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

How did you get introduced to Dharma in the first place?

My aunt, Merry Colony, is Buddhist. She is the sister of my mother and the youngest of six females. As an only child, I remember I found Merry to be very sensitive and open to my young thoughts. This quality was especially important during the chaotic holidays our family shared. I recall escaping the noise of such occasions only to find Merry in another room saying prayers and doing her practice. I found refuge and joy in watching her create beautiful mandalas and chant. It was magical in the calming effect that such moments had on me. This period in my life was also quite troubling because of my parents’ divorce. I guess it was from moments like that, and others I shared with Merry, that initially led me to pursue an interest in Tibetan Buddhism. However, ultimately it stemmed from my more personal life decisions.

My first year in college was quite rough. I had come from a very sheltered and forgiving environment. My sense of ego was very strong and I had little appreciation for my precious human life. I truly had no idea why I was in college.

I was fortunate to have received a solid primary school education that helped me get into a good college (Lafayette College in Pennsylvania). However, when I got to there I was not prepared for the social freedom. I was drinking virtually every night and getting into all kinds of trouble with the campus security. I guess my destructive behavior did not become apparent to me until I found myself in a hospital with head wounds from a bar brawl that I started at a fraternity. This realization was further cemented by the letter of dismissal that I received from the dean’s office the following December. It was their decision that I was not prepared for the responsibility required of a Lafayette student. And they were right!

After returning home from college I found that my whole world had collapsed. Issues that I had ignored could no longer be avoided. Specifically issues with respect to the way I had treated other members of my family and in my personal relationships. This period was all about picking up the pieces of my life. I could either continue down the road of self-defeating destruction or try and resolve the past.

I began to study at the local community college. I took a James Joyce class and an introduction to Buddhism. I also began therapy with a psychiatrist. It was during this period that I picked up my mother’s copy of Reincarnation by Vicki Mackenzie (a gift from Merry). This book really gave me a taste of Lama Yeshe and his way. A few months later I reapplied and was accepted at Lafayette and returned the following semester with a new and improved agenda. I was really quite fortunate to have the support of some very good teachers and family.

I had a curriculum based on classes I thought were moving me along intellectually and spiritually. Specifically I focused on art, religion and anthropology. I felt as if I had reawakened to a whole new world. And it was vast! My biggest fear at this time was that I had wasted too much of my time in school.

How was Buddhism attractive to you?

Actually I was sort of anti-religious during my college years. I felt that organized religions were too corrupt and offered little in the way of real spirituality. I kind of found my own system of belief through my anthropology. I studied many cultures in Latin America and found that there was a history and culture that had very similar values and ethics to my own – some of the more contemporary indigenous rights movements that advocate a more communal way of living.

I don’t think the true essence of Buddhism became accessible to me until after I had begun to experiment with hallucinogenic drugs. I found that, through certain hallucinatory experiences, I was better able to understand my mind and specifically the way I had been perceiving reality. The change was that I had become more open to different views and philosophies on an experiential level. I am not advocating casual drug use, but for myself I think that there were certain experiences that I had, under the influence of drugs, that helped me to be more open to Buddhist thought and practice. And it was through these experiences that I found myself able to move on to more real, drug-free experiences.

When I eventually traveled to Asia after college I was conscious that I was embarking on a trip that would be a turning point in my understanding of Buddhism. It took me only a short week at Kopan to feel how right the teachings of Buddha were for me. I found that so much I had been feeling in a very abstract way was articulated through the books and teachings I encountered there. However, it was from the group Vajrasattva retreat I eventually did in Dharamsala that I truly began to confront some of the more painful aspects that are involved in spiritual growth.

I guess the most attractive aspect of Buddhism to me is that it has a natural application to life. It is logical and authentic. I feel that I have been very fortunate to have found Buddhism within the FPMT. There are truly so many genuine and sincere teachers and students.

How do you see Dharma fitting in your life in the future?

After Vajrasattva retreat, I also did a one-month prostration retreat at Lawudo Gompa in the mountains of Nepal and then the Kopan November course. They really helped cement the Dharma in my mind. The challenge now is to apply Dharma to my Western lifestyle.

I love North America! We have so much freedom here. There is also much suffering though. But as a country we have the means to help others conventionally. We have the resources and the money to remove so much physical suffering in the world. We have the potential to really help others in this life. It excites me to think that the Dharma can fit into this somehow. I think the reason we don’t do more as a country to help is because we are so neurotic. Dharma helps destroy this type of delusion. I am excited to see how the Dharma will evolve in the West.

So now I am exploring many things. I have looked into the various Buddhist programs in universities. I have looked at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Namgyal Monastery in New York. But basically I just want to keep pursuing the learning process. I guess the big obstacle, besides money, is finding my path.

Because I am young and haven’t really had my first professional job, my first goal has been to try and get one. Lama Zopa had suggested that I try to work at either Land of Medicine Buddha or Vajrapani. I feel that I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to receive this advice, and now I am working fulltime at the FPMT International Office. With the guidance of Sangha like Paul LeMay and Thubten Kunsel, I believe I am making good use of this life. It really makes me very happy to be in the service of others. I came here not knowing what would happen, but the advice of the holy kind guru is right. So I guess I will see what happens next.

