Some Help, Please?

[Philovitist]

Hi, I'm a Philovitist. I'm a 17 year old American feeling drawn to Buddhism.

Ever since I first learned about Buddhism in the 6th grade, I've been enraptured by the idea of Buddhism. It calls to me — there hasn't been an article about it I've read that I didn't like. I now really want to make that commitment to Buddhism that I've been putting off.

Though I'm probably not interested in the Theravada sort of Buddhism (I may be wrong, since I know so little), I was wondering if you guys could lead me to resources to help get me started. I already know the very basics of Buddhism, but I don't know how to begin practicing it beyond going on through my life with those general principles in mind.

My family wouldn't at all be supportive if they knew about this interest of mine, so I can't really go too far out of my way to do any of this until I get into college.

Thank you, and hello.

[LonesomeYogurt]

Well is there a reason you aren't interested in Theravada?

The best introduction to Buddhism is either The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hahn or What the Buddha Taught by Rahula Walpola. The former is written by a Vietnamese Zen master and the later by a very important Sri Lankan monk.

For meditation, try Mindfulness in Plain English, which you can read here.

Otherwise try getting a copy of Bhikkhu Bodhi's In the Buddha's Words which is a collection of the Buddha's actual sayings.

Otherwise, if you have specific questions or just general inquiries, feel free to post a topic or PM me as I was 17 or so when I first discovered Buddhism and I may be able to offer some guidance, at least in pointing you towards the right source.

Good luck, brother in the Dhamma!

[Alobha]

Though I'm probably not interested in the Theravada sort of Buddhism (I may be wrong, since I know so little), I was wondering if you guys could lead me to resources to help get me started. I already know the very basics of Buddhism, but I don't know how to begin practicing it beyond going on through my life with those general principles in mind.

LYs recommendations are very good. Get some instructions on meditation like "Mindfulness in plain English" and start meditating. Making effort to keep the five precepts is recommendable, too.

Apart from Bhikkhu Bodhi's "In the Buddha's words", "Word of the Buddha" — by Ven. Nyanatiloka gives a shorter overview over the teachings and is available for free here: http://urbandharma.org/udharma5/ebooks.html (You need to scroll down a bit to find it)

If you look for advice on rather specific topics, there are many Audiotalks from Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Brahmali on various topics (like happiness, death, anger, dealing with a loved one's suffering, dealing with difficult people, ending conflict, forgiveness, Attachment,...). Ajahn Brahm has a teachingstyle many people can relate to.
Of course you can also ask about specific things here on Dhammawheel!

If you need an overview on where to start and what to do, I recommend on reading up on the noble eightfold path in more detail.

Best wishes,
Alobha

[waimengwan]

Welcome Philovitist

I have read this when I was young
"What Buddhists believe" , This was written by an eminent sri lankan monk in malaysia

http://www.dharmaweb.org/index.php/What ... hammananda


This is an introduction to buddhism by my own teacher
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Y7YVDIVa0

[David N. Snyder]

Welcome to Dhamma Wheel!

[James the Giant]

Hi, I'm a Philovitist.

What's a Philovitist? I couldn't even find a definition on the internet.

[cooran]

Welcome!

with metta
Chris

[bodom]

Welcome Philovitist!

[Dmytro]

Hi Philovitist,

Seems like your name means "one who loves life"?

Good luck!

[LonesomeYogurt]

Hi Philovitist,

Seems like your name means "one who loves life"?

Good luck!

I think the direct translation would be what, lover of being alive?

Either way, everything sounds cooler in Greek.

[Brian_type]

Hi, Philovitist,

+1 to LonesomeYogurt's suggestions.

Dr. Rahula recommends reading his book in the following order: I, V, VII, VIII, II, III, IV, VI. I found it more understandable when read that way.

Setting aside quiet time and actually practicing meditation is the most important part. Mindfulness in plain English is very good at explaining a form of meditation the Buddha espoused.

The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler helped me get out of a mental rut and led me to the Buddhist path.

[Dmytro]

Hello again Philovitist,

I would recommend you an online meditation course at http://vipassana.com .

That's a good introduction to practice.

[Philovitist]

Thank you all so much for the assistance; I will obtain and study those works as soon as possible.

[Ben]

Greetings and welcome to Dhamma Wheel!

[rowyourboat]

Greetings Philovitist. I hope you won't undervalue the importance of living your life according to the basic principles. This is an essential part of the practice.

With metta

Matheesha