Overwhelmed!
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Hello all, first post.
I just recently started studying Buddhism. I've been an atheist with no real beliefs for many years now, as it was how I was brought up. After feeling like "something was missing" I decided to study other ideas and religions to find one that spoke to me best. Buddhism is wonderful, I feel I can give a deep commitment to it and it, in turn, can help myself to find what I need.
After reading a few of the "beginners" books and reading quite a bit on the internet, I'm not sure where to take my first steps. There seems to be so much to learn and do...so many new things to take in. Where should I start? Aside from keeping the precepts, eight-fold path and middle way, I feel as if I should have some sort of daily routine...something more than self-reflection. I don't understand what my "duties" as a Buddhist are.
If anyone has any links or information to me I would be MOST thankful. Very happy to be a member of such a fine forum. Thank you all!
- Nate
Om Mani Padme Hum -
For me, I am going the opposite way after a great realisation that all religions are bigoted.Originally posted by Natephish:Hello all, first post.
I just recently started studying Buddhism. I've been an atheist with no real beliefs for many years now, as it was how I was brought up. After feeling like "something was missing" I decided to study other ideas and religions to find one that spoke to me best. Buddhism is wonderful, I feel I can give a deep commitment to it and it, in turn, can help myself to find what I need.
After reading a few of the "beginners" books and reading quite a bit on the internet, I'm not sure where to take my first steps. There seems to be so much to learn and do...so many new things to take in. Where should I start? Aside from keeping the precepts, eight-fold path and middle way, I feel as if I should have some sort of daily routine...something more than self-reflection. I don't understand what my "duties" as a Buddhist are.
If anyone has any links or information to me I would be MOST thankful. Very happy to be a member of such a fine forum. Thank you all!
- Nate
Om Mani Padme Hum -
Hi, welcome to our forum. Do look forward to seeing more of your posts hereOriginally posted by Natephish:Hello all, first post.
I just recently started studying Buddhism. I've been an atheist with no real beliefs for many years now, as it was how I was brought up. After feeling like "something was missing" I decided to study other ideas and religions to find one that spoke to me best. Buddhism is wonderful, I feel I can give a deep commitment to it and it, in turn, can help myself to find what I need.
After reading a few of the "beginners" books and reading quite a bit on the internet, I'm not sure where to take my first steps. There seems to be so much to learn and do...so many new things to take in. Where should I start? Aside from keeping the precepts, eight-fold path and middle way, I feel as if I should have some sort of daily routine...something more than self-reflection. I don't understand what my "duties" as a Buddhist are.
If anyone has any links or information to me I would be MOST thankful. Very happy to be a member of such a fine forum. Thank you all!
- Nate
Om Mani Padme Hum
And congrats to finding the true priceless gems of the universe. May you realise and attain enlightenment from the dharma.
If you are looking to understand some of Buddhism's core teachings, you may check out my thread All About Buddhism ~ For Non-Buddhists and Buddhists
You can find dharma teachings that are uncomplicated and practical here (the Buddhist organisation I go to): www.jenchen.org.sg (check out 'voice of bliss' and 'jen chen buddhist digest')
Maybe others can suggest more links.
And btw, self-reflection is a good practice. It's helpful to do some daily (and even monthly or yearly) reflections. And with every-moment mindfulness, you will become more alert and aware to your mind-body-speech and hence your thoughts and behavior will become in line with dharma. And also learn how to liberate from any sentient thoughts. (http://www.jenchen.org.sg/cultivat.htm)