Q & A With Our Meditation Teachers
Come meet the students and teachers of the NKT in the San Francisco Bay Area. Below is a list of questions and answers about various topics, including how they got started in Buddhism, first experiences, and inspiration.
 Alise Halbert
Alise Halbert is a Dance Instructor and she teaches a Buddhist meditation class in Glen Park.
Ellen Matthews
Ellen Matthews is an Attorney and a student at Saraha Buddhist Center.
Ani Kelsang Gamo
Gamo is a Western Buddhist nun, whose name means "Joyful Lady". She is a student at Duldzin Dragpa Buddhist Center in San Jose.
Kathleen Thurston
Kathleen Thurston is a Feng Shui Consultant and she teaches a Buddhist meditation class in Corte Madera and Fairfax.
Laura Perrault
Laura Perrault is an Attorney and a student at Saraha Buddhist Center.
Mary Troyer 
Mary Troyer is an Administrative Associate and a student at Duldzin Dragpa Buddhist Center in San Jose.
Paula Kelly  Paula Kelly is a Teacher to third-graders and a student at Saraha Buddhist Center.
Reed Sherman
 Reed Sherman is a Graphic Designer and Teacher in San Jose and Los Gatos.
Steve Snelling
Steve Snelling is a Musician and a student at Saraha Buddhist Center.
Sue Hulley 
Sue is a Hospice Volunteer and a student at Saraha Buddhist Center.
Tom Dempsey
Tom is a Massage Therapist and a student at Saraha Buddhist Center.
Alise Halbert
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
Since my father talked to me about it as a small child.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist Center?
Directly: Through a friend
Indirectly: I was seeking an understanding how to live and experience an inner life in the big city of San Francisco.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
No.
4) What did you expect?
I had no expectations.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
A sense of beauty.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
I find that there is a sense of meaning and beauty.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
It's a great way to:
• settle the mind
• understand why and how it is we are reacting to the people and situations around us
• find the clarity and wisdom to understand how to best help oneself and others on deeper and deeper levels
• keep a focused, light and clear mind in all situations
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
I have less anxiety and a more balanced mind. I am more able to accomplish my deeper wishes.
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
• A method to find new ways to perceive and interact with the world around us
• A way to understand our own minds and why things happen the way they do
• How to appreciate and benefit self and others with creativity, faith, wisdom and lightness
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
All the happiness in the world comes from cherishing others.
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?
Understanding the Mind
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you mostly identify, and why?
Lam Chung. I like the fact that the simplicity of his experience could be so profound.
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
It's so enjoyable to find new ways to cherish others and to mix it with the meditation on emptiness (lack of inherent existence).
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
Laugh and everyone that I love will laugh with me :)...or have the best chocolate chip cookie in the universe.
Ellen Matthews
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
I had probably always had a good feeling about Buddhism, but was completely and overwhelmingly impressed by the first class I wandered into (an introductory class) a little over 8 years ago.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist Center?
I had been meditating and wanted to learn to do it better.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
I had no apprehension about coming to a class; I had no idea that I would go to more than one.
4) What did you expect?
I merely expected instructions for meditation.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
My first impressions were that what was taught that evening (cherishing others is the basis of happiness; self-cherishing is the basis of suffering) was eminently true, but it had never occurred to me before.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
What I like best are the teachings (all of them) and studying.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
It calms the mind and ultimately makes it stronger, better, happier.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
Better relationships..... It offers many tools for dealing with negative states of mind.
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
Buddhism can offer so much to the world....the value placed on non-violence, non-harm, and ultimately the wisdom of emptiness.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
Happiness and suffering are not outside the mind."
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso?
Eight Steps to Happiness
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you identify most, and why?
The historical figure I identify most with is Lam Chung (because I am a slow learner), although he is probably not a Kadampa practitioner.
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
Continuous and joyous giving and effort.
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
Teach Dharma.
