Interested in Buddhism?

Ruthanne

Ruthanne

Caregiver
Location
Midwest
Who was Buddha?

The founder of Buddhism in this world was Buddha Shakyamuni who lived and gave teachings in India some two and a half thousand years ago. Since then millions of people around world have followed the spiritual path he revealed. The Buddhist way of life of peace, loving kindness and wisdom can be just as relevant today as it was in ancient India. Buddha explained that all our problems and suffering arise from confused and negative states of mind, and that all our happiness and good fortune arise from peaceful and positive states of mind.
Click to expand...

What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is the practice of Buddha’s teachings, also called Dharma, which means “protection.” –Modern Buddhism
Click to expand...




Buddha taught methods for gradually overcoming our negative minds such as anger, jealousy and ignorance, and developing our positive minds such as love, compassion and wisdom. Through this we can come to experience lasting peace and happiness.
Click to expand...
These methods can work for anyone, in any country, in any age. Once we have gained experience of them for ourselves we can pass them on to others so they too can enjoy the same benefits.
Meditation is at the heart of the Buddhist way of life. It is essentially a method for understanding and working on our own mind. We first learn to identify our different negative mental states known as ‘delusions’, and learn how to develop peaceful and positive mental states or ‘virtuous minds’.
During meditation we overcome our delusions by becoming familiar with these virtuous minds. During the meditation break, when we are out of meditation, we try to maintain the virtuous minds we have developed and use our wisdom to solve the problems of daily life.
As our mind becomes more positive our actions become more constructive, and our experience of life becomes more satisfying and beneficial to others.
Anyone can learn basic meditation techniques and experience great benefits, but to progress beyond basic meditation requires faith in the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Usually people find this develops naturally as they experience the benefits of their meditation practice.
Click to expand...


They offer a free EBook on Buddhism at this link:
http://kadampanewyork.org/about/abo...PIbQY_o8desu9jGXOhuLi3dJHWuUvG3BYwaAt2I8P8HAQ
 

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]​
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.[/FONT]​
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Is Buddhism a Religion?

To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.[/FONT]
​
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• How Can Buddhism Help Me?

Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?

Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Who Was the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his death at the age of 80.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Was the Buddha a God?

He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Do Buddhists Worship Idols?

Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Why are so Many Buddhist Countries Poor?

One of the Buddhist teachings is that wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent. The people of every country suffer whether rich or poor, but those who understand Buddhist teachings can find true happiness.[/FONT]


More info.:

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm
 
Shalimar said:
I certainly do.
Click to expand...
I think I need to get into meditation. Some other forms of relaxation can be unhealthy after awhile. I learned to meditate and to automatically relax through practice while I was in college. It works as long as one practices it. I have gotten out of the habit.
 
Those are some interesting pieces of information Ruthanne. I think I feel very comfortable with the Buddhist philosophy and the one difference that I would hold compared to Buddhism is that I don't think it 'believes' in God whereas I do although most definitely not in the same way as Christians or Muslims.

And the quiet mind that Shalimar references is certainly necessary but also very difficult to attain when there's so much information and events bombarding us every moment of every day.
Have either of you 'practised' mediation and if so, how has it benefited you?
*******

Oh, you were typing at the same time I was:D so you partly answered my questions Ruthanne!

I meditated very regularly, almost daily for about five years and it helped lots when I was feeling very stressed but you're right, it is something that you have to keep practising. Since we've moved and I don't have my own little space, I have lost the habit.
 
Debby said:
Those are some interesting pieces of information Ruthanne. I think I feel very comfortable with the Buddhist philosophy and the one difference that I would hold compared to Buddhism is that I don't think it 'believes' in God whereas I do although most definitely not in the same way as Christians or Muslims.

And the quiet mind that Shalimar references is certainly necessary but also very difficult to attain when there's so much information and events bombarding us every moment of every day.
Have either of you 'practised' mediation and if so, how has it benefited you?
*******

Oh, you were typing at the same time I was:D so you partly answered my questions Ruthanne!

