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Hi Knitwitch and sharpiegirl, thanks for the welcomes
I'll have some hot water with lemon tonight, thanks, already had too many cups of tea today In fact, I think I'll go make myself some of that water right now.
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federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited February 2006
Welcome to our forum, and hope to see a lot more of you...!
Hi, my name is Eric. I'm 14 years old and I live in Arkansas ( ).
About 2 or 3 years ago I began to question my religion (non-denominational Christian, which I was not satisfied with. I abandoned it, and began to diligently research multiple religions. I've been researching. I found myself enchanted with two religions: Buddhism and Judaism. Sometimes I feel more rapture with one and then I'll feel more for another. I suppose it's the hormones. :P
Which brings me to this moment. I won't be able to properly practice Buddhism if that is the religion I choose until I graduate and move out of Arkansas. Until then, the Internet is my only outlet.
And now more about me. My interests include alternative and indie rock and pop, jazz, reggae, and world music. I love music. Listening to it and creating it with my trumpet. I think music could improve the world if more people would see it for what it really is. I also like swimming and track. I find solace in both activities as both give me quiet, alone time to reflect on myself. Movies are great too. My favorites are Chicago, Crash, The Constant Gardener, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Brokeback Mountain. There are a whole plethora of other movies I consider my favorites, but I can't list them. My favorite foods include pizza, pasta, chicken and dumplings, quesadillas, curly fries. Drinks include lemonade, V8 Splash, and Coca-Cola. I love reading. My favorite books are Harry Potters 4-6, The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green, Milkweed, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Zipped, and too many others to name.
I plan to attend either Berkeley University, New York University, or Columbia University and double major in Philosophy/Religion and either Linguistics or Music and minor in the one that I don't choose as my double major.
Oh, Xrayman, are you feeling unappreciated? You know how much we love you! You're not chopped liver. You're definitely more like scrambled eggs or...corn flakes! LOL!
My name is Derik, most people know me as Dell, Im 28 and living in the Dales in the UK, Born South African, moved here two years ago on a working holiday visa, met a lovely man who showed me wrongs of my christian upbringings and filled the gaps I so longed seeked answers for. I am to return to South Africa in a month or two as my visa runs out and cant stay and enjoy this lovely country a little longer. But I am willing for life to take me where it feels the next lesson will be tought best.
I'm trusting on all your intelect and experience to guide me in south africa as the buddhist comunity is not very big or liked over there. But I'm blessed to have found a group so open and friendly as yourself.
All my love and hugz for the people on this site, and hope to kow each and everyone of you better as time goes on.
Dellboy
:type:
My name is Derik, most people know me as Dell, Im 28 and living in the Dales in the UK, Born South African, moved here two years ago on a working holiday visa, met a lovely man who showed me wrongs of my christian upbringings and filled the gaps I so longed seeked answers for. I am to return to South Africa in a month or two as my visa runs out and cant stay and enjoy this lovely country a little longer. But I am willing for life to take me where it feels the next lesson will be tought best.
I'm trusting on all your intelect and experience to guide me in south africa as the buddhist comunity is not very big or liked over there. But I'm blessed to have found a group so open and friendly as yourself.
All my love and hugz for the people on this site, and hope to kow each and everyone of you better as time goes on.
Dellboy
:type:
Welcome, Dellboy. Ripon is wonderful, isn't it! Although the weather may well be a tad better in SA! LOL
I hope that we shall be able to give you all the support you may need as you return to the Rainbow Nation. I'm sure you've found this list: Buddhist addresses in South Africa
If you don't mind me asking....since Buddhism is not welcome in South Africa, I am just curious as to what the major "religion" is over there? I really haven't a clue!
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federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited February 2006
Yes Dell, welcome! keep posting and we'll keep chatting! Nice to have you with us!
hi everone my name is Brandon, and I decided to take a trip over from my home forum and say hi! Do you guys know where I can get some good tea in these parts?
I make a great cup of tea. What kind would you like? I have Japanese green tea (Sencha), Oolong (Shu Xian), Chai, Darjeeling (even First Flush), black and tisanes. I have white sugar, organic sugar or honey made three miles from here. And if you take milk I have skimmed (the only kind we keep). I can brew it in cast iron (the Asian way), china, porcelain, glass or silver. And I can serve it in your choice of china, stoneware, glass, earthenware or run of the mill, but BIG mug.
