I stumbled upon Theravada Buddhism completely by accident, actually.  I was harmlessly poking around a website on religious tolerance and education (Religious Tolerance.org, in fact, which is a magnificent source of unbiased, thorough information).  I didn't know anything about Buddhism so I began reading and clicking links all over the place, heading progressively toward the ideas I most agreed with.  Finally, after about a half an hour of clicking and reading and clicking and reading, I alighted on Theravada Buddhism, and it felt like something inside of my body had fallen into place, spiritually.

Now I can't say that I would call myself a Buddhist, and I can't say that I wouldn't.  I'm still learning, still reading.  I'd say I'm a student of the Buddha, of the Pali canon, of the suttas.  So I intend to use this blog as portal to reflection and discussion of the concepts introduced to me in my studies and experience.  I hope you decide to join me, no matter what your beliefs may be, and feel free to add your opinion or join/start a discussion. :)

My main resource is Access to Insight, an exhaustive collection of translated Pali canon and commentary.  I covered most of the material in their Beginnings section, and am now approaching the Dhammapada-- a very famous Buddhist text.

From the Introduction:

It is an ever-fecund source of themes for sermons and discussions, a guidebook for resolving the countless problems of everyday life, a primer for the instruction of novices in the monasteries. Even the experienced contemplative, withdrawn to forest hermitage or mountainside cave for a life of meditation, can be expected to count a copy of the book among his few material possessions.

As such, I've felt that the Dhammapada would be a good starting point for my more in-depth study.  I hope every Sunday to bring up a reflection or discussion topic on a particular piece of the Dhamma and see what results.

Happiness and loving kindness to all!