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Newbie
I'm really interested in Buddhism. When I did RE, it was always the religion that made the most sense. I like the notion that greed is generally the route to bad happenings and I like the reflection upon actions that comes with meditation. I've read a few books, but most are quite complex for my weedy brain...
I'd love to hear from followers as I now feel that I am ready to invest myself into a religion and definately feel pulled and supportive towards this one, but I need to know more about it first, and I feel that this forum is a good way.
Any replies would be most grateful.
Have a nice day
I'd love to hear from followers as I now feel that I am ready to invest myself into a religion and definately feel pulled and supportive towards this one, but I need to know more about it first, and I feel that this forum is a good way.
Any replies would be most grateful.
Have a nice day
0
Comments
If you're able, I'd find a local sangha (buddhist group) near you and try it out. There's no pressure to "join" or anything and most places are free. Try a number of them to get an idea about the different paths in buddhism and how they feel to you.
Best thing is, take your time and enjoy the journey
Nios.
Hi becks:)
I think a good pace to start is with The First Sermon and The Last Sermon and the Good Will Sermon.
Let your own mind see what they say before the opinions of others tell you what they say:) Then you can make your own mind up.
Peace and good luck:)
Mat
How do you find out about them in your local area? That'd really interest me.
Thank you for the reply, nios
p.s thanks for linking me up mat. I'll have a read through that in the next few days. I'm supposed to be revising for an exam on Wednesday at the moment
I usually start new folks out with some very simple and easy 'concentration' exercises to help cultivate a more focused mind.
I ask people to just sit comfortably, however they like, and find some object to pay close attention to. Some instructors like to use the breath as an object. I don't generally take people there in the very beginning of training. I normally ask them to just pick some physical sensation or visible object. At times I've placed a candle, jar, glass, etc. in a comfortably visible place and asked people to just gaze at it and when they find their mind wandering to gently bring their attention back to the object with humor - kinda like house training a puppy
In a second step I offer more instruction and guidance on the practice of concentration and then on to formal meditation training along with offering seekers, interested in the intellectual study of Buddhism, the story of the Shakyamuni Buddha's life, then a study of the history of Buddhism; including the cultural context of its emergence and development, followed by a survey of Buddhist literature; especially the sutras (suttas) and their cultural contexts.
This is about, at least, a year's worth of training in the Buddhadharma and represents just a very superficial overview of all the teachings.
Welcome and Good Luck!!
Welcome to the forum. It's lovely to meet you.