This month (November 2007) we talk to Matt Cottrell.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

August 2004. After studying under another religious organization for a few years, I was introduced to this Buddhist tradition and felt a stronger connection with my beliefs after attending just a few classes.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

I was searching for something spiritual that matched by personal beliefs.  A good friend of mine introduced me to one of Kadam Nick's Thursday night classes.  I really liked how welcoming and warm everyone was towards me as the newbie.  I was also amazed that there were so many other people who were just as interested as I was in seeking out their spirituality.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I was apprehensive at first because I was still following another Spiritual Guide at that time and felt there may be some conflict.   That was completely the opposite to what happened.  The other members I talked to supported me in my situation and helped me to realize that I did not have to feel any conflict.  Just take what I liked from the teachings and leave what I did not feel comfortable with.  What a relief that was!  I was allowed to question everything for myself and to move along at my own pace.

What were your first impressions?

That I felt very relaxed.  I really enjoyed how simple the teachings were for me to actually implement into my daily life right then and there.  The people were always very welcoming and happy to answer any of my questions.

What do you like best about coming here?

Whether I am in a happy or bad mood, I always leave in a happier mood with actual tools that I can apply and try out for myself to improve my life.  I really like that Buddha's teachings can be tailored to each individual's situation and allow everyone to start off wherever they are at in their life.

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

Meditation is the most basic way to help us to start controlling our mind and thus our life.  Without meditation, our minds tend to be racing from one thing to another.  We are constantly planning, worrying, remembering too many things and never truly experience the calmness that already exists within us.  Through the practice of meditation, we can gradually experience this more calm, clear, non-agitated mind.  For example, in difficult situations, we'll have a greater awareness and ability to redirect ourself to respond in a more productive and positive way.  We become a more positive asset to others around us.

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

I am way more relaxed than I used to be.  There used to be so many little things that would set me off into anger or depression.  I am now more aware of what are the actual causes of my daily problems and what I can immediately do to solve them and to help prevent them from coming back to bother me again and again.  After awhile even my co-workers started to notice a difference in my behavior.  They started to compliment me on the calmness that I brought to the team.  Bottom line...I am becoming happier the more I practice meditation, I am becoming a closer friend to more people and I am more equipped to help others around me who are suffering.

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

It can help the world to think before we just react.  We all want to be happy, but we are looking in the wrong direction for happiness.  Buddhism can help us to look inward for the real cause of happiness.  With this, there will be no reason for anger, hate, jealousy, conflict, killing, wars, etc.... 

With the help of Buddhism, compassion for all other living beings will bring about an explosion of happiness for all other beings.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhism Saying?

"Always rely upon a happy mind alone." -Geshe Chekhawa

What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

How to Solve Our Human Problems

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

Milarepa, because he saw everything as his Spiritual Teacher and thus progressed very swiftly along the spiritual path.

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

By focusing more on others and less on myself, I am driven to make a greater difference in my life to help others with their life. 

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

When I become a Buddha, the first thing that I am going to do is emanate myself into a region where there is suffering and Buddhism does not exist.