Someone else has to bring the biscuits, though. And if they're coming from the U.K. I'd really love a Hob Knob (SP? It's been so long).
Love,
Brigid
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federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited February 2006
Hello Brandon, and welcome! I know you! Yes I do...!
Thanks for coming over and joining us here -!
Everyone, Brandon is a really cool guy, and he's a genuine article!
Hi and welcome Brian.
Thanks Simon for the adresses in south africa.
For YogaMoma I would say the protestant church rules in south africa, but the black people still cling to alot of there african nature gods, I can't say its a pagan or wican believe, for it slightly differs, and most of them have mixed it with christianity, so in short its just a big muddy mess. The only problem is each believe his/hers is the true path to salvation, and they will fight for it to the death.
This is my first post. My name is Jason. I'm a 29 year old vipassana meditator. I look forward to being part of this awesome community of fellow seekers. I've been consistently meditating, studying, and trying to follow the path for just over a year now. I'm somewhat geographically isolated from like-minded folks so I feel fortunate to have made contact with such a broad spectrum of unique individuals.
Hello,
I am HH.
I am not a buddhist. However I could be as I understand I have the potential to be one.
I am commited Socialism.
In my late thirties although you never would guess I was a day over 29.
I look like tubby Robbie Williams.
I am Welsh and a smart sort of chap.
Interest's are media and politics. Specialist subjects are Community and foreign affairs.
I love to travel whenever I can and always want to talk of adventures across the globe.
My favourite books are " Animal Farm" and "One the Road".
Favourite Bands I guess would be The Stone Roses and I love most things by Neil Young.
Food has to be Thai.
Fav place..... Tough one but I like Langkawi.....If your America I wish to point out it's not the other site of Cardiff. In fact it's an island off Malaysia's west coast.
Fav animals.... I love all animal's however I think elephant's are lucky.
Fav film has to be One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest.
I enjoy Vodka and lemon as well as a pint of bitter.
Hey and as for this fav colour thing... come on get a life.
And just in case there are some lonely ladies out there thinking this guy sounds like the real deal, well you are right and right again. However, Mrs HH is a tough and unforgiving women and she won't stand for any post life style activities.
She will hunt you down and give you my dirty laundry.... Get it.
My big wish is that the Lib Dems get found out before someone thinks it a good idea to allow them to have the balance of power at the next election.
Hello,
A short intro I hope.
My name is Jacob Hogan (Jake), I'm a 43 year old white male American remarried father of 4, grandfather of 5 and counting. 6 feet 170 pounds, blue eyes brown hair (whats left of it). I'm a life long atheist raised Lutheran. I plan to post my picture, for your amusement as soon as I figure out how to do it, maybe even an avatar! I work as an instrument mechanic for a drug company. My level of education is a GED, I didn't even finish the 11th grade. Motorcycling, and Bonsai are among my too many interests. (I have grasping issues). I was in the Navy about 2 decades ago. My son was in the Army and in Iraq for the start of the war, my son-in-law is over there now. About 6 months ago I saw a couple of interviews on LinkTV with H.H. the Dalai Lama. I was so impressed I started studying Buddhism. It has been a great help with calming my monkey mind. Theres a Buddhist temple just 50 miles from me in my home town Fort Wayne Indiana. I plan to check the place out and maybe join.
So for now this site is all the Sangha I have and great you all are. I have found resources listed on this site by the fine people here that have helped me alot.
I'm still learning the site, which is why I posted to the atheist thread before I found this intro thread. I think I'm gaining on it.
I got word of this forum over at E-Sangha and thought I'd check it out. (Hi Jason/Elohim, this is AllinOne). Seems to be a pretty nice place.
Anyway, I'm 27 and live in the state of Missouri. I'm married with 2 year old son and 4 month old daughter. Life is busy, to put it mildly.
I came to buddhism after a crisis of faith in my faith I was raised, non-denominational Christianity. I suddenly realized, after many philosophical discussions, that I really didn't know whether any of the things I claimed to know and believe were true. I could no longer operate off of beliefs I couldn't verify, so I sought to seek out what it was that the Prophets and such regarded as God. I began studying Hinduism, Kaballah and Taoism, and found much resonance in them all. They opened up my mind to new ways of looking at things that seemed to make much more sense than the way I had looked at things before. I truly honor the Great saints and Sages of these traditions who helped me to see many things I'd never seen before.