Ani Kelsang Gamo
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
I was first attracted to Buddhism, in this incarnation, in 1995. I had been studying several spiritual approaches for about twenty years when I realized that all of the parts I was most interested in were Buddhist.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist center?
I spent several months looking for a Tibetan lineage in or around San Jose. I didn't drive much and so was unwilling to travel far. At the time for whatever reason, I was having trouble finding the Center.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
I was very apprehensive about coming. I didn't know what to expect. I had been told by someone in Santa Cruz from another lineage that the Kadampas were a bunch of very strict old men who sat around in dark, smoky rooms studying.
4) What did you expect?
I expected to meet people who were very stern and unfriendly. It took me three or four years to actually make the initial call.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
My first experience was a General Program class. I was pleasantly surprised that everyone in the room looked pretty normal and, dare I say, ordinary? When the teacher came in, I saw that she was a beautiful woman, not a stern old man. Then I looked over at the books on display and saw Geshe-la's picture. I couldn't help but cry. From that moment on, I knew that I was home.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
It's very nourishing to me just to be in the presence of all the Buddhas and beautiful thangkas, etc., not to mention the presence of the Sangha. It's home.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
Meditation, practiced daily, can completely change the way we see the world and our place in it. It has the power to calm our minds, give us true serenity and peace and make us happy. It gives us the power to overcome the difficulties in our lives and to find lasting peace of mind.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
The things I have learned have given me much greater patience. I can move through my day with a clearer focus and a happier outlook. I am no longer thrown off kilter when things go wrong. It's much easier to cope.
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
Buddhism is the best way I know to become a peaceful person. The more peaceful people we have in the world, the more peaceful the world will become. Having compassion and caring for others makes us happy as well.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
May I become an island for those seeking dry land,
A lamp for those needing light,
A place of rest for those who desire one
And a servant for those needing service.
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?
It's hard to have a favorite, but I do love Meaningful to Behold.
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you identify most, and why?
I like the stories of the practitioners who were so strong in their devotion to Je Tsongkapa that his statues acted in miraculous ways. I aspire to be that pure a practitioner.
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
I am most inspired by the idea that I am not here for my own sake, but for the benefit of all living beings. Whenever there is something that I do not want to do, I remember this, and it helps me to move forward.
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
The first thing I'm going to do as a Buddha is to emanate as a home for aged nuns and monks!
15) What's your advice for someone new?
Take "baby steps". Just try a little every day and don't get discouraged. True change comes slowly, but there is much joy along the way.
Kathleen Thurston
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
In my early twenties, my mind was filled with questions about the meaning of life, accompanied by a great deal of idealism. Although I was not familiar with Buddhist teachings, I remember explaining to my parents (who were very concerned that I did not seem too interested in pursuing a life of career, money and success), "All I want by the time I die is to truly have love for everyone.” They felt this was an unrealistic and foolish goal. I recall feeling very sad and confused that they did not rejoice in my aspiration. I also had a vague notion that I wanted to become “enlightened”…I actually had no idea what was involved in such an attainment. I believed that if I was a relatively good person and performed relatively good actions that someday my “magic elevator” would stop at “floor enlightenment”…the door would open, and there I would be! Right! With that in mind, I dabbled in a variety of healing modalities and spiritual paths for several years, including Vipassana meditation, and even periodically visited a small Tibetan temple in Hawaii where an image of Trijang Dorjechang hung next to a photograph of the Dalai Lama. I had other random encounters with Buddhist teachers and teachings, but I had no real practice.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist center?
A friend who had recently ordained in this tradition invited a friend and I to attend a Medicine Buddha empowerment in Mill Valley. When we arrived, the atmosphere was very somber; we were told that a member of the Sangha had lost his son just hours before in an automobile accident. This made a deep impression on me for a few reasons… that the family had sought refuge amidst the community of Sangha in attending the empowerment instead of grieving alone at home. Also, I felt the suffering of the family’s loss that day even more deeply than when my own parents passed away.
