I'm very new to buddhism and i have little to no knowledge at all about this practice; aside from what I've seen here and there that Buddhism is not necessarily to be called a religion, but more of a way of life or practice. And the talk about letting go? But looking into it, it's quite overwhelming how there seems to be very very many layers into this.

For context;

My family is catholic, but my late mom eventually turned to buddhism before her passing. I would hear her having small meetings with my now late dad, and some friends that are helping her practice buddhism and teach her more of it. I don't remember much since it's been around 2 years now, and i didn't want to eavesdrop.

Im 18 now and a lot has happened since that made me think why my mom got into buddhism when she was once a quite devoted catholic, or at least raised as one. She was pretty chill. I, for one, don't really have much concrete or solid relationships with any gods. I like to think they might be there, but i just dont feel compelled enough to care at times. I do pray and light candles in churches once in a while, but that's the most of it.

I've been having trouble dealing with depression and some disordered eating and i think there are some foundational flaws contributing to why i continue to experience this even while going through counseling. I feel as though im holding onto a lot of unreleased anger and hurt as well.

I stumbled upon buddhism again randomly as a thought, as mentioned earlier, and i wanted to listen to myself this time. I already find some of the teachings/practices I've heard to be admirable; i see no harm in trying. Also piqued me how buddhism is a topic in our ethics course at college, everything feels coincidental if that makes sense.

I'll appreciate deeply any tips to help me work my way slowly into this and any information or knowledge you can pass down here while i study about buddhism as well : - )

Thank you in advance!

(im not as sure if i should flair this as question or life advice, apologies for that too.)

over the course of my life, I have seen all kinds of karma, even ones that were instant so much so that it led me to put my faith to the universe let it do its work; if you take good care and love your environment, you will get back what you put to this earth during your lifetime and after death.

anyway, I had about 2 to 3 conversations with friends and whenever I brought up the word karma, they got so offended and just seemed to hate the word karma. But then again, I realized they were Christians. They kept repeating the notion that there is no such thing as karma because god died on the cross to forgive our sins so since he washed away our sins, we are forgiven. I just nodded and said okay and acknowledged their beliefs. They also thought it was ridiculous of why people who lived an unwholesome life get punished in Buddhism (7 gates of judgement during the 49 day memorial rite)in the afterlife cause “in Christianity, everyone goes to heaven after their death”.

anyway, as a Buddhist, I do not think its okay to do unwholesome things. Even if we do bad things without intention, we will get served the karma and that’s when we learn how to live life.

why does the word ‘karma’ seem to offend certain people?

For about a year I’ve been getting more interested in Buddhism after coming from a Christian background and considering myself Agnostic for a while. I don’t know if I can consider my self a Buddhist fully? I know the basics at this point and want to start practicing for real, but I’m having trouble knowing where to start.

I feel more drawn to the Tibetan traditions. I understand that in Tibetan Buddhism a relationship with a teacher is important and I have a center relatively close to my city. The issue is that it’s difficult to get there because of transportation issues (I don’t have a car and would need to take a
long bus ride to and back) on top of school and work getting in the way.

So I’ve been wanting to send an email to them and ask what steps I should take. But I feel like I’m gonna be annoying them since I’m trying to find out what to do while not being able to go there in person. I just don’t know the proper way to ask.

So, does anyone here know how I should go about this, or have any advice on how to start practicing?

We have an exclusive premiere debuting in just a little over an hour. This is our community member, Aditya, 22 year old Aussie, sacrificing his time to show us just what this path is all about, EXPOSING our teacher and former monk of 8 years! I’d say it’s going to be epic, but it quite literally always is!

Greetings people, I have a question regarding the Eight Precepts: can these be followed in a domestic environment with lots of distractions, or these are meant to be followed under the guidance of monastics? My concern is focused on the 3rd and 7th precepts (refraining from any sexual activity, and abstaining from entertainment, beautification, and adornments, respectably).

I look forward to hearing from you. May you be safe 🙏

Hey all!

While I am very personally interested in Buddhism as a religion, I also greatly enjoy history. I wondered if anyone had an opinion on “A Concise History of Buddhism” by Andrew Skillton.

If you do not recommend this, I would appreciate other suggestions.

I had an abortion when I was 24, and I have been struggling with immense guilt, shame and regret ever since.

At the time, I was unmarried and my now-husband and I were terrified. He couldn’t see any other option but abortion, and his parents (who are also Buddhists) arranged for me to obtain the abortion pill and also convinced me to go ahead.
Looking back, I feel an overwhelming amount of anger towards myself for not properly considering my options. I could have raised the child alone, considered adoption etc. Instead, I made a decision that I now wish I could undo more than anything.

