Thich Nu Kieu Nguyen, Quang Nghiem Temple, Stockton, California
“When I was younger, maybe 12 or 13 years old, I always went to the temple with my family. I followed my father and my mother, it was my culture. I enjoyed the big family at the temple. After High School I became a nun, and I realized I am a nun at heart. At the temple I lived with several nuns in one room. It was easy to live together like that. At first, I missed my home a little bit. It was the first time I went far away from my home, and I didn’t know if I can handle it. As a child, I never went far from my home, and when my parents would have to leave for a few days, I would cry for three days and even become sick. Now I sometimes miss my home, but I don’t cry. I wanted to come here, I want to learn English, it has been a dream of mine.”
“Living at the temple, I feel very happy, because it is very calm here. We learned about the Buddha’s teachings and we apply them. On the outside, there is so much fighting and little compassion. But inside the temple, we don’t really argue. When something happens and I feel a little bit upset inside, I look at my own actions first. I remind myself to apply the Buddha’s teachings. If I don’t do that, I make my life difficult. It is important to observe yourself.”
“I read the news sometimes, and I see that so many countries are fighting. I ask myself, why? Why do they kill each other? I don’t understand it. When you hurt each other, you cause a lot of pain and sorrow. Why don’t they understand that life is short? Each side wants more for themselves, so they fight and kill for that … I wish for peace in the world.”
“When I pray, I think of my family first. I pray for their health and that they have love in their lives. Next, I think of all the people, with whom I am directly connected. I pray for them to have a good life. When I pray, I don’t pray to a God. Buddha was a human being, a teacher, he taught us about cause and effect. My prayer is more like a hope, or a wish. I talk to the Buddha inside of me.”
“When people say something to me, I usually believe it, even when they trick me. Sometimes people speak to me in a mean or angry way, but when I look at them, I can see the suffering in their face, and I feel compassion. I try to keep my heart open.”
“When there is a group of people that does something good together, I am always very happy. Sometimes it even makes me cry. For example, when I see an accident in the street, and so many people come together to help and take care, I can see love in action.”
“When someone has a different religion, I respect that. I don’t try to convert anybody. If they want to know, I just tell them about myself and that I practice the Buddha’s teachings.”