I meditated very regularly, almost daily for about five years and it helped lots when I was feeling very stressed but you're right, it is something that you have to keep practising. Since we've moved and I don't have my own little space, I have lost the habit.
Click to expand...
I didn't see your reply till now Debby. I don't think it takes much space to meditate. The quietness of one's bedroom or even while taking a tub bath. Have to be careful, though, I often fall asleep when meditating (I was told this is fine, too)so I wouldn't in the tub. Maybe you can find a place, a space, you can call your space. Our mind is very powerful and can do wonders for us when we put our minds to it!
 
I have been meditating twice a day since I was twenty. It continues to be very helpful in managing the anxiety associated with the stressors of my job, and invaluable in maintaining my equilibrium when PTSD rears it's ugly head. My son was born to meditation breathing. Peaceful for us both, no drugs necessary. I automatically know when it is time for my afternoon meditation, my body tires. Afterwards, I am refreshed. Meditating while ill often eases my symptoms. Often while under stress, I can control my breathing thereby lowering blood pressure and slowing heart rate.
 
Shalimar said:
I have been meditating twice a day since I was twenty. It continues to be very helpful in managing the anxiety associated with the stressors of my job, and invaluable in maintaining my equilibrium when PTSD rears it's ugly head. My son was born to meditation breathing. Peaceful for us both, no drugs necessary. I automatically know when it is time for my afternoon meditation, my body tires. Afterwards, I am refreshed. Meditating while ill often eases my symptoms. Often while under stress, I can control my breathing thereby lowering blood pressure and slowing heart rate.
Click to expand...
That's wonderful Shali!
 
Ruthanne said:
I didn't see your reply till now Debby. I don't think it takes much space to meditate. The quietness of one's bedroom or even while taking a tub bath. Have to be careful, though, I often fall asleep when meditating (I was told this is fine, too)so I wouldn't in the tub. Maybe you can find a place, a space, you can call your space. Our mind is very powerful and can do wonders for us when we put our minds to it!
Click to expand...


Once I was busy with the whole process of moving and the chaos that's involved, it was like the continuum was broken and I just haven't been able to focus on it to the same extent. Monkey mind to the extreme:rolleyes:, skittering all over the place! I think for a variety of reasons, I'm experiencing a lot of anxiety right now that is definitely getting in the way even while it's exactly the reason that I should take the time....
 
Debby said:
Once I was busy with the whole process of moving and the chaos that's involved, it was like the continuum was broken and I just haven't been able to focus on it to the same extent. Monkey mind to the extreme:rolleyes:, skittering all over the place! I think for a variety of reasons, I'm experiencing a lot of anxiety right now that is definitely getting in the way even while it's exactly the reason that I should take the time....
Click to expand...
Yes, you're right. I just posted a topic that is not about Buddhism in the Health forum. It's on Guided Imagery Meditations for anxiety and sleep and depression.
 
I've just finished reading "The Book of Awakening" by Mark Nepo. I have been trying to meditate but today without too much success. It's hard to quite the mind.
 
I don't meditate in a formal way and I agree with drifter that it can be difficult to quiet the mind.

I try to be mindful, live in the moment, focus on one thing at a time and it is very difficult for me. During my working years I was rewarded for being able to keep a number of balls in the air and it is difficult for me to change. Trying to concentrate on one thing like fixing dinner, without the television or a radio in the background, without thinking about the weather or your income tax. Just thinking about the task at hand can be strange to us when we live in a world filled with noise and distraction. Some of this sort of thing was discussed in the original 1970's version of Laurel's Kitchen, a vegetarian cookbook from my hippy daze, lol.

