours away). I remember telling a monk that I lived 2 hours away (in a tone that it was SOOOOOOOOOOOO far away), and she said "That's not far, and its such a beautiful drive." That's when I know I was at the right place.
The two books I'm reading are "Life Strategies" by Dr. Phil. It is amazing. My wife wanted me to read the Feel Good Handbook, which I just couldn't get into, so she recommended this book. It is great. Wonderful... Life Changing. My sister went on and on this morning about how I've changed in the past month, and she is starting to see why. She just started the book, but she is also loving it.
The other book is "Awakening The Buddha Within" by Lama Surya Das. I wanted to get a bit of Tibetan Buddhism into my soul. It is a good book, not quite hitting me like Thich or Jon, but I'm getting to the good part... the Eight Fold Path!!! I knew it was coming, and there it is! Jeepers, now I'm really going to have to change my life!
BTW, my son (age 6) is very Buddhist. From the first time he sat through an entire ceremony at the Abbey (age 3), to asking (almost demanding) that he eat lunch with the monks every time there is an after-service lunch, to knowing all the Bodhisattvas by name in DharmaCraft catalog at age 4, then proclaiming that Jizo is his favorite (and still is). He is one reason why I am here. I was raised without any religion or spiritual belief (not even atheism), and I don't want to do that to my so. He absolutely loves Buddhism, the monks, bowing, being a vegetarian (he's never had meat) and the Dharma. I have flaked on him and its time to stop.
Anyway, we're home together (he's sick), enjoying each other's company. Time to snuggle and watch a movie.
Today is wonderful.
You sound like a friend of mine in North Carolina.
Best wishes on your practice.
There is everything and nothing to be gained.
Fede, yellow gold is more like it. Redding is the heart of what is referred to as "the Northern California Golden Circle". There are still active gold mines, as well as platinum, copper, tin, and zinc in the area. You can still pan for gold in the mountain rivers, to include the Trinity River. Large portions of the areas in the northern third of the state are National and State Forests/Parks, to include the Redwoods National Parks, and Redwoods State Parks. Get far enough off SH 299, and there are indeed hillbillies. Oh, and there is a Chan Buddhism monastery in Humboldt County, south of Eureka. Fede (or anyone interested) if you have a few months, and I mean that literally, I suggest making some reservations for Patrick's Point State Park, Whiskeytown National Park, and Burney Falls State Park, and see a sliver of Northern California. The drive from Eureka to Redding is absolutely spectacular, as well as Redding to Burney (minus the part where you drive by the scar left behind by the Fountain Fire of 1992). Burney Falls is awesome. Try and hike the Castle Crags trail if you have the time. Maybe, instead of camping on Whiskeytown Lake, you can houseboat on Shasta lake while you're in the valley. Just pack for some temperature differences. Humboldt Coast is cool and foggy through the summer, but Redding is hotter than hell (110+ in July/August, usually still peaking over 100 in September).
Palzang
So, without sounding naive, how are you "practicing" now that is different than before? What has made the difference?
Cindy
Nebraska
Thank you for the kind words. Happy Saka Dawa to you and everyone else. I have become a bit "lazy" about my practice. Time to start getting more serious, and that's why I'm here today. Oh, its so easy to be a "great" Buddhist when life is going well, but difficult when you experience a house fire, hospitalization, death of a pet, etc, also known as LIFE. But the funny thing is that my practice helped me get through a very rough Jan- May 2009. Bhutan seems like such a fascinating place. I have many facebook friends from Nepal (all Sherpas) and love to chat with them.
Palzang
Beautiful! Everything you've typed is inspiring and heart-warming.
All the very best to you!
Love,
xx