Reddit mentions of Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise

You sound like many people in the west. Raised and living within the confines of conditioned phenomena without seeing the reality of the conditions, nor the emptiness of the phenomena.

From a very young age, most of us are given a picture to work from, a picture of happiness. It tends to involve having a wife/partner, a good job, plenty of money and a big house, and maybe some children.

So we set out, feverishly lusting after these ideals, believing that once we attain these abstract ideas - that we will have 'it'. Ultimate fulfillment and peace, you will have essentially 'completed the game'.

But when you get these things without truly seeing them - they are not enough. So people lust after more things, more ideas and more concepts of happiness to chase, if only we can get that one 'thing' then we will finally be happy.

And the result is people running around in their lives chasing after happiness, without every truly having it - but for the glimmering moments of temporary happiness felt when a condition has been 'met', and distraught when prior conditions falter.

It is ironic that the poorest man and the richest man both have the conditions for happiness right here in the now, and yet both can be too caught up in the external to come home to themselves.

Many people live their entire lives based on these 'strategic and logical decisions' that you mention, never truly stopping to ask who they are, or where they are going. The majority of things society tells you are important are but the fleeting desires of man.


>How does one study and learn Buddhism?

The path is different for everyone, but the principles are the same. Read the texts, meditate on them and come to your own conclusions then compare these with experienced Buddhists and teachers. If you can, cultivate compassion and Wisdom in equal importance.

I quite like 'The path from Human to Buddhahood' http://www.buddhanet.net/cbp1_f3.htm

> Is there a way to learn online

There is, but there are many pitfalls online. Without prior knowledge we can fall into wrong views and so a teacher or at least a Buddhist based Sangha in real life is important.

The internet is a great way to get the information, but it is useful to have someone consolidate it, and ponder it with.


For reading there are many good interpretations/translations of the texts, I like Bikkhu Bodhi but really it's about finding a style that resonates with you best.

My favourite books of wisdom though are Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise and Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through The Storm