In a world where no one seems to agree on truth—what if beauty could transform the world? What if, in a world both literally and metaphorically on fire, beauty wants to sing? And what if we can’t truly fix the world’s problems—until we tame our own minds?
Hi, I’m Jampa. Welcome to a glimpse of my heart-mind. Be careful in here.
I wasn’t always this weird—poet, contemplative, fool. It took a lot of effort to arrive here!
Contemplative Summary
Blessings and karma are mysterious. Nine years of Dharma practice—spanning Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—have softened and opened me. My path winds through extensive training in Burmese Vipassana, Thai Forest Shamatha, Unified Mindfulness (Shinzen Young), and nearly three years of quasi-monastic Mahayana practice, culminating in my blessed connection with Garchen Rinpoche and the Vajrayana.
How Did I Get Here?
Well insert normal bio here. I worked a decade in business and tech, got an MBA at Duke, and climbed the corporate ladder. Yet, surrounded by “successful” people, I couldn’t shake the question: What am I doing with my life?
The mystery of karma struck when my grandfather, Lou (my best friend), passed away. Grieving and, oddly, running in the rain, I stumbled upon a two-month Buddhist mindfulness course 2 blocks from my house (did I mention I don’t run?). Beginner’s Mind flooded in. Soon, a daily practice (1–2 hours) transformed my life.
Facing an existential crossroads, I left my corporate job and became a Dharma Nomad in Asia exploring the nature of mind. For four years, I alternated between silent retreats (three months yearly) and meditating, reading, and writing in remote places. This phase, rooted in Pragmatic Dharma, set the stage for my next step: nearly three years of quasi-monastic training at the Monastic Academy for the Preservation of Life on Earth where I focused on training and aligning Artificial Intelligence with Wisdom and Love.
Why CCR?
Garchen Rinpoche changed everything. Buddhas can do that. I first met him by chance during a two-month work-study at Garchen Buddhist Institute. I didn’t know who he was and naively walked in, met with astonished stares: “You must have great karma.” In time, I took refuge and the Bodhisattva vow with him, which cracked me open. Tears of devotion—older than “me”—flowed.
In my tiny cabin one day, clarity emerged: this precious human life must be devoted to what is true, good, and beautiful. What I’d regret on my deathbed is not walking this path fully.
It’s very clear—to truly be of the most benefit—I need my own innate Wisdom to fully shine. That’s why I’m here: to cultivate Shamatha as the base camp for exploration and service, with the aspiration for realizing Bodhicitta and the Wisdom of Emptiness.
As a poet and podcaster, I’m drawn to the intersection of Art and Dharma as an offering—a portal and bridge—to the truth and goodness of the path. Of surfing that knife’s edge of the silent yet lively void—watching spontaneous creative expression flow—all while listening as something silently sings to us all with compassion.
I don’t want to regurgitate words of masters, but long to cultivate the Wisdom and skills necessary to truly guide beings along this path. To be a beacon of clarity and a drum of Bodhicitta in a darkening world, to compassionately sing to help along as many beings as I can.
For I can think of not a better way to spend this life.
Thank you to all my benefactors . May this “retreat” or how I have been relating to it—this pilgrimage of the non-dual heart—may it somehow, someway be a cause and condition in truth, beauty and goodness shining upon us all as we reach our highest human potential.
Retreat Newsletter: https://bardoblues.substack.com/
Podcast: Bardo Blues
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