To Buddhist: What can I do to become a more devoted Buddhist?

Question

I have found Buddhism about a year ago. After years of struggling with my former religion, I have found Buddhism to address the questions that I have such as why we are forced to exist beyond our will. This is the main reason I converted to Buddhism. I have studied Buddhism for about a year but the path I have taken long before was on the business side of life. It was partially due to my own greed and partially due to rebelling against my former religion. I want to make things right but I am afraid it might be too late because of my karma. What must I do?

Answer 1

Re:I want to make things right but I am afraid it might be too late because of my karma.

Believing in the law of kamma is one of the tenet of Buddhism.Kamma works in a mysterious way and is beyond the understanding of ordinary person.It is never too late to perform wholesome deeds to create good kamma.Take inspiration from the story of Angulimala.
He committed many murders,but when he became the disciple of The Buddha,he gained Arahanthood.
May you realize the truth in this lifetime.
Metta to all.

Answer 2

Your negative karma can be purified. Don't give up! You can perform the preliminary practice of prostration to the 35 Buddhas of confession along with names of the Buddhas and this purifies eons of negative karma. Refuge is an essential practice, ethical behavior is an essential practice. You can work on familiarization with the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path. Investigate the Twelve Links. Make water offerings to the merit field. You can do it. Don't give up your wish! Then, maybe you could look into the Perfection of Wisdom teachings and should you find you have more questions and your interest is increasing then this is good. Find a teacher. Attend dharma teachings, maybe meditate with others and then attend dharma talks. It will open your wisdom eye much faster to have a Teacher. Also, it is important to set a direction for yourself. If you point your car south you'll get to Florida. North? Maine. Set your motivation everyday. This is very important. Then at the end of the day, consider how you did. Books are good but once you finish one, you need another unless you are very disciplined and content with the ones you have. Otherwise, much, much information can be found online. A ton. Check out LamaYesheWisdomArchive and go to online teachings or books online or something like that and it is all free. Then go from there. Take it slow and don't stop. Be flexible and kind to yourself and your wisdom will grow which will help your practice.

Answer 3

I have to agree with you and congratulations on your successful conversion. Remember that we are all 'works in progress' and in it for the long haul. I suggest researching Buddha's life and quotes to get a better, deeper understanding of His experience. Also, a lot of people enjoy meditation and yoga, which I will be looking into. A trip to Nepal, the pilgrimage, is a great idea. If you can't get there, try taking a vacation in Japan, Thailand or Tibet. It ought to be interesting. I also suggest the following books:

The Dhamapada: Verses on The Way by Glenn Wallis, c. 2007, by Random House

Zen Buddhism and the Selected Writings of D.T. Suzuki, edited by William Barrett, c. 2006 by Doubleday, Random House.

Both were available at Chapter's.

Answer 4

You have a romantic view of what Buddhism is.

From your question, you sound as if having money/comforts are in opposition of being Buddhist.
The real meaning is that "value" or "personal values" are in opposition of being Buddhist.
I think it's a common mistake of understanding.

Also, and more importantly, you have to practice zazen (sitting meditation). When you practice zazen, you are doing exactly what the Buddha did. You are becoming intimate with yourself. This is essential to being Buddhist, to having an ordinary, disciplined mind. You have to do zazen. If you don't do zazen, you will not really change, and you will only be a Buddhist philosopher. Now, do what you have to do, and don't be lazy with your decision.

Answer 5

karma is your salvation - not too late. When you understand what Karma is and try to avoid it, then your deed is counted. Buddhism cannot be mastered in 1day, 1night - Buddha's greatest student mastered it in years under guiding of Buddha. You can make thing right by change a little at a time. First in many great thing is to be merciful. When you see a bug get lost in your house, save it and free it. Do this many times and you can be as much merciful as you can afford to be. You must change the little things first before you want to change your whole life. Buddha's teaching is never too late for people who wants to learn it!

Answer 6

Study Zen and practice sitting. I've been doing it for many years, and it has deepened my sense of Buddhism.

I also learned a couple Asian languages along the way, so I could read source materials in their original tongues/writs.

Interview with a Roshi or other Buddhist leader and request a course of sutras to study...

Answer 7

If you have wronged people and there is anything you can to repay them for that you should. Don't worry about trying to remember every things done and now regret, but if something comes to mind do what you can to repair any damage that was done. If you can't make up for something with the person you wronged, repay it by doing something for someone else. Follow your heart and don't fret about the past, make the most of today and the future.

Answer 8

Be Yourself.

Karma is not a fixed entity. It can be changed, based on your goodwill. Cause and effect is absolute and variable :P.