Looking for a Buddhist mentor...

[OneMoreRobot]

Hey all,

I'm trying to get into Buddhism as it seems to be what I am looking for.

I've tried reading self-help books, but they seem to be oversaturated with information. I'm just looking for the basics of practice right now, and I don't even know where to start. Literally everyone I know is Christian, so they can't really help me.

I'm reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance right now (for pleasure, not for information on Buddhism) and the author is so at peace,wise, and logical. That's the state I want to be at.

I know that Talkbass is a great community, and I'm looking for someone who can show me the ropes and keep me accountable, even if it's just through e-mails.

[CrispyDelicious]

Originally Posted by OneMoreRobot

I'm reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance right now (for pleasure, not for information on Buddhism) and the author is so at peace,wise, and logical. That's the state I want to be at.

Are you saying you can't find peace, wisdom and logic without religion

I mean you as an individual, not in general.

[bongomania]

One of the basic tenets of Buddhism is to see (and react to) everything without judgment and without attachment. Most of life's trauma comes from judging, feeling judged, and being too attached to things that are inconsequential in the big picture. This is the primary purpose of meditation--not to sit still or "think of nothing", those are just practices--but rather to detach one's self from the usual drama that overtakes our minds and our reactions.

So you can look at meditation and books about Buddhist practice and so forth, and they may help--but you can also just stop and "witness" (observe impartially) how you react to the things people say, how you react to anything, and take a moment to ask yourself whether your reaction is based on mental agitation, fear, assumptions, attachment, and so forth. This stopping to reflect, by itself, will get you in the ballpark-- completely regardless of any other faith or tradition you may be in or from.

[OneMoreRobot]

I am not looking to debate organized religion. I, as an intelligent autonomous person, want to know more about Buddhism and find peace through that. I want structure.

I realize that that is the idea of Buddhism, but I want to know HOW to get there. I try to examine the motives behind my thoughts, but I don't have a method for controlling my judgement of people.

[MJ5150]

Check out Zencast in iTunes. Good stuff.

-Mike

[MatticusMania]

Read Keroauc's 'The Dharma Bums' then go climb a mountain. Seriously.

[Jim Nazium]

A regular meditation practice is a key element in most flavors of Buddhism. That's a good place to start. Sit with your back straight, relax, and observe your breath as it goes in and out. When your mind wanders or thoughts arise, just notice that and return your attention to your breath.

Do that for 10 minutes every day.

I don't think I'm qualified to mentor anyone, but I'd be happy to talk to you about it by e-mail if you want.

EDIT: Bongo's post is spot on and worth re-reading.

[geeza]

Originally Posted by OneMoreRobot

...the author is so at peace,wise, and logical. That's the state I want to be at.

Then be at that state.


Thus endeth the lesson.

[kissmybASS01]

Originally Posted by OneMoreRobot

I'm trying to get into Buddhism as it seems to be what I am looking for.

[superfunk47]

First off, Buddhism isn't a religion.

That said, meditation is key. I'm not as good about doing it every day as I should be, but I try to be mindful and unattached as much as possible in my everyday life.

Really, there's no "right" way of doing it - read some about it online and find your own way. If it's helping you, you're doing it "right".

[DanAleks]

To the OP:

You don't want a Buddhist mentor, you want a Zen mentor.

I have been Buddhist for over 20 years. I am Nichiren Shoshu.
We don't meditate as part of our practice, though you can meditate if you want.

We chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to a mandala called the Gohonzon.

The belief is: We all have a karmic debt and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo "repairs" your karma and it will... I don't know how else to say this, improve your life.

Worked for me. PM me if anyone wants more info.

[sandmangeck]

You should look in the Lobby. I hear they have a couple in there.

[pharmakon]

Check out www.newbuddhist.com and Tricycle.com. Tricycle used to have a 'find a sangha' feature that i don't see on there anymore. Pity. It was useful

[OneMoreRobot]

There's a lot of advice in here and I'm rereading through all of it. I'll be looking into the specific suggestions and get back to people.

Thanks to all who have responded so far. I'll definitely be looking into Steven Seagal's book...

If you don't have anything worthwhile to say, please don't respond.

[3rdBass]

Much good info expressed here. Glad you're seeking a path.
Subscribed to see where this thread goes.

peace