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Need Some Guidance
I have been trying to find a reliable source of information on buddhism in general. I don't know much at all about buddhism or it's practices. There's so much information online but a lot of what I've skimmed over seems to be contradictory, or there seems to be many different beliefs within buddhism. I am not sure where to begin reading just about buddhism in general.
I have heard things about buddhism and this has led me to want to delve deeper into it and learn more about it, to see if it coincides with any of my philosophies. I would classify myself as a philosopher and humanist. I don't accept anything without first thinking about it, trying to criticize it, and if I can't do that I deem it valid. I try to always improve my ideas about everything in life. Many people seem to avoid the questions that really matter. What is justice? What are morals? Who are we? How do we improve our world? What should replace the monetary system? etc. I want to help people and I want to gain knowledge. It seems from the very little that I've heard that much of this is found in buddhism which is why I wish to learn more.
Thank you for any help I receive.
I have heard things about buddhism and this has led me to want to delve deeper into it and learn more about it, to see if it coincides with any of my philosophies. I would classify myself as a philosopher and humanist. I don't accept anything without first thinking about it, trying to criticize it, and if I can't do that I deem it valid. I try to always improve my ideas about everything in life. Many people seem to avoid the questions that really matter. What is justice? What are morals? Who are we? How do we improve our world? What should replace the monetary system? etc. I want to help people and I want to gain knowledge. It seems from the very little that I've heard that much of this is found in buddhism which is why I wish to learn more.
Thank you for any help I receive.
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Comments
http://www.BuddhaNet.net
http://www.AccessToInsight.org
A good way to go about it are the self-study courses one or both offer.
How does one fit all of this into a daily life? I am a person of extremes, in the sense that if I believe in something I will follow it utterly and completely. For example, let's say hypothetically I was buddhist; the only way I could truly do it is by putting all my effort into it. I would abandon most of my other pursuits and put everything into that. I do that with everything. But in most cases this is unreasonable and there has to be a way to fit it into life.
What are buddhist's stance on philosophy? From what I read they are not interested in metaphysical thought, but as a student of philosophy it is something I definitely cannot avoid. I agree with much of what I've read of the basics of buddhism, which is a philosophy in itself, but where does speculation of metaphysics and other branches of philosophy fit into the picture?
http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/
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Its sole concern is the alleviation of our suffering, which is caused by our mind seeking permanence in an impermanent reality. We create a "self" that we pose has some measure of permanence, and that self has desires, not the least of which is to survive death. All of our cravings for temporary pleasures only cause us suffering, because we usually don't get what we want, and even those things we get don't last for long (or must be protected, which causes us more stress).
Concern with philosophies and metaphysics and the like are really beside the point.
So you are saying that philosophies and metaphysics don't have a place within buddhism? They serve no purpose? (This sounds like a challenge but I assure you it's a question.)
Dear friend
It is like a sandbox, there are many things possible in the sphere of Buddhism.
Some might make castles of it, idols and worship.
Some might use it as philosophy, islands of logic and castles.
And some yet might rise to its challenge of love and truth, compassion and wisdom.
There is nothing aside from Buddhism and there is nothing outside of Buddhism. This fact is not yet so easily discernible perhaps but for a practicing Buddhist they will know it is so.
Take it as you will, dear friend.
If you are interested in its theories and philosophies for now, go ahead, knock yourself out as they might say
And if one day you are interested in the wider questions, life, death, who am I, suffering and the cessation of suffering, then Buddhism also offers the path of practice.
Practice is about the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path. For one like me, as a student of Zen, zazen is indispensable, it can teach you truth like no book or words can.
Sounds preposterous? Sometimes practice is, but it doesn't mean it is not true.
I used to always say ''In practice, all contradictions resolve themselves" Today I would not not repeat that. In books and words Buddhism always looks like a conundrum, but in practice and in the reality and birth of life, it sings limitlessly like the birds of paradise.
Gassho and best wishes,
Abu
PS I am serious when I say if it is the philosophy that interests you, there is much room for that also. Whilst Buddhism does not yet encourage the pursuit of metaphysics, in reality anything is possible.
Wishing you well, in sincerity.
I personally discovered a few teachings by Machig Labdron explained by Pema Chodron and I plan on sticking to work on these.
