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**allvideO** · 07-10-2012, 07:46 AM

I was just wondering how to start following the path of buddhism!

Things like meditation, what to think off? What to do?
Acting in everyday life?

Basically the basics?

hi Drew

the path of buddhism is threefold: (1) non-harming; (2) meditation; and (3) insight

non-harming (morality) forms the foundation of the Buddhist path because when the mind dwells in non-harming it does not have worries & problems. the mind has strong self-respect. then it can meditate more easily

non-harming is being considerate & aware not to hurt oneself & others. it also includes being helpful & charitable to others when we can

buddha particularly explained five areas for non-harming: (1) not killing; (2) not-stealing; (3) not hurting with sex; (4) being honest in speech; and (5) refraining from drugs & alcohol that makes us careless

with meditation, generally beginners start by learning to observe their in breathing & out breathing. this practise can make the mind calm & peaceful

we can try practising observing each in breath & each out breath, say for 5 minutes. sit with a straight relaxed back. know each in breath as it flows into the body (through the nostrils, throat, diaphram &/or belly) & stops; then know each out breath as it flows out of the body.

just remain aware of the flow, movement &/or sensation of each breathing, as it enters, flows & stops; and then as it exits, flows & stops on final exit. allow the breathing to be natural. if your mind feels comfortable doing this for 5 minutes, then you can practise longer.

before & after breathing meditation, we can also practise some 'metta meditation', by thinking for a few moments: "may i abide in well-being; may others abide in well-being; may all be free from suffering"

you may also consider visiting a buddhist meditation group or centre

kind regards

element

07-10-2012, 07:46 AM	#3
allvideO Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 665 Senior Member	I was just wondering how to start following the path of buddhism! Things like meditation, what to think off? What to do? Acting in everyday life? Basically the basics? hi Drew the path of buddhism is threefold: (1) non-harming; (2) meditation; and (3) insight non-harming (morality) forms the foundation of the Buddhist path because when the mind dwells in non-harming it does not have worries & problems. the mind has strong self-respect. then it can meditate more easily non-harming is being considerate & aware not to hurt oneself & others. it also includes being helpful & charitable to others when we can buddha particularly explained five areas for non-harming: (1) not killing; (2) not-stealing; (3) not hurting with sex; (4) being honest in speech; and (5) refraining from drugs & alcohol that makes us careless with meditation, generally beginners start by learning to observe their in breathing & out breathing. this practise can make the mind calm & peaceful we can try practising observing each in breath & each out breath, say for 5 minutes. sit with a straight relaxed back. know each in breath as it flows into the body (through the nostrils, throat, diaphram &/or belly) & stops; then know each out breath as it flows out of the body. just remain aware of the flow, movement &/or sensation of each breathing, as it enters, flows & stops; and then as it exits, flows & stops on final exit. allow the breathing to be natural. if your mind feels comfortable doing this for 5 minutes, then you can practise longer. before & after breathing meditation, we can also practise some 'metta meditation', by thinking for a few moments: "may i abide in well-being; may others abide in well-being; may all be free from suffering" you may also consider visiting a buddhist meditation group or centre kind regards element
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