Nonetheless, the problem persisted. As much as my new studies of these religions explained and answered (suddenly all those religions made a lot more sense), they were still not enough for me. Then I started reading into buddhism & went to a couple of meditation sessions, and I was hooked.
Now, a couple of years later, I am only begining to come to an intellectual understanding of a lot of buddhist theory/philosophy. I guess those two years were learning the language and sorting out a lot of my misconceptions and naive understandings. Still, I consider myself very much a beginner in the buddhadharma, even though I've learned so much. I am only beginning my study of the actual sutras. But my motto is 'slow and steady wins the race'. I really want to 'grok' the teachings, not just accumulate them as more data, so I'm in no rush in that respect. This path doesn't just go from one point to the next, it expands fuller and fuller. I bow often to its profundity and skillful presentation.
Currently, I am reading a lot of Ajahn Chah and his lineage from the Thai Forest Tradition. Lot's of wonderful Dharma there. I also have quite an affinity for Zen teachings and am fond of its directness.
I am looking forward to enlightening discussion and getting to know you all.
My first reply, my confirmation to myself that Buddhism is something I want to understand and gain from.
Some things are clear to me - I will need work to understand 'self', my 'monkey mind' does need calming, Zen(thanks Federica for the link) seems such a logical path to me why wasn't this obvious until I hit my early 40's!
I will read, learn and join a local group in 2006 - just dipping my toe into this pool of knowledge, will wait to see what the ripples bring back to me.
Me: 42, mother to 18yr old daughter, married and years together with my partner 26yrs, from England, UK
Hello Sangha,
Federica thank you for the Metta Chant. I bookmarked the link. I'd like to quote it here, I know its in this thread but I haven't found it again.
Not1not2 sometime when you have time please tell us about your signature. I collect Dharma.
Brigid as long as I'm at it with my questions, did you ever find out how you became "old friend of the site"?
Thank you all.
I never did, Simplelayperson, but I suspect it has something to do with hitting a certain number of postings. But you can always change your Custom User Title in the user CP under "Edit Profile".
Brigid
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federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited March 2006
'Old friend of the site' is indeed linked to the number of postings... for some wise old birds this may take a century... For others, like myself, who babbled incessantly when I first joined, this can be achieved in twenty minutes - !!
You can change this 'default setting' if you wish, by doing the following....:
Go to your user CP:
Select the 'Edit Profile' option:
The first choice will permit you to change your e-mail address & password....
the very first selection in the next options box, is how you can change your "job title"...!
Sorry Brigid.... didn't mean to step on yer toes there....
Name: Tim
Gender: Male
Age: 61
Sign: Aries
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Height: 6'
Weight: 170
Born: Ottawa Canada
Currently: Owen Sound Ontario
Favourite color: Blue
Favourite music: Blues, Good Country (which is really blues),
Interesting Classical,
Favourite food: a well made stew
movie: The Passion of Christ
book: Sidartha
I have three kids who are off and about with their lives, and
I live alone with my cat, Ebony.
I feel as though I have lived through a number of lifetimes
whilst in this single body, all as a normal life-span btw. I've
been a broadcaster and photo-journalist, worked the green-chain in
a factory saw mill, became a sawyer with my own mill (I was good
at it too), worked with emotionally disturbed children, been a
back-to-the-lander back in the bush off the Alaska Highway .. and
other odd and assorted realities. For these past five years I am
a cab driver .. and having a good time too. I remember thinking as
a boy that there would be a wide variety of activities for me. It
was about learning about humanity and attempting to get a handle
on something called the human dynamic. I didn't want to get stuck
in anyone's groove, and I did want to have an understanding of the
larger picture.
On balance I have to be pleased with what happened although,
frankly, I have developed supreme compassion for those for whom
ignorance is bliss.
I am of a mind that there is a real possibility for a
wonderful future for humanity. However I am not sure that humanity
has the strength or wisdom to learn what we need to learn to
realise that possibility. All I can do in this moment, now, is to
keep the torch alive. I know that there are others out there who
are of like mind. I can feel your light. It is comforting.
What needs to change for me to have confidence that humanity
is on course to a beautiful future does NOT require any violence.
