Does it have to be complicated?

I'm interested in Buddhism, i have read lots on line i have bought books, i have my fair trade buddha statue to pray to, my fair trade mala beads are on the way, i like the buddhist philosophy as it seems a 'peaceful' way of life compared to going to church where you are preached at and told what/how to think.

However i have noticed there are many different forms of Buddhism i don't know which appeals. I have read many posts on here but to be honest i find them totally confusing and difficult to understand, almost riddle like.

I thought i may just find a prayer i like to pray infront of my statue and find a mantra for use with my mala beads and to live my life peacfully and respect everyone and everything.

so do you need to follow a specific type of buddhism or can you go it alone ?

[Samana]

It is best first of all to study the teachings of the Buddha - namely The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold path and then start finding ways of practising them.

You could try repeating some of these chants in English in front of your statue. There are some for different times of the day.


http://www.amaravati.org/abmnew/docu..._Book_2006.pdf


Its best to find an offline Buddhist centre or meditation class if you can.

Thanks, i have looked for classes but there are non near me

[Gem]

I like thich nhat hanh who is a buddhist monk from vietnam and he has written a very good poems and books.

There are many clips of him speaking on u-tube as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8gEpW7DraI&feature=related

I see no problem with you picking out things from you learning and then tailoring it to fit how you feel after all is it not how all religions have started at some point, and if it feels right to you, and your respectful of others opinions you will feel and find your way as you go along...

The Dalai Lama has an audio book called the meaning of life, you might find it very useful, it gives some very insightful tid bits that may help you get your feet on solid ground if you wish to take a more singular approach to your practice.

take it easy

kavon

Originally Posted by zeke zenna & mook

Thanks, i have looked for classes but there are non near me

I feel your pain
Thich Nhat Han and Ram Dass showed me the light into Buddhism.
Ram Dass's "Be Here Now" and "Be Love Now" are wonderful books
Thich Nhat Han has many books, so far my favorites are "Peace is Every Step" and "Living Buddha, Living Christ"

My FAVORITE online website, however, is www.buddhanet.net
here, you can go to the ebooks link and download in pdf format any of the many ebooks they have. I learned a lot through this website.

hope this helps
Namaste

[psychoslice]

I think that Buddhism is a wonderful way of life but just be careful of all the ritualistic jargon that has been added over time, I think that Gautama would be spinning in his grave today if he knew how it has all changed, just as Christianity with its dogma, we must also be careful of Buddhism also.

[Samana]

Hi ZZ &M,


Its essential to first find out the basics about what the Buddha actually taught.

I highly recommend you read this short explanation called "What is Buddhism" which also has an MP3 you can listen to as you read the transcript.

http://www.dhammasukha.org/Study/Tal...T-MAR03-TS.htm


There are also, as someone else mentioned, plenty of resources to read at the Buddhanet site:

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/index.htm



with kind wishes,

Samana

Originally Posted by psychoslice

I think that Buddhism is a wonderful way of life but just be careful of all the ritualistic jargon that has been added over time, I think that Gautama would be spinning in his grave today if he knew how it has all changed, just as Christianity with its dogma, we must also be careful of Buddhism also.

Very well said.

The Buddha was primarily concerned with ending the suffering of all sentient beings. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path form the crux of his teachigns. The dogma which has been built around his teachings, is what generally leads to confusion regarding the Buddhist path.

My advice would be to study the simple core teachigns, put them into practice, and only use what dogma you feel is helpful and absolutely necessary. Same thing goes for any religion.