Help..

[mbf]

Hi All,

Please excuse these simple questions I have....

1) What does it mean to be a Buddhist..?
2) Is there an equivalent to the bible in Buddhism..?
3) Would it be better to learn and sit in Meditation first or become a Buddhist and follow the scriptures..?

Thank You

Mike

[plwk]

1) What does it mean to be a Buddhist..?

This has been debated to death even amongst Buddhists but here's a 'simple' reading

2) Is there an equivalent to the bible in Buddhism..?

See this

3) Would it be better to learn and sit in Meditation first or become a Buddhist and follow the scriptures..?

Both are complementary: practice and study alongside realisation/contemplation. See this..

http://www.budsas.org/ebud/ebdha003.htm
What is known as Buddhism consists of three aspects, the Doctrinal (pariyatti), the Practical (pattipatti), and the Realisable (pativedha) which are interdependent and interrelated.

The late Gelugpa lineage master, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche in his treatise work, 'Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand', 'Day 3: The Preliminaries: How to study and teach the Dharma' page 87:(see link for the book)

When I study, I increase my contemplation and meditation,
When I contemplate, I increase my study and meditation,
When I meditate, I increase my study and contemplation,
I know how to gather them as the one foundation
And take the Dharma as my Path

[Wesley1982]

Generally, a Buddhist is someone that is devoted to ascetic discipline of ritual practices inspired by the Buddhas.

[Dechen Norbu]

I'm sure many Buddhists would disagree with that definition without further clarification of your definition of asceticism and ritual.

[Wesley1982]

My definition is definitely not the official one. All bow down to the Great Zen Master Chief Patriarch

[underthetree]

"What Makes You Not a Buddhist' by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse would give you a very readable and non-preachy introduction to the basics by a genuine master.

[Konchog1]

Hi All,

Please excuse these simple questions I have....

1) What does it mean to be a Buddhist..?
2) Is there an equivalent to the bible in Buddhism..?
3) Would it be better to learn and sit in Meditation first or become a Buddhist and follow the scriptures..?

Thank You

Mike

1. Well, I imagine that's a personal question, so for myself, it's self improvement.
2. Many Buddhists wish for that very thing.
3. Meditation first. But ensure that it's proper orthodox Buddhist mediation. Breath counting, Shamatha or something similar. I recommend you read about Buddhism in between meditation sessions, but make meditation your focus.

"What Makes You Not a Buddhist' by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse would give you a very readable and non-preachy introduction to the basics by a genuine master.

Second.