Thanks Debdas!

Glad it helped!

Glad it was helpful!

Welcome, Elvira! Hope you enjoy the podcast and future videos!

That's great, Michael! There's no need to rush, and feel comfortable observing until you are ready. You'll know when. I also have another book regarding a Daily Buddhist Practice, if interested (you can also read the original article online: alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/). Let me know if any questions!

Thank you for your kind feedback, Yenyok!

That's great, George! I do have a video about the two branches of Buddhism (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bqymY7Fqks-ofmg.html). I would say for those outside of Buddhist-majority countries, it becomes a personal decision to which "Dharma door" speaks to you. As a layperson, the different traditions may practice differently, but you'll still be practicing the heart of what the Buddha taught. I am personally in Mahayana, and eventually came to a particular school within it due to the teachings of a monastic that spoke to me and introduced me to a wonderful tradition. Not being close to a temple can definitely be a challenge, but thankfully there are some options. Online services are available, but often mostly from tech-savvy temples or large temples/organizations. If you are able to visit a temple during a short vacation trip, that might be an option. While the pandemic still has activities at different temples restricted, you'll eventually find them back to normal operations where you can do short-term retreats (some may even be one day, a weekend, a month, or longer). The biggest recommendation I would give is to keep your mind and heart open. Some things will, of course, feel different to you because you are being introduced to Buddhism practiced by different cultures and often refined over centuries as part of an overall Buddhist history that spans 2,600 years. If so far you have found some things that you find interesting or helpful, please let me know and I might be able to give you some suggestions. Feel free to send me a message via my website if you prefer.

Great question! Chanting/recitation is a form of meditative concentration. So, it's that steady/structured rhythm. At the temple, it's much easier because you're getting guidance (such as with bells and drums) and there are a lot of other people there with you doing the same thing. Speaking of most of the time in the tradition I'm in, it's usually chanted in Chinese! ;) But they do have an English translation which you see me recreating here in a condensed format. So, we are not doing it so much as a prayer per se, but for a few things: 1) meditative concentration in the form of recitation/chanting, 2) adding on to that meditative concentration, we are drowning out random thoughts in our mind with that of wholesome practice...the rhythm and scripture help with that, and 3) it not only follows the rhythm and structure you'd follow with a native language but helps you to get through the scripture (some can be VERY long). Side note...do we have prayers as well, yes we do. Here's an example from my Temple of a service (in Chinese): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r6iJh7WD1NeUk3U.html To your question about starting off with chanting...of course! It can be quite different than what we are used to (especially when done in another language). I felt that I was going too slow while at a Temple service (still do sometimes!) and wasn't sure what I was doing in the beginning, etc. And I don't propose to be an expert either! The wonderful thing is that so many things are now online, and you can follow along with the Dharma sessions. For example, the one I linked to was one where we couldn't be at the temple, but I did it from home. For an English language version of a daily practice, check this out: fgseds.foguangpedia.org/chanting-service-procedure-fo-guang-shan-english-dharma-services/ In short, don't worry, especially when at a temple. Most people are focused on themselves and the service and not watching you to see if you're following along or not (so don't feel like all eyes are on you). Do your best, and eventually, you'll get into the flow, and then it can become not only an enjoyable part of your practice but one that can help you along the path! The most practiced form of Buddhism, Pure Land, is a bit easier though. You are invoking/chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha repeatedly. While this sounds easy, some monastics have done it thousands of times a day during intensive sessions.

@@AlanPeto Thank you very much for the detailed reply. Truly appreciate it. Your vids have been a great introduction to this interesting religion. Cheers.