How do I get into Buddhism?

[kenny]

Over the years Buddhist stuff has resonated with me more than any other "system".

I don't know how to get started getting into Buddhism.
Are there denominations?
If so, how would I find the right one for me?
Do you have to "believe in a God or other superstitions like reincarnation?
I'd rather not and that would be a deal-breaker for me.

I'm not really looking for a church to go to weekly to get all fired up.
I'm not even looking for any social interaction, unless that's necessary.
Isn't it more of an inner thing of meditation?

I'm looking more for a little guidance on a kind of a personal journey.
Does Buddhism have a "holy book" to read?

Anyone here have experience in this?

 

[Jennifer W]

I have no personal experience, I'm a proper joyless, unfriendly Scottish Presbyterian, but a good friend of mine is a Buddhist. She directed me to this website a while back when I was curious, and it seems to cover all the basics. Maybe you'll find it useful.

http://www.buddha101.com/

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Just start googling and doing some research. If Buddism has "resonated" with you, then it would seem you have a bit of background information?

I do have "A Buddist Bible," by Dwight Goddard, however am not sure if it's a good source. There are 16 reviews on Amazon that you can read through. Different cultures have different forms so you're going to have to read up on various forms and see what fits you!

Have you thought of doing something more along the lines of meditating to open up your spiritual senses w/out making a commitment to any belief system? That would make more sense to me.

Brainsync has some great meditation CDs.

 

[Regular Guy]

I'll try...

Over the years Buddhist stuff has resonated with me more than any other "system".

I don't know how to get started getting into Buddhism.
Are there denominations?

Yes. These can be mapped onto Theravadin, Mahayana, and Tibetan. That's one view.

If so, how would I find the right one for me?

Where are you? Each has a style...but...using the web, or a phone book...

They will talk about 3 jewels:

buddha - teacher
dharma - book & teachings
sangha - community

Many communities begin (and end) with instruction on attending to an ongoing thing...like your breathing. The practice IS the main thing. What you believe...not so much.

Two among many communities that are somewhat sizable are:

students of Thich Nhat Hanh - probably largely Mahayana, with theravadin roots
Also, Shambhala (my hat), which has Tibetan roots...

Do you have to "believe in a God or other superstitions like reincarnation?

No. Edited to add....actually, classically, the buddha taught affirmatively about reincarnation. From one point of view, this draws from the teachings he was given, and also, points to a motivation factor for students. Personally, the Vajrayana idea of enlightenment in one lifeime effectively updates this idea anyway...

I'd rather not and that would be a deal-breaker for me.

Actually, buddhism is rather scientific. The dalai lama readily says that if an aspect of dharma can be shown to be untrue, it should be updated.

I'm not really looking for a church to go to weekly to get all fired up.
I'm not even looking for any social interaction, unless that's necessary.
Isn't it more of an inner thing of meditation?

Primarily, yes. The main homework...you do yourself.

I'm looking more for a little guidance on a kind of a personal journey.
Does Buddhism have a "holy book" to read?

Personally, I think Suzuki Roshi's Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is a classic.

Go to Barnes & Noble, look at their Buddhism section, and get a feel, I think could be one way to begin.

Also, where I live (you're near LA?), there is a Pathways publication around different places like the YMCa, showing different spiritual centers. Browsing and seeing what may be attractive could be a way to start.

More questions?
Ira Z.

 

[sonnyjane]

The PP's link is a great start. My dad is a Buddhist, but has waxed and waned in his levels of commitment over the last 30 years. Sometimes he will go through phases where he regularly goes to the temple and is strictly vegetarian. Other times he will "fall off the wagon" and eat meat. He meditates twice daily no matter what though.

 

[Jennifer W]

Over the years Buddhist stuff has resonated with me more than any other "system".

I don't know how to get started getting into Buddhism.
Are there denominations?
If so, how would I find the right one for me?
Do you have to "believe in a God or other superstitions like reincarnation?
I'd rather not and that would be a deal-breaker for me.

