Has any one ever studied Buddhism and even practised it or are a regular practitioner of Buddhism. I have been thinking for a while about studying the religion and possibly taking it up. I have briefly read the basics and overview of Buddhism and like what I read.

Would be great to hear peoples own thoughts and experiences on the subject.

You should try getting in touch with the Buddist Centre at Walkley Zed.

There used to be one in broomhill too, Ive been with a friend before its very interesting!

Is it Zen Buddhism or just Buddhism, because IIRC they're both different concepts.
Also Buddhism has no god which I think doesn't class it as a religion, it's a concept or way of life or something.

The first Buddha was a human born into Royalty somewhere in Asia, and he didn't feel fulfilled. He wanted to feel an enlightened state of mind and so he walked out on his family / wife / child and gave up all of his belongings and money.

Apparently IIRC he needed to experience true poverty, hunger and all those other aspects that people with nothing have to endure everyday. He'd also meditate for hours (sometimes days) to reach enlightenment until one day he got there. Then he became the Buddha.

My memory may be a little sketchy or way off on this one, so please if someone knows a lot more let me know. It is very interesting to understand and learn about... I only happen to catch the story one morning on BBC2 (weekend morning I think) and just got hooked watching it.

Interesting overview of Buddism here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddism

Nomme

I was in Thailand last month and the majority of the people there are Buddists. They love to respect the Buddah image. There's a different posed Buddah for each day of the week, you respect the one that matches your day of birth.