I walked away from Catholicism a year and a half ago, and I now realize that Abrahamic Religions are not my thing because I don't really believe in a "god" and I believe that all the protocol and tradition of such religions get in the way of the actual message/meaning. So for now I identify as agnostic, but I feel that ignoring my spiritual side is a bad thing. So I began to look for a religion that speaks to me and I found Buddhism. The beliefs (from what I understand) are a lot like mine already and I really want to learn more. The problem? I have no clue where to start. I guess I'm looking for advice on where to go to learn more about Buddhism and just pointers on where to start. With all then things to learn about it, I feel pretty overwhelmed. So pointers, help, kind words, etc are all welcome.
You can start with the 4 Noble Truths, the Eight-fold Path, the 5 Precepts, plus dependent origination. I found this to be very helpful: http://www.e-sangha.com
Buddhism is a more solo affair whereas Christianity is at a more group level. That being said, Buddhism revolves around the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Practices differ everywhere you go just as in Christianity. Essentially the idea presented by Buddha is that we all go through suffering that we must liberate ourselves from. To end our suffering, we must release ourselves from our attachments. As our desire for attachments ends, as does our suffering. From there it is a matter of who you pick and choose. Atheist or theist, as I said Buddhism is a solo affair. It is a journey into your core, into the very essence that makes you "you". You are your own teacher, not some priest or book. Therefore.... you don't have to follow it. You won't exactly burn in Hell. Or will you? Some Buddhists even believe in a hell. I, myself, am only 16 so I'm still weaving my way through myself and Buddhism. A new "Xue Sheng" (student) as my name implies.
The "Eightfold Noble Path" IS the Fourth Noble Truth. The Five Precepts is one (the first) of three aspects (Sila, Samadhi, Panna) of the Eightfold Noble Path. And, Dependent Origination (Paticcasamuppada - Dependent Co-Arising) IS the Second Noble Truth. HTML:
Hmm, This site looks interesting. Thanks! That's what I gathered and Its one of the things that made me the most interested. Its just so different and amazing.
Of course I'm just giving the general scoop of things. The Zen Mind - or 'natural state' - I would get into, but looks like you're just looking for a generalness on Buddhism.
Yeah, I guess I'm just dipping my toes into the proverbial swimming pool of Buddhism, well, after reading up on it for the past few days I guess its more like an ocean.
Not a muddy or polluted ocean like you might be able to say the Abrahamic religions are. It might seem like an ocean for the Western mind - the concept is different that it can be a little difficult to grasp at first. Compassion for all sentient beings is the fundamental key to happiness, whether you subscribe to Buddhism, Christianity, or atheism.
Thanks for clarifying that, dk. Just shows you how little I've learned - like scratching the iceberg's tip, really. Peace, Musikero
Go on vipassana retreat and start at the start - meditation. Don't do Goenka. Go to a totally free one - look it up.
