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Seeking information

TootsToots
edited September 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Hello,
After going through some hard times recently, I have finally started to learn what I can about Buddhism, which has appealed to me for quite a while.
Being new and uncertain, I am hoping to find somewhere that I can learn more and attend meditation sessions. However, I am finding it confusing. There are a number of centres near me (I am in Bristol in the UK) and wondered whether there were any that anyone could recommend. I understand that only I can tell where is best for me, but I have read a lot of confusing things on the internet about schools to avoid.

Thank you for any help!

Comments

  • TheJourneyTheJourney
    edited September 2010
    Use other sources as your means for learning what you must learn, but always know that noone knows more about your truth than yourself.
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited September 2010
    I would ask around. There are, as you saw, many different types of centres, and finding the one that's right for you is probably going to come down to trial and error. Before deciding that this or that school is "wrong" or "right" I would do a lot of reading. There's a current thread on good books about basic Buddhism. I'd start with one or more of those, and see what speaks to you.

    I don't have access to anything but a New Kadampa Tradition center where I live, and I found that's not much to my liking. So I'm more or less on my own with my practice. Someday I hope to have your "problem" (ie: be spoiled for choice!) :)

    Best of luck with your investigations and your journey.
  • SherabDorjeSherabDorje
    edited September 2010
    There are plenty of Brits that post on this site, and I'm sure one will come along soon with the information you need. There is one Brit that goes to a New Kadampa Center (Centre) over there and says he's ok with it.

    There are so many Brits posting on this site that they even have Mountains spelling like a Brit :).
  • andyrobynandyrobyn Veteran
    edited September 2010
    SherabDorje wrote: »
    There are plenty of Brits that post on this site, and I'm sure one will come along soon with the information you need. There is one Brit that goes to a New Kadampa Center (Centre) over there and says he's ok with it.

    There are so many Brits posting on this site that they even have Mountains spelling like a Brit :).

    Lol ;)
  • DazzleDazzle
    edited September 2010
    Hi Toots,

    If you have access to a Samatha meditation group run by the Forest Tradition, I'd strongly recommend that. They give core teachings on Buddhism in the sessions, as well as meditation instruction.

    Here's a link to some classes in Bristol:

    http://www.samatha.org/bristol


    Kind wishes,

    Dazzle



    .
  • zider_redzider_red Explorer
    edited September 2010
    Hi Toots
    I have been to a fair percentage of the Buddhist centers in Bristol, and we are certainly well representive by the different traditions and sects :D So my advice would be to take your time, visit as many different classes as possible and explore further those that you felt most comfortable with.
    I personally attend the Sakya Buddhist centre, next to St. Andrews park. A friendly place with 2 beginners meditation classes a week, Tuesday 8pm and Sat. 10.30 am. I also found the Lam Rim centre in Bedminster, from the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, to be very friendly. Their beginners meditation is on a Monday, about 7.30pm, I think!
    Jason
  • TootsToots
    edited September 2010
    Thank you for all the replies.
    I am off to begin my research and give some of the centres a go. Its nice to have a positive "problem" for a change :winkc:.

    Thank you again for being so welcoming, this forum has been really useful!

    Toots
  • zider_redzider_red Explorer
    edited September 2010
    good luck with your search Toots, and maybe our paths will cross at a class sometime in the future :)
    mettā
    Jason
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