Buddhism in the Bible Belt

Birmingham, Alabama (USA) — More than 488 million people world-wide practice Buddhism. In Birmingham practitioners make up only about six in 1,000, but many more people may find themselves wondering about this Eastern practice as the Dalai Lama heads to Birmingham Oct. 26. They’re in luck; you don’t have to become a Buddhist to benefit from the ancient teachings, says Tenzin Deshek.

At Losel Maitri Tibetan Buddhist Center in Cahaba Heights, where Deshek is resident teacher and spiritual director, he provides instruction on Buddhist philosophy and practices. Deshek took monastic vows in 1968 at the Dalai Lama’s monastery in Dharamsala, India. When discussing the benefits of Buddhism, Deshek echoes the sentiment often expressed by his spiritual leader. “In order to practice Buddhism there is no need to become Buddhist,” Deshek says. “If you’re not Buddhist, it doesn’t matter,. You can use Buddhist methods to solve human problems and get a better, happier, more peaceful life.”

Influenced by the teachers of Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago, the Buddhist method encourages cultivating the mind by letting go of mental anguish and delusions through practices of mindfulness and meditation. These techniques are meant to quiet mental chatter and provide perspective and objectivity. At the heart of all Buddhist teachings is the desire to develop compassion for oneself and others. In the lessons he teaches at Losel Maitri, Deshek encourages discussion, especially of differing viewpoints. “Do not take my word for it,” he says smiling. “Always question. Ask yourself if it is true.”

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