About the project
Over two decades ago, a retreat at Spirit Rock in California planted the seed for this project. My own challenges on the Buddhist path in the modern landscape fueled my commitment to embark on this long-term endeavor. Initially envisioned as a coffee table book exploring the visual aspects of Buddhism in the West in 2016, the project has since transformed into a multimedia undertaking focused on highlighting genuine lineages and the transformative power of Buddhist practice.
Given the rising popularity of mindfulness practices in various secular domains, I sensed an opportune moment to share the origins of meditation and other profound teachings of the Buddha as they adapt to contemporary society. By featuring the experiences of lay practitioners and teachers, this project offers a unique visual and anecdotal representation of the Buddhist path from diverse perspectives.
For those curious about Buddhism, the project frames the foundations of Buddhist practices through the lens of spiritual friendship and the essential components of building a transformative practice. May the stories depicting how the teachings and practices can support a transformative shift inspire a deeper investigation beyond personal salvation. Even for seasoned practitioners, may these stories renew your commitment to traverse the path through fruition.
About me
Born into a Buddhist household, one might assume a straightforward journey onto the Buddhist path. However, my quest for my own path was more intricate than anticipated. Rediscovering the dharma after college marked the initial step in my journey. The first decade involved chasing retreats and attempting to establish a daily meditation practice. Despite being drawn to the experiential aspect, significant changes in my perspective and habits were elusive. Shifting to Tibetan Buddhism during an ‘advanced’ retreat at Spirit Rock, progress was impeded by the absence of a formal teacher and sangha.
Regarding my professional life, I began as a software engineer during the dot-com boom of the late 1990s and later became a professional photographer after the boom ended. Although the project’s idea was conceived early on, I didn’t believe I could handle it professionally while growing an agency and raising a family. Inspired by a vision quest and Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic,” I finally initiated the project at the end of 2016.
Naturally, the project embodied my personal and professional interests and was a crucial turning point in finding deeper meaning while living the American dream. Despite outward success, my disillusionment with the American dream and my habitual patterns left me feeling dissatisfied. As the project progressed and I began my ngondro practice, I began to see the project as an integral part of my spiritual journey. As I deepen my practice, I hope that the wisdom gleaned from hearing all these stories will inform the final form of the project. Regardless, it was important for me to dedicate the merits of this practice/project to the benefit of all sentient beings on a continuing basis. Additionally, I plan to donate a portion of the profits from this project to support my root teacher’s Tsoknyi Nepal Nuns Foundation. Although I have been fortunate enough to experience teachings from a variety of Tibetan teachers such as Mingyur Rinpoche, Khandro Rinpoche, and Anam Thubten, I am currently with Karuna Buddhist Center under the tutelage of Khenpo Tshering Chophel.
🌿 **Kim`s Journey to Mindful Living & Self-Awareness** 🌿
Through her mindfulness practice, Kim has gained a deeper understanding of her actions and the motivations behind them. She reflects on questions like, "Am I buying this because it feeds my ego or out of insecurity?" Instead of chasing material possessions, Kim has found joy in the simple things, embracing contentment with less. ✨
This practice has shown her that we are all interconnected, part of a larger whole. It encourages her to live in a way that fosters harmony, reduces destructive behaviors, and supports sustainability for future generations. 🌍💚
#Mindfulness #Simplicity #SelfAwareness #SustainableLiving #Connected #MindfulConsumption #InnerPeace #LivingWithPurpose #Dharma #Harmony #Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #SacredWisdom #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners
🌿 **Kim`s Journey to Mindful Living & Self-Awareness** 🌿
Through her mindfulness practice, Kim has gained a deeper understanding of her actions and the motivations behind them. She reflects on questions like, "Am I buying this because it feeds my ego or out of insecurity?" Instead of chasing material possessions, Kim has found joy in the simple things, embracing contentment with less. ✨
This practice has shown her that we are all interconnected, part of a larger whole. It encourages her to live in a way that fosters harmony, reduces destructive behaviors, and supports sustainability for future generations. 🌍💚
#Mindfulness #Simplicity #SelfAwareness #SustainableLiving #Connected #MindfulConsumption #InnerPeace #LivingWithPurpose #Dharma #Harmony #Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #SacredWisdom #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners
🌟 A Lesson in Humanity: The Role of a Teacher 🌟
"As a Zen teacher, I wear the robes and play the role, but I always remind others: I’m human. I won’t meet every idealization you may have of me—and that’s okay.
