Buddhists/Starting

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Expert: - 1/3/2009


Question
I am looking for  help, guidance. I have been educating myself on Buddhism. I am finding that it is something that I have been looking for most of my adult life. But, I am not sure where to start? I almost feel as though I need a teacher or mentor to guide me through the teachings and help me understand. Do you have any suggestions? Any books to read? People to speak with?

Answer
Hi Andrea,
I think I know how you feel - it can be overwhelming. But to even have any suggestions, I think I need to know a bit more. Have you found yourself drawn to any particular type of Buddhism? (They vary a *lot*!) Or to any particular books or teachers even at this stage? And what part of the world are you in? Near any major cities?
Do write back again with more information!

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Alex Wilding

Expertise

I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life. I am also available to provide background information for journalists.

Experience

I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice. I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.

Education/Credentials
My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.

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