We do NOT need a revolution where people are killed and lives and
civilisations destroyed. Nada. We been there done that. What we
need is a shift in attitude.
I like Buddhism because this is a paradigm which fosters just
the very shift in attitude we need to be making. Buddhism is
grounded in compassion, and Buddhism is dynamic. I did like what
the Dalai Lama said in the New York Times recently when he said,
essentially, that if science provides evidence that Buddhist
beliefs are not spot on then Buddhists need to re-examine their
beliefs. So true.
What counts is not having nice thoughts about the future or
doing all the right things in the hope that good things will
happen. What counts is producing results. I am either being
effective and making a difference, or I'm not. If it's the latter
then it's best to sit down, cross my legs, shut up and do nothing.
Hello,
I am HH.
I am not a buddhist. However I could be as I understand I have the potential to be one.
I am commited Socialism.
In my late thirties although you never would guess I was a day over 29.
I look like tubby Robbie Williams.
I am Welsh and a smart sort of chap.
Interest's are media and politics. Specialist subjects are Community and foreign affairs.
I love to travel whenever I can and always want to talk of adventures across the globe.
My favourite books are " Animal Farm" and "One the Road".
Favourite Bands I guess would be The Stone Roses and I love most things by Neil Young.
Food has to be Thai.
Fav place..... Tough one but I like Langkawi.....If your America I wish to point out it's not the other site of Cardiff. In fact it's an island off Malaysia's west coast.
Fav animals.... I love all animal's however I think elephant's are lucky.
Fav film has to be One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest.
I enjoy Vodka and lemon as well as a pint of bitter.
Hey and as for this fav colour thing... come on get a life.
And just in case there are some lonely ladies out there thinking this guy sounds like the real deal, well you are right and right again. However, Mrs HH is a tough and unforgiving women and she won't stand for any post life style activities.
She will hunt you down and give you my dirty laundry.... Get it.
My big wish is that the Lib Dems get found out before someone thinks it a good idea to allow them to have the balance of power at the next election.
At you service
HH
HH, I never knew this about you? I could have sworn, from your posts, that you were a conservative, US Republican!
I think you missed something on your post though, young man...
You can't come play with us until you give us your favorite color! It's okay. Don't be shy. If you like fushia or teal - it's okay! We're not judgemental around here.
My name is Mark. My favorite color is blue. I like to read and go on long walks. I'm married with 2 wee ones. I think George Bush is a Poohead. Also, I am apparently a buddhist practitioner who fancies the Zen and Theravada schools and does not sit nearly often enough. Bad buddhist, bad!
So, this is my attempt at a humorous display in order to break the ice with all of you at this forum.
Comments
I'll have some hot water with lemon tonight, thanks, already had too many cups of tea today
I'm going to use the same biography that I posted on www.buddhachat.org
Hi, my name is Eric. I'm 14 years old and I live in Arkansas (
About 2 or 3 years ago I began to question my religion (non-denominational Christian, which I was not satisfied with. I abandoned it, and began to diligently research multiple religions. I've been researching. I found myself enchanted with two religions: Buddhism and Judaism. Sometimes I feel more rapture with one and then I'll feel more for another. I suppose it's the hormones. :P
Which brings me to this moment. I won't be able to properly practice Buddhism if that is the religion I choose until I graduate and move out of Arkansas. Until then, the Internet is my only outlet.
And now more about me. My interests include alternative and indie rock and pop, jazz, reggae, and world music. I love music. Listening to it and creating it with my trumpet. I think music could improve the world if more people would see it for what it really is. I also like swimming and track. I find solace in both activities as both give me quiet, alone time to reflect on myself. Movies are great too. My favorites are Chicago, Crash, The Constant Gardener, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Brokeback Mountain. There are a whole plethora of other movies I consider my favorites, but I can't list them. My favorite foods include pizza, pasta, chicken and dumplings, quesadillas, curly fries. Drinks include lemonade, V8 Splash, and Coca-Cola. I love reading. My favorite books are Harry Potters 4-6, The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green, Milkweed, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Zipped, and too many others to name.
I plan to attend either Berkeley University, New York University, or Columbia University and double major in Philosophy/Religion and either Linguistics or Music and minor in the one that I don't choose as my double major.
That's all the basics.
Welcome!
It's so nice to have new people here.
Make yourselves at home and don't be shy.
