Interview With Rinpoche’s English Translator
Interview taken by: Pasang Lhamu, Nelha Sangmo, Mingmar Bhuti and Phurbu Sangmo

Q. What is your name?

I have two name David Fuqua and Karma Choephel, which was given by Rinpoche.

Q where do you come from?

I am from the U.S.A.

Q how do you feel about Rinpoche’s teachings?

It was wonderful to see many people come and study the dharma. I personally felt very happy and honoured to help Rinpoche.

Q do you think that listening to teachings benefits human beings? How?

Yes, it benefits living beings because we first need to listen, second contemplate and third meditate. When we meditate we have to know how to meditate.

Q.when you meditate how do you feel?

Some times I feel peaceful and sometimes distressed.

Q. Since you are Rinpoche’s translator how do you feel while translating?

When I translate the main thing is I have to concentrate very hard (carefully).

Q. Could you please tell us what inspired you to became Buddhist?

It was ten years ago I was not happy (even though) I had a big house, a car, a family, a wife. So, these things made big trouble. In this way I went to a Dharma centre and I recited a prayer to the Karmapa. When I heard the Karmapa’s name I felt a lot of faith and I knew he was such a very important teacher. Then 7 months later I went to a teaching which was given by our Very Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and I took refuge and began (to be a) Buddhist and now I am happier than before.

Q. What is the main purpose of Rinpoche’s teaching?

The purpose of Rinpoche’s teaching is that every year foreigners come and Rinpoche wants to teach them. In particular, when you have teachings in a sacred place they became even more powerful and also when people come to teachings they also go to pilgrimage to other sacred places.

Q. What kind of changes have come in your life after becoming Buddhist?

Everything had changed, before I used to have many luxurious things and now I don’t have these things and I am very happy because I don’t have to worry about these things.

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