Saturday, February 13, 2016

Answer by Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena for I would like to become Buddhist

I've heard that they don't belive in any god.

I've heard that they don't believe in any god.

It depends on what you mean by God. Buddhism does not have the concept of a almighty, creator (deism), sustainer, creator plus sustainer (theism), destroyer, everlasting god but does mention Deva are celestial being / deity but which sometimes translated perhaps loosely or incorrectly into English as gods.

How can I get into buddhism?

Why don't you 1st take a course at a meditation centre. You can locate a centre close to you here: http://ift.tt/1tGrLK8, http://ift.tt/1of2482, http://ift.tt/1irjSoI

What kind of books do you recommend to read for starters?

Start with In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Teachings of the Buddha) Edited and introduced by Bhikkhu Bodhi

Can I be a Buddhist without joining any community?

Anybody walking the path (The Noble 8 Fold Path) with a view to come out of stress and lamination can be considered a Buddhist. It will be helpful if you are part of a community as it can help you with learning and practice. But also if you join the wrong community it can be decremental.

Is there any kind of "secular" Buddhism?

Secular Buddhism as in the west may have gone too far in re integrating Buddhism but inherently Buddhism is secular. Also see answers to this question on Secularized Buddhism

I would like to learn about their vision of life without making any rituals. Is that possible?

Buddhism does have culture which has developed around it and the cultural significance change from country to country. There are not Rights and Rituals in Buddhism itself.



from http://ift.tt/211Yqfx - User Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena - Buddhism Stack Exchange (http://ift.tt/1NMLzIc) by Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena (http://ift.tt/1ZwZIP2)

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