From an early age, I wondered if there was more to life than simply following typical scenarios that our modern capitalist society had to offer. Even though I was a rebel, I was a silent one, preferring to immerse myself in the fantasy worlds of literature and cinema. I remember being captivated by the meditative films by Andrei Tarkovsky, which sparked my interest in Eastern philosophy, and the provocative books by Carlos Castaneda that suggested there was a deeper reality beyond this deceptive one.
In the meantime, I earned a decent university education and worked in two office jobs, taking on tasks ranging from customer support, translations, and marketing to website administration, project management, and IT journalism. I’ve played guitar in a rock band, traveled the world, engaged in relationships—but none of these pursuits brought lasting happiness or ultimate fulfillment.
In my ongoing attempts to fathom the nature of reality, I turned to science, focusing on physics and astronomy (albeit at an amateur level). The scientific method of inquiry seemed superb, offering immense explanatory power. While I discovered countless facts and explanations, as well as the intrinsic harmony and beauty of nature’s laws, something still felt missing from the equation of completeness—something our modern civilization, largely driven by materialism and technology, is suffocating without. It wasn’t until later that I realized what that missing part was.
In 2021, amidst an existential crisis fueled by major disillusionment, I was blessed to encounter the teachings on the Great Perfection imparted by Lama Alan Wallace. Within a few months, I took Buddhist refuge and became his student. By that time, I had already been practicing daily meditation for about 3.5 years, but now my practice was profoundly enriched by the view, meditations, and conduct of Buddha Dharma. The following years were dedicated to studying the fundamentals, deepening my practice, and reorienting my entire lifestyle toward Dharma.
At the beginning of 2024, while circumambulating the grand Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, I made an aspiration to enter long-term retreat. Before long, such an opportunity opened up at Miyo Samten Ling. Now, a few months into retreat, I have no other desire but to continue. I am deeply grateful to the CCR, Lama Alan, and the countless people and circumstances that have made it possible for me to be here.
May all those who are suffering find relief and discover a path to liberation—the path of love, compassion, and nondual wisdom.
May all those in doubt gain confidence and turn their lives toward authentic Dharma.
May all devoted practitioners achieve perfect awakening in this very lifetime!
1 Carmelite Way P.O. Box 881 Crestone, CO 81131 info@centerforcontemplativeresearch.org Privacy Policy