We noticed that the Shambhala Center in Brattleboro was offering meditation workshops and sessions and decided to ask the director, Pearl Olson, more about it. Join us for a discussion of Buddhism, meditation, and taming one's mind.
Name: Pearl Olson
Birthday: February 18, 1937
What are some of your first memories of Brattleboro?
As Director of the Adult Degree Program of Vermont College in 1983, I first came to Brattleboro to look over the Brattleboro extension of this program. I thought Brattleboro a very progressive, gentle community at that time.
What do you like most about living in the area?
Spring, summer and fall. The beautiful changing seasons.
When you were a child, what did you think of religion?
My parents were Salvation Army Officers. The Salvation Army is a branch of the Protestant church, so they were ordained ministers. I thought religion was the center of everyone's life.
Tell us about the path that led you to Tibetan Buddhism...
My first teaching job was in Istanbul, Turkey where I came to realize that Christianity was not the world's most popular religion and that Islam had some remarkable things to contribute. After that, I could no longer believe in the fundamentalist Christian faith that had dominated my life. I got married, had two children, and felt a real void where religion had been. Then, in Austin, Texas, I found out about a group of people who were practicing Tibetan Buddhism, and I felt very drawn to the practice of meditation.
What is Shambhala?
Shambhala is a set of teachings, given by the Buddha, historically said to pertain most particularly to lay people rather than monastics. The teachings center on the creation and manifestation of an enlightened society where everyone can live in dignity with genuine respect.
How is this different from, say, Zen or other branches of Buddhism?
Shambhala Buddhism, or Tibetan Buddhism altogether, has a greater sense of celebration of life, is somewhat less austere than traditional Zen, although all Buddhism is based on the notion that we suffer because we constantly try to change things to meet our own desires. Letting go of that notion and waking up to things as they are, without bias or manipulation constitutes the basic practice of Buddhism.
The Shambhala Center in Brattleboro offers meditation on Wednesdays and Sundays. Can you describe sitting meditation for those that may be unfamiliar with it?
We also offer a 40-minute sit Sunday mornings, starting at 10:30, followed by refreshments and discussion. Individual meditation instruction is available at the center for no charge. Our meditation is very simple, no guided imagery or activities of any sort, just trying to be present in the moment, and seeing how our minds distract us from that presence.
Is it difficult to do?
Anyone can do this. It is actually a very brave thing to do, to confront one's mind and the power this "mind" has over us.
What are some of the reasons one might want to meditate?
The basic reason, I believe, is simply to wake up to your life. Most of us walk around in conceptual fogs, trying to get our way, defending and cherishing ourselves, yet blindly adding to the confusion in the world and in our lives. Seeing this process clearly is enough to experience significant results in nonaggession and skillful means in the world.
We offer periodic weekends of Shambhala Trainings, classes after the Wednesday night sittings (typically five-week sessions), community meetings and potlucks, participation in international phone hook-ups twice a year that connect us with the larger international Shambhala Community, discussion groups, free meditation instruction for both beginners and experienced practitioners, a lending library of Buddhist publications and access to and information about other Buddhist Centers, such as Karme Choling in Barnet, Vermont.
Does the center have a mission here in Brattleboro?
Only to help people to tame their minds and be of genuine service in this world.
What is the best way for people to find out more?
Come to a Wednesday or Sunday sitting period. Call the center, (802) 254-8300, for meditation instruction and more information.
If you had a Brattleboro-only time machine, what era would you most like to visit?
As far in the future as possible. I am always curious about the future.
Is there anything you'd like to answer that no one ever asks?
Whew! Great question! I can't think of a good answer right now, but I'll think on it.
Thanks for spending time with iBrattleboro.
Thank you!!