What should i do to start off practicing Theravada Buddhism?

Nick: What should i do to start off practicing Theravada Buddhism?
I have recently come to realize Buddhism is what i will understand as my reality. Any books i should read?
Can you tell me how i should meditate and what i should concentrate on while meditating?
Please assist me, thank you in advance.
Nicolai

Answers and Views:

Answer by Molten Swarn
you can start with Buddhas Eight fold path or Patanjalis Eight fold yoga as follows

YAM-NIYAM-ASANAS-PRANAYAM-PRATYAHAR-DHARNA-DHYAN-SAMADHI.

Answer by George Williams
If you have the money and the inclination traveling to a Buddhist community would be a fantastic first step, however that may not be possible. I’d start by making sure you understand all the concepts and beliefs involved as they are complex and many, there are many books on the subject but the key here is to find something that outlines the ideas in a simple way and shows you where to go to get more information. A lot of what you need you’ll be able to find yourself over the internet once you know the terms to look up.

As for meditating your goal should be to think of nothing. I’ve only had a small amount of practice here but only a small amount of formal teaching. Try starting by sitting in a quiet place and simply relaxing, focus on different parts of your body and then relax them in turn, first your limbs, then your body and finally your head. After this focus on your breathing, if you find yourself distracted by a notice acknowledge it’s existence, say to yourself “That is the sound of a car” or “That is the feeling of my cloths against my skin” and then move on focusing on your breathing, or on the feeling of air passing over your nostril. Find something repetitive and simple till eventually you should be able to loose yourself in nothing at all. After practice you should be able to no longer feel your body for long periods of time, and find that time is flying away without your noticing.

Good luck!