How do you get started with Buddhism.

I’ve heard this question a lot and depending on how it was presented, I have interpreted the question in two ways:

1) How do I begin to study Buddhism and learn to meditate?

2) Why does someone decide to become Buddhist?

To the first question I strongly suggest, as do many other folks, that you find a local community of Buddhists with a good teacher. This may sound easier than it actually is, since most of our society is Christian, but there are communities out there. You can search the web or look in your local paper under happenings or religion.

Just keep in mind that one of the most important aspects of your practice will be to find a path and teacher that you are comfortable with. You may have to try several different teachers and communities before you find the right one for you.

For those of you, who like me, don’t heed this advice (Find a teacher), bravo and good luck. Bravo because there is always something exciting about bravery without intelligence, and good luck, because you will need it. I say this with all the love and kindness in my heart, if you are serious about Buddhism, find a teacher. Buddhism is an incredible path with lots of places to stumble….Hard!

I started my practice many years ago, not surprisingly; my family isn’t Buddhist, so I began by reading books. The first book I read was a gift; it was called ‘The one minute meditator’. I must admit that at the time, the attraction to the book was what I interpreted as ; ‘just add water and stir, presto chango’, your meditating, what I found was a good place to start. I believe that there were references in the book to Buddhism which somehow piqued my interest. One thing lead to another, and years later, I still can’t resist the latest attempt at Buddhist philosophy from my local bookstore.

I have participated in Buddhist communities, but not for any great length of time. I collected most of my information from books, and practice. I have had many insights, learned some incredible truths, and purchased lots of band-aids.

Now for the second question, ‘Why does someone decide to become Buddhist?’

I think this is a really good question, what is it that we are looking for that brings us to Buddhism. I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me, it was the ‘why’.

There are so many of them; why are we here? why do we die? why so much pain?

I have read about many religions and philosophies, I was attracted to Buddhism’s undeniable logic. As a skeptical student, son of an atheist, every book I read was subject to the same “how can I prove this wrong” approach, whether my acceptance of a particular philosophy was poor interpretation or not, Buddhism proved infallible to me. I tested it over and over, scoffed at some of its assertions, reconsidered, and ultimately believed in it.

For me there is no faith without logic and reason, having an understanding of Buddhism through experience and study gives me faith in it.

Ambud

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