Just some quick Qs from a curious beginner

louikongfue

Hey there,
I was wondering as I've heard a few things from different people with different things and I don't know whats right.

I've been practising mindfulness for a few years as a way to cope with stress, but I've now gotten intrested in Buddhism and everything that goes along with it.
My dad isn't keen on the idea as he says Buddhists will try and turn me away from my family,

And what does leaving behind my worldly possessions mean? Do I have to leave my house and live on the street? Seems a bit impractical to me, I don't think I've understood right.

I smoke and I'm wondering if that goes against the rules somehow.

If somebody could shed some light on that then that'd be great.

mugzy

louikongfue wrote: »

My dad isn't keen on the idea as he says Buddhists will try and turn me away from my family,

It sounds like your Dad has some misconceptions about Buddhism. I've never found an instance of this in all my years of my practice. For me, studying Buddhism and meditation techniques has genuinely helped me repair my relationships with my family.

In all my years of study and training I've never met one Buddhist practitioner who tried to turn me away from my family. Quite the opposite! It's encouraged to be kind to your family, especially your parents or whoever raised you, as it is due to their kindness and generosity that you are alive today.

louikongfue wrote: »

And what does leaving behind my worldly possessions mean? Do I have to leave my house and live on the street? Seems a bit impractical to me, I don't think I've understood right.

You don't have to leave your house and live on the street! Extreme measures like this aren't necessarily conducive to a healthy practice. You also don't have to leave behind your worldly possessions, but it would be beneficial to see what kind of attachments you have for them.

Monastics take vows of poverty and renunciation and so they live simply, relying on the lay community to support them. They may get rid of their possessions in order to live in a monastery or temple.

louikongfue wrote: »

I smoke and I'm wondering if that goes against the rules somehow.

It's not good for you, but I'm sure you know that already :rolleyes: The "rules" in Buddhism are more like guidelines for people, not a strict system like other religions.

jinzang

Keep on practicing, don't change anything or give up anything until you see it causing more problems than it's worth, and win over your family by showing them kindness.

pegembara

In Theravada tradition one can remain a lay follower and continue to lead a normal life. It is only the monastics who renounce the householder's life to go on a "scholarship". The monastics rely on lay support to enable them to follow the training full time and not worry about the basic requisites.

As lay practitioners the advice given can be found in the Sigalovada sutta.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.31.0.nara.html

Aeonuniversalis

I find nothing wrong with smoking (Mary Jane or Tobacco) I have seen and experienced things and realize there are worse things that could kill me. As long as you do not become attached to it I.E. all your money and time go to it you are fine.

federica

louikongfue wrote: »

Hey there,
I was wondering as I've heard a few things from different people with different things and I don't know whats right.

We'll do what we can to help, but nothing beats personal research! Thank you for joining us!

I've been practising mindfulness for a few years as a way to cope with stress, but I've now gotten intrested in Buddhism and everything that goes along with it.

"Everything that goes along with it, IS buddhism.... there's more...?

My dad isn't keen on the idea as he says Buddhists will try and turn me away from my family,

Tell your father that Buddhism helps in the construct and dynamics of making family life wholesome. In actual fact, if a person wants to ordain and become a Monk or a nun - they must have approval of their parents. So he's actually got it quite the wrong way around.

And what does leaving behind my worldly possessions mean? Do I have to leave my house and live on the street? Seems a bit impractical to me, I don't think I've understood right.

No, I don't think you have.

Buddhists practice non-attachment.
Basically, you have to simply understand and accept that everything you love in your life, will someday come to an end. Everything passes, nothing stays the same, and nothing, ultimately, remains. So by all means, become as attached to them as you feel you need to. But be prepared, when the moment comes, to let them go, as freely as you'd release a breath.

I smoke and I'm wondering if that goes against the rules somehow.

When you can tell me what these rules are, let me know...
Most lay-people adhere to 5 Precepts:

• Abstain from deliberately and wilfully doing harm, or killing;
• Abstain from taking anything that has not freely been given to you;
• Abstain from improper or immoral sexual conduct (and only you can decide for yourself, what you personally feel that is, for you);
• Abstain from lying, false divisive speech, malicious gossip or slander;
• Abstain from taking anything recreational and intoxicating which alters your mind pattern and creates a false mind-state, for you. This can include hard drugs, weed, smoking and of course, alcohol.

These are for every individual to adhere to, to the best of their ability. But the best judge of what you decide to do, how you decide to do it, when, and why - is you.
No-one else. And nobody's going to beat you round the head for your choices, whatever they may be.

If somebody could shed some light on that then that'd be great.

Hope my torch worked.....;)

louikongfue

Thankyou everyone.
I am going to the Samye Ling centre in dumfries and galloway today to find out more.

mugzy

Let us know what you think! I would be interested in hearing about your experience.