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Everyday life

username90username90
edited June 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I am thinking about becoming a Buddhist. I have been doing quite a lot of reading etc but now I am wanting something a little more practical. Does anyone have any advice on something small that I can do daily (e.g. prayer, meditation) that will help me enter into the right frame of mind?

Thanks for your help.

Comments

  • MickMick
    edited June 2010
    Hi there,

    1. Do a bit of reading, the basics of Buddhism and it's different traditions.

    2. Try to find a Buddhist centre prefrably in the particular tradition you prefer, then...

    3. try meditation :)


    Of course please don't hesitate to ask questions.

    With metta:)
  • ZendoLord84ZendoLord84 Veteran
    edited June 2010
    1. read some books about the subject....I like books the dalai lama wrote (f.e. the art of happiness).

    2. Meditate each morning for at least 10 minutes.

    3. practise compassion and kindness

    2 and 3 are more important then 1.
  • patbbpatbb Veteran
    edited June 2010
    why nobody mentioned present moment awareness???

    Do present moment awareness, with everything you do.

    ex: You take a shower, really observe the sensation of the water on your body.
    Try to be as mindful of anything that is happening right now, at every moments. regardless of what you are doing. (as oppose to indulging in thinking about stuff, getting lost in endless thoughts)
    If one day you can manage to prefer being mindful of the moment instead of swimming in mindless thoughts, you will be well on your way to harvests the fruits of meditation and Buddhism.

    and you can begin to do meditation.
    read Ajahn Brahm meditation instructions.
    http://www.dharmaweb.org/index.php/The_Basic_Method_of_Meditation_by_Ajahn_Brahmavamso

    no matter what you do, keep it simple! If it's too complicated, you're probably not doing it right. ;)

    congratulation for your enthusiasm and courage to try something new and enjoy your first steps on the path to liberation :)
  • pearlpearl
    edited June 2010
    Generosity is a great practice, and it can take so many forms. Many times a day there are opportunities to be generous if we use our imagination. We can leave birdseed outside in the morning, let in a person trying to merge into traffic, smile at our co-workers, lend an ear to a distressed friend, ... the possibilities are endless.

    well wishes,
    P
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited June 2010
    This is what teachers give you ... the nitty-gritty daily stuff you can do. Hopefully there is a dharma center in your area.

    If you start taking classes, you are not making a committment ... you are taking classes and exploring if Buddhism "fits" for you.
  • lightwithinlightwithin Veteran
    edited June 2010
    Good advice from everyone. I have more of the same:

    1. Study the basics of Buddhism (Four Noble Truths, Noble Eightfold Path, Five Precepts, etc) and find out more about each tradition, either through books or online.

    2. Pick a method of meditation that suits you and devote some time each day to it. Zazen meditation is very simple and good for beginners and experienced practicioners alike.

    3. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily activities as much as you can. (Just like pattb said).

    4. Read the forums and learn from the discussions going on here.
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