These teachings interest me..I want to learn more....where I live there are no Buddhist temples or anything. How do I find my path.
Please again --no jesus comments---christianity does not resonate with my soul...I have tried it and for me it is the wrong path! Thank you
2006-09-28 05:59:22 · 6 answers · asked by kardea 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
yes, I found a lot of books first, then got online & read a lot as well...
you would be surprised, there are probably a lot more local groups in your area than you think there are.
email me & we can chat about how I found some in my own neigborhood that i was totally unaware of!
there are other groups that meet within 30-40 min of where I live & then some within 3-4 hours if I want to take a weekend workshop... I'm sure it's the same for you too.
2006-09-28 06:17:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depending on which school of thought you follow. The Theravadin school of thought believes in self discovery and self enlightenment, whereas the Mahayana ( includes the Sutra and Vajrayana schools ) believe the Theravadin attainments DO bring you to enlightement but in an incomplete form. The Mahayana schools believe in order for us to reach the higher forms of attainments one MUST have a Guru ( Teacher ).
As we are beginners on the Buddha's path, having a Guru or Not isn't really of grave importance, but eventually during some lifetimes when our heart is near perfected in Loving Kindness, Humility and Generousity, our Mind is purified to the point of being calm, at peace and serene then a Teacher is inevitable
"... for without a Teacher to give us hints how to move onwards, our spirits cannot evolve past what we know..." As true knowledge cannot be comprehended from Books alone, experience is what we all need. With the inttelectual knowledge coupled with real time experience, that is when the mind (or soul or atman) expands in True Knowledge...
For now you can trust your "inner Guru" whichis what psychologists call our "Superconscious". Hope that made a bit of sense
2006-09-28 13:41:58 · answer #2 · answered by Kenz K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is NOT about what you know. What's important is that you have a unconditioned mind, a mind that is free from habits and excessive thinking. Sitting meditation, preferably zazen, is essential.
A guru is very helpful, not so much for asking questions, but for simply being in their presence. You learn from their actions and reactions, and there is probably reasons that are benificial that I don't know of. Find a guru if you can but, but if you can't just make sure you do zazen daily.
PS-Reading is helpful, but remember there are varying degrees of authenticity for each book. The Tao Te Ching is a great classic that has been translated to English many times. If your going to read anything, I really suggest the Tao Te Ching and the Dhammapada.
I hope I could help. Do zazen.
2006-09-28 20:37:51 · answer #3 · answered by Teaim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend who has been a buddist for about 9 or 10 years now. She went to the book store and picked up all the books she could find on the subject and studdied and learned and she is always learning more when new books come out. She never has had a personal guru or anything to my knowledge
2006-09-28 13:03:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is no personal guru required but is more easy to understand
buddhist if u visit a buddhist temple once
2006-09-28 13:22:41 · answer #5 · answered by kimht 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read,study, talk to people even if online is all you can do. the path is ultimately inside of you, so a guru matters not.
2006-09-28 14:00:28 · answer #6 · answered by shinai_inaozuke 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