Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recommend a meditation group?
Each group has its own distinctive personality and practice, so the “right” group for you will depend upon your own dispositions and needs. The best suggestion is probably to check out the information in the listings, web sites, where available, and then pick 2 or 3 or 4 groups to visit (it will often take more than a single visit to get a true feeling for how a particular group operates.) When you find one that feels comfortable to you, that’s the group you should focus on.
Do you know of a meditation group in <insert city or region here>?
All of the practice groups we’re aware of in the state of Arkansas or within 200 miles of Fayetteville are listed in one of the main categories (Local or Regional Buddhist Groups, or Non-Buddhist Practice Groups). We do not have any other information about groups that are not listed here.
How can I learn more about Buddhism?
If you know almost nothing about Buddhism, you should probably start by reading a book or two to see if it interests you enough to go further. Lama Surya Das’ Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World is a nice introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, as is almost everything written by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Jack Maquire’s Essential Buddhism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs and Practices covers the entire range of Buddhist practice. If you’re still interested in learning more, pay a visit one or more of the local practice groups.
How can I learn how to meditate?
The best way to learn meditation is to learn it from a qualified teacher. If that’s not possible, check out the UU Buddhist Fellowship’s Basic Meditation Primer, read Lama Surya Das’ Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World, and/or visit the Wildmind Buddhist Meditation web site.
I think I’m a reincarnated bodhisattva/lama. What should I do?
I’m not at all qualified to answer that question.