This month (January 2007) we talk to Ianca Flores.

Ianca Flores is a dedicated and heartfelt practitioner. Ianca is on the Teacher Training Program at Drolma Center and teaches classes regularly in Boca Raton. He works as a financial advisor at Equivest.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

Throughout my life I’ve always had tons of questions. I felt that Buddhism was the first framework in which I was not only encouraged to ask questions, but was also given answers that resonated with me. If I had to put a date on it I suppose it was in my teen years that my scope started broadening beyond my religious upbringing.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

My wife and I chose Drolma Buddhist Center because we moved back from living overseas and wanted to be close to family and an NKT Buddhist Center. Fort Lauderdale is my home town and there is also a wonderful resident teacher here. It just made sense. The sun and beach also helped in making this decision.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

For myself I was not apprehensive in the least. Before coming back to the US we were living in a Dharma center in Australia, and were looking forward to helping wherever we could. The only thing I really expected from coming here was to receive some wonderful teachings from an experienced meditation teacher who was spoken highly of by my teacher Ven. Rabten in Australia.

What were your first impressions?

There was such amazing energy. Everyone was so open and welcoming, that we felt immediately at home. The community at Drolma Buddhist Center is truly a wonderful place to see people appreciate and put into practice these Buddhist teachings.

What do you like best about coming here?

The thing I’ve enjoyed the most since coming here is being able to share the wonderful experience I have gained over the past few years in helping a Dharma center flourish.

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

Meditation helps us let go of our daily stresses and worries that build up over time. However, chances are that we will not have a natural ability to meditate, so it’s important to be patient and persistent. Over time we will definitely be able to see how we are more peaceful and more apt to handle situations in our life.

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

I was married in December 2004. These teachings help me to appreciate the relationship I have with my wife. Through practicing cherishing others, patience and so forth, I feel I can expand that to other people I meet. Using Jen as my basis for developing these excellent qualities will help me apply them to co-workers, family members and random people I meet in day to day life. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity.

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

Buddhism, in general and Kadampa Buddhism in particular, shows us that world peace is possible. We have such extraordinary examples of pure practitioners in this tradition that it gives us hope that we can become just like them and be peaceful ALL the time. How else can we expect world peace if we don’t ever see it on an individual basis? We need to learn how to emulate the right people with the types of qualities we want to develop in ourselves.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhism Saying?

“When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within.”

From Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

What is your favorite Dharma movie?

I don’t want to limit myself to a single movie. Most movies seen through the lens of Dharma, can become a Dharma movie. This can become a game in your own mind that makes watching them more fun. Was the Shawshank Redemption about samsara? Was Keyser Soze like a bodhisattva who could blend in like a chameleon? Can the Matrix be anymore obvious?

What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

I find Transform Your Life one of the most accessible and perfect for establishing a day-to-day practice. I love everything about it from the picture of Geshe-la on the cover to the way it feels in my hands. There is so much wisdom and practical advice packed in there. Anyone who doesn’t have a copy I highly recommend to borrow or buy a copy immediately and read it.

With which historical Kadampa Buddhist do you most identify?

I identify with any Buddhist practitioner that suffered from anger, jealousy, pride, desirous attachment and other delusions who really wanted to make an effort to overcome them to be happy all the time and want to help others do the same.

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

The mind that has complete disregard for the self and only focuses on the happiness of all other living beings. Can you imagine?

What is the first thing you’re going to do when you become a Buddha?

Once I attain the state a complete Buddha I shall free all sentient beings from the ocean of samsara, and then lead them to the bliss of full enlightenment.