A year later, I received in the mail an announcement of another Medicine Buddha empowerment in Los Altos. I remember the kindness of a monk named Konchog, and having an inspired conversation with a very sincere and gentle woman named Gwen who was thinking about ordaining (now Choyang!) Once again I felt deeply moved by the gentleness, kindness, and sincerity that I felt coming from the members of the community. A year later, I was in the process of buying a small piece of property in Hawaii with a plan to start a healing retreat where people could come to restore their body, mind, and spirit. During the process of purchasing the property, I found my mind getting very impatient and agitated over small matters. The thought occurred to me, “How can I run a healing retreat if my own mind is so easily
agitated?” I realized that I needed to return to the Bay Area and try to find a class or something that would help me find some inner peace.
When I returned home, I found another announcement in the mail from Dewikoti Buddhist Center, announcing that in their Foundation Program they would be starting to study a book called Joyful Path of Good Fortune. I showed up and I am still here five years later!
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
No apprehensions! I knew that I needed the medicine!
4) What did you expect?
I was hoping that the classes would be what I needed.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
The group did not seem quite as warm and cozy as I had experienced previously at the empowerments. The monk who taught the class (Gen Tenzin) seemed very serious.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
By coming here, I have the good fortune of receiving priceless teachings from very inspired and skillful teachers. This is helping me, over time, to gradually abandon my delusions. I appreciate the community of dedicated practitioners as well. How fortunate it is that we can support and inspire one another to fulfill our true potential.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
I think that the definition of meditation is very helpful in understanding its benefits. It is defined as a mind that concentrates on a virtuous object whose main function is to make the mind calm and happy. Most of the time we are concentrating on “non-virtuous” objects, or delusions. For example, our worries and concerns about what we must have in order to be happy, how to keep what we are attached to and how we can keep out what we don’t want! If we observe our thoughts, we can see that these are the objects that we are usually concentrating on! When we think about, and concentrate on a virtuous object (such as love, compassion and the aspiration to make good use of our life) our mind becomes calmer and more peaceful which gives rise to a happier mind. When our mind is happy, this touches others; our actions and our world become kinder. External conditions are always a mixed bag: some good, some unpleasant. We never know what will happen externally from moment to moment, but if we have a happy and peaceful mind, then no matter what happens, our inner peace cannot be disturbed. Over time, through steady practice, our mind will become stable, clear, calm, and happy and we will be more able to bring real benefit to everyone we come into contact with.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
I feel more tolerant of others. When I see faults in others I remind myself that it is the fault of my own delusions that perceive things in that way. My daughter tells me that I
don’t get angry with her anymore like I used to!
Life is never dull because everything that arises in my everyday world is an opportunity to practice these teachings. I am constantly thinking about Dharma. It keeps me out of trouble
most of the time!
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
Buddhism can offer the world a kinder, wiser and more compassionate approach to dealing with problems. Buddha’s teachings give us methods for identifying and understanding
our real enemy: our own delusions of attachment, aversion and self-grasping. Once we begin to take responsibility for our own delusions, we can see how absurd it is to project faults onto individuals, groups and countries, and how this only leads to more violence, killing and wars.
Understanding the basic principles of Buddha’s teachings, such as karma (the law of cause and effect) would encourage individuals to take responsibility for their own actions by creating causes that will produce good effects and by having patience when experiencing difficult situations.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
This precious human life, so hard to find,
Offers the ultimate goal for living beings.
If we do not strive to accomplish this goal now,
How will such a precious opportunity arise again?
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?
Joyful Path of Good Fortune… I have underlined almost every sentence!
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you identify most, and why?
Many times, (especially when studying for tests), I think about Lam Chung, whose mind was so dull that he couldn’t even remember a single verse of Dharma. I can definitely identify! But
through the kindness and blessings of Buddha Shakyamuni, combined with purification, sincere effort, and faith on the part of Lam Chung, he actually came to realize emptiness directly and
was even able to help others to gain great realizations through his teachings. I am always encouraged by this story. I too have the good fortune to have the kind guidance and blessings from a living Buddha, so if Lam Chung could do it, so can I!