If you were talking with some people who had never met Dharma, what do you think is the most important first thing to teach them about Dharma?

I think developing a good heart and an appreciation for this life is very important when you are young. I think a lot of the problems teenagers have stem from their sense that they are alone – the only ones suffering, the only one with problems. I think understanding the vastness of the human realm and all the levels of life and its various suffering is immensely mind expanding. By encountering and experiencing different cultures and different forms of life, one is more able to understand them. This is the key to developing real compassion. It is how we are able to sincerely love. It is how we are able to learn to love even those we want to hate.

I don’t think it is important to label any of this Buddhism. A child is often vastly less conceptual than an adult. I think that there is a relationship with them that can be mutually beneficial. We shouldn’t consider them to be less than ourselves. They are just different and have different needs. Buddhist practice for children should be a personal and individual decision. One must ultimately seek it out alone.

Buddha’s Caf

By Nadine Levy

Back row: Matthew, Matthew, Todd, Sam, Scott. Middle row: Victor, Stephanie, Emeera. Kneeling: Nadine, Melissa, Emma.

Every fortnight a vibrant group of young adults meets at Buddha House in Adelaide, South Australia. Each meeting grapples with a different aspect of Australian youth culture and provides an opportunity to debate and experience the theme through the lens of Buddhist philosophy. The purpose is to provide a comfortable, open and safe setting for young people to express themselves, socialize and practice active Dharma.

Most members have taken an interest in Buddhism through reading books and surfing the web and they are new to the idea of a sangha or Dharma center. Others are Buddha House regulars, looking to meet like-minded individuals. And, of course, friends have brought friends, and our little group has slowly grown to encompass a variety of young people with diverse cultural, religious and educational backgrounds.

It has been so moving to witness how accepting and patient the members of Buddha’s Café are towards one another. Often with little or no formal understanding of Buddhist teachings, these young people freely practice the virtues of compassion and generosity without batting an eyelid.

Our diversity has hardly caused barriers. On the contrary, it has been cause for curiosity, understanding and celebration. All members kindly listen to each other’s views with an open heart – never interrupting or expressing frustration at another’s opinion. When views diverge, there is an attempt to genuinely understand and empathize. That’s not to say that members do not enjoy a lively exchange of ideas from time to time. The group is quickly learning that debating that is underpinned by love and respect can lead to deeper understandings of the Buddha’s teachings. We have found that there is a lot to be learned by observing how we relate to each other in a social setting.

After each gathering, I muse that our world leaders could learn a little something about kindness and generosity from our group’s interactions.

The gathering has offered a variety of activities and themes, including storytelling and performance, book-sharing and “popcorn and movie” nights. As the group has evolved, we have appreciated the importance of balancing intellectual discussions with creative activities. Examples of such activities include the performance of Zen stories, meditation, drawing exercises and musical chanting. This group is unlike anything our gompa has ever seen. It is a symposium of many ideas and is unlike the formal lectures we are so used to.

Unlike the stereotypical “individualist” and “consumerist” view of young people, the members of Buddha’s Café take a sincere interest in issues of social justice, peace and active compassion. Many are keen to get involved in the struggle to free Tibet and Burma, and others are excited about organizing events that enable spontaneous acts of generosity. At present, our group is organizing an afternoon to free some bait-worms in a friend’s garden.

This group is proof that young people want to get active in their community. They seek to alleviate others’ suffering, regardless of whether or not they call themselves a Buddhist. Sadly, our Western world does not provide many outlets for young people to engage in collective spiritual altruism. There seems to be a lack of social groups for young people that encourage both inner and outer compassion. Buddha’s Café seeks to provide a space that facilitates and supports free-thinking and the expression of aspirations and hopes.

Some have the tendency to label today’s young people as self-seeking and selfish rather preemptively and without offering young people the opportunity to express their own peace and inner-wisdom. We need to have faith in the youth of today – faith that the world is in safe hands, that many young people care and wish to work towards a wiser and healthier community.

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Three young Buddhists tell their stories…

Rinchen Khadro Norbu, 25, Australia

Rinchen Khadro Norbu, 25, Australia

Being born into a Tibetan Buddhist family, I have been fortunately exposed to Dharma teachings throughout my life, attending talks given by various great teachers including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Ven. Tenzin Palmo.

Born in Dharamsala India, I came to Australia, my mother’s home country, at a very young age. I was raised in Melbourne, attending Tara Institute where Geshe Doga is the resident teacher. Through the teachings, my own reading and experience, and through my parents’ guidance, the Dharma has had a valuable and positive influence on my life. From my experience, when I have tried to be mindful to practice qualities such as patience and loving-kindness, I have felt a lot more peaceful than when I have not been mindful. I have also noticed the effect my positive and negative states of mind have on others. This gives me hope and encourages me to keep on practicing.

