Thursday, March 12, 2009

A Buddhist's Diary March 11th 2009

When I first became interested in Buddhism I searched on the web to find out what I could. It was a miserable experience. Perhaps it is easier now, but I had no idea what flavor of Buddhism I was looking for. I knew I wanted simplicity, but there did not seem to be a category for simple Buddhism. The Zen place was here in the phone book. I found it and accepted it, and the people accepted me.

The first book that was recommended to me was 'Concise History of Buddhism.' It is short and dense and provides a history of Buddhism and its spread to and away from areas of the world.
But I do not like the use of the Pali and Sanscrit words for important items like schools, sutras etc, because at least for me, they are difficult to remember. I've mentioned a few in this diary.

The book that I enjoy the most is very small and packable. It is a translation of what are supposedly the Buddha's own words. It was first published in 1900 and is now available through Dover Books and is exceedingly reasonable. The translator was Max Muller (I think), and of course I have some issues. Did Buddha talk about 'fools' so much? He seems to have had no patience with fools. Jesus thought fools were all right I think. I know I'm a fool, and also a woman. Would the Buddha have looked at me without seeing a sentient being as men of some cultures do? It doesn't matter. The book is a translation of the Dharmaputta. I think I spelled it wrong.

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