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
I am inspired by how a Bodhisattva has such a PURE and VIRTUOUS mind, completely free from self-cherishing with the only wish to cherish and benefit others. What a happy mind that
would be! We have the good fortune to actually meet some Bodhisattvas in this tradition and to experience their supreme good hearts and pure motivation.
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
The first thing I will do is to thank my Spiritual Guide!
Laura Perrault
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
Approximately 1996.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist center?
I met someone in this tradition.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
No.
4) What did you expect?
I expected to learn more deeply about the practices and to have a Dharma support group. Really, it was less about expectation and more about feeling beckoned by joy.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
I found the Temple and the thangkas (cloth paintings of Buddhas) inviting and compelling and the people engaging and deeply excited about their tradition. (I also felt startled by the recorded music; I was used to chanting in a group without recorded accompaniment.)
6) What do you like best about coming here?
I feel home with the holy beings. My heart feels massaged by the supportive Sangha. I'm grateful for the structure and content, the depth and simplicity of the Dharma teachings. I can surrender with confidence.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
Initially, I would say that meditation calms my mind. Through meditation, I realize and remember that my everyday ordinary thoughts are not the essential "me."
Next, I would say that meditation, including the various practices we do, invites me to sit in an extraordinarily content, clear and spacious place. Then I can cultivate, in a way, the essential "me." In this way, paradoxically, I become a more available human being.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
I am less anxious, happier, more patient, and less blaming.
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
A non-deceptive solution to all our suffering.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
Change your mind, change the world!
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?
Guide to Dakini Land
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you mostly identify, and why?
Atisha.
He's the man.
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
Equanimous love.
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
Manifest free chocolate ice cream for everyone in warm environments, free hot chocolate for everyone in cold environments, and chocolate cake for everyone in-between
Mary Troyer
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
When I attended my first introductory meditation class in September, 2002. I wanted to learn how to meditate and as soon as I started learning about Buddhism, I was attracted to so many things about it. Mainly, that the focus was on compassion for all living beings; and that by attaining enlightenment, I could attain everlasting peace and happiness and help all living beings attain the same state.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist center?
I wanted to learn how to meditate and a friend told me about the introductory class.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
Not in the slightest. I have always seen Buddhism as a respectable religion and philosophy.
4) What did you expect?
I expected to learn how to meditate (i.e., to decrease stress and calm a racing mind). The Buddhist teachings were a big, added value in my opinion.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
I was very impressed by the kindness and openness of Kelsang Gamo and Jim Gardner. I felt a lot of peaceful and positive energy from them. I was also impressed by the quality of the teaching that Jim gave.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
Where do I begin? At this stage, what I like best is that it helps me practice (and learn more about) the stages of the path to enlightenment. When I first started coming to class, I liked that it felt like an oasis in this crazy world.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
I would say that meditation not only calms a busy mind, but it allows you to increase your focus and concentration. Depending upon who I was speaking with, I would also explain how meditation is a wonderful way to acquaint yourself with and then deepen your virtuous states of mind.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday home and work life?
Once again, where do I begin? Buddhism has become the most important part of my life. I am kinder, more patient, and my priorities have changed. I pray a lot, I know about the wonderful Buddhas, and am learning so much about how to attain everlasting peace and happiness. I now know why I was always so unhappy. Most of my life has changed because of what I have learned in these classes.
9) What do you feel Buddhism can offer the world today?
Everything. Buddhism offers the ultimate solution for every problem in the world today. If Buddha's teachings were put into practice by everyone, then sooner rather than later we would all be free of every suffering, and experience only peace and happiness. If we exchanged the object of our cherishing from self to other, then there would not be any reason for war. And nobody would starve, and there would be no more torture and abuse, and no one would be homeless. We would all practice love, cherishing, affection and patience. We would pray and do a lot of pujas [group prayer practices]. Everyone would be helping everyone else and before you knew it, we would be in a pure land instead of in samsara.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
Shantideva said, "If there is nothing you can do about it then why worry? And if there is something you can do about it, then why worry?"
