Expert: Bodhicitta - 4/8/2009

Question
I am new to Buddhsm and I don't know what types of Buddhism there are which would be best for me? Note I am a teen...

Answer
Hi Kyle,
thanks for your question.
  
<<I am new to Buddhsm and I don't know what types of Buddhism there are which would be best for me? Note I am a teen...>>

It depends a little what you are looking for, and what type of person
you are really. but here is a general answer that might help you.
feel free to send me more information too if you like.

There are tons of different types of Buddhism, it is all somewhat
confusing.

Buddhism started in India 2500 year a go- started by the Sakyamuni
who was disillusioned with religion and his life as a Prince and
headed off to try many different religions of his day to see
if he thought they were really true. He learnt as much as he could
from the religious teachers in India at the time - tried their
teachings out and usually was too bright for them and continued on his way. He finally sat down and meditated on everything he had learnt
and came up with Buddhism.

Buddhism spread from India to all the surrounded countries:
China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet. Buddhism evolved over
time as new teachers added systems of meditation and commetaries
about Buddhism. Buddhism was also translated into those
countries and languages.

More recently Buddhism spread into the West, to Europe to America.
People have translated it, set up new meditation centres
and try and make it work in their culture.

So the question you ask is a good one. Faced with all of this
history and all these different types of Buddhism what should
you do?


I can only give you advice. It really is upto you.

I think the place to start us right back at the beginning of Buddhism.

What was the Buddha aiming to do, what did he find out, how
did he find it out  and how
could you find something useful out for yourself?

The word Buddha - means awake! The Buddha used meditation to
awaken himself to the truth of the world. He was not content
to have someone tell him or to use some hold religious dogma.
He wanted to test the truth out and find it for himself.
I would say this is the main message of Buddhism. Explore your
experience, listen respectfully to what people have to say
- see if it makes sense and then move on. Be a seeker of truth
in everything you do - whether it is sport, study, life, leisure,
sleep, walking , working etc.

In terms of practical suggestions I would suggest:
- Read something of the life of the Buddha - check wikkipedia?
- Read a little about the major systems of Buddhism Zen, Tibetan
Buddhism, Hinduism.
- Create a big list of different systems of meditation available
where you live. Check out Buddhism, Hinduism, Mindfullness,
others?
- Any of the systems of meditation that take your interest
- inquire if they offer a brief introduction to their meditation
system. Visit and afterward write in a journal how you feel about it.
- Do NOT sign up or stick with  any group - move very slowly
and think of the Buddha visiting all these teachers and remaining
true to himself.

I do wish you well with your search.

if you have any questions do feel free to send them to me.

Bodhicitta