I want to learn the doctrines of Buddhism, or rather an introduction, but what should I do?
For example, in Christianity, if you go to church, they give lectures, but even when you go to a temple, I don't feel like that kind of thing is easy to find. Are there such courses?
Also, even if I study on my own, I don't know where to start without an easy-to-understand canon like the Christian Bible.
Please lend me your wisdom. Thank you for your support.
Yukari-sama
Thank you for your question. A place to learn Buddhism... as I say, there are many things that are difficult to understand, so for now, I'll recommend books I've come across so far.
Introduction to Buddha by Nakamura Genjusha
→ In the sense of introduction, it is the easiest to understand, and you can clearly understand the Buddha's way of life and basic way of thinking.
I was taught by Hotoke-sama
90 ways to be happy every day
Discover TwentyOne by Osamu Minami
→ It incorporates the teachings of Buddhism to a familiar level of life. It's an easy book to understand.
If these are the two books, I think they are easy to read and can be used in daily life.
There is a book called “Buddhist Scripture” published by the Buddhist Missionary Association.
Also, “Therawada Buddhism Handbook (Buddha's Basic Level)”
I think this book is also good for learning basic knowledge.
There is a Sri Lankan monk in Tokyo. I've been in Japan for close to 40 years, and I'm fluent in Japanese. It conveys Buddhism before it split into denominations in plain Japanese.
There are a lot of books on YouTube, so I think it would be a good idea to start by reading and watching.
Well, Buddhism has a wide range, so I'm at a loss as to where to learn from.
There are regular puja sessions at many temples, so I think it would be a good idea to search for them online and join them.
For example, at Zojo-ji Temple of the Jodo sect in Tokyo, there is a ceremony of free participation every Sunday from 9:00 to 10:00 at the main hall, so please come and visit us.
The content is mainly about the teachings of the Jodo sect, though.
Also, if you want to learn through books, I think this book would be good too.
“Buddha's Words of Life”
Written by Miyashita Makoto, Nagaoka Bunko
It is easy to read because it excerpts several teachings from the Dharmapada Sutra and explains them in an easy-to-understand manner.
“Buddha's Prescriptions”
Written by Satoshi Hiraoka, Jodo Shu Publishing
This is also similar to the above, but the explanation is more suited to the lives of modern people and is easier to understand.
These books related to the Dharma Sutra are teachings common to Buddhism, not limited to denominations, so once you read them, I think they will guide you in everyday life.
Also, I think it's possible to learn by repeating questions and answers using this Hasunoha, so feel free to ask any questions.
Note that the answers differ depending on the denomination and personal thoughts of the monk responding, but please accept that each one has meaning rather than who is right.
see you later.