This month (April 2008) we talk to Sandra Tracey.

Sandy moved to sunny Florida almost 30 years ago and currently works as a psychiatric nurse in a community mental health center. She has 2 children, both of whom live in Sarasota. She currently teaches the children's meditation class and attends the Teacher Training Program at KMC Florida.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

I had been attracted to many types of meditation since the late 60's. Naturally Buddhism fell into that search and when I first attended classes in 1997 at the UU Church with Kadam Nick I was thrilled. I was one of Kadam Nick's first students.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

There was no Center when I first came, we were meeting at the church -- now, many moves later, we have built a Center. I came looking for peace of mind.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I was excited and had no expectations. I was only hoping to learn some new meditation techniques.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

A very friendly young English man teaching the class was a surprise. He had a great sense of humor and brought everyday problems into his teaching. I found it fascinating that a religion over 2500 years old could be adapted into life as it is today. It actually could help solve our human problems. There was a lightness to the teachings which made it easy to feel comfortable.

What do you like best about coming here?

Since I have been coming to the Center for over 10 years, it has become a huge part of my life. The teachings are priceless I always learn something new that I can use to help make my life more manageable. If I am happier, those I come in contact with on a daily basis will feel happier too! Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are what I like best about coming to the Center.

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

Well, who would not want to make their mind more peaceful? Meditation is medicine for the mind. It improves concentration and helps solve your daily problems in a positive way. It also has health benefits, such as reduction in stress, sleep problems and blood pressure. People will notice that you have a sense of calm and serenity even in the face of adversity, and will want what you have.

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

One of the first topics that Kadam Nick talked about was traffic. That is one small example of how we can change our minds to not get irritated by an action that most of us engage in on a daily basis. Why bother getting worked up over letting someone pull out ahead of you? Simple yet profound. Being a nurse I have opportunities all day to practice patience and make the choice where to place my mind. I then can either have a great day or a day full of irritation trying to control others when all I can do is attempt to control my mind.

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

One of the first topics that Kadam Nick talked about was traffic. That is one small example of how we can change our minds to not get irritated by an action that most of us engage in on a daily basis. Why bother getting worked up over letting someone pull out ahead of you? Simple yet profound. Being a nurse I have opportunities all day to practice patience and make the choice where to place my mind. I then can either have a great day or a day full of irritation trying to control others when all I can do is attempt to control my mind.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

“ Moreover, suffering has good qualities.
Through experiencing it, we can dispel pride.
Develop compassion for those trapped in samsara,
Abandon non-virtue, and delight in virtue.”
-Shantideva

What is your fravorite Dharma movie, and why?
 
Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall, Spring
This movie is great for developing renunciation.

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

As many others do, Lam Chung. Discouragement and the laziness of attachment remind me always to clean up the dust in my mind.

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

The practice of taking and giving. I had been searching for this my whole life.

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

Help those still trapped in samsara by emanating wherever and whenever needed. Help those in fear, help feed those who are hungry, and bring light into the hearts of those in darkness by showing them the path to liberation and happiness, just as Buddha showed me.