Burnaby NOW reporter Jennifer Moreau caught up with Kalu Rinpoche, a visiting Tibetan Buddhist who is recognized as the reincarnation of a deceased spiritual leader and contemporary of the Dalai Lama. While the previous Kalu Rinpoche was one of the first Tibetan Buddhist lamas to reach out to the West, his young and stylish reincarnation is using Facebook and YouTube to reach out to the masses. He's visiting the Lower Mainland for a series of talks, and Burnaby's Buddhist centre is holding a party for him on Sept. 16 to celebrate his 21st birthday.
Jennifer Moreau: Could you kindly introduce yourself?
Kalu Rinpoche: I was born in India in 1990, the year of the horse. As a way of life, I studied Buddhism from the time I was very young. I went into a three-year retreat when I was 14. I know I have a lot of responsibility taking care of all the students and centres of the previous Kalu Rinpoche, but I am just a human being.
JM: Can you explain how you fit into the lineage of Kalu Rinpoche?
KR: There might be a lot of great teachers, great masters in many great lineages. But as a name there is only one Kalu Rinpoche, and that is me. I am not claiming the qualities of the previous Kalu Rinpoche, who was a great teacher and spiritual father, but I am doing my best to be a good person.
JM: How was it determined that you were a reincarnation of the previous Kalu Rinpoche?
KR: I was recognized by one of the greatest masters of all time, Tai Situ Rinpoche, when I was two years old. Some people ask me if I remember the life of past Kalu Rinpoche. I'm sorry, I seem to have left the memory chip in the pure land. But what is the difference if you are determined to help sentient beings? That seems to be what is important.
JM: Do you feel any pressure carrying that spiritual tradition?
KR: Yes I do. Everybody has pressure, but what makes pressure on me is that it seems to me that the system needs to be changed. Nothing about the essentials of Buddhism needs to be changed, but the system needs to respond to current reality, and for me, this requires some change. I see too much politics and business getting involved in religious systems, and in my school I want to correct this.
JM: Do you see yourself as different from the traditional stereotype of a Buddhist monk?
KR: While my heart is a monk, in a traditional sense I am not a monk. For me, the meaning of being a monk is to benefit yourself and benefit others. And I have promised to do this, and I am happy with this promise, and I am free with this promise.
JM: Where do you live now? In a monastery?
KR: I live in this world. I live in the moment and care for the future.
JM: What role do you see spirituality and Buddhism playing in an increasing secular society?
KR: We need to learn to be human beings. Don't make it too complicated.
JM: As a spiritual leader, what's your main message?
KR: Don't brainwash people; try to share and explain and give possibilities. Even in a Buddhist way, don't force people. When they are not ready you cannot do anything; people must be ready.
JM: Why is there so much suffering in the world?
KR: There is of course a lot of suffering in the world. But the point is to bring happiness to the world through love and respect and bring a better life, better future, better environment for everyone. The result of a material world will not bring happiness.
We need to balance the spiritual and material part of our lives.
JM: Is it possible to overcome suffering and be at peace or should we learn to accept the way things are?
KR: We have to try to make it better. This world is filled with possibilities which can be good or bad. What is karma? Karma is in your hands. There is no karma outside, following from behind. Karma is in you, in your hands. Greater wisdom will bring greater result.
JM: How does Buddhism explain the nature of existence? Why are we here?
KR: We are just here. Buddha is not the one who creates us, who creates the world. This is just nature. We are here. Let it be.
Even if you know the answer to why we are here, what does that change? How does that help? To be intellectual in a right way is useful, but to be too intellectual does not really bring any useful results. The meaning of a right intellectual approach should lead to wisdom, kindness, ability to help others.
JM: What's the most difficult aspect of your role?
KR: Individual politics. The kind of manipulation, self-interest and dishonesty that I meet in the religious system. So I feel the system needs to be changed, because we are free, and we do have the capacity to change and make things better.
JM: What are the biggest challenges Buddhism now faces?
KR: The Buddhist system needs to be changed. Buddha did not push people. Buddha did not judge people. And we have no right to judge other people. But we have the responsibility not to force people but to share and explain the extraordinary advice that the Buddha gave us. The point is to give freedom and choice. Too often the traditional approach does not do this. We should think and act as a family with love.
JM: What do you do in your free time?
KR: I like to listen to music; communicate with friends on Facebook; drink coffee; practise a little bit.
JM: What are your favourite musical influences?
KR: I like Skrillex and Deadmau5.
JM: Can we follow you on Facebook and Twitter?
KR: I do not yet use Twitter, but will start soon. But I have do have a Facepage: "Kalu Rimpoche." You are all welcome to join and follow me on Facebook. I also have a website at www.paldenshangpa. net.
JM: Is there anything else you would like to say?
KR: Take care of your family. Love them. Take responsibility. If you don't have work, try to get a job. In this 21st century, the world requires that we make money.
This is not a problem, but we need to learn how to do this without hurting others. And do not use your religion to make money.
Practise your spiritual path a little bit, five or 10 minutes. Whatever your religion, don't feel a distance from me. You are always welcome in my spiritual world.
The point of all religions is to help us be happy. Don't be afraid to be happy in the way you want.
Burnaby's Buddhist centre, Kagyu Kunkhyab Chuling, is hosting a party for Kalu Rinpoche on Sept. 16 to celebrate his 21st birthday. Tickets are $50 and include dinner and entertainment. Doors open at 6 p.m. The centre is at 4939 Sidley St. See kkc-kdol.org or email [email protected].
