buddhism??

Question

i am young, and i have been seeing a lot about buddhism and the many many different sects of it. overall, the main points in buddhism make sense to me, so i have been thinking about becoming a buddhist, but there are son many sects to look at. could anyone give me an over view of some of the sects, perhaps if you are a buddhist, so i can get an idea of what some of the sects are about?

in such little time i got so many good answers. thanks for your help! well, most of you.... i wish i didnt have to chose an answer. many of them are good. i think i'll sleep on the decision...

Answer 1

To become a Buddhist is not to join a sect of Buddhism, but it is to learn and apply the teachings of Buddha in your life. So instead of seeking for any Buddhist organizations, you better read the Holy verses of Buddha which are freely available on the Internet.
When you understand some of His verses and sincerely apply them in your life, He will guide you to His true religion.

"Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness the path of death. Those who are in earnest do not die, those who are thoughtless are as if dead already."
Dhammapada, Sacred Books of the East 2

Let the wise man guard his thoughts, for they are difficult to perceive, very artful, and they rush wherever they list: thoughts well guarded bring happiness.
Dhammapada, Sacred Books of the East 2

For with the Buddhist faith there came the germ of the belief that the Gautama Buddha in his own grandeur bore witness to One Greater - the Amitabha or Amida Buddha - that One who in boundless light abideth, life of the Universe, without colour, without form, the Lover of man, his Protector and Refuge. He may, He must be worshipped, for in Him are all the essential attributes of Deity, and He, the Saviour of mankind, has prepared a pure land of peace for his servants, beyond the storms of life and death.
SHINRAN SHONIN, BUDDHIST PSALMS , TRANSL. S. YAMABE AND L. ADAMS BECK

Answer 2

It is nice that someone young is interested in Buddhism. This is more of a philosophy than a religion. It is loosely translated, "the enlightened mind." Most people spend years searching through the more mainstream religions before seeking Buddhism. Go to Buddhanet.com and there you will learn of the different sects.

The different sects are only as different as the peoples that followed the teachings. There is Zen Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, and several others. The best choice to make is to look and see if there are temples or monistaries near you and go ask. Buddhists love to talk and will be open to your questions. If you decide this is the way you want to go, they will even offer teachings to help you in your journey.

Welcome to enlightenment.

P.S. Little Miss Seethelight, that is not the response of a good Christian and we will all pray for you.

Answer 3

It would take a long time to go over all of them. However, I don't think you can go wrong with Zen. The practice of Zen involves a lot of meditation, which you can do, no matter what your situation is. Also, there are Zen groups almost everywhere, as well as plenty of books on it. So learning the methods and/or obtaining individual instruction shouldn't be a problem.

Further comment: The object of any form of Buddhism is to find liberation by reducing material attachments (as per the "Four Noble Truthes"). I think Zen is probably the most "to the point" and efficient in this regard, compared with other kinds of Buddhism.

Answer 4

what's a faith? no matter if that is a idea device which incorporates one or extra deities, then Buddhism isn't strictly a faith. Buddha is respected as a God in some branches of Buddhism, yet as a instructor in others. The latter are philosophies not religions.

Answer 5

I would check out Theravada Buddhism or Zen. These seem the closest in line with original Buddhism in my opinion, and they do not see Buddha as a savior.

Good job seeking out your own path! It won't be easy, but it's good that you are learning and making your own way!

Answer 6

I am not a Buddhist per ce, but my outlook is more Zen than any other. I realize that Zen is not a religion, but this way of thought makes more sense to me than most others. Good luck on your journey!

Answer 7

best site that I know of...

http://www.buddhanet.net/

Answer 8

Good luck with your seeking. You have a free will. The first step is to decide if you want to be with Jesus in eternity or with Buddha where ever he is.