I am seriously converting to Buddhism, can anyone point me in the right direction?

Liam: I am seriously converting to Buddhism, can anyone point me in the right direction?
I am a philosopher trained in a primary discipline of Hellenism and a secondary in Epistemology. My minor is Comparative religion. I just can’t unlearn what I now know from years of biblical scholarship, the summary of which is that it is probably false. I fear this step in my life, but proof is really starting to point to Buddhism, scientific and spiritual. Is there any place where I can discuss this with anyone?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Harrison Bergeron
Knowing what you claim to know why do you feel the need to have any religion in your life? Let it go, it’s just fantasy, anyway.

Answer by ES
to me it looks like u actually wanted to only say that the bible is false.

Answer by Bodhidharma
Sure, ask away. We Buddhists take daily refuge in the triple gem (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), observe the 5 precepts, practice meditation and study the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma).

I also recommend the book “Introduction to Buddhism: An Explanation of the Buddhist Way of Life”
Good luck on your path.

Namaste.

Answer by mommymaczko
Yes, pray to God and talk it over with Him in your prayers. You’ll get an answer. Or, since you want to become Buddhist, pray to Buddha.

Answer by Bert
Sounds like your going in the right direction.
I passed Buddhism and went on into the most ancient of religion (Paganism) years ago.
I still hold to eastern traditions rather than the Neo-Pagan paths.

Answer by Sincere-Advisor
Buddha believed that suffering is the result of passion and desires; therefore, to be free of suffering, you must give up all worldly desires. Christianity, similarly, believes in Original Sin and considers it to be the cause of all suffering. Islam, on the other hand, recognizes passions and desires as legitimate and completely natural human emotions which should be channeled positively rather than curbed all together. So, what is better, living in guilt for simple desires that are part of our humanity or knowing that as long as your desires are within the realm of decency, you are OK in the eyes of God?

Answer by Simples
As far as I know, you don’t ‘convert’ to Buddhism. It’s a philosophy that you either subscribe to or you don’t. There are a few types of Buddhism as it is practiced in Tibet and other parts of Asia. Zen Buddhism from Japan is even more philosophical and has virtually no religious elements.

In practice, in Asia, Buddhism is often mixed with Taoist beliefs and Asian Buddhists pray to some deities and burn ‘hell money’ – practices which seem to go against the teachings of Buddha, who taught the idea of self-improvement and thought it was a waste of time to worry about gods.

Answer by mathhelp
well Buddhism isn’t really a religion, its a way of life. Being a Buddhist means your moving from the material world and focusing on concentration and meditation. Shaving your head, wearing a robe, not talking, just being at peace. Sound good in the mountains, but in a society where you work, go to school, it’s not really being a Buddhist.

Answer by k dawg
I’ll point you in the right direction towards Boddhism, sure. Point the finger at yourself, and keep pointing it there until you achieve spiritual enlightenment.. Or arrogant blasphemy. one of the two

Answer by Greg
Hi Liam.I can recommend a buddhist discussion site that has members from various schools of buddhism that will be more than happy to try to answer any questions that you may have.No one on this site tends to state that only their particular tradition is right,merely point out its beliefs and practices,and what drew them to this particular tradition.Of course some topics may get a little heated at times,but then none of us are claiming to be enlightened.Here is the site https://newbuddhist.com/
I wish you all the best and maybe I will see you at new buddhist.

Answer by The Foreigner
The right direction is the real knowledge of the Four Noble Truths especially Dukkha and Satipathana (the Direct Path to Enlightenment = Noble Eightfold Path = Threefold Training). These concepts are very deep and very difficult to understand.

Study the Buddhist principle before practice

A Learn what the Buddha teaches

1. Three Marks of Existence (Three Characteristics of Nature, Ti-lakkhana)
2. Five Aggregates (5 Khandhas)
3. Four Noble Truths (Ariya-Sacca)
4. Satipatthana
5. Threefold Training

B Learn which practice produces what:

Satipatthana –> Sati
Samatha kammatthana –> Samadhi
Vipassana kammatthana –> Wisdom

C. Essential Qualities of Buddhists

1. Strong, self reliance and disciplined person
2. Willing to face the truth
3. Have Sila (5 Precepts) to protect body and speech
4. Don’t belief in non-sense, except Dharma and Karma
5. Must walk alone ( do it yourself)
6. Start practice with endurance and patience for
-teacher’s instruction
-studying
-physical pain and fatigue
-Kilesa (Canker)

Practice (Threefold Training)

1. Training in Morality: Giving, Five or Eight Precepts, sense-restraint (Indriyasamvarasila) including sensual abstinence.
2. Training in Mentality: Breathing Meditation (Anapanasati) and Walking meditation.
3. Training in Wisdom: Vipassana Bhavana (Insight Meditation, Contemplate body and mind)

Summary of Dharma Practice

We practice Dharma not for wanting something, nor for being above the norm. We do not lose anything because there is no self to lose. But we gain the wisdom which is the truth of body and mind that they are suffering, impermanent, uncontrollable, and no self. We examine Khanda (the 5 aggregates) until they are separate and see that they are not animal, human, or self. Once we understand this real truth (Saccadharma), we no longer condition our body, speech, and mind, nor being duped to control them.

We are neutral to both good and bad because we know that they will appear and then disappear (Nibbida). We no longer attach to body, mind, happiness, or grief (Viraga, detachment). We finally let go our body and mind (Vimutti). The enlightenment is immediately attained. There is no more conditioning, desire, suffering, or death and birth.

Answer by Viriya R
If you wish to find your closest Buddhist organisation
https://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/
(Buddhanet’s World Buddhist Directory)

If you wish to discuss Buddhism online:
https://www.dhammawheel.com
(Dhammawheel Buddhist Discussion Forum: Theravada)

or

https://www.dharmawheel.net
(Dharmahwheel Buddhist Discussion Forum: Mahayana and Vajrayana)

If you would like to have free books mailed to you or access ebooks online:
Buddhist E-Library: https://www.buddhistelibrary.org
Forest Dhamma Books: https://www.forestdhammabooks.com
Buddha Educational Foundation: https://budaedu.org/en/
Buddhist Publication Society: https://www.bps.lk

If you have a philosophical background, you may be frustrated with introductory Buddhist books written for people without that technical background. Please don’t be discouraged, there are in fact many monks and nuns with formal philosophical qualifications, and books written with you in mind. You just need to put out the effort to find them, they do exist. A university library where Buddhist studies are offered may be a good place to start, as are Buddhist bookstores if they exist in your area.

Answer by mckayla r
My boyfriend writes a blog about his life as a Buddhist that might interest you. He talks about obstacles he has day to day, things he learns, and anything else he thinks would interest readers. It’s fairly new but he would love other Buddhist to read it and give input, and ask questions. The web address is journeyinthemiddle.blogspot.com