This month (July 2008) we talk to Steve Ivan.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

I was first attracted to the Path when I was fifteen years old, back in 1959. I was having chalenges in my life and needed to learn to de-stress.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

In February of 2000 I was driving into Sarasota for the first time with my family. As we went past the “Little Yellow House” on Tamiami Trail, I saw the “Kancha Buddhist Center” sign and thought to my self that I was going to visit there as soon as I got settled in.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

No apprehension at all. I was not worried a bit. I knew that I was going to be with like-minded people. After all, Buddhists are the least scary people that I had ever met before I came. I only expected to find a place to meditate and learn.

What were your first impressions?

Before when the Center was new, we were in another location, through the kindness of others. It was so small, that I was impressed with how many people could fit in the gompa (meditation room) and even more impressed with how many could squeeze into the tiny kitchen for refreshments after meditation session. It was fun for me to meet so many nice people. Learning good meditation tequniques drew me back again and again. I knew that I was on to something good!

What do you like best about coming here?

It has to be my very close friends here. My teachers really care about what I am learning. They provide me with the tools that are so helpful in life. I like the fact that I have a regular place to go for my spiritual development. Having a place in the spiritual community that the Sanga provides for me is like having a group of best friends that I can share my life with and rely upon. The Sanga, or congregation, is one of the three jewels of my life that I can count on.

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

I would say that it is like a cool breeze on a hot day. Being able to find a place of refuge is a life-saver. My blood pressure is lowered when I am less stressed. In my business, so many people get wound up and have bad reactions because of stress. Besides the many physical bennifits of meditation, there is the global effect that it has. If we are able to lead a happy and stress free life, we can be a good influence on our friends, family and neighbors. That has a chain reaction and the end result is that we derive benefit.

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

I am more able to understand and care about those people that I live and work with. It has created harmony and balance around me.

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

Buddhism can offer the answers that the planet needs. Think about it! If we are a friend to the world, a Bodhisattva , we will bring peace where ever we go. That includes caring about the ecology, nature, future generations and all living beings. Lets face it, have any Buddhists started any wars lately?

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhism Saying?

I'll give you my favorite lines from one of Geshe-la's books, "Transform Your Life:  "In the heart of even the cruelest and most degenerate person exists the potential for limitless love, compassion, and wisdom. Unlike the seeds of our delusions, which can be destroyed, this potential is utterly indestructible, and is the pure, essential nature of every living being."

What is your favorite Dharma movie, and why?

I do not have a favorite Dharma movie. What comes close to that sort of media for me, is American football and baseball games. Both televised and at the games interest me. This last 2007 - 2008 season was a great example of how karma and the six perfections play in sports. For instance: The winners of the Super Bowl were ready to shake hands with their opponents in the pre-game lineup. The favored Quarterback refused to be friendly.

The more humble player that put his hand out with a smile, led his team to win, against the odds. I was able to see that the whole of the winning team used the Six Perfections throughout the season before the “Big Game”. This no joke! The same goes for American Baseball. The famous Japanese player Sadahara Oh was known for using ancient Buddhist training in his batting practice.

Sometimes, I feel like a football getting kicked through the goal-posts of life. It is a win-win situation for me and others each day.

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

A strong one, Vajrapani is the Buddha that first comes to mind. I love the teachings of Vajrapani “the destroyer of delusions of fear”. Why let our fears bully us into being less than we can ultimatly be? Those ghostlike maras, fears, guilt and self-doubts can be eliminated.

Vajrapani is “good kung-fu”, reliable defence against our negative behavior. Vajrapani Buddha is “one tough Buddha” that can help us learn to renounce the bad behavior that holds us down and keeps us from understanding the nature of reality.  

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

The idea of having a happy and meaningful life is my goal. Being better equipped to help others, offers stability to me. Life that is dreamlike gives me hope. Compassion for all living beings is a gift to others that keeps giving. Giving to others is an easy way to be happy.

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

Chill