I Was in an Existential Crisis, Talking to 120 People, and I Realised, You Know, What Does This Mean for Who I Am?

“This conversation I'm having with you right now is an expression of Bhante's vision of the Dharma.”

In this latest full interview for the Fifty Years, Fifty Voices Project, we hear from Dharmashalin. Now the Mitra convenor for the Birmingham Buddhist Centre, Dharmashalin made his first proper contact with Buddhism at 19 years old after a period of drug-based experimentation and existential angst. As is often the way with drugs, what was once a source of inspiration became something much darker and, at best, just another form of escapism.

It was at Christmas ‘98 that a friend lent him a copy of Sogyal Rimpoche’s ‘Tibetan Book of Living and Dying’, which left a strong impression. Specifically, the section on karma and rebirth set forth the realization that our actions have consequences, even beyond our present life. Dharmashalin speaks from the heart in this deep and far reaching interview, with his usual characteristic openness and sincerity.

Extracts from this talk were used for the 50 Years, 50 Voices project - visit the dedicated space on The Buddhist Centre Online for more.