Recent - Open Sangha Foundation

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Recent Users


	Andrew H Canberra 12-21 09:38		Meditating for over ten years.

	Prgrati Chennai 12-21 05:52		I am an explorer, fascinated by Buddha’s teachings . I am covinced about Dukha and I able to see it clearly. My endeavour is to find the path or a way to stop Dukha. I am software engineer , managing a technology firm as CTO , with over 20 years of experience.

	Jorge Barranquilla 12-21 05:27		My name is Jorge, I'm from Colombia. I introduced to Buddhist knowledge in 2023, been meditating on my own house, and plan to use the joy I discovered in my daily life.

	ropo 12-20 09:55		Found the dhamma in my mid-50s. Better late than never

	Cassidy171 12-20 09:12		To Know!

	Thomas Hammon 12-20 04:30		Sock puppet used for testing

	BBobb Ashtabula OH 12-20 01:13		Retired RN, beekeeper, hen herder in NEOhio.

	Paddy Mac Epsom Victor 12-20 01:00		Hi. Been reading buddhist literature and viewing dhamma talks for some years. Interested in pursuing this teaching.

	David Pellecer Guatemala City Guatem 12-19		I live in Guatemala, with my mother in my childhood home /apartment. I started being interested in yoga and meditation around 18, 19 , I left university at 19, i was studying environmental engineering, I come back twice after that few years later, in letters and philosophy, I did my first 10 days vipassana retreat at 19 , then i started studying the foundations of mahayana buddhism in House Tibet Guatemala. I dedicated myself to visual arts, still do, around those years i ended my first romantic relationship of three years, i took it really bad and cut my left armed in a spordict decision of ending my life, inmediatly call my mother to work and they took me to the psyquiatric hospital in Guatemala, this started and ongoing relationship with many psychiatrist, now i dont take any medications. later in 2017 i received vajrayana teaching of Guru Yoga of Milarepa and took refuge in the three jewels with Dr. Dorje Lopon Hun Lye. The main practices along my life, even in depresion or self aisolation, has bein anapana and vipassana. Recently my interest in Vajrayana resurface , I beg my mother to please give me a trip to India, to do my practice in the Mahabodhi tempel in Bodhgaya this year of 2024, i was present for the 19 anual recitation of the Tipitaka.

	Ozaem Sahil Basel 12-19 16:01		Just being here and now

	Micha Patiniott 12-19 10:34

	macdougdoug Pujols 12-19 09:45		Born into a family interested in J. Krishnamurti, Ch'an Buddhism, and Sufism. Started meditating daily after attending Vipassana (Goenka lineage) retreats around 20 years ago - yearly sesshins - weekly insight dialogue group member - recently started a small zazen group in my village in the south of France.

	Sophie J Thirroul NSW 12-19 06:59		I am a 63 year old woman born in Switzerland. I am married with an Australian man and now live in Australia. We have two children, now grown-up men. My mother language is french. I absolutely love listening to Dhammarato and his channel on YouTube. What he says makes total sense to me. I did yoga and tried to meditate for years. I have been doing the Work of Byron Katie for many years. I like a lot also. She has a clear way to question her thoughts. I practiced that in a forum with other people but now I want to do it live and do the turnaround in real life, change my thinking as soon as I realize that I have unwholesome thoughts, when it hurts actually. And to the change for wholesome thoughts.

	Cathal Costello Carlow Leinst 12-18 20:42		Hey there I am a 27 year old Irish guy living in Thailand since about june of 2023 I am enjoying my life as a monk right now and wish to practice sincerely the teachings of the Buddha and share the journey with fellow friends. Dog is god spelled backwards because dogs are a reminder that play and joy is the heart of the spiritual life for me

	Good enough Docsulo Norwalk CO 12-18 18:18		Have been a "searcher" my whole life - a pilgrim as Dhammarato calls it but thanks to Dhammarato I have been spending a lot more time in one "holy place" rather than going from place to place endlessly searching.

	martin guillaume 12-17 20:39

	Mikey (Michael C.) Tulsa OK 12-17 14:41		just a friend

	Dean gardiner Kilfeacle 12-17 08:39		Retired athlete

	NeoGeo Madeir 12-17 08:11		Not attached to any particular philosophy, tradition or spiritual guide. Figuring things out.

