study buddhism

A small group last night. I really enjoyed it. The regulars of the group are so kind and the discussion is always so helpful in my practice.

Last night we discussed, amongst other things, “the myth of enlightenment” from a reading of Toni Packer. I loved people’s insights. I also love that Buddhism encourages questioning and exploration.

I love that laughter is such an important part of the practice. I love that people can joke and tease and play with it.

I leave the sitting with such a great mindset, more awareness, and a feeling of community in something positive.

Also, sitting is becoming more intuitive for me. It really is a joyful practice.

A lovely practice. I really liked the traditions like the bowing and the cushion fluffing. Quite a long sit, though. I need practice.

As a disclaimer to what I am about to write, I know, of course, that Buddhism is considered both a religion and/or a philosophy, and I’m just comparing the amounts of tradition and ritual, here, not doctrine.

This is my interpretation of Buddhism “services” as I understand them so far, having grown up in the West and in Christianity: if Tibetan is to Buddhism what Greek Orthodox is to Christianity, then Zen is to Buddhism what Episcopalian is to Christianity. Zen is pretty “high service.”

The Mediative Inquiry that I do on Sundays would be sort of Unitarian, and that’s where I am most comfortable so far.

Meditative Inquiry is a good match for me, and I will be augmenting with the Zen sitting.

Well I can’t say that I have completed this task but I can say that I am now studying Buddhism. So thats still pretty good … right?

Last night I went on a search for temples in my area and couldn’t believe how many there were. Before the only reason I never followed through with trying to study buddhism is because I thought that there weren’t any temples near by. After my search I found 3 with a 10 mile radius. It’s a pretty good lesson for me because it shows me you never what you will find until you start looking. So tonight will be my first time attending …

I’ve always been intrigued by by the principles taught in the Buiddhist way of life, but I must admit I have no idea where to begin.

I identify myself as a Christian-Buddhist. There is such a thing.

The Buddha gave a parable comparing a new student of Buddhism to a wild elephant. When a wild elephant is being tamed, it is harnessed to a tame elephant who trains it. Likewise, a person new to Buddhism should be helped by an older Buddhist.

I kind of like being compared to a wild elephant. It makes me feel fiesty, like I might accidentally stomp something.

I really like the feeling of community at and the learning that I receive through the sangha.

Last night’s sitting and the discussion topic hit all the pertinent chords for me. I am starting the week with a more peaceful mind and the framework for a more accepting self.

Buddhism is the only belief I think I could embrace. I like the idea of living in the moment (though I don’t do it) and having less attatchment. I am trying to do without more and more each year. My goal it own nothing I don’t use every day, ok, maybe each week, or month…