Whether you follow the Tibetan practice, relate to Mahayanist views, are on the Pure Land path, practice Zazen regularly, or are simply interested in Buddhism on a less strict perspective, this is the place that we may all voice our differences in practice/views as well as come together as the same. You are free to discuss the Dharma, the history behind Buddhism, give tips on different forms of meditation, or even a school's practice that you participate with. There are no hindrances here save a handful: 1.) Approach every person or idea with respect, no matter how much or little you agree. 2.) Be mindful of every word you choose to convey. 3.) Most importantly, be sure to question everything. Namaste.
I don't really know the exact story behind Buddhism, but if Prince Siddhartha fasted until he reached Nirvana, why do all the pictures/statues of him make him look incredibly overweight?
This was mentioned in another thread, asking "What is the symbolism behind Buddha being fat?" That's because there are many Buddhas in the course of our short timeline. Siddhartha was, in fact, depicted regularly as gaunt in his days of being an ascetic. Later, he became healthy, but no where near corpulent, and was a scrawny, humble man. The Buddha that many people see in Chinese restaurants or other forms of exposure is not Shakyamuni (Siddhartha's name AFTER reaching Enlightenment), but is in fact the Laughing Buddha, or Budai [Chinese] or Hotei [Japanese].
I'm very interested in buddhism and becoming a buddhist. I need a place to start though. All I know is some basic stuff about buddism. I have heard good things about The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. I've also heard good thing about the Dhammapada and the Sutta-Nipata. Do you think it would be a good start for me to read one these books? If not, where should I start?
Randle, it REALLY depends at how well you can decipher and understand the language of these books. I struggle from time to time understanding these concepts when written from the Eastern view. You'll find if you truly are interested in understanding and learning the concepts of the Dharma, it may be best to find books written for the Western audience. They are all phenomenal books to learn how our universe works, but allow me to make a suggestion of a great book that helped me understand concepts very quickly and with relative ease. Find yourself a copy of "Awakening the Buddha Within" by Llama Surya Das. Not only does he write in a very creative narrative about his own personal experiences, but he is also able to convey many things in a practical, simple way so that you may not misinterpret or infer a different meaning behind things. I wish you luck on your journey, Randle.
[quote name='"RandleStoner"']I'm very interested in buddhism and becoming a buddhist. I need a place to start though. All I know is some basic stuff about buddism. I have heard good things about The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. I've also heard good thing about the Dhammapada and the Sutta-Nipata. Do you think it would be a good start for me to read one these books? If not, where should I start?[/quote] [quote name='"Kramer"']Randle, it REALLY depends at how well you can decipher and understand the language of these books. I struggle from time to time understanding these concepts when written from the Eastern view. You'll find if you truly are interested in understanding and learning the concepts of the Dharma, it may be best to find books written for the Western audience. They are all phenomenal books to learn how our universe works, but allow me to make a suggestion of a great book that helped me understand concepts very quickly and with relative ease. Find yourself a copy of "Awakening the Buddha Within" by Llama Surya Das. Not only does he write in a very creative narrative about his own personal experiences, but he is also able to convey many things in a practical, simple way so that you may not misinterpret or infer a different meaning behind things. I wish you luck on your journey, Randle.[/quote] First of all I'm glad there's one of these threads Yeah I own The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and I sure did have trouble understanding it at first. It was the very first book I read on the topic of Buddhism, and while i didn't fully understand it, it increased my interest in Buddhism. I'll come back to it and read it again once I understand many things better. Kramer, thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely check out that book. Another good book you may want to check out is You Are Here by Thich Nhat Hann. He's one of my favorite authors and he does a great job introducing Buddhism to westerners in a easy to understand, straightforward way.
I have a question for anyone who wants to help me out. I bought a mala recently and have been doing the 40-day period of Mantra Meditation.. I am about half way through but the last couple of days I haven't done it because I've gotten home tired and just haven't had time. Do i need to start over, or can I just pick up where i left off?
I'm not able to answer your question with any knowledge or confidence. What custom is your 40-day Mantra Meditation derived from? Our Ino uses a mala for the weekly mantra meditation that we read from the sutra cards, but that lasts maybe ten minutes, and we also balance it out with Zazen (sitting meditation) and walking meditation at given intervals.
[quote name='"Kramer"']I'm not able to answer your question with any knowledge or confidence. What custom is your 40-day Mantra Meditation derived from? Our Ino uses a mala for the weekly mantra meditation that we read from the sutra cards, but that lasts maybe ten minutes, and we also balance it out with Zazen (sitting meditation) and walking meditation at given intervals.[/quote] I'm not sure. I don't follow a single tradition but instead multiple traditions including Zen and Tibetan Buddhism. I also wasn't sure that the 40-day period was necessary but after talking to a practitioner I was told it was done to "charge" the mala. Its pretty hard trying to follow the practice when you're not being guided.. there's different methods and techniques all over the internet, books, etc and its confusing
Randle, I looked at my copy of "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying." I don't know which edition you have, but the one that I possess is published by HarperCollins publishers. It seems very simple to read even from a beginner's standpoint. If the language makes sense to you, I see no reason why you shouldn't.
I do not have that book. That's why I asked your opinion on which I should get first. Today I went out to purchase Awakening the Buddha Within, but had no luck finding it. I might order it online. I do have copies of the Dhammapada and the Sutta-Nipata, but haven't started reading them.
I'm learning of Metta Bhavana, or the Development of LovingKindness practice. Definitely something I hope to take away and implement into my mindstream.
I don't mean to spam this thread, but it is inactive, and I have something pertaining to it. I wasn't expecting to go to a bookstore after lunch, but it happened. I checked the sections that I typically do and found a hardbound copy of Llama Surya Das' "Awakening The Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World" lying around. I purchased the copy that was there. I can't wait to get started on this piece of work again.
Seeing as this is a Buddhist thread, I just wanted to say I just got around to burning some Super Hit incense and it smells delicious. Probably my favorite scent, mmmm.
"When the iron bird flies, and horses run on wheels, the Tibetan people will be scattered like ants across the World, and the Dharma will come to the land of red-faced people." - Padma Sambhava (Guru Rinpoche [Precious Guru]), Eighth-Century Indian Guru and Founder of the First Tibetan Monastery Today is yet another step towards the Path of Enlightenment. Tonight, I will attend another meditation practice at the Southwind Sangha Sōtō Zen-dō. Walking meditation (kinhen) and sitting meditation (zazen) are on my spiritual menu this evening.
If any of you ever visit Southern California, I strongly urge you to visit the temple at Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades. My signature is a picture I took at their gardens. Very peaceful place to meditate, and lots and lots of literature on Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and the like...dedicated by Paramahansa Yogananda. Some of Gandhi's ashes are here
[quote name='"gypsiesoul"']If any of you ever visit Southern California, I strongly urge you to visit the temple at Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades. My signature is a picture I took at their gardens. Very peaceful place to meditate, and lots and lots of literature on Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and the like...dedicated by Paramahansa Yogananda. Some of Gandhi's ashes are here [/quote] I've always wondered where your sig was from