Thie month (Nov 2006) we talk to Jennifer Flores. Jennifer is the Education Program Coordinator for Drolma Center in Wilton Manors. She came to Drolma early this year after living at the Kadampa Meditation Center in Melbourne, Australia for a year and a half. Jennifer teaches in Wilton Manors and North Palm Beach.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

I was first attracted several years ago when I became friends with one of my co-workers at a used bookshop. He was the calmest, most contented person I had ever met, and I wanted to be like that too! He introduced me to meditation, and gave me one of Geshe-la’s books, Introduction to Buddhism. Years later my husband and I went to a free public talk given by an NKT monk on the other side of the world, in Australia, and we have not looked back since.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

We had wonderful advice from our kind teacher in Australia, Gen Rabten. He said that if we had the chance do study under Kadam Nick and Kadam Lucy, to not miss that chance.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

We were excited about coming, because we had heard such wonderful things about the teachers. We expected it to be the same as KMC in Australia where we had lived for the previous year and half… but there were definitely subtle differences. It was interesting to hear the prayers sung with American accents for the first time!

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

First off, my husband and I were so happy that we could live so close to the center. When I arrived, I found the people at Drolma to be so welcoming and friendly. I thought the meditation room was beautiful, and there was definitely a great warmth in the room.

What do you like best about coming here? 

I love coming to Drolma! I love being able to see so many smiling faces, and I especially love to see how Dharma has helped so many people with their everyday issues. And I absolutely love the puja, Offering to the Spiritual Guide.

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

The benefits are immense. I guarantee that meditation will make you a calmer, less-stressed person. It will give you physical energy, mental alertness, and make your relationships with all others easier. Meditation helps clear the clutter in your mind, as well as a lot of negativity.

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

At work people come up to me asking what I do to make me so calm. They notice that I smile a whole lot! In my home life, I am very fortunate because my husband is also a Kadampa practitioner. We support each other’s practice… and even though at times we have our difficulties, we now are equipped with the tools to deal with any situation.

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

Peace. Geshe-la says that with peaceful minds, there will be a peaceful world. It’s as simple (and challenging) as that.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

From Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life:

"Where is there enough leather to cover the entire surface of the earth? But just having leather on the soles of ones feet is the same as covering the whole earth. In the same way, it is not possible to control all external events; but if I simply control my mind, what need is there to control other things?"

What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

Transform Your Life. It is unbelievably inspiring, and there is a solution in there to any difficulty.

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

Atisha! I love the story about his cook…I think about it all the time I feel there is a difficult person in my life, and it helps.

What is your favorite Dharma movie?

Spirited Away, a wonderful, animated movie by Miyazaki. It beautifully illustrates the question of dreaming vs. reality, always one of my favorite topics.

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

I love it that there is no blaming. We decide whether or not we are going to be happy, and how we are going to react to a situation. It is inspiring to know that with practice, we can become happier, more patient, and more compassionate people. It is all up to us (and Buddha’s blessings!).

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

The first thing I will do is greet all of the enlightened beings who have helped me in my path! I will thank them from the depths of my heart and offer myself to them in any way that will help… and then together we will see with our wisdom all of the suffering of living beings, and try our best to help them out of samsara.