I'd like to learn more about Buddhism. I plan to start studying this philosophy. But first I'd like to ask, are there any steps I should take in order to become a buddhist? I'm welcoming any and all suggestions.
You're too young. Why not enjoy the world which you still can? Basically, Buddhism is a religion while Taoism is a philosophy. I would suggest Taoism as it is more existential, even though it is a philosophy. Practice Tai Chi instead of learning Buddhist scriptures which you will eventually have to throw out of your mind, you will have to unlearn. But if you're still interested, the best place to start is your Yellow Pages. Look for a temple in your area, go in and see if your mind gets quieter, if you can feel the energy of the place; speak to some of the Buddhists there, take some meditation classes and see which meditation methods appeal to you, which give you a feeling that they work.
i dont know if i'd recommend what you said. there is buddhist philosophy and buddhist religion, but you made it seem like there are only those 2 options. the best advice i'd give is to talk to a lot of people about buddhism and their experiences with it. you can start right here, but i'd also find some "real" people to talk to. other than that, just keep in mind that you dont need to do anything to become a buddhist. you already are just the way you are...
buddhism was never meant to be a religion, and it is too a philosophy, and it is one of my philosophies. JavaJade- read the stickies in the Buddhism section, they are very helpful. also, look for some books at the library/bookstore. but beware before you make a purchase that the book is about the buddhism philosophy and not the religion. i have already made that mistake. happy hunting!
p.s. hey whats wrong with the midwest? it kicks ass despite the snow! just be glad you're not in florida with a hurricane that you have to evacuate every week, new york where life is money, or l.a. where a crappy middle class house is well over a million dollars.
My concern was over whether she might be "tempted" into ritual. Some can handle ritual, some can't. Some can put up with learning Pali, some can't. Supposedly there are thousands of Buddhist scriptures, some much larger than the Christian Bible. Then there's the choice between Mahayana Buddhism, [size=-1]Theravada Buddhism, Taoism and Zen. Not knowing what type of person she is, whether she is the logical mind type, or the heart type, how can I honestly answer? http://buddhism.about.com/library/blbud101.htm http://www.buddhismtoday.com/index/beginners.htm http://webdharma.com/ctzg/zenforbeginners.html [/size]
Thank you for your suggestions. They've been helpful. NikkiLou6387- I don't really have much of a problem with the midwest. I just feel a little more at home in Cali, Washington, and Nevada.
Focus on what you are thinking, deeply respect and admire that creation of yourself (in you and in others, be amazed) Focus and focus it will become natural and change your way to create thoughts Become aware you create your own thoughts Basically you do not need ritual I ve been told that some "temples" or "sects" are too involved in rituals, which can be boring Have fun
Didn't Buddha supposedly say that his religion would only last 500 years? I say "supposedly" because I don't know exactly where he supposedly said it.
Religions get screwed up soon after the originator and his immediate disciples are no longer around. This is true with christianity and buddism as well.
That's completely untrue. There are two "types" of Buddhism: the religion, and the philosophy. Taoism can equally be considered a religion as well. I recall the Buddha saying that, Buddhas pop into existance every several generations, to lead people in the path of Enlightenment. The Buddha said that he is not the only Buddha, and that not all Buddhas come about by meditation and discipline as the Buddha laid it out. If the Buddha did indeed say that belief in his methods would only last 500 years, he certainly did not refer to it as a religion.
Well as i remember it he said it wouldent last forever and there would be a time it would be long forgotten, then another would popup to refind the way, Also he said on his death bed something to the effect of, i know societyes/lifecultures change so you can change of the minor rules that no longer apply, Except (in the Thearavaden atleast) they could not figure out which rules where indeed the minor rules so have kept them all the same. lol
Best way to become a Buddhist is to study it and see if it fits. When it fits then you're a Buddhist. Once you decide you're a Buddhist nobody else can tell you you aren't. Of course there are also the official way of becoming Buddhist - which is by asking a Buddhist teacher to accept your refuge and give you a document. They usually take a small hair clipping and give you a name and a refuge card with your lineage. I'm Drikung Kagyu. Technically though I actually consider my root teacher Kunzang Dechen Lingpa, so I'm sort of of mixed lineage. I just mention this so that you have an idea that Buddhist refuge isn't some linear process of hard and fast rules. Also, at your age you would most probably want to just be a 'lay' Buddhist and not take monastic ordination. Obviously becoming a monk or nun is more detailed and does involve many rules. I'm merely a 'lay' Buddhist. I would have been a Buddhist regardless of whether I formally took refuge or not because all Buddhist practices start with taking refuge in the Triple Gem. But I wanted to do the outward refuge as well.
