Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

NewOne

NewOneNewOne Explorer
edited April 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Hi guys! I've posted alittle bit in the "other religion" thread. Anyways I've read Buddhism Plain and Simple and alot of it made sense. I was able to find a Dharma Center where i live and attended it today. They don't have a beginners class. You just show up and learn alittle each time you visit? Does this sound right? I grew up Christian and I find it weird that they don't have a beginner class. There is alot of stuff I don't know, like the traditions, and I don't want to offend anyone. Have any of you guys experience this?

Comments

  • DhammaDhatuDhammaDhatu Veteran
    edited April 2010
    NewOne wrote: »
    You just show up and learn alittle each time you visit? Does this sound right?
    Welcome N.O.

    Generally, this is the Buddhist way. In Buddhism, the aim is to learn practical skills and also encourage self development & reliance.

    One visits a dhamma centre, listens to a talk & practises sitting meditation. Sitting meditation helps introspection and defining one's personal needs. Then, due to defining one's personal needs, one can then ask for advice or resources to help fulful one's goals.

    This said, you can ask questions on this site.

    But self-awareness is the way. Defining one's needs is the way. The tradition that is suitable for you depends on your needs & goals.

    Kind regards

    DD

    :smilec:
  • GuyCGuyC Veteran
    edited April 2010
    Hi New One,

    Ajahn Brahm is one teacher who seems to have a real knack for teaching just about anyone (regardless of their level of knowledge of Buddhist concepts and terminology) about Buddhism. I highly recommend checking out his YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/BuddhistSocietyWA

    With Metta,

    Guy
  • NewOneNewOne Explorer
    edited April 2010
    Wow there are alot of videos. Thanks GuyC! Now when I went to the Dharama Center they would put there hands together and kinda bow to a Buddha Statue and when people were coming and going they would do the same thing and say something that I probably couldn't type right. Do any of you guys know what they were saying/doing? (Note: Ive only read Buddhism Plain and Simple so I have NO idea on tradition.) I know that the Dharama Center is more Tibetian Buddhist. If that helps
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited April 2010
    Yes, it sounds right. Buddhism can be learned in a day, but understanding takes the percolation of time. My teacher keeps on saying, "Little bit by little bit". This centre has beginners' classes, but they go on for 3 years or so, and people just insert themselves into wherever the class is at the time.

    A wonderful way to learn patience. Enjoy the journey.
Sign In or Register to comment.