Kelsang Gamo

Kelsang Gamo is an American Kadampa Buddhist Nun.  Kelsang Gamo teaches on Tuesday nights in Peoria.  She volunteers at Clear Light Buddhist Center. She studies on the Teacher Training Program.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

Years ago I read a Buddhist book on taking & giving (visualizing taking away the suffering and pains of others and giving them what they need to be happy and healthy) and felt a deep connection with that practice.

What made you choose to come to this Buddhist Center?

Gen Lingpur invited me to come to Phoenix from the Tara Buddhist Center in Tucson when a room became available in the center.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

I looked to joining the phoenix community, Gen Lingpur was my teacher for over three in Tucson. I’ve always considered myself belonging to both Kadampa centers in Arizona since they are close to each and have enjoyed coming to courses here frequently.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

The first time I visited, I remembered the diversity of the people at the center.  They were friendly and talked freely about seeking change in their lives.

What do you like best about coming here?

The peaceful feeling when you walk in the meditation room and community room.

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

Meditation helps your mind to be peaceful and calmer. You gradually learn to focus more on positive beneficial thoughts and change your thoughts when they because heavy, negative or agitated.

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

I can smile from my heart more. I’m motivated to get along with relatives and co-workers , I’ve discovered it’s true, because the more I focus on being kind to others and help them the happier I feel. I can now look at my own concerns with a lighter mind.

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

A way of thinking that can help you view the world in a different way. Take back control of how you want to respond to events that are occurring in your life. Bringing simplicity and meaning into our hectic everyday life.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

Shantideva, “The inner enemies of hatred, attachment, and so forth do not have arms and legs, nor do they have courage or skill; so how have they made me their slave?

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

The famous Buddhist poet, Shantideva.  The ability to rid myself of delusions is possible, I can change.

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

The feeling of being able to repay the kindness I have received in the past. Little by little I’m improving my mind and have begun to whole heartedly love and cherish the people around me more.

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

Begin to help free everyone from all their mental pain: worries, anxieties, depression, discouragement, etc.