At some point, I may disappoint you, and when that happens, it could be part of the teaching itself. It’s not about falling off the pedestal; it’s about learning that the true teacher isn’t the person in front of you—it’s life, the hard knocks, and your own journey.
Be prepared to embrace the imperfection and the humanity of the teacher. There’s wisdom in seeing beyond the roles we play."
#Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #SacredWisdom #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners #HealingThroughMeditation #BuddhaTeachings #PeacefulMind #ZenMeditation #SpiritualGrowth #Karma #LivingTheDharma
🌟 A Lesson in Humanity: The Role of a Teacher 🌟
"As a Zen teacher, I wear the robes and play the role, but I always remind others: I’m human. I won’t meet every idealization you may have of me—and that’s okay.
At some point, I may disappoint you, and when that happens, it could be part of the teaching itself. It’s not about falling off the pedestal; it’s about learning that the true teacher isn’t the person in front of you—it’s life, the hard knocks, and your own journey.
Be prepared to embrace the imperfection and the humanity of the teacher. There’s wisdom in seeing beyond the roles we play."
#Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #SacredWisdom #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners #HealingThroughMeditation #BuddhaTeachings #PeacefulMind #ZenMeditation #SpiritualGrowth #Karma #LivingTheDharma
🌿 From Mindfulness to Buddhism: A Journey of Exploration 🌿
More and more people are discovering mindfulness through secular avenues—whether it’s an MBSR course or workplace meditation. But what’s truly inspiring is seeing how this practice sparks curiosity about Buddhism itself.
Many are transitioning from mindfulness into deeper practices, exploring retreats, and engaging with Buddhist teachings. It’s beautiful to witness this evolution, but it’s also a reminder: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
In the Buddhist community, we’re becoming more aware of meeting people where they are—acknowledging diverse experiences, backgrounds, and traumas. Growth takes time, and there’s no rush. It’s about allowing space for exploration and finding a path that feels right for you.
🧘♀️ Let’s continue supporting one another on this journey, one mindful step at a time. 🌸
#Mindfulness #Buddhism #SpiritualJourney #CompassionInAction #MindfulLiving #SelfDiscovery #MeditationPractice #InnerPeace #HealingThroughMindfulness
🌿 From Mindfulness to Buddhism: A Journey of Exploration 🌿
More and more people are discovering mindfulness through secular avenues—whether it’s an MBSR course or workplace meditation. But what’s truly inspiring is seeing how this practice sparks curiosity about Buddhism itself.
Many are transitioning from mindfulness into deeper practices, exploring retreats, and engaging with Buddhist teachings. It’s beautiful to witness this evolution, but it’s also a reminder: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
In the Buddhist community, we’re becoming more aware of meeting people where they are—acknowledging diverse experiences, backgrounds, and traumas. Growth takes time, and there’s no rush. It’s about allowing space for exploration and finding a path that feels right for you.
🧘♀️ Let’s continue supporting one another on this journey, one mindful step at a time. 🌸
#Mindfulness #Buddhism #SpiritualJourney #CompassionInAction #MindfulLiving #SelfDiscovery #MeditationPractice #InnerPeace #HealingThroughMindfulness
🌸✨ "James talks about the concept of impermanence in Buddhism." ✨🌸
In life, everything is transient. Just like the seasons change and moments pass, our experiences are fleeting. Embracing impermanence allows us to appreciate the present and let go of attachments. What are your thoughts on this concept?
