Hello and Gasshō

Hi there.

My name is Sara,

I am a Layperson, in Southwestern Washington with my spouse who is my spiritual senior.

Some of you may know me, some of you may not.

I was formerly named Stewart, as I am a Genderqueer person.

I used to live in Mt. Shasta and was a regular member of the congregation there for a couple of years before moving to the Cascades area to be near the former NCBP.

I was a lay resident of the NCBP and I suppose you could say a disciple of Koshin. At least he considered me such.
so that works for the moment.

Yes I do know him, and the other monks there, and I was there when Amalia was.

I am still a "member" (not officially of course, as only monks and Laypeople are official members) of the OBC.

I have a different take on things, some of which some people here may agree with, and some of which some people here may not.

However, I think it's a perspective you may find interesting.

And I feel like it's important for me to talk here and say something.

I wish you all well,

In Gasshō,
Sara H

Welcome Sara

from a fellow North Wester

Any info at all about the North Cascades would be novel.

Cheers

Howard

Howard wrote:

Welcome Sara

from a fellow North Wester

Any info at all about the North Cascades would be novel.

Cheers

Howard

Thank you for the welcome Howard.

I have a wealth of information, but I caution people, I take the Precepts very seriously.

I do caution people, that have no intention of demonizing specific people who are human beings and make human mistakes.

I will do my very best to practice Right Speech, and keep the Precepts with all posts involved.

In any case, I'd be happy to talk with people,
And I will do the best I can to answer any questions from my own experience.

Thank you for the welcome *smiles*

In Gasshō

Sara H

Sara thank you for the caution,but why give it. It is a strange thing to say when entering a room.

chisanmichaelhughes wrote:

Sara thank you for the caution,but why give it. It is a strange thing to say when entering a room.

In fairness, I've been a lurker for a while.
Not quite so strange considering the purpose of this forum.

I have had some experience with people who felt that I would sortof instantly become sortof a "speaking against/blaming others" drinking buddy because I've shared certain experiences.

I think it's fair to warn you that I don't necessarily agree with certain people's take on things that I've seen here.

I've had a lot of time to read threads on this forum before deciding to get my feet wet.

Giving a disclaimer, is a polite courtesy, and a show of respect.

In Gasshō,

Sara H

Sara, I welcome your presence and your honesty!

I am inclined to think that our presence and our honesty is the best that we can give.

I look forward to your observations!

I too look forward to hearing recent news from North Cascades and my old friend Koshin, who I haven't seen for years and years and years. And another viewpoint here would be nice!

Welcome Sara,

It feels like someone just opened a window....let a little fresh air in !

Best wishes.

Hi Sara, and welcome - very good to have you with us.

I hope you will feel assured that it's very much okay if you don't agree with some things you've read here, whether about NCBP or anything else. Some topics have a higher "spark potential" than others, but please be assured you can share your experiences and viewpoint.

It may help a little that we're three years into the OBC Connect forum now and most regular participants follow the rules of the sandbox, esp. civil expression.

Stan Giko wrote:

Welcome Sara,

It feels like someone just opened a window....let a little fresh air in !

Best wishes.

Thank you all for the welcome.

I'm glad to let in a draft.

*smiles*

-In Gassho,

Sara H