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.
I had to chance to witness a family retreat at Thich Nhat Hanh`s retreat center in upstate NY last week and it was just a wonderful treat to capture the wholesome energy of everyone there. There is definitely a part of me that is drawn to the simplicity and depth of Thay`s style of teaching. #buddhism #thichnhathanh #plumvillage
I had to chance to witness a family retreat at Thich Nhat Hanh`s retreat center in upstate NY last week and it was just a wonderful treat to capture the wholesome energy of everyone there. There is definitely a part of me that is drawn to the simplicity and depth of Thay`s style of teaching. #buddhism #thichnhathanh #plumvillage
i was planning on doing a retreat at the palyul retreat center in upstate NY but samsara had other plans for me. still, i stop by for a day to see what the vibe was like and it was charming to see families of tibetans and western students practice together. super impressed by the size of retreat center and quality their annual summer teachings. #dharma #vajrayana
i was planning on doing a retreat at the palyul retreat center in upstate NY but samsara had other plans for me. still, i stop by for a day to see what the vibe was like and it was charming to see families of tibetans and western students practice together. super impressed by the size of retreat center and quality their annual summer teachings. #dharma #vajrayana
enjoyed a short stop by #letchworthstatepark last week and took the drone out for a spin. #drone #landscapephotography #waterfall
enjoyed a short stop by #letchworthstatepark last week and took the drone out for a spin. #drone #landscapephotography #waterfall
the last day of puja for the Holiest Karmapa’s father passing and KTD had a special guest to lead today’s puja. Gyangkhang Rinpoche from Palyul lineage blessing us with his presence. #karmapa #buddhist #buddhism
the last day of puja for the Holiest Karmapa’s father passing and KTD had a special guest to lead today’s puja. Gyangkhang Rinpoche from Palyul lineage blessing us with his presence. #karmapa #buddhist #buddhism
as rare as it is to find buddhists willing to to interviewed by me, it is no comparison to the preciousness of this human life. the preciousness comes from our ability to realize and manifest our true potential as sentient beings. likewise, i prostrate to all the outer, inner and secret teachers! #buddha #buddhism #buddhist
as rare as it is to find buddhists willing to to interviewed by me, it is no comparison to the preciousness of this human life. the preciousness comes from our ability to realize and manifest our true potential as sentient beings. likewise, i prostrate to all the outer, inner and secret teachers! #buddha #buddhism #buddhist
decided to do some playful street photography today during my rest day in vegas. there is definitely a technical side to the practice but i think the unexpected compositions is what make it fun. also, playing with film simulation bracketing which is one of the unique features of fujifilm cameras. #streetphotography #fujifilm
decided to do some playful street photography today during my rest day in vegas. there is definitely a technical side to the practice but i think the unexpected compositions is what make it fun. also, playing with film simulation bracketing which is one of the unique features of fujifilm cameras. #streetphotography #fujifilm
play of forms and formlessness.
i was on my bike on the lakeshore trail and almost missed it but pleasant to find buddhist public art in chicago.
i was on my bike on the lakeshore trail and almost missed it but pleasant to find buddhist public art in chicago.
So the last leg of the trip was up to Banff from Waterton Lakes NP. Unfortunately, many parts of Canada were experiencing significant wild fires and we could see and feel the smoke in the NP. We tried our best to wait it out but after 4 days of little change, we ended our trip early. Still we got to hit a few notable places like Moraine Lake. Even though I have only been to a few NP in canada, it seems like they really put a lot of resources into it for people to enjoy. #banffnationalpark
So the last leg of the trip was up to Banff from Waterton Lakes NP. Unfortunately, many parts of Canada were experiencing significant wild fires and we could see and feel the smoke in the NP. We tried our best to wait it out but after 4 days of little change, we ended our trip early. Still we got to hit a few notable places like Moraine Lake. Even though I have only been to a few NP in canada, it seems like they really put a lot of resources into it for people to enjoy. #banffnationalpark
I drove to Cleveland for the solar eclipse as the duration of the totality was over 3 mins. I was a bit too ambitious in trying to capture different scenes from the eclipse with 3 cameras set up but gave up after realizing how challenging it was to track the sun as it moved with stationary tripod set ups. Anyway, even the cemetery i went to was packed for the eclipse. Still, glad i experience the totality but i don`t think i will be chasing it again!
I drove to Cleveland for the solar eclipse as the duration of the totality was over 3 mins. I was a bit too ambitious in trying to capture different scenes from the eclipse with 3 cameras set up but gave up after realizing how challenging it was to track the sun as it moved with stationary tripod set ups. Anyway, even the cemetery i went to was packed for the eclipse. Still, glad i experience the totality but i don`t think i will be chasing it again!
Although I wasn`t really in `retreat` mode, the 4 days spent at @serenityridge_retreat_center was rejuvenating. The health and wellness retreat was on the secular side with experts from the western perspective to balance the buddhist underpinning. Rincophe is definitely one of the most progressive teachers I`ve seen in person and his draw is powerful! I wished I had the chance to meet him in person earlier in my journey as the Bon lineage definitely has some practices that I resonate with. #dharma #buddhism
Although I wasn`t really in `retreat` mode, the 4 days spent at @serenityridge_retreat_center was rejuvenating. The health and wellness retreat was on the secular side with experts from the western perspective to balance the buddhist underpinning. Rincophe is definitely one of the most progressive teachers I`ve seen in person and his draw is powerful! I wished I had the chance to meet him in person earlier in my journey as the Bon lineage definitely has some practices that I resonate with. #dharma #buddhism