study buddhism

Wow, it’s amazing what you can find just surfing around on the internet. I’ve discovered, contrary to my belief a few weeks ago, that there are actually Buddhist temples and centres near where I live. One centre has actually been in existence since 1987, before I was born! I’ve been browsing around on their websites and I think I may have to head on down to one of their meetings one of these days, just to check out the general scenery there.

Also, I suppose if I do eventually become serious about Buddhism, it would be a nice place to go to and attend meetings and all that. I’ve been reading about the importance of the Sangha in a few books, so at least if I were to be Buddhist in the near future then at least I’m not in a country devoid of fellow Buddhists.

These are easier to read than I had thought they’d be. I’ve finished reading the Sutra of Vizualising the Buddha of Immeasurable Length of Life, but I’m only half finished the Sukhavati-Vyuha sutra. I think the sutras I’ve been reading are Pure Land Buddhism scriptures. A lot of praise is given to Amitabha Buddha.

I’ve just finished reading the Sutra of 42 Chapters, which I just found out is apparently one of the earliest Buddhist sutras documented from Sanskrit to Chinese.

I have to say I found it very interesting, and it didn’t take me as long as I thought it would (only about fifteen or ten minutes), unless I’ve been reading an abriged version. The material had me thinking for a long time; some of it I have still to understand thoroughly. But it was well worth reading. :)

I’ve spent the last fornight researching Buddhism, got a couple of books out of the library, etc. and already I’ve uncovered so much of what I don’t know. I had it my mind that Buddha was this one, solitary god-like figure revered by all Buddhists. I never knew there was more than one, and that Buddhahood is something everyone may achieve one day.

I suppose this’ll be like destroying one of the Three Poisons I’ve been reading about; ignorance, at least partially speaking.

I’m not sure if it’s a case of my losing faith in the religion I was raised with (Roman Catholicism), but I’ve always wanted to learn more about other religions; their values and teachings. To be honest, I don’t even think it’s morally correct for people to be baptised until they fully understand what it is they are undergoing.

I’m not going to take religious coversion lightly. If I do decide to become Buddhist eventually, it will be after a lot of research on my part and spiritual discovery. I think it’s my duty as well as in my best interests that I know what I’m going into.