How do I start going to a Buddhist temple?

Question

Funny question, right? Here's the thing--there are plenty in my area, but I can't find any websites for them. I know that if I were to go to Catholic mass, I'd find a service time and attend. But I know so little about Buddhist practice that I don't know when to go or what to do once I get there! Can someone help with this first step, especially what to expect the first time I go?

Wow, such terrible answers so far!
No, I do not know much about Buddhism and I did not think that Buddhists have "mass"--I just didn't know if there are regular services or if I just show up.
I happen to be open-minded and educated enough to want to experience something else for my own eyes. It's like going to a foreign country to learn a language--I'd learn more that way than to just sit in my room reading books for days on end.

Answer 1

http://www.buddhanet.net/worlddir.htm <<< buddhist world directory (here, you may find buddhist websites from your area)

you may check out (calling/ email) the respective temple/ monastry on their talks.

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There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching —the Dhamma or truth.
There is Theravada Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, Yogacara Buddhism and Vajrayana but they are all Buddhism and they all has the same taste - the state of freedom. Buddhism has evolved into different forms so that it can be relevant to the different cultures in which it exists. It has been reinterpreted over the centuries so that it can remain relevant to each new generation. Outwardly, the types of Buddhism may seem very different but at the center of all of them is the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. All major religions, Buddhism included, have split into schools and sects.

If for whatever reason Buddhism appeals to you, obviously a bit of reading cannot do any harm. You could try a few introductory books from any tradition to get a closer idea of what Buddhism can mean for you.
- Try not to get confused with the various traditions: just go for what feels right and ideally do a course. Amazingly, it seems to me that at least 90% of the people stick to the tradition they started in - somehow karma seems to be at work there... Anyway, the biggest differences between the Buddhist traditions are usually more on the surface than in the ideas behind the appearances. Although for example in Zen you will find very little ritual etc., and in Tibetan Buddhism you may be overwhelmed by it, at the core of the practice are the same ideas, just different methods.
- Once you decide to get involved with a specific tradition, make sure you are not dealing with a controversial/dubious teacher or school; although someone may wear Buddhist robes or calls him/herself a lama, guru or even Acharya, that does not make him or her a saint.... There are unfortunately a fair amount of questionable 'Buddhist' teachers and centers around the world.
- Try to be critical at everything you see and hear, but do not be afraid to open yourself up, and give new ideas the chance to settle in; in other words, avoid accepting things before you have taken time to 'sit on it' (meditate), and also avoid rejecting things before you 'sat on them'. Especially if we grew up in a different religious tradition, our prejudices often go deeper than we think - be aware of your own mind.

Answer 2

Buddhist temples do not have mass like the Catholics. You will have to go there when ever you are ready. There is loads of do and don't. The best thing is to go with somebody who knows about this religion.

Answer 3

Hey Mr. Answer..what does Buddhism have to do with Islam?

Answer 4

Get a big room

Put up lots of candles in glasses

Have lots of vegetarian dishes to eat

Answer 5

Just find a bhuddist and let him shove his religion down your throat. You'll like it. Tastes like chicken.

Squirm, godless liberals, Squirm

Go ahead and give me a thumbs down, I eat them for breakfast!

Better to die for Christ than to convert to Islam at gunpoint!

Answer 6

you just show up and be one with nature and you will see the light... or maybe you were standing in the street...?