Interview with Buddhist Philosophy & Meditation Teacher - Paul Seagrave
What was it that drew you to Tibetan Buddhism?
Initially it was a talk on happiness, given by the Dalai Lama. When he suggested that mentally, physically and emotionally we are all the same, in so far as we all wish to be happy and to be free from suffering, and that we all have the potential to achieve happiness, I was inspired to find out more.
When did you start studying in the Gelug tradition?
In 2013, I was introduced to Geshe Tashi Tsering (now the Abbot of Sera Mey Monastery) and began to attend his classes and yearly retreats. Perhaps after two years, I then enrolled for Geshe’s two year Foundation Course, and began to work part time in order to be able to apply myself fully to the course.
As this course concluded, the five year residential Basic Programme was about to begin at Nalanda Monastery in Southern France. Full of enthusiasm to learn more, I finished work, and relocated, and became a residential student.
Did you enjoy studying at Nalanda monastery?
Although the course together with other activities was very taxing, I enjoyed my time at Nalanda.
In the end, I think approximately six people from thirty-eight or so saw the course through from beginning to end.
The course has been given the name, ‘Basic Programme,’ but there didn’t seem to be anything basic about it!
Why was the course so taxing?
In my case, I relocated to Nalanda to study and to develop my meditation practice. Determined to make the absolute most of my time being there, I don’t think that it would be an exaggeration to say that I applied myself fully to the activities I engaged in.
A typical day would consist of class with Geshe Gyeltsen resident teacher, review class, self-study time, memorisation, debate, morning prayers and a commitment to carry out work for the monastery. Every seven weeks there would be a Basic Programme exam, which I would follow with a seven or ten day retreat.
Perhaps the most exhausting aspect of my time at Nalanda was studying logic and debate with Geshe Graham Woodhouse, (Geshe Losel).
Why was studying logic and debate so important to your other studies?
The texts that are studied in the Gelug tradition, are full of terms and syllogisms that for most of us in the west, are unfamiliar and confusing.
By studying the introductory logic texts, the student is exposed to a number of these key terms and is able to develop an understanding of them which, in turn, will enrich their experience when studying the great texts, for example the Lamrim, with which many of us are familiar.
According to Buddhist philosophy, the primary cause of our problems is the mind that conceives of oneself to exist in a manner that is not in accord with reality. Therefore, to overcome our problems we have to eliminate that mind, which is a wrong consciousness.
So, the question that then arises is ‘how might we do that?’ In simple terms, we identify this self to which that wrong consciousness is grasping, and check if it exists as it appears to our mind. In the Gelug tradition we do so using logic. This we can clearly see in Tsongkhapa’s Lamrim.
Reading the words or listening to a talk by a teacher who suggests that we do not exist how we appear may induce a doubt, or perhaps if we are fortunate a correct assumption. However, to really have the inner experience, we need to realise this point with a valid consciousness. We need to develop our own path of reasoning and again, here in this tradition, this is achieved through the application of logic and syllogistical investigation.
Why is there so much importance on studying in the Gelug tradition?
In order to be free from suffering and attain happiness, the student has to engage in the correct practices. They have to know what activities to abandon and which are to be developed. They achieve this initially through studying. So… first study, then practice.
Are you still studying now?
Thanks to the kindness and ongoing support of Geshe Graham, my studies are pretty much continuous. I think that it is safe to say that without him my journey would not have been the same. I really do consider him to be a friend and spiritual guide.
As for formal programmes, currently I'm a student of the Nalanda Masters Programme - not as a resident, rather I’m following classes on-line.
If you´re not studying or working, what are you doing?
Currently, I’m writing my first books to accompany the Peaceful Minds, Taming the Mind a Beginner’s Guide to Meditation & Cultivating a Focused Single-Pointed Mind and the Self-Compassion course.
I also like swimming an eating!
Has Tibetan Buddhism improved the quality of your life in any way?
Yes, without doubt, the intensity of studies the frequency of retreat and guidance from my spiritual friends has had a positive impact on my mind.
Do you plan to ordain as a monk in this life?
No, although I'm not adverse to the idea.
Really when it comes down to it, there are two things to develop: wisdom and compassion, and it is the responsibility of the individual student to achieve this. Of course teachings are more readily available at a monastery, but it doesn’t follow that because someone has taken ordination and is resident of a monastery that they will develop these qualities.
What are your future plans?
I plan to continue with both the Masters Programme and the introductory logic and debate courses. Alongside that, I have been teaching meditation and giving secular talks under my brand called ´Peaceful Minds´, for which I am continuing to develop programmes.
What can you tell us about the classes that you run?
I run logic and debate classes which are designed as introductory, foundation level classes, for those who wish to study Buddhist logic. These classes are centred around the traditional texts studied by the monks of Sera Jey Monastery.
The classes are interactive, fun and a present a real opportunity to develop a deeper level of understanding of Buddhist philosophy.
The classes and courses relating to Peaceful Minds are based on teachings from the Gelug tradition, and in essence adopt Buddhist psychology and meditative practices and present them in a secular fashion.
Two of the Peaceful Minds classes, ‘How to meditate’ and ‘The art of self-compassion’ have proven to be popular and are suitable to Buddhists and non-Buddhists.
How would you explain self-compassion?
Self-compassion is the genuine heartfelt wish for oneself to be free from suffering and its causes.
Do you have self-compassion for yourself?
More than I did in the past. I try very hard to be self compassionate. The interesting thing is that when you start to be gentle with yourself, you begin to become gentle with others. It is so rewarding when you get it right - it´s like a drug, you want more. The goal is that eventually it forms a natural part of your life.
Do you think that society in general needs to develop more self-compassion?
Absolutely. For those who engage in the practice to develop self-compassion, it is clear to see that this is missing within society on a major scale.
Having returned to work and the community, it is clear to see that people are too hard on themselves. Really it can be difficult to observe.
What meditation practices would you recommend to a beginner?
Firstly, look at what material is being exposing to your mind. If you have music playing all day, or if you´re watching TV, arguing or pushing, you will have a frantic mind. The key here is to recognise that our mental state is connected to our lifestyle.
For an absolute beginner who wishes to put a toe into the world of meditation, I would recommend a very simple ten minute practice. Something along the lines of sitting quietly, closing the eyes and observing the flow of one’s breath.
Could you share some meditation tools that could help people develop a peaceful mind?
There are many different tools which the student can apply in order to achieve a peaceful mind through meditation.
So, we want a peaceful mind, free from anxiety, and turbulence. Really, I think we should first begin to be gentle with ourself. Meditation may give someone a break and a sense of tranquillity for a while, but if we learn to be kind, not so hard on ourselves and value ourselves, we will feel better.
How can we follow you and your classes and courses?
For Buddhist logic classes, search for Foundation of Buddhist Logic and Debate: click https://fbld.org/
For secular meditation and self-compassion classes, search for Peacefulminds.me click https://peacefulminds.me/ or follow on Instagram
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