Introductory Post

Hello and welcome to anyone reading! This blog is dedicated to my search of truth and happiness as it relates to following the Buddha's teachings. I have been a Theravada Buddhist for nearly a decade, experimenting with meditation, mindfulness, morality, and basically every aspect of the Eight Fold Path. That said, I've floundered quite a bit, strayed as I allowed myself to be lured deeper into the household life. I've pursued all the various pleasures and distractions of life... only to find them wanting. According to the Buddha, even householders are capable of achieving enlightenment... through further investigation, and practice I plan to make a concerted effort to do just that. Admittedly, the attainment of Nibbana is a lofty goal... but of all my existential searching, my misguided attempts at happiness, and my dabblings in Buddhism to date... I undoubtedly know that failing to attempt such a feat would be a waste of my remaining life. How do I know this? By my success in the path to date. By the happiness I've found in sila, by the states concentration I've reached through meditation, the power I've found in mindfulness... the truth I've seen... it's been just enough to give me a taste of what's possible... a lasting, unshakable happiness... universal knowledge... bliss. It is my sincere hope that this blog will serve as means to support my efforts, and as a source of Dhamma for myself and others. I will update it as pertinent information comes to light... sharing Dhamma that aids me, be it through other sources or self-discovery. I ask that anyone reading this keep in mind, I am not a definitive source (and arguably not even a good one)... these are simply the documentations of my own personal experience, make sure to test and weigh my findings against your own personal experience before accepting any truth to them... just like the Buddha urged us to some 2500+ yrs ago. The following are a few links that have greatly aided my search... I hope you find them useful: www.accesstoinsight.org A self guided tour of Theravada Buddhism and the Pali Cannon, one of the webs largest resources of the Buddha’s teachings presented in there original form (Suttas of the Pali Cannon). www.buddhanet.net Videos, articles, e-books, and a world directory of Buddhist Centers http://www.dhammasukha.org/Study/Talks/Transcripts/MN-118-U-TS.htm An excellent meditation guide for beginners and experts alike, detailing the Buddha’s instruction for mindfulness of breathing meditation.