New to the forums, just thought I would introduce myself. I'm Jarrod and I've been practicing for almost a year now. My interest in asian culture is really what led me to investigate Buddhism. I was raised as a Lutheran and I do appreciate certain values and traits that it instilled upon me. When I first started checking out buddhism the first book I read was Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, needless to say I immediately felt like these where the teachings I wanted to adhere to (not so much the strict zen stuff though). I recently came across Noah's book Against The Stream and his online podcasts and I absolutely enjoy how Noah teaches the dharma, so thats why I'm here. Anyways I know these forums aren't so active but maybe we can change that?! Hope to learn and share with you all.

Much Metta,
-Homer

P.S. I'm from Lincoln, NE - so if there are any others in the area that want to get together send me a message.

Hi Jarrod;

I am new to these forums as well, and have been looking into buddhist practice for about the same length of time as you. I just checked out Zen Mind Beginners Mind from the library yesterday, and I'm looking forward to reading it since I've heard such good things about it. Currently I'm reading 'Waking Up: A week in a Zen monastery." I love reading and so it can be a struggle for me to put the book down and just 'sit'. But I am changing that, little by little.

Warmly,

Theresa
Alberta, Canada

Hey Theresa,

I'm sure you'll love Zen Mind - I've read it countless times, it's absolutely wunderbar!

I have the same problems when I pick up a book, it makes getting anything done really difficult! Oh well.

Hey Jarrod;

I am about 40 pages into "Zen Mind" and it definitely wunderbar, just as you said it was!

Theresa

It's been awhile since I've read it, I might have to jump into it again once I finish Desolation Angels.