Questionnaire

Paula Kelly

Paula Kelly is a Kindergarten Teacher and Kids' Class Teacher at the Kadampa Buddhist Temple.

1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

I was first attracted to Buddhism after being involved in a car accident. Considering death, the words "Pay Attention" kept coming to my mind afterwards. I felt the busyness of life and wanted more meaning. Meditation seemed like it would help.

2) What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

I visited many meditation centers, mostly just one time. When I attended Saraha Center's introductory meditation class, I kept coming back. I felt a connection and warmth from the people I met.

3) Were you apprehensive about coming?

I was not apprehensive to come to the class. I was apprehensive the first time I attended a puja at the Darien house. It felt odd going to a residence to practice. But then I soon moved in!

4) What did you expect?

I expected to learn to meditate. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the Dharma talks.

5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?

My first impressions were...friendly, happy and light.

6) What do you like best about coming here?

I liked the warmth of the group. Gen Togden, the Resident Teacher at that time, seemed to care that I was there along with senior students.

7) How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?

The benefits to a new person are that we can feel immediate benefit. I began doing breathing meditation and feeling the benefit right away.

8) How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?

The practice has made a difference in every aspect of my life. I would not have had the strength of mind to make a decision to care for my ageing mother had it not been for the insights I've gained from the teachings.

9) What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?

Buddhism can offer the world everything! An ounce of Dharma can change a person's life. Considering karma, our kind mothers...these impact our actions.

10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

My favorite quote is "Remain natural while
changing your aspiration."

11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso?

I love Universal Compassion. The methods for transforming adverse conditions into the path are very inspiring.

12) With what historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you identify most, and why?

While sweeping the leaves off the Temple patio in the wind while Kadam Lucy (our former Resident Teacher) was teaching on Tantra, I identified with Lam Chung. He attained a direct realization of emptiness through his pure faith and transformative sweeping!

13) What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?

The aspect of Bodhisattva's Way of Life that most inspires me is having pure view. (Is that one of them?) Thinking that all I see might be emanations waiting for me to finish the path!

14) What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?

The first thing I'll do when I'm a Buddha is emanate as food, shelter, and safety for all the animals who need it.