Looking for Advice - No Buddhist Community

The Watercooler
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Hello all!

I have been looking into Theravada Buddhism for some time now, and both Sutta Central and DiscourseSC have been extremely helpful - I extend warm gratitude towards dear Bhante.

However, I can’t help but feel a little helpless, and the reason is as follows: many people, either in SE Asia or the West have the ability to have face-to-face interactions with various Dhamma communities (monasteries, meditation groups, etc.), attend events, talks, fraternize with likewise Dhamma-seekers and so on. I live in a country where, not only is there no (Theravada) Buddhist community as such, but no awareness about Buddhism at all, whatsoever. This is not something I can fruitfully discuss with anyone around me here, nor can I find any like-minded people in proximity. I know that in the age of the internet, it has been made much easier to find Theravadins online and socialize/discuss with them, and I am not trying to cultivate self-pity or local sectarianism whatsoever, but I feel that at this point in my journey, I would greatly benefit from offline communication. I am aware that in theory, this is not a hindrance to continuing to practice Buddhism productively, following the 8-fold path, etc., but at the end of the day, I feel as if some type of personal and regular interaction with Buddhism would be greatly beneficial.

Any advice on what to do? “Starting” something like a reading group or a meditation group or such on my own sounds like a bad idea, due to the fact that a) my knowledge and experience is extremely limited, and b) even if this was not the case, I would not be able to find people to do any such activities with.

Any input and clarity in this regard is greatly appreciated. May all sentient beings be free from suffering and the root of suffering.

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Hello there. :slight_smile:

So, while offline meetings are not necessary, per se, but you both seem to want it, but also feel lacking in experience to start something… I think there’s a few avenues you could explore:

First, is travel, obviously. :slight_smile: Although that can be costly, and out of reach for certain reasons.

In which case… One of the easiest ways to connect with country-wide practitioners in odd places, is to go to a bookstore and look for local books / translations about Buddhism. Contact the writers - odds are, they’ll be happy to hear about someone like you, and all you need is a one person to find a social circle.

Another option is to look for universities’ Indology / Oriental Studies departments and so on. I bet there’s a handful of interesting people there.

Also, if Thailand, Sri Lanka, (well, even India) etc have embassies near you, you can contact them and ask for support.

Lastly, just because you said:

If you really want an offline connection, and a Mahāyāna group is the best you got - well, give it a shot! :smiley: I wouldn’t recommend all Mahāyāna groups, just as I wouldn’t recommend all Theravādin groups. But you might be surprised that how much of an overlap there is for good ethics and Agama reverence, and public meditation groups usually are all close to one another in most cases. Personally, I’m a Mahāyāna student in an EBT forum here, for example. :slight_smile:

So yeah, those are a few options. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

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Hello Dogen, thank you for taking the time to read and reply!

What is funny is that I have been to almost every “Theravadin Country” out there (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, etc.) during various times in the last few years, but had no intentions of exploring Buddhism or taking any particular interest in it besides the touristy stuff while there. My practice began some time after I returned from my last trip from Asia. Life tends to be amusing like that! I had a big chance to experience (for a lack of a better word) Buddhism firsthand, but alas. Although, this is something I am keeping in mind for the next time I travel, whenever that may be.

This ties back to my point that there is no general awareness about Buddhism at all, besides that this Buddha was an Asian man some few hundred years ago and seemed wise. Virtually no literature exists in my language regarding Buddhism besides tiny excerpts online and this one edition of the Diamond Sutra which was only very recently published. But thank you so much for bringing this idea to my awareness, I will try to contact the person(s) responsible for its translation and publication - no matter how Mahayana they may be! (ha!)

Incredible idea, thank you once more. Although, such departments here are basically nonexistent, may be a sum total of 25 people throughout 3 universities, and that includes the faculty and the students! I will look into this.

The only one I saw that exists and holds frequent talks and “events” (but not in my native language, which is not an issue but already deprives me of my primary idea of local fraternization) is a Kagyu Group (the Tibetan Diamond Way), and upon further research, I decided I did not want to make contact.

I apologize for such a long response. Your comment has been illuminating and I appreciate your time to write it.

Metta!

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Haha, right! :grin: One of the nice things about that, is that, if you walk up to a Mahāyāna student and ask to talk about Dhammapada, they’ll be more likely than not delighted!

(Sadly, it doesn’t always work the other way around - not many Theravādins want to discuss Diamond Sūtra :laughing: )

If you’re from Georgia (neighbours! As I’m in a similar drought here in Turkey), I found this, might be useful.

https://research.iliauni.edu.ge/en/institution/23-giorgi-tsereteli-institute-of-oriental-studies

Yeah, I would rather hang around with Theravādins with good vibes, rather than Mahāyānists with bad vibes, even if my interests do not perfectly align. And weird groups are found in all sects and religions, so that’s something to be wary of universally. :slight_smile:

No problem at all, I hope you find something good. Diamond Sūtra is one of my favourites, so I’m hoping it leads to some good friendships! :slight_smile:

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Merhaba neighbor, pleasant surprise!

I think I accidentally came off as much more of a sectarian and doctrinaire than I actually am, I am equally as interested in reading about/exploring Mahayana, the only reason I keep mentioning Theravada is that it relates best to my own biases of scholasticism and rigid consistency which makes it more appealing to me. Otherwise, the first thing I am doing tomorrow is buying the Sutra!

Thank you for taking your time to research, I am more grateful than you can imagine. I am familiar with this institute, they certainly look fancier and better online haha! But you were the first to bring this to my attention so I will be reaching out to them nevertheless.

