Interested In Buddhism?

Question

I've come to a point in my life were I feel I need some kind of guidance (spiritually) and Buddhism is always something that had interested me. My family was never very religeous but very spiritual and encouraged all of my siblings and myself to find our own path, and I have always been drawn to Buddhism but never to that step to find out more about it. I recently spoke to someone briefly who is a Buddhist and she mentioned a book called "The Idiots Guide To Buddhism" so I picked it up and while the book is very informative it is also very very detailed and I am wondering is all this information something I need to know prior to beginging or is most of it something I can learn along the way?

Answer 1

Just like any place, each place is unique. If it's a true place of practice, you can show up at a reasonable time and the people there will show you how to practice Buddhism.

The information in the book you read is not really necessary. Some temples don't even talk about Buddhism at all. With Buddhist practice, it's not about what you know, it's about how you are. Knowing about Buddhism is not being a Buddhist. Having an ordinary mind is the work of a Buddhist. The way to have an ordinary mind is through practicing zazen (sitting meditation). If you know about Buddhism but don't practice zazen, it's just a bunch of education. Zazen is what creates meaningful changes inside a person. Buddhist practice is zazen practice.

NOTE: If it is indeed a true place of practice, it will be fine if you want to practice or if you don't want to practice. Either way, they will still continue their practice. You can choose what you think is best for you, and the monks there should be OK with your decision. Just go and feel it out, and don't take it as a commitment. It's your life.

Answer 2

there are 3 main branches of Buddhism - I know the Mahayana branch! So if you learn about Mahayana, reading is good but everyday life experiences are also a good way to learn. No teacher required since everybody has his own way to spiritually mature! Books can serve as the basic knowledge!

Answer 3

i in my opinion in contact in Buddhism because it helps me in my existence and that i visit discover the solutions of my questions right here. you do not could be a Buddhist to study or prepare Buddhism on your existence, because there are some human beings i understand prepare Buddhism of their existence without being a Buddhist. you may manage Buddhism as a philosophy or way of existence. could peace be with you =)

Answer 4

Here are some links to help you learn about Buddhism:

http://www.suite101.com/course.cfm/19042/seminar
http://buddhism.about.com/od/buddhism101/Beginners_Buddhism_101.htm

and here is a yahoo group that caters to those who are new to Buddhism:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddhism-101/

Answer 5

The key is finding a teacher.

Answer 6

http://www.metta.lk/

http://www.bswa.org