Lisa, currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, originated from Florida and spent part of her youth in Atlanta before settling in Nashville. Discovering Buddhism at the age of 17 during a high school elective on Zen Buddhism, Lisa found solace in the teachings of impermanence, especially during a challenging period when she lost both parents at the age of 16.
Rigzin's journey into Tibetan Buddhism began through art but became a lifelong commitment after encountering the Dharma in Bodh Gaya. Through years of retreat, devotion to lineage, and the guidance of authentic teachers, she has integrated Buddhist practice into every aspect of life. Her story explores the transformative power of refuge, disciplined practice, impermanence, and the union of creativity and the Dharma, offering a compelling portrait of Buddhism lived beyond the meditation cushion.
Discover Gareth's journey of long-term Buddhist practice and how the Dharma transformed his relationships, work, sobriety, and understanding of authentic spiritual life. Through reflections on Sangha, teachers, lineage, and integrating mindfulness into everyday living, Gareth shares a grounded perspective on what it truly means to embody Buddhism beyond the meditation cushion.
Nancy's Buddhist journey spans decades of sincere spiritual exploration, leading from Christian contemplative traditions to the transformative path of Tibetan Buddhism. Through hospice work, chronic pain, near-death experiences, and unwavering devotion to Vajrayana practice, she shares how meditation became a path of profound inner transformation rather than self-improvement. Her story explores bodhichitta, death as a spiritual teacher, the importance of authentic lineage, and how genuine practice cultivates compassion, resilience, and freedom in everyday life.
David G's Buddhist journey began after addiction, personal loss, and the collapse of the life he thought would bring lasting happiness. Through recovery, the Shambhala tradition, lojong mind training, meditation, and decades of retreat practice, he discovered that freedom comes not from avoiding discomfort but from meeting it with curiosity, humor, and compassion. His story explores how lineage, community, and consistent practice can transform suffering into wisdom while revealing that awakening is less about becoming someone new and more about letting go of the stories that keep us trapped.
Michael delved into Eastern traditions, studying with various teachers, including a yoga master who deeply influenced him. Becoming a certified yoga teacher and massage practitioner, he aimed to help others recognize the unseen energies that influence mind and body. Encountering Buddhist teachings, specifically in the Vajrayana tradition, Michael delved into understanding the nature of the mind and one's true self. The teachings prompted him to question the nature of perception and explore the interplay between thought and reality. The Buddhist tradition became a guide for settling the mind and recognizing one's absolute identity. Encountering Buddhist teachings, specifically in the Vajrayana tradition, Michael delved into understanding the nature of the mind and one's true self. The teachings prompted him to question the nature of perception and explore the interplay between thought and reality. The Buddhist tradition became a guide for settling the mind and recognizing one's absolute identity.
Karen, from a young age, found herself drawn to the Episcopalians, captivated by the beauty of a small church in Denver with incense, candles, and vestments. Her interest in sewing, fueled by a passion for fashion, led her to contemplate creating vestments. In high school, she sought camaraderie at a Methodist church but felt a deeper calling while observing teachers in Portland. Her spiritual journey took a significant turn in Japan, where the sight of Jesus on street corners and prayer rocks left a lasting impression. The Zen center became a sanctuary, offering a sense of completeness with its form, stillness, bowing, and informative incense. During a confusing period in her marriage, residing in a Zen center for a year grounded her.
