Interview with a Buddhist

Wai Yee Kwan is studying on the Teacher Training Programme at Dorjechang Buddhist Centre.

Here she is interviewed by Paul Follows.

This interview is designed primarily to give people interested in longer retreats a bit of an insight.

Paul: Which New Kadampa Tradition retreats have you been on that have lasted more than a week, and where were they based?

Wai Yee : I went to Tharpaland, which is in Dumfries, Scotland. This is the main retreat centre of our tradition. The first time I went for four months and the following year I went for two months.

Paul: People choose to go on retreat for all sorts of reasons, what were yours?

Wai Yee : I felt inspired after talking to a friend, who'd recently been on retreat and I developed a wish to go on retreat in the future. After a while it felt right, I was looking for refuge and a space to deepen my practice.

Paul: How did you make the time to be away from everyday life?

Wai Yee : I got a lodger in to pay the mortgage and gave up my job. For every individual it's going to be different. The first time I was fortunate enough on my return to be reemployed by the same company. On the second occasion I was offered a job to start when I returned from retreat.

Paul: What was the setup like on retreat in terms of practicalities, such as communication with family and friends, telephones, newspapers, sleeping arrangements, cooking & cleaning etc?

Wai Yee : Everyone volunteered for practical jobs towards the running of the retreat centre. Other than for a few days at the beginning and the end there was no communication with friends, family or fellow retreaters.

Paul: What was it like to be on a silent retreat?

Wai Yee : It was wonderful. Probably the best thing I've done in my life! I felt very peaceful and happy.

Paul: What preconceived ideas did you have about retreats before you went on one?

Wai Yee : I expected it to be very challenging and quite testing.

Paul: Was this your experience once there?

Wai Yee : To an extent it was. It was an opportunity to really dig deep and try to improve my mind.

Paul: What difference has it made to yourself and others?

Wai Yee : It's difficult to express in words. It's more a feeling. It's been a continuation, a part of the spiritual path that has deepened my faith in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. It can be quite a private thing.

Paul: What has been your biggest surprise whilst on retreat?

Wai Yee : How much I enjoyed it.

Paul: What advice would you give to others who are considering going on a long retreat?

Wai Yee : Talk to your teacher if you have one, and get in touch with the people at Tharpaland, they'll be able to advise you.

Related website links

• Website for Tharpaland: Tharpaland Buddhist Centre: Buddhism & Meditation classes in Dumfries
• Tharpaland email address: info@meditateinscotland.org
• Information on the Teacher Training Programme at Dorjechang Centre

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