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I am new to buddhism.

luzianneluzianne
edited December 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I am new to this and am very pleased to be here with people who are new as well and can help me out with my questions. Thank you for letting me join.

Comments

  • compassionate_warriorcompassionate_warrior Veteran
    What are your questions?
  • luzianneluzianne
    How do you get started, do you need to go to a temple or find a teacher?
  • compassionate_warriorcompassionate_warrior Veteran
    Many start by reading books on the basics: the 4 Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the precepts, and moving on from there. In looking for a teacher and sangha (some spiritual communities meet in people's homes, or in office buildings, not necessarily actual temples), it's come out of discussion here that one should be careful and research the group first, or attend a few groups for awhile and see if you like one. Some can be cult-ish, some can have teachers that don't behave ethically. So proceed with both eyes open and an ear to the ground. If the group has guidelines for teacher behavior, that's a good sign. There are different schools of Buddhism, so you might want to read about that to decide which direction you want to go in.
  • aHappyNihilistaHappyNihilist Veteran
    start out with learning - try this - http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/guide.htm
    also do some meditation.

    basically thats what dharma comes down to. i'm doing all my practice without any form of Sangha besides this forum, hopefully i can change that, but dharma alone has made a big difference in my life.
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    Welcome luzianne. Hope you find something useful here. Just exercise your courage, patience and doubt and I think things will turn out fine.
  • luzianneluzianne
    Thank you everyone for advise and will use them wisely.
  • lightlotuslightlotus
    luzianne,

    im new too - so glad i found this place too. Gone are days of me floating around tonnes of website which are not detailed enough!

    take care LL :)
  • Beautifully_ChaoticBeautifully_Chaotic
    I am new as well.. I feel at home on this website and everyone here answers so great and is very helpful!
  • TheJourneyTheJourney
    You're starting out on a great path. Many people recommend getting involved with other buddhists and finding a teacher. It can certainly be beneficial. But ultimately, you need noone but yourself.
  • JasonJason God Emperor Arrakis Moderator
    How do you get started, do you need to go to a temple or find a teacher?
    Finding a teacher is certainly helpful, but not a necessity. At the beginning, you really only need to focus on three things: (1) observing the precepts, (2) practicing meditation and (3) developing insight. Do the best you can, and the rest will gradual fall into place over time.
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    I would examine the question of what lead you too buddhism. Enquire sincerely why you wish to explore buddhism but don't try to hard just every once in awhile consider that question. That connection to the dharma can be an inspiration that energizes your practice.

    I think because there is something deep inside of that question presumably. Even if it is 'shallow' it might be enlightening to know that much. And lead to another look.

    But read a basic book on meditation. I read Kathleen McDonald's book on meditation first. It is pretty thorough and inspiring. There is also a good one Mindfulness?? Plain and Simple? Something like that. And numerous books that mention a method maybe in a single chapter rather than devote the whole book.

    Its good to get involved with a group and teacher. But don't view your group or teacher as some kind of big deals that you have to agree with. Just humans who you will respect and share good will with. Your teacher cannot teach you the dharma just like a psychologist can't 'fix you'. They can only give you nudges when you are stuck and compassion when you are suffering to encourage you out of despair.

    In many cases the teacher presents the dharma in a way with their own vocabularly that is in their own style and a direct transmission to the students. The student opens to that style and it has a power or energy which can be very powerful known as adhistana.

    Your own outside the teacher studies are also fruitful in that you can meet some of your unique needs, but its funny how they distract from the teacher's teachings. Sometimes the fit between teacher and student's needs is not perfect so this is only natural, but it is an interesting question.
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