How do I 'get started'? - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**Kliopeion** · 03-11-2012, 04:07 PM

Please excuse me if this seems like a naive question but I am a bit daunted by the prospect of walking into a buddhist centre in case I do the wrong thing or don't understand enough. I have visited a wonderful centre which is about an hours drive from me but that is a huge house with a cafe, gift shop etc and didn't feel too daunting as there were lots of visitors there-what concerns me is going to an actual meditation session or something as I worry it might feel like walking into someone's place of worship and everyone else knowing what to do but me! Well I did say it sounded naive but this is actually stopping me from taking my interest any further, I would really hate to make a mistake and do something clumsy. Any advice please....?
Joan

**Biassasecumma** · 03-11-2012, 05:27 PM

Hi Joan,

Don't worry too much about it, if they have an office or reception area just explain that you're new and ask what to do! I'm sure people will be helpful and friendly.

Do you know which Buddhist tradition the centre is connected to? Its sometimes a good idea to do a little research on the internet about it beforehand too.

In the meantime, you might like to read an excellent explanation of "What is Buddhism" and click on the MP3 at the top of the page to listen to Bhante Vimalaramsi as you read the transcript.

http://www.dhammasukha.org/Study/Tal...T-MAR03-TS.htm

with kind wishes,

Aloka

**stadiaKab** · 03-11-2012, 09:27 PM

Hello Joan,

Be welcome to BWB!

My advice is to ask and tell you are new and you want to know or learn how things work there. When I first attended a dojo -zen hall for meditation- I was told in a very friendly way what to do and what not to do.

Don't worry... people in most of those places tend to be very kind having a new member!

**Chubrehege** · 03-11-2012, 10:24 PM

In my expeareance Newcommers have always been welcome at the Buddhist Centers that I have been too.

You might want to ck in with the ones near you to see if there are beginers classes that you can be part of.

All the Best,

Dan

**ansarigf** · 03-11-2012, 11:13 PM

Thank you everyone for your kind words and reassurance. I know we have quite a few centres in my home city - I will read a bit more about each of them. Thank you Aloka for the link to the information, I will read that this evening,

warm wishes to you all,
Joan

03-11-2012, 04:07 PM	#1
Kliopeion Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 400 Senior Member	How do I 'get started'? Please excuse me if this seems like a naive question but I am a bit daunted by the prospect of walking into a buddhist centre in case I do the wrong thing or don't understand enough. I have visited a wonderful centre which is about an hours drive from me but that is a huge house with a cafe, gift shop etc and didn't feel too daunting as there were lots of visitors there-what concerns me is going to an actual meditation session or something as I worry it might feel like walking into someone's place of worship and everyone else knowing what to do but me! Well I did say it sounded naive but this is actually stopping me from taking my interest any further, I would really hate to make a mistake and do something clumsy. Any advice please....? Joan Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
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03-11-2012, 05:27 PM	#2
Biassasecumma Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 740 Senior Member	Hi Joan, Don't worry too much about it, if they have an office or reception area just explain that you're new and ask what to do! I'm sure people will be helpful and friendly. Do you know which Buddhist tradition the centre is connected to? Its sometimes a good idea to do a little research on the internet about it beforehand too. In the meantime, you might like to read an excellent explanation of "What is Buddhism" and click on the MP3 at the top of the page to listen to Bhante Vimalaramsi as you read the transcript. http://www.dhammasukha.org/Study/Tal...T-MAR03-TS.htm with kind wishes, Aloka Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

03-11-2012, 09:27 PM	#3
stadiaKab Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 422 Senior Member	Hello Joan, Be welcome to BWB! My advice is to ask and tell you are new and you want to know or learn how things work there. When I first attended a dojo -zen hall for meditation- I was told in a very friendly way what to do and what not to do. Don't worry... people in most of those places tend to be very kind having a new member! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

03-11-2012, 10:24 PM	#4
Chubrehege Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 485 Senior Member	In my expeareance Newcommers have always been welcome at the Buddhist Centers that I have been too. You might want to ck in with the ones near you to see if there are beginers classes that you can be part of. All the Best, Dan Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

03-11-2012, 11:13 PM	#5
ansarigf Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 359 Senior Member	Thank you everyone for your kind words and reassurance. I know we have quite a few centres in my home city - I will read a bit more about each of them. Thank you Aloka for the link to the information, I will read that this evening, warm wishes to you all, Joan Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

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