Amber never set out to become Buddhist. Raised in a culturally Jewish family in New York, her search for meaning led her through yoga, heartbreak, and ultimately to an unexpected refuge ceremony in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Today, she shares how the Karma Kagyu lineage transformed her understanding of compassion, devotion, and daily practice. From yoga and Tara dance to meditation and service, Amber reveals how Buddhism reshaped every aspect of her life—turning suffering into purpose and discipline into freedom. Hers is a story of discovering that awakening isn't found by escaping life, but by learning to meet it with an open heart.

Donovan's story is one of profound transformation—from opioid addiction and childhood trauma to healing through Tibetan Buddhism. A nurse anesthetist from Texas, Donovan shares how meditation, refuge, visualization practices, and the support of his teacher and sangha helped him move beyond survival and discover compassion, resilience, and lasting recovery. His journey reveals how authentic Buddhist practice can transform suffering into a life of service, presence, and inner freedom.

Born in Cuba, Giulietta took Buddhist refuge in 2014 at the age of 26 or 27. At that time, she was an art historian informally representing artists. Her interest in Buddhism began when an artist introduced her to it, and she soon discovered that a Buddhist teacher was visiting. Despite her lack of prior religious commitment, she decided to take refuge along with her best friend. The opportunity seemed unique, and they didn't question the type of Buddhism being practiced, which turned out to be Tantra under Lama Ole.