was due to the recommendation
of the book "The Jew in the Lotus" by a friend of mine, a
fellow Jew who has discovered Buddhism, or if it was the logical
road to follow, having started to do yoga and wanting to understand
the undeniable connection between the practice and the religion.
I think it's safe to say, it was a healthy combination of
all three.
With my pen and notebook in hand, I stood in front of the
window and started jotting down the hours of the Buddhist
Center. I was addressed out of the blue though by a young
woman who congenially invited me in to see the inside and
collect some brochures with more information. A little flustered
by the utmost friendliness of this complete stranger, I thanked
her with sincerity. As I stepped inside, the sweet musty odor
of incense overtook me, followed by the chanting and bell-ringing
occurring in the beautifully lit meditation hall, which sent
shivers down my spine. Never had I felt more welcomed and
at ease, especially in a religious establishment not of my
own faith.
As I discovered from one of the brochures I picked up, the
GBBCC was established in 1999 and is a branch of the Mount
Buddha Radiance Monastery in Taiwan. They strive to provide
their congregation, as well as the wider community, with educational
opportunities, cultural events, and conduction of meditation
services. I was a little surprised to find what looked like
a restaurant to the right as I walked in. It is actually a
tea house/vegetarian dining room, used for group dinners,
meetings, classes, art exhibitions, and fund-raising events.
The meditation hall, and joint bookstore/gift shop fill the
rest of the space. Radiating with gold and red hues, the former
was an absolute sight to behold. Gold everywhere, red tassles
hanging from the ceiling, two huge Buddhas in niches facing
the congregation, bells being beautifully chimed, two monks
leading the worship and thirty or so people responding in
haunting, melodic voices. The holiness of the experience pervaded
me completely. The GBBCC offers classes (yoga, tai chi, zen
meditation) for which you have to register. Another nice option
is the free walk-in meditation Tuesday to Friday from 3:00-5:00
p.m.
Having been raised Jewish in a very practicing household,
the initial thought of discovering another religion frightened
me. Or more so, it made me feel like I would be a traitor
to my people, that I would be accused of the need to find
another, more satisfying experience. I'm not saying
that I have now become a devout Buddhist (it takes a long
time) or have totally abandoned Judaism, but I definitely
appreciate the options of learning about different concepts
and beliefs and in general seeing life in a new manner, a
new light.
If 950 Mass. Ave. is too far for some of you to venture out,
then consider the option we have right here on campus. The
Tufts Buddhist Sangha. Sangha meetings, which take place Sunday
nights at 7:00 p.m. in the Terrace room, are very informal
and just plain relaxing. Every week new people stop by (I
was one of them this past Sunday,) some who have been practicing
for quite some time and others who don't know a thing
about Buddhist philosophy and practice but still want to learn
about it. The meetings begin with a short meditation led by
Justin Green, the group leader on Sundays, and end with a
longer one, for which listening aides are available. In between
the meditation sessions, the floor is open for questions and
reflections on certain issues, which Mr. Green tries to address
as fully as possible. On Wednesday mornings, as well, Sangha
meditation sessions occur in the Tufts Chapel.
At the last Sangha meeting, a fascinating concept was brought
to light: that Buddhism is more of a philosophy than a categorical
religion. So in that sense, it can be combined with other
religions, be it Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hindi, whatever.
In the end, it all comes back to a mindset. And this mindset
is what I am proposing to all you stressed-out college students
out there, in need of an internal repose from the busy lives
you lead. Even five minutes of complete concentration on your
inner self, acknowledging your thoughts and emotions, will
make a difference. Turn off your music, put away your books,
and focus on the world behind your closed eyes.
The Sangha meetings are now going to become, as often as
I can make them, a part of my weekly routine. It's something
I've discovered as a way to unwind. Recoup, so to speak,
for the busy busy week ahead. I encourage you all to give
meditation a shot, be it at the GBBSCC, a Tufts Sangha meeting,
or right in your dorm room. |