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**boltondd** · 06-23-2011, 02:47 AM

Is the 'Handbook of Mankind' a good place to start with regard to the Buddha's teaching?

IMO, it is an excellent starting point.

Thich Nhat Hanh has the right idea of taking the best from both traditions, but it still isn't really sitting well for me.

You are not alone with this. Maybe Christ and Buddha are Dhamma brothers. That is OK. But I chose Buddha. Fits well with my temper. Now, as a personal opinion, Thich's teachings have the disadvantage that they demand to be with his personal kind of sangha or group of followers. He has developed a very unique way of practice that you will not find everywhere.

About the church or bible study group, do not force yourself to be into a group that will not support the teachings of the historical Buddha or that do not see similarities at all.

The teachings of the historical Buddha are suitable everywhere for everybody in any part of the world. In the country where I live Aasha, Buddhism is not developed; also is underdeveloped. We have very few, if any, traditions or approaches to explore thoroughly. I approach a Soto group with which I learnt Zazen. But I have approached the teachings of the historical Buddha alone and coming to this forum to learn and participate about them. Here are members that have a good understanding of them with which you can learn about.

The day I get in touch with the Pali teachings, it was a very important day in my life. An absolute breakthrough. For my first time, looking at the teachings of the historical Buddha, embracing them, I didn't felt alone. A confirmation of what I have ever intuited. A kind of certainty was born in my heart. A kind of confidence that I never felt when I was entangled with other teachings and other teachers.

Also I think that to go through the Pali teachings, the guidance offered by many of the Thai Forest Tradition teachers is just great. But the very best teacher is the Buddha.

As anything in this business... explore, be focused, go thoroughly and take your decision. There are many traditions out there. Chose the most appropriate one for you. And yes! look within for support and guidance until a sangha "finds you".

06-23-2011, 02:47 AM	#9
boltondd Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 432 Senior Member	Is the 'Handbook of Mankind' a good place to start with regard to the Buddha's teaching? IMO, it is an excellent starting point. Thich Nhat Hanh has the right idea of taking the best from both traditions, but it still isn't really sitting well for me. You are not alone with this. Maybe Christ and Buddha are Dhamma brothers. That is OK. But I chose Buddha. Fits well with my temper. Now, as a personal opinion, Thich's teachings have the disadvantage that they demand to be with his personal kind of sangha or group of followers. He has developed a very unique way of practice that you will not find everywhere. About the church or bible study group, do not force yourself to be into a group that will not support the teachings of the historical Buddha or that do not see similarities at all. The teachings of the historical Buddha are suitable everywhere for everybody in any part of the world. In the country where I live Aasha, Buddhism is not developed; also is underdeveloped. We have very few, if any, traditions or approaches to explore thoroughly. I approach a Soto group with which I learnt Zazen. But I have approached the teachings of the historical Buddha alone and coming to this forum to learn and participate about them. Here are members that have a good understanding of them with which you can learn about. The day I get in touch with the Pali teachings, it was a very important day in my life. An absolute breakthrough. For my first time, looking at the teachings of the historical Buddha, embracing them, I didn't felt alone. A confirmation of what I have ever intuited. A kind of certainty was born in my heart. A kind of confidence that I never felt when I was entangled with other teachings and other teachers. Also I think that to go through the Pali teachings, the guidance offered by many of the Thai Forest Tradition teachers is just great. But the very best teacher is the Buddha. As anything in this business... explore, be focused, go thoroughly and take your decision. There are many traditions out there. Chose the most appropriate one for you. And yes! look within for support and guidance until a sangha "finds you".
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