This link to an article in the Huffington Post gives some simple examples of things any person can do without turning to a specific faith or religion.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/30/habits-mindful-people_n_5186510.html
 
Spiritual

Was led to the book Siddhartha in the 70's and it led me to meditation, then into the Monroe Institute studies, and more recently to brain entrainment cd's. Recently, the Quaker religion caught my attention due to their worship method of sitting in a circle, silently meditating, until God inspires them to speak. Sometimes they spend many weeks of silent contemplation before an inspiration. Have yet to drive the 50 minutes to get to the closest "friends meeting" and see what it actually is.
Has anyone had a Quaker experience?
 
Aunt Bea said:
I don't meditate in a formal way and I agree with drifter that it can be difficult to quiet the mind.

I try to be mindful, live in the moment, focus on one thing at a time and it is very difficult for me. During my working years I was rewarded for being able to keep a number of balls in the air and it is difficult for me to change. Trying to concentrate on one thing like fixing dinner, without the television or a radio in the background, without thinking about the weather or your income tax. Just thinking about the task at hand can be strange to us when we live in a world filled with noise and distraction. Some of this sort of thing was discussed in the original 1970's version of Laurel's Kitchen, a vegetarian cookbook from my hippy daze, lol.

This link to an article in the Huffington Post gives some simple examples of things any person can do without turning to a specific faith or religion.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/30/habits-mindful-people_n_5186510.html
Click to expand...


I once chatted with my husband about this sort of thing and I said to him that I find it very difficult to just stand and not think. Then I asked him if he had that problem and his reply was that he never has a problem, 'not thinking':D! That explains those long silences when I have asked him something.....and then I wait.....and I wait......
 
Debby said:
I once chatted with my husband about this sort of thing and I said to him that I find it very difficult to just stand and not think. Then I asked him if he had that problem and his reply was that he never has a problem, 'not thinking':D! That explains those long silences when I have asked him something.....and then I wait.....and I wait......
Click to expand...

I'm sure he is thinking, it may just be a survival mechanism, LOL!

Seriously though it is difficult to let go and just be. It reminds me of when I was a kid at my grandmothers and the house was quiet, no artificial light and the only sound was the ticking of her old clock. For centuries people didn't even have a clock, LOL!
 
Oh my, this thread stimulates me in so many ways. I have been "searching" for many years, as I think all of you also have done, for healing insights and relief from a lifestyle that was so 'driven'. This is a BIG topic.

Quieting your mind, saying "shhhhhh" to all those very busy voices in your head constantly throwing ideas at you, is NOT easy. Particularly if you grew up in "the West" you have received no training in how to find that quiet peaceful place within yourself. I have not had much success with focusing on my breath or repeating mantras or just being quiet...and if I am too quiet I sometimes fall asleep:).
Since we (westerners) are so action-oriented, sometimes active visualizations are a useful tool. An example I read once was; close your eyes - imagine a team of horses pulling a vehicle (a buggy or coach or wagon) at very high speed-you are in the coach or perhaps you are the driver - you are quite anxious and want very much to slow down - you begin WISHING the horses to slow down - you continue seeing the racing coach - you begin softly repeating your intent "please slow down...please slow down...please slow down" and you start to see the coach gradually slowing - from a full out gallop, to a canter, to a gentle trot, to a relaxed walk - and then you can just ride along, enjoying the roadside scenery, enjoying every aspect of the journey. If the horses start to run away again simply resume "slow down...slow down...slow down" until you are at a comfortable pace again.

I have used this technique and various others over the years, with varying degrees of success. About forty years ago I was incompacitated
and diagnosed with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and required professional help. I was fortunate and was able to get the help I needed.

Sorry, this has gotten pretty long winded - I warned you, this is a BIG topic :D.
 
Shalimar said:
For some people, a walking meditation works very well.
Click to expand...
I go for an hour or so walk in the woods every morning at first light at a nearby, hidden gem of a county park. When I have a dog I take them, when I don't I just go alone. It does wonders for my attitude and peace of mind. I do that after I fix and have a nice breakfast of traditional grits, eggs, and sausage with a glass of milk... after a cup of coffee made from freshly ground beans.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top