Questionnaire

Sue Hulley

Sue is a Hospice Volunteer and Branch Teacher in Fremont.

1) When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

In 1998.

2) What made you come to this Buddhist Center?


I saw an ad in the Pacific Sun, a picture of a beautiful Buddha.  He looked so calm, and I was looking for a tradition, so thought I'd give this one a look.

3) Were you apprehensive about coming?

No, because I knew that I wouldn't stay if I didn't like it.

4) What did you expect?

I wasn't sure in terms of teachings.  I hoped I'd learn things that would help me be more relaxed about the fact that I will die at some point and would help me work with my mind about this.

In terms of the place itself, I started at a branch class, where there was just the teacher, a picture of a Buddha, some artificial flowers, and a glass of water on the little table beside him.

Then when I went to the Center itself, I was surprised to see all the statues, and at first thought they were a bit gaudy, but I have grown to love them--I guess because I now understand who they are and what they are doing.

5) What were your first impressions when you arrived?

I was a little surprised at how informal things were.  I liked the friendly atmosphere, the fact that the teacher knew what he was talking about and explained things clearly, and also that we could ask questions and discuss what he was teaching. 

6) What do you like best about coming here?

I especially like thinking about, talking about, and gaining experience of spiritual things in a down-to-earth and friendly environment.  I like having my questions, no matter how silly they seem to me, taken seriously.

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

If you stick with it--just a little each day can do it--you will find that your mind is clearer, that you have better concentration, that you don't fly off the handle as much, and (hopefully) that you are getting along with people better.  As a result of all the above, you could even feel happier! Worth a try.

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

I find I am able to take my time and consider the best thing to do a little more often rather than just rushing in and doing the first thing that seems like a good idea.  I don't sweat the big things anymore as much and am working on not sweating the little ones either.

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

Buddha clearly understood that we depend on other people for everything we have, that we need to treat them accordingly, and that if we do so, we will benefit. If we don't, we will suffer.

If everyone in the world (or just a larger fraction) understood this or even tried to act as if it were true, we'd have a lot less friction and fewer wars, and we could spread the resources more equitably--keep people from dying needlessly, etc.

10) What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

"Everything we normally see does not exist."  This reminds me that everything changes and that we aren't as solid and carved in stone as I tend to believe. People can change and I can change the way I deal with them.  If I can just keep a more fluid perspective, I can have a lot more fun.

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

That changes depending on which book I'm studying--it's usually the one I'm working on at the moment, but I really do love How to Solve Our Human Problems.

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

I like Dromptonpa, who achieved enlightenment while emptying his teacher's chamber pot.  I guess because I'm drawn to action, I find this encouraging--that there are many ways to attain enlightenment. There's a way for each one of us.

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

The idea of being a friend to the world.  What a challenge! To not be fooled by people's surface appearance--positive or negative--but to remember that each person is fundamentally pure.  A constant inspiration and challenge.

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

I admit that I would love to just spend some time in total, utter bliss as Buddha Shakyamuni did for a while.