You've had time to read my LJ? And I thought you were studying!
It very much depends what you're looking for. I would normally recommend the hands-on approach, learning with a good teacher, but in Nottingham there isn't much to choose from.
Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO) in the Lace Market. It's a nice place, but their teachings are something of a hodgepodge from various different traditions. Still, they focus on getting the basics firmly in place, which is a Good Thing. These are the guys that run Evolution, in Broadmarsh.
Akshobya Centre in Carrington (where I used to live). The education they offer is certainly rigorous, although they focus on the teachings of just one lama, so sometimes you'll encounter quite narrow opinions here.
There's also a Nyingma lama who's very old. I think he lives in Mapperley but I have no idea how to contact him (my old housemate Alex knew him, so it may be possible). He's the real deal. If you can find him, go to him. He's definitely your best bet.
If you're just interested in the philosophy, a teacher is still useful, but you can start with books. Again, it depends what you're most interested in. Give me some ideas and I'll try to recommend something suitable.
Thank you very much for the recommendations. Essentially I'm starting to question whether ceremonial magick is the best path for me. I'm not sure I have enough to show for after 3 1/2yrs practices. Anyway, I'd be very interested in a beginners book, then learning from a teacher when I have a bit more of an idea what to expect.
The problem with beginners books is that there aren't many good ones. Most of the really reliable books are more in-depth and on specific topics, designed for serious studies.
There are a few. You would be well advised to read Buddhism in the Tibetan Tradition by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, if it's still in print. Considering your background in magic and academia, Tibetan Buddhism would probably suit you best. I'll ask around for some other titles for the other traditions. They're all beautiful in their own way.
There's more! I sent my friend Alex to these guys and they are totally the real deal. Their style may well suit you, although I suspect you'd be even better suited to a more intellectual approach.
Anyway, I found a selection of other books you should probably read. I haven't read all of them, but I'm trying to give you a good, broad introduction. Beginner's Guide to Tibetan Buddhism I haven't read this but it covers some important topics. How to Meditate I have read this and it's really good. I've heard that the author is well qualified and a pure nun, although I haven't met her myself. This book is also about Tibetan Buddhism. Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Tich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk who left his country during the Vietnam war to help care for American war casualties! This monk is truly inspiring, although sometimes his writing style can be a bit wet. There's absolutely no grrr in this guy. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is one of the most famous books on Zen, by a renowned teacher.
I couldn't find anything about Theravada that I knew about, but this website is a gold mine, especially as it has so many of the sutras in English translation. Nothing like going straight to the source.
I have November and December free, so I'll be around for some of that time. Not sure about travelling this year. Could do a bit of travelling in Korea before I go home.
It very much depends what you're looking for. I would normally recommend the hands-on approach, learning with a good teacher, but in Nottingham there isn't much to choose from.
Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO) in the Lace Market. It's a nice place, but their teachings are something of a hodgepodge from various different traditions. Still, they focus on getting the basics firmly in place, which is a Good Thing. These are the guys that run Evolution, in Broadmarsh.
Akshobya Centre in Carrington (where I used to live). The education they offer is certainly rigorous, although they focus on the teachings of just one lama, so sometimes you'll encounter quite narrow opinions here.
There's also a Nyingma lama who's very old. I think he lives in Mapperley but I have no idea how to contact him (my old housemate Alex knew him, so it may be possible). He's the real deal. If you can find him, go to him. He's definitely your best bet.
If you're just interested in the philosophy, a teacher is still useful, but you can start with books. Again, it depends what you're most interested in. Give me some ideas and I'll try to recommend something suitable.
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The problem with beginners books is that there aren't many good ones. Most of the really reliable books are more in-depth and on specific topics, designed for serious studies.
There are a few. You would be well advised to read Buddhism in the Tibetan Tradition by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, if it's still in print. Considering your background in magic and academia, Tibetan Buddhism would probably suit you best. I'll ask around for some other titles for the other traditions. They're all beautiful in their own way.
Reply
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Anyway, I found a selection of other books you should probably read. I haven't read all of them, but I'm trying to give you a good, broad introduction.
Beginner's Guide to Tibetan Buddhism I haven't read this but it covers some important topics.
How to Meditate I have read this and it's really good. I've heard that the author is well qualified and a pure nun, although I haven't met her myself. This book is also about Tibetan Buddhism.
Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Tich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk who left his country during the Vietnam war to help care for American war casualties! This monk is truly inspiring, although sometimes his writing style can be a bit wet. There's absolutely no grrr in this guy.
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is one of the most famous books on Zen, by a renowned teacher.
I couldn't find anything about Theravada that I knew about, but this website is a gold mine, especially as it has so many of the sutras in English translation. Nothing like going straight to the source.
Reply
How are you? I hope Korean life is still suiting you. How long until you're back in the UK, or are you planning to travel some more afterwards?
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