Any Buddhists or people interested in Buddhism?

[Iris65]

I learned about Buddhism when I was at university as one of my lecturers was a Buddhist. Then I had a colleague who introduced me to a Buddhist Centre near where I live. For a few years I went every week and did a lot of reading and practice. I found it really beneficial and would love to discuss Buddhist ideas and practice on MN.

[SentientCushion]

Oh like an online sangha, how lovely! I'm in.

I've been really enjoying listening to the secular Buddhism podcast if you're looking for more things to look at.

[Iris65]

I will definately have a look at the podcast. Thanks.
Do you do any Buddhist practices regularly?
My meditation practice has almost stopped completely so I am aiming to start again. I do chant the Medicine Buddha mantra regularly though.

[kristine007]

I'm quite newish to Buddhism but I find it most enjoyable and beneficial practice. I'd love to have some Buddhist buddies :)
Also, does anyone know of Buddhism lessons or any kid friendly activities in London?

[plinkyplonkydappledonkey]

Hi! I've been trying to practice Buddhism for 3 years now. I was curious in my teens but life took over but now at 45 I have more time and space to continue my journey into Buddhism.
A fantastic place to start is with Ajahn Brahm. He's on YouTube, his lessons are wonderful and his guided meditations are very helpful. He's a British Theravada monk with the Western Australia Buddhist society.
He is so very human. He's also going to be in the UK this year as he is involved in opening a women's monastery so worth seeing if you can.

[Iris65]

Oh yes Ajahn Brahm! He is Theravadan which is the same branch as our local centre. The Ajahn at the Warwick centre was also trained by Ajhan Chah.
A women's monastery sounds really interesting.

I think there's lots going on in London. I know that the Buddhist Society is London based. Apart from that I can't help!

I am trying (and failing!) to re-establish my meditation practice and have got as far as rediscovering my cushion which had been in storgae while we moved house! I am also trying to practice right speech - which is a huge challenge for me - and seems important for my practice.

How is everyone else doing?

[PinkPeppers]

Oh thats interesting.

Well Im at the same in than you OP. Im starting my practice again, even though I am more or less only self taught as there was only one centre near me and i never got on with the one monk that was there.

My practice is often based on Thich Nha Han books with mantras and breathing meditation.
Im also using an app (Insight timer) that has a lovely timer as well as numerous guided meditations.

I would love to know some chanting!

[Iris65]

I learned a couple of chants from Deva Premal's CDs. She's not Buddhist but the chants are and they are beautiful. Embrace is my favourite album, but I also have The Essence. She does chants and mantras from around the world.
The chant I do all of the time is Teyata.
Visiting this thread this morning has reminded me of my intentions about Buddhist practice for today

[Justjibberish]

Maybe slightly off topic, but there's a really interesting free course on Coursera "Buddhism and Modern Psychology". Here

[Ana999]

I'm interested in buddhism too and have been to a Buddhist meditation meeting in Southampton. I'm planning to continue. Those youtube videos look interesting.
What does 'practice right speech' mean? Iris mentioned that.

[Iris65]

It is one of the eightfold path to practice: “Refraining from lying, divisive speech, harsh speech, and meaningless speech.”

It is the biggest challenge for me, although I don't mean that I am good at the other seven! I'm doing my best, but over the years it is right speech which I find hardest.

Here is a link to an article about it: tricycle.org/trikedaily/practice-right-speech-anywhere-anytime-anyone/

[Iris65]

Thanks Just I will have a look at that.

[KoalaDownUnder]

Oh! I've just stumbled across this thread. I am going to hear Ajahn Brahm tonight, as it happens. I'm looking forward to a chilled Friday night of meditation and a talk. 🙏🏼

[Ana999]

Thanks Iris that's a good website.

[Heihei]

I'm very interested in Buddhism. I'm only into the early stages but I'm already feeling really positive. I have anxiety and depression and I've been on medication for a long time. The meditations I've been doing really help me feel calm. I'm going to book on to a twelve week course at our local centre in October. Thanks for starting this thread and posting recommendations, it's extremely helpful.

[Iris65]

And thank you Heihei for your nice post!
Koala I am guessing that you are in Australia if you are lucky enough to see Ajahn Brahm. That is good karma to be near such a good teacher!
Ana Glad that you like the website. The problem I have is the enormous amount of material that is available! I sometimes struggle to stay focussed on one source and end up quite scattered.

I am struggling to meditate at the moment, so am tryiing to practice mindfulness and doing a lot of chanting. I am hoping that when I finish work this week and move into our new house in two weeks I will develop more stability.

How is everyone else doing? What do you do that helps you to settle to a regular practice?

[Heihei]

I've set a little reminder on my phone and I'm getting up an extra 15 mins early to fit my practice in. I've just started listening to Buddhism For Busy People by David Michie and that's what he recommends. It's early days but so far so good (DH is kindly wrangling with ds). Thanks for welcoming me on to the thread, it's really nice to get the opportunity to speak with like minded people! Koala I hope you enjoyed seeing Ajahn Brahm - his you tube channel is really good.

[Iris65]

The alarm in the morning sounds like a good idea. Thanks HeiHei
I am looking forward to having more time for practice having been made redundant. In preparation I watched a couple of youtube documentaries on Zen Buddhism and I really like the idea of being fully present when doing mundane things.

[Ana999]

I've made a quiet space in my bedroom with an altar with some special things, candles etc. And I think it helps having a focus for meditation and for me, for yoga too.

[Mrstumbletap]

I like to consider myself Buddhist in my beliefs after reading the Dalai Lama's the art of happiness about 15 years ago. It changed they way I think about people, the world, everything really.

Since then I have read a lot more of his books, even attended a big conference of his years ago, where he spoke to everyone and answered questions.

I have a little Buddha at work on my desk to try and remind me of the Buddhist way to work.

I don't meditate in the traditional sense, just try and ensure I spend time outside in the garden, beach, woods etc and have lots of quiet time (tricky with a toddler) and spend time on my own just being peaceful.

So if anyone thinks the meditating part is not for them you can still practice a Buddhist way of life without it. As long as you can find time to be calm and peaceful.