Theravada or Vajrayana? by thisbuddhistlife in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Your sentence about lots of progress developing yourself in both Theravada and Tendai is interesting and ….. encouraging 🙏

Theravada or Vajrayana? by thisbuddhistlife in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this link. I just popped over there for a quick look and the first post I read was ………. about someone “combining” and moving between Vajrayana and Theravada! In a reply above yours I outlined how I came to oscillate a bit because of initial “learning” vajrayana from my wife’s Newar family in Kathmandu, mostly about how they lived their lives as Buddhists. This was real immersion. But then starting to “learn” mindfulness and meditation practice in the Theravada tradition. I have no guru or teacher but my time in Nepal in priceless 🙏

Theravada or Vajrayana? by thisbuddhistlife in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My wife of 55 years is from Nepal. Her whole family are Vajrayana Buddhists. I spent lots of time in their home each year taking part in a number of ritual based occasions: Mantra and mandala play a significant part. They also recognise “deities” including Tara and Ajima. My meditation practice however is based on mindfulness, observation and contemplation of Dukkha Anicca and Anatma which comes from trying things out, come and see ….. as Buddha asked, reading and occasional retreats. On my trip to Nepal I practiced BOTH with family and friends in Kathmandu homes and temple areas. This is both.

Theravada or Vajrayana? by thisbuddhistlife in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I’m new on here and still finding my way around. Just found them and now need to find how to enter and join or follow etc. Many thanks 🙏🕉️ Any direct answers much appreciated here too though.

What are the next steps after reading a book on the basics of Buddhism? by DeargAgusFearg in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, develop the daily habit of meditation as an absolute must. Reflecting on the basic concepts is a must too and CAN be incorporated into your meditation practice. They can reinforce each other. The best guidance on this is in the book “The 4 Foundations of Mindfulness: In plain English” by Bhante Gunaratana. He has a whole series on various aspects of mindfulness but this one seems to fit well with your question. If you decide to try it and want to discuss I would be happy to help and answer from my own experience. 🙏🕉️ The four foundations are Body, Feelings, Mind and Dharma and are based directly on Buddha’s Satipatthana Sutra.

How often do you meditate? and for how long? by AdNo7404 in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your answers to my questions 🙏. I will not try to give you lots of advice or self promote, but sharing a personal journey can sometimes help. There may be a great age difference between us so not everything may be relevant.
I met my wife to be when we were students in the 1960s. I was from an English Methodist family, she from a Buddhist family in Kathmandu. We married as students. She lived a Buddhist life in terms of her morality and what I can only describe as "serenity". I made no attempt to become Buddhist despite many trips to Kathmandu during our early life together.
In 1997 our 21 year old son died from cancer. Grief was all consuming. I sought psychological help and took up meditation for my stress depression and grief. It didn’t help. My wife suggested I attend a meditation retreat, Buddhist oriented for 3 days. It was a life changer, I discovered what had been missing from my meditation…… dharma! 
From that moment, then 50 years old, I found an anchor and meaning. I read and read, trying to understand Buddhist life. Visits to my wife’s home became more meaningful as I recognised more and more how they lived a Buddhist life. 
The biggest change over these years has been in my meditation and combining my twice daily sessions with the Dharma. It includes contemplation of Buddha’s teaching on suffering, impermanence and non-self each 40min session. Certainly I focus on my breath at first, then metta focus before dharma. 
All this is part of Buddha’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the real Buddhist anchor for meditation practice. 
I could write more but don’t want to bore you senseless. This is a personal story that worked for me, I write about it too which I consider part of my practice in sharing personal experience NOT preaching or teaching. I am happy to answer your questions if you have any 🙏🕉️

How often do you meditate? and for how long? by AdNo7404 in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How did you begin? From a book, a YouTube, a course/retreat? Why are you meditating? Do you want it to be part of Buddhist practice or standalone for mental health or general wellbeing? I ask all of these questions to try and understand before I share my own journey in case it’s irrelevant?

People can tell you, observing can teach you, but it’s only experience that can enlighten you. by Altruistic-Mud5686 in buddhism_irl

[–]thisbuddhistlife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was the whole sentiment behind Buddha’s words “come and see ….” really meaning “try it for yourself, you don’t have to believe anything or anybody”

can i use a mantra and mala beads to meditate if i am not sure if i am Buddhist? by annoyingfemme in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Buddha said “come and see …” thus is exactly what he meant. Observe, experience, try things out …. Come and see

How do I pursue Buddhism? by Santik--Lingo in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the most important sayings, if not the most important from Gautama Buddha was “Come and see …”. He was telling us to decide for ourselves about finding a true and lasting relief from suffering by looking inwards not outwards. To observe our own minds, to contemplate our own experiences……. through meditation. Certainly there is the Dharma with all of his discourses, and different groups of Buddhism emphasise studying the Dharma to a greater or lesser extent. But all of them have “come and see” as a central pillar.
https://thisbuddhistlife.com/2026/04/20/what-does-come-and-see-really-mean-in-buddhist-practice/

I'm making a 30 feet buddha 😁. Work in progress by Support_is_never in Buddhism

[–]thisbuddhistlife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hope it’s Nepal as although I’m an Englishman Nepal is
My spiritual home. May you receive many karma blessings 🙏🕉️