When were you first exposed to dharma?

I remember seeing Buddhist images on trips to India with my family. Seeing Zen images associated with martial arts, I started when I was 7. It was in my late teenage years when I began to do a concerted study of Buddhism while in Kansas…it would be my first stop at bookshops and libraries.The emphasis of psychology bridges East/West, which reflects my personal identity.

How has the path manifest in your daily experience?

The power of mindfulness to slow down. The power of emptiness and no-self that helps puts everything into perspective. Take work a bit less seriously. As a 2nd generation immigrant, I’m focused on being successful and establishing our family in society. Yet, Buddhism helps calm this drive when it gets out of hand.

If you explore other lineages within buddhism, how did you come to decide on which lineage was right for you?

Sakya is a lineage of logic and philosophy versus esoteric practices. Sakya has a strong local representation. Geshe Jamyang Tsultrim is a dear spiritual friend that heads up our local sangha. My wife was president for many years, before kids. Jamyang fled Tibet and was a monk since a young child. He came to Seattle with Deshung Rimpoche in the 80s, then derobed and married a white woman and became a mental health counselor. He currently teaches/does clinical work/ and integrates Costco into most of his teachings.

What are some of your practices/rituals that you do to support your spiritual development (meditation/prayers and etc)

We say the four-limbed prayer before dinner. We have imagery around the house.

The power of emptiness and no-self
helps puts everything into perspective.

Which sangha do you normally attend ?

The Nalanda Institute in Olympia. It’s always nice to know that there are some folks in active practice a few miles away.

What is your primarily profession?

Forensic psychologist and Academic, as well a martial artist and climber. Buddhism has changed the way I perceive sensations, thoughts, and physical activity. Nature and movement become beautiful and pain is reframed as growth.

Do you think your personality or background influence the lineage/practices that resonate with you?

Definitely, by nature I’m drawn to human suffering and always curious on how we are driven to cause ourselves more pain. The ideas of attachment, continuous awaking, and emptiness fit with how I see the world.

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