Background

Lama Thupten was always drawn to meditative practices, even before they were formally defined as such. He lived in many places throughout his life, but one of the most significant was Selma, Alabama. Thupten witnessed the brutality of racism firsthand, but he also found solace in nature and solitude. Even as a child, he spent a lot of time alone, observing the world around him.

He dedicated himself to exploring various Asian disciplines and discovering the interconnectedness of all things. At a young age, Lama Thupten made a conscious decision to be a kind and compassionate person. He began formal training in martial arts at the age of 12, not as a means of violence, but as a spiritual path to enlightenment. Lama Thupten emphasizes the importance of training the body, speech, breath, and mind to cultivate kindness, compassion, and caring. Lama Thupten encourages us to live with awareness and intention, striving to leave a positive legacy when our time comes. He believes that his destiny is to serve others and help them awaken to their true potential.