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Sarina Mann interviews Kelsang Kunden, aged 29
How did you come across Buddhism and why did it appeal to you?
I first came across Buddhism while I was at University in Canterbury. Before the
Residential Centre here in Canterbury opened, they were running classes on campus,
and I went along because I'd read some Buddhist philosophy and was interested.
What appealed to me was the example I saw - just reading it in books and
seeing someone who was living the teachings were such different things! The Teacher
was so calm, so considerate, always seemed to know the best thing to say to people
to help them with their problems - I thought 'I want to be like that!'
How has meditation helped in your life?
It has made me so much more
positive! I used to moan a lot, and have a very pessimistic view, and meditation
has taught me that if I look at things in a different way I can create a very
different experience for myself. It has also definitely helped me to deal constructively
with the difficulties I've had to face. It has become so much a part of my daily
life now, it influences the way I deal with everything; all those little daily
gripes don't bother me anymore and I can stay much more peaceful. I don't think
I'd ever have passed my driving test without meditation!
Why did
you decide to become ordained?
It seemed a natural step. I felt very
committed to the Buddhist way of life, and I knew that this was the direction
I wanted to take in my life. I know it is a big commitment, but it didn't feel
like a big step. I also felt that I would be able to help others by following
this way of life - I want to show by my example that it's possible to be happy
without all the trappings we often feel we need; I'm trying to just lead a simple
life and be content with that.
What do you do at the Centre: tell
us a bit about it and why you do the things you do.
We start every day
at the Centre with a group meditation practice - I like to meditate in the morning
before the busyness of the day takes over. I teach meditation classes most evenings;
this is my main activity really, because it would seem selfish not to offer other
people the opportunity to discover the inner peace that I have found through meditation.
There is so much demand for classes from all over Kent, as well as school visits,
so it keeps me pretty busy!
I also seem to spend a lot of time in front of
the computer - there's a lot of work behind the scenes to keep the Centre running.
Of course lots of people in the community help with organizing the classes and
the administration of the Centre - I just delegate and encourage, really!
Can you provide a bit of background about yourself & what your life was
like before you were ordained.
I grew up in London, and had worked in
youth work and outdoor pursuits. I spent a year travelling before starting university
in 1997, where I began to develop my interest in meditation. I took ordination
when I had just finished my degree at Kent. I was studying Drama - I had wanted
to be a theatre director, but actually working in theatre made me change my mind!
What have been the responses from your family and friends, do they
think you're bonkers!
My family did initially think I was being a bit
extreme! My mum was worried about me making the choice to get ordained, especially
as I was still so young (23) - but I think over the last 4 years she has seen
that it's made me happy, and both my parents are very supportive. My family just
want me to be happy, really, and it seems to be working!
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A Day in The Life of a Buddhist Centre
Resident
Ian interviews Sian Davies
What brought
you to Buddhism?
I entered the Buddhist path initially through two strong
influences in my life. One was my love of the Beastie Boys of whom one of the
members (Adam Yauch) is a practicing Buddhist, and the other is my brother whose
pure example I admire. Both major inspirations drew me closer to the Buddhist
way of life. What really struck a chord with me was the Truth of Buddha’s teachings
on true sufferings; which gave me an insight to why I was unhappy, and the causes
of this unhappiness.
How long have you been practicing?
I have been a practitioner of New Kadampa Dharma for the last three and half years.
How long have you been living here at the Jampel Centre?
Since February 29th 2004.
What’s the best thing about living in a
Dharma centre?
Living a meaningful life.
What does Buddhism
in general, and living in a Buddhist community mean to you?
I love being
a Buddhist or at least trying to be a Buddhist! The main practice is to gain control
over one’s mind, therefore leading others along the spiritual path and so fulfilling
my Spiritual Guides wish. Living with other Buddhists is great because everything
we do or say becomes a cause to attain Enlightenment.
What inspires
you about the Buddhist way of life?
Learning to cherish others and become
fearless.
How has this way of life changed you?
Quite simply,
‘for the better’. I do not get as angry as before. I am able to see how my mind
is working. Consequently, I am able to enjoy my life more by learning to be positive
at all times.
What are the positives and negatives?
The
positives are giving up on my attachments (which only function to cause us pain)
especially to wealth. Inadvertently the negatives of this are my bank balance
(ha ha!!!). Buddhism allows me to learn to love others and see their good qualities
rather than their faults. Through Buddhism, I have met some really incredible
people whom inspire me to practice. I also realise how fortunate I am to come
into contact with these amazing teachings.
What is your ambition?
To become a Buddha. I want to become like my Spiritual Guide and possess
his qualities.
How does this way of life integrate into your daily
life?
Perfectly! In everyway I have wanted it to. My practice integrates
well into my life. They are not separate from each other. Through Buddha’s teachings
my life has transformed and, as a result, has become meaningful.
December
2004
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