We are happy you're here!
:cheer:
With love,
Brigid :bigclap: :bigclap: :bigclap:
What are we Chopped Liver or somethin'?
haha
sorry Brigid.
We love you, silly!
Brigid
good. I'm satisfied with that.
regards,
Xrayman
But I'm sure Xrayman is cool.
Brigid
P.S. He has a wonderfully loving heart and jokes a lot. His humour is sort of sweet sarcasm (?).
A big warm welcome to all our newer members.
Jason
(Isn't she wonderfully complimentary?) *blush*
Um Elohim, I'm not sure if you are referring to me? as being introductionless? (I made that word up), or not?
To be brutally honest, I don't know/can't remember if i made an Introduction or not-Sorry, If not, and I'll do one asap.
P.S. I thought I was dropping the sarcasm? mmm better look at myself harder..thanks for the heads-up!
regards,
Xrayman
My name is Derik, most people know me as Dell, Im 28 and living in the Dales in the UK, Born South African, moved here two years ago on a working holiday visa, met a lovely man who showed me wrongs of my christian upbringings and filled the gaps I so longed seeked answers for. I am to return to South Africa in a month or two as my visa runs out and cant stay and enjoy this lovely country a little longer. But I am willing for life to take me where it feels the next lesson will be tought best.
I'm trusting on all your intelect and experience to guide me in south africa as the buddhist comunity is not very big or liked over there. But I'm blessed to have found a group so open and friendly as yourself.
All my love and hugz for the people on this site, and hope to kow each and everyone of you better as time goes on.
Dellboy
:type:
-bf
Welcome, Dellboy. Ripon is wonderful, isn't it! Although the weather may well be a tad better in SA! LOL
I hope that we shall be able to give you all the support you may need as you return to the Rainbow Nation. I'm sure you've found this list:
Buddhist addresses in South Africa
If you don't mind me asking....since Buddhism is not welcome in South Africa, I am just curious as to what the major "religion" is over there? I really haven't a clue!
I make a great cup of tea. What kind would you like? I have Japanese green tea (Sencha), Oolong (Shu Xian), Chai, Darjeeling (even First Flush), black and tisanes. I have white sugar, organic sugar or honey made three miles from here. And if you take milk I have skimmed (the only kind we keep). I can brew it in cast iron (the Asian way), china, porcelain, glass or silver. And I can serve it in your choice of china, stoneware, glass, earthenware or run of the mill, but BIG mug.
Someone else has to bring the biscuits, though. And if they're coming from the U.K. I'd really love a Hob Knob (SP? It's been so long).
Love,
Brigid
Thanks for coming over and joining us here -!
Everyone, Brandon is a really cool guy, and he's a genuine article!
Brandon, can you hear that sigh of relief - ??
Thanks Simon for the adresses in south africa.
For YogaMoma I would say the protestant church rules in south africa, but the black people still cling to alot of there african nature gods, I can't say its a pagan or wican believe, for it slightly differs, and most of them have mixed it with christianity, so in short its just a big muddy mess. The only problem is each believe his/hers is the true path to salvation, and they will fight for it to the death.
This is my first post. My name is Jason. I'm a 29 year old vipassana meditator. I look forward to being part of this awesome community of fellow seekers. I've been consistently meditating, studying, and trying to follow the path for just over a year now. I'm somewhat geographically isolated from like-minded folks so I feel fortunate to have made contact with such a broad spectrum of unique individuals.
:type:
Glad you could make it and I would have to agree. There is nothing more joyful than a good, healthy sit.
-bf
Well with all these seekers around can anything still be lost?
Glad to see you.
Brigid
I am HH.
I am not a buddhist. However I could be as I understand I have the potential to be one.
I am commited Socialism.
In my late thirties although you never would guess I was a day over 29.
I look like tubby Robbie Williams.
I am Welsh and a smart sort of chap.
Interest's are media and politics. Specialist subjects are Community and foreign affairs.
I love to travel whenever I can and always want to talk of adventures across the globe.
My favourite books are " Animal Farm" and "One the Road".
Favourite Bands I guess would be The Stone Roses and I love most things by Neil Young.
Food has to be Thai.
Fav place..... Tough one but I like Langkawi.....If your America I wish to point out it's not the other site of Cardiff. In fact it's an island off Malaysia's west coast.
