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[Santo]

Lately, I've taken a special interest in the ideas presented by Buddhism. As of now, I consider myself agnostic but looking into Buddhism has a lot more to do with self awareness than taking up a religion.

I'm sure a few people here know a hell of a lot more than I do on Buddhism, so I'd like to have some open discussion about it. I haven't started any form of meditation yet, but I'd definitely like to get into it. Been reading quite a bit lately and would like to know what others think.

If you're a Buddhist, that would no doubt help me on my quest, but even if you just know something fascinating about the practice I'd love to hear it.

 

[Chipopo]

If you haven't found a meditation yet, I would heartily recommend taking a 10-day Vipassana course . It's completely free, and there's no kool-aid on the tenth day It's an absolutely wonderful gift to give yourself, the downside being that your appetite for compulsory crave-driven GA frothing goes way, way down.

On the upside; increased clarity, creativity and a better understanding of what you're about. It's a completely results based course, meaning if you dont see a benefit in the practice you're advised to drop it immediately.

There was a period of time in which I would meditate for 2 hours a day, once in the morning and once before sleep, and the results are pretty spectacular. Unfortunately I have to run right now...but I'll expand some more if you'd like. My emphatic New Age hippiedom compels me.

 

[Santo]

Chipopo: thanks for the link. I started reading "Mindfulness: In Plain English" online and that's based around Vipassana, so I'm at least vaguely familiar with it.

As for the courses, they look really interesting. As for the rules:

# 1. to abstain from killing any living creature;
# 2. to abstain from stealing;
# 3. to abstain from all sexual activity;
# 4. to abstain from telling lies;
# 5. to abstain from all intoxicants.

..during the course, this will be a difficult task, but I'm definitely up for it.

Any more info would really help me. Thanks!

 

[Megafoo Chavez]

uh those are not the rules. what you trying to become? a monk?

 

[Chipopo]

They're the rules for the 10-day course, Chavez.

For some people the most difficult aspect of the course is the fact that there is no talking throughout, and absolutely no distractions from the present (books, journals, music players, televisions etc.). The rules about sex and not killing animals become background noise once you realize what sitting with yourself sans distraction actually entails :lol. It's grueling. At the course I went to, one guy flipped out on day 7, broke out of the camp, ran to his car to get a pen and paper and wrote frantically for 8 pages.

I've never read "Mindfulness"...to be honest I've never read a book about Buddhism. Instead I read more about the mind concentration aspects from Buddhism that are set apart from any mythological aspects of the religion. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle is absolutely aces.

Also, if you do start looking for a meditation, avoid the "mantra" variety. They're beneficial, but can only take you so far.

 

[VPhys]

They're the rules for the 10-day course, Chavez.

For some people the most difficult aspect of the course is the fact that there is no talking throughout,

Perhaps I misread. But are you saying one has to be silent for 10 days?

 

[Chipopo]

Yep. You only talk to your instructor every once in a while if you need help or guidance.

 

[S-Wind]

Chipopo: As for the rules:

# 1. to abstain from killing any living creature;
# 2. to abstain from stealing;
# 3. to abstain from all sexual activity;
# 4. to abstain from telling lies;
# 5. to abstain from all intoxicants.

Those look like the Five Precepts. If they are, then #3 should be: to abstain from sexual misconduct (adultery, rape, etc.), not all sexual activity - unless you ordain as a Buddhist monk/nun.

 

[tetsuoxb]

I know a bit about Japanese Buddhism, so if you have any questions about Japanese buddhist sects, I would be happy to answer them for you.

I am a Deist with some Catholic leanings from upbringing, but I am a big fan of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Absolutely fascinating stuff.

 

[Alcibiades]

damn, that course looks really interesting...

 

[Chipopo]

damn, that course looks really interesting...

At worst it's 10 days of free food!

S-Wind: They are the 5 precepts so you are correct, however at the meditation center you are living as a monk (for instance, you are living completely off the charity of others) and all sexual activity is off limits.

 

[robertsan21]

# 1. to abstain from killing any living creature" sounds ok!"
# 2. to abstain from stealing " No problemas!"
# 3. to abstain from all sexual activity.......

ok ok i cant do this, i am officially dropping out!

Fission mailed!