This month (May 2004) we talk to Carol Lutker.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

I have been interested in Buddhism since high school and college, but didnt know where to study it until the 1980's, when American teachers began teaching and starting centers. I read books (mostly Zen) and took workshops but with no continuity until I found NKT Centers with their ongoing study programs.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

When I moved to Florida, Drolma became the nearest NKT Center to me, even though it is three and a half hours away. I love the NKT approach because it is truly a path one can follow and make progress on, and a Sangha to help on the way. I was initially attracted to the imagery back in the 1970's and as a result began reading books about Buddhism.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I wondered whether this Center would be different from the one I was used to, and of course it's a little hard to get everyone's names straight when you are new.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

There was a warm, welcoming Sangha and friendly, approachable Teachers. I felt right at home.

What do you like best about coming here?

I love being able to practice and learn with such a friendly Sangha and knowlegeable Teachers.

How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?

Everyone should meditate! Dharma not only makes us feel peaceful and happy, but, combined with Dharma teachings, makes our daily problems disappear.

How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?

Dharma has completely transformed my relationships and made me a happier person to be around (just ask my husband!). It makes it easier to handle situations that would have been "crises" before. I have more confidence, experience fewer obstacles and more instances of effortlessness.

What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?

Mahayana Buddhism is a proven method to attain inner peace and thereby improve our chance for community and world peace. These methods can help save the planet by helping us reduce our degradation of the environment, and give us the motivation to solve problems of poverty, sickness and famine.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

"...May I become a Buddha for the benefit of all."

What is your favorite Dharma movie?

Groundhog Day with Bill Murray. He has to keep experiencing a rotten day until he changes his mind & behavior and gets it right - then he can be free.

What is you favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

Transform Your Life. The whole path is there, in an accessible way. I keep going back to it and re-reading parts - especially the section on anger.

With which historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you most identify, and why?

I would like to be like Geshe Ben Kungyel, who watched his mind day and night, and marked the arising of delusions with a black stone, and wholesome thoughts with a white stone, practicing until the pile of black stones became smaller and smaller.

What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?

I want to be able to truly help others, with wisdom and compassion, especially with mental and physical healing. I also want to increase my experience of bliss and emptiness.

What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?

Heal those who are sick.