Today i purchased my first bonsai tree, a 'Biddhist Pine' (Podocarpus). Can anyone please give me some useful starting tips about the bonsai tree in question? And bonsai's in general?

Thanks

The most important thing that is needed for successful bonsai growing is a knowledge of horticultural principles you must know how trees and plants grow, much of this knowledge can be learned by trial and error, even experts get it wrong, so dont give up, any help i can give will only be too pleased to, first off though bonsai soil
TYPE/ general mix/ TREESPECIES/ most varieties, particularly young trees SHARP SAND /COURSE GRIT/ 2 parts /1 part PEAT/ 1part LOAM.

TYPE/ pine or juniper mix/ TREE SPECIES/ young pines old pines / 4 parts SHARP SAND /COURSE GRIT/ 1 part PEAT/ 0 LOAM.

TYPE/conifermix/ TREE SPECIES/ cypress, cryptomeria, and other conifers/ 3 part SHARP SAND/COURSE GRIT/1 part PEAT/ 1 part LOAM.

TYPE/ general deciduous mix/ TREE SPECIES/ deciduous trees in general/ 2 parts SHARP SAND /COURSE GRIT/ 1 part PEAT/ 1 part LOAM.

TYPE/ fruiting and flowering mix/ deciduous trees which fruit and flower , willows wisteria/ 1 part SHARP SAND/ COURSE GRIT/ 1 part PEAT / 2 parts LOAM. hope this helps for now will help in the future if required.

A buddhist pine or podocarpus will do fine in part sun. Don't overwater and use quick draining soil. If you want some good articles to get started take a look at these bonsai articles.