This month (July 2007) we talk to Anika Trancik.

Anika is the teacher of the kids' meditaiton classes at Parbawatiya Center in Safety Harbor. She taught successful kids' meditation classes for three years in Seattle, WA, before moving to Florida. She is currently studying for a doctorate in child clinical psychology.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

After September 11, 2001 I was struck by the compassion everyone was showing and I was hoping that this compassion would stay and not turn to anger. I wanted to do something that would support world peace. As I was looking through the local news paper in Seattle, WA I saw an advertisement for 24 hours Prayers for World Peace called Liberation from Sorrow in celebration of Buddha Tara. I found the singing beautiful, the words meaningful, and the female Buddha strong, swift, and compassionate. After that I started attending the General Program classes and after each class I noticed how I felt better, next I enrolled in the Foundation Program with a desire to learn more and put the teachings into practice.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

I moved to Tampa, FL in August of 2006 for my internship in Psychology the final step in training before I receive my doctorate degree in child clinical psychology. I feel very fortunate to have come to Parbawatiya everyone has made me feel so welcomed. I am also happy to have the chance to teach the kids class at the center on Sundays.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

When I first started going to classes in Seattle I felt a little hesitant interacting with the other students, but my desire to learn more about how to decrease my suffering drove me to go to more and more classes. I noticed how when I asked questions about the teachings the other students had really good clear answers. Also, everyone was really nice, but not pushy they just let me come and slowly I began interacting with the other students and now I feel like I have an extended family.

What were your first impressions?

Moving from Seattle to Florida I wasn’t sure what Parbawatiya was going to be like, but once I got here I felt like I was at home, the other students at the center are so open and friendly.

What do you like best about coming here?

That is a hard one, there are too many best things, I like the kindness, I like that everyone that comes to class is trying to change their mind so that they can be kinder. I like the feeling of peace I get when I walk into the Gompa (meditation hall).

How would you explain the benefits of Meditation to someone new?

If you feel really busy, distracted, stressed out, and frustrated (essentially if you experience anything negative in your life) meditation can help. It might seem at first like your mind gets busier when you sit down to meditate, but really it is just that you are noticing how busy your mind is. If you spend at least 5 minutes meditating a day you will definitely notice a difference, you will be more productive and more at peace, happier.

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

I am a kinder person, I think less about myself and in the end this makes every one (including myself) more happy.

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

It can offer an opportunity to look inside for solutions. So often we are looking outside for our solutions and these external solutions are not always effective. By looking inside we can find an infinite source of joy and compassion. But if we don’t look inside we will never find it.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhism Saying?

“Seeing that the mind that cherishes mother beings and would secure their happiness is the gateway that leads to infinite good qualities, I seek your blessings to cherish these beings more than my life, even if they rise up against me as my enemies.”

What is your favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

I would have to say that Universal Compassion is my favorite book because to me it opened up Dharma studies for me. It was the first book I studied on the Foundation Program.

What aspect of the Bodhisattva’s way of life most inspires you?

That one day I will actually be able to help people really find happiness. Right now I do the best I can and sometimes I do help, but I know that my abilities are limited. I look forward to when I can really help because I will know exactly what would be most beneficial for that person.