As a new member on the Board of Directors of Mid America Dharma I would, first, like to say how honored I am to be a part of this organization. I can recall one of my first retreats over 12 years ago at Ginny Morgan’s in Columbia MO. Those teachings and that experience inform my practice to this day. I would also like to say hi! So here is a little about me.
If you had told me two years ago that I would be the director of the Temple Buddhist Center in Kansas City, MO, I would have chuckled and suggested that maybe we not stand so close to the gongs during gong bath. The fact is, I did not see the offer coming.
And isn’t that a beautiful aspect to our practice, opening to the mystery of life and realizing that abundance comes in ways we could never foresee.
Had I attached to my plans for the future or remained convinced of my role as a public educator (21 yrs.), I would have been afraid to go on leave of absence, sensing a pull to something new or would not have recognized the opportunity when it presented itself. As it was in October, 2017, after I was asked to direct TBC by Duke Tufty, I went home and wept. The overwhelm I felt came for three reasons: first, that the senior minister at Unity Temple on the Plaza saw that in me when I could not. Second, it felt so perfect, as if 54 years of life had prepared me for this moment. And finally, there is only one way to truly repay my teacher (Ben Worth) for years of instruction and insight training, and that is to carry on the teachings. When I told Ben that I didn’t know if I was ready for this, he reminded me that had I not been ready, the opportunity would not have appeared, and the fact that I didn’t know is a very good sign.
So here I am, writing now and sharing some of my experiences and this brings me such joy…(along with some chocolate covered almonds). Each day I awaken to the bells in the tower on the Plaza, share in meditation and yoga twice a day with this community, delight in discussing the Dharma with visitors young and old, plan classes and events, facilitate retreats and create association with conscious groups like Mid America Dharma, Bridging the Gap, Mindful Ministries and more. I was supposed to write an article telling you who I am, but the truth is I am finding out in each moment, it seems, I am being introduced to me.
Victor J. Dougherty is the director of the Temple Buddhist Center, 816-994-8015
victordougherty@unitytemple.com www.templebuddhistcenter.com
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