The point is that Buddhism is very goal oriented (liberation from suffering). If you suffer because of something, than there is likely practices suited to help you out. It is not that Buddhism aims to be a psychotherapy, but it does work with the mind a lot.
The thing is, Buddhism is not an end in itself. It is not something created in order to make you get away from the world. The four noble truths take place in everybody's everyday life, not just in some distant mountain.
Most people in this forum use it as a lens to see everything and live a fuller, happier life, instead of putting everything into it. If you do put everything into it becoming a monk is an option.
Speculation of metaphysics and other branches of philosophy fit into philosophy (and in a philosophy forum).
Speculation of what the buddhist schools teach fit into Buddhism.
If you want to study Buddhism from a philosophical standpoint there are books on the subject. I suggest Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy, by Stephen Laumakis. Discussing it here is quite pointless, because you will end up with "Oh the Buddha did not teach rebirth" on one side, and "Yes he did" on the other. E-v-e-r-y t-i-m-e.
They do serve a purpose, they just don't need religious justification.
If that is so then why of course they can co-exist
As to whether it will still be required, that will be a matter of your choice and course
Bows with head to ground.
Abu
Of course not. One thing has nothing to do with the other.
Kindness always
Blessings to you and yours on your path.
Love
Abu
Philosophy if I am not mistaken is concerned with the realm of thinking, logic, ideas and the intellect. Investigated, examined, analysed, one extrapolates, assumes, and most likely concludes. There are different philosophical strands as there are different philosophical theories, people see things in different ways, ergo philosophies flourish in order to respond to the needs of the thinking man.
One not versed in Buddhism imagines that Buddhism contradicts or confounds the realm of philosophy. But Buddhism itself contains a wealth of philosophy, look at this Board itself.
But the jewel in Buddhism's crown is that through the path of practice it is possible that the true value and place of the intellect is known. In doing so, intellect - including all its wares and smarts - is thus placed in its place.
Where what was once seen as confounded or incompatible is nothing then but the playground of Buddhahood. Play if you want, but don't be fooled, so to speak.
It may be premature to ask if your study and conclusions of philosophy are compatible with Buddhism. The short answer is of course they are ie one can hold what they do and still practice, the medium answer is of course also -- but through practice -- philosophies will be known for what they are - a much better perspective and ground than any pure philosopher can stand on IMO.
The longer and truest answer perhaps is that the answer can only be known and evidenced in your own life if and as you practice - anything else is pure speculation and theory - so would you have it any other way? Or not.
Abu
Well this is why I'm going to take a good, hard, long look at Buddhism. And if I do choose to take that journey, and they do conflict, I will be faced with a decision for then, and not now; won't I?
Exactly. So I guess you will have to wait for an answer.
Hi
You could start with learning to meditate and practice Metta along with all the more "academic" parts of your study.
ll
Buddhism IS a way of life ... it is not merely a clever intellectual game nor is it confined to the meditation cushion. And one does not have to become a monk or nun to make Buddhism your way of life.
But you do have to take on the practices of a particular school of Buddhism, and this cannot be readily done if you try to do that over the internet or through books. More than anything, you need to find a practice centre where you can take lessons and learn the things you need to know. At our center, we have one woman who drives a 4-hour round trip every weekend to attend weekend sits.
Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that investigates principles of reality transcending those of any particular science.
Then this is pretty much Buddhism.
Investigating reality, to see how reality really is.
But instead of investigating it by thinking about it, you investigating it by experiencing it.
The only difference is that you have many brilliant people who seem (from your point of view) to have achieved a state of enlightenment, free from any of the sufferings that plagues man kind, who tell you that this kind of investigation will free you from this suffering as well.
Any other meta-physicians who appear to have achieved such a state? or even claim that such things are possible?
This Buddhism sure is tempting from this point of view.
And if you learn about reality and it contradict with whatever you are studying, then you are in luck.
You have more tools, more knowledge to examine and test against whatever theories that you are studying.
You don't have to change your life or give up things you like in order to start studying Buddhism. Even if you became a Buddhist, there's still plenty of room to study whatever philosophy you like. If studying philosophy keeps your mind sharp and flexible or you just plain enjoy it, why would you want to give it up?
Even if your western study has ideas that contradict Buddhist ones, no big deal. You can think about both and see which resonates with you. It takes years of study and reflection just to have a reasonable understanding of one school of Buddhism. So relax, enjoy your life, and learn about Buddhism at your own pace.