Loden Malone

Professor Sinclair
LBST 2101
April 19th 2016
Vajradhara Buddhist Center
Take a seat on the floor, cross your legs, close your eyes and begin to take deep
breaths. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. As I entered the Buddhist meditation center I was
taken into a new realm that I had never been to before. Music was playing over a speaker
and I was immediately calmer and more relaxed. I had always wanted to visit a Buddhist
meditation center and because of this class I was able too.
On Monday April 4, 2016 I went to South Charlotte to visit the Vajradhara
Buddhist Center. I decided to attend the 6pm meditation class that is open to the public
and it was extremely rewarding. The Vajradhara Buddhist Center is located at
2108 South Blvd suite #109, Charlotte, NC 28203.
I arrived a few minutes late, and had to quietly sneak in while
others were sitting on the floor meditating. Due to full capacity I had to
sit in a chair in the back. A few minutes after I sat down, a lady brought
me two different prayer books and told me what page to turn to, so I
could follow along as they began to recite a prayer. After two prayers,
we were told we would be silently meditating for the next 20 minutes.
A seat became open, so I decided I would sit down cross-legged for the
full effect of the meditation. For the next 20 minutes, the room was
dead silent. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths, becoming more

and more relaxed as time progressed. I didnt think of anything

negative, I was completely stress free and for the first time in a long
time I was able to focus on my inner self and meditate. After the 20
minutes was over, the Buddha (Gen Kelsang Tilopa) ran a bell three
times, another prayer went over the loud speaker and I opened my
prayer book and began to follow along.
After the class was over Gen Kelsang Tilopa preceded to speak to
us and let us ask questions about his life. He was from Scotland,
practiced Buddhism in Asheville (which is where Im from) and than
eventually moved here to charlotte and has been teaching at the
Vajradhara Buddhist Center for the past 6 years. He talked about how
his life has been such an adventure and told us a story about a young
lady who happened upon one of his talks in Asheville and 5 years later
had converted to Buddhism and was now a teacher also. He was
extremely open to any questions that we wanted to ask, and loved to
answer them. He seemed so happy that so many new faces were in
attendance and actually seemed interested in what he had to share.
His assistant wanted to get a group picture, so of course we did. This
was such a unique experience, but I can honestly say that I would love
to go back again.
As I left the Vajradhara Buddhist Center I felt differently than
before I had entered. I felt like I had just participated in something
larger than myself. This feeling lead me to happiness and peace within.

During our LBST class we talked about how practicing and being part of
a religion can lead to a good life, and after participating in the
meditation and prayers, I believe it to be very true. The regulars of
the class, seemed so at peace with themselves during the entire class
that it made me think becoming a regular might do really great
things for me. My life is so hectic and stressful all the time, so having
an hour to myself every Monday would be a great way to live a better
life, and lead me to happiness. I truly value this experience, because it
opened up a new way of contributing to a good life. I plan to go back
again very soon, because it was truly rewarding and brightened my
day.