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Help to find the way.
I have fallen in love with the way buddhism sees the world & others.
but I seem to have trouble,this is a solo journey my family does not agree with this way of thinking and I respect that. But as for me where do I start? no one else I know personally feels the same way i do. perhaps this is why i signed up for this forum. for some insight.
Thank you. `
but I seem to have trouble,this is a solo journey my family does not agree with this way of thinking and I respect that. But as for me where do I start? no one else I know personally feels the same way i do. perhaps this is why i signed up for this forum. for some insight.
Thank you. `
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Comments
Your flesh and blood family may not get it (nor should they be expected to), but can't you find an imperfect sangha to be a part of?
I think what your are seeking and needing at this point is a community of spiritual friends. Sure, we online can do that for you to an extent, but you will do much better to get involved with a local community of deeply flawed humans comprising a local to you sangha.
may i suggest concentration meditation?
Ajahn Brahn has a great book you could buy describing the technique.
after you have tried meditation a bit, what this series
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd7a9Ur2x0o
(many parts)
you can listen to Dhamma talks, there are a bunch on the internet (look around on this website for links.
you can listen to ajahn brahm dhamma talks.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BuddhistSocietyWA
but really, try to avoid the pitfall of thinking and reading too much about buddhism, just meditate, alot, and you will progress.
Always remember that it doesn't really matter if you understand what is it that the people are talking about, the insights, the realizations, the experiences etc...
it doesn't matter if you understand them mentally or not.
Imagine you are waiting in a rocket ship to go to space. it doesn't matter if you can understand how on earth can the planet earth be round. When you actually launch into space, you will see the planet itself and you will not need to understand the theory, you just know now that the planet is round.
this is only a friendly warning as there seem to be many people who spend their entire time just thinking about the concepts and trying to understand things mentally, which is almost only a giant waste of time in my opinion.
so learn about the techniques of meditation, choose one, and meditate as often as possible. this is my suggestion.
and look around this forum, your question have been ask many times before.
welcome
Is there a Buddhist Monestary / Temple near you. If so, I would contact them to see what they have to ffer in terms of support.
From the dhammapada
"If, as the disciple fares along, he meets no companion who is better or equal, let him firmly pursue his solitary career. There is no fellowship with the foolish. "
My point isn't that he shouldn't try to find a sangha, but that there are far worse things than a solitary career.
If you're looking for some reputable reading material check out this thread.
In a nutshell, Buddhism can be divided into The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path (which is part of the Noble Truths, as you will find out). Start with those basics and go from there. This is what the Buddha taught and no doubt what you've already fallen in love with. Research what the Four Noble Truths are and what the Noble Eightfold Path is. This is something you can do on your own.
Meditation is also a basic part of the Buddhist path but if you're really new to Buddhism you might want to get a handle on the basics of what the Buddha taught first before starting a formal sitting (meditation) practice. But meditation should be a very close second step. Many people believe it's best to have a qualified teacher for meditation practice. I think it depends. But we can get into that after you've got the basics down.
This website, Access To Insight is a personal favourite because it's so reliable and it can be used no matter what tradition one follows. (Choosing a specific school or tradition of Buddhism comes later as well so don't worry about it now.)
Many of us here are also solo practitioners so you're not actually alone. I think most people in the Western world start out that way and eventually find their way to a teacher (or the teacher finds them). Don't worry. Just explore and see what you find.
Good luck and welcome to the forum. It's lovely to meet you.
Welcome Jasmine.
This is your best answer. Yes there are many books, websites, forums, videos, etc. These tools can be of use to get started and along the way, but they are not a substitute for a qualified teacher.
If you really want to learn what the Buddha taught, if you want to change your life for the better, you will need the guidance of a fully qualified teacher.
The teachings of the Buddha have been passed down from teacher to student, generation after generation. This is the way to learn.