Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Happy Anniversary!

Well! Today is the first anniversary of my blog. Except for a few days when my computer was not working or when I was traveling, I have written a post every day. When I decided to start the blog, friends warned me of two things, that most blogs fizzal out after a few months or even weeks, and that I should be prepeared to get lots of abusive comments. I proved the first of these predictions wrong (although I did not set out to) and my readers proved the second one wrong too. Thank you all for that. However, doing an entry every day does take up a lot of time, so I am thinking of blogging every three or four days or irregularly. I'll see how I feel about it tomorrow. Whatever I decide I would like to thank all my readers for their comments, encouragement, corrections and observations over the last 12 months.
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30 comments:

  1. bobzaneApril 15, 2009 at 3:59 AM

    Congrats. Always something good. And you're generally posting about the same time I'm getting up.

    BZ

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  2. AnonymousApril 15, 2009 at 5:48 AM

    I don't comment often, but I wanted to say that I read your blog every day and enjoy it very much. I really appreciate all of the work you put into it.

    -Paul

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  3. AnonymousApril 15, 2009 at 6:03 AM

    Ditto, this is a great blog... high up on my list of first ones to read. I know some traditions put down the scholar-monk, but I totally appreciate it and think it adds something to the practice. Plus, with all your years of practice and study, I'm glad that you are able to share some of your wisdom with those of us on the other side of the globe, and who don't get to enjoy all you writings in book form.

    Thanks and many bows.

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  4. domsterApril 15, 2009 at 6:42 AM

    Dear Venerable,

    when I was a monk in Cambodia for a short time, i really enjoyed reading your Book "Good Question Good Answer", a useful introduction to the Dhamma. Since I returned home to Germany I'm an avid reader of your blog and hope you will continue to share your thoughts and opinions with us. Rest assured that you've uplifted my (and probably other readers') spirits often enough.

    Best wishes, Dom

    PS. Do you have your books distributed internationally? I can't get them here.

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  5. WalterApril 15, 2009 at 6:48 AM

    Happy Anniversary, Venerable. I have discovered your blog for only about a week, so I hope I won't be disappointed so soon :) Perhaps a post per week? Much appreciation for your efforts.

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  6. Liew Shi XiongApril 15, 2009 at 7:41 AM

    Congratulations and thank you for your blog which has been a great source of Buddhist knowledge.

    Sadhu!

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  7. AnonymousApril 15, 2009 at 8:09 AM

    Many happy returns! Let me echo the sentiments of your other commenters - this is a lovely blog, nicely done - well written, interesting, lively - down-right pithy, even! ^_^ I found it a couple of weeks ago - wish I'd found it a year ago. I look forward to your future posts -- whenever you decide to post them. XD
    Thank you for what you've done so far!

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  8. ArunApril 15, 2009 at 8:16 AM

    Congrats, Ven. Dhammika! I'm very grateful for your blog, and I appreciate reading all your posts.

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  9. Justin ChooApril 15, 2009 at 8:28 AM

    Congratulations, Bhante.

    I think it helps to indicate the number of readers visiting your blog if you were to subscribe to any of the "site metres".

    I know it's not important to you, but this is a very useful indicator.

    Thank you for all your postings especially the quotations from the Tipitaka.

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  10. David (TheDhamma.com)April 15, 2009 at 8:41 AM

    Congratulations! Great blog!

    I have lifted some of the material to The Dhamma Encyclopedia and shown your name, the blog, or your AtoZ site in the references.

    http://www.dhammawiki.com/

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  11. lzblueApril 15, 2009 at 9:02 AM

    It is as if someone were to set up what had been knocked down, or to point out the way to one who had got lost, or to bring an oil-lamp into a dark place, so that those with eyes could see what was there..

    Thank you Bhante :)

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  12. shandeApril 15, 2009 at 9:18 AM

    Thanks Bhante.

    Had been reading without failed. I knew I had benefited from it. Words cannot describe the benefits, enjoyment and etc,etc,............



    Philip

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  13. PauloApril 15, 2009 at 12:09 PM

    Congratulations and thank you Bhante.

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  14. anotherqueerjubuApril 15, 2009 at 3:32 PM

    Venerable Sir,

    Blogging daily is indeed a discipline. A practice. Even one thoughtful paragraph a day is good to do. Thank you for your thoughtful and thought provoking posts over the last year.

