[Enjoymms]

Is it wrong that I lust for or have a sexual relationship with my girlfriend? Is that selfish? I'm not willing to give up this part of my relationship. How do you apply this to your modern life?

Hi jeremy,
There's a lot of rubbish written on the web and elsewhere concerning this point. The truth is, you don't have to 'become' anything in order to practice meditation. You certainly don't need to be celibate or renounced. Let's face it, if we were all perfect and holier-than-thou already, we wouldn't need any spiritual instructions.

I really identify with your motivation to engage in the Buddhist path. You wrote:
"I'm looking to let go of the things that cause heart ache in my life, past and present. I don't want to worry or become so attached to my "things" that it controls my daily activities. I've also harbored ill feelings and grudges towards other people that I would like to leave behind. I guess what I'm saying is I want to "cleanse" myself."

That is superb and is born of a heart-felt need. More than enough, as you have identified the problem and you are looking for a solution. Check the links that Aloka-D provided. I cultivate anapanasati myself (mindfulness of the breath). It's very simple but very effective.

Whatever you do, don't listen to anyone who tells you that you first need to cultivate virtuous states of mind or have some kind of blessing or be the owner of some rare dharma objects or master a long-dead language.

You've already got everything you need to get started.

Namaste
Kris