This month (August 2007) we talk to Jane Stasiak.

Jane teaches in Cape Coral, a branch of Samudrabadra Center. She partners with Lee Cancer Care-Oncology Outreach and is employed as a pharmacist.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

Through a desire to learn meditation I came in contact with Buddhism which led me to Kadampa Buddhist meditation classes.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

When I moved to Cape Coral I looked on-line for meditation classes and found them offered through the Samudrabadra Center.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I was very excited about going to class and meditating with others. I did not know what to expect. I was a little nervous but felt I was on an adventure.

What were your first impressions?

The atmosphere was very peaceful and the people were so friendly. The teacher was great and I felt like I was meeting an old friend!

What do you like best about coming here?

I love meditating and learning with other practitioners. It's very inspiring to be around people who want to learn Buddha's teachings and put them into practice.

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

The benefits of meditation are truly amazing and keep getting better over time. Initially, I think people feel relaxed and begin to overcome stress. Worry and anxiety are reduced and a feeling of inner calm begins to develop. It becomes easier to deal with people and situations that appear difficult. Also, meditation brings clarity to solve problems, which has been so helpful to me since I was extremely confused when I started meditating.

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

Meditating and putting Buddha's teachings into practice has made my life meaningful. Relationships have improved and I feel so much happier now. I'm learning to see every circumstance I find myself in as an opportunity to become a better person.

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

The potential seems unlimited! If we all put Buddha's teachings on love and compassion into practice our problems would literally disappear. Peaceful, generous minds would create a safe place for all beings to have their needs met.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhism Saying?

"I want to protect all living beings from suffering, but in my present, limited state I have no power to do this. Because it is only a Buddha who has such power, I must become a Buddha as quickly as possible."

What is your favorite boot by Geshe Kelsang?

I love Transform Your Life, every line is simple yet profound. I read it over and over again and it always seems brand new. Something new occurs to me that I never saw before.

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

Geshe Ben Gungyal who had a wild, unruly mind before he became a Dharma practitioner but through mindfulness by judging his mind completely honestly in the "mirror of Dharma", became a pure, holy being. I believe suffering is a result of negative habits of mind and that learning to mindfully eradicate these moment by moment makes every experience a meaningful part of the path.

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

Loving all beings without exception and doing all that it takes to relieve suffering.

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

Be an emanation of compassion to all suffering beings.