Home→Forums→Spirituality→Buddism
- This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 5 months, 4 weeks ago by Tommy.
-
AuthorPosts
-
April 20, 2015 at 2:35 am #75567LibbyParticipant
I did some reading over the weekend and I think I have found what I am searching for. The last 2 years I have had severe anxiety due to a very stressful time with my extended family. I had to walk away from my siblings that hurt me and my own family, it was tough but it has brought me so much peace and happiness. That sounds wrong but the stress and violent behavior led to me suffering from severe anxiety and panic attacks for 2 years. I posted on Tough Times a year ago. I am now in a much better place and I have focused on mindfulness and ypga which has brought me so much happiness and peace. It has led me to thinking Buddhism really might something I want to practice. During my 2 years I kept thinking I should go to church and pray to God as I thought maybe that would help me through the horrific time i was going through. I believe there is a God but I wouldn’t say I am comforted by thinking God will protect me and help me if I pray to him, if that makes sense. So I do have beliefs but I was never brought up to go to church.
I am thinking Buddhism is the way for me and I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction where I can learn more about it, Maybe some books or good websites. I have done some reading and it made me think wow this really could be what I need. I do my ypga and mindfulness but feel I want something else in my life, but I don’t feel church is it.
I hope this all makes sense. I found it hard to get across how I feel.
Ju
April 20, 2015 at 5:43 am #75570claireParticipantHi Libby
I too have recently discovered Yoga Nidra which focuses mainly on mindfulness and have also found it to be a great help,there are free sessions on Blooming Lotus yoga website if you are interested in anymore of those.
As for the Buddhism i found that the best reads have been The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh,It is more a manual on meditation but has lots of suggestions and methods for becoming more enlightened,Also A Path With Heart -by Jack Kornfield is along the same lines.Deeper reads are The Foundations of Buddhism – Rupert Gethin and The New Heart of Wisdom-Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Hope these suggestions help a bit.April 21, 2015 at 7:20 am #75632Laura SimmonsParticipantHi Libby
I saw your post and wanted to let you know that I practice a particular form of Buddhism known as Nichiren Buddhism. It originates from Japan and is based upon the enlightenment gained by the original Buddha. There is a massive grass roots organisation attached to it called SGI which you can join (if you wish, of course) and it runs many different events, groups and meetings in over 192 different countries and territories. I’m not sure where you’re based in the world but I’m part of SGI-UK and we have local community groups that we participate in including study meetings, discussion groups and chanting. The practice is about being happy by developing our courage, compassion and wisdom by chanting, studying and attending meetings and activities. If this interests you in any way, please do let me know and I can provide more information and point you in the right direction to find a local group in your area. Best wishes! Laura 🙂
April 28, 2015 at 6:31 am #75914LibbyParticipantThank you Claire. I shall take a look at the books and the yoga site.
Laura, I am in the UK. Thank you for your kind reply.
January 18, 2024 at 7:25 am #427057JasonParticipant@smash karts It’s wonderful to hear that you have found peace and happiness after a difficult and stressful time with your extended family. It’s completely understandable that you are exploring different paths and seeking something that resonates with you. Buddhism can indeed provide valuable teachings and practices that promote mindfulness, peace, and personal growth.
June 16, 2024 at 9:07 pm #433884TommyParticipantWhat is Buddhism? One can learn more about Buddhism in library books. And then one can learn about the heart of Buddhism from a good teacher. And live a life of Buddhism with regular meetings of a sangha. But, to start, reading a few books will help.
What have I learned? Buddhism is something you can take in small doses or large ones. It is up to you. Buddhism presents its teachings and it becomes your wish whether to follow or dismiss it. There is no push. Most start off with the four noble truths. Life is suffering. The truth of the cause of suffering. The truth to the end of suffering. The path that leads to the end of suffering. It may explain it but it is up to you to see if there is truth in those words. And when you do learn the truth, you will believe and seek enlightenment. The most common path is thru meditation. Meditation does not guarantee enlightenment. But, there is a guarantee that there is no enlightenment without it. Mindfulness is an extension of meditation in the active waking world. Some will meditate for stress relief or some other form of benefit. Concentration, relaxation, insight etc. Later, one learns of the three jewels. Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha. Then the three truths of Buddhism. Dukkha, Anicca, and Anatta. I wish you well on your journey.
-
AuthorPosts