Buddhism as a concept?

Shakyamuni Buddha (the historical person) was very clear that he did not teach philosophy, religion, or a lifestyle.

Instead, Buddha called referred to his teaching as "training."

Training in what? The Buddha trained people to become wise, generous, compassionate, and creative.

And when humans act with wisdom and generosity, with compassion and creativity, they naturally act to reduce the suffering in the world. And that's the point of Buddhist practice -- to ease suffering (our own, as well as that of other people).

Buddha taught that meditation (along with related practices such as cultivation of virtue) was the primary way to develop wisdom and compassion. Meditation was the path the Buddha took to attain enlightenment (he didn't read books, talk with friends, or study philosophy).

As a result, most Buddhist traditions emphasize the practice of meditation. Meditation is most easily learned at a Buddhist center. And while it's easy to learn, many of us resist doing it regularly -- and that's why these centers exist: to help us sustain our practice. The links below will refer you to Buddhist centers worldwide.

An excellent introductory book is "It's Easier Than You Think" by Sylvia Boorstein. It's short and non-technical. And it conveys the warmth, wisdom, and wit of Buddhist teaching.

By the way, at my local Buddhist center, we have Christian, Jewish, and Muslim members -- there's no conflict between Buddhism and religion. In fact, there are several Catholic priests who have become Zen masters (see link below).

Good luck on your journey!

From what I read I think your observation is true. Many people called themselves Buddhist and are interested in Buddhism, but they have no idea how the practice would be.

If you want to practice Buddhism casually and mixed with other religion, it's like mixing belief and turn them into philosophy. You may want to choose Zen because Zen has nothing to teach. I don't recommend mixing religions.

If you're semi-serious, pick one religion and stick with it.

If you're very serious becoming a Buddhist, study the Buddhism lineage and the Buddha Schools. Talk to the people who belong to a selected Buddha School of your choice. Read the scripture, practice the meditation and improve your mind, body, and spirit per the scripture.

However, you'll need to give up your other belief.

In the section “Buddhist Qigong and Buddhism” of the Zhuan Falun Lecture on the web, you can find out a concise discussion about various branches in Buddhism.

Not relating to Buhhism, Falun Gong is a branch in the Buddha Schools. Falun Gong is based upon the universal principals of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance, consisting of 5 sets of powerful exercises.

Buddha said "I teach one thing and one thing only: the nature of suffering, and how to overcome it".

Many religions, unfortunately, thrive on teachings concepts that Buddhism says are part of the cause of suffering because they feed on people's worst psychological aspects while saying it's a good thing, like fear (eg. eternal torture in the afterlife), guilt (for not believing in human sacrifices), masochism (you're a slave, you're unworthy of love or acceptance until divine blood drips on you), superstitions (like qualities of holy water), closed-mindness (if you question you'll be guilty of blasphemy) and many other aspects that cause harm to the mind rather than clear it.

Buddhism means different things to different Buddhists. To me, a huge part of it is accepting reality (the world was not created in 6 days) and getting away from the dangerous teachings present in some other religions.

Buddhism is the deep examination of the conscience. Be warned, it is not a way of escaping all societal rules of conduct.

The morality of Buddhism varies none from Christianity, only the source of that morality varies. The pop culture view that Buddhism allows the individual believer to determine right from wrong guts Buddhism of its morality altogether.

Good luck in your studies.

Buddhism is not a religion, it is a philosophy. It is a way of life. It is the sacrificing of the ego. Continuously sacrificing the ultimate which is the self. You become Taoist then. When Buddha reached enlightenment he then came one with nature which is Taoism.

It will make you think differently about "organized religion". I just fell into it because of major trauma in my life. I realized how all of us are one and are all God's children.

Read about the Dali Lama. He has a wonderful way of explaining Buddhism.

Yes it can conflict with a religion if one has one but depends on the religion Yes not all people see Buddhism as a religion why do you want to follow Buddhism if it is not religion ,Zen is not a religion too why not zen or chan?

Alot of people do believe that.

And no, it usually wouldn't conflict if you have an open mind.

At least it doesn't conflict with me.

I love learning about Buddhist principles.

I'm a Christian, btw.

the international that all of us recognize exists contained in the section Karma, it truly is a delivery/lack of life/delivery/lack of life cycle (or reason/outcome/reason/outcome cycle) happening for infinity. we may be able to make sure this trend all round us. It also exists in our personal spirit/concepts. It exists in our theory varieties and moves going again lifetimes. by meditation and yoga human beings commence to break that forms of Karma and they stay in a clean expertise referred to as Dharma. at the same time as residing in Dharma, Karma starts to grow to be expelled. at the same time as human beings have lost all Karma, they have then transcended this reality all together. it quite is Enlightenment. it ought to take lifetimes previously ever achieving Enlightenment or some would in no way attain it. the point of expertise upon lack of life (at the same time as the spirit leaves the body for solid) would really help guidance guide you on your next incarnation. different enlightened pick to proceed to exist this plane to be a instructor to others. they are referred to as Boddivistas. it quite is my information anyhow. i imagine it is a probability because the universe is actual multi-dimensional, and includes different planes of expertise.

Check out these sites:

http://www.buddhanet.net/

http://www.zenguide.com/

I also recommend both of Brad Warner's books.

Here is his web site:

http://homepage.mac.com/doubtboy/

Good luck!