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?
Joyful Path to Good Fortune
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you mostly identify, and why?
I can't seem to decide. I keep thinking about Atisha. And Lam Chung. And Prince Siddartha. And Medicine Buddha, and Langri Tangpa. It doesn't feel like I identify with them, it feels like those are the ones I think about most. I want to be like them. I identify with their compassion, with their wanting to relieve the suffering of all living beings.
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
The motivation to become a Bodhisattva. To have every action be predicated upon the fact that you want to relieve all living beings from their suffering.
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
Take on every single iota of pain of all animals. I'm not sure what the rules are about this and I'm not sure about the best way to do it. But even if I can take on the pain of all animals and give them relief for even five minutes, then that's the first thing I'll do.
Paula Kelly
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
I was first attracted to Buddhism after being involved in a car accident. Considering death, the words "Pay Attention" kept coming to my mind afterwards. I felt the busyness of life and wanted more meaning. Meditation seemed like it would help.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist Center?
I visited many meditation centers, mostly just one time. When I attended Saraha Center's introductory meditation class, I kept coming back. I felt a connection and warmth from the people I met.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
I was not apprehensive to come to the class. I was apprehensive the first time I attended a puja at the Darien house. It felt odd going to a residence to practice. But then I soon moved in!
4) What did you expect?
I expected to learn to meditate. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the Dharma talks.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
My first impressions were...friendly, happy and light.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
I liked the warmth of the group. Gen Togden, the Resident Teacher at that time, seemed to care that I was there along with senior students.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
The benefits to a new person are that we can feel immediate benefit. I began doing breathing meditation and feeling the benefit right away.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
The practice has made a difference in every aspect of my life. I would not have had the strength of mind to make a decision to care for my ageing mother had it not been for the insights I've gained from the teachings.
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
Buddhism can offer the world everything! An ounce of Dharma can change a person's life. Considering karma, our kind mothers...these impact our actions.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
My favorite quote is "Remain natural while
changing your aspiration."
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso?
I love Universal Compassion. The methods for transforming adverse conditions into the path are very inspiring.
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you identify most, and why?
While sweeping the leaves off the Temple patio in the wind while Kadam Lucy (our former Resident Teacher) was teaching on Tantra, I identified with Lam Chung. He attained a direct realization of emptiness through his pure faith and transformative sweeping!
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
The aspect of Bodhisattva's Way of Life that most inspires me is having pure view. (Is that one of them?) Thinking that all I see might be emanations waiting for me to finish the path!
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
The first thing I'll do when I'm a Buddha is emanate as food, shelter, and safety for all the animals who need it.
Reed Sherman
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
I read a book in college called "World Religions" by Huston Smith. I loved the Taoism and the Buddhism. I studied other religions and philosophy as an autodidact, but never considered practicing until much later in life.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist center?
I was going through a gut-wrenching divorce and I felt horrible about myself. A friend invited me to what we now call a General Program class. She never went to another class. I never stopped.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
I wasn't apprehensive about the class (it wasn't at the Center),
but when I came to the Center for the first time I was alone and had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be a very standard suburban house and I walked by several times not believing it could be a meditation center. Finally, I knocked and someone opened the door. I said "Hi" in a nice loud voice, only to find that everyone inside was completely silent and had their hands pressed together waiting for the teacher to enter the room. I felt like a fish on dry land. And a loud one at that.
4) What did you expect?
I'm not sure. I was just curious and searching. The General Program classes had been good and I just wanted more.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
I remember the guy next to me started chanting when the prayers began and my first thought was, "Hey dude, be cool, what are you doing?" My father was a lapsed Protestant, and my mother was an atheist. So I had no experience with formal spiritual practice at all. It was fairly bizarre.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
Learning the Dharma. But it's also very nice to know that there are other people trying to understand and practice this profound
material. It's interesting to note the diverse ages, backgrounds and personalities who are all focused on improving themselves through meditation practice.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
One's day just tends to go better. Meditation tends to smooth over the rough edges of the day and make the job of life more like play.
