Changing my journey to Buddhism

By Rob Howell

Rob Howell integrates his Buddhist faith into his busy lifestyle

Rob was brought up in a Christian family but in 1978 came across Buddhism through a friend.

I tried meditation and was lucky to stumble across the Forest Sangha from North East Thailand who had opened a branch monastery in Sussex with a number of monks who, although trained in SE Asia, were westerners.

Although the Buddha lived 2500 years ago in what is now a part of Nepal, what he taught is as valid today as it was then. In fact one could say that it is even more relevant. The Buddha was a man, although in no sense "ordinary", who found a way to the end of human suffering or "dukkha" and it is significant that he offered his way for us to try for ourselves but not as a doctrine.

The Pali word dukkha is often translated as suffering but this is an oversimplification for a concept that encapsulates the fundamental unsatisfactoriness accompanying human existence. If we take the time we can see this very clearly in modern day life where we are encouraged to seek a permanent happiness through a desire for a comfortable lifestyle.

Sadly, as we all find, this search ends in disappointment as it ignores the fact of impermanence. Yet through the meditation and mindfulness the Buddha suggested, we can learn to live in the present moment and "let go". In this way we can truly enjoy and fully experience our lives and relationships developing true compassion for those around us.

I was able to integrate Buddhist Practice into my life as a Veterinary Surgeon and family man. I have now retired from the profession and work part time as Buddhist Chaplain in Kent prisons where I can share my understanding of the Dhamma (teachings of the Buddha and "the way things are") with offenders. This has been, and continues to be, a most rewarding experience. I often see genuine change amongst the the offenders.

My Buddhist path has also led me to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and most recently Burma where my wife and I support a school in a particularly deprived area of Rangoon.

My confidence in the Buddha's teaching brings me great joy and a sense of equanimity giving me a deeper understanding of reality.