RE: The Buddhist 10 Fold Path
Can you imagine me a redneck hillbilly from rural Oregon knocking at a Korean Zen temples door and asking for teachings? I was so scared I grew up in a Christian community and had not known any other cultures and I was 30 years old.
My life was so miserable and I knew my choices were causing my misery but I didn't know how to break away from my negative conditioning. Breaking the knots of trauma (PTSD) from childhood abuse and living in a really screwed up society.
I found out about Buddhism when I read a book about religions from my public library. Since everything I had tried including therapy, antidepressant medication for panic attacks, and self help books didn't help me I decided to give the Dhamma a try. I had to ask 3 times and no monks spoke English except Sunim who moved to the Zen Center 2 weeks prior to me knocking at his door!
These post are made in gratitude to my awesome teachers.
Yes, yes I can 8-)
I was a 13 year old redneck Florida Cracker living on the streets and eating out of trash cans when I just kept staying overnight at the Baba Sri Chand Ashram until they started feeding me and teaching me. They also shared space with a Judo and Shiatsu instructor who introduced me to Buddhism and was the only serious instruction I ever had. I guess I just assumed that I knew enough since my life got better.
I could not take seriously the effete and ignorant "counselors" who bastardized it into "mindfulness" in the 80s. So I never really looked at it further. I probably should now that the Internet exists.
Wow you had a rough childhood too. I know so many people who found help through Ashrams or Buddhist centers. I've heard so many people's stories about detoxing during retreat. Something that I wouldn't do and I won't promote. It's hard on the centers, most won't let anyone in if they have addictions or mental problems.
And then I know so many people who have been abused by bad teachers as well. I think it's all about one's Karma how they experience the dharma. I think you have really good karma @baerdric!