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.

How to fully understand Buddhism if I am a westerner?

Daniel_Daniel_
edited July 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I am born and raised in New York, and I grew up (growing up) with daily hyperconsumerism. This conflicts with buddhist teachings of moderation and humility. I am really discontented with my shallow lifestyle so I have decided to pursue Buddhism. As a westerner used to hyperconsumerism and such, how should I go about becoming a full enlightened buddhist? Can someone recommend some books for me?
Thank you very much :)

Comments

  • DairyLamaDairyLama Veteran Veteran
    edited July 2010
    Daniel_ wrote: »
    I am born and raised in New York, and I grew up (growing up) with daily hyperconsumerism. This conflicts with buddhist teachings of moderation and humility. I am really discontented with my shallow lifestyle so I have decided to pursue Buddhism. As a westerner used to hyperconsumerism and such, how should I go about becoming a full enlightened buddhist? Can someone recommend some books for me?
    Thank you very much :)

    There's loads of information on the internet, I'd suggest having a good look at a site called "Buddhanet" initially. Then investigate whether there is a local Buddhist group that you can go along to.

    P
  • mugzymugzy Veteran
    edited July 2010
    Daniel_ wrote: »
    As a westerner used to hyperconsumerism and such, how should I go about becoming a full enlightened buddhist?

    Abandon your desire to reach enlightenment. Seek true wisdom and compassion. The path is the goal.
  • seeker242seeker242 Zen Florida, USA Veteran
    edited July 2010
    Daniel_ wrote: »
    how should I go about becoming a full enlightened buddhist?


    This.

    <object height="385" width="480">


    <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rd7a9Ur2x0o&hl=en_US&fs=1&quot; type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></object>





    This is the youtube playlist of the entire series.

    14 Videos altogether, all of which are very good.
  • LocoLoco
    edited July 2010
    Smile more.
  • 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 July 2010
    The Dalai lama said that the basic tenet of Buddhism is this:

    "Be good, be compassionate and be kind.
    If you cannot do this, at least, do no harm."

    That sounds extremely simple. And in fact, it is.
    But it holds vast and varied lessons within its simplicity.

    Remember that "simple" does not mean "Easy".
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited July 2010
    Daniel_ wrote: »
    I am born and raised in New York, and I grew up (growing up) with daily hyperconsumerism. This conflicts with buddhist teachings of moderation and humility. I am really discontented with my shallow lifestyle so I have decided to pursue Buddhism. As a westerner used to hyperconsumerism and such, how should I go about becoming a full enlightened buddhist? Can someone recommend some books for me?
    Thank you very much :)

    The best way to pursue Buddhism is to start attending lessons at any Buddhist centre. Listen, learn and do your practice at home as it is taught. Be observant and very patient. It may feel strange at first, but commit to attend for 6 months. If you still feel that centre doesn't keep you coming back for more, try a different school.
  • Daniel_Daniel_
    edited July 2010
    Thanks for all your responses.
    FoibleFull wrote: »
    The best way to pursue Buddhism is to start attending lessons at any Buddhist centre. Listen, learn and do your practice at home as it is taught. Be observant and very patient. It may feel strange at first, but commit to attend for 6 months. If you still feel that centre doesn't keep you coming back for more, try a different school.

    I looked around online and all the centers close to me charge hundreds of dollars for retreats, do they have free sessions or something?
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited July 2010
    federica wrote: »
    The Dalai lama said that the basic tenet of Buddhism is this:

    "Be good, be compassionate and be kind.
    If you cannot do this, at least, do no harm."

    My new favorite bumper sticker: Can't we all just be nice to each other?

    :)

    Mtns
  • ZendoLord84ZendoLord84 Veteran
    edited July 2010
    mugzy wrote: »
    Abandon your desire to reach enlightenment. Seek true wisdom and compassion. The path is the goal.
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited July 2010
    Daniel_ wrote: »
    Thanks for all your responses.


    I looked around online and all the centers close to me charge hundreds of dollars for retreats, do they have free sessions or something?

    Yes, that can be a very real problem. Every centre is different, but some have regular classes (besides the retreats), some just get together for regular sits ... what they charge, or whether they charge ... well, you just have to look around and ask.
  • justmejustme
    edited July 2010
    Perhaps this should go in the book recommendations section, but I just finished reading a book called Buddhist Practice on Western Ground. It's a great book for any beginning western practitioner. It helps reconcile the frequent cultural differences between the East and the West by integrating Buddhist teachings with western psychology's ideals. I would consider it a "must read" for any westerner who is seriously interested in Buddhism.

    Please note, however, that it is not a book for complete neophytes. A basic knowledge of Buddhism is required. It takes a little effort to fully grasp some of the concepts presented, but since most of the readers here are already inclined toward introspection and philosophy, it shouldn't be a problem.
Sign In or Register to comment.