Fav animals.... I love all animal's however I think elephant's are lucky.
Fav film has to be One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest.
I enjoy Vodka and lemon as well as a pint of bitter.
Hey and as for this fav colour thing... come on get a life.
And just in case there are some lonely ladies out there thinking this guy sounds like the real deal, well you are right and right again. However, Mrs HH is a tough and unforgiving women and she won't stand for any post life style activities.
She will hunt you down and give you my dirty laundry.... Get it.
My big wish is that the Lib Dems get found out before someone thinks it a good idea to allow them to have the balance of power at the next election.
At you service
HH
A short intro I hope.
My name is Jacob Hogan (Jake), I'm a 43 year old white male American remarried father of 4, grandfather of 5 and counting. 6 feet 170 pounds, blue eyes brown hair (whats left of it). I'm a life long atheist raised Lutheran. I plan to post my picture, for your amusement as soon as I figure out how to do it, maybe even an avatar! I work as an instrument mechanic for a drug company. My level of education is a GED, I didn't even finish the 11th grade. Motorcycling, and Bonsai are among my too many interests. (I have grasping issues). I was in the Navy about 2 decades ago. My son was in the Army and in Iraq for the start of the war, my son-in-law is over there now. About 6 months ago I saw a couple of interviews on LinkTV with H.H. the Dalai Lama. I was so impressed I started studying Buddhism. It has been a great help with calming my monkey mind. Theres a Buddhist temple just 50 miles from me in my home town Fort Wayne Indiana. I plan to check the place out and maybe join.
So for now this site is all the Sangha I have and great you all are. I have found resources listed on this site by the fine people here that have helped me alot.
I'm still learning the site, which is why I posted to the atheist thread before I found this intro thread. I think I'm gaining on it.
I got word of this forum over at E-Sangha and thought I'd check it out. (Hi Jason/Elohim, this is AllinOne). Seems to be a pretty nice place.
Anyway, I'm 27 and live in the state of Missouri. I'm married with 2 year old son and 4 month old daughter. Life is busy, to put it mildly.
I came to buddhism after a crisis of faith in my faith I was raised, non-denominational Christianity. I suddenly realized, after many philosophical discussions, that I really didn't know whether any of the things I claimed to know and believe were true. I could no longer operate off of beliefs I couldn't verify, so I sought to seek out what it was that the Prophets and such regarded as God. I began studying Hinduism, Kaballah and Taoism, and found much resonance in them all. They opened up my mind to new ways of looking at things that seemed to make much more sense than the way I had looked at things before. I truly honor the Great saints and Sages of these traditions who helped me to see many things I'd never seen before.
Nonetheless, the problem persisted. As much as my new studies of these religions explained and answered (suddenly all those religions made a lot more sense), they were still not enough for me. Then I started reading into buddhism & went to a couple of meditation sessions, and I was hooked.
Now, a couple of years later, I am only begining to come to an intellectual understanding of a lot of buddhist theory/philosophy. I guess those two years were learning the language and sorting out a lot of my misconceptions and naive understandings. Still, I consider myself very much a beginner in the buddhadharma, even though I've learned so much. I am only beginning my study of the actual sutras. But my motto is 'slow and steady wins the race'. I really want to 'grok' the teachings, not just accumulate them as more data, so I'm in no rush in that respect. This path doesn't just go from one point to the next, it expands fuller and fuller. I bow often to its profundity and skillful presentation.
Currently, I am reading a lot of Ajahn Chah and his lineage from the Thai Forest Tradition. Lot's of wonderful Dharma there. I also have quite an affinity for Zen teachings and am fond of its directness.
I am looking forward to enlightening discussion and getting to know you all.
take care & be well
_/\_
metta
Welcome!!
It's nice to see you all and I'm glad you're here.
I hope you have a wonderful time exploring the Dharma with us.
Sincerely,
Brigid
HH... Well; I never knew that.....!
My first reply, my confirmation to myself that Buddhism is something I want to understand and gain from.
Some things are clear to me - I will need work to understand 'self', my 'monkey mind' does need calming, Zen(thanks Federica for the link) seems such a logical path to me why wasn't this obvious until I hit my early 40's!
I will read, learn and join a local group in 2006 - just dipping my toe into this pool of knowledge, will wait to see what the ripples bring back to me.