	Martita Nottingham 12-17 07:10		Just playing

	Dhammarato sa Koh Phangan Surat 12-17 03:		Administrator only user Dhammarato is a dhamma teacher in the lineage of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa. Now retired into the Lay life He spent many years as a monk in both Thailand and USA. He lives in Thailand on Kho Phangan and invites all dhamma friends to come hang out. He talks about the supramundane dhamma as instructed by Achan Pho the abbot of Wat Suan Mokkh..

	Jenau Coin Brantford, Ontario ON 12-17		I'm a seeker. On a journey to find what Buddism is all about and get in touch with something I've lost

	Gunnar Båstad 12-16 05:57		Dharma bum

	David Matte Chay-ya Surat 12-15 11:46		David Matte is a dharma fanatic from Ontario Canada. He was a typical happy Gen Y "90's kid" growing up. But experiencing periods of depression in his early 20's he sought to essentially answer: What the hell is going on here?

	Ivan Tan Kuching Sarawa 12-15 05:31		From Malayisa

	Bhikku Kittipuñño (Daniel van Chang Mai Utrech 12-15 03:0		Ordained 9th of may 2024 at Wat Don Pradittharam in Roi Et province Thailand under Ajahn Santi. Currently I’m staying at Wat Tam Doi Toan in Chiang Mai province.

	coiby t Nanjing 12-14 22:23		Hello world!

	charly bergmann Leipzig 12-14 11:53		I am Charly and I love dogs.

	Grant Ramsay Dunedin 12-14 06:00		I have been studying Buddhism and meditating for about 25 years. Initially as part of a local Tibetan Buddhist centre and now immersed in the Thai Forest Tradition.

	Nick Overhauser 12-13 03:01

	Ben Kaffan Dortmund NRW 12-11 18:48		started be interested in Buddhism since childhood

	Paul Cabanis Los Angeles 12-09 02:30		Primarily Yoga path. Some Shikantaza.

	MBT86 No city 12-08 16:52		Started with a zen practice in Dublin. Joined a Vajrayana sangha. Now I've been one year without any sangha.

	David James Bennison welland ON 12-08 13:26		I started practicing breath meditation 2019 going of a few YouTube videos. In 2020 my interest in Buddhism began to really develop as I was looking around several spiritual systems and continually coming back to the four noble truths and the noble 8 fold path. I was introduced to mastering the core teachings of Buddha through Frank Yang. With that got interested in the noting practice. Following a lot of Yuttadhammo bhikkhu videos and also reading Mahasi. My main practices for 2021 were noting, and Metta. I noticed quite a bit of benefit. In 2021 I became aware of Dhammarato after watching a few videos decided to try to practice anapanasati in this style and found freedom and success. I was satisfied, and didn't really see the need to call at the but start of 2022 and hearing all the talk of Sangha I decided to get involved. Joining the skype groups and discord has been of great benefit. Currently, I'm hosting a Saturday Sangha group voice chat on the discord. Glad a part of an open and wholesome community. This really works.

	Deirdre van der Wolk Eemnes 12-08 10:16		Private life: married to Peter for more than 30 years three adult children; Tim Rick and Thierry all living the life. Lots of friends. Hobby's reading music biking traveling cooking cultural activities Work: educated as a singer/singingteacher. Worked in that area for many years. Started a little theatre 6 years ago with Peter and now working fulltime to keep it going with a lovely group of people. www.hettheater.nl

	Coiby X 12-07 09:03		Web developer who has helped OSF with UM plugin

	tmkw 12-04 14:46		I'll fill this out later

	Edilio Pinna Cabras Italia 12-04 04:46		Ho iniziato ad interessarmi alla meditazione solo da poco tempo circa 2 anni dopo aver avuto una esperienza di vivere in presenza tanti anni fa che mi ha condizionato tutta la vita Adesso cerco di capire e sono curioso di conoscere e praticare. Mi affascina la filosofia e la linea seguita da Dhammarato e vorrei far parte di questo sangha per poter condividere con tutti voi le nostre esperienze. Grazie

	Anna Sissoko Paris 12-03 19:36		I find truth in different traditions and different teachers. All help me in the practice of Dhamma at different levels. My approach is particularly focused on healing trauma by developping right understanding of the real origin of suffering (ie our own mind)

	vbuskirk Pa Pae Mae Taeng Chiang Mai		Fifty-six year old retired academic researcher (computer scientist) from Nashville, TN. Moved to Thailand in March. Ordained in June 2024.

