Ideas & Opinions Entering a monastery
- Thread starter Gard
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In the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, June 11th this year will be Saga Dawa Duchen, their most holy and auspicious day, the day on which Buddha's birth, death, and enlightenment are observed. If you have an interest in Tibetan Buddhism, that might be a good day to begin your journey.
@Gard I think there will probably be some events that you could join via Zoom
@Gard I think there will probably be some events that you could join via Zoom
To answer your question can be complicated because Buddhism is divided into different sects. Consequently, some may differ with others as to approaches to enlightenment. But not to the extent that Christianity does with their denominations by insisting that the others will wind up in Hell. In fact, the Evangelicals insist that all the Buddhists will wind up in Hell, which is of course stupid nonsense to me.
The big difference in Buddhism is that Buddhists may differ but they don't condemn others to Hell. Buddhists respect differences.
Some Buddhists differ with me when I say I believe in the lesson, "Everything happens for a reason." Why I believe in that is because it makes me accept any pain that happens to me. The statement "Everything happens for a reason" makes it easier for me to accept pain.
When pain happens, a weak-person would say "Why me?" But a Buddhist would say "What can I learn from this?" Whenever one suffers setbacks and the door closes, one has to look for a New door that opens. Many don't see the New door because they are too clouded by their emotions. OR they expect the problem to be solved in a particular way so they don't see another solution.
As the quotation goes, "Without rain, there would be no rainbows." Sometimes suffering can be good luck in disguise. I know because it happened to me.
You said that you meditate. Which kind? Is it zazen or walking meditation?
The big difference in Buddhism is that Buddhists may differ but they don't condemn others to Hell. Buddhists respect differences.
Some Buddhists differ with me when I say I believe in the lesson, "Everything happens for a reason." Why I believe in that is because it makes me accept any pain that happens to me. The statement "Everything happens for a reason" makes it easier for me to accept pain.
When pain happens, a weak-person would say "Why me?" But a Buddhist would say "What can I learn from this?" Whenever one suffers setbacks and the door closes, one has to look for a New door that opens. Many don't see the New door because they are too clouded by their emotions. OR they expect the problem to be solved in a particular way so they don't see another solution.
As the quotation goes, "Without rain, there would be no rainbows." Sometimes suffering can be good luck in disguise. I know because it happened to me.
You said that you meditate. Which kind? Is it zazen or walking meditation?
I voted Maybe yes for a similar reason. Christian one, not so much. I guess you could say I'm a bit of a lapsed Buddhist, I was really into the practice and meditation for a good few years but really lost my way. More of a secular sect than the Tibetans etc, sort of a mix of Zen and Theravada.... I miss my Buddhist practice, finding it hard to restart but it's hard to learn how to swim again when you're already drowning and forgot all the strokes.... I might see if there are any talks or groups on near me, I used to enjoy day retreats.....
You might be able to offer me some advice.
I understand what you said in the post, about one door closing and another door opening. However, I am struggling so much to let go. One of the main reasons I'm holding on to life is that I'm trying to have hope that my ex will want to see me again and we can sort things out. But as time goes on, and that's not happening, I'm just feeling worse.
She's the only relationship I've had and I'm nearly 50, we were in a relationship of one form or another for 26 years, she was my life.
My brain wont stop and I keep going around in circles in my mind and I feel completely crushed and I miss her so much. The idea of letting her go, just makes me want to let me go forever.
I practice Zazen on a cushion, but not as much as I should be. I think maybe the first thing to do, is try and meditate everyday.
I understand what you said in the post, about one door closing and another door opening. However, I am struggling so much to let go. One of the main reasons I'm holding on to life is that I'm trying to have hope that my ex will want to see me again and we can sort things out. But as time goes on, and that's not happening, I'm just feeling worse.
She's the only relationship I've had and I'm nearly 50, we were in a relationship of one form or another for 26 years, she was my life.
My brain wont stop and I keep going around in circles in my mind and I feel completely crushed and I miss her so much. The idea of letting her go, just makes me want to let me go forever.
I practice Zazen on a cushion, but not as much as I should be. I think maybe the first thing to do, is try and meditate everyday.
