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Western Monastics in Tibetan Buddhist Robes by Kara Starzyk “I would have known not to have a tattoo if I grew up Tibetan.” Instead, this 22-year-old is from San Francisco in the United States. Although he grew up in a Western, non-Buddhist society, stepping-stones from his childhood led him to the decision to become a Tibetan-Buddhist monk. “When I was young, I wanted to be a hermit. I wanted to live in the woods. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t that be fantastic!’” said Losang Dragkpa. His decision did not surprise his family, and he was certain that his mother knew he would beLosang Dragkpa, an American Tibetan Buddhist come a monk. He smiles at monk, studies Buddhism and practices meditation at the memory of his family Tushita Meditation Centre, Oct. 21, 2005. teasing him as a child. How many times have you passed “They would hit pots and pans and make aTibetan-Buddhist monk or nun in up chants,” he said rolling his eyes. McLeod Ganj without looking twice? How many times have you passed a Western- Losang Dragkpa was not raised BudBuddhist monk or nun without looking dhist, but his mother’s liberal philosophies had a great impact on him. She twice? wanted her children to know that mateLosang Dragkpa stands out in the crowds rial things are worthless after death. of burgundy. Large holes remain from Losang Dragkpa recounts taking field the1inch disk that used to pierce his ears, trips to the graveyard where she reand his watch barely hides a tattoo of minded him that nothing is permanent. Ganesh (Hindu’s elephant-headed god of “She had a spiritual sense of Buddhism,” he said. His family often moved, which wisdom, kindeness, and prosperity). A monastic is not permitted to have tat- also helped him with detachment. toos, but Losang Dragkpa explains that Western monks are given a little leniency. He affirms that he was always interested
in Buddhism. In school, he read books about spiritual leaders and once did a report on Shakamuni. During a school lecture, the principal of his liberal arts high school reiterated the value of life. The statement You’re lucky that you survived because you’re one in a million sperm is still engrained in Losang Dragkpa’s memory. Years later, he uses this phrase himself while leading a meditation. After college, he was involved in radical politics and social work. However, he felt that his contribution was only a temporary solution to the problems of the world. During this same time, he was also helping a friend cope with HIV. “Seeing my friend deal with death and his realization about what was and wasn’t important in his life made me think about relationships with people,” said Losang Dragkpa. From this experience, he became aware that his own relationships were more valuable than material possessions. He decided that becoming a monk would be the most beneficial for himself and others. “If I am happy, then I can influence others to be happy,” he said. Even at his young age, Losang Dragkpa was certain he wanted to devote his life to being a monk. He did not mind taking vows that contrast with typical Western culture, such as abstaining from marriage or alcohol. He said having a family of his own was never important to him. As for alcohol, he had been a social-drinker, but it was easy to give up because he always felt “gross” after a night out. He was ordained August 2005, at Kopan continued on page 3
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