I'm not really looking for a church to go to weekly to get all fired up.
I'm not even looking for any social interaction, unless that's necessary.
Isn't it more of an inner thing of meditation?

I'm looking more for a little guidance on a kind of a personal journey.
Does Buddhism have a "holy book" to read?

Anyone here have experience in this?

Btw Kenny, I hope you won't take offence, but for people who believe in God, whatever religion they practice, He (or She) is not a superstition. That's a little bit offensive, feels rather dismissive and belittling (to me). I'm sure that wasn't your intention.

 

[HollyS]

Kenny, one must first cease to be an atheist, mustn't one, before embracing any particular religion or spiritual path?

But, and I'm sure I'll get flak for this, because we are who we are here, I'm just a bit . . . surprised, and not in a good way . . . that you would bring up this topic today.

THIS is Good Friday. It may mean nothing to you, but it is important to Christians. A little PC, and just a teensy bit of respect would be appreciated, at least today. You can have tomorrow.

 

[kenny]

I have no idea what day it is in any of the world's zillion religions.
I don't practice them.

Someone brought up thread about their interest Judaism.
It brought to mind how things I've heard over the years about Buddhism have resonated with me but I don't know much about it.
I thought some here might have insight.

Besides I'm less of an atheist than an apatheist.

 

[sonnyjane]

Kenny, one must first cease to be an atheist, mustn't one, before embracing any particular religion or spiritual path?

But, and I'm sure I'll get flak for this, because we are who we are here, I'm just a bit . . . surprised, and not in a good way . . . that you would bring up this topic today.

THIS is Good Friday. It may mean nothing to you, but it is important to Christians. A little PC, and just a teensy bit of respect would be appreciated, at least today. You can have tomorrow.

I think that's a bit of an over-reaction. Kenny didn't ask anything disrespectful. Just because it's a holiday in one religion that only makes up about 30% of the world's population (i.e. not a majority) doesn't mean you can't so much as mention any other religion on that day, does it?

 

[Maisie]

I thought we weren't allowed to discuss religion on PS

ETA This is from the Forum Policies...

8.Discussing POLITICS, RELIGION or RACIAL/ETHNIC issues are not allowed. It includes posting links/references to other sites/sources dedicated to religion or ethnic discussions.

 

[sonnyjane]

I thought we weren't allowed to discuss religion on PS

ETA This is from the Forum Policies...

8.Discussing POLITICS, RELIGION or RACIAL/ETHNIC issues are not allowed. It includes posting links/references to other sites/sources dedicated to religion or ethnic discussions.

You are correct. Thank you for the reminder!

 

[HollyS]

Kenny, one must first cease to be an atheist, mustn't one, before embracing any particular religion or spiritual path?

But, and I'm sure I'll get flak for this, because we are who we are here, I'm just a bit . . . surprised, and not in a good way . . . that you would bring up this topic today.

THIS is Good Friday. It may mean nothing to you, but it is important to Christians. A little PC, and just a teensy bit of respect would be appreciated, at least today. You can have tomorrow.

I think that's a bit of an over-reaction. Kenny didn't ask anything disrespectful. Just because it's a holiday in one religion that only makes up about 30% of the world's population (i.e. not a majority) doesn't mean you can't so much as mention any other religion on that day, does it?

It is not a holiday for Christians. It is a holy day. Once upon a time, there may have been a connection, hence the word "holiday". But in today's world, they do not have the same meaning.

It is the most sacred day of the liturgical year for Christians. No matter their affiliation or denomination. It is not: a day off from work, the start of a long weekend, just a Friday, or anything else. It is a holy day, and meant to be a somber and reflective day. Whether you ascribe to the same beliefs or not, please don't be overly casual about its importance, please.

 

[Ella]

Just a reminder but we do not allow religious discussions on PS. Thank you for your cooperation.