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Unsolicited advice for new Buddhists

RichardHRichardH Veteran
edited January 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Its been pretty clear lately that there really are a lot of new Buddhists coming onto this site, and it got me thinking. As a middle aged Buddhist (45 ..started at around 20) could I give any real advice to these new people ? I 've posted plenty of stuff here on and off, and like life it contains a mix of genuine wisdom and bullshit.

So.... if I were to be really sober here, and give (unsolicited) advice to a new Buddhist what would it be? It would be this.... Make an commitment. Cultivate an overarching dedication to realizing the teachings, but, within that...... give yourself permission to be a bad student. That seems to be a subtle key to great benefit.

Comments

  • sukhitasukhita
    edited January 2010
    Yes... but style your advise something like this:

    Advice from Atisha's Heart
    How wonderful!
    Friends, since you already have great knowledge and clear understanding, whereas I am of no importance and have little wisdom, it is not suitable for you to request advice from me. However because you dear friends, whom I cherish from my heart, have requested me, I shall give you this essential advice from my inferior and childish mind.

    Friends, until you attain enlightenment the Spiritual Teacher is indispensable, therefore rely upon the holy Spiritual Guide.

    Until you realize ultimate truth, listening is indispensable, therefore listen to the instructions of the Spiritual Guide.

    Since you cannot become a Buddha merely by understanding Dharma, practice earnestly with understanding.
    .......
    .......
    ....... <CONTINUED>
    :lol:
  • RichardHRichardH Veteran
    edited January 2010
    sukhita wrote: »
    Yes... but style your advise something like this:



    :lol:
    Inferior and childish mind eh.:D.
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited January 2010
    Good advice from both. May I add ...

    Find a qualified teacher. Even if the only contact you can manage is traveling to take a teaching from them once or twice a year.

    What you ask your teacher and the answer they give is important, but even more important is what you observe in them. No book can give you this.
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