Just because I'm a christian, it doesn't mean I cannot study and understand the beliefs of those who share this world with me.
So, I was reading a little bit about Buddhism and the philosophy has a lot of good things about it.
What's a good book to start with? Maybe even someone I can converse with via email?
2007-01-19 01:02:21 · 8 answers · asked by Emperor Insania Says Bye! 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Mr. Marbles -
"Haven't you got something better to do with your time then learn about some whacky cult religion?"
Do you have something better to do with your time then criticize my inquries?
A part of loving your neighbors is knowing them.
2007-01-19 01:59:00 · update #1
I think the best thing how to learn about Buddhism is to start a meditation routine. Start with 10 minutes a day and week by week build it up to 30 minutes and if you feel like go to 45 minutes or an hour. If you got less time sit a shorter period of time, if you got more time sit longer. But make sure that you sit every day.I recommend Vipassana or Zen Styles of meditation. In my opinion it is pointless to study any form of Buddhism without establishing a meditation routine. Search the Internet for the "Four noble truths" of the Buddha and the "Eightfold path". Those are the two core teachings of the Buddha. But be careful. There are tons of interpretations and opinions of the material. The Buddha always told his students to "see for themselves" and to be critical. He told his students not to believe anything as long as they don´t understand for themselves. Buddhism is about "Insight" and not about "Believing" therefore establishing a meditation routine seems to be very important. I attached two links where you can find meditation instructions. Check it out and experiment a little. I also recommend http://www.kzci.org/ That´s the place were I study.
And make sure that you are having fun with studying. The great Zen Master Dogen said: Studying the Buddha Way means to study yourself. To study yourself means to forget yourself. To forget yourself means to be enlightened by the Ten thousand things.
Have fun !!!
2007-01-19 01:24:55 · answer #1 · answered by mr. corkscrew 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I highly recommed either Dummies or Idiots. They both have a version on Buddhism. You can't go wrong with this because it discusses all the different types and origins and you get a very good overview.
You could jump right in with one of the popular authors, but then you're tied in with their particular beliefs.
2007-01-19 01:30:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Man's Religions by Huston Smith is excellent
See also The Gospel of Buddha by Paul Carus.
2007-01-19 01:07:52 · answer #3 · answered by Mad Roy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I started with the man himself and his gospel. You can sometimes get bogged down in Buddhist practice and philosophy and lose sight of his fundamental teachings so reading his own words is a good place to start.
2007-01-19 01:06:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
buddhism is always about enlightment. the theory of buddhist are too wide that i cant just explain to you here. Generally our life is though born, ageing, illness and death. We must be wise in order to live in harmony, peace and tranquil. You can start your learning by understanding the concept of living first. but its hard for us to achieve - a perfect man and gain enlightment.
2007-01-19 01:12:45 · answer #5 · answered by light 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The current Dalai Lama has written many books that you should look into. Here is a good place to start:
http://www.dalailama.com/
2007-01-19 01:09:09 · answer #6 · answered by Murazor 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Haven't you got something better to do with your time then learn about some whacky cult religion?
2007-01-19 01:11:43 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. Marbles 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
http://www.bswa.org
the above is one of the best buddhist site.They have a forum,etc.
2007-01-19 01:17:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anger eating demon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