Greetings from Bedfordshire

[octobersun79]

I'm Caroline and I live in Bedford, in sunny England. I've had an interest in Buddhism for around three or four years now. Up until this year I've not been in the position to really dedicate some time to the dharma (mainly because of my work and family commitments), although I've been on retreat a few times, gone to meditation sessions, mediated alone, read a bit and live by the 5 precepts. I also was so privilaged to see the Daili Lama in Nottingham (once in a lifetime opportunity) However, I still do not consider myself a real Buddhist yet.. whatever that means.

I'm a single parent to two lovely kids, one is on the Autistic spectrum - so life can be challenging at times. I live in Bedford where there is a Buddhist circle, which is lovely. Some of the people there are Buddhists and some are not and I enjoy going when I can.

The problem is, that I do not have any Buddhist friends to chew over ideas, realisations, learning and all that with - I'm not saying I'm dependent on it, but it would be nice to know I'm on the right path, or for someone to challenge me everynow and then. Bedford seems to have a Buddhist shortage (maybe they are stockpiling in London and Birmingham!).

As I'm a mother, I'm limited to where I can go, so I'm joining this group as I am ready now to dedicate my time to going a bit deeper than the superfical clothing of a label of Buddhist and transforming myself.

Caroline

[cooran]

Welcome Caroline!

Hope you find support and companionship on Dhamma Wheel.

I, too, have respect for the Dalai Lama and will be going to the Happiness Conference in Brisbane Australia where he will be appearing later in the year.

with metta
Chris

[Cal]

Hi Caroline,

If you do find chance to travel a little further, not sure if you're aware that Amaravati Buddhist Monastery is only about 30 miles from Bedford. It's just north of Hemel Hempstead. This is the main UK retreat centre for the Ajan Chah/Forest Sangha monasteries, which are in the Theravada tradition.
http://www.amaravati.org/abmnew/index.php

I live a similar distance from the Forest Sangha monastery at Chithurst, W.Sussex, and find the occasional brief visits I'm able to make there very uplifting.

Dhamma Wheel is very helpful too.

Best wishes
Cal

[octobersun79]

Thanks Chris, all I can say about the DL is the atmosphere was electric!

Cal, I have looked on their website funnily enough today - all of their retreats are booked up (for nearly the whole year!). I've been to the Forest Hermitage a few times (also Ajan Chah) in Warwick, which is a lovely retreat. I'll keep my eyes peeled on their events though - thanks

[bodom]

Welcome Caroline!

[Ben]

Hi Caroline

Welcome to Dhamma Wheel. You will find that there are other members of Dhamma Wheel in comparable situations to yourself. I hope you find here some level of companionship and inspiration.
kind regards

Ben

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Caroline,

Welcome to Dhamma Wheel.



Metta,
Retro.

[octobersun79]

Thank you for the kind welcomes

[Alba]

Hi Caroline

I live in Bedford and looking for a Buddhist centre I found your post here. Did you ever find a place here in Buddhist place in town? I would really like to join one as very interested ....

Please let me know if you have an information

Cheers

Alba

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

[Khalil Bodhi]

Welcome Caroline!