Re: How do I start?

On Thu, 22 Feb 2007 6:33:12 -0500, Paul wrote
(in message <1172143992.395432.207100@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>):

But most schools, from my reading, seem to agree on the basic
meditation
techniques as recommended in the book Keynes mentioned (which I
also think is a great place to start). After reading that book, you
might liketo read "The Attention Revolution" by B. Alan Wallace. He
comes from a different school and quotes GUNARATANA's book in
explaining the differences between the schools. You could spend
forever "getting different information" on the schools. So I would
start meditating, and keep reading at the same time. Also, be careful
of some groups offering meditation instruction. Most are probably
fine, but some are cults. A quick google search should help you sort
out cults from valid groups.

Books and Websites are fine, but the best way is to visit some centers and
talk to some teachers. There's at least a few Zen, Vajrayana, Pure Land,
Nichiren, or Insight centers in most major cities.

Buddhism doesn't seem that fertile a system for cults, but it pays to do a
little cult evaluation awareness. Ol' Doc Bonewits' form is pretty useful:
<http://www.neopagan.net/ABCDEF.html>
My experience is that Zen groups are very nonmissionary, and people that
leave group are still regarded with friendliness. This is probably true of
other forms of Buddhism.

So, go to a few centers and get the feel of it. Meditation is hard to learn
on your own. Once you get the drift of it, you can practice on your own
anywhere.

I am reading about 1,5 years about buddhism and I have not find "my"
school.

Do you need to find *a* school? Why not seek inspiration from many
schools?

Eventually, you might want to invest a good deal of effort in the teachings
of a school with which you resonate.

---Uncle Weasel

--

Everything that has a beginning has an end. Wait for it.
Non-attachment is for cowards.
---Daryl the Canuckistani

.