Buddhism

[theclearspot]

Wanted to ask if anyone has read and practiced Buddhism and do they think its a positive experience; in general what are peoples opinions on Buddhism/Zen Buddhism etc. also if you have any book recommendations like Introductions to Buddhist thought

 

[Nosmo King]

1.Yes 2.I find it both positive and practical 3.Opinions will vary from understanding to 'that's quaint' 3. Amazon bookstore has 'Modern Buddhism' three volumes that you can download for free.

Check out www.wesnisker.com/ his radio archives will have you howling

 

[SetHeh]

I am a Buddhist (Tibetan Buddhist tradition). What do you mean by "positive experience"? That it makes you feel nice? If that is the case, than my answer is no. Buddha-dharma (Buddha's teachings) are basically techniques for purifying the mind — and that is not always pleasant, but it is necessary because you cannot achieve Nirvana with an unclean mind. Opinions are just words. You will never know if the Dharma is for you until you try it out (correctly).

I suggest you read some books like:
- "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche. It is a great introduction into Tibetan Buddhism.
- "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki. Speaks from a Japanese Zen viewpoint.

Then try to find a Buddhist center nearest to you and visit them. You will have first-hand experience.

If you want to know more, I'll do my best to answer your questions.

 

[mean mr.mustard]

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=3819


These guys may have some help for you.

May you find what you're looking for!

 

[SetHeh]

I don't wish to offend anyone, but Buddhism is much, much more than just chanting and reading a few sutras (sacred scriptures). For someone who is new to Buddhism, it is important that he/she learns about general Buddhist doctrines. It's like building a house: first you have to make a solid foundation.

 

[theclearspot]

thanks everyone, I saw that book 'The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying' on amazon think I will have a look at that...

 

[Rainbowkid]

The writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 

[mugenbao]

One book that I think is absolutely great for people just looking into Buddhism for the first time is "Buddha's Nature" by Wes Nisker. It's actually narrowly focused on practice rather than giving an overview of Buddhism, but I think that makes it perfect for many modern Westerners, and the straightforward style and explanations reveal a deep understanding of the practical and true benefits of Buddhist meditation.

"Zen Mind Beginner's Mind" mentioned previously is a nice book if you are interested in Zen, as is "The Three Pillars of Zen". Both are very interesting to read, the first is comparatively very short whereas the second is less directed on the reader himself and spends a lot of time on the teachings of previous Zen masters. I do think the latter is much more interesting to read for many folks.


Best of luck, I hope you find what you are looking for!




.

 

[Lord 0f Nature]

The Buddhist heavenly power are so vast and quiet, ancient, etc

that, it can be VERY ANNOYING at lengthy times,

IE: they had a purification and building going on around me, and it would fuck with me in certain ways,

The purity cycle would afflict my life in thus way - I'd do 2 hours of something and it's like "OH NEED TO BE PURIFIED" and then it would be 2 weeks or more of annoyance via light and vast spirit

besides the annoyance of some of buddhist laws or ways, it's pretty cool otherwise