Questionnaire
Reed Sherman

Reed Sherman is a Graphic Designer and Branch Teacher in downtown San Francisco.

1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

I read a book in college called "World Religions" by Huston Smith. I loved the Taoism and the Buddhism. I studied other religions and philosophy as an autodidact, but never considered practicing until much later in life.

2) What made you come to this Buddhist center?

I was going through a gut-wrenching divorce and I felt horrible about myself. A friend invited me to what we now call a General Program class. She never went to another class. I never stopped.

3) Were you apprehensive about coming?

I wasn't apprehensive about the class (it wasn't at the Center),
but when I came to the Center for the first time I was alone and had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be a very standard suburban house and I walked by several times not believing it could be a meditation center. Finally, I knocked and someone opened the door. I said "Hi" in a nice loud voice, only to find that everyone inside was completely silent and had their hands pressed together waiting for the teacher to enter the room. I felt like a fish on dry land. And a loud one at that.

4) What did you expect?

I'm not sure. I was just curious and searching. The General Program classes had been good and I just wanted more.

5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?

I remember the guy next to me started chanting when the prayers began and my first thought was, "Hey dude, be cool, what are you doing?" My father was a lapsed Protestant, and my mother was an atheist. So I had no experience with formal spiritual practice at all. It was fairly bizarre.

6) What do you like best about coming here?

Learning the Dharma. But it's also very nice to know that there are other people trying to understand and practice this profound
material. It's interesting to note the diverse ages, backgrounds and personalities who are all focused on improving themselves through meditation practice.

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

One's day just tends to go better. Meditation tends to smooth over the rough edges of the day and make the job of life more like play.

Meditation is also a sacred space in an otherwise mundane world. You sit and allow all ordinary concerns to drop away. All that's left is what is truly vital - not your bank account, not your haircut, not your job, not even your relationships - just you and your own mind. It's a very meaningful vacation that one takes any time of the day or night - a chance to relax and focus on something worthy of your attention.

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

Everything takes its proper place in my scheme of priorities. I find it more and more difficult to get upset over things that really don't matter. Because of that I tend to be less panicked when it comes to making decisions. And I have a much better motivation for my choices now - people around me know that I'm not out to get them so they tend to trust me and relax around me. Anyway, if they don't they're doing a good job fooling me!

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

Clarity. All the real problems in the world stem from confusion.

10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

"Remain natural while changing your aspiration."

11) What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

Heart of Wisdom.

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

Geshe Ben Gungyal. He didn't do anything anyone thought was
important. He just spent every moment of every day applying himself to the abandonment of delusion.

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

Teaching the Dharma. As a dear friend of mine often says, "With just an ounce of Dharma, a person's life can completely change."

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

Go to Disneyland.