Meditation is also a sacred space in an otherwise mundane world. You sit and allow all ordinary concerns to drop away. All that's left is what is truly vital - not your bank account, not your haircut, not your job, not even your relationships - just you and your own mind. It's a very meaningful vacation that one takes any time of the day or night - a chance to relax and focus on something worthy of your attention.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
Everything takes its proper place in my scheme of priorities. I find it more and more difficult to get upset over things that really don't matter. Because of that I tend to be less panicked when it comes to making decisions. And I have a much better motivation for my choices now - people around me know that I'm not out to get them so they tend to trust me and relax around me. Anyway, if they don't they're doing a good job fooling me!
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
Clarity. All the real problems in the world stem from confusion.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
Remain natural while changing your aspiration.
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?
Heart of Wisdom.
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you mostly identify, and why?
Geshe Ben Gungyal. He didn't do anything anyone thought was
important. He just spent every moment of every day applying himself to the abandonment of delusion.
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
Teaching the Dharma. As a dear friend of mine often says, "With just an ounce of Dharma, a person's life can completely change."
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
Go to Disneyland.
Steve Snelling
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
I think about 1979, when I went to college.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist Center?
A recommendation from a trusted friend, followed by meeting Tekchog, a Buddhist monk from the Center, on the street in SF.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
NO.
4) What did you expect?
A real path to happiness.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
I found what I had been looking for.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
Nice, smart people, trying their best to apply a no-nonsense method to finding happiness.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
You can immediately become more calm. It offers an anchor for our buffeted minds.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
My dealings with others are improved. If asked to give advice, I have more confidence that it's the right advice... and it's easier to say, "I don't know." Also, it makes turning down meaningless work easier.
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
A real way out of the madness.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
Remain natural while changing your aspiration.
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso?
Transform Your Life
12) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
To have no fear of poverty.
13) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
Visit and encourage practitioners.
Sue Hulley
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
In 1998.
2) What made you come to this Buddhist Center?
I saw an ad in the Pacific Sun, a picture of a beautiful Buddha. He looked so calm, and I was looking for a tradition, so thought I'd give this one a look.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
No, because I knew that I wouldn't stay if I didn't like it.
4) What did you expect?
I wasn't sure in terms of teachings. I hoped I'd learn things that would help me be more relaxed about the fact that I will die at some point and would help me work with my mind about this.
In terms of the place itself, I started at a branch class, where there was just the teacher, a picture of a Buddha, some artificial flowers, and a glass of water on the little table beside him.
Then when I went to the Center itself, I was surprised to see all the statues, and at first thought they were a bit gaudy, but I have grown to love them--I guess because I now understand who they are and what they are doing.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
I was a little surprised at how informal things were. I liked the friendly atmosphere, the fact that the teacher knew what he was talking about and explained things clearly, and also that we could ask questions and discuss what he was teaching.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
I especially like thinking about, talking about, and gaining experience of spiritual things in a down-to-earth and friendly environment. I like having my questions, no matter how silly they seem to me, taken seriously.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
If you stick with it--just a little each day can do it--you will find that your mind is clearer, that you have better concentration, that you don't fly off the handle as much, and (hopefully) that you are getting along with people better. As a result of all the above, you could even feel happier! Worth a try.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
I find I am able to take my time and consider the best thing to do a little more often rather than just rushing in and doing the first thing that seems like a good idea. I don't sweat the big things anymore as much and am working on not sweating the little ones either.
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
Buddha clearly understood that we depend on other people for everything we have, that we need to treat them accordingly, and that if we do so, we will benefit. If we don't, we will suffer.
