Becoming a Buddist

Emily Curran
University of Kentucky

Throughout growing up, I have never been the one to try new things. As I got older I saw
more and more diversity. In doing this project I was able to broaden my horizons and experience
something that I am not used to. The Shambhala meditation center, Is a place in lexington that
offers free tibetan buddist meditation instruction and practice. On Tuesdays they have an open
house for anyone who would like to learn. Mindfullness and awareness is the foundation of what
the instrutors teach. When I got there I had to take of my shoes and grab a zafu, which is the
meditation cushion and mat. My instructors name was bob, he spoke english. I was surprised to
see that the teacher of something that is so different, could seem so similar to me. He says that
very few people are buddists from birth, overtime he like many others learned the practice. When
introducing the practice Bob kept emphasizing mindfulness of breathing(B.Crabtree). The first
step is to have the perfect posture. Starting with your legs crossed and your hands resting on your
thighs. A straight but relaxed back and shoulders, your chin is slightly down, your lips slightly
open and your eyes looking ahead but downwards slightly. Clear your mind and just breathe, the
slow focused breath is the most important part. Bob said that when you are learning, everytime
you feel thoughts coming in your head just think breath. Why meditation? Because it helps
relax and open your mind. Buddism is about being curious using practice and study. Going
through this meditation process was definetly culture shock. Everyone there was so serious and
focused, it was an enviorment I am definetly not used to. We read the bible and pray, we have
values. So I was wondering what are theirs? Bob spoke of the 4 noble truths, and the eight
auspicous symbols specific to tibetan buddists. The 4 noble truths are as followed; the truth of
suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering and, the truth of the
path that frees us from suffering. These are to provide conceptual framework to buddist thought.

This is an image of the 8 auspicous symbols, each picture representing something, this picture is
painted on prayer flags and used in art. The parasol represents royalty and spiritual power. The
golden fish are fertility, good fortune and salvation. Treasure vase, material and spiritual
abundance. Lotus, mental and spiritual purity. Conch shell, fame of buddahs teachings. Endless
knot, infinite wisdom of buddah. Finally the victory banner represents the victory of buddahs
teachings, and wisdom over ingnorance. I believe buddists are not that different from me. We
have different ways of saying and showing our belifes and values, but when you really think
down to what they mean, they are almost the same. Every living being has the same basic wish
to be happy and to avoid suffering.~buddah