Buddhism?

[Loz2212]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to here and also a complete novice to Buddhism. I am wanting to begin my quest for knowledge within Buddhism and practice it, but also I'm wanting to study it as well to see which one best suits me.

Can anyone advise me on some good websites or books that explain it as simple as possible?

I just feel overwhelmed by the different types and the meditation aspects etc. etc.

Thanks,

Loz.

[Clouds]

Welcome.

Many good web resources are listed in this sticky viewtopic.php?f=77&t=2984

I think the very first one Buddhanet.net has some good material especially for one new and just discovering what diversity there is in Buddhism.

The net resources for serious study have been dramatically growing in the last decade, as has transparency into Buddhism, Buddhist cultures, Buddhist practices, history, etc.

My advice is, remember to breathe

[Mr. G]

Can anyone advise me on some good websites or books that explain it as simple as possible?

Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition by Prof. Paul Williams
Vision of Buddhism: The Space Under the Tree by Prof. Roger Corless

[duckfiasco]

My first introduction to Buddhism was "Mindfulness in Plain English" by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. It's not a didactic work, but it more gives you an outline of Buddhism and the framework to experience the various aspects it brings up, namely mindfulness meditation. This book changed my life

I also recommend "Being Nobody, Going Nowhere" by Ayya Khema. She has a very motherly and poignant style. I've found it to be more about the Buddhist way of thought than specifically "Buddhism is X, Y, Z". A very refreshing and wonderful read.

You may find that unlike other religions, most of your discovery in Buddhism will come from reading a hypothesis of sorts, then carrying out the experiment yourself and going, "Holy cow, that is the case and what about this other thing I caught a glimpse of?" then reading more about the other thing you got a hint of and so on. It's really a fascinating journey you're about to undertake

Best of luck to you

[Skydancer]

The following book introduced me to Buddhism. It's written in clear, concise, and easy-to-understand language:
Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction by Damien Keown

This accessible volume covers both the teachings of the Buddha and the integration of Buddhism into daily life. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism? What or who is the Buddha, and what are his teachings? How has Buddhist thought developed over the centuries, and how can contemporary dilemmas be faced from a Buddhist perspective? Words such as "karma" and "nirvana" have entered our vocabulary, but what do they really mean? Keown has taught Buddhism at an introductory level for many years, and in this book he provides a lively, challenging response to these frequently asked questions. Damien Keown is Emeritus Professor of Buddhist Ethics at Goldsmiths College, University of London. His research interests centre on the study of contemporary moral problems from a Buddhist perspective.

[maybay]

Where are you coming from, what do you do?

[Konchog1]

The Four Noble Truths by Geshe Tashi Tsering

[gregkavarnos]

"What the Buddha Taught" Wapola Sri Rahula http://www.dhammaweb.net/books/Dr_Walpo ... Taught.pdf
Short, clear and simple, covering all the basics, by a trusted and well known Buddhist academic.

[asunthatneversets]

"Buddhism: The Religion Of No Religion" by Alan Watts has a pretty all encompassing overview when it comes to the fundamentals and the different schools and vehicles. He also has some good talks you can find online

[ground]

I just feel overwhelmed by the different types and the meditation aspects etc.

Feelings are impermanent.

[White Lotus]

Loz, my old friend Laurent? surely there is only one Loz?!

theres some helpful material on this site.

best wishes, Tom.

[muni]

Study/listen as much as you can and then find a master; an advice from the Dalai Lama. Whether helpful or not...

These days in the overwhelming available choice the particular teachings must fit our ego and we enjoy samsara greatly with our personal buddhist teaching sticks.

In clinging to a buddhist tradition, language, culture; we remain with the right spoon is our hand, no way to ever taste the soup.

We can only deceive ourselves or follow our nose in honesty.