New to Buddhism

Hawkins

After being introduced to Buddhism by my writing professor, I began surfing the web for as much reading on Buddhism as I could gather.. Of course I came across a lot of Alan Watts as well.
Could anyone please point me in the correct direction? I'm currently focused on Zen (Mahayana schools.) Tips on anything I should start focusing on, practicing, reading, etc? It's rather difficult to find a Buddhist retreat or monastery.
I've been attempting meditation every night before I go to sleep. Although, I become very relaxed but my eyes seem to twitch. Also, there's not much that happens except literally the feeling of spinning into darkness.
Thanks in advanced for any helpful information

-Tyler

Hawkins

EDIT: difficult to find a Buddhist retreat or monastery [In North Carolina]

Vincenzi

focus on the fourth jhåna (zen . chan . jhåna . dhyåna)... on anapanasatti... and on meditating somewhere that has a decent enough density of trees (also known as forrest... but they are scarce in this era).

Hawkins

When you say "focus on the fourth jahana" do you mean as in the fourth stage? "In the Fourth Dhyāna, the only manifestation is that of complete purity and perfection.At this stage one is still considered the stage of an ordinary mortal, and still far from the Nirvāṇa of the fully-enlightened buddhas.In the tradition of Chinese Buddhism, it is said that those individuals who have reached this stage sometimes choose to walk with their feet one inch above the earth, so they do not harm any living beings." - Wiki

anapanasatti = mindfulness breathing, correct?
The only spot I have for meditation is in my room at the moment. I have a special area, along with burning incense for when I meditate.

compassionate_warrior

Take a look at the "Recommended Reading" thread under Buddhism for Beginners. Also, people have recommended books by Lama Surya Das. Pema Chodron is good, too.

We've said this a half-dozen times before, and we'll say it again: don't read too much, or you can overwhelm yourself. Read a couple of books, and focus on the techniques they discuss, like Mindfullness, and practice the techniques.

There are some convoluted theories in Buddhism that aren't appropriate for a beginner (unless you're smarter than I am! ), so don't wade in too deep.

aHappyNihilist

one thing i've noticed is that I at least tend to twist the concepts into knots trying to understand them but always end up with a perfectly simple, whole, concept at the end.

compassionate_warrior

aHN, you twist yourself into knots . but you do an impressive job of figuring it all out in the end. Not everyone can do that.

aHappyNihilist

yes i've always been really skeptical of everything, whenever i find some sort of philosophical concept i do everything i can to disprove it, in Buddhism everything seems to make sense in the end, well except that one thing on the other discussion i posted "benevolence or kindness" but anyway.... that has nothing at all to do with what we're talking about does it

compassionate_warrior

I still don't get your obstacle re: compassion, or benevolence or kindness. I thought Cloud and others did a good job of explaining it on your thread previous to that. You seemed satisfied...

oops--we've hijacked the thread.

aHappyNihilist

aww i didn't want to talk about this on this thread, but my quandary is basically this: why is the natural impulse towards helping others strengthened where others are resisted and "let go" of because such cravings are a cause of suffering

compassionate_warrior

Back to the "skillful attachments" and "unskillful attachments" concept. If it's a cause of suffering, let it go. If it helps create a better world, helps alleviate suffering (remember, empathy), and helps us evolve as human beings, go for it. And remember, the attachment itself is just a means to an end; to help us get closer to enlightenment, it's a raft. When you reach the other side of the river, you no longer need the raft. The attachment dissolves. And you don't do it as "grasping", or "over-reaching", as you put it. You practice by cultivating your heart, or natural empathy via meditation. Meditation helps you wire your brain so that you are empathic and compassionate naturally, effortlessly, without grasping.

Howard

I just wanted to say that I without a doubt love you all.
What in the world would I do without Buddhism...I would still be blind to life, to truth, to myself. Sorry Tyler- I had to.

bodhipunk

If you're currently focused on Zen, I would suggest reading Bodhidharma's Bloodstream Sermon.
http://www.purifymind.com/Sutras19.htm

Hawkins

Thank you all for your responses! Howard - I agree haha

I'm glad that I found this forum. I'll be sure to frequently visit this site

thickpaper

After being introduced to Buddhism by my writing professor, I began surfing the web for as much reading on Buddhism as I could gather.. Of course I came across a lot of Alan Watts as well.
Could anyone please point me in the correct direction? I'm currently focused on Zen (Mahayana schools.) Tips on anything I should start focusing on, practicing, reading, etc? It's rather difficult to find a Buddhist retreat or monastery.
I've been attempting meditation every night before I go to sleep. Although, I become very relaxed but my eyes seem to twitch. Also, there's not much that happens except literally the feeling of spinning into darkness.
Thanks in advanced for any helpful information

-Tyler

Hi Tyler

Strive to see the four noble truths, why they are try, and how they condition experience.

namaste