This month (July 2005) we talk to Elizabeth Barrett.

Elizabeth grew up outside of Philadelphia, then went to college in New England and lived there (MA, ME & NH) until moving to Sarasota nine years ago. She has one son, Trip, who lives in El Salvador. Her step-daughter, Abby, has 2 little boys, so she qualifies as a grand-mother. Elizabeth is Director of Marketing for a sales consulting company.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

About 28 years ago, a friend took me to an introductory Buddhist retreat weekend in Vermont at a place called Karma Choling. It was my introduction to meditation, although I didn't understand or connect very much to what was being taught. Also, as a practicing Christian, I did not make an effort to seek out Buddhist teachings until many years later. That happened after another friend encouraged me to go to another Buddhist retreat, also in Vermont, about 7 years ago. This was a beautiful Zen retreat, mostly silent, with Thich Nhat Hanh. This time, I did make a strong connection with Dharma and came home to Sarasota looking for more. What I found was Kancha Buddhist Center, wonderful teachers and a welcoming Sangha. I arrived at the same time that Kadam Lucy came over from England.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

It turned out that a good friend of mine, Betty Lou Burton, had just gone to several classes with her next door neighbor, Roxanne. So, yet another friend guided me to my new "home" at Kancha Center.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I was not apprehensive because I was looking forward to finding a place to learn more about Buddhism and I was able to go with friends. Even if I had gone alone, the people there were so welcoming that I felt right at home. I did not expect the delicious refreshments and warm greetings after class.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

The decor was strange to me, but the atmosphere was very comfortable and welcoming. I had not really seen Tibetan statues and thangkas before.

What do you like best about coming here?

The clearly presented Dharma teachings of the New Kadampa Tradition, taught by our marvelous teachers, and all the wonderful books by Geshe-la.

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

Meditation has helped me change myself in positive ways. I have learned to mix my mind with beneficial ideas that have made me calmer and happier. Friends and family have even noticed!

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

This calmer, happier, more positive me shows up in my everyday life wherever I go.

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

Buddhism offers us all the opportunity to develop spiritually by showing us exactly how to practice the path to complete enlightenment, step by step. It gives us the methods to progress beyond our ordinary perspective and bad habits ---and teaches us how we can become extra-ordinary beings, filled with happiness, able to truly help others find happiness. At its basic everyday level, Buddhism can help us all get along well with each other and take responsibility for being the best we can be.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

I love so many verses from Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, that it's difficult to choose a favorite. Here's one that I have taken to heart:

"Therefore, in whatever I do,
I will never cause harm to others;
And whenever anyone encounters me,
May it never be meaningless for them."

What is your favorite Dharma movie?

Kadam Nick sold me on watching "The Matrix," which I probably would not have seen otherwise. It is an amazing film about people experiencing a reality that is shockingly different from the way things really are.

What is you favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

I love Transform Your Life for its straightforward presentation of Dharma and readability. However, Meaningful to Behold is very special to me right now, as we are currently studying it.

With which historical Buddhist practitioner do you most identify, and why?

Lam Chung -- because I have such a tough time memorizing! His faith, determination and purity took him to enlightenment and that's an inspiration.

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

Living without any fear.

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

When I become a Buddha, I'll know exactly how to help our world -- and be able to do it with perfect effectiveness.