Welcome to Gaia! ::

Wow am I glad I got invited to join this guild! biggrin .. I feel so excited I don't even know where to begin with what I want to say lol!

I had been Christian for the most part of my life. I once even turned to atheism because of struggles, then pulled into an even more devoted sect. of Christianity. Well, in my own opinion it was more devoted. But after studying it for so long and trying to come to some sort of understanding, it just didn't work for me. Probably the thing I appreciated most about Christianity were some of its values. But I seem to see all the values I loved are all a part of Buddhism! Love. I know I'm not perfect, but that's why I want to be better.

Reading through some of these threads have honestly made me want to burst out in pure joy. I've been doing quite a bit of research, although I know I've only just scratched the surface, and it's all so intriguing! To finally be able to questions things and search for truths and understanding makes me feel so free. Christianity told me I was able to question things, but I soon found out that the questions I asked were not very acceptable or contradicted "God". The one thing that always bothered me is when they said "If you can figure it out, it's not of God."

I'm looking very much forward to learning more! I'm especially excited for being able to meditate now without being told it's of the devil.

Thank you for opening yourself up to me!

As much interest I've gone through and drained with other religions, Buddhism has always remained a static example of a wonderful religion, and remains to be my primary religious interest. I hope the teachings of our Venerable Shakyamuni Buddha prove to be of the sort you're looking for. wink Welcome to the guild.

Just something to keep in mind, do not get too attached to Buddhism, or the Dharma. After all, the Dharma is just a tool, to get you to Enlightenment. Being too attached to the imagery of Buddhism is the same as being attached to any other material thing, and will hinder your spiritual advancement just as much. Good luck on your spiritual journey.