How To Get Started?

Discussion in 'Buddhism' started by TheSamantha, Nov 30, 2016.

  1. TheSamantha

    TheSamantha Member

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    I'm interested in converting from hedonism to Buddhism for a lot of reasons but I won't go into it.

    How do I get started? How do I meditate?
     
  2. machinist

    machinist Banned Lifetime Supporter

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    Short answer or long answer?
     
  3. TheSamantha

    TheSamantha Member

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    It's up to you.
     
  4. His Eden

    His Eden Queen of Mean

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    Personally, I found that when I was first interested about Buddhism reading books helped to give me a deeper understanding, and the desire to learn more. A couple that I would suggest are: Awakening the Buddha Within by Surya Das, and Mindfulness in Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana. I do not claim that either book is the best available, only that I found them insightful and informative (and not painfully boring to read). There are many other exceptional books on Buddhism, so others may have differing suggestions.

    If you would like to preview one of the books to see if it interests you, Mindfulness in Plain English can be found free online here:

    http://www.wisdompubs.org/sites/default/files/preview/Mindfulness%20in%20Plain%20English%20Book%20Preview.pdf

    Everyone is different, so what works for one person to acquire an understanding of Buddhism, and all it means to be Buddhist, may often completely confuse another. For me, reading dozens of books, visiting monasteries and retreats, and talking to other Buddhists, helped me understand what it is to be Buddhist. More importantly, I learned why being a Buddhist was a good fit for me. Good luck on your journey.
     
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  5. TheSamantha

    TheSamantha Member

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    I read the first three chapters of Mindfulness in Plain English. I realize now that Buddhism is not for me. I'll stick to hedonism. Thanks for your input.
     
  6. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    Wrong book.

    Try The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, by Alan Watts.

    Here it is in PDF.
     
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  7. themnax

    themnax Senior Member

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    the best books show you how, to avoid imposing on the spirit, the limitations of the flesh.
     
  8. Chodpa

    Chodpa Senior Member

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    buddhism is not something you convert to
    you find you have already been a buddhist and wish to ascribe a name to it
    then you take formal refuge with a teacher
    often they give you a card with a buddhist name

    now you can pass the card carrying buddhist test
    don't argue whether you're buddhist or not with others
    this was just for you
     
  9. Delfynasa

    Delfynasa Member

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    Never heard about being given a card with a Buddhist name. The Lama didn't mention this
    during the Green Tara empowerment. I know desire is bad, but I want one! :)
     
  10. Delfynasa

    Delfynasa Member

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    Thank you His Eden for the link! Very helpful :)
     

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