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NewBuddhist Member Introductions
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What's your interest in Buddhism? Do you follow a particular school's teachings? Can I have a haircut, please?
Raised Catholic. Over the years I’ve been generally spiritual, agnostic, atheist. I’ve had an off and on interest in Buddhism for years and have read a few books on the subject. I’m a recovered alcoholic who’s been through the 12 Steps. In the process, I found a deep love of Buddhism and have recently committed to a regular home practice and study. I haven’t joined a formal sangha nor do I have a formal teacher. I suppose I tend to lean toward Theravada, but I still feel too early in to commit to any particular school.
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I live in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[IMG]http://newbuddhist.com/forum/ /><st1:City w:st=[/IMG]Lancaster County</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">PA</st1:State></ST1:p I’m married and have two children (5 yr old girl and 3 ½ yr old boy). I enjoy home pickling, family, comic books, music, podcasts and amusement parks.
I recently listened to Bhikkhu Bhodi's 10 introductory lectures and was overjoyed at hearing the Dharma this way.
Now looking for more progress in Mindfulness and Concentration but perhaps need to get firm with Metta before seeing any more of my naked self. I was raised in a VERY judgmental environment :nonono::nonono: and am susceptible to despair when seeing the strength of my attachments.
Thank you for keeping such a resource alive on the web!!
Hi - I'm new to the site also. Grew up in Narberth. Saw some Amish on the bus here in Denver yesterday - very unusual. Have young kids also. Ridiculously challenging. Reading "Everyday Blessings" and skipped right to the Chapter called "Loosing it."
Yes, we are surrounded by Amish here, so we're kinda used to them. Actually, Lancaster County is a growing community right now so it's become a strange mix of transplanted suburbia (of which I'm a part, been here 11 yrs.), small town and Pennsylvania Dutch. Add to that a city with a growing progressive/artistic population and you end up with a rather interesting place to live.
I'll have to check out "Everyday Blessings". My current practice toward the kids is to silently say, "please show me the way of patience, tolerance, kindliness and love," and then reflect on impermanence. Gets me through the difficult times (like bed time, dinner time, "leave mom alone" time, etc.).
Great to be here!
I'm Ryan, a 30 year old mail carrier from IL. Having been raised agnostic, I spent a lot of time finding my own way spiritually and philosophically. I had always had an attraction to Buddhism, but only superficially until the beginning of this year. Currently I'm poring over texts new and old and trying to rationalize what I've learned. As well as commit what I've learned into action (the hard part). Being a former History major I have no problem doing my research. I'm hoping this forum will further inspire me to continue, for being a newbie in the West can feel quite alienating at times.
Lots of what I've read about Buddhism rings true to me. The connection between worrying/suffering and attachments, for example. Also it seems true to me that people are conditioned, but I'm not sure I understand how that relates to reincarnation. And I thought that when I was a Christian I learned to be humble, but now I notice little things like letting another person get on the train first.
I'm really tired right now and struggling with the possibility of an outcome which could be slightly disfiguring. I think fearing this is just an attachment to looking 'normal.' Could that be so?
You definitely belong here if you want to learn more about Buddhism. I can't say that the threads always make me understand it better lol, but there are some great folks here that will be glad to help you out in terms of explaining their own beliefs. My favorite thing about Buddhism is that Buddha told us to find our own path and provided his as a skeleton, a guideline. So this is a great place to do some research if you're trying to discover the stones you want to build your own path with. Welcome!
I wanted to come and introduce myself. I've been reading online for a while, but only recently joined, and this is my first post
I'm a beginner. I've said "I'm a Buddhist" for 6 years now, but with the arrival of my daughter and other events in life, practice slid back. I think mostly because I had forgotten what 'practice' is. I never made time to meditate, so I never made space in my mind for living as a Buddhist, practicing in daily life, of BEING a Buddhist.
I think I'd like to go to the Buddhist temple close to me (Chenrezig Institute in Eudlo, QLD, Australia), although I'm scared of saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing, eeeek! So I thought, baby steps, I'll join this forum and hopefully muster up the courage to venture out to the Buddhist communities IRL.
Nice to meet you all
just a quick introduction as I am new to this forum.
My name is Bryan, I am 46 years old and live in the south west of England.
Married, two grown up children and two grandchildren.
I first became interested in Buddhism when I was about 15 years old and decided to live by the precepts in about 1998.
I don't have a Sangha locally so almost all of my contact with fellow Buddhists has been on the internet. Personally if I had to put myself into a particular school of Buddhism it would be Soto Zen although that does not mean that I am not interested in, or am anti, other schools of Buddhism.
