Volunteering overseas at Buddhist retreat helped conquer my fears and grow spiritually

Volunteering overseas at Buddhist retreat helped conquer my fears and grow spiritually

Commentary by Mikayla Finnerty | FāVS News

When people asked me what I was going to do when I got to England, I was hesitant to say I was volunteering at a Buddhist centre. Most of the time, people would be curious, and others would joke if I was becoming a monk. When in reality, it was a way for me to experience England through a different lens.

My experience working with FāVS News has taught me to keep an open mind about religion and faith. So, when the volunteer opportunity came up, I felt called to apply. 

In January I decided I wanted to travel this year. No more would I let fear dictate my life. So I signed up for an app where you exchange your services for free lodging, anywhere in the world. The United Kingdom seemed like an easy first start. 

The retreat centre I stayed in was Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre, a modern Buddhism centre in Derby. I volunteered there for two weeks, helping clean and doing grounds work. On the three days I had off, I explored England, taking in the beautiful scenery and history. 

The Centre 

The Tara Centre was founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, a monk, teacher and author, who is believed to have reached enlightenment and brought modern Buddhism to the masses. There are hundreds of centres around the world, and more are continuously being built. 

Modern Kadampa Buddhism “preserves the meaning and intention of Buddha’s original teachings while presenting them in a clear and systematic way that anyone of any nationality, age or gender can easily understand and put into practice,” their website reads. 

The Centre is run by residents and non-residents, and offers year-long programs in the English countryside. When I was there, I was able to attend a few nightly teachings, a meditation and even an Empowerment blessing that was part of a three-day retreat.

The teachings and the Empowerment were led by Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, who is a retired General Spiritual Director of The New Kadampa Tradition-International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) and is currently the Resident Teacher of Tara Centre. 

The centre follows Tibetan Buddhism, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. They focus on teacher status, rituals and initiations, visual symbolism, mantras and meditation. 

Teachings 

A typical teaching began at 7:30 p.m. in the main meditation room on the ground floor of the building. It was open to the public and free for volunteers.

It was usually very quiet and serene at this time, when people would take off their shoes and grab their prayer booklets and shuffle into their seats, waiting for Khyenrab. 

When Khyenrab would enter, there would be a knock, signalling participants to stand. He would enter and then bow and prostrate himself in front of the depictions of Buddha Shakyamuni, Tara (which the centre is named after), Tsongkhapa and other prominent figures. 

Afterwards we would sit, and Khyenrab would lead us through prayers, which were in the form of songs. Prayers were seen as just as important as meditation. After about 30 minutes of prayer, we would begin a lesson given by Khyenrab, where he would read from a variety of books. 

After these lessons, there would be more prayers and possibly a time for meditation. After Khyenrab would leave, the residents would hand out tea and biscuits, and participants were encouraged to mingle with one another.

What I learned 

During my work days at the Centre, I would often ask the residents questions to get a better understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. Each resident was excited to share their knowledge, not only to share the wisdom of dharma (teachings) but to remind themselves of the teachings. 

The ultimate goal for the followers here is to reach true enlightenment. This means a pure mind void of any negative thoughts. They believe that only in this state can you truly help others and be completely at peace.

There are three jewels, also known as three treasures: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (community). These are the three pillars of the Buddhist faith and practice. When I heard this, I was immediately reminded of the son, the father and the holy spirit. 

There are many connections you can make across different religions that connect everyone in an astounding way. 

The idea of karma is one that is well known. Everything is a cause and effect where actions and even thoughts can shape things that will happen in the future.

Although the teachings and the history can be quite complex as a beginner, the core of the religion is rooted in faith, working to achieve true happiness, and treating everyone with compassion. When talking to all the residents, they said the same thing: 

You do not have to follow the teachings so rigidly. Even incorporating a small piece of the practice can make your life better is beneficial. There was an understanding that nothing was being forced upon us, but the chance to learn and grow in our spirituality. 

I will forever remember my time at the Tara Centre and the kindness that the residents and other volunteers shared with me. 

The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.