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FINDING AND VISITING A BUDDHIST GROUP
So you've heard about Buddhism, or maybe read a little bit about it, and now you want to explore a little bit deeper. What do you do now?
Well, the next step is to make contact with Buddhist teacher or group. Buddhism is a 2,500 year old tradition that has been passed down from person to person from the time of the Buddha himself. Personal contact with an authentic Buddhist group puts you in touch with that living tradition. Whether you are "just visiting", or looking for a spiritual home, this section will give you information about finding and visiting a Buddhist group. It covers the following sections:
There are several different schools of Buddhism in the West: Theravada, Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan, with many different subschools of each. Each style is a little bit different. It's smart to "shop around" in the beginning. However, there are only two main strategies to use when choosing a group to visit:
What's available near you? The easiest way is to find a Buddhist group nearby. Check out the yellow pages, or ask around in New Age bookstores and health food stores. (Buddhist groups often post flyers in these kinds of places.) Ask the religion editor of your local newspaper about groups in your area.
If you have more than one choice, try sitting with different Buddhist groups in your area and see whether one "fits" for you or not. Each center will have a slightly different feel to it, based on the lineage of Buddhism and the personality of the members. For Western seekers, groups with other Westerners are sometimes a little easier to visit than "ethnic" temples, because aren't as many language and cultural barriers. See what you prefer.
What interests you most? When you find a book you like, look in the back for information on centers, or search the Web to find out about different Buddhist groups. Tricycle magazine (at www.tricycle.com) has teachings and a listing of centers across the country, in all different schools of Buddhism. For Kagyu centers, look at our main monastery's listing of practice centers at www.kagyu.org. A good place for many different Tibetan resources on the web is quietmountain.com.
Once you find something you like, you can contact them for information about centers, public talks, and retreats. Sometimes a great way to get involved with Buddhism is to go on a retreat that's being held near you. Make sure it's OK for beginners to come, so you don't get in over your head!
Use your common sense -- not everybody who says they are Buddhist is a reliable representative of the tradition. Unfortunately, teachers don't come with warning labels. This is why the Buddhist tradition puts such a big emphasis on lineage, the idea that Buddhist teachings have been passed down from teacher to student in an unbroken chain for 2,500 years. Connecting with an authentic lineage is like getting your Buddhism "99% fat free".
Just like when you are shopping for running shoes, there are a few basic things to look out for when you are "shopping" for a Buddhist center:
On the other hand, DON'T expect the people you meet in a center to be perfect. People in a Buddhist center can be just as neurotic and difficult at times as people anywhere. We're all doing the best we can!
Make Yourself at Home: Basic Buddhist Etiquette
What to Expect in a Shrine Room. Shrine rooms can look very different from tradition to tradition. Zen and Theravada shrines may be quite simple, whereas Tibetan shrines can be quite complicated and, yes, a little gaudy. Most shrine rooms will have a least one image of the Buddha. They often have pictures of teachers who are important to the group. Some may have other statues and art work, and there might be offerings on the shrine, like flowers, water, incense, and candles. Some people like this kind of thing; some don't. That's OK.
Walking into a Buddhist shrine room the first time can be a "different" experience -- weird or wonderful, or both. But there's no reason to be worried. It's no big deal if you make a mistake. Here's how to avoid the big ones:
1. DO ask questions. Introduce yourself. Let people know you are visiting, and ask as many questions as you want. Most people will be happy to answer you.
2. DON'T wear really short shorts or short skirts, etc. in the shrine room. We're only human, after all! On the other hand, you don't have to dress up. Just wear something loose enough to sit comfortably in.
3. DO take your shoes off before you enter the shrine room. It's a Buddhist custom.
4. DON'T put Buddhist books or texts on the floor. Set them on a chair or shelf. Another custom.
5. Where Am I Supposed to Sit? Most people will probably sit on cushions on the floor. Ask somebody which cushions are free (even Buddhists can be attached to their own cushions!), or ask them to point you towards a chair. Yes, you CAN become enlightened by meditating in a chair.
6. Do I Have to Bow? Many people will bow or make prostrations when they enter a shrine room. You don't have to. Bowing or making offerings to Buddha images is not "idol worship", but a way of expressing respect toward our own enlightened nature. If people around you suddenly start bending over or diving towards the floor, just stand respectfully until they are done. No big deal.
Relax! Most people are just going to be really happy that you are interested in learning about Buddhism. If you start coming regularly, they will see that your interest is sincere, and you will start to make friends.
Going
Farther: Participating in
a Center
The Buddha said, "I have shown you the way. It is up to you to walk the path." Spiritual practice is something we have to do for ourselves. No one else can do it for us. It is a very personal and individual journey. Still, for people who are serious about their spiritual practice, there are some important benefits from participating in a group.
When you participate in a group, you get support for your study and practice from experienced students and teachers. You get a chance to grow, to wear down your "rough edges" by interacting with others. It's easy to think you're a saint when you live alone in a cave with nobody to bother you. Spending time around others will DEFINITELY show you where you still need to grow! And not least of all, you benefit others by showing up regularly, by participating, and by helping to keep the center going, so other people can also study and practice Buddhism.
The important thing is that you grow in wisdom and compassion. KTC Wichita is here to help you do that the best way that we can -- by offering people a chance to study and practice the authentic Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Whether you are just curious about Buddhism, want to learn more about meditation, or are inspired to set out on the Buddhist path, you are welcome to participate at whatever level seems right for you. Come by and check us out.
BEST WISHES on your own spiritual journey!
For more information, see our section About Buddhism.