Hello Hana, it is indeed a pleasure to be able to communicate with someone on
Buddhism with as much background as you have. Since you say you haven't
found a center in your area, you may like to know that I have been working on a
database of North American Buddhist centers. I have posted a list of 85
Buddhist centers in Illinois on a website I use for communicating to the Southwest
sangha. The database is in PDF format and should be very easy to use. The file
is called "IL Dharma Centers.pdf" and you will find it at this URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SWI_E_letter/files/

I am presently working on exporting the database into a form that is usable
by people, so if anyone would like a list of Buddhist centers in their region
or city, just ask, and I will output it as soon as I can.

Best regards,

Jeff Brooks

In a message dated 3/12/04 1:49:24 AM, Pali@yahoogroups.com writes:

<< Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 08:15:30 -0800 (PST)
From: Hana Rubens <hanarubens@...>
Subject: Introduction

Dear Friends,

Greetings. I wish to introduce myself as a new subscriber to the Pali group.
My name is Hana and I have been practicing meditation in various Buddhist
traditions since 1983. In 1999 I took Upasika precepts and am currently
considering taking Atta Sila Precepts. I relocated to the Chicago area in 2003
and as yet have not found a Temple to practice in. Currently I am teaching half
time and doing some translation work (Chinese and Japanese languages.) I
have had the opportunity to do some Sutta study in Mandarin and have been
studying Pali by myself. I can read and chant from the romanized script.
Most of my experience with the Sangha has been with Sri Lankan Bikkhus and
here in Illinois there is more of a Thai community (and so I have been hesitant
about where to go.) I hope to benefit from the teaching and resources
available on this site and will contribute as I am able. Thank you for your kind
greeting of welcome.

Metta,
Hana Rubens >>