|
 Meet
the Sangha: In His Own Words with Thomas Dakin
Tom Dakin is
a producer who lives and works in Manhattan. A senior member of
our sangha, Tom has been an invaluable support to Chakrasambara
Center for many years now. Always ready to help, Tom demonstrates
clearly the benefits of staying with the practice. He can often
be seen speedily rollerblading around Central Park while reciting
mantras.
— Michelle
Yasmine Valladares
How
did you come to Buddhism?
I guess I had been a spiritual surfer from the time that I first
heard my grandfather hurl hellfire and brimstone from his Baptist
pulpit. I started using mantras in the early 70s after reading Be
Here Now by Ram Das, and took my first "learn to meditate
retrea" with Muktananda in 1975. But Buddhism came alive for
me when I met Morten.
What
Dharma teachings or figures inspire you?
I can only answer that by saying that I include as part of my daily
practice Heart Jewel, Lamrim, Amitayus, Vajrayogini and as much
taking and giving, and Vajrasattva, as I can work in.
How
do you apply Dharma to your life and your work, or how has it affected
your work/life?
Yikes, challenging question. It seems to me that aspiring to realizations
is applying Dharma to every moment -- living it. In terms of affecting
my work, Dharma sneaks in everywhere. Once you apply it, it can
easily become a part of all aspects of your life. I'm trying to
find the right balance in terms of my interactions with non-Dharma
practitioners. I need to be cautious because as it says in Eight
Steps to Happiness, "Look to correct your own faults, not those
of others." But the more simple answer is, Dharma has affected me
very positively. I now have much less fear in all situations; the
Dharma has given me the confidence to believe in its truth!
Which
of Geshe-la's books has been particularly significant to you and
why?
Because I just did an Eight Steps retreat at the NKT Festival in
Spain, I can't say enough about it. Once you are grounded in the
initial scope (of Lamrim) ... Eight Steps can really make your practice
take off. But I bought the Meditation Handbook at the very
first class that I took with Morten, and I do Lamrim every day.
Being a Kadampa Buddhist is Lamrim. What more can I say?
What
do you see as your role in the future (pertaining to Dharma)?
Practice till I get it right!
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