	Marc Koopmans Arnhem 12-03 11:35		In have worked for many years at an IT company. I am now student on Academy of Photography in Amsterdam I was introduced to the dharma by a friend 2 years ago. I frequently listen to the talks of Dhammarato

	Nuggets71 Marshall VIC 12-01 19:07		Discovered the dharma in 2010. Practiced Mahayana Buddhism on and off for several years but have been mainly practicing thai forest Buddhism since 2016

	BenceKelemen Szeged Csongr 12-01 18:52		I am Bence Kelemen, from Hungary. Practicing meditation and 5 precepts for about 3 years.

	yesu upasaka Badajoz 12-01 12:11		Hi all, my name is Jesús, I didnt make it up, is my real name. Im from Spain, born in 79. I was educated in a catholic environment, studing since very young age in a Catholic school, with catholic religion as a subject but at a very young age, around 8 years old I started to dislike and dobut all of that, getting myself in trouble with classmates and priests in the school. After some time, I got expelled from the school and went to a secular school. Got interested in philosophy that would be against religion like Nietzsche and join movements based on whatever was anti-christian, like Black Metal communities and so on. With time and age, I got very disatisfied with my jobs, relationships and the way I was living and traveled to Thailand where I found the Dhamma. Since then I started to study and do hard core retreting with Goenka tradition first, then with “pragmatic Dharma” movement, struggled with the practice and got obsessed with the stages of insight and the attainments, until finally I found a Dhammarato video in Guru Viking. The simplicity and beauty of Dhammarato teachings felt like a breath of fresh air and a relief of all the concepts and maps that I was attached to. Since then I got interested in Thai Forest tradition, started visiting monasteries and hang out with the monks. At the moment Im finishing a Gestalt psychotherapy training and planning a trip to Thailand to ordain there.

	Sherab Mississauga Ontari 12-01 09		I am 68 in good health. married with 3 children and 2 grandchildren. I belong to Nalandabodhi Toronto. I have been studying independently and also with direction from Nalandabodhi, and now have a comfortable level of understanding of buddhist philosophy, but am underdeveloped in my meditation practice. I came across Open Sangha in a dedication from Peter Barth's book. I have read a lot of Buddhism books, (I have a huge collection for what it is worth), including Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, and intend to build my practice around bodhicitta, mindfulness, meditation and Mahamudra.

	uincom 12-01 07:17		Just a normal guy, living in Germany.

	Scarlett284 Charlotte NC 12-01 03:22		I'm grew up in North Carolina. I lived for about a decade in Cincinnati, Ohio and for a couple of years in Boulder Creek, California where I worked at the Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture. I moved back about a year before Covid. I have one son (he lives in England with his wife). I currently live in Northern Charlotte.

	Waxhaw Luke Tempe AZ 12-01 02:40		waxhow luke is a sock puppet

	dhamma dasa Bloomingdale IL 11-30 03:19		Zen dude

	Ksanti Montreal QC 11-28 16:06		Love video game, tv show, yoga, meditation, dharma.

	Rhea ON 11-28 15:41		I have found that Buddhist philosophy has helped me through my life, but still know so very little -- I a a beginner. I have found documentaries, films and print and online materials are my educational resources. I live in a small ( approx. 3100 pop.) rural Northern Ontario Canada community. I have no sangha other than what I find online. Quite isolating.

	Simon_r 11-28 09:41		Currently my practice is focused on the Jhānas, as taught by Rob Burbea, but also others.

	maneadr 11-28 08:57		No self

	ThrinleyWangkuk70 Jefferson city TN 11-24 02:		I'm a student and practicioner ot Shin path. No matter what road i take in life it always leads me back to Amida Buddha.

	Charlielevett London 11-20 12:15		21 year old meditator from London. Started practicing when I was 15 at boarding school. I became deeply invested in practice about 4 years ago when I came across the mind illuminated book by Culadasa. From there I’ve developed an ecclectic interest in soto zen, Thai forest tradition and the vipassana teachers associated with Gaia house in Devon. I’m a university student studying philosophy and psychology. I do voluntary research investigating interaction effects between frequent psychedelic use and meditation practice. I also like reading 20th century analytic moral philosophy.

	anmoljot 11-20 11:23		28yo Woman from India. Working as an electronics engineer.

