Curious about becoming buddhist

ridexsnow · November 2010

Hi everyone, I'm 18 years old and feel confused.

for all my life I've lived as an atheist, and recently started exploring different religions. I started to go to a non denominational christian church with my
friend after moving. So far I have gone twice and started reading out of the
bible. I tend to agree with the morals that it teaches, but am starting to find it
a little contradictive and unbelievable i guess.

So I wanted to get information on different religions because i'm tired of reading biased opinions on what they believe or what they're about. so I googled for a site that could give me a very basic unbiased understanding, and it led me to 101god.com.

so long story short i read through a lot of the religions and the one that seemed to already go along with what I believed and made the most sense to me was buddhism.

I guess i have a couple questions on buddhism im confused about...

1. It seems like there are so many different types of buddhism, so i tried researching the different ones but its really starting to make my head hurt and making me more confused.

2. I live in fort collins, colorado now, and this is the nearest buddhist temple to my house that I could find... http://meditateinfortcollins.org/ .. does it matter what type of buddhism I really get into, to just start out?

3. what is the buddhist mentality on reincarnation? or rebirth?

4. is it possible to be buddhist but still believe in a higher power?

5. I struggle with body dysmorphic disorder, depression, and (what i consider) to be really bad anxiety. has anyone here been helped from mental illnesses through buddhism?

this is another site that has also given me some more info on buddhism...

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm

i know these are probably repetitive questions asked but if someone can help me get some answers i would greatly appreciate it.

Cloud · November 2010

1. Theravada is the school of the elders, oldest surviving; its emphasis is on liberation through methodical practice. Mahayana is the greater vehicle (self-named) that places emphasis on helping others as the path to liberation. Vajrayana is the Tibetan form of Buddhism that has reincarnation and the Dalai Lama, and Zen/Ch'an is the most simple form but relies heavily on a teacher for direct transmission.

2. You should read up on the basics of each type. Learn the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which should apply to all true forms of Buddhism, and all things that go along with them. http://www.buddhanet.net is a good site for all forms of Buddhism.

3. Depends on the tradition, but "rebirth" is what Buddhism describes, a process where the consciousness continues on, though it is not identical nor is it "you"; just cause and effect for new life.

4. Sure. Beliefs are beliefs; everyone has them. You may change your mind through practice and awakening.

5. Anxiety is much less; used to take Xanax.

Also http://www.accesstoinsight.org for strictly Theravada.

Namaste

PietroPumokin · November 2010

i would say, just go to that temple and check it out, at first it doesn't matter too much which tradition you start practising in, it is probably good to just start practising, you will know which school is right for you soon enough

[DeletedUser] · November 2010

ridexsnow wrote: »

2. I live in fort collins, colorado now, and this is the nearest buddhist temple to my house that I could find... http://meditateinfortcollins.org/ .. does it matter what type of buddhism I really get into, to just start out?

All buddhism methods helps you to enter supreme harmony, regain consciousness and best of health. Just be focus on one method for beginner and participate in the meditation and dharma lesson in this temple is more than enough. Till your harmony prevails. Cheers:rockon:

ShiftPlusOne · November 2010

My answers would be the same as Cloud's.

5. I struggle with body dysmorphic disorder, depression, and (what i consider) to be really bad anxiety. has anyone here been helped from mental illnesses through buddhism?

Sure, meditation is extremely effective in treating all of those.

genkaku · November 2010

Hi ridexsnow. Here is a one-page cheat sheet I once put together for a teenager whose Christian church wanted her to learn "tolerance" ... and she wound up on my doorstep. It is obviously just a quickie, but may be of some use:

<link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5COwner%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com<img src=" images="" smilies="" redface.gif="" border="0" alt="" title="Embarrassment" smilieid="2" class="inlineimg"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com<img src=" images="" smilies="" redface.gif="" border="0" alt="" title="Embarrassment" smilieid="2" class="inlineimg"></o:smarttagtype><style>  </style>

BUDDHISM

The truth of Buddhism does not come from a book. It does not come from a temple. It does not come from someone else. It is not written on a piece of paper. The truth of Buddhism comes from the individual effort to investigate, verify and actualize a clear understanding of this life.

Shakyamuni Buddha, the man most often referred to as the founder of Buddhism, was born on the border of <st1:country-region><st1>India</st1></st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region><st1>N</st1>epal</st1:country-region> in about 565 BC. He attained what is sometimes called enlightenment at 35 and preached until his death at 80. Many schools of Buddhism sprang from his teachings … in <st1:country-region><st1>India</st1></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1>Tibet</st1></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1>China</st1></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1>Korea</st1></st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region><st1>Japan</st1></st1:country-region> among others. Uncertain estimates put Buddhist numbers at about 350 million worldwide.

