Welcome to Gaia! ::

I am Summer, age 26, and new to this Gaia thing. I have been a practicing Buddhist for about a year now. My life is trying to keep up with my practice, dharma teachings and crazy work schedule. I currently live in the northwest Florida region.

Hey I was thinking that guild ID's would be kinda kewl, I would be more than welcome to start making a few prototypes if it would be something people are interested.

I guess I haven't properly introduced myself yet.

Hello, my real name is Miles and I turn 16 tomorow. I was probably interested in Buddhism ever since I was born without fully realizing it. I recently remembered that when my dad was telling me about rebirth when I was 3 years old I saw in my head a wheel with animals dancing around it for no reason at all. (Now I know that would have been the wheel of the Dharma).

I love chanting Sanskrit Mantras on my bone Mala that my mom gave to me for my birthday last year.

Mostly, I am interested in Tibetan Buddhism but with my interest in Samurai comes Zen Buddhism too.

Hello, everyone!

I'm brand new to this guild. I don't consider myself Buddhist yet, as I'm fairly new to it, but the little I've learned inspires and fascinates me. Basically, I'm here to learn more and to connect with other Buddhisty people.

Also, I'm 22/F/Virginia, in case you're curious. I'm a senior in college studying art and biology.

Hiya! My name is Abby and I live in Oldham, England. I'm 19 years old and I live with my fiance, we are expecting a baby any day now!

I grew up in Colorado with my mom and she never really set me to a certain belief structure.

While my Dad's side of the family is strictly Protestant, my Mom's side has always been ecclectic. I suppose that is why I grew to have an interest in Buddhism.

PS: thank you for inviting me! heart

Hi! smile My name is Chad (or Chaddo... as most of my friends call me 3nodding ). I'm 19 and currently live in Michigan. I wasn't really raised with religion (well, unless you count Christmas trees and Easter baskets, hehe). I started reading up on different world views when I was about 15 for a school project and was so fascinated I decided to continue the study as a hobby.

Just before I turned 16, I did a homestay in Japan. My host family was very traditional and lived out in the country (outside Nagahama in Shiga-ken for anyone who might know the area, lol, VERY COUNTRY). My host father is a Buddhist priest and their home is a working temple. I became so intrigued by this that I started doing even more research when I got home.

When I started college I took a class on eastern world religions and learned even more about Buddhism. Since then, I've been hooked. Then this past year I did a 6 month study abroad in Japan. It was a great experience. I visited a lot of Buddhist temples and centers and met a lot of really great people. T'was definitely lots-o-fun.

Now I'm back in Michigan and continuing with college. I'm always looking for new books and interesting people to talk to regarding Buddhism (or anything else for that matter biggrin ). Looking forward to chatting with you all in the forum!

My name is Kevyn, and yes, it's a boys name x3

I'm 16 and a half years old and I started to grow intrested in the Buddist religion with I was near my end of Junior High. But sadly, at that time, I was living with other relatives and she wouldn't let me convert without information for it.

So, I kept on saying I was a Buddist so I could be left alone. It's hard to ride a bus without being bothered by Christan peoples D: I do celabrate Christmas and things like that, only because of my family :3 My mom totally respects the fact I wanna become a Buddist all the way @@; But it's hard here in my town. Which is Bakersfield, California. (Yay =O Surf!)

Uhmm.. I hope on going to Japan, for an exchange and learn more about this religion. And yeah :'D!

Greetings. My name is Mary (often go by Kagerou, online). I turned 24 in October and currently reside in Florida, USA. Been out of college and working for a while, though I will likely go back for a Masters someday... cuz I'm one of those freaks that thoroughly enjoy learning. whee

I was raised Roman Catholic, half my family being only a few generations removed from Irish immigrants. I've never really felt connected to Christianity.. and some of the contradictions have always irked my liberal instincts. That and I have no belief in a personified "God" of sorts.. I suppose you could call me a soft atheist.
My attraction to Buddhism comes more from the Tibetan style and the Dalai Lama's teachings. Particularly the stresses on compassion for all beings. I suppose it's a little odd for me, because despite my love for nature and living things in general, I'm highly introverted, quiet and inwardly reflective... which also seems to work in Buddhism.

Anyway... would love to learn more about all the different styles of Buddhism.. and maybe find the right niche while I'm at it. redface