by Geoff Gaylard
Geshe Loden’s long-time students will attest to his extraordinary qualities – he not only taught the entire Buddhist path, with profound depth and accuracy, but he was able to change his students’ lives in lasting and practical ways. I’m but one person among thousands that benefitted profoundly from his compassion and practical wisdom.
Many years ago, Geshe-la advised me to study IT – which was his typical advice to those asking about a career. At the time, my employer was offering ‘voluntary departure packages’ and so, on Geshe-la’s advice, I decided I would take one.
Advice about my boss
Geshe-la always emphasised the importance of having a good relationship with one’s boss – and would sometimes advise people to take their boss flowers. So, in the case of males with male bosses, this could present a challenge.
Anyway, as I was going to resign, Geshe-la advised me to take a bunch of roses to my boss and ask him for a written reference. And there was one more thing, just to make it that bit more challenging – I was to tell my boss that I’d miss him … this is hardly on par with Milarepa’s activities in service to his guru – but, in terms of pain and suffering, it’s up there!
I had great confidence in Geshe-la’s acumen and knew that Geshe-la had my best interests at heart in suggesting that I do this.
So, one morning I took a bunch to the office, and procrastinated for quite a long time, whilst thinking how on earth I was going to do this. Eventually, I plucked up the courage and went on ‘auto-pilot’ – if I thought too much about what I was about to do, I’d never do it.
I walked into the boss’s office and handed them over – he looked surprised of course, but luckily, he at least appeared not to think I was completely nuts. I then managed to get the words out ‘I’ll miss you when I’m gone.’ Anyway, he liked them and, of course, he was only too happy to write me the reference.
My new career
The story goes that I went back to study for a couple of years and began to look for a job – but without experience I was finding it hard. But just prior to a Yamantaka retreat, I was offered my first IT job – and I was to start in two weeks’ time – immediately after the end of the retreat. Coincidence? I’d never believe it for a moment. Since then, I’ve never had a problem finding good jobs in IT.
Geshe-la was an extraordinary Buddhist scholar, who could have been abbot of Sera Monastery, had he wished. Instead, he remained in Australia, making the effort to help ordinary people like me, in any way that was best for them – be it advice on career, relationships, finances and even health.
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