I also find that the Dharma helps me to make sense of my experience of life, which as a young person in this day and age can often be disheartening and confusing. Although I only have a limited understanding of the Dharma, I try to put into action the little I do know in my day-to-day life. I am currently involved in interfaith dialogue and friendship building between young people of various faiths, both locally and internationally. I am also completing a double degree in Environmental Science and Environmental Social Science and am involved in various campaigns to generate greater environmental understanding, including participating as a Youth Patron of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Melbourne 2009.

Although as young people we must rely on our elder and more knowledgeable teachers in our life for wisdom and guidance, we still have an important role and responsibility in building a better society. In my experience, there are many elders who are very supportive and encouraging in helping us young people engage meaningfully and actualise our roles and responsibilities to achieve this end.

Daniel Carranza, 16, Mexico

Daniel Carranza, 16, Mexico

When I found the Dharma, my life began to change. As I got more involved in my practice and studies, I noticed that my mind was changing, which wasn’t just interesting – but also wonderful! Now I am more aware of my mind, and before engaging in an action, I take some time to think about it. This has been a great way for me to prevent experimenting with alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, which many of my friends at school are attracted to and have problems with.

My first encounter with the Dharma was when I was eight years old, due to my relationship with my brother Ven. Lobsang Tonden, who is a monk. At that age, I didn’t have problems related with addictions, but as I started to grow up, there were many temptations. Some friends would offer me intoxicants and so on, but in my mind I was clear that if I wanted to stop my suffering, Dharma is the best way to do it rather than in the ways my friends tried to find happiness.

When I practice Dharma, my mind is more peaceful and I can help others in a better way. That is the best part. For me, Dharma is not only about being aware of my actions, but also about making an effort every day to change my mind. Now I am at high school and I have been thinking about ordination. When I asked Lama Zopa Rinpoche for permission to become a monk, Rinpoche gave his blessings and permission, but asked me to wait until I finish my studies. So I am on my way!

Alexander Chen, 17, Taiwan

Alexander Chen, 17, Taiwan

Just 18 months ago, I was a 15-year-old navigating through the violent, stormy seas of confusion. I was falling. It wasn’t like falling off a tree, a bike or anything physical. My peers in school tormented me, and I soon began to perceive myself as a hopeless, worthless being. My life was shifting towards the darkness of depression. I lost interest in carrying on conversations with others. Schoolwork became a burden. My grades dropped significantly. Life was endless sufferings. I even went to the point of thinking that life wasn’t worth living at all.

All this delusional thinking came to a screeching halt when I met Lama Zopa Rinpoche in an invited, private interview. Before I met him, I thought “He’s just an ordinary Buddhist monk. Why bother meeting him? Monks sit and chant all day long, and they must have faith in some sort of superstition that contradicts with modern science!” However, such thoughts changed after I received Rinpoche’s private lesson. His tremendous kindness and compassion awakened me from my delusions. After numerous times of contemplating on his written advice – “The purpose of life is to bring happiness to all living beings through education and through compassion and Dharma wisdom” – I aspired to realize that goal of my life. Thus, I decided to explore Buddhism.

That very summer, I attended a “Discovering Buddhism” course, taught by Ven. Namgyel at Kopan Monastery in Nepal. His humorous and sensitive Dharma teachings made the course very enjoyable, effortlessly teaching Dharma through jokes, turning a dry-sounding course into a sea of laughter. If he were a high school teacher, he would definitely be adored by the student body.

During the entire course, I practiced Buddhist meditation, which deepened my understanding of the workings of the mind and the benefits of being mindful. In the end, I came to realize that the true causes of happiness do not come from external objects. It comes within. One can even transform problems into happiness. It all depends on our mind.

Half a year later, I had an opportunity to go to Bodhgaya for another retreat led by Ven. Dondrub and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Outside Root Institute, very young children in ragged clothes holding infants in their arms tagged alongside me, begging for money. It is difficult to imagine the uncountable number of people without adequate food, clothing, shelter, etc., let alone all the beggars in India. Compared to the beggars, I know how incredibly fortunate I am to live in a safe, comfortable environment. The trip to India gave me an opportunity to develop compassion towards the poor.

Now, while being peer-pressured at school, I apply Buddhism in dealing with negative influences. Even though I am surrounded by those who would idly compare brands, gossip, recklessly speed on the roads, or sneak themselves into dubious places like pubs and bars at night, I no longer suffer from their harsh comments. I’m not that easy to be manipulated or upset anymore. It’s perfectly okay to be different. I hold my own ethics and values. I have taken what used to be problems as precious learning opportunity to purify my mind and generate compassion towards those who attack me.

I am very grateful that I encountered Buddhism at an early age. Lama Zopa Rinpoche, thank you so very much for devoting your precious time to me on the evening of March 4, 2007 at the Shakyamuni Cent er in Taichung, Taiwan to help me understand the ultimate meaning of life. Ven. Roger, thank you for discussing the difficulties I had gone through. Ven. Sarah, Ven. Sophia, Ven. Gyalten, my parents, and lastly, to all the virtuous friends who showed your genuine support, I must say a very big “thank you.”

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