About Us
Welcome! This page explains who I am, what this site is all about, and why I created it. My name is Les Tatum, husband, father, and Buddhist, and this is my story.
I have always been a spiritual person and I have always had an interest in eastern cultures, philosophies, and spirituality. I have studied many eastern arts including various martial arts and meditation techniques but I had never actually studied Buddhism until one day I was walking around the local mall looking at all the esoteric type stores as I often did regularly. This particular day I was looking for some natural way to battle my insomnia and was coming up with absolutely nothing until I went into an import type store I had never really looked at before. I looked around and noticed there were a lot of Buddha images and very peaceful, tranquil looking items. As the owner, a man called Chung, approached me I could tell that he knew I was searching for something. Although not even I knew what I was in search of, besides some good sleep, he seemed to know in one glance what I had been looking for my whole life. He explained to me that due to various stressors and modern thinking, my mind was cluttered with eroneous thoughts and judgements that were interfering with the natural rejuvination and clarification process, and I desperately needed to purify my mind and cut my karma. He proceded to explain the basic concepts of Pureland Buddhism and how it could not only help me sleep better but how it could help make my entire life more fulfilling. He explained that Pureland Buddhism is not a religion but an education in enlightenment and anyone, regardless of religion could practice it. I imediately knew I had found something that would change my life forever.
Chung showed me how to practice the Buddha name recitation form of meditation, and I agreed to try it. He then put a few books, dvds, a chant player, and Buddha images into a bag for me. I asked how much I owed him for the materials and he said nothing, it was not for sale, it was a gift. He said his temple provides these materials at no cost to those seeking enlightenment, and it would be bad karma to sell them. I went home and did the chanting meditation before bed, and to my amazement I slept like a baby. I continued to meditate and visit with Chung regularly and we became good friends. Over the next few months, I felt so peaceful and noticed such a dramatic improvement in my health and attitude that I decided to study Pureland Buddhism fulltime. I started visiting the temple whenever I could, even though it is about 90 miles away, and I got more reading materials and set up my own shrine and meditation space in my home. Now I read and meditate daily in my personal space and I never feel more peaceful and relaxed than when I am there purifying my mind.
I created this site because I realized even though there is a ton of information out there for those seeking the path to enlightenment, it is not always easy to find the proper information and materials all in one place, especially for those who do not have access to a temple. I wanted to be able to provide this information and materials to fellow seekers exactly as it was presented to me, simple, straight forward, without judgement or bias, and completely free of charge. Inside these pages, you will find the books, Pureland texts, audio/video files, images, and various meditation tools I have received from the temple, as well as various ways to interact with other members in a community driven format. You will get everything from downloadable files to help you cultivate to actual tangible tools such as chant players and statues(subject to availability). Please browse and enjoy everything we have to offer.