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introducing a friend to Buddhism

patbbpatbb Veteran
edited April 2010 in Buddhism Basics
hello,

I have a friend who happen to be a very intelligent, very knowledgeable and educated 50 years old person...

He seem to show interest in Buddhism, having bought a few books etc...

But he only seem to pay attention to the history of Buddhism, the whole philosophy, how it make sense etc...
So he end up reading some analogies that doesn't make sense to him.

A very impersonal way, almost academic way to approach Buddhism as a philosophy.


I was wondering if any of you would have some suggestion for my friend on how to approach Buddhism?


I guess this is not a very clear question, still hoping to get some answers :)

Comments

  • PietroPumokinPietroPumokin
    edited April 2010
    tell him to sit on his bum and once he gets so FED UP with that then go indulge his mind in philosophy, which is a meditation too.... reading about buddhism is on the crown of buddhism it is not the soul.... but you need to calm down and pacify the brain waves too or else how could you really taste the beauty of its philosophy!
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited April 2010
    patbb, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.
    Really, if he is curious, he must do his own research and make his own discoveries.
    I realise it is tempting to want something for somebody, but it is more effective if they want it for themselves, as badly as you do....
  • patbbpatbb Veteran
    edited April 2010
    federica wrote: »
    I realise it is tempting to want something for somebody, but it is more effective if they want it for themselves, as badly as you do....
    thank you for your kind intentions, but it is not really applicable here.

    I don't really want to convert him or anything, he is a fairly happy, well adjusted guy.

    I was looking for maybe a book suggestion that would fit this situation...


    hmmmmmmmm.. somehow i don't seem to be able to think clearly today... sorry for not explaining more precisely...
  • aMattaMatt Veteran
    edited April 2010
    My suggestion is that you discuss Buddhism with him at his philosophic or academic level. If his mind is ready, the truth that comes up between you will sink in and slowly begin to unstick his mind.

    People can come to it through this sort of philosophic pondering. Until he starts a meditation practice, some of the analogies won't make sense... or he's reading analogies that don't make sense anyway :)

    Good luck,

    Matt
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited April 2010
    There is an old saying ... "when the student is ready, the teacher appears."

    If you do not know what you should give him, then perhaps you are not the one who will give him what he needs. He WILL find what he needs IF he is looking, whether or not it is Buddhism.
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