Starting out in Buddism

woppy71 · Post by **woppy71** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:16 am

I'm posting this in the hope that someone can give me some pointers.

I have a strong interest in buddism and would like to look at starting out on the path of buddism, but I am finding it difficult on making that start. Any ideas?

koan · Post by **koan** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:20 am

woppy71;508978 wrote: I'm posting this in the hope that someone can give me some pointers.

I have a strong interest in buddism and would like to look at starting out on the path of buddism, but I am finding it difficult on making that start. Any ideas?

Aside from looking for a good overview to get the basic ideas of their philosophy, you might want to learn some simple yoga. Practical exercises make it more a part of your life then just thinking and reading about it. Yoga is good on many levels. And it's easier than meditating.

Post by **spot** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:22 am

You might discover more if you meet people who already practice. http://www.meditateinkent.com/events.htm is worth taking a day off for, and it's far enough ahead that you can plan and prepare for it.

woppy71 · Post by **woppy71** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:23 am

koan;508982 wrote: Aside from looking for a good overview to get the basic ideas of their philosophy, you might want to learn some simple yoga. Practical exercises make it more a part of your life then just thinking and reading about it. Yoga is good on many levels. And it's easier than meditating.

Thats interesting, because one of the main things I am looking for in my life at the moment is learning to relax. I have terrible difficulties relaxing. Am I correct in thinking that Yoga is a very good way of doing so?

koan · Post by **koan** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:26 am

woppy71;508984 wrote: Thats interesting, because one of the main things I am looking for in my life at the moment is learning to relax. I have terrible difficulties relaxing. Am I correct in thinking that Yoga is a very good way of doing so?

Definitely :-6

Meditation is a great art to learn but it can make you tense too because it takes a lot of practice. Yoga gives you quick feedback. Especially if you do the movements slowly.

woppy71 · Post by **woppy71** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:28 am

spot;508983 wrote: You might discover more if you meet people who already practice. http://www.meditateinkent.com/events.htm is worth taking a day off for, and it's far enough ahead that you can plan and prepare for it.

Thank you Spot! I see I have a class close to me, I will pop along to see them. Thats great news, as I was having difficulties in finding somewhere local to have a face to face chat with someone. Thank you

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:39 am

Contact Bez. She can help you.

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:35 pm

Almost six years ago I asked the same question.

Read The Dalai Lama's Art of Happiness.

That book brought me to The Wanderling

and Awakening 101.

Through there I read The Razor's Edge by M. Somerset Maughm and it goes on and on and........

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:32 pm

Yes, Bez would be someone to chat with. Anytime too! But she is knowledgable about Buddhism.

nvalleyvee · Post by **nvalleyvee** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:10 am

woppy71;508978 wrote: I'm posting this in the hope that someone can give me some pointers.

I have a strong interest in buddism and would like to look at starting out on the path of buddism, but I am finding it difficult on making that start. Any ideas?

The only thing I can really tell you from my personal beliefs...............

Find a religion or spiritual place that gives you comfort and GO FOR IT!!

You may find formalized places are not good for you.......or you might.........go where your soul paces you and embrace it. It is always betrween you and your head.

How many religions are there in this world????? How many people find religion in and of their own world?

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:02 am

woppy71;508978 wrote: I'm posting this in the hope that someone can give me some pointers.

I have a strong interest in buddism and would like to look at starting out on the path of buddism, but I am finding it difficult on making that start. Any ideas?

There are different kinds of Buddhism Woppy, but this is the organisation that I belong to.....http://www.sgi-uk.org/index.php/sgi-uk

There is bound to be a group near you ....SGI headquarters can give you contact names. SGI is world wide and I think there are links on the website ...hope this helps

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:09 am

This is a SGI internet forum group based in the Uk....they're a nice bunch of people....http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SGI_UK_NET/.

Although chanting is part of the SGI practise, we don't 'meditate' as such (well some people might). We study the teachings of Nicherin Daishonin

clearmind69 · Post by **clearmind69** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 3:37 am

Hi,

There are no quick and easy routes to this venture you wish to undertake.

I agree yoga can help, but its in the meditation and study of good teachings that you start to uncover and reveal the things which keep you in unrest.

Meditation and study cleanse the mind and spirit. The whole reason I feel there is so much unrest in the world, is people dont scrifice enough of giving some time to self improvement. A little sacrifice gives back a little gain. One must put some effort into it, lest there be no inner improvement.

Just my thoughts.

:-6

Elvira · Post by **Elvira** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 3:50 am

I'm not really a fan of Buddism, but I do see the benefits in Zen.

You could try reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values.

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 4:05 am

My son has been a Buddhist for many years. His degree is in Eastern Religions. He speaks and translates Tibetan, has met The Dahli Lama on a number of ocassions. His library on the subject is quite extensive. I believe we actually have a Buddhist Monastery here in Virginia. You could, if your interested e mail him, and Im certain he would offer a list of suggested reading material. If your interested, let me know .

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:40 pm

clearmind69:-6

An excellent post.

Shalom

Ted:-6

Ciao, Bella! · Post by **Ciao, Bella!** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 6:39 pm

Cool! I wish you luck in your quest.