Kia ora!
Hope you feel welcome to post questions or discussions about the suttas/EBTs no matter how long or from where you have been learning.
3 Likes
Hello!
Thanks for introducing yourself and congratulations on taktthe refuges and precepts this year.
I hope that you find this a beneficial community to learn with.
Much metta from Sydney
4 Likes
Kia Ora Karyn, a warm welcome from all of us moderators.
May your participation in this forum be fruitful and beneficial for you.
Great that you found the BSWA and took refuge 
With much metta
Alexandra
3 Likes
Hello,
My name is Stacie. I live in Truckee, California, U.S.A.
I am new to the forum. I have been studying many of Ajahns Brahmali, Sunyo, Sujato, and now Karunikaâs workshops on Buddhism.
A few years ago I developed a pain condition which prevents me from moving/walking/doing. It has been a struggle. The BSWA has helped me realize that I donât have to be doing all of the time and that I do still have a right to exist. That part of the condition was really hurting my mind. I am grateful.
I have been trying to read some of the forums to get better acquainted with all of you and to see how I might be able to fit in.
I live in an area without any structured Buddhist community nearby.
I was raised in the baptist church, and disillusioned fairly early. Around 15 or 16 years old. I havenât followed any type of religion since then. I feel drawn to the dhamma because it makes sense to me. I have always felt a strong feeling of happiness with giving, and whenever I can help others feel good. I also have taken many courses on speech, like non-violent communication, etc. The dhamma feels right.
I want to thank all of the teachers for providing this space, and for all of the hard work.
The mediation practice has helped me in a way I cannot articulate.
Much metta,
Stacie
14 Likes
Welcome, Stacie!
Thanks for sharing! I think youâll find others here who have similar experiences, myself included.
On behalf of the moderators we welcome you and hope that your participation in the forum is fruitful and beneficial.
with metta,
Adutiya
2 Likes
Oh, I think one of the best non-Buddhist books about the suffering of Samsara is The Indifferent Stars Above. Problem is, now I canât hear your townâs name without thinking about it.
Welcome to the forum!
4 Likes
HummmâŚyes. I havenât read that account. There are a number of books on that same topic. One of the camps is about 1/4 mile from my house. Donner Pass is about three miles away. BeautifulâŚand deadly. Where are youâŚsnowbird. A bird in the snow, or a bird who flies south for the winter?
1 Like
I owned my first business in Tahoe City between 1983 and 1987. 
Wow! Small internet. I moved here from Sacramento in 1993.
1 Like
East! Much safer than south.
2 Likes
Hi, I knew the forum before, but I got interest into participate after start the open buddhist university course. I was born in a catholic family in Brazil (a christian majority country), but took refuge in the triple gem in a chinese mahayna tradition temple this year. I donât know pali, but I wish to learn someday.
10 Likes
Welcome, @Shantivinaya . If you have any questions, feel free to search the forum to see if there are any existing threads about it, and if not post them as a new thread or in the Newcomerâs Corner: đ Newcomers Corner â Got any questions? Ask here!
5 Likes
Best of Luck @Shantivinaya .
1 Like
@Khemarato.bhikkhu Let us hear something about you as well. 