If everyone in the world (or just a larger fraction) understood this or even tried to act as if it were true, we'd have a lot less friction and fewer wars, and we could spread the resources more equitably--keep people from dying needlessly, etc.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
Everything we normally see does not exist. This reminds me that everything changes and that we aren't as solid and carved in stone as I tend to believe. People can change and I can change the way I deal with them. If I can just keep a more fluid perspective, I can have a lot more fun.
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso?
That changes depending on which book I'm studying--it's usually the one I'm working on at the moment, but I really do love How to Solve Our Human Problems.
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you identify most, and why?
I like Dromptonpa, who achieved enlightenment while emptying his teacher's chamber pot. I guess because I'm drawn to action, I find this encouraging--that there are many ways to attain enlightenment. There's a way for each one of us.
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
The idea of being a friend to the world. What a challenge! To not be fooled by people's surface appearance--positive or negative--but to remember that each person is fundamentally pure. A constant inspiration and challenge.
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
I admit that I would love to just spend some time in total, utter bliss as Buddha Shakyamuni did for a while.
Tom Dempsey
1 )When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
I think it must have been from reading about the story of Prince Siddartha, as well as some things in the Zen tradition like "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."
2) What made you come to this Buddhist center?
A friend invited me to join her. They were doing a Lama Chopa Puja (Offering to the Spiritual Guide), so I tagged along mostly to make my friend happy, but I was a little curious as well.
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
Not really. I didn't have a lot of interest from my own side initially, so I didn't have a lot of expectations or apprehension.
4) What did you expect?
She had told me that we would be going to a session of chanted prayers, so I thought it would be interesting. Prayers were still chanted in Tibetan at that time.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
I remember that the teacher (Gen Kelsang Losang) had a genuine calmness about him that put you at ease. It was all pretty relaxed and casual. I didn't understand many of the prayers, even though there were English translations written in the prayer booklet.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
The Dharma of course -- it is so easy to understand how I can put it into practice in order to improve my life. There's the Sangha as well: great examples of people who have actually put the teachings into practice and developed their good qualities.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
Most people know that it's definitely no fun if they're feeling anxious, angry, afraid, stressed, or their mind is all over the place. Also, they probably know that if they feel some inner tranquility and their mind is at peace, then it's a much better way to be in the world for themselves as well as for everyone around them. Meditation is a way to recognize and develop the peaceful and positive states of mind so that we can be happier and healthier people.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
It's a lot harder to hold onto irritation and annoyance towards others. I understand that irritation and annoyance are a reflection of my own mind. I'm probably a little more patient and more compassionate towards others. Knowing that if people seem inconsiderate, thoughtless or unkind, it's because they aren't happy and are simultaneously creating the causes for more suffering. Therefore, it makes no sense for me to respond by also getting angry and tense and in turn creating the causes for my own future suffering.
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
A practical way to help people find what they're looking for: lasting happiness. Happiness from a different source.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
I don't think I have a favorite. There are quite a few, depending on my state of mind.
From Shantideva, we have a great store of memorable quotes. In particular, to help me overcome my laziness, I bring to mind the following:
By depending upon this boat-like human form
We can cross the great ocean of suffering.
Since such a vessel will be hard to find again,
This is no time to sleep, you fool!
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?
Universal Compassion, Geshe-la's commentary to Bodhisattva Chekhawa's Training the Mind in Seven Points. It's one of the first of his books that I read and studied and it explains the profound and beautiful practice of Taking and Giving. The root text consists of short sentences that are practical advice and easy to remember. For example, "Always rely upon a happy mind alone."
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you identify most, and why?
Tough question, those guys are holy beings and I'm not usually identifying with holy beings. Geshe Jayluwa would be a good one. He was a devoted assistant to his Spiritual Guide and was
so busy taking care of him that he didn't have much time for meditation, but through his devotion he was able to purify his mind to the extent that one day when he took out his teacher's rubbish bin he attained a realization of emptiness.
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
That they are totally and happily at the service of others without any self-concern. Their hearts go out to all.
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
Cut a hip-hop recording I guess. Whatever it takes to lead living beings to the same state.
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