Re: New found Buddhist

[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Deshunna) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> If any out there is reading this i need help and maybe a buddhist pen
> pal. I've been a vegiterian for two weeks now, started meditating. I'm
> young and the rest of my family are strict christians. They seem to be
> alright with it, but my father doesn't say much to me anymore.I would
> like to learn Sanskrit or Pali maybe both, but one at a time. Mail me
> back i'm open to any advise. I would like to fit into a group, i
> haven't made up my mind yet! Theravada, Mahayana, but i'm not to keen
> on Zen. I read a book that said Theravada is the only religious group
> that doesn't bow to shrines, which i don't believe in strongly. I have
> researched alot on Buddhism as a whole.
> As the Buddha said
> 'Don't follow the words of one man, go out and ask questions until the
> heart is content.' So that's what i'll do.

Whatever happens continue your meditation practice.

As far as your family I've found people accept what you are doing if
you continue to accept what they are doing. This takes some time of
course but if you're persistantly compassionate and open minded about
what others believe and the way they act, they will at some point have
a very difficult time not reflecting that back to you.

You might want to find a local group that engages in Buddhist
meditiation of some kind, some people find it easier to practice
within the framework of a group, and in any case having experienced
practioners available will accelerate your learning and your increase
and enhance your abilities as well as helping you to clarify where you
need to be.

I wouldn't worry about the bowing thing too much, Asians bow to each
other as a sign of respect, as opposed to submission. Particularly in
the case of Buddhism where your own experience is paramount,
submission is crucial, but not to another, nor to an idol.

All the best.