Where to begin studying Buddhism?

Discussion in 'Buddhism' started by Mind_Explorer, Dec 17, 2011.

  1. Mind_Explorer

    Mind_Explorer Member

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    Well I have been undecided on religion for quite some time, I was raised a christian but quickly stopped following christianity as I grew older and became more independent.

    I have been recovering from an opiate addiction and believe that I need at least some sort of higher power to look up to and Buddhism has always somewhat interested me.

    I suppose I should start by reading through the stickies. Yet I know very limited information and thought maybe you guys could provide some help to where to start looking more into the Buddhist beliefs.
     
  2. desert-rat

    desert-rat Senior Member

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  3. KeithBC

    KeithBC Member

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    A good place to start would be any of the writings of the dalai Lama or Thich Naht Hahn.

    For deeper study of the original sacred texts of Buddhism, the website accesstoinsight.org is good.
     
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  4. desert-rat

    desert-rat Senior Member

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    You could be like me , and many other people , call your self a new ager , and be more spiritual than tied down to one religion . desert rat
     
  5. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    Acquire the book:

    The Book (on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are)
    , by Alan Watts

    Although not specifically Buddhist it goes to the core of Buddhism and Vedanta in a very easy to read, short format. First published in 1966 it is still available at many bookstores,http://www.amazon.com/Book-Taboo-Against-Knowing-Who/dp/0679723005"] Amazon, Kindle, audio book, and in PDF format on the net.

    All from over $300.00 to $4.00.

    Read the reviews on Amazon to get an idea of the high esteem this book holds.
     
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  6. machinist

    machinist Banned Lifetime Supporter

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    look for a local "meet up" group
     
  7. OneLifeForm

    OneLifeForm Member

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    "Good Life, Good Death" by Gelek Rimpoche
     
  8. sunyatasamsara

    sunyatasamsara Member

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    You are looking for the book Profound Buddhism. Great book.
     
  9. sunyatasamsara

    sunyatasamsara Member

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    I know Steve through a different forum and he says im more advanced than him. feelsgoodman
     
  10. AJShilo

    AJShilo Guest

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    I started studying buddhism about 10 years ago. I find it more helpful to find a teacher that resonates with you in some way. For me, that was Pema Chodron (just google her name). I liked her writing style and her simple, no nonsense way of putting things.

    Take care,
    AJ.
     
  11. Chodpa

    Chodpa Senior Member

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    look for meets of most local sangha and just do them for a month each until you groove with a group
     
  12. deepblue897

    deepblue897 Member

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    wash your dishes; clean your room and meditate..
     
  13. Ajay0

    Ajay0 Guest

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    You can attend the vipassana 10 day camps conducted by S.N.Goenka so as to learn the basic philosophy and meditation practice. After the camp, you will learn enough to conduct the practice on your own . You can also attend more such camps to consolidate the practices or to refresh yourself.

    Here is a link...

    https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index
     

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