	VajraClaw Hanoi 11-16 07:10		I study all non-dual tantra and anthroposophy

	dknz .kumar 2008 Sydney NSW 11-15 06:43		Hi i'm Dylan and I live in Sydney Australia. More to be written soon!

	swiseWHAT Vancouver WA 11-14 04:27		I'm 33. Lost my mom last month. She was the biggest supporter anyone could hope and her loss has been as immensely painful as her importance, revered. Have been struggling with emotional regulation my entire life. Ready to let go of expectations outside myself and detach from all the "wants" in life to focus on what is good in the herenow while taking personal responsibility for my own inner peace.

	Matteo Oriani London 11-12 02:29		Hello! My name is Matteo, I am 41 years old, originally from Italy but I have lived the past 10 years in London. I have worked in the financial industry for a long time, but my need for a purpose was never fulfilled. I then managed to work in sustainability and at the same time firstly studied and then practiced as a counsellor psychologist. Almost 10 years ago, my issues with insomnia and restlessness drove me to meditation and from this I develop a growing interest in Buddhism. I am currently travelling long time in south east Asia, I will be soon in Thailand and would like to practice and learn Theravada, that I encountered recently in the UK. Looking forward to meet friends on a similar path! Matteo

	Abhijit Wankhade Nashua NH 11-11 18:02		I am a typical novice practitioner who was atheist my whole life. Started doing Vipassana since last 3 years and now reading sutta central, Majjhim Nikaya and learning Pali. My goal is Nibbana :)

	Basil Tong Surrey BC 11-10 06:12		Hi my name is Basil.

	joyful-jutsu Napier 11-10 03:37		Learning the Dhamma from Dhammarato. Following the Dhamma is a great way to live life.

	Alexander Hipple Vancouver WA 11-09 18:48		Open Sangha Foundation (OSF) is pleased to have Alex as a volunteer and our fifth example of one whom we financially support. Please be generous to OSF so we can continue supporting our friends in the Dhamma.

	Samten Uong Bi 11-07 15:33		Originally from Britain but residing in S.E. Asia. Trained in Vietnamese Zen and S.B.T. (Secular Buddhist Tradition). Meditation Instructor guiding daily online meditation sessions (often twice a day). Skillful Living Instructor. Takes a secular approach to meditation and mindfulness practices.

	ThS Kiel 11-06 09:36		In process

	Santiago Philadelphia PA 11-06 00:22		Greeting and salutations brothers and sisters, I am 25 years old, male, and a university student studying psychology with an interest in clinical psychology. A lover of history, spirituality, religion, philosophy, and psychology. A religious Hindu practicing Tibetan Buddhism. I am currently living in Philadelphia. Peace be with you.

	pjackson777 Phuket 11-05 13:35		I began meditating seriously 12 years ago with the intention of understanding and mastering the mind (having grown up around martial arts, the idea of strength in the mind was central). I joined the Phuket meditation centre and that opened the door to all the Buddhist teachings. I went to Suan Mokh for the 10 day retreat a few years ago and when listening to Guru Viking I learned of Dammarato and his connections to Suan Mokh. I've been living in Thailand for 22 years, teaching at international schools

	Karwan 11-02 06:49		Living in Thailand with my two dogs

	Steve James; Guru Viking Oxford 11-01 16:28		Host of the Guru Viking Podcast.

	Keyshawn Ebanks, chicago il 11-01 01:59		I practice sometimes Board member pof OSF

	rick m Ellicott City MD 10-31 15:5		Hi. I've been studying Vipassana and Thai Forest in the tradition of Thanissaro Bhikkhu. I live inMaryland. I'm looking for local and online friends who follow this path.

	jasonb Washington DC 10-28 14:27		I practice independently.

	genro 10-28 07:40		I hate registration forms

	Scott H drayton North 10-27 15:42		Average guy, nothing much to speak of. Found the channel awhile back interesting and refreshing, follow it almost daily.

	Jordan Turner 5563 BURNABY BC 10-26 03:00		I have been meditating off and on for around 8 years as of 2024. I am interested in deepening my understanding of reality and learning more about Buddhism.

