Where should I start??

[Steve Rossiter]

Hi everyone, I have been practicing for a year and a half seriously, and feel that I am spinning my wheels a bit, and would appreciate your direction.
Where is the best place for a beginner like me, who wants to immerse themselves in the bones of the practice, to start?
As a Practicing Catholic I loved the deep dives of the faith, but was brought up with it, and had an established handle on the basics at an early age. With Zen, I feel I lack the fundamentals. Is there a place to start?

Any advice is welcome, and appreciated. Gassho LAH

[Jundo]

Hi Steve,

First, sit Shikantaza each day for a time, dropping all ideas of "start" or "finish," deep or shallow, beginner and expert. Sit that way each day for a time, and soon you will be expert! Bring that mindset off the cushion too, into this busy world of things to do, as best you can.

Next, try our "we're all always beginners" reading list for the basics of our Teachings and Practices ... the books with ** are particularly good to start.

https://forum.treeleaf.org/forum/treeleaf/the-beginner-s-place/1029-suggested-books-media-on-zen-practice

Then, come here to our Sangha, join in, ask any questions you have.

Then, live gently, avoiding greed, anger, jealousy and other divided thinking and actions in life, as best you can. Dedicate your practice each day to all Sentient Beings.

Then, live.

That will be a solid path.

Gassho, Jundo
stlah

[Steve Rossiter]

Thank you Jundo. I appreciate your words.

Gassho, Sat LAH

[Houzan]

Hi Steve! If you haven’t already, make sure you check out “The Beginners Place” on the forums. There are several videos there by Jundo on all the basics, and they are all very helpful.

Gassho, Hōzan
satlah

[Onsho]

Hey Steve!
Four ideas for you to take or leave.

Attend live events. Zazenkai, tea houses, sitting groups. Sangha is 1/3 of the Treasures, find out why that is.

Learn more about the aspects of the practice that are interesting to you. Love the idea of a one week retreat in the forest? Ask folks about it. Love the clever zen master stories? Ask for more of that. Christianity and buddhism? Find those voices, get those resources. There is an incredible wealth of knowledge available, and people are excited to share. What makes you excited?

For a long devotional study, pick a precept and see how many times it comes us in your day/week/month. Build that intimacy, silently sharpen your tools.

Try one week of book club. Its a lot of fun.

Gassho,
Onsho
satlah

[Steve Rossiter]

Thank you Onsho and Houzan for you're advice and suggestions. it is very welcome. It's hard for me to be outgoing if I don't have much knowledge of the subject (ego much??) but am excited to start getting more involved. Gassho, StLAH

[Jundo]

I think we should keep this thread around, so I will move it to our Beginner's (We're All Always Beginners) Place in the forum ...

Gassho, Jundo
stlah