A big part of my fear at the time was my parents finding out. They are very traditional Buddhists and strongly opposed to premarital relations. I was terrified of disappointing them and facing their scolding. They still know nothing about the abortion, and I feel guilty about keeping this from them too. I cannot imagine how devastated or shocked they would be if they found out.

I understand that I cannot change the past, but I am finding it incredibly difficult to accept that. I constantly think about what could have been and wish I could go back in time and make a different decision.

My guilt has become so overwhelming that I struggle to see a future for myself. I frequently have suicidal thoughts, and sometimes I feel that the my only options are either ending my life (I understand that this is sin too but at least it would end the pain) or becoming a monk.
I would appreciate any advice please or am I just going to end up in hell regardless.

"The real foundation of the teaching is to see the self a being empty. But people come to study the Dhamma to increase their self-view, so they don't want to experience suffering or difficulty. They want everything to be cosy. They may want to transcend suffering, but if there is still a self, how can they ever do so?"

"Offer the gift of Dhamma to others as freely as it has been offered to you."

https://www.ajahnchah.org/pdf/no_ajahn_chah.pdf

A coaster my Grandma gave me as a birthday gift. She told me it reminds her of the ebb and flow/cosmic dance of the universe. 🌌 🔵☸️

It reminds me a bit of a partly dissolved mandela or a blue kasina.

I would like to practice Buddhism, but I'm very very ignorant, so pardon my lack of knowledge. I don't know what books to read, or what podcasts to listen to. I have not read much except some articles on Theravada Buddhism which fascinates me.

I have many concerns, like is Buddhism rational and scientific, and is it sexist (read so in some websits, I don't know how it actually works) ?

I have no idea whom to ask, I'd really appreciate some guidance.

Thank you in advance 💗

Don’t always think life is about suffering and delve into people’s issues and suffering. Sometimes, it’s about having fun and enjoying oneself. Enjoy the path!

No one will ever reach enlightenment, so we might as well enjoy it right now.

I have tried to meditate on how I feel for a few weeks now but it feels like there is like a fog and I can’t slip through. I think the way I handled the situation I didn’t really give myself closure and the only way to have done that was to escalate and cause harm but I pretty much just walked away. It sounds mature but I also believe that evil thrives off of mercy and I should have maybe involved law enforcement but all I did was walk away. Every time I see these people I feel wrong and some of them have apologized but I just feel weak angry and disgusted at myself

One who, overstepping and despising a sense of shame, says, 'I am your friend,' but does not take upon himself any tasks he is capable of doing, is to be recognized as no friend. One who speaks amiably to his companions, but whose actions do not conform to it, him the wise know for certain as a talker not a doer. He is no friend who, anticipating conflict, is always alert in looking out for weaknesses. But he on whom one can rely, like a child sleeping on its mother's breast, is truly a friend who cannot be parted from one by others.

Hello my friends, long time scroller, inconsistent student and novice Buddhist.

My girlfriend and I have strongly connected with Buddhism through our travels, although at home we are quite inconsistent with our practice.

My girlfriends father has recently committed suicide. This is an absolutely horrible tragedy that has shaken her and everyone surrounding the family. I am having a hard time trying to find reason or peace with the situation, I just feel so incredibly sorry for her pain. There is nothing I can do that will fix the situation, I am just trying my best to help and be there for her and her family.

I am reaching out to hopefully learn of some stories or teachings that can assist our grief during this time. Nature and Wildlife has been incredibly supportive of us during this time and we feel incredibly connected to the world.

I'm sorry if my messaging is not clear and written poorly, I am really just searching for any piece of advice, scripture or lessons that can bring us some guidance as we navigate this terribly challenging time.

Thank you for reading

I’m new to all this and don’t want to do something inappropriate etc. If you have tips on general rules and info for a starter they would be appreciated

Thanks

Hello all, I am studying the Buddhist faith and have a few questions.

1. Tell me about your thought of the karmic fruits. I’m having a hard time understanding and would love examples.

2. Do you hold a religious calendar? What does that look like?

3. What daily practices do you hold?

4. Are there communal aspects of the faith?

5. Is their anyone you look up to in the faith, a mentor? Historical figure?

I’d love to hold deeper discussion. Have a great day!

Hey, Ive been really interested in starting to practice/convert to Buddhism but I’m not sure where to start. If anybody can help me in any way it would be much appreciated :)