This month (Nov 2005) we talk to John de la Cruz. John teaches meditation classes in Miami. He studies on the Teacher Training Program and works as a school teacher.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

When I was nine or ten, I saw the first episodes of "Kung Fu" on TV, and I immediately felt a strong connection with the Buddhist monks and the boy with the shaved head. I read everything I could about Buddhism and martial arts in order to become an effective warrior. Buddhism won.

What made you choose to come to this Buddhist Center?

Well, after five or six years of reading and studying Geshe Kelsang's Joyful Path of Good Fortune and Guide to Dakini Land, I wrote to Tharpa Publications and asked for the location of the nearest Kadampa Center. Unfortunately, at the time, it was the Parbawatiya Center way up in Clearwater. Too far! Well, as karma would have it, one day in April of 2000, I received a card in the mail, inviting me to the Fort Lauderdale UU Church for a meditation class headed by Kadam Nick. Ahh! A little closer! I gave it a try, and I've been a repeat Dharma customer ever since!

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

Since trying out several Buddhist traditions (and not finding a close connection with them), I felt I was a "solo" Buddhist practitioner. I didn't know what the classes would be like, and I felt at a disadvantage since I had never talked to anyone about my meditations. For me, meditation was a very personal practice.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

The first two or three meditation classes seemed very relaxed and casual. The teachings given by Nick were simple, yet profound. The people that were coming to these classes seemed very nice, but I was still too timid to make any conversation. I was still wondering if this was worth all the effort. I mean, driving over an hour each way every week! There's no way I was going to do this every week!

What do you like best about coming here?

SANGHA is the reason! Interacting with the other people at Drolma Center in Wilton Manors and Miami, had burst my "solo bubble". It's great to be able to talk to others with the same interest in Buddha's teachings, and learn from them. And I also enjoy receiving the precious teachings of my kind Dharma teachers, Kadam Nick Gillespie & Kadam Lucy James.

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

Benefits achieved through meditation include, but are not limited to the following: A clearer sense of awareness, heightened concentration during daily activities, the ability to engage in lucid dreaming, an increase in mental (cognitive) functions, and probably the best benefit is a lasting happiness not found elsewhere.

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

I feel less of a need to criticize or categorize people or things. I'm much calmer, and my patience has increased (although that's still a work in progress!). It's easy to feel compassion towards those who are suffering now, but I'm learning how to extend my compassion towards those who do not appear to be suffering at the moment, and those that are engaged in actions that will cause future suffering.

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

There is always an alternate way of looking at a problem and coming up with another solution. Buddhism can show how spiritually and socially rewarding it is to recognize the kindness of others, without having to feel any sense of loss or shame. We should be demanding less, and thanking more!

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

With the intention to attain
The ultimate, supreme goal
That surpasses even the wish-granting jewel,
May I constantly cherish all living beings.

Bodhisattva Langri Tangpa (Dorje Senge, a.k.a. Buddha Amitabha!).

What is your favorite Dharma movie, and why?

I liked Bertolucci's "The Little Buddha", and how the historical story of the Buddha intertwined with the modern tale.

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

Je Tsongkhapa (AD 1357-1419). Je Tsongkhapa was an extraordinary scholar, poet, and above all, Buddha. The story of his life, his millions of prostrations, the prayer festivals, the miraculous powers: they have all been an inspiration to me!

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

The selfless compassion that serves to ease the suffering of others.

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

I will thank all the Buddhas around me for being so kind and patient, in helping me, the last sentient being in samsara, attain Buddhahood!