JoAnn lives in Fort Myers, and is the Resident Teacher of Samudrabadra Center (Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples, & Cape Coral). She studies on the Teacher Training Program.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

At 18 years old, I had already been, for several years, without faith or religion, but I began to feel that I needed to find ways to show my gratitude for this life and this world and to gain a greater understanding of myself and the human condition. Thus I began a search into a myriad of religions, traditions, and spiritual leaders. I found some truth in all I investigated, but I never imagined that I would find a single tradition that so completely embodied the spiritual path for me, every teaching resonating with my own ideals of goodness and truth, like a once forgotten song suddenly, and joyfully, remembered. If you had told me at 18 that I would one day be a faithful Buddhist, I would have surely (but sweetly) laughed at you!

What made you choose to come to this Buddhist Center?

Originally I came to accompany a friend who thought that meditation might help him with his anxiety, and I also had a curiosity about Buddhism.

Were you apprehensive about coming?

No, but my friend was a bit anxious.

What did you expect?

I expected either a very serious, solemn, and ritualized experience, or a more new-age version of meditation.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

I knew immediately that all my expectations were misguided; that teachings were taken very seriously and sincerely, but that but that this was definitely a joyful and welcoming place. I remember thinking how friendly and down-to-earth everyone seemed.

What do you like best about coming here?

There are so many things I love about the Center. The teachings and their presentation are so practical, so beautiful. I also love seeing all my Dharma friends; discussing dharma with them is infinitely helpful, clarifying, and inspiring. What also amazes is that, although as a community we cover the gamut of age and social background, there is a real feeling of family and affection. The well-known moment in the movie Jerry McGuire, when Tom Cruise says, "You complete me," (while embarrassingly sappy) expresses well how I feel about Buddhism and the Center.

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

The Tibetan word for meditate is "gom," which means "to familiarize." Through meditation we familiarize ourselves with the true sources of happiness, those minds which bring inner peace and dispel negativity. With mediation you can take an active role in transforming yourself into a person you really admire, a helpful, loving, patient, and wise human being.

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

Well, I have not had an overly irritating roommate, co-worker, or patient since I began to really try to implement Buddha's teachings in my life. I don't spend a single hour these days doing anything I don't enjoy, partly due to re-prioritization and also because I bring a more content, happier mind home with me and to work.

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

I believe that Buddhism offers an opportunity for a grass roots revolution, one that heralds the dream for peace in this world. Corrupt governing systems will rise and fall, only to be replaced by others, men will hunt men, and poverty will consume the multitudes, as long as their ingredients remain within us. We can turn on the news and think in horror "Oh no, what are our leaders doing?" but the greed and hatred that manifest in war and poverty are the very same minds that cause us to lash out at our loved ones or pass a beggar with indifference. Buddha taught us how to take responsibility for ourselves and our world, and how the spiritual alchemy we endeavor can also transform our world.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

"Developing compassion and wisdom, and helping those in need whenever possible, is the true meaning of life."

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Eight Steps to Happiness

What is your favorite Dharma movie, and why?

For years I've been saying that the Jedi Knights are Buddhists, The Force being the incredible power of the controlled and concentrated mind. Kadam Lucy recently told us that the song the ewoks sing is the Prayer of the Four Immeasurables in Tibetan (May everyone be happy, may everyone be free from misery.) I don't mean to say I told you all so, but even the ewoks are Buddhists!

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

The story of Milarepa is very inspiring to me. He was able to transform himself from a mass murderer to an enlightened being in one life-time through his incredible effort and reliance on a his Spiritual Guide, Marpa.

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

The figure of the bodhisattva: imagine having a friend that never becomes angry or irritated, that always looks at you with the greatest love and without judgment. Just being in the presence of such a person would be a source of comfort and refuge. Now imagine becoming this friend to all living beings. In this way, even if someone tries to hurt us intentionally, we see it only as an opportunity to practice patience and compassion. If we are, as Geshe-la has likened us, a small cell in the vast organism of life, then by reacting to negativity with negativity, we cause it to spread and multiply, like a cancer. By becoming a bodhisattva, transforming every situation into a positive path for spiritual progress, we become a source and catalyst for healing and growth.

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

I would do for as many beings as possible what Buddha Maitreya did for Asanga. After Asanga spent twelve years in retreat trying to have a vision of Maitreya, Maitreya emanated as a dying dog to evoke the compassion that would destroy enough of Asanga's negative karma to allow him to see Maitreya. Maitreya told him that he had been with him all along. The first thing I would do as a Buddha would be to find ways for beings to experience the peace and clarity of compassion, and to feel close to and cared for by the Holy Beings.