My search for a soul

[Quinn the Eskimo]

I will attempt to open this thread, although realistically it is hard to do justice to something of this scope and size. But as I searched to further my soul, I stumbled on a religion that doesn't preach the soul. As most religions, I take it more metaphorically than I do as a literally but Buddhism is definitely my calling.

It all started as China once again pressed action in Tibet. The funny thing is that an act of suppression is what spurred my interest further and sent me down this "path". Pardon the intended pun.

What hit home is not the chance that I have to come back as a carrot, ghost, another person or my favorite pet (ok, admittedly I don't believe in re-incarnation) but the way of life that Buddhism is so compatible to the way I want to live my life. Someone who is not materialistic, who does not preach, who does not well... do what I have done for most of my life.

On top of that, while I am more into the Theravada school of thought, I have such respect (and have always had) for the Dalai Lama.

hence, I am here. Meditation also is a plus for me. And Buddhist teachings are a natural remedy for OCD. In fact, every teaching seems to be a way to help combat OCD. Which really struct a chord with me.

At any rate, it's off to Barnes and Noble for me.

[Unkle_John]

I wish you the best in your journey down your path. :)

[Gaston]

At any rate, it's off to Barnes and Noble for me.

The Dhammapada is a book worth owning, regardless of the path you choose.

Meanwhile, you might like this: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/index.html
There's a substantial portion of the Pali Canon there, and many other resources. They have a link to download the entire site for offline viewing, if you like.

[Buffalo Head '75]

The Dhammapada is a book worth owning, regardless of the path you choose.

Meanwhile, you might like this: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/index.html
There's a substantial portion of the Pali Canon there, and many other resources. They have a link to download the entire site for offline viewing, if you like.cool. thanks Gaston!

[Gaston]

I should have mentioned in the other post, you might like the works of Thich Nhat Hanh, he has a very gentle way of explaining things. As for a book on Theravadan thought, I like Bikkhu Bodhi's "In The Buddha's Words", and it's very good to read before you dig into the Pali Canon (Tripitaka).

If you're interested in Zen and don't mind if your head explodes, there's "Dropping Ashes on the Buddha" by Seung Sahn. Don't read it if your head's in a bad place, it's a tough read.