To: Grainne who wrote (23686 ) 7/16/1998 10:06:00 AM From: Craig Richards Read Replies (1) | Respond to
Christine, I was fortunate to meet a Christian mystic who introduced me to Buddhism. I think that was a much better introduction than going to a group meeting where everyone kneels and chants together. So, if you haven't met any mystics lately, and if you're turned off by together action, then the best options are to find a good book or go to a good dharma talk. There are many books on Buddhism, and without knowing you well it's hard for me to figure out which one would be best for you. I can recommend 2 good books that helped introduce me to Buddhism - "How To Meditate" by Kathleen McDonald and "Wisdom Energy" by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Both are published by Wisdom Publications of Boston. It's been a long time since I read the book "If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him", but it's probably a good introduction to Buddhism for those who distrust authority. I've read Tricycle in the past, and have never been impressed by it. I like the magazine of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship much more, it's called Turning Wheel. The editor of Turning Wheel, Susan Moon, wrote a very funny book on Zen called The Life and Letters of Tofu Roshi. The back cover says "Many teachers in their pride, vainly boast that they know nothing, but it is Tofu alone who has truly succeeded in achiving total ignorance." The book contains an appendix on How to Give up Self-Improvement.Is this a way of life that can be absorbed a little at a time and still be practical and beneficial?
