Today we’d like to introduce you to Gen Kelsang Tabkay.
Hi Gen Kelsang, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I met the practice of meditation in college when I was studying psychology, looking for some way to deal with stress. Eventually I stumbled upon Kadampa Buddhist meditation groups and it felt like coming home. The teachings made so much sense and putting them into practice changed my life for the better, allowing me to let go of anxious and depressed minds that had be plaguing me.
Later I met my spiritual teacher, Tibetan Buddhist master Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 2009 which changed the direction of my life, after that I knew the center of my life would be about spiritual practice. I eventually ordained as a Buddhist monk in 2013 and began teaching full time in 2015 at Kadampa Meditation Center South Carolina. I was later transferred to teach in Phoenix, Arizona for 7 years where I taught meditation and Buddhism and had the good fortune to engage in and guide retreats at a newly developed retreat center and Temple, International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon. Just a few months ago I was asked to return here and am happy to be back home!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
These days although many people are looking for peace, they are unsure of how to really find it. Living as a Buddhist monk in the modern world presents many challenges as I have chosen a life that is not easily understood by most. Often it is a way of life swimming upstream: against the grain of materialism, distraction, frenzy. But it is rewarding immensely.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My main job is to cherish people and share teachings that have been passed to me that help heal mental problems and establish true peace and happiness. In that aim I teach everyone, Buddhist or not how to meditate, how to work with the mind, how to think in ways that are conducive to happiness and do not destroy it. The most rewarding thing is seeing people transform and grow, being healed of their problems.
What matters most to you? Why?
It has become clear to me what matters most is maintaining a peaceful mind in the midst of difficulty, minds of love, compassion and wisdom. I believe we are all here to learn and grow spiritually and benefit one another in any way that we can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Meditationinsouthcarolina.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meditationinsouthcarolina
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/meditationsc
