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Not sure where to start...
I've been really interested in Buddhism, and am considering converting to it. I left Christianity awhile back, mostly because I realized that I shared almost none of its beliefs, but also becuase of it's intolerance towards me (I am a lesbian). What really piqued my interest in Buddhism is the non-violence, and the acceptance of differences that it offers. I've noticed that Buddhism is more about finding one's own path than believing whatever one is told by the clergy.
I would like to explore more...but I am unsure where to begin. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I would like to explore more...but I am unsure where to begin. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Comments
Greetings.
Where to begin? Buddhism has two main divisions, Mahayana and Hinayana. Mahayana has a number of divisions. I come from the Mahayana tradition from a Tibetan perspective so my response is couched from that perspective.
If you are interested in Tibetan then take a look at FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition).
The site will lead you into many areas of interest and there are some excellent teachings which you can download - the online learning center should be of interest. You will need to register by following the prompts.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche is well respected around the world.
May our esteem teachers always be your guide.
In Zen, one can start by looking up a Zen centre, feeling unsure, going anyway
Google can help with both Buddhist centres and meditation. The Eightfold Path is the Path laid down by Lord Buddha to help all initiates.
Best wishes,
Abu
As you have seen there are many different schools of buddhism.
Some one has already suggested Buddhanet to you and I agree.
The have a fairly extensive list of all the various schools and hopefully you will find some near you.Check out a few different ones and see which one you seem most drawn to.
To the best of my knowledge most of the traditions don't care about your sexuality,but we have people on this site who would have more practical knowledge of this than I do.
As a monk I can say that it is no problem for me.If you are in a loving, caring relationship,well I am happy for you.
With metta.:)
Really? I have never heard of anyone who claims to be a Hinayanist (lit. "lesser" or "rubbish" vehicle) before...I wonder why?
The attributes of Buddhists you listed are generally true of Unitarian Universalist congregations as well.
While I certainly encourage you to explore Buddhist practice, there are other sources of spirituality available that might provide you with what you are looking for as well. While UU is different than Buddhism, both allow you to believe as you do rather than swallow dogma from on high and both are generally pretty open/accepting communities.
Why did you spoil the secret, all I had to do was convert 10 more people to win the special umbrella
I did look into unitarian universalism...I felt that it wasn't as good of a match for me. What I am looking for is a religion that matches well with beliefs that I already have, which buddhism does more so than any other I have looked into. I guess you could say I just like buddhism. I like the meditation (although I haven't been able to get anywhere yet, I like how it helps me prepare for my day..I do it just before I start my work/school-day, and it helps me de-stress), I like the fact that it's testable, I like the fact that no wars have been fought in it's name.
You may have already heard this: meditation is not about "getting anywhere", it is about "being here"; becoming mindful of what is happening in the present moment. Ajahn Chah said that "meditation is not about how much you can attain, but how much you can let go".
Great! I am glad that the Dhamma is beneficial for you!
The Buddha taught that the Dhamma is "Ehi-Passiko" (open to investigation, inviting people to see for themselves if it is true). I think this aspect is very appealing to a lot of us who are taught to be skeptical.
This says a lot about the peacefulness of those who have followed the Noble Eightfold Path during the past 2500 years.
Welcome to the Forum. I personally agree with the recommendation of Buddhanet. I would also recommend "Awakening The Buddha Within" by Lama Surya Das as I think he does a fine job of explaining the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Noble Path. He follows the Tibetan Buddhist tradition which I quite like. I'm also rather partial to some Zen practises and don't really find myself set in one path.
In metta,
Raven
I think this is a misconception. Although Buddhists have not specifically warred against other religious groups or committed religious terrorism, there is a book which has the thesis that Zen Buddhism was very influential in the rise of Japanese militarism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_at_War
As the review here describes, notion of "no self" and other teachings were basically used to turn soldiers into killing machines that didn't think twice about jumping headfirst into battle and slaughtering people.
That page also links Sinhalese Buddhists in Sri lanka to the expulsion of Tamils.
While these are Buddhists that have twisted Buddhism into working for them in nefarious ways, the fact remains that it did happen under the auspices of Buddhism. This is just the same as people saying "Well Christians were involved in a lot of wars during the Medieval ages" or "Islamic jihad is a threat to the world." The actual religions do not promote these actions, but their followers have gone their own path.
I think that Buddhists need to accept the fact that there are places and people that have and still do mis-use Buddha's teachings, as opposed to naively defending Buddhism as an "untainted" religion/philosophy. We must be responsible for and critical about the teachings that can be mis-used for negative deeds.
read some books about it, start meditating, come to this forum regularly,
that's a great start!
If you practice, in a good way, things will change and there will be no doubt, even when there is doubt. Buddhism and those in the Buddhist circles can be well meaning people or not, but in the end what matters most is who you are, what you say, what you do. So as you like no wars, no harm, then it is most important that you honor what you love. Then your preference for one thing or another will no longer be dependent on news articles or even history, in your own heart you will know what is most true and that is most precious. IMO.
Best wishes,
Abu