Questionnaire
Deborah "Bee" Uytiepo
Bee is a native of California. She works, lives and teaches a meditation class in Marin.
1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?
I've been interested in various Eastern philosophies since I was
about 13. I found Kadampa Buddhism over 6 years ago and finally found logical answers to my endless supply of questions. Over time, it became clear that Kadampa Buddhism was for me!
2) What made you come to this Buddhist Center?
I was enthusiastically invited to a meditation class in Los Angeles by a childhood friend who insisted that I would enjoy meeting her Buddhist friend. Her friend suggested that we go to a meditation class. It ended up being a Kadampa Buddhist meditation class and I've been hooked ever since!
3) Were you apprehensive about coming?
After a couple years of attending General Program meditation classes, I did feel apprehensive about going to the main Center. Once I got there, I met a few people and then it was fine.
4) What did you expect?
I was open to the experience. I didn't know what to expect. I just knew that I trusted the teacher’s intentions.
5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?
I thought that the setting was very special. The Buddhas and the offering bowls were so thoughtfully set out. I remember feeling that this place was very special and important. The teachings moved my heart. They both challenged and often resonated with my way of thinking.
6) What do you like best about coming here?
I enjoy being with my spiritual community. I love learning and growing as a person and pushing my mind into a stronger, more positive place. I enjoy the internal work-out. I love sharing Dharma with the people I meet here. It's like Buddha Camp. There are so few places that we can go to that actually help us to train ourselves to be happier and more loving people. It’s so rare and meaningful.
7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?
These meditations provide us with practical methods to move our mind in a positive direction. It’s so easy to just follow our negative minds around aimlessly. With these meditations, we are able to learn clearly how to actually become more peaceful and to increase our inner strength and positive states of mind.
8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?
The methods that I learn in Kadampa Buddhist teachings and meditations have direct relevance to my everyday activities. I feel like I have the tools to deal with any type of difficulty that I encounter, whether big or small. These teachings are beyond
comprehensive. I feel like I have the tools to solve problems that I haven't even had yet!
9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?
Buddhism teaches us how to co-exist happily and peacefully. It clearly explains how to increase our love and happiness. If we want to live happily in peace, Buddhism has the methods.
10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?
"May the frightened be released from their fears,
May those in captivity be freed,
May the powerless be endowed with power
And may people think of only benefiting one another"
---Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life by Shantideva
11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?
Eight Steps to Happiness: The Buddhist Way of Loving Kindness
12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you identify most, and why?
I like to practice like Geshe Ben Gungyal. I try to watch my mind in everything I do.
13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?
There is a section in the sadhana of the practice of taking the Eight Mahayana Precepts:
Just as the completely perfect Buddhas laid down their own burden ... In order to benefit, in order to liberate...
For some reason, this section bring tears to my eyes. Living the Bodhisattva’s way of life gets “me” out of the way and makes my life meaningful and hopefully beneficial. What could be better than that?
14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?
Radiate boundless blessings!
