Totally by accident as I was very anti-religion. I had an illness and a friend I worked with told me that she had had the same condition and had gotten rid of it by chanting. I thought she was talking about holistic medecine. Anyway I went to talk with her and her friends about it and found out it was buddhism of a practical nature. Still wasn't so interested but one evening at home I decided to chant just because. then the next night I did it again. and again. Since I had been told to chant for specific results and very soon they all started happening I realized that I had actually found the impossible dream. A true and valid "religion" "practice" philosophy" that worked. Yay and I have never stopped since.
I too love the deep history of Buddhism and how now a days Science is confirming what Buddhism asserted long ago.
Actually a great book I am reading now is called "Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death by Daisaku Ikeda.
Well I'm in NYC and we are supposed to get a terrific storm tonight. I'd best get going now. Take care