Background

Liz is a Korean American who was born and raised in New York City, living bicostally between New York and LA for much of her life after the age of 15, and is now based in LA. Her parents are from South Korea, where Mahayana Buddhism has been a significant part of the culture for many centuries, although Christianity has become more prevalent in modern times. Despite her mother’s later conversion to Catholicism, which influenced Liz’s early education and religious practices, Liz never fully subscribed to the Catholic faith. Instead, she appreciated certain aspects of it and was later drawn to Hatha Yoga and Hindu culture.

Liz’s spiritual journey took a pivotal turn when she encountered Tibetan Buddhism, which resonated with her deeply. This interest grew more formal during a challenging period in her life marked by personal and friends’ struggles, highlighting themes of impermanence and loss. Attending Dharma teachings at a Center, she met Thupten Phuntsok, a former monk and her first Dharma teacher. Despite the Gelug lineage’s conservative reputation, Phuntsok’s heartfelt and sincere teaching style profoundly impacted Liz, laying a solid foundation for her spiritual path.