In high school I became curious about eastern philosphy and took World Religions as an elective. Due to my prior interest in Indian culture, I was especially eager to learn about Hinduism. Soon I realized that the Buddhist views on karma and compassion for all living beings were much closer to the beliefs I had come up with on my own.  I had doubts, but I leaned towards Buddhism from that point forward and wished to learn more.

What made you come to this Buddhist center?

After reading many books from various traditions of Buddhism, I realized the importance of choosing a tradition and becoming part of a Sangha.  After visiting the NKT's website several times, buying Eight Steps to Happiness, and perusing The Meditation Handbook, I developed the intent to visit an NKT center.  Before I ever made it to Parbawatiya in Safety Harbour, my friend James invited me to a Buddhist meditation class in Orlando at Spiral Circle bookstore.  I only found out a few hours before going that the class was sponsored by Parbawatiya.  The subject of the class for the first few months that I attended was Eight Steps to Happiness, the book I had nearly finished the night before.  Since Lojong (training the mind) was the focus of my practice at first, I knew I had found a home and began attending the General Program class every Monday.  As my practice deepened, I began attending special events (including the Refuge Ceremony) at Parbawatiya.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I was eager to come to both the Orlando branch and to Parbawatiya. I expected to feel like I had found a new home, and that is exactly how I did feel!

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

My first impression of the Orlando class was that the teachings were pure and the teacher (Ricc Bishop) was very welcoming and knowledgeable. Of course, I did wish that Orlando had a center of its own to fully decorate and have more in-depth classes and pujas at. When I arrived at Parbawatiya, I found exactly what I wished Orlando could have, and marvelled at the beautiful shrine, the many thangkas, and the bright colors. Best of all were the friendly people at both places who made me feel like I belonged from the very beginning. I was relieved that noone expected me to be an expert on Tibetan culture, and that the focus was on pure Dharma instead.

What do you like best about coming here?

Seeing my Dharma friends. Although I am shy and don't talk much, I am always happy to see the same warm, smiling faces at all the NKT events I attend. And they have done a lot to help me overcome my shyness!

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

Regular meditation makes it easier to stay calm and focused throughout the day, and helps to prevent us from losing our temper. When you consider that all living beings wish to be happy, and that people who meditate tend to be happier, it cannot be said that spending a few minutes a day in meditation is a waste of time.

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

Since studying Lojong, I find it much easier to control my temper, which has caused the end of many friendships for me and has resulted in me being fired or quitting several jobs. I find it much easier to deal with fellow employees and clients at work, which has opened the door for oppurtunites that would have been previously unthinkable. I get along much better with my family and loved ones.  I am much better at showing affection, and have not been hurting people nearly as much with my biting sense of humor.  I have more friends than I ever have, and cannot say that I have any enemies.  I don't become severely depressed  anymore, and my self-esteem has improved.

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

So much! The need for bodhisattvas in the world cannot be stressed enough. The more suffering there is in the world, the greater the need for compassion. We need alternatives to hatred, drug and alcohol addiction, selfishness, and materialism more than ever. Many of the heroes of our youths today are addicts, megalomaniacs, or violent criminals. How much better if young people had Bodhisattvas to look up to, people who have dedicated their lives to the happiness and well-being of other living beings!

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

May I become a protector for the protectorless,

A guide for those who travel on the road,

And, for those who wish to cross the water,

May I become a boat, a ship, or a bridge.

    -Shantideva, Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Chapter 3.

What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

I'll say Eight Steps to Happiness, for at least two reasons: it was the first one that I read, and it was the one that I needed the most in order for me to remove the obstacles that prevented me from even starting on the path to enlightenment.  Let's face it: as long as your self-cherishing leads you to feel angry at the world, you cannot hope to become a Buddha!

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

Although I could not even begin to compare myself at present with Shantideva, I am most inspired by him  because of his very strong determination to help others to overcome the suffering of samsara, and because of his superlative explanations of the many benefits of bodhichitta.

I love the practice of dedicating virtous activities to the liberation of all sentient beings, since I cannot bear to think about the unbelievable suffering that they have to face. Dedicating merit prevents me from getting discouraged by not being able to contribute enough, and helps to broaden the scope of my compassion.

Send my compassionate blessings to those with which I have the strongest karmic connection, since they may not be open to the blessings from other Buddhas.