Im Looking...Want to learn more

The_answer_is_simple

Hi I'm...well, very new to buddhism. In the last few months i have been reading alot of very good books on Buddhism and the Dharma & also listening to some great talks that you can find on various websites. And this is all really good. But. it doent seem enough. i have been trying to practice meditation using written material, & to be honest it's not working for me. i live in a small town in the Highlands of Scotland and i'm finding it really hard to find info on local buddhist groups. Is it important to be part of a local community? Do you believe you can get the same teachings online. The Buddhas words are great but without a teacher i believe i will only progress so far on this journey that has become so important to me.

Any thought please.

Hello to you all by the way.

budhabee

Me to Seeker. I dont believe there are any centers around here though I could be wrong. I live in a small town too. But it is also a college town and I really havent reserched it in the phone book. I guess I should do that. I hope you get a reply for your query by someone who knows a little bit about teachers and where to find them and stuff. Good Luck honey.

questionful

I've never had a teacher and I'm fairly satisfied with my rate of progress.

I recommend you use youtube. Watch all the videos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking. Some are like an hour and a half. He is good at explaining things. Also there is the channel "Dhammatube", where many monks speak. Very cool. And there's plenty of written info online that is definitely helpful. Like accesstoinsight.org.
And at libraries there are many books written by monks.

Deshy

Hello

I do not have a teacher as such although it will be good to have one for meditation instructions. I am not an active member of the Buddhist circles in my area either. I don't think it is necessary to have a teacher although it can be helpful at times. If you can attend the occasional meditation retreat you will get instructions. The rest is individual practice.

I recommend essays from Bhikku Buddhadasa.

lightwithin

I think that between forums like this one and other online material (like e-books, videos, talks, essays, dhamma libraries, etc), you have a really good way to learn more and start your journey in Buddhism with a strong step. I have read that a teacher is good to have, but not absolutely essential.

DhammaDhatu

The_answer_is_simple wrote: »

Is it important to be part of a local community?

Welcome

I found buddhism whilst stumbling into a monastery as a tourist in Asia.

It follows i cannot imagine beginning my meditation practise alone.

Meditating and associating with other practitioners (for some time) is of great benefit.

Try to visit a meditation centre or monastery for a short retreat (if you feel that is suitable).

There are many in England (such as Amaravati) or here: http://www.samyeling.org/index/short-term-retreats

Do you believe you can get the same teachings online.

There are many teachers on line. Try to find one that appeals to you.

There is alot of diversity in Buddhism therefore finding teachings that are suitable for oneself is important.

Some links: How To Meditate 1 - What is Meditation

Buddhist Meditation (1) Introduction

Interesting old documentary: The Buddha Comes to Sussex

Best of luck

Mountains

The book(s?) on mindfulness meditation by Jon Kabat-Zinn are excellent for beginners. I highly recommend his work.

Mtns