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?
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.
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.
Wrong book. Try The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, by Alan Watts. Here it is in PDF.
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
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!