[kertionderf]

So for the past year I've been thinking about becoming a Buddhist, just recently I have been looking up on it more and I'm a little overwhelmed by all of this information. I joined this forum to ask someone because I don't know any Buddhists and there aren't any temples nearby and I don't have a way to get to one. I really want to find out everything because I don't want to just rush into this.

1. I read somewhere that Buddhists must not abstain from singing, dancing, music and entertainment and wearing any form of jewelry, perfumes, or any adornments that is used to beautify yourself. Is this true? Or do they just mean not in excess?

2. What are the main differences between Mahayana and Theravada? And how do I choose which one I want to be?

3. What is the difference between the Buddha that sits in sort of a meditation pose and the Buddha with the round belly and a smile?

4. Buddhist prayer beads, do you need them? Can you make them yourself? If so do they NEED to be 100% real, such as real turquoise or real amethyst?

5. Lastly, what is your advice on learning all this new information? I am a bit overwhelmed. I have read up on it before but I'm getting a little more in depth and it is just a lot to process.

[DrKirkNoliss]

Welcome singingpotato,

I have moved your questions to the 'Discovering Buddha's Teachings' forum because 'New Member Welcome and Introductions' is just for people to introduce themselves to the group.

In answer to your questions:

1. I think you're getting rules for monks and nuns confused with laypeople. There are the 5 precepts for lay Buddhists and these are:

.
1. I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.

2. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.

3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.

4. I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.

5. I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/d...pancasila.html

[megasprut]

No 2: There's an article about Theravada and Mahayana pinned at the start of the topics in our General Buddhist Discussions forum which might be helpful:

http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries...=3990#post3990

You could also check the Buddhist studies section at Buddhanet.

http://www.buddhanet.net/

how do I choose which one I want to be? Through investigation and visiting some Buddhist centres.


3. The statue in meditation posture is usually the historical Buddha

The fat laughing statue is not the Buddha, its Hotai

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budai

4. Depends on the tradition. Prayer beads aren't necessary for everyone and wood or seeds are fine.

5. The best thing to do is to study the Buddha's core teachings of The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold path which are/should be the basis of all traditions.

You can find some information about them pinned at the beginning of the topics in this 'Discovering Buddha's Teachings' forum.


Kind regards

Aloka

[iioijjjkkojhbb]

Welcome singingpotato,

I have moved your questions to the 'Discovering Buddha's Teachings' forum because 'New Member Welcome and Introductions' is just for people to introduce themselves to the group.

In answer to your questions:

1. I think you're getting rules for monks and nuns confused with laypeople. There are the 5 precepts for lay Buddhists and these are:

I think you are right. So basically all I need to do is follow the 5 Precepts?

[Aluback]

Hi Singingpotato

precepts are the rules/guidelines for lay Buddhist but you have also the all the teachings you should read and understand )

The thinker

[russmodel]

1. I read somewhere that Buddhists must not abstain from singing, dancing, music and entertainment and wearing any form of jewelry, perfumes, or any adornments that is used to beautify yourself. Is this true? Or do they just mean not in excess?

2. What are the main differences between Mahayana and Theravada? And how do I choose which one I want to be?

3. What is the difference between the Buddha that sits in sort of a meditation pose and the Buddha with the round belly and a smile?

4. Buddhist prayer beads, do you need them? Can you make them yourself? If so do they NEED to be 100% real, such as real turquoise or real amethyst?

5. Lastly, what is your advice on learning all this new information? I am a bit overwhelmed. I have read up on it before but I'm getting a little more in depth and it is just a lot to process.

welcome

1. This rule is for those who voluntary choose to train under the 8 precepts, 10 precepts and 227 precepts (see link)

2. Mahayana has a strong emphasis on devotion towards gurus (teachers) and Bodhisattvas (angels). Theravada is more dry, focused on individual practise. However, within these traditions, there are also many variations. You choose what suits your disposition & temperament

3. The fat belly, i believe, is not actually a Buddha, but a Chinese folklore deity (see link)

4. Prayer beads are generally used in Mahayana

5. Again, you can only define your needs & then chose the information suitable for your needs, disposition & temperament

Best wishes

[VardyCodarexyz]

Hello,
it´s better doing your studies in basic literature and that is nearest to the original speeches and discussions of Gotamo Buddho.
This is the Pali-Canon and up to now there are good transcritions in English language. You better start with the longer collection,
the Dighanikayo.
Best to practice is the Eightfold Path. Do study and practice. It´s been approved by millions of people already and i tried it out succesfully too.

anando

[johobuo]

You better start with the longer collection, the Dighanikayo.

Any reason why?

Imo, if a beginner to Buddhism starts reading the suttanta, it is better to start with something like the anguttara nikaya, which has short suttas, simple to read and more forced on the laity.

[freediscountplanrrxip]

My advice to anyone thinking of practicing Buddhism is to do as the Buddha did and learn how to meditate. Once we get used to looking into our own mind for the answers we can really start to benefit from the teachings of the Buddha. Keeping the five precepts for a lay person will be of great help to your practice of meditation.