Freedom from Suffering

Heck, I’m all for it!

So I am a student of Buddhism. I’ve been studying BuddhaDharma (the teachings of Buddhism) and meditating since 2006. It makes a huge difference in my day-to-day happiness, peace and stress level. I have not taken refuge officially, and at this point don’t know when/if I will, but I do practice and study regularly. I am trying to follow the Noble Eightfold Path in my day-to-day life. I am not going to proselytize here (as that's not what Buddhism is about), but if you are interested in learning more about either Buddhism or meditating in general, here are some links to books, podcasts, and even local Buddhist centers that have had a strong impact on me personally. I will keep adding to this so keep checking back if you are interested!

As Rev. Kusala of Urban Dharma would say, "Suffering is optional!"

 

Books:

Mindfulness in Plain English – This is probably the best book I have ever read on Vipassana (mindfulness) Meditation. OK, the best book I've read on meditation PERIOD. It’s simply a great how-to manual, this made a big difference in my early meditation attempts. I re-read it often to help me with my meditating. I also recommend Bhante G's Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness - this book walks you through the Noble Eightfold Path in the same simple, clear way that Mindfulness in Plain English does.

Hardcore Zen – By Brad Warner, an eighties punk rocker who went to Japan to make monster movies and became a Zen teacher. This is a book that throws it in your face. Love his style and humor. He also has a site and blog, listed below. Brad's second book, Sit Down and Shut Up, is all about the writings of Dogen. I love both of these books, and consider Brad one of my favorite teachers, along with Rev. Kusala.

Everyday Zen and Nothing Special – By Charlotte Joko Beck are wonderful. I read Everyday Zen probably about 15 years ago and it got me interested in Buddhism, although it was not until '06 that I really started a practice. Still, following these concepts, even though I knew NOTHING about Buddhism at the time, made my life easier by changing my perspective.

Awakening the Sacred and Awakening the Buddhist Heart – Lama Surya Das is one of the better known teachers of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. His books are funny, well written, and a great introduction to the foundations of a spiritual practice. He has many other books, but these are two I have read and enjoyed.

 

Podcasts, check em out! Full of Buddalicious goodness!:

Urban Dharma – Rev. Kusala is a Buddhist Monk who rides a motorcycle and plays the blues harmonica. I really relate to his practical and smart approaches to Buddhism. His website and podcasts are great! My absolute favorite!

Zen Cast – Podcasts of some of the best known teachers (present and past) in Buddhism in the West. Wonderful teachings!

Buddhist Geeks – Podcasts and postings from the newer generation of Buddhist addicts. I find the tone of these wonderful people (Ryan, Vince and Gwen) speaks to me more than some of the stuff from all those folks who caught the Buddha-Bug back in the sixties. They interview many of the best known and interesting teachers and practitioners of Buddhism in the West.

Zen is Stupid – Gwen from B.Geeks and her good friend Patrick. They don't have a website but you can subscribe to the podcast from iTunes. It's like sitting down and chatting with some good friends who talk with you about the Zen take on things.

 

Centers based in my local area (Clearwater, FL):

Dhamma Wheel Meditation Society – As time has gone by, I am feeling more drawn to Theravada Buddhism (with a side order of Zen). This is a Theravada based center. The meditation sessions are LONG so I wouldn’t go until you feel you can sit for 40-45 minutes! The Monk teaching is wonderful. Donations accepted.

Parbawatia Buddhism Center – This is the first place I started going to. A very comfortable place for Westerners who don’t know a lot about Buddhism. Great group of people. Can get a little costly. Some folk have issues with the Kadampa sect (or so I read on the internet). So you might read up before attending. For me it was not that I had an issue with how they do things, as I find some Buddhist traditions not as appealing as the more spare, basic or traditional forms, like Theravada and Zen (Zen is the only Mahayana tradition I feel drawn to).

Other centers in Florida – This is a pretty comprehensive directory of Buddhist centers in Florida.

 

Sites:

Urban Dharma – Rev. Kusala's Site, see also Kusala's info site and free Buddhist books for download.

Buddhist Geeks – BG's website, part of the Falling Fruit TV.

The Worst Horse– Pop- and sub-culture for dharma people. Dharma for pop- and sub-culture people... home of the Dharma Burger. What more could you want? Not that we want, right?

Sit Down & Shut Up - Brad Warner's (Hardcore Zen) Homesite
Hardcore Zen Blog - Brad's Blog. Brad also writes articles for Suicide Girls. Be warned however, SG is an adult site, and therefore NSFW. Personally, I find it amusing that there is an alt porn bookmark in my Buddhist subject folder.

Buddhanet – A great site for Buddhism, this is where the Florida Directory is from.

DharmaCraft – Company to buy CD’s Books and supplies from. I got my meditation cushions from here.

E-Sanga – A Lion City bulletin board to discuss Buddhism. A great place to post if you have questions, and don’t have a teacher to ask!

The Big View - A very cool site, largely Buddhist but entertains all sorts of deep thought and philosophical musings.

Lama Suya Das - The Homesite for Surya's Dozgen Center, Books, CD's and articles available

Respectfully submitted,
Kerstin Upmeyer
Revised - 12/1/07