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very new, very excited
I've lead my life with blinders on. My parents rarely took me to church, but when they did I loathed it. I never understood the concept of religion.
About 2 weeks ago while walking through a bookstore, I decided to give into my long lived curiosity and I picked up some books on Buddhism. I know it's only been a few weeks, but I can honestly say that this has completely transformed my life. I had TERRIBLE anxiety, my stomach constantly hurt on a daily basis. The quote "If there is a solution to the problem, there is no need to worry. If there is no solution, there is no use in worrying either" has changed my way of thinking. The journey of training my mind and thinking positively has me constantly smiling. I have never been so excited to learn!
There is one thing I've been struggling with keeping positive. I have always had low self esteem, and I often find myself comparing my work to others, which then gets me down. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me?
I am REALLY looking forward to being a part of this community. I am very new to this, and I look forward to learning all I can! Thank you all so much
About 2 weeks ago while walking through a bookstore, I decided to give into my long lived curiosity and I picked up some books on Buddhism. I know it's only been a few weeks, but I can honestly say that this has completely transformed my life. I had TERRIBLE anxiety, my stomach constantly hurt on a daily basis. The quote "If there is a solution to the problem, there is no need to worry. If there is no solution, there is no use in worrying either" has changed my way of thinking. The journey of training my mind and thinking positively has me constantly smiling. I have never been so excited to learn!
There is one thing I've been struggling with keeping positive. I have always had low self esteem, and I often find myself comparing my work to others, which then gets me down. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me?
I am REALLY looking forward to being a part of this community. I am very new to this, and I look forward to learning all I can! Thank you all so much
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Comments
Another member, Sara, has a quote on her blog: "What is Buddhism? Laughing all the time." Just made me think of that.
Not any words of wisdom really. But as you study Buddhism more and begin to practice meditation and such, you'll start to understand certain key concepts like anatta and nonduality and you will see how this can change your way of thinking about such things.
"Remember, there is nobody on earth better than you.
Of course, there is nobody worse, either...."
We all have our skills and 'parts to play'.
Remember, if you decide to ascribe to the concept of Rebirth, that you have come to this life as a human being, which is a privilege.
Use it well.
Opps! Nevermind, I found the recommended readings thread
best wishes on your path
_/\_
I can't say if it is a must read because I am also relatively new to Buddhism myself but I really liked Thich Nhat Hanh's (I always have to look somewhere to see if I spelled it correctly
Even though he is of Zen lineage (Mahayana), this book is really for begginers and he uses the basic suttas most of the time, with very direct language, and the strictly Mahayana thoughts are put on second plane, altough it is there.
Try reading something like:
The Three Levels of Spiritual Perception by Deshung Rinpoche
and Food for the Heart by Ajahn Chah
There was a time I left my country & what I regarded as life to travel around the world, not sure what I was looking for. One day as a tourist I visited a Buddhist monastery and immediately I arrived "home".
Buddhism is merely natural truth, an expression of natural intelligence or wisdom. As such, to connect quickly to Buddhism is easy.
This comparing mind is certainly something Buddhist practice aims to overcome.
Buddhist practice is learning not to judge others and accept others for how and what they are. This kind of practice is not difficult to develop. It comes quite naturally.
But often it is more difficult to apply the same outlook to oneself.
Buddha taught ourself is the first person or object that warrants our love.
If it makes things any easier, don't worry... most established Buddhists have abbreviated his name to TNH....
It makes us part of the in-crowd, you know....:cool:
That, and the fact we keep forgetting how to spell his name......:rolleyes:
Welcome to the site. I'm sure you're going to find it just as useful as I have.
It's lovely to meet you!