This month (Feb 04) we talk to Laurie Angyn who works as a Systems Analyst, and who lives in Safety Harbor, Tampa Bay.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

When I was thirteen, I read the story of Siddartha by Herman Hesse, and I have studied Oriental religions and philiosophies informally since then. I started attending the Thursday night classes at Parbawatiya Center in May 2001.

What made you choose to come to this Buddhist Center?

Probably some great karma!

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

Not a bit. I had seen the advertisment in the St Petersburg Times and posted it on my refridgerator as a reminder that as soon as this, that, and the other were done, I would check out the meditation class. I expected that learning how to meditate might be a good thing to do.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

How beautiful and peaceful the room is, and how comfortable I felt.

What do you like best about coming here?

Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, all have first place.

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

Meditation has increased my sense of emotional balance. Which certainly brings peace. I find that my ability to focus on an idea has increased and the practice of analytical contemplation is now much more enjoyable.

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

Meditation practice and Dharma teachings have taught me how to detach from the every day, week, year delusions of this life. I experience more focus at work and can relax a lot easier at home.

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

The next step in our spiritual evolution. I believe we are a bit more clever than we are spiritual and that because of this our emotional health has suffered greatly. Spiritual practice may help us mature and learn to better handle our technical achievments.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

Purify your greatest delusion first.

What is your favorite Dharma movie, and why?

Life is Beautiful. The way the father cared for his son while they were in the concentration camp is the most touching example of cherishing others I have ever seen on film.

What is your favorite Dharma song, and why?

Hard to say. Tchaikovsky's Francesca da Rimini really captures the essence of the karma that results from sticky attachment.

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

Stories of incredible change like that of Milarepa.

What aspect of Buddhism most inspires you?

The mindful cultivation of great compassion.

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

Conscientiousness.

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

Emanate in a way that would remove from all sentient beings the sense of fear and loneliness.