I'm confused on what kind of posture I should use, where, and if there should be complete silence, or nature or meditation sounds/songs?

For how long and what exactly do I do when I meditate? Focus on one thing or try to get in touch with mother earth? I know these questions mind sound dumb but im only 16 and any help would be greatly appreciated :)

P.S. I'm considering going to a Buddhist center/temple to learn some stuff, how exactly do they work? Is there only certain group of people allowed or can anyone go? I'm Latino will I be accepted there?

Thanks
In my town there is only one Buddhist Building and this is it.


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What do you think? Should I go? Call?


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USE THE LORDS Prayer the Bible Matt 6..

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Always start at the same time everyday. i usually start around 4:20

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Unfortunately anyone that knows and practices such meditative skill is probably far too enlightened to be participating in Yahoo! Answers R&S.

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The Buddhists accept everyone. Meditate as long or as short as you wish. It is a matter of quality not quantity. I suggest 15-20 minutes at a time. I'm a Taoist and practice Tai Chi. It takes a half hour to complete the form and I meditate before during and after the form.

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Re: specific meditation techniques, I think you're right to seek out a good teacher. Yes, everyone is generally welcome in most Sanghas and Buddhist centers I've ever heard of (and the few local ones I've visited). As to achieving nirvana, well, if I knew how to tell people how do it, I'd be a bodhisattva, and I'm not. However, I do like the parable the ten Oxen, particularly that to find the missing ox is to realize it was never lost.

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Learning to meditate is an exercise, a task. Nirvana is not. Nor is it a destination or achievement. This you must first come to understand and accept.

Buddhists do not reject any, they gladly accept all. You will be given a master. Follow your master without any resistance.

Nirvana may come or it may not but this cannot be your goal or expectation. To attain Nirvana, you must no longer desire. This may come with time and wisdom. Learn the tenets of Lord Gautama Siddhattha, more commonly referred to as the Buddha.

Blessings

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I highly doubt that there is only one "true" way to meditate and achieve nirvana, but here's what I've heard.

Sit with your back straight in the lotus position (or "Indian-style," whichever term you're familiar with) either on the bare floor/ground, or on a cushion. Some prefer complete silence when they meditate. Others go outside where they are exposed to the sounds of nature. Others still listen to music (usually gongs or other "meditative" instruments). There really is no right or wrong answer.

Meditate for as long as you can. Being a beginner, your mind will start to stray, or you will begin to lose focus. This is fine and understandable. Like anything else, it takes practice. You're not going to be a master the first time (or even the first several times) around. There are a multitude of things you can meditate on, but if you're looking specifically to achieve nirvana, I would recommend meditating on the impermanence of life, focusing on just being, anything that will help rid your mind/spirit/body of attachment.

If you're curious and would like to know more, I highly suggest you go to a temple. There are different "sects" of Buddhism, and each temple will, no doubt, be different. Search around, and find one that suits you best. If nothing "clicks," you will still be able to learn something from whichever temples are in your area. I can't give you specifics, as I've yet to visit a temple myself, but Buddhism is a fairly lax religion. You will not be turned away because of your race, gender, religion, etc., but you should still be respectful. Look outside the temple entrance (or inside even, if they have a lobby of sorts). They may have visiting hours posted, so you won't intrude during a time of mediation, etc.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

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Many Buddhist temples will have a "beginner's mind" retreat. They will accept anyone. Give them a call to see what is involved and what you need to bring.

They will help you meditate. I tried meditating several times, but it never really clicked for me. Then I went to a retreat, and now I meditate every day and derive great benefit from it (mostly for reducing stress).

Good luck!

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Fabian, I think going to your local Buddhist Centre would be a good place to start.

It is not easy starting out all alone at home without any background of the way to do it.

You will be welcomed at your Buddhist Centre and I am sure they will have regular meetings where beginners can begin to learn the techniques of meditation.

Our local Friends of the Western Buddhist Order was where I started out and what I was taught there was invaluable and I still use the meditations I was taught there, to this day.

There are also some great suggestions in the other Answers you have received.

If you are going to try alone at home then, sit in an upright position with the spine straight and spend a few minutes relaxing. You can sit in an upright chair and do not have to sit cross legged on the floor unless you find it a comfortable position. There should be as few distractions as possible while you are first learning, so silence is probably best.

Then close your eyes and watch your breath. Just count the in breath and the out breath as one breath. Count until you reach ten. Then start from one again.

If you find yourself losing count, just start again from one. This is the most basic of meditations but it is an excellent one and can take you a long way.

You are starting on a path that will make such a difference to your life ...... I wish you well.

Namaste

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Hello!
I want to share with you about the Buddhist Community ( SGI ).
SGI is in 192 countries right now. Everyone respects each person and diversity.
I am not sure where you live, but there is a community center where held meetings regularly
and people learn about the philosophy of Buddhism & practice and share experiences and encourage each other.
Everyone is always welcome to attend the meetings.
Here is a web site. you are able to find the community center near you in the USA.

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and also you can get more info at

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If you are interested and have any questions, Please let me know.

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[tracy]

if you want a good way to meditate... try to develop your own... there is no bad way of meditating, as there is no wrong way to achieve nirvana, if one searches for it.