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pokerface
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30 Sep 2013, 11:30 am

Many years ago my mother developed an interest in buddhism. As a result of that I got interested as well. I used to meditate on a regular basis and made some feeble attempts to live according to the buddhist 8 fold path. My interest in buddhism came and went over the years though. About 7 years ago I started to meditate again, among other things, but since I didn't have the discipline to keep it up buddhism pretty much disappeared out of my life for the 10th time or so.

Recently I started to meditate again instead of smoking my daily joint and I have to admit that I am beginning to enjoy meditation again despite the fact that it's not exactly easy. I started to reread a whole stack of books about buddhism and eventhough I never felt attracted to religions buddhism actually makes sense to me. I meditate on my own, I don't go to a buddhist center or anything. I have no expectations with regards to obtaining concrete results of meditation and I am not seeking enlightenment, I just sit and meditate and that's about it. Besides, after reading lots of books about buddhism I still don't understand the concept of enlightenment and I don't mind if that stage will be beyond my reach for the rest of my life. Enjoying my meditation sessions and becoming acquinted with the 8 fold path again is enough for me at the moment.

Zen buddhism has always appealed to me and I would like to go to a zen centre. The problem is that I am worried that it's not going to work out because of my aspergers and personality traits. Is there anyone on this forum who has some experience with meditating in the company of others? Peopple usually sense there is something weird about me but they don't know what it is which seems to make them uncomfortable in my presence and even a bit hostile sometimes. I have become cautious and guarded because of previous negative experiences with people so I rather do things on my own. I do feel that I could do with some instruction and a bit of guidance when it comes to meditation but I don't have the nerve to go to a buddhist centre again.



Misslizard
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01 Oct 2013, 11:28 am

I used to go to a meditation center and group meditation was no problem because everyone is quiet or chanting.Both are nice.I enjoyed the teachings also,to me the issue was everyone wanted to eat together later and hang out.I don't really care for all that.
But they were the most open minded people,so no one judged me for being an oddball.
Some of the people at retreats wore signs that said observing silence,and people would respect that.
I have not been in awhile,I got overloaded on people asking questions and being friendly.


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puddingmouse
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01 Oct 2013, 11:52 am

I've never had any problems meditating at a Zen dojo. The Triratna school (formerly FWBO) was a different story, but that's because they're basically a cult, so I'd avoid new religious movements like that within Buddhism.

The exact rituals in Zen are tricky to get the hang of, but they understand that. It's one group of people I don't feel awkward around, and that's saying something given what I'm like.


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