What is a good starting point for someone interested in Buddhism?

I'm interested in the teachings of Buddhism but I don't know where to find Buddhist text or even places of worship. How can I further myself in my quest for knowledge?|||read old path white clouds





or





the four agreements|||The internet is a good place to start.





The Buddhist equivalent of the Bible or Quran is the Tripitaka, however, there are many books that basically capture the essence of Buddhism. The Tripitaka is long so I don't think you need to read the entire thing. A well written book that summarizes the core teachings is probably adequate.





The core of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Precepts. Anything that you learn after that is just additional stuff, i.e. the Bardos, although it's probably worth learning about too.|||First you have to keep your faith in Lord Buddha.You can keep a statue of Lord Buddha to worship.





Buddhists are practicing 3 major merits in their lives.


They are





1. Dana (Giving %26amp; helping other people and animals.)





2. Sheela (preventing from doing sins like killing and harming others and animals, stealing, adultery, false speech, etc.)





3. Bhavana (The improvement in mindfulness and wisdom by practicing Meditation.)





From these practices they are trying to give up desires step by step and coming closer to the state of ultimate freedom NIRVANA.





5 Main precepts of Buddhism





1. I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living beings.


2. I undertake the precept to refrain from stealing.


3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct (adultery, rape, child abuse, etc).


4. I undertake the precept to refrain from false speech (lying).


5. I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicants which lead to heedlessness.





Every Buddhist should take those precepts and try to improve own self to live a happy, peaceful life. When you give up your lust, anger, fear, hatred your mind becomes more clear and calm. Mind can be improved by meditation.


One fine day when you understand the truth by your self which was shown by Lord Buddha you will find the ultimate peace. Buddhism is a great philosophy, it all about understanding by your self. There is much more to learn about Buddhism.





So here are two of the best web sites to find out more about Buddhism.





http://www.metta.lk/





http://www.bswa.org/|||Do not involve in factionism, competitions among the various schools...





Always open mind, see through outer shells of things including Buddhism cultures and patterns, learn from various source and different people and compare. Some teachers are great, some are just big fame, few are enlightened, most are patternize, some are just "go to school for PhD"...





Make notes, do alot of thinking. What you can't understand, just leave a ? on it.





It's a "life time" thing and always more than meets the eyes, more than humanism, much much more...





You can start wikipedia for basics.





If you want advise, I might give you some. I learn and practice in Chinese though...|||Start by attending a Buddhist introduction meeting near you, do your research and ask whatever questions you might have at the meeting about the different types/schools and practices of Buddhism. To find a Buddhist meeting and contact near you; see our web site below.


Under quick links- click (find us) then just type in your state and click go. If you live in a different country, see SGI related sites also under quick links.





Attend a meeting, you won't be sorry and maybe a bit wiser. Just tell em Dave sent you(kidding).|||See how Buddhism fits into a much bigger plan which unifies all the religions of the world. It is not a matter of choosing one over another; but instead of seeing how they all fit together perfectly. Minus man's doctrines and dogmas of course.





Buddhism along with the other mystical paths teach how to contemplate, meditate, go within to find the experience of The Essence. Our essence and God's Essence is the same. The ego thinks itself to be separate and away from God. The goal is to overcome the ego and return back to the Light/Essence/Oneness.





But there are no shortcuts and we have to follow the Path God gave humanity one step at a time. Only when the 7th Step is understood can we fully have the opportunity to reach Pure Consciousness.





It is done. Check out the link below. :-)|||My Buddhist beliefs are very set in my philosophical beliefs. To me, Philosophy is the art of Understanding. As a Buddhist, I try to understand my self and my environment, to better myself, and to better the lives of all sentient beings. You CAN find Buddhist texts online at no cost to view, the same as other religions, but a place of worship you will not find, because it is not a worshiping religion. A Buddhist does not worship himself, any God or Man or Ideal. A Buddhist can and usually DOES believe in a God or Ideal, but at no point worships them. To understand ourselves and our world is our aim. There are many, let's call them, variations, of Buddhism today. This is incorrect, as these groupings are made by teacher and belief differences, and you lose essence. Remember to always better yourself morally, and to always be kind, and you will find Understanding much easier to obtain. I'm interested in talking to other Buddhists, particularly ones new to this mindset, and would like to chat with you. I'm not saying you are a Buddhist, that you are this or that; I recognize that you are interested and am ready to talk to you .|||Visit http://www.falundafa.org/eng/home.html first, then browse in Introduction, FAQ, and How To Learn.





If you're into the arts, get a ticket to see the Shen Yun dance troupes. The Buddhist stories and theme they show are just amazingly magnificent.|||Monkey|||Aewesome book by Matthieu Ricard, translator to Dalai Lama, called "Happiness".