I wish you well.

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Hi @kartulidhamma

When I first came to Buddhism it was through a Mahayana school and joining that group was beneficial and enjoyable. Unless there’s something that is giving you a bad impression about that specific group, it may be worthwhile to check out the Kagyu group you mentioned and see if it’s a pleasant experience or not.

Even if they focus on different teachings during the study aspect, if there’s group meditation then that alone can be inspiring and worth the visit. After all, everyone there is attempting to better themselves in some way spiritually and there’s the accountability aspect with being forced to sit amongst other practitioners for a duration of time each week.

And of course, if you have any specific questions about what the Buddha actually taught or meant by something you’ve probably noticed that monastics are more than willing to contribute to the discussion here on SuttaCentral.

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Thank you Frank, this is not something that I had considered that seriously.

Just that from the limited research I have done, the whole mode of practice seems to be controversial to say the least, all the way from the founder to the current leadership. The local chapter is certainly not helping the case by coming off as a bit peculiar too (at least on the surface and on social media). And as someone with limited knowledge and experience and an underdeveloped skill of discerning unwholesome teachings from the wholesome, I do not want to get caught up into something for the sake of alleviating loneliness that may in the long run be damaging for the overall goal. But I understand where you are coming from and you have helped me by sharing your experience and opinion.

Metta.

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If you’re feeling uncomfortable because of the leadership then it is probably best to stay away. The Buddha advises us that it’s best to study and practice alone rather than seek out the wrong kind of friends, so your assessment about not doing it just to alleviate loneliness is a good one.

The only other thing I can offer is trying to start your own local Buddhist meditation group and book club.

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I mean, you kind of did experience Buddhism first hand. Just maybe not in the way you would when you visit again. It’s in no way surprising that you want to deepen your connection after those visits.

I don’t know about the immigrant scene where you are, but you might want to start hanging out wherever Buddhist expats go and see if you could make some personal connections that way.

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I wonder if there is a Sri Lankan community in Georgia? I have heard of them in the Ukraine and a know a few who did their studies in Russia. The Sri Lankan community will be generally welcoming and enthusiastic to discuss dhamma.

I know there was a monk in or near the Ukraine who did an interview with Sol Hanna (I can’t remember his podcast name) who does/did weekly sessions online. I’m not sure what language though.

I know one woman in Poland who raves about the Tilorien iSangha community. I think they have met in person a few time. They meet on an Eastern EU Timezone

Just some random suggestions

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In the absence of a real person to talk to, several good teachers have many short and longer talks on Youtube and other media. eg the Ajahns Sona and Thanissaro, as well as SC’s own Sujato and Brahmali. If you search for their name plus the topic you want to talk about chances are there’s a relevant talk or Q&A you can listen to.

Here’s Ajahn Sona’s huge Q&A directory.

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None that I am aware of. Probably a few scattered individuals here and there, mainly medical students, but I wouldn’t know how to even go about locating them or if they would be interested in any of this at all.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention!

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This group has started during the COVID pandemic when nobody could go anywhere. The group has beautifully grown together over time! It’s amazing! People sitting in front of their screen with closed eyes for an hour in the morning and in the evening, and feeling so closely connected!

Once a year they organize a reunion in person at Tilorien Monastery.

Added:

Tilorien Monastery

iSangha

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You should start a Meet- up group. You don’t really know if there are or aren’t others in the same boat as you unless you search around. As long as you’re not putting yourself out there as a teacher, your own level of knowledge isn’t an issue. You could host tea, group silent meditation time, and then listen to a dhamma talk together and discuss afterwards.

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Following up on @Passana ‘s wonderful advice, I would just share that my cousin in Belarus is a medical student and a very devout lay practitioner. If you are able to speak Russian, he has many online connections for you.

If you are not (I completely understand why independent Georgians might wish to take a step back from the invader’s culture), then English language groups in Poland and even Western Europe are a great start.

Best wishes to you on your Dhamma path! I hope you encounter many supportive friends along the way.

Mettā✨

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I feel for you. In fact, I’m in a similar situation, now living in the outback of Australia. :grin:

Having said that, even when I was in Bangkok, my main connection channel with good monks and nuns and laypeople is online. I always joke that my main temple is the Laptop Monastery!

When you feel really involved in a good online community, though it may not be able to replace face-to-face communication, it helps make you less alone. The best online connection that can do this is Bhante @Sujato’s Friday night’s talks. Bhante has a small online followers at the talks (about 30-50), so we can see each other on the screen and Bhante takes time to greet us and talk to us and answer our questions. However, the time might not be so perfect for you.

So, every day I’ll watch and listen to BSWA, BSV dhamma talks by Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Brahmali and some Bodhinyana monks whose talks resonate with my situation. Then, when Friday comes, I am in the presence of my teacher Bhante Sujato and some lovely dhamma friends, chanting and meditating together, and listen to interesting dhamma talks and ask questions without feeling that I would be judged for being stupid.

BTW, Bhante’s disciple is organising a retreat in a desert area of Australia in May. A great way to see Bhante in person. Ajahn Brahm’s Singaporean disciple also has an executive retreat at a five-star hotel in Cambodia in June.

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I don’t really have anything to add to what’s already been offered here, but I do want to say thank you for reminding me how very fortunate I am to have access to in-person gatherings with a Buddhist community. As you mentioned, there is a difference when you meet people in person, it’s a lot better than online gatherings, though in the absence of in-person, online is good especially when it’s with people you can connect with and respect, thank you :anjal:

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