Ryan 2
Nashville, TN
Ryan’s journey into the Dharma path was a gradual process that began in childhood. His great aunt’s collection of religious texts, including a book on Buddhism, sparked his early interest, though the challenging names made it difficult for him to fully engage at a young age. The seed of curiosity planted in his youth blossomed when he entered recovery about 20 years ago, leading him to experiment with meditation.
Background
Ryan’s journey into the Dharma path was a gradual process that began in childhood. His great aunt’s collection of religious texts, including a book on Buddhism, sparked his early interest, though the challenging names made it difficult for him to fully engage at a young age. The seed of curiosity planted in his youth blossomed when he entered recovery about 20 years ago, leading him to experiment with meditation.
Over the years, Ryan developed a consistent meditation practice, and in late 2010 or 2011, he delved into Dharma practice after reading a book by Thich Nhat Hanh. Unfamiliar with Dharma communities, he discovered a practice center in North Mississippi and attended a seven-day retreat led by Thich Nhat Hanh. This experience marked his baptism into the Dharma, shifting his focus from meditation to exploring what the Dharma could offer.
Returning to Nashville, Ryan connected with a practice community, initially known as Against the Stream and now Wild Heart Meditation Center. This community became his spiritual home, where he continued to deepen his practice. Reflecting on his life, Ryan identified three significant milestones: overcoming addiction, becoming a father, and discovering the transformative power of the Dharma through sitting practice.
Voice & Presence
Disruption
Ryan’s exploration of Buddhism wasn’t a deliberate pursuit, but rather an openness to new ideas. The turning point came when he read Thich Nhat Hanh’s “Being Peace,” which focused on dependent origination—a surprising entry point for someone unfamiliar with the concept. This perspective challenged his Western worldview, where the self was central, introducing the idea of life as an interconnected continuum.
The philosophical shift influenced his meditation practice, leading him to the Magnolia Grove Retreat Center. It marked the transition from a casual meditator to a dedicated practitioner. Reflecting on his deepest narrative, Ryan recognized an underlying sense of distrust and a belief in life as an unsafe, hostile territory. Dharma practice became a transformative tool, allowing him to question this narrative, rest in the safety of uncertainty, and let go of the need to control outcomes.
Impact
Ryan reflects on the fortuitous aspects of his life, particularly rooted in his recovery journey. Having transitioned from a tumultuous past, he views both recovery and Dharma practice as significant privileges. Acknowledging the challenges, he recognizes the rarity of individuals who not only encounter the Dharma but sustain and attain enlightenment through practice.
Practice
Ryan’s journey into the Dharma began with a philosophical exploration of Buddhism, particularly drawn to the fundamental concept of dependent origination. Initially viewing knowledge as synonymous with understanding, his perspective shifted during a retreat where he learned that true comprehension arises from practice, not just intellectual pursuit.
Looking ahead
Ryan reflects on his journey into the Dharma, acknowledging the serendipity that led him to various teachers and practice centers, such as Wild Heart Center and One Dharma. His progression as a practitioner unfolded organically, with needs arising naturally, from sustaining a daily practice to seeking guidance from skilled teachers like Lisa Ernst.
Looking ahead, Ryan expresses a genuine curiosity about the Tibetan school of Buddhism. While appreciating the pragmatics and accessibility of his current approach, he feels a longing to explore beyond his familiar scope. This curiosity becomes a driving force, and while he’s uncertain about the specific path, he trusts that his intentions and engagement will lead him where he needs to be.
Ryan shares his evolving perspective on planning and rigidity. His nature is to plan meticulously, but Dharma practice has taught him to be mindful of this tendency and to let go when needed. Trusting the process and having faith that the road will unfold before him, he emphasizes the relief of letting go and the deep exhale that comes with not having to hold onto rigid plans. For Ryan, Dharma practice is about putting energy into the journey, allowing the garden of his practice to grow fuller and more beautiful over time, with a sense of openness to the unknown.
Relationships
In Ryan’s reflections on the practice’s impact on significant relationships, he explores its manifestation in his marriage and parenting. In his marriage, characterized by the dynamic of opposites attracting, the Dharma has prompted him to step back from preconceived notions about healthy partnership. This involves cultivating spaciousness in the heart to accept and support his wife’s uniqueness, acknowledging the impermanence of self and personality in each moment. The practice encourages Ryan to offer others, whether intimately connected or strangers, the gift of space to be themselves.
With his daughter, Ryan endeavors to instill openness, allowing her to be her authentic self while navigating the challenges of parenting. He contrasts his approach with the instructor and teacher model he experienced in his own upbringing, emphasizing the importance of creating an open space for his daughter to grow. Struggling with the decision to introduce her to the practice, Ryan eventually incorporates it into their family routine. This decision arises from a desire to provide a spiritual home, a sense of belonging, and a supportive community for his daughter, echoing the invaluable support he has found in the Sangha. Despite initial hesitations, Ryan emphasizes the richness and depth of the practice’s impact, underscoring the universal accessibility and transformative potential of the Dharma.
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