This month (December 2007) we talk to Susan Grober.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

I had lots of “crazy” ideas as a child about reincarnating and meeting my parents again and about the difference between dreaming and waking. But I got “lost in Samsara” and didn’t find Buddhism again until graduate school.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

I signed a Drolma Center email list at the Miami Book Fair when I first moved here from New York. One day, I received an announcement about one of Kadam Nick’s terrific day courses: "Love without Pain". That was like a bakery advertising: "All you can eat; No weight gain". Who could resist?

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

Actually, I was looking forward to it. I hadn’t connected with many people or pursued many of my interests since relocating. Also, I figured I could always leave if it got too "weird".

What were your first impressions?

Drolma Center was on Dixie Highway then, and when I walked in I immediately felt relaxed, looking at the Buddhas and the cloud-like gauzy ceiling. Although I tried to make myself invisible by checking out the great selection of Geshe-la’s books, several members and Kadam Nick "found" me and were very welcoming, friendly, and happy to answer my questions.

What do you like best about coming here?

The inspiration, faith, peace and knowledge I get every time I attend a class, a special teaching, a retreat, or a puja. When I arrive, I feel like I’m on a vacation from Samsara in one of the Buddha’s Pure Lands. I am always reluctant to leave!

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

I already tell anyone who will listen that every single area of their lives will improve. Relationships, work, health, and emotional stability are just a few of the areas enhanced by learning meditation and practicing it regularly.

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

As Carly Simon said, "I haven’t got time for the pain". I no longer think that negative emotions are signs of creativity or emotional depth. As Atisha advises, when I catch a delusion, "I purge it like bad blood". By minding my mind and increasing my compassion and wisdom, I can approach work and close relationships with great joy and gratitude for the opportunity to apply the teachings. Even struggles have an upside these days. Now I worry most about not worrying!

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

The most effective method for solving our human problems, achieving world peace, and preserving our planet.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhism Saying?

"Compassion is the mother of all Buddhas, Compassion is the most precious treasure of all Bodhisattvas, Compassion is the unseen friend of migrators; May I be protected by great compassion." -Lama Tayang, The Crystal Rosary

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

Shantideva because his graceful and wise writing speaks to me, and I identify with his passion for dharma and poetry.

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

Giving up the emphasis of popular culture on self-cherishing and devoting myself to cherishing others. It is such a relief to let go of the isolating, ultimately meaningless pursuit of "finding oneself" and to shift my focus to finding inner peace through developing ultimate and conventional bodhichitta.

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

Thank Geshe-la and my kind teachers from the bottom of my heart for being so wise, loving, and patient with me. Then I would devote myself to teaching the dangers fo self-cherishing and providing sentient beings with the conditions they require to progress along the path to enlightenment. I would also appear in dreams, quoting Shantideva verses and Advice from Atisha’s heart.