Buddhism Part Five – recent steps towards a commitment

Over the last few months, thanks mainly to my partner, I have been introduced to a sangha. This group of people who are all finding their way towards an understanding of Buddhism is based in the Liverpool area. At the heart of the group is a Tibetan Lama called Lama Lhakhpa Yeshe. He has been living in the Wirral for a while now.

After many years of not knowing how to define myself – someone who is “in to” Buddhism, someone interested in Buddhism, someone who knows a little about Buddhism – well, I am finally in a different place. I’m in a place where I can say that I am a Buddhist. Early apprenticeship, but some clear ideals, aspirations and feelings about this.

As I become more involved with studying and reading more, and thanks also in no small part to the weekend I spent in Manchester earlier this year when His Holiness the Dalai Lama came – I realise how little I know. It is now much clearer that I have only a sketchy understanding of the broad principles of Buddhism. I am working daily to gain an understanding and from this to build a regular practise.

It hasn’t surprised me that now I am ready to learn I am finding opportunities arising. And there are lots of little synchronicities to help me with all of this. It’s an exciting journey, and I am enjoying the early parts of it.