Buddhism

[BlueSam]

For those of you based in the Motherland, Manchester Buddhist Centre is very good indeed.

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk/</a>

I looked at going to one of their beginners classes, but it said I had to bring some vegetarian food to share with everyone, I can barely make a brew so it put me off.

 

[johnny on the spot]

For those of you based in the Motherland, Manchester Buddhist Centre is very good indeed.

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk/</a>

I looked at going to one of their beginners classes, but it said I had to bring some vegetarian food to share with everyone, I can barely make a brew so it put me off.

Don't be put off mate. They might have a few PR issues, but the Buddhists are cool as fuck.

 

[mammutly]

I looked at going to one of their beginners classes, but it said I had to bring some vegetarian food to share with everyone, I can barely make a brew so it put me off.

Don't be put off mate. They might have a few PR issues, but the Buddhists are cool as fuck.

They are indeed. Just friendly people who will be pleased to see you - food or not. And there is no hard sell or any indoctrination type shit.

 

[vincent]

I looked at going to one of their beginners classes, but it said I had to bring some vegetarian food to share with everyone, I can barely make a brew so it put me off.

Don't be put off mate. They might have a few PR issues, but the Buddhists are cool as fuck.

Really... I went there for a few years and it had a deeply negative effect on me.

Have a read of this...

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.fwbo-files.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.fwbo-files.com/</a>

 

[robsta]

Now me being a soft arse, I normally get roped into buying rubbish from street sellers because they talk me into it and I feel sorry for them. A Buddhist group were on Market ST today and one caught me whilst walking past for a quick chat. He offered me a book about Buddhism for a read (VEDA, Secrets From The East) for free but I could donate £3 or £4 for the printing if I wanted as they don't sell the books because they're Buddhist's (he only mentioned this when I had it in hand!). So anyway, short story is I got roped into buying another thing from a street seller which I have a no use for.


Anyway, having checked it out I think I'll give it a read. It actually looks quite interesting. Now I'm not someone for religion at all so I'll just be reading it to check what they're all about etc.

Anyone a Buddhist or find that area interesting? Like I said, I'll give it a read... may aswell.

I've got a mate who I've known for years who became a Buddhist a few years back. He'd had a pretty tough life but Buddhism really seems to have picked him up. I did a long trip with him recently and spent most of the it listening to him talk about it. Not preaching it to me, only because I asked. Very interesting stuff and meant to take up his offer of books to read on it. Only thing that disturbed me was his thoughts on going off to live in a monastery and giving everything up. He wasn't messing either. Disturbing because he has a lovely wife and lovely kids but he said they didn't need him.

 

[johnny on the spot]

The criticism's fair, as a linchpin of Buddhism is that worldly attachment is a root of our suffering. That includes wife/husband, kids, City, friends and family, job, everything. But meditation works. It's a brilliant strategy for tackling depression, anxiety and stress.

 

[robsta]

.........Only thing that disturbed me was his thoughts on going off to live in a monastery and giving everything up. He wasn't messing either. Disturbing because he has a lovely wife and lovely kids but he said they didn't need him.

This wasn't meant as criticism of Buddhism, just an observation. Was just disturbing to me because I know his wife and kids as well.

 

[the--dud]

I'm not at all a Buddhist but I like the idea. The concept of everything in the universe being one and interconnected is quite amazing - especially in light of quantum physics and other higher physics. It's all very mind blowing.

As others have said meditation does "work". I say it "works" but really there is no goal to it. It's very calming and it collects your thoughts.
Don't think you have to sit in a very specific way or listen to stupid nature sound or such. The only thing that matters is your breathing and state of mind.

I find the idea that there's no point to life quite liberating as it means you can just get on with trying to live your life in the best way you can - for yourself and others.

 

[ElanJo]

Buddhism is amateur philosophy.

If you want to start a journey of the mind, start with Socrates.

 

[jamiegrimble]

It can only do well, its core is peace.
The nearest I ever got to Eastern philosophy was seeing Kwai Chang Caine about 1972 who was raised as a Shaolin monk. From what I can remember of him, he was the most peaceful person that ever walked the earth. He would basically run away if there was any kind of trouble, not for his own safety but for the safety of his enemy. Caine's training involved both armed and unarmed combat. Humble, intelligent, inquisitive, and usually very softly-spoken, skilled in herbalism and healing.Decent role model IMO.