This month (April 2003) we talk to Kelsang Donwang.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

When I was in High School I took care of my neighbor's house when they were on vacation. While I was staying there I found some books on Buddhism. The ideas in the books just made a lot of sense to me. So I started reading about Buddhism and trying to teach myself to meditate.

What made you choose to come to this Buddhist Center?

After High School I went to college in New Hampshire, and found a Dharma center close by to study and practice at. When I moved away from that area I really missed having people to study and meditate with. So I started my search on the web, trying to find a new center nearby. I was really thrilled when I found a Buddhist center right here in Sarasota!!!

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I was kind of nervous. I wasn't sure how different things would be from where I had practiced before. Everyone at Kancha Center was very kind, and the class was fun and inspiring. I realized there was no reason to worry about any differences. Anything that was different was really minor. The important thing was that the teachings on loving-kindness and compassion were the same.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

As soon as the first class started I was extremely happy. I knew I had found a place that was sincerely teaching pure Dharma, and once again I had a local Sangha to practice with.

What do you like best about coming here?

I really like coming to a place where everyone wants to become a more loving and compassionate person, and help others to do the same. What better people are there to be with?

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

Meditation can help anyone to enjoy life more. People can learn to control their anger more easily, and can develop a great appreciation for all people including themselves. Meditation helps people to live a more peaceful and balanced life.

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

Buddhist teachings have continually helped me to become less isolated in my own mind. Now I appreciate other people a little bit more every day. I used to see other people as an inconvenience. I thought, if you're not my friend or someone helping me, then what use do I have for you or any one else for that matter? Before I started meditating I was very stuck in the vacuum of my own mind. I was ignorant of the fact that I was sharing this world and life with so many other people.

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

Buddhism can offer people the feeling of equanimity, regardless of whether or not they are actually a Buddhist. Buddhist ideas are universal. All people can develop a stronger sense of loving-kindness towards one another, and can begin to realize that we all face many of the same problems and hardships in life. Once people begin to understand equanimity, their actions will be motivated by compassion for each other.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

My favorite Kadampa quotation is from Shantideva (AD 687-763):

May I be the doctor and the nurse
And may I become the medicine itself
For all the sick beings in the world
Until every one is healed.

I love this verse because it expresses such a sincere wish to help all people in whatever way necessary, without any bias at all.

What is your favorite Dharma movie, and why?

The Green Mile would have to be my favorite Dharma movie. The movie is full of Dharma, but most significant is what the movie says about compassion. Throughout the movie you can see what negative things take place when people lack compassion. But you can also see the true blessings that come from compassionate minds and actions.

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

The person I identify best with is Shantideva. I love how humbly he wrote Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life. The book is straightforward, and it has been a great guide for so many people. What an incredible person he was to offer such an amazing guide for living, that has helped so many people. He is a great inspiration to me.

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

The most inspiring thing to me about the path of the Bodhisattva is that it is a selfless path. Through my actions of helping others, simultaneously I become a better person with no extra effort. It is truly a win-win. Until I started practicing Dharma not many win-win situations like that occurred. Now guided by Bodhichitta motivation these experiences happen all the time.

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

When I become a Buddha I will manifest at all times and all places to teach Dharma wherever it is needed.