Ani Lodro
And then at a certain point in around 30 years old, you know, I just was extremely unhappy and it seemed like I shouldn't be because I had, you know, done all the schooling and then gotten these good jobs and then was, you know, making money, which was supposed to be a really important thing, you know, in acquiring the assets. And and I was looking at my life and it just dawned on me that, Wow, you know what? I have all these things and I am actually very empty inside. I don't feel fulfilled.
Ben
In his reflections, Ben traces his journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. Raised in a Christian family, he found himself questioning traditional beliefs during his teenage years, particularly during confirmation. Drawn to the promise of a universal truth, Ben pursued science, studying material science and delving into quantum theory in graduate school. However, the complexity and lack of simplicity in scientific explanations left him unsatisfied. Amidst his intellectual quest, Ben encountered Buddhist philosophy, initially exploring connections between Buddhism and environmental science. A friend suggested he read Buddhist books, leading him to a profound connection with the teachings of the Buddha, especially through texts like "The Night on the Old Pathway." At around 23 or 24 years old, Ben officially identified as a Buddhist.
Albert
Albert recalls his first experience walking into the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, describing the imposing yet intricately designed doors that symbolized the beginning of his journey. Upon entering, he was struck by the diverse and down-to-earth community, challenging his expectations of a predominantly Asian congregation. The fact that the reverend was a female resonated with Albert, emphasizing the equal respect in Buddhism. Curiosity led Albert to explore the temple's teachings, appreciating the absence of emotional manipulation and the focus on understanding oneself and fostering interconnectedness. The chants, like the golden chain, and the absence of labels provided a liberating experience. Albert delved into Buddhism's varied forms, including Pure Land Buddhism, which allowed him the freedom to be himself and practice responsibility without conforming to specific rules.
Melissa
In brief, I currently aspire to the Vajrayana path as laid out by the great masters of the Indian and Tibetan Buddhist lineages. Many have dedicated their entire lives to the preservation of their lineage which has been unbroken and thus is an intact living lineage, still “whispered” from teacher to student .
Willy and Kim
My first exposure to Buddhism wasn’t significant. In fact, it was a turn off. A man who claimed to be Buddhist visited our high school and basically told our class his goal was to become a heartless robot. Well, not entirely, but pretty much… There wasn’t any joy.
Shinchok
As she reached the limits of her knowledge in Hinduism, Shinchok turned her attention to the Mahāmudrā, discovering that Buddhist teachings provided the answers she sought. Her desire for a genuine meditation master led her to a Buddhist center where she encountered the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa. Feeling a profound connection, she embraced Buddhism and its emphasis on devotion, recognizing it as a path to crack open her heart and discover her true self.
Jude and Emma on parenting
The initial years of Aaron’s spiritual journey were tumultuous, deviating from the traditional path outlined by the Buddha. While the typical progression involves purifying ethics and gradually cultivating mindfulness, Aaron found himself in college, engaging in a lifestyle characterized by drinking, smoking, and casual relationships. This misalignment with ethical principles created challenges when he experienced an awakening.
The awakening brought a surge of energy, but Aaron struggled with unresolved habits and ethical conflicts. Attempting to balance his newfound spiritual experiences with his existing lifestyle led to periods of borderline psychotic episodes. The powerful energy demanded a reevaluation of his behaviors, including refraining from substances like weed and alcohol, and adopting a more disciplined lifestyle.
As Aaron navigated this transformative period, he discovered the supportive role of Ashtanga yoga in addressing addiction and bodily cravings. Ashtanga’s emphasis on purifying energy and creating softness in the body proved beneficial in breaking negative patterns associated with substances.
Despite the positive impact of Ashtanga, Aaron acknowledged the challenges in managing increased energy. Zen practice, with its focus on concentration and breathing, presented a mixed experience. While he appreciated learning concentration techniques, Aaron reflected on how it may have initially reinforced certain delusions, making aspects of his journey more challenging.
In summary, Aaron’s early spiritual journey involved a struggle to align his newfound awakening with an existing lifestyle, leading to a transformative process that required significant adjustments and the exploration of various practices, including Ashtanga yoga and Zen meditation.