Me: 42, mother to 18yr old daughter, married and years together with my partner 26yrs, from England, UK
I hope you enjoy it here!
Marybeth
I would like to say welcome to all our new members.
Hi Allinone.
Jason
Welcome!!
Brigid
Federica thank you for the Metta Chant. I bookmarked the link. I'd like to quote it here, I know its in this thread but I haven't found it again.
Not1not2 sometime when you have time please tell us about your signature. I collect Dharma.
Brigid as long as I'm at it with my questions, did you ever find out how you became "old friend of the site"?
Thank you all.
Brigid
You can change this 'default setting' if you wish, by doing the following....:
Go to your user CP:
Select the 'Edit Profile' option:
The first choice will permit you to change your e-mail address & password....
the very first selection in the next options box, is how you can change your "job title"...!
Sorry Brigid.... didn't mean to step on yer toes there....
Toes intact and still wiggling.
Brigid
Gender: Male
Age: 61
Sign: Aries
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Height: 6'
Weight: 170
Born: Ottawa Canada
Currently: Owen Sound Ontario
Favourite color: Blue
Favourite music: Blues, Good Country (which is really blues),
Interesting Classical,
Favourite food: a well made stew
movie: The Passion of Christ
book: Sidartha
I have three kids who are off and about with their lives, and
I live alone with my cat, Ebony.
I feel as though I have lived through a number of lifetimes
whilst in this single body, all as a normal life-span btw. I've
been a broadcaster and photo-journalist, worked the green-chain in
a factory saw mill, became a sawyer with my own mill (I was good
at it too), worked with emotionally disturbed children, been a
back-to-the-lander back in the bush off the Alaska Highway .. and
other odd and assorted realities. For these past five years I am
a cab driver .. and having a good time too. I remember thinking as
a boy that there would be a wide variety of activities for me. It
was about learning about humanity and attempting to get a handle
on something called the human dynamic. I didn't want to get stuck
in anyone's groove, and I did want to have an understanding of the
larger picture.
On balance I have to be pleased with what happened although,
frankly, I have developed supreme compassion for those for whom
ignorance is bliss.
I am of a mind that there is a real possibility for a
wonderful future for humanity. However I am not sure that humanity
has the strength or wisdom to learn what we need to learn to
realise that possibility. All I can do in this moment, now, is to
keep the torch alive. I know that there are others out there who
are of like mind. I can feel your light. It is comforting.
What needs to change for me to have confidence that humanity
is on course to a beautiful future does NOT require any violence.
We do NOT need a revolution where people are killed and lives and
civilisations destroyed. Nada. We been there done that. What we
need is a shift in attitude.
I like Buddhism because this is a paradigm which fosters just
the very shift in attitude we need to be making. Buddhism is
grounded in compassion, and Buddhism is dynamic. I did like what
the Dalai Lama said in the New York Times recently when he said,
essentially, that if science provides evidence that Buddhist
beliefs are not spot on then Buddhists need to re-examine their
beliefs. So true.
What counts is not having nice thoughts about the future or
doing all the right things in the hope that good things will
happen. What counts is producing results. I am either being
effective and making a difference, or I'm not. If it's the latter
then it's best to sit down, cross my legs, shut up and do nothing.
HH, I never knew this about you? I could have sworn, from your posts, that you were a conservative, US Republican!
I think you missed something on your post though, young man...
You can't come play with us until you give us your favorite color! It's okay. Don't be shy. If you like fushia or teal - it's okay! We're not judgemental around here.
Thanks for the post
-bf
Nice post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and it's a pleasure to have you here.
Hopefully, you'll find something that you need around here. There are some great folks here.
We'll also have to work on getting you listening to something other than Country
-bf
take it that's your photo as your avatar?
nice to see the you, behind the you, as it were....!
'I'd just like to point out that it's not ME in MY avatar....just in case you thought.... you know....
Welcome.
I hope you find this site to be as helpful as I have.
Glad to see you.
Brigid
My name is Mark. My favorite color is blue. I like to read and go on long walks. I'm married with 2 wee ones. I think George Bush is a Poohead. Also, I am apparently a buddhist practitioner who fancies the Zen and Theravada schools and does not sit nearly often enough. Bad buddhist, bad!
So, this is my attempt at a humorous display in order to break the ice with all of you at this forum.
take care & be well
_/\_
metta