#Buddhism #Impermanence #Mindfulness #PresentMoment #LettingGo #TransientLife #EmbraceChange #SpiritualGrowth #AppreciateTheMoment #LifeLessons #PhilosophyOfLife #MeditationPractice 🍂✨
🌸✨ "James talks about the concept of impermanence in Buddhism." ✨🌸
In life, everything is transient. Just like the seasons change and moments pass, our experiences are fleeting. Embracing impermanence allows us to appreciate the present and let go of attachments. What are your thoughts on this concept?
#Buddhism #Impermanence #Mindfulness #PresentMoment #LettingGo #TransientLife #EmbraceChange #SpiritualGrowth #AppreciateTheMoment #LifeLessons #PhilosophyOfLife #MeditationPractice 🍂✨
While I am debating if i should break up the book into two parts, I am already thinking about the next project. It`s quite controversial in this day and age but i think that`s why i have to do it. Certainly as my own relationship to it unfolds, the power of relying on it will manifest in mysterious ways.
While I am debating if i should break up the book into two parts, I am already thinking about the next project. It`s quite controversial in this day and age but i think that`s why i have to do it. Certainly as my own relationship to it unfolds, the power of relying on it will manifest in mysterious ways.
#BuddhistWisdom #KarmapaQuotes #SpiritualPractice #LivingThePractice #MindfulLiving #DedicationAndConfidence #DharmaWisdom #InnerJourney #PracticeEverywhere #BuddhaDharma #MindfulnessInAction #SacredTeachings #MeditationLife #ZenMindset #SpiritualGrowth #BuddhismInDailyLife #CompassionAndWisdom #EnlightenedLiving
#BuddhistWisdom #KarmapaQuotes #SpiritualPractice #LivingThePractice #MindfulLiving #DedicationAndConfidence #DharmaWisdom #InnerJourney #PracticeEverywhere #BuddhaDharma #MindfulnessInAction #SacredTeachings #MeditationLife #ZenMindset #SpiritualGrowth #BuddhismInDailyLife #CompassionAndWisdom #EnlightenedLiving
i need to return to the roots of the seemingly simple concept of just black and white. but simple doesn`t mean it`s easy.
i need to return to the roots of the seemingly simple concept of just black and white. but simple doesn`t mean it`s easy.
while i train to cut through
the fabrication of my ordinary perception
the expanse of the reality
beyond the senses
invoke gratitude
beyond this precious human life
while i train to cut through
the fabrication of my ordinary perception
the expanse of the reality
beyond the senses
invoke gratitude
beyond this precious human life
Visualization aka creation practice has been quite interesting in the past year. To come capacity, there are many successful people that use this creation process to realize their full potential in whatever in endeavor they apply it and i believe it is no different when we visualize the archetypes of tibetan deities and dissolve into that creation. I am looking forward to picking up this project again in the distance future!
Visualization aka creation practice has been quite interesting in the past year. To come capacity, there are many successful people that use this creation process to realize their full potential in whatever in endeavor they apply it and i believe it is no different when we visualize the archetypes of tibetan deities and dissolve into that creation. I am looking forward to picking up this project again in the distance future!
It has been a privilege to travel and learn from Khenpo La a few weeks ago. It has been only a year or so since he came to America but his presence in my life has been the most significant influence on my practice on so many levels! Grateful to say the least to join the family of kaygupa!
It has been a privilege to travel and learn from Khenpo La a few weeks ago. It has been only a year or so since he came to America but his presence in my life has been the most significant influence on my practice on so many levels! Grateful to say the least to join the family of kaygupa!
shades of orange.
Now I just to get a gun and some Trump stickers to be in the army of Trungpa `s warriors. His crazy wisdom wouldnt probably do well in today`s cultural climate but his spirit lives in me.
Now I just to get a gun and some Trump stickers to be in the army of Trungpa `s warriors. His crazy wisdom wouldnt probably do well in today`s cultural climate but his spirit lives in me.