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TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE
who don't know what they themselves are they only know what their par
ents are.
L.M.: That's an important point.
T.W.: I think it doesn't mean that: Oh, my family is Jewish, so I should be Jewish. I want to study Buddhism just to study it; but I want to remain Jewish because my parents are that. That is not a good enough reason. Because who we are originally, our parents don't make that decision. If you trace back, you probably were a nun at one time. I think it is really important to understand what you feel at this time in your life. You feel like you just want to do a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Now somebody can advise you that maybe it would be good to focus on one thing. But don't feel that way.
you
It is all right of course. The Ligmincha center, our center, is welcoming to people like that. Anybody who wants to learn is welcome; anybody who wants to practice is welcome. But as you move through the tradition, you get to a certain point with the teachings when it is important to commit yourself.
L.M.: Do most people who come here make a commitment?
T.W.: They don't.
L.M.: Most don't fully commit themselves.
T.W.: No, but there are people who do; there are people who don't. I'm talking a lot about what is happening. I am also talking about what should happen.
L.M.: So let's say someone decides to make a full commitment to Bon. Could they continue being Catholic or being Jewish?
T.W.: If you are fully committed to being a Catholic, then Catholic, not Jewish.
L.M.: I mean Bon.
T.W.: I'm saying it doesn't matter, it's the same thing. It doesn't relate only with Buddhism or Bon. I mean a Catholic can always learn from Jewish
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