Greetings everyone. Since I've been counting the Dhamma Wheel as another of my buddhist resources for a few weeks now, I wanted to take you up on the invitation to introduce myself.
I'm Jerry from Alberta, Canada. 36. Married. I don't sit with or attend a temple because, unfortunately, the closest one is in Edmonton, which with my schedule is too far to be practical.
What led me to Buddhism originally was a general desire to finally make peace with myself and the world around me. It took me a long time to fully grasp the importance of meditation practice because I kept seeing the dhamma and meditation as two different things. It took me a long time to see them as the same, so I'm a bit of a late bloomer there. What I'm learning is that a lot of people come from the other direction. Often experimenting with meditation first.
Although I most identify with the Theravada tradition, I've sought insight from a hodge podge of sources, be it the buddhist geeks podcasts, various books written by the Dalai Lama, Thanissaro Bhikku, Thich Nhat Hanh. I've found that, regardless of the tradition, I can glean insight from most anyone who follows the middle way. And the insight I take, I've found, is often Theravadan in essence. Hopefully that makes sense.
I don't know if this post means I'll be actively participating or continue reading along, but many of you have already added to my practice with your posts, comments and discussions. I thank you for that.