This month (March 2008) we talk to Priscilla Barrios who is a Massage Therapist and Student.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

I never thought about Buddhism in my life until 2005. A friend gave me a book by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, after reading the first chapter it gave sense to my life inmediately. I realized that most of the things I was reading before where of no meaning and I developed great interest in Buddhist Teachings.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

I started taking some classes at Dharmachakra Center in Mexico, so I decided to look for a Center from the same tradition here in the US.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I didn't know what I was expecting, but at the end of my first class I felt I had found the most valuable thing in my life.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

I was very confused, but I felt very comfortable with the people at the center and they all helped me understand everything better.

What do you like best about coming here?

The amazing teachers and the warm and loving minds of the students.

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

Meditation is like taking away the tv remote from your husband, you don't have to watch what you don't like anymore, instead you can choose what you want when you want it. No more uncontrolled thoughts and minds!

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

I used to have a severe anger problem, meditation in the Buddhist teachings helped me overcome my anger and enabled me to happy a better and happier life.

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

WORLD PEACE!!! Once you are around 3,000 Buddhist people you know is possible!

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

“ I should engage only in virtuous actions to benefit living beings, with no thought for myself;
And I should do so with the understanding that I am like and illusion that does not exist from its own side.”
-Shantideva

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

Lam Chung! I believe we all feel like a Lam Chung at some point, dull and unteachable, unable to learn any lesson. He ended up possessing the greatest skill in taming the minds of others.

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

The simple idea of someone that works solely to benefit others is breath taking, it is extremely hard to find someone with such pure motivation.

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

What any other Buddha would do: lead all sentient beings to enlightenment!