There is a good book , not being a jerk, but I just recommended the "Buddhism for Dummies" book for my sister in law who borrowed a few of my books, but she wanted a book that was easy to understand, that explained the history, had a glossary, etc.
I work full time (self employed) and read a lot myself. I think if you read the basic one I recommended, then you could jump into perhaps some of the others in the Buddhism section at your local Barnes & Noble or on Amazon.com Lama Surya Das is a good easy read, so is Thich Nat Hahn. The Dalai Lama also explains things in not too esoteric a level. I think if you go to a book store & flip something open & see if it looks good, it's better than trying to buy off the web.
Good luck.
2006-12-10 04:58:11
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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In short: Buddhism is the Religion of awakening. The goal of Buddhism is to end suffering, for you and for all sentient beings everywhere. Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha, (SiddhÄrtha Gautama, the historic Buddha) who said, "I teach one thing and one thing only: suffering and the end of suffering."
The teachings of the Buddha revolve around The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
I ) There is suffering in the world
II ) Desire and Craving is the cause of suffering.
III) The cessation of suffering is the cessation of desire and cravings.
IV) The way leading to the cessation of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path
...1) Right Viewpoint
...2) Right Values
...3) Right Speech
...4) Right Actions
...5) Right Livelihood
...6) Right Effort
...7) Right Mindfulness
...8) Right Meditation
There are many different schools of Buddhism that focuses on different aspects of the Buddha's Teachings. None of these schools in more correct or better then any other. It depends entirely on the practitioner. What is useful to one student my not work with another and what doesn’t work for one may be helpful to others.
This is an EXTREMELY concise and abbreviated definition of Buddhism and thus far from complete. For more information please view the links I have posted below.
I hope you find this helpful.
2006-12-12 17:28:13
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answer #2
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answered by mehereintheeast 5
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Comparison Christianity and Buddhism - What are the differences?
Jesus came to this world as a man and fulfilled all the prophecies concerning the Messiah. Buddha could not reconcile the existence of suffering with an all-powerful, loving God and so rejected the teachings of Hinduism.
There are Four Noble Truths to Buddhism: Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, and Marga.
Dukkha, the first of the Four Noble Truths, says that all human experience is transient and that suffering results from excessive desire and attachment. It is a Pali word which means, "incapable of satisfying." The Buddha taught that suffering is an inescapable reality. We know there are things in this world that will momentarily end suffering. How do we know suffering exists unless we have something to compare it to? Does a man who is completely blind know when he enters a dark room?
Samudaya, the second noble truth, explains that the cause of suffering is ignorant desire.
Nirodha, the third noble truth indicates that this desire can be destroyed. The way out of suffering is craving.
Marga, the fourth noble truth, teaches that the way out of suffering is the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path shows the way out of the cycle of birth and death, which is full of misery. Comparison between Christianity and Buddhism can be done using the principles of the Eightfold Path:
Right Understanding - "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is" (Ephesians 5:17).
Right Intention - "He who has a wayward and crooked mind finds no good. . ." (Proverbs 17:20).
Right Speech "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. . .If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless" (James 1:19, 27).
Right Action - "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17).
Right Livelihood - "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).
Right Effort - "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Right Mindfulness - "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Right Concentration - "Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth" (Colossians 3:2). A comparison between Christianity and Buddhism reveals that both acknowledge the reality of suffering. The Bible teaches that suffering began when mankind rejected God. When we refuse to accept the reality of God in our lives, it results in suffering both for us and for those who are affected by our choices. Separation from God results in temporary suffering on this earth and everlasting suffering in Hell. Unlike Buddhism, Christianity teaches that suffering ends only in the presence of God in Heaven. We cannot get to heaven without Christ.
Buddha has shown his way to live: his Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. God shows us His way; He has revealed His truth and has told us how we are to live. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6).
2006-12-10 12:44:50
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answer #3
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answered by Martin S 7
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Hi I am Budddhist so would suggest you go to our Soka Gakkai uk website & browse for information that may interest you. We are a lay organisation ( no priesthood) & generally have groups all over the country that meet up in the evening. You dont have to go, won't be marked absent but will always be made very welcome.
2006-12-10 19:46:45
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answer #4
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answered by la.bruja0805 4
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Quit your job, dispose of every possession you have. Go to Nepal and join a monastery.
And remember enlightenment isn't showing off your new Mercedes or scoffing at homeless people. Buddy, you need help!
2006-12-10 12:47:14
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answer #5
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answered by ? 3
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http://www.buddhanet.net/
Is great for beginners and has a lot of info on all branches and sects.
2006-12-11 15:04:30
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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try this website is called SIVANANDA is has a lot of info:
http://www.dlshq.org/announce/announce.htm
2006-12-10 12:44:20
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answer #7
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answered by chato 6
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