I have spent a few months engaging myself in a regular study and consideration of Buddhism. My schedule now calls for me to move onto other studies, which makes this a good time to reflect on what I’ve learned, how I’ve learned it, the methods I used, and the advice I would give myself or another interested in a similar venture.
My introduction to Buddhism began with an interest in meditation. I had used an app and a book from Buddhist traditions to guide my meditations, and so assumed that if there was so much wisdom already apparent in Buddhism, perhaps there was even more that would reveal itself upon study. After a number of months meditating, I attended a Buddhist temple, and starting reading a random book on Buddhism. At this point I had some idea of the structure of Buddhism: It oriented the life path around four noble truths and an eightfold path for liberation from suffering.
To this end, I began studying the eightfold path (from a Theravada perspective). After a few months, I finished reading the amount I allotted myself when I began this investigation. These are some impressions:
There’s a lot there
Having never been exposed to Buddhist texts, I was amazed at much there was, both in terms of primary texts and their commentaries. And with that breadth comes complexities. Some parts of Buddhist philosophy are very difficult and require either a deep exposure to their ideas (analytically speaking) or deep practice of their ideas (experientially speaking).
It all fits together
Studying the path in its whole gave me an appreciation for its interconnected nature. Originally I conceived of it as a “bunch of core principles”. But once studying it, it becomes an epiphany to realize that right intention follows from right view, that the right actions follow from these, and that the right concentrations are directed by the needs of those dynamics.
Some parts are more interesting than others
No disrespect. If I were to cull the canonical texts relating to the eightfold path, I would concentrate on the right view and mindfulness, thereafter right intention and effort, and thereafter the rest. These parts contain directions and perspectives that are most novel (at least to the Western-raised mind).
Phenomenological investigations
I got the most out of the texts when I used them to examine my own mind. I can’t claim that I’ve achieved any great transformation, but then neither have I been disciplined in practising these lessons moment to moment, day to day. I am referring to more than a daily meditation practice. I mean noticing the signs of dependent origination and the differentials of the aggregates that compose experience (per right view). I mean comprehending the nature of intentions, and attending to consideration of actions (along lines described in the texts). I mean striving towards the four great endeavours and practising various forms of mindfulness by the various ways (as described in the texts).
I may not have achieved any tremendous and permanent epiphanies, but sheer trialling of these methodologies has exposed me to an awareness of possibilities. For example, a few practices of mindfulness of mental objects, by way of the hindrances and spiritual faculties, by way of wise consideration, exposed me to that aspect of the mind.
Advice for anyone interested in starting to study Buddhism
Advice from a novice. Study the eightfold path. First, read a general overview, then read suttas and commentaries on these. In particular, I recommend Bikkhu Bodhi’s book TheWay to the End of Suffering, and the further readings listed there. I recommend challenging the text and making it personal. When something doesn’t make sense or you disagree, then make a note and move on. When something makes sense and you must agree, then make a note, and attempt to incorporate its awareness into your life. Buddhism is an offer, not a request.
