Buddhism????????????????????????????????

Question

I know some of the Indian and Japanese people's original religion is BUddhism.So instead of the ones who has converted to Buddhism from other religions,I would like to ask my question to the originally Buddhist people.
I'm Turkish and I would like to undertsand and learn and practise Buddhism thouroughly.
I have read a couple of books but not directly about the Buddhist teaching.
I know about the Sutras...But don't know how to reach them.
So my question is,what is the best way for a person from another religion to understand and maybe practise Buddhism ??
How can I get to know the original teaching and how can find the right source??
What would you buddists suggest to me?
It can be though internet and books...
No way I can talk about it with a buddhist and the only people I have come to meet have been Hindus until now.
Do you think I can understand and become a buddhist if I learn it from books or any other wise?
thnx

Old Cop-Reported.

Come on now of course I can't go to any buddhist temples!Do you think all th ordinary men out there who are buddhists went to the temples to learn and practise??!

CreatingMyself____I'm totally opposed to mixing religions and making a soup of believes which you like to add part by part!
I don't feel anything like a christian and understanding of islam means actually very little to me.
I was labelled as a muslim when I was born just like my parents but we all feel religiousless , we don't practise islam but we're deists.
So take your newage suggestions if you can and ... I like nothing about new age understanding and find it crappy to mix everything up.
I just say,buddhist teachings are so far the only thing that has touched my heart.And this is the most important of all.

Answer 1

the best advice i vcan give you is to just understand that you are part of a global community. you are not alone on earth, meaning that you are not the only one with problems like yours. and your needs are not the only ones. be considerate. follow the golden rule. realize that true success is self-control and self-contentment. give with feeling to those around you, give with what you are given. take nothing for granted, even on your wort days, you have osmething to smile baout that no one else does. follow these words and you wll have no problem assimilating to your new fiath. good luck. it sounds like you are truly interested and willing to give your heart for it. which is good. but remember that it's not some unclimable mountain a head of you, these are things you have heard itme and time again. if you can live your life according to those rules and thoughts, then you will see how well you have transformed.

Answer 2

I'm not originally Buddhist, but thought I'd answer anyway.

In one of his books, The Dalai Lama basically has said that we should stick with the religion we're taught because it's so hard to grasp the Buddhist concepts if they're completely foreign. It obviously can be done though.

There are many parts of Buddhism that you can incorporate into your life, like meditation, mindfulness, etc.

You don't have to be "just" a Buddhist or "just" a Hindu or "just" a Christian." You don't really need a label at all. And you can add some Buddhist philosophy or practices to your Hindu traditions if you want. It's a personal choice, a personal decision. I think too many people push their black-and-white ideas about what is right and wrong onto others. What's wrong with mixing things up a little?

I consider myself an Interfaith Believer, and I believe that most religions have excellent theories and ideas. You can learn a lot and expand your consciousness by reading and learning about them. A good book is "The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hanh. His "Living Buddah, Living Christ" is also good, and addresses this question in the Christian-Buddhist area.

Also, check out www.belief.net. Great stuff about many religions and faiths. Good luck on your journey.

Answer 3

I know you want answers from Buddhists - the best way to learn is to go to a Buddhist temple and ask them.

I learned a lot from the book the "The Art of Happiness" by the Dalai Lama, might be a good place to start learning about the philosphy and life principles. I think you can learn some information from books about any religion, but for a correct perspective and teachings, you need to have a mentor within that faith that can answer your questions. Theory is nice, but practical application is most important to help you grow spiritually. This is really valid for learning any religion.

But to learn the teachings - go to the source, ask a Buddhist monk. Look in the yellow pages under religion and/or do the 411 on the phone for Buddhist temple in your area.

God bless you and keep you safe always.

Answer 4

Pls visit this site www.bswa.org.

I am sure your questions will be answered.

There are a few forms of Buddhism. All of them may contain the main doctrine but the way of practise differs.

FYI, there are Theravada, Mahayana, Zen and Tantric Buddhism. I myself practises Theravada Buddhism.

Answer 5

Im cambodian which belongs to Asia and we worship buddhism and my best advice to you is probably understand the culture and background of Asia and India. dig deep into our past culture and beliefs and you would probably understand it more or you can just ask me I could probably be a little help

Answer 6

Read Book like The Buddha: Inspiring Story by Sanbun publishers..You will get peace and meaning of life..

Answer 7

books are great source to learn, to find good books i think amazon.com is very good website on site look for which books are BEST SELLING or has BEST RATING on topic of Buddhism,also you can read reviews of particular books.also try to find CD and DVD on Buddhism on amazon here to BEST SELLING and BEST RATING and reviews will help you best of luck.

Answer 8

You can be a Buddhist if you practise the Eightfold path ,and for true knowledge you should try to visit Buddhist monasteries
For your Knowledge Hinduism also has many other Secrets

Answer 9

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/pathmaps.htm <<< buddhism basics (read & practise this before you read the sutras)
http://www.buddhanet.net/ <<< reliable buddhist website

To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.

In Buddhism, understanding is the most important thing and understanding takes time. So do not impulsively rush into Buddhism. Take your time, ask questions, consider carefully, and then make your decision. The Buddha was not interested in having large numbers of disciples. He was concerned that people should follow his teachings as a result of a careful investigation and consideration of facts.

http://www.buddhanet.net/worlddir.htm <<< world's buddhist directory... you can find a buddhist monastry/ temple near you, & may attend their talks.
before you read any buddhist sutras, it is important that you must have a basic understanding of buddhism, & it is also important for you to have the help of a master/ teacher to guide you. if it is difficult for you to meet up with a buddhist master/ teacher, you may try to email him/ her for further advices on how he/ she can guide you.
without proper insight, understanding & teachings, you may misinterpret the buddhist sutras.
do not worry that they may 'brainwash' or recruit you into buddhism. no self- respecting buddhist will do that.

http://www.serve.com/~cmtan/buddhism/index.html <<< lighter side of buddhism
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/ <<< buddhism daily
http://member.melbpc.org.au/~grjallen/buddha.htm <<< Best of "Buddhist quote of the moment"

you may want to google on these masters:
Thich Nhat Hanh
Lama Yeshe
Ven. Thubten Chodron
Ajahn Chah
Ajahn Brahmavamso

Answer 10

u just want to communitcate with people right. I know it's a little risky, but yahoo chatrooms have a religion section, maybe u can pay a visit to the buddism section.