i found buddhism!!!!!

[vgemini]

where do i begin??!!! i watched a documentary on buddhism and now i want to learn and practice

how did you begin!?

[sky]

Originally Posted by vgemini

where do i begin??!!! i watched a documentary on buddhism and now i want to learn and practice

how did you begin!?

You will find lots of info: on Buddhism online, look around.

You might be able to find a Sangha close to where you live which you could join, or mybe some Meditation classes where you will meet others interested in Buddhism.

' The four noble truths ' contain the essence of Buddha's teachings and will help you start.

Books and online teachings are a good source of knowledge to get you started on your journey, whatever way you decide, ' enjoy '

[Silver]

Hey vgemini, glad you found Buddhism!

About 2 years ago, is when I got caught up in the interest from others on-line mainly. I'd look at books they recommended and stumbled upon what is my all time favorite book about the Buddha and Buddhism. My favorite book (it's kinda become my 'bible'), is written by Master Thich Nhat Hahn (I hope I spelled that okay) and it's the Buddha's biography and it's called Old Path White Clouds. I talk about this book and 'promote it' whenever someone asks about books. Anyway, it just made the Buddha and Buddhism come to life for me. Cheers~*

[markings]

Originally Posted by vgemini

where do i begin??!!! i watched a documentary on buddhism and now i want to learn and practice

how did you begin!?

You begin by throwing everything you believe into the trash. Your present beliefs as to God, soul, ego, self, after-life, experts, scriptures, etc. should all go.

Begin with a blank slate.

[sky]

Originally Posted by markings

You begin by throwing everything you believe into the trash. Your present beliefs as to God, soul, ego, self, after-life, experts, scriptures, etc. should all go.

Begin with a blank slate.

I think your idea is a little inaccurate markings regarding Buddha's teachings.

[markings]

Originally Posted by sky123

I think your idea is a little inaccurate markings regarding Buddha's teachings.

I am not saying a thing about Buddha's teaching.
I am talking about the poster's learning and beliefs, and the need to discard all of that.

Well the closest one can get to the source of the buddhist teachings for free on-line is here I guess.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/

Those are the closest one can get to translations of the original earliest written down teachings..

The Tipitaka (Pali ti, "three," + pitaka, "baskets"), or Pali canon, is the collection of primary Pali language texts which form the doctrinal foundation of Theravada Buddhism. The Tipitaka and the paracanonical Pali texts (commentaries, chronicles, etc.) together constitute the complete body of classical Theravada texts.

That said start a meditation practice.
Either samatha or vipassana. whatever feels right for you now. Preferably by an acclompished teacher.

You may wander over to and read mastering the core teachings of the buddha. Which is found here..
https://www.dharmaoverground.org/web...411_title=MCTB

If you gain some momentum. Let buddhism go..
It's just a phase

With Love

[Gem]

Yea - good online sites like 'buddhanet' and 'accesstoinsight' are pretty resourceful... and check out the websites for meditation centres such as vipassana centres and insight centres... they have free meditation courses and other resources available as well.

[sky]

Originally Posted by markings

I am not saying a thing about Buddha's teaching.
I am talking about the poster's learning and beliefs, and the need to discard all of that.

But we don't know the posters learning or beliefs so to advise to discard might be irrelevant....

[Silver]

Originally Posted by markings

I am not saying a thing about Buddha's teaching.
I am talking about the poster's learning and beliefs, and the need to discard all of that.

Ah well - I vigorously disagree with that - mainly because the Buddha man said repeatedly to find out every answer for yourself - each individual with questions needs to ferret out the answers instead of following blindly - even his own (the Buddha's) findings. No, no one has to throw a thing out. Jes' saying.