This interview is just one of the many that took place for “A New Generation of Buddhist Young Practitioners,” the cover feature of Mandala July-August 1998:

How did you meet Dharma?

The first reason was because my mom, Susana Contreras, is a nun and I would go to India and Nepal every year for holidays. I would go to Bodhgaya, or Varanasi and Kushinagar to visit where the Buddha was born or died, all these blessed places. I became more interested and began to work at the center in Japan as a secretary.

I think I was 13 when my mom became a nun, and now she lives with my younger sister in Italy. I go to school in England now.

Did you both support your mom when she became a nun?

It was okay with both of us. My mom and I would discuss what it means to be Buddhist, and she taught me to do some practices. I take refuge in Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and do prostrations, and then I do a meditation on White Tara.

What are you taking refuge in?

I will try to explain, but my English might not be so good. I try to do these practices for all sentient beings as well as for my family and myself. If I do these prostrations to Tara, blessings will come from the moon disc at her heart and bless all beings and me. I then say her mantra, om tara tuttare ture soha. Tara’s body dissolves and is absorbed inside of me and all beings.

Why do you think meditation helps?

It helps me be more relaxed and I think it helps all people. Meditation is good for all people, because you don’t have to be Buddhist to do meditation. Also, if I meditate, I am not so nervous all the time. When I am studying for exams I have to meditate, otherwise I get stressed out all the time. Meditation helps so much.

Has your interest in meditation led any of your friends to be interested?

A little bit, but not too deeply. They might do some meditation, maybe not Buddhist. If I talk about it, they might try it and feel good, because it can help with their concentration. Many of my friends don’t really care and have even laughed at me because I am Buddhist. They think religion is something strange, dangerous, weird.

How do you feel when your friends do actions that are considered to be negative in the Buddhist tradition? What kinds of problems do you see them facing?

Almost all of my friends take drugs because there are so many drugs available for teenagers in this world. At school they sell. For me, I don’t think it is the right thing to do – you don’t need to take drugs in this life. Young people are interested in many things and want to try new things. So many people take drugs, so young people think it’s a cool thing to do.

I think, when I prostrate to White Tara, she will bless me and will bless all sentient beings. The light from the moon disc will bless my heart, so I don’t think I will do something wrong like other teenagers. If I feel this way, I don’t need to take drugs or anything like that.

If you talk with some friends and explain one element of Buddhism, what would it be?

I would tell them that if I do something bad, like if I kill someone, I am creating bad karma. In the next life I might get a bad rebirth, or go to hell because of the bad karma.

What lamas have you met who have made a big impression on you?

It would be Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who I met six years ago.

Is there any advice that you received that you remember?

When I met Lama Zopa the first time, I wanted to be a nun like my mom. I asked him and he told me it is not the right time. He told me to study and to help other people – I remember. In the future I would like to help other people, but for the moment I am studying as he told me and doing my practice.

Would you still like to become a nun in the future?

Yes, I hope.

If you could get involved in any project or activity, how would you best like to serve Rinpoche?

Any way, as long as I can help other people

Do you think it’s important for young people to have spirituality?

Yes, because this world is getting dirty with drugs and greed for money. I think with spirituality you can transform your life so it can be good for all beings.