Greating and Salutations

[notself]

Quan Yin,

If you are interested in a scholarly approach I suggest that you begin by reading the actual suttas/sutras.  These teachings are the oldest found and are believed to trace back to the time of Buddha.  In the Southern School these teachings are known as the Tipitaka.  In the Northern Schools they are known as the Agamas.  

Much of what you are saying on other threads are not the actual teachings of Siddhattha Gotama but are teachings of much later origin based on a mixture of the original teachings filtered through Chinese culture and religious beliefs.

Here is the link to the index by topic of the Tipitaka. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/index-su ... tml#anatta  Unfortunately, there is no equivalent online source for the Agamas.  I think you will find it interesting to read the actual teachings on anatta (not self), sunnata (emptiness), and patika-samupadda (dependent co-arising).  If you really want to get into it, I recommend the study of "Wings to Awakening".
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... index.html

You are quite correct to be suspicious of gurus who charge a fee for any teaching.  Donations are of course welcome but should never be required.  A monk or nun who charges for a dhamma teaching is in violation of the Vinaya (the code of discipline).  Although a good teacher is helpful on the path, it is possible to practice without a personal teacher.  Thanks to the internet one can interact with Bhikkhus and Bhikkunis from all over the world through their writings, audio talks and videos.  A good virtual teacher is always better than a bad conventional teacher.  

Best wishes for you in your studies.