I will reiterate what another user has already mentioned, take 5 precepts, and apply them to everything you think, say, and do. Even a white lie is a distortion of reality. Morality is the foundation of the practice, your progress overall will depend how morally pure your conduct is. Understand well what each precept means in a broad sense. Make it a point not to add to suffering, watch your words, say nothing unless you know what you say is true, and factual, but even then know the right way, and moment to say it. Serve others more than yourself. The list goes on, and on.lostitude wrote:Hello,
I am not a buddhist (yet) but I was wondering if this journey could be started on one's own. There is no theravada center near where I live, so is it ok to start practising (not just reading books) alone, without personal guidance? or is it likely I will make mistakes and go down the wrong path, waste my time or worse...?
Thanks!
The path is the Noble Eightfold Path, this is the way, this is the 4th Noble Truth, learn it well, practice it.
And like in every other endeavor effort, and perseverance are the key to your success. There is no substitute for hard work. Man is not defeated until he quits. Good luck.