I'm very interested in studying Tibetan Buddhism but the closest center to me in an hour away. Is it possible for me to study successfully on my own by reading books and attempting to practice on my own? Or will I need a teacher/tutor to guide me in the right direction?
2007-04-02 09:15:04 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You can study a lot on your own, and learn beginning meditation on your own, but if you are sincerely interested in going deeper into Tibetan Buddhism, it would be well worth the hour drive. A qualified teacher is one who can best assist you with the Hindrances you'll encounter during meditation. Possibly even check out to see if there is a Shambala Center, closer to you,
where you can meditate with others, and take a few free Buddhist classes. Just a thought.
Below, at this website, is an excellent FREE book on Mindfulness Meditation, to help you get started in learning & practicing meditation:
http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/mindfulness_in_plain_english.php
It is such an excellent book, one of my favorites. He has another book on the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, called:
"Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness"
which is excellent also.
Hope this helps some,
With Metta {Loving-kindness & Friendship).
2007-04-02 10:10:01 · answer #1 · answered by Thomas 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I drive an hour to see My Most Precious, Kind, Benevolent and Learned Spiritual Friend, Mentor and Guide and that act alone has saved lifetimes of confusion and wasted effort. Go to the center, if in fact, there is a Lama there. It will be well worth the effort and you will generate a lot of merit in making the effort to attend teachings, too. I almost said, "only an hour?" Think how many people there are who don't have the opportunity to hear the most profound Dharma at all!
2007-04-02 18:18:45 · answer #2 · answered by shrill alarmist, I'm sure 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can study it but if you want to attain enlightenment or become a better bodhisattva (if you're not already as such) it's best to have a teacher.
Goto the Berzin Archives for a free download of "Relating to a Spiritual Teacher" in order to choose a good lama wisely and what to expect, or you can buy the book at a bookstore or online bookstore. Snowlionpub.com and Wisdompubs.org are my fave two... there are others where you can find it as well.
Much metta,
_()_
2007-04-02 16:20:58 · answer #3 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that in meditation there is little that anyone can do to help you. You just have to spend the time and do it. The reasons for having a centre or teacher are:
It motivates you to keep meditating.
and meditations are easier in the peaceful energies that are around an experienced meditator or meditation centre.
Buddha's enlightenment only came when he gave up on teachers and just sat there. We can always just follow his example - sit there long enough and you will find it ... whatever it is.
2007-04-02 16:21:16 · answer #4 · answered by Eyebright 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. you better get yourself a good teacher.
2007-04-03 06:33:22 · answer #5 · answered by Alberth Chen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