About the project
With the array of resources available offline and online to learn about Buddhism as a practice and religion, the purpose of this project explore these aspects through the lens of ‘native’ lay practitioners. Through a broad survey of factors such social economic backgrounds, geography, identity types, lineages and stages of development, the project will explore real life stories of the challenges and success of integrating the ancient practice into the multicultural world of America. The goal of the project is not so much as be comprehensive given the diversity of practitioners in America. However, the project will explore the subject along these contexts:
- Anthropological visual study of Buddhism in the west
- A resource for people interested/engaged in the practice as it relates to lay practice
- A primer to demystify Buddhist practice for people with little knowledge about the subject manner
About me
The inspiration for this project came through my own experience of embracing Buddhism in America. Even though my parents were Buddhist when I was growing up, I eventually found my own lineage.
The arrival of Buddhism in the west has been well documented in many books, documentaries and even Hollywood movies. As a lay practitioner and photographer, I am interested in exploring the blossoming of the path through a different angle.
The fruition of this project will be a book highlighting the diversity of how lay practitioners integrate their path. From the sciences to the bedroom, Buddhist practices have seeped into every fabric of American culture. Join me in discovering the richness of this ancient practice in a modern context.
Professionally, I’ve been a photographer for over 15 years and have focused on growing a photo/video agency I cofounded. Orange Photography. As an entrepreneur, I am excited to integrate my practice into the business. As a photographer, this project embodies my passion to integrate service and art.
The seed of this project was planted over 10 years ago when I was on meditation retreat. Since then, meditation and mindfulness has gained much traction in popular culture. I hope this project will inspire those still looking for their path. And for those already on the path, I honor your commitment.
My intention is to publish a book from this project and donate the profits to Tsoknyi Nepal Nuns. I dedicate this project to all my teachers and especially to my root teacher, Tsoknyi Rinpoche.
Contact
my wonderful host took me to a rather famous buddhist temple south of sydney that didn't allow pictures and we enjoyed their famous vegetarian lunch. the weather wasn't optimal but the ocean blue still came through as we enjoyed the blow hole of Kiama.
say hello to bodhi. young mother that recently gave birth to 10 puppies and separated from them. trying out the fostering route since ownership is a bit too much at this time. still she is such a good dog so it wont be easy when she departs. hence a good practice in service and letting go.
flight to vegas part two. possibly canyonlands national park and definitely some of #zionnationalpark. #landscapephotography
short work trip back to vegas and the flight path usually goes through zion and rocky mountains. wonderful display of clouds with textured landscapes. #landscapephotography
more roaming around downtown of sydney.
#chinesenewyear
first day of being a tourist and enjoyed a bit of street photography. Checked out the modern art museum and it was pretty small! sadly couldn’t get a tour of the opera house but i m not a very motivated tourist.
two 15 hours plus flights to and from australia and all i got was 10 lousy cloud photos. actually, it was quite marvelous to appreciate that one can go 8000 miles in less than a day. #clouds
information overload in the wheel of life and reflections of the impure mind. #dharma
I've been reading about how AI image generators disrupting the creative fields and I couldn't resist trying it out. Definitely fun to think of some ideas by remixing painters and concepts. Tried out a few monks as subjects as oil paintings influenced by Gustav Klimt and the results are interesting to say the least.
Even though the earlier part this year was still in lockdown, I realized that I have probably been in 15 cities in the last 9 months. Definitely need a break but even that one night I spent in Niagara Falls turn out to be quite memorable with a bunch of caption pros. #niagarafalls
Apparently there are a lot of snow birds (people) that migrate to Tucson for the winter and I can appreciate why. Probably still big for my taste of 500k people but definitely worth visiting. At about 2k elevation and higher elevation is within 30 min drive, it is easier to get away from the heat when necessary! #tucson #hiking