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  15. Ming-Jie ChaiApril 15, 2009 at 7:12 PM

    Congrates, Bhante!

    You have indeed touched the lives of many beings, although this may not be immediately apparent while you blog within the confines of a room, but the everlasting benefits to us are nonetheless real.

    Though I hope you can try to blog everyday, I am aware of your commitments. At any rate, I treasure my karmic affinity with you and am sure that others feel the same as well.

    Thanks for everything, Bhante, and I will always strive to learn and emulate the Buddha's teachings, no matter how imperfect I am.

    MJ - an imperfect being.

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  16. Shravasti DhammikaApril 15, 2009 at 8:27 PM

    Dear Domster,
    I will be arriving in Germany on the 14th of May. If you give me a contact number, I will brings some books for you with me. Hope to see (or hear from) you then.

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  17. Joe LimApril 15, 2009 at 9:06 PM

    We are just so fortunate to have a "touch-bearer" like bhante around!

    may he live a ripe old age!

    joe

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  18. KwekApril 15, 2009 at 11:39 PM

    Dear Bhante,

    Another one of those who checks out your blog daily. Will miss it if you post less frequently!

    May you have the best of health...

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  19. Han & ZanApril 16, 2009 at 12:11 AM

    Adding to the chorus of appreciation and hoping that you will continue to post from time to time. I find a lot of interesting and helpful things here!

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  20. SheridanApril 16, 2009 at 8:06 AM

    Bhante,

    Your blog has been a wonderful resource for me and many others. The time off is understandable, and I hope that it will deepen your practice and wisdom (altruistic) so that your blogs might be more packed with wisdom and deep teachings (selfish)!! Thank you for everything so far, and congratulations on your first year!

    Sheridan

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  21. MidPathApril 16, 2009 at 10:57 AM

    Congrats Ven Sir,

    Thank you for all your time and dedication. Please continue to post and add to your blog.

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  22. dyannneApril 16, 2009 at 11:49 AM

    Bhante, yours is the one blog I never miss. I have brought up your observations at our Buddhist chaplaincy meetings, and at our prison sangha. Your writing style and humor make the teachings so accessible and relevant. I'll miss your daily musings if that is your decision, but I understand the need to give yourself a bit more leeway. Thanks for your wonderful insight. Dyanne

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  23. dyannneApril 16, 2009 at 11:50 AM

    Bhante, yours is the one blog I never miss. I have brought up your observations at our Buddhist chaplaincy meetings, and at our prison sangha. Your writing style and humor make the teachings so accessible and relevant. I'll miss your daily musings if that is your decision, but I understand the need to give yourself a bit more leeway. Thanks for your wonderful insight. Dyanne

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  24. domsterApril 17, 2009 at 2:56 AM

    Bhante,
    it's great news you're coming! May I ask where you go and on what purpose you come here? If you like you can write me at true_reality@gmx.de

    Domster

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  25. AndyApril 17, 2009 at 3:10 PM

    Dear Venerable Sir,

    Thank you for all your interesting posts over the last year, it must have been hard work to come up with all the new ideas. I can understand that you might want to have a break from it, more meditation perhaps?
    It's better to control the blog than the blog control you, don't you think.
    Having said that I think I will miss the daily postings, however all things are impermanent etc.

    With Metta,

    Andy

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  26. Ananda See施性国April 18, 2009 at 11:06 PM

    Bhante, cograts, keep it up, many people are reading your blog :)

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  27. UnknownApril 19, 2009 at 1:54 AM

    dear bhante, every morning i check the bbc website and yours.. thanks for sharing.. i think your new book Buddhism A-Z is excellent and will be very popular, i wonder if people know it's out and available? metta from mitra

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  28. PerryApril 19, 2009 at 5:53 PM

    Congratulations! Your blog has been invaluable in my education.

    - Perry.

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  29. Shravasti DhammikaApril 19, 2009 at 11:34 PM

    Dear Perry,
    When are you going to do a bit more ranting and complaining?

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  30. PerryApril 20, 2009 at 6:00 PM

    It takes something very special to hold my interest for more than five minutes, unfortunately!

    I'd continue it but don't know enough people for it to be worthwhile.

    - Perry.

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