All Buddhist schools agree on at least two things:

1. THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS: These are observations about the world around us.

The Four Noble Truths are:

*** 1. There is suffering (dukkha – the uncertainties, dissatisfactions and doubts that life can dish up); 2. There is a cause of suffering; 3. There is an end to suffering; 4. There is a way to end suffering.

2. THE EIGHTFOLD PATH: These are the tools suggested as most useful when seeking out a truly peaceful life in a changing world.

The Eightfold Path is:

*** 1. Right View 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration.

The word "right" is sometimes translated as "complete." A “complete” effort is thorough-going and whole-hearted. Nothing is held back. Buddhism is not a threat-based persuasion: You won’t go to heaven (right) if you practice it and you won’t go to hell (wrong) if you don’t. But honesty is required -- complete honesty.

The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path carry with them the verifiable observation that everything in life changes. There is nothing that does not change. Joy turns to sorrow, love turns to anger, birth turns to death, and the family car always gets a flat. All Buddhist schools agree on such things, but how they approach them may vary.

But as the Dalai Lama put it once, "Everyone wants to be happy." And that is probably as good a summary of Buddhism as any.

Jason · November 2010

ridexsnow wrote: »

1. It seems like there are so many different types of buddhism, so i tried researching the different ones but its really starting to make my head hurt and making me more confused.

2. I live in fort collins, colorado now, and this is the nearest buddhist temple to my house that I could find... http://meditateinfortcollins.org/ .. does it matter what type of buddhism I really get into, to just start out?

It matters in that each tradition has its own approach, and one approach may be more suited to you than another. Unfortunately, I can't tell you which; that's up to you to find out. As for myself, I'm partial to the Thai Forest tradition (a sub-sect within Theravada), and this is mainly due to their focus on meditation. (For a short history of the Thai Forest Tradition, I suggest reading Thanissaro Bhikkhu's essay, "The Customs of the Noble Ones.")

3. what is the buddhist mentality on reincarnation? or rebirth?

It varies. For some of my thoughts about it, see this and this.

4. is it possible to be buddhist but still believe in a higher power?

Yes, although my opinion is that the matter of the existence of God is irrelevant and, soteriologically speaking, a distraction to be avoided in regard to the practice itself (e.g., see my post about unanswered questions).

this is another site that has also given me some more info on buddhism...

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm

I highly recommend Access to Insight as well.

StaticToybox · November 2010

ridexsnow wrote: »

2. I live in fort collins, colorado now, and this is the nearest buddhist temple to my house that I could find... http://meditateinfortcollins.org/ .. does it matter what type of buddhism I really get into, to just start out?

Each school has its own customs, traditions, and aesthetics. If you find a Buddhist center near you and want to check it out than you should. You'll soon know if that particular tradition works for you. If it does, great. If not, no biggie. Unlike some other religions you're not going to be punished for not going to the right pile of brick and mortar. Honestly though as a beginner you needn't worry too much about finding a particular branch of Buddhism to align with. The Four Nobel Truths and the Nobel Eightfold Path are what's important. Everything else is just garnish.

3. what is the buddhist mentality on reincarnation? or rebirth?

Depends on the Buddhist.

4. is it possible to be buddhist but still believe in a higher power?

It's possible, but not required. Buddhism itself is rather agnostic in this matter.

Jeffrey · November 2010

1. Just read what you like and pick up the vibes. You will find what fits you.

2. Don't look at your teacher as a parent but as someone who is showing you truths about reality. If you are not seeing something then ask questions. Its up to you to decide if they can help you.

3. Some believe in it and some don't. Personally I find it convenient motivation.

4. I think so but when you get too specific about what the higher power is its like being on two train tracks with each leg. Both eventually get to Chicago but you can't ride both at once. A vague mysterious idea of a vaster vision is totally in line with buddhism.

5. Yes. First buddhism lets you sit with your problems. Then the clarity of your vision from calm gradually gives you insight into your problems.

ridexsnow · November 2010

thank you everyone for all the responses. im going to go check out the
temple tomorrow!

a lot more responses than i expected.

thanks again

Ambulanceo · November 2010

1. Many sects of Buddhism are moreso cultural than they are differences in ideas and beliefs. Most Buddhist generally share the core, important beliefs of Buddhism

2. It depends, but I don't think so. Don't be afraid of questions, though, because ignorance is never a good thing. You aren't forced or coerced into believing anything.

3. Rebirth is a common belief but not universal, and there are different ideas about it as well.

4. The existance or nonexistance of a higher power isn't very relevant to Buddhism itself.

5. Yes. I am naturally a very angry person who can resort to extreme violence when pushed over the edge, and I find that meditation and related practices reduces the amount of stress in my life and allows me to look at myself and my own life from a fresh perspective.

(sorry for the late answer, but I am relatively new as well and thought I could give some input)

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