William on loss
William reflects on his late wife’s spiritual journey, describing her upbringing in the Catholic tradition and her early achievements as a concert pianist. Despite her dedication to Catholicism, she faced challenges and questions, especially after her divorce and excommunication from the church. William noticed her searching for something more, delving into topics like quantum mechanics.
Over the course of their relationship, spanning 21 years, William observed her evolving views. She explored Buddhism, influenced by William’s own Buddhist path and experiences with monks. Eventually, she took her vows and adopted the Buddhist name Joe, embodying all-encompassing compassion. This transition occurred about six months before her passing.
William emphasizes the significance of her Buddhist practice in coping with illness and facing the impermanence of life. He recounts moments of acceptance and how her evolving understanding of Buddhism helped her find peace. Even in the face of illness, she remained committed to her pursuits, organizing a Zoom class the day before her passing.
As William shares the details of her final moments, he expresses a mix of grief and joy. He highlights the impact of her teachings and the sense of community support, drawing parallels between Buddhist concepts and the interconnectedness of life. William appreciates the role of Sangha, the community, in providing comfort during difficult times.
The narrative extends to their daughter, who embraced Buddhism in her own way. William stresses the importance of leading by example and living the Dharma rather than merely preaching it. He details their daughter’s multicultural upbringing, acceptance of diversity, and her reliance on Buddhist principles in coping with her mother’s passing.
In closing, William reflects on the strength and acceptance demonstrated by both his late wife and their daughter in the face of impermanence. He expresses gratitude for the support from various traditions and communities during this challenging time, highlighting the enduring impact of living a life aligned with Buddhist principles.
Donovan on relationships
In Donovan’s transformative journey with Buddhist practice, profound changes in his perceptions and interactions with others became evident. Previously, he would avoid eye contact with homeless individuals, distancing himself from their existence. However, as his Buddhist practice deepened, he found himself extending compassion, recognizing their needs, and offering assistance without judgment.
This shift extended beyond personal encounters to his professional life. Donovan, once quick to form rigid judgments about people, became more open-minded and less judgmental. The need to be superior to others faded, allowing him to focus on providing genuine care. This change positively impacted his career, with colleagues acknowledging his skills without the pressure of being the “best.”
Amid personal challenges, such as a divorce and subsequent remarriage, Donovan found solace in his Buddhist practice. Alejandro, his spiritual guide, even officiated his wedding. The newfound openness and connectedness extended to his role as a stepfather, contrasting with his previous rigid parenting style. Despite imperfections, conflicts became easier to navigate, fostering a sense of peace.
Donovan reflected on how his practice influenced his approach to people from diverse backgrounds, eradicating aversions and fostering a genuine acceptance of others. He illustrated instances where he intentionally avoided knowing about prisoners’ pasts, treating each person with equal care regardless of their circumstances. This shift highlighted a significant evolution in his perspective, emphasizing compassion and understanding over judgment.
In essence, Donovan’s Buddhist practice profoundly infiltrated both his personal and professional life, fostering a more relaxed, open-minded, and peaceful existence. The transformation he underwent allowed him to engage with others authentically, fostering connections that transcended previous limitations.
Ben on the workplace
In contemplating active bodhichitta, Ben expresses that being actively beneficial takes various forms, extending beyond conventional acts like running a Buddhist center. He highlights the importance of embodying this altruistic mindset in every interaction, both within and outside the spiritual community. Ben reflects on his role as an engineering manager in the steel industry, emphasizing the intention to foster human development within his team rather than merely focusing on financial objectives.
Viewing his job as a means to support his broader aspirations, Ben aims to infuse his work with Buddhist principles, prioritizing the growth and development of his team members. He stresses the significance of approaching every situation as an opportunity to be useful, aligning with the Buddha’s example of working selflessly for the benefit of others. For Ben, the essence of being a Buddha lies in consistent usefulness in all aspects of life.
Ben encourages integrating Diamond Way teachings into daily work, seizing opportunities to assist others and fostering a supportive environment. He believes that genuine engagement with the world, rather than seclusion in a Buddhist center, is essential for embodying the principles of Buddhism. Ben aligns his understanding with the teachings of Diamond Way, emphasizing the importance of action as a core element of the spiritual path.