Joyful Abandon

sparklingpavements asked: I am a seventeen year old girl with a Christian faith alongside of a large interest in Buddhist philosophy. There is so much more I want to learn in terms of Buddhism, but I do not know where to start. Where do you learn your philosophies? What do you recommend for me?

I read a lot and I try stuff out. Not just once or twice but for weeks or months on end I will adopt a path and its methods. Right now I’m learning and practicing the lojong slogans, which are buddhist mind training techniques for activating and cultivating bodhicitta. 

If you are interested in buddhist philosophy, I recommend you start with the book Rebel Buddha by Ponlop Rinpoche. It does a good job of relating the buddhist approach without turning it into a religion. 

Also, try finding a meditation practice to do daily. There are some given in Rebel Buddha and I have also written about a few that are linked on my blog page. Learning and thinking are good ways to free your Being in the beginning. However, meditation will create changes in you that you may not understand but benefit from all the same. 

And finally, explore. Nothing is beyond doubting or unlearning. The path isn’t about finding answers and sticking with them. It’s about asking the right questions that will change the way you live, forever. 

Namaste, sister. Much love and may the divine bless your steps onto the path. :)