One Happy Brain An interview with Khachab Rinpoche

The Venerable Younge Khachab Rinpoche is a non-sectarian Buddhist Dzogchen and Tantric Master from Tibet who has recently taken up residence in the Pioneer Valley, and is known for his perpetually joyous and balanced state of mind. Intrigued by profound differences between typical responses to upsetting events and Rinpoche’s balanced outlook, researchers at the University of Wisconsin conducted fMRI research on the “happiness region” in Rinpoche’s brain during meditation. The findings indicate that using meditation techniques, it is possible to remain unaffected by negative stimuli to an astonishing degree. Here, Rinpoche sits down to answer questions about what these teachings of his ancient tradition can offer us in today’s modern world, showing us how to improve our mental health and well-being.
Q (Interviewer): In the West, people have diverse spiritual practices and persuasions, but most of us have at least heard of the teachings of the Buddha. What Buddhist teachings do you feel are most relevant to us in our modern lives today?
A (Rinpoche): The main teaching that is most important today is to have an open mind and an open heart. When we are a little relaxed we can share our experiences, our own situation, with others in a relaxed and open way. The fundamental is to open our mind. That is the main Buddhist teaching needed today – open mind, open heart – and then we see the real situation.

Q: Why do so many people suffer from stress, depression, anxiety, worry, etc.?
A: It depends on the situation. One thing is that many people feel very lonely, and it is difficult for them to connect with others and be able to discuss their problems. They always worry, “If I ask this question, maybe it’s correct, maybe its incorrect.” So their doubt and fear that has the effect of keeping their mind narrow and very sensitive. Therefore, automatically, their brain is uptight, and that makes them afraid and scared. Too much negative thinking arises from that. They have to recognize how to eliminate negative thoughts, but no one teaches that, so they don’t have any idea.

Q: Aside from meditation, what techniques do you recommend that can be applied in everyday life? (e.g., for people with a very busy job and not a lot of free time to devote to spiritual practice)
A: Skillful mindfulness, and watch our habits, our habitual tendencies. Don’t worry, do not push, do not force or try to control anything as that doesn’t work. We should watch our attitudes, and then apply mindfulness. What is needed is skillful patience, loving kindness, patience, and an open mind.
Q: I understand that you were part of an fMRI study by scientists at the University of Wisconsin to explain the effects of meditation on the brain.
A: John Dunne, a professor of Emory University, asked me to participate in a study in 2003. At first I was hesitant because my own individual spiritual path is an inner thing, as it relates to a quality of mind. However, when I considered that it could bring healing to other people. As many other people have problems of the mind and want to know how to relax and meditate, I agreed to take part in the study to show the benefits of meditation.

Q: What was the experience like for you, meditating inside an fMRI machine?
A: I brought to it my experience as a Buddhist. I meditated inside the machine for 2 hours and 40 minutes, while they observed me. I just relaxed, and meditated on Tantric, Great Compassion, Awakened Mind, and a few different types of meditation. It is a great feeling. During this time they kept sending negative stimuli to me to try to distract me. I could hear and see some pictures, but my mind was all the time immovable, unchanging, indestructible, so it could not break my concentration.

Q: What does this study tell people about the way distressing events affect us in everyday life?
A: The law is called karma and conditions, which means causes and conditions. Everything is part of causes and conditions. Throughout our life, things can feel very long and difficult. But when we look back, it seems like life has been like one night’s dream – a long sleep, and a short dream.
Therefore the one fundamental technique is to practice the awakened mind and developing bodhicitta, the Great Mind, we can share good and bad, which contains both positive and negative causes and conditions. We cannot choose what we want – of course everyone wants to choose positive, happy, and enjoyable things, but unfortunately it doesn’t always happen like that. Sometimes life is difficult. We deal with difficulty without causes or conditions, by applying bodhicitta and the open mind and awakened mind and mindfulness. We have to use our precious life to bring powerful benefit to everybody.

Q: You have recently become an American citizen. What do you notice about Americans, as compared to other cultures? Do you have any advice for us based on your experience?
A: Americans are generally very appreciative and happy, and they value other human beings. There are many opportunities available to them here, not like in India or Nepal. I really appreciate it here. But on the negative side, they lead complicated lives with many rules. Some people do not have adequate education, and if they are not well-educated, it is not easy for them here. The best thing is to just be smart, to follow the rules of the country, to respect, be educated in the different traditions and cultures.

Q: Many people come to you for help and teachings. What do you think people are seeking when they come to you?
A: I think most people have confusion. They may have lost their path, and nobody has given them the advice they are seeking. The main question they ask me is regarding their confusion, anxiety, and feeling guilty – those types of questions. Mostly they ask that type of question. They hope that Buddhism has some magic, can give them some power. Maybe some teacher has that power – I don’t have that type of magical power! I can teach them my own life experience as a Buddhist practitioner and as a human being, so I have some life experience I can share. This is my dharma. I can give them my best experience, dharma techniques, meditation techniques, and also advice - not only the tradition, but also the reality, the practical application. The dharma is not really on a high level; it is always practical. Most answers I give are of that type, having to do with relative reality.

Q: Rinpoche, is there anything else you want to share with us?
A: In my courses in America I stress living in the world together as we are all human beings and need to look after ourselves. We have to take care of our lives, be educated, have an open mind, and practice loving kindness. Also, sometimes we have to remember our responsibility to take care of the world, and protect the world, and care for this small world. Everyone is living on this planet, and we have a responsibility to share it. It depends on our open mind, and how we build relationships. Finally I pray that all different religions and traditions are honored. I hope that people will do this, and I pray that for the world.
Virginia Harper is an Amherst chiropractor.