Any Buddhists around?

[HappyHoppyHippy]

I am not one, but have been reading lots of books. Was going to go to my local centre but it closed down. I have always felt an affinity to it, and just wondered of anyone else had a similar experience? Or regarded themselves as Buddhist? Thanks

Hi Happy - I regard myself as a Buddhist - well, more of someone who follows some of the core teachings as best I can. I sit with a class that is part of the Samatha Trust - a lay organisation (with links to Thailand) that teaches breathing meditation and daily mindfulness. I have also been to a Chinese Buddhist temple and have found some modern spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle to be very helpful. The core essence of buddhism is hard to get from books (I read loads before finding a good teacher). Essentially it is training the mind to be aware of itself, i.e. seeing that you are not the thoughts you have, but the awareness around/behind them and that everything in life comes and goes and is a constant state of change. Meditation and mindfulness (or more correctly, watching thoughts using your awareness) helps us to understand this and it reduces a lot of stress, anger, anxiety and tension. A lot of the classic textbooks go into a lot of detail about the 4 Noble Truths (which make some types of people think buddhism is pessimistic - which it isn't) and a lot of complex theory. Hope that helps, good luck !

Thankyou so much for the reply. It makes perfect sense. I have looked at weekend retreats and may start there

No problem Happy ! Weekend retreats might be a bit heavy going from the outset, but I do recommend finding a meditation group to sit with regularly. It is easier to meditate in the presence of others and you will benefit from some sound instruction/guidance. There are many groups out there, I have sat with a couple and ended up staying with the Samatha Trust guys, but it really is a case of finding what works for you. Good luck with it !