New to Buddhism

BlackFlag

I don't consider myself a buddhist or feel any kind of affiliation to any religion/philosophy. I am what you might call an agnostic. However, for some reason, buddhism has piqued my interest, mostly because I'm seeking to acquire a more firm foundational belief system that will strengthen me and also help me find inner peace, and right now I'm burdened with the weight of many problems.

Would anyone be able to direct me to a website that explains buddhism and its basic beliefs?

Or reccomend a book?

Also, would it be helpful if I sought out a buddhist teacher and learned more about it from someone in person?

Now-Is-reality

Okay, this site is amazing! http://www.buddhanet.net/ They have some really nice basic buddhism/ beginning buddhism free online books to view through eBooks. These are good to read to get a basic understanding, as well as the "buddhist studies" section which I am sure you will find very useful in your path to learning more on buddhism. If you would like to find a monastery or center that is close to you, you can check out the "World Buddhist Directory"... personally I do not go to a temple or monastery, I read a lot on things and talk to people on here, etc. Though, when I plan on furthering my studies, and no longer have enough things to study and learn on my own, I will go to a monastery or center. It's up to you as to when you go, you may find listening to teachings in-person is more helpful.

Best of luck ,
Ashley

BrotherBob

Hi,

I offer you this series of online videos as a good resource for a basic understanding the BuddhaDharma.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJAokwMG7o4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEEqaSRbnQ8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4UB2xut1cs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O46MJQFOhMo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsnu6o_E-XA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ5XUaY23zQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmXoWt9hepE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7gOVqJwyaA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIcT9kWjWOM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saqW6olKIIw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFgYmEHINAM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpfmaNU_EwE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK8QoAMTujw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOh9w4qeya0&feature=related

Floating_Abu

BlackFlag wrote: »

Also, would it be helpful if I sought out a buddhist teacher and learned more about it from someone in person?

Sure - try it out.

Many blessings on your path.

Brigid

BlackFlag wrote: »

I don't consider myself a buddhist or feel any kind of affiliation to any religion/philosophy. I am what you might call an agnostic. However, for some reason, buddhism has piqued my interest, mostly because I'm seeking to acquire a more firm foundational belief system that will strengthen me and also help me find inner peace, and right now I'm burdened with the weight of many problems.

Would anyone be able to direct me to a website that explains buddhism and its basic beliefs?

Or reccomend a book?

Also, would it be helpful if I sought out a buddhist teacher and learned more about it from someone in person?

Hi, BlackFlag. (Wasn't that a punk band...?)

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear of your troubles.

When I first started to look into Buddhism I did so for the same reasons that you are. I didn't call myself a Buddhist or identify with the label of 'Buddhist. I just started to learn the basics of what the Buddha taught and those teachings started to help me very quickly and I hope they do the same for you.

Here are some sites I've found helpful:

Access to Insight

The Dhammapada

buddhanet

Wikipedia

Urbandharma

Mindfulness in Plain English

What the Buddha Taught

You'll also find the titles of good books about Buddhism in the Recommended Reading thread.

I hope your problems cause you less and less suffering and I wish you peace and joy today and every day.

MatSalted

I wrote this short story, it was an attempt to explain to explain how I saw his enlightenment. Not sure how accurate it is:)

Palzang

Brigid wrote: »

Hi, BlackFlag. (Wasn't that a punk band...?)

Pesticide.

Palzang

comicallyinsane

Black Flag was a band. Welcome to the forum. We all have some interesting insights as well. Especially Palzang. He paid me to say that.

BlackFlag

Yes, Black Flag was a band. One of my favorites.

Thanks all.

Palzang

comicallyinsane wrote: »

Black Flag was a band. Welcome to the forum. We all have some interesting insights as well. Especially Palzang. He paid me to say that.

Your check is in the mail...

Palzang

PietroPumokin

black flag are good.... and buddha was punk so it all works out.

PietroPumokin

BlackFlag wrote: »

Also, would it be helpful if I sought out a buddhist teacher and learned more about it from someone in person?

yeah, definitely! but technically we're in person too so that's not really necessary, but i think visiting a temple or meditation center or whatever would be a good thing to do. you should maybe borrow zen mind beginner's mind from the library if you can, that is a very good introduction to buddhism and sort of what you're looking for. if your library doesn't have that, there are tons of zen books out there that i'm sure would be valuable too. also, your inner peace can be unsettled often when love is absent from you, so start practising love, for it's your original nature.

comicallyinsane

Palzang wrote: »

Your check is in the mail...

Palzang

WOOHOO! I hope this one doesn't bounce like the last. LOL