[duawLauff]

Hello, I'm new to this. I've read a few things about the life of Buddha and I found it interesting. I was wondering if there are collections of sayings of the Buddha. Or maybe some books for beginners, audiobooks would be nice, as I prefer not to stare into the monitor for hours. By the way, I don't believe in reincarnation, does Buddhism make any sense without it? I'm an atheist.

I've read "The Buddha, his life and teachings" - Piyadassi Thera, "Scientific acceptability of rebirth", "Siddhartha" - Herman Hesse, "How to see yourself as you really are" - Dalai Lama

I'd like to know the difference between Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, a link to material explaining this would be enough.

[Alina20100]

Hello i86e2,

Be welcome to BWB,

We have some resources so to get started with the teachings of Buddha. Have a look at the Buddhism for Beginners Forum Index where you can find a couple of good readings:

"On the Four Noble Truths: Tamara Engle and "What is Buddhism?"

Also we have the Study-Links section where are reliable web pages about Buddhism.

"Access to Insight" is a very recomendable collection about the discourses of Buddha.

[vekiuytyh]

Welcome i86e2!

Its fine if you don't believe in reincarnation, you can still practice the Buddha's core teachings.

As well as the resources in the Beginners forum mentioned by Kaarine,

You might like to look at 'Theravada-Mahayana Buddhism'

http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries...ayana-Buddhism

For a general overview of Buddhism, there's a study guide at the Buddhanet site:

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/index.htm

If you like to listen to audio teachings, there are lots to choose from at this site, as well as free books:

http://forestsanghapublications.org/


and we have some other study and meditation links in the Study Links area near the bottom of the main page.


with kind wishes,

Aloka

[DoctorWeryDolt]

Buddhism makes plenty of sense without reincarnation. I'm an atheist buddhist and I'm pretty sure there are others on this site.

[alskdjreyfd]

Thank you for all your information and material. I've read "On the Four Noble Truths: Tamara Engle" and "What is Buddhism?", I've downloaded "Handbook for mankind", I'll try to read as much as I can from all the material you linked to. I know that Buddhism is about action, but I like to read. I wish you all the best.

[Gozmand]

I know that Buddhism is about action, but I like to read.

Hi i86e2,

It seems to me that reading is an action, like everything else we choose to do.

It's a good thing to do, to investigate all aspects of Buddhism. Then you are in a better position to decide how to proceed, to decide what are the right steps for you.

PS I don't subscribe to the reincarnation theory, either!

Good luck.

[suilusargaino]

As to the issue of reincarnation, I'm agnostic about it. If it happens, well that's fine. It's another chance to live life and see a world, I wouldn't otherwise see. If it doesn't happen, oh well there isn't much I can do about it then.

[GotActichwicy]

By the way, I don't believe in reincarnation, does Buddhism make any sense without it? I'm an atheist.

welcome friend

the primary purpose of Buddhism is to bring freedom from suffering for human beings

suffering arises in many forms or around many situations, for example, death

for those that can accommodate impermanence & the selflessness of natural life, death will not lead to suffering for their mind & heart

but for others, to believe in reincarnation/rebirth can help reduce suffering concerning death

belief in reincarnation can also help people avoid the suffering of self-harm by encouraging the practise of good karma

but if the benefits of good karma can be seen with wisdom, there is no need to believe in reincarnation to develop good (harmless) karma

in its transcendent path (lokuttara), buddhism does not teach reincarnation belief as the means to extinguish mental suffering

kind regards

[space-on-s]

I've downloaded "Handbook for mankind"

hi

if interested in Buddhadasa, my opinion is talks such as Buddhadhamma For Students and Two Kinds of Language are easy to read

http://dhammatalks.net/ has alot of reading. when i began buddhism i personally tended towards teachers such as Buddhadasa & Ajahn Sumedho

Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo has some simple easy to read works

kind regards