I used to be actively engaged in the old Dharmatemple web forum but that folded some time ago.. I wonder if there are any old Dharmatemple members here?
Anyway, as I said, this is just a quick introduction and hopefully I will post more in the future.
Regards to all,
in Dharma,
Bryan
So a couple of years ago I traveled around Asia and learned a lot about Buddhism. Then I came home and last year I started studying it. I don't know if I'd call myself a Buddhist, but it has really made an impact on my thinking. What I study seems nothing like how my mom practices, though. Also I went to a few temples but they seemed nothing like what I was studying either. Since then I've just stuck to my books.
A few times when I had questions I posted about them online on Buddhist discussion forums, but I can't find those now. So I'm here because my life has taken a turn for the worse in recent months and I'm trying to figure out how to cope with it. Maybe I'll ask more questions later about all that.
Otherwise, hello!!
Please don't be afraid to go the temple. You're not going to have to walk around on eggshells there. Just be yourself. The people there are just peeps like you!
Palzang
Hi, I'm SteadyBlue. My story is almost the exact same as this person's. What's more, apparently we live in the same city. So hello to everybody and to nature lover, my fellow Bostonian.
Greetings.
I happen to attend Chenrezig - great center.
Don't worry - the locals don't bite - there are really very nice. Normal consideration is appropriate and there are lots of signs around warning you of appropriate behaviour.
A couple of points which you should be aware of - DON'T feed the wildlife and swatting mozzies is not considered particularly auspicious.
Removing shoes and headgear is appropriate when enter the Gompa or library. Modest casual dress is desirable - and comfortable. And don't feel you have to sit crossed legged on a cushion. There are chairs. Sitting cross legged takes a bit of getting use to.
But please don't worry - your worst fears are never realized.
If you are a bit worried about what to do just ask one of the nuns or monks. People are really very helpful.
Have you checked out Chenrezig web site. The Thursday evening teaching with Geshe-la is good place to start. You might also consider the guided meditation teachings.
There is also a great Dharma shop with lots of Buddhist goodies, books, music, practice material etc etc ...
And HHDL will be present next year with respect to the Enlightenment Project.
And nice to meet you.
I went to a session on 7 point mind training done by Dagri Rinpoche on the weekend and I enjoyed it a lot
Want to help deal with past hurts and anger and be more compassionate to others
So hi everyone!
Hi - welcome - another Aussie.
The Seven Point Mind Training is an excellent teaching. It forms part of the Lam Rim so you are on the right track from the start.
There is lots of 'past' to get through as you start on the path - so join the club.
Hehehe. I figured it was a common denominator.
I'd love to find a temple or a centre closer to me. The one I went to was at Camp Hill and I'm from near Kedron in Brisbane and don't drive but would love to get together with other Buddhists more frequently.. does anyone have any suggestions?
What is the Lam Rim?
Check out this - the centre is in Camp Hill but if you make contact you might find local members.
There is also Chenrezig at Edulo which is on the Sunshine Coast.
While there are many Buddhist tradition it would appear you are following the Tibetan tradition and it is probably good to stick with the one tradition - it is confusing enough without mixing traditions.
With respect to the Lam Rim you could check this out. But you really need a qualified teacher to explain.
If you want some assistance you could PM me and I will offer what I can.
Oh yep I went there on Saturday. I like Tibetan Buddhism.
Is it essential to go very often to temple? Or is it okay if I just go when I can? My husband wants to do a course now too.
Probably time for private mail - just to save space here. I will PM you.
I wrote a huge, long detailed intro post, and then got timed out :rolleyes:
So, short version is: I'm Dave, I live in northern England. Looking forward to chatting, learning and (virtually) meeting you
Cheers
Dave
And welcome to all co-newbies
I can be
I am a man of logic and debate. From what I understand with Buddhism, it does not fight or compete with science. It wants to find understanding. I also have a lot of stress in my life. I've been reading on some of the books from the Dalai Lama.
I've been reading:
I am loving this book. Some of the teachings is helping me to relax and be happy. I still have lots of practice. I have yet to start mediating yet. I hope to start doing it soon. I like how Buddhism doesn't have this mentality that they are better then anybody else. The only job is help end suffering.
Well I don't want to go too long. I hope to be here for a while and learn.
Enjoy the journey.
With metta
Know what? I should ask my question in a new topic.
Take your time and don't be swayed by outward appearances.