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Originally Posted by medicalfox
I'm thinking of going to a Buddhist meditation group, but I never been to one and want to know what it's like. Does anyone have any insight? I think it would be nice to connect with other people in my community and maybe make a friend with the same belief. I don't know a whole lot of Buddhism, but I've read it isn't considered a religion, but a type of teaching so that seems to suit me.
If you don't meditate I highly recommend it. A lot of yoga facilities incorporate meditating so if you don't have a group near your location you can at least do it during a yoga session or at home.  |
Spent quite a bit of time in Buddhist temples and centers actually and am Buddhist myself. First, dress comfortably. So many people think they should dress like they were going to church, but you want to be comfortable.
They often offer just meditation classes in which case the teacher will simply guide you though some simple meditations designed to quiet your mind and help you achieve some measure of calm.
Don't feel pressured to do anything you don't understand or aren't comfortable with (such as if they do prostrations). It's just part of the practices and you shouldn't feel obligated in any way to do anything you don't feel like doing.
As far as Buddhism not being a religion, it is so different from most other religions that most people see it more as a philosophy than a religion. The truth is that it is a non-theistic religion based on logic, reasoning and personal experience.
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religion
Use Religion in a sentence
re·li·gion [ri-lij-uhn] Show IPA
noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
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I'll point to definitions #2 and #3 as an example. Buddhism is a religion that is an organized structure of practices for cultivating positive mental states.