	Rebis Cambridge MA 10-25 18:29		Initiated into Rudrananda Yoga Ashram January 31 1976. Student of Chetananda and John Mann. Recently affiliated with Nyingma (Vajrayana) via Lama Rangbar.

	greggelliot Glasgow 10-21 06:12		Intuitively Dharma oriented; conditioned mind still grasping; Duhkka, Marra seen yet still playing hide & seek

	kgreen London Englan 10-20 19:01		I’m interested in learning meditation and the teachings.

	Tom Graham London 10-20 18:54		From London. Eager to practice the early teachings and connect with likeminded folk

	Leetriplett Rock Hill South 10-20 15:5		I have recently practicing zazen and felt the need to join a sangha to learn correctness of this meditation. I live in Rock Hill, South Carolina in Park Pointe Retirement home. Among 300 residents here, there are no other residents that practice Zen. Loneliness has led me to join the meditation online.

	IdaT Šibenik Dalmat 10-19 21:07		Gestalt psychotherapist..

	Arjun Ratnapura Qc 10-19 04:53		I am a 23-year-old man from Canada. I have followed Buddhism since I was 17 years old. I was in Tibetan Buddhism first but during the pandemic, I started to follow Theravada Buddhism.

	Treehealy Tristan Bangor ME 10-17 22:26		I have studied and practiced Buddhism for around 30 years now though I have only sort of figured things out as of late lol! : ) Hope all are well!

	Brett Miller Ooltewah TN 10-17 20:47		Lay practitioner of the Dhamma.

	Dan M Philadelphia PA 10-17 00:19		Hello, I started connecting with Buddhism a little more than 20 years ago through curiosity, interest in self learning. I was learning mainly through reading and interpreting my own understanding of practices such as meditation. My practice and consistency has been on and off over the years. Within the last 10 years I have had a small bit of contact with a local Sangha and teacher. I have used the guidance of apps as well. I am hoping to connect more with others, grow further and provide encouragement or support to others.

	Abhaya Darpana Crossville TN 10-16 23:45		Abhaya committed to the path of Dharma in 2010, subsequently ordained in May 2020 as a Dharmacharya (Buddhist Lay Minister) in the Embracing Simplicity Contemplative Order under Venerable Pannavati and the late Venerable Pannadipa. In Dec 2023 he completed Upāsaka training under the mentorship of Ajahn Sona via the Secluded Study Training Program for Dedicated Lay Buddhist Practitioners Around the World offered by Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery (Sītavana), a Theravada Buddhist monastery in the Thai Forest Tradition. His primary practices of Samādhi, Satipaṭṭhāna (4 Establishings of Mindfulness) in the style offered by Bhikkhu Anālayo, Ānāpānasati (Mindfulness with Breathing), and the Brahma Vihāras (Divine Abidings) spring from an affinity for the approaches offered in Early Buddhism. He also has an appreciation for the later traditions, having undertaken Mahāmudrā, Dzogchen, and Zen retreats including formally receiving the 5 Mindfulness Trainings from Thích Nhất Hạnh in 2013 when he was given the Dharma name Healing Courage of the Heart. Having worked over 30 years in the hospital critical care setting, he brings his intimacy with the illness, death, and dying processes to bear in Dharma sharing. He is also passionate about Dharma as a central support for dealing with addictions of all kinds. Abhaya's spiritual journey includes being raised Catholic and attending elementary parochial school with Nuns as teachers, then diving deeply into Pentecostal Protestantism, followed by a departure from spirituality, with later membership in Unitarian Universalist churches. He committed to the path of Dharma in 2010, subsequently spending several months of cumulative time in silent meditation retreats and thousands of hours in personal practice and study. He has two lovely grown daughters, and an amazing canine companion named Bodhi who has served as a therapy dog in hospitals, nursing homes & addiction treatment facilities through the University of Tennessee's Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT) program. Abhaya is an affiliated teacher with Lotus Light Contemplative Community Center in Knoxville, TN and serves on their Board of Directors.

	Suma Ro Izumiotsu 10-15 04:20		Karma

	Beachyogi1967 SC 10-14 12:15		I took refuge vows with Khenpo Karthar Rinpiche 30 years ago and run a small Kagyu Study group in Myrtle Beach SC

	Andrew Hayden Perth WA 10-13 23:03		My first taste of anything dharma related was through the book “Way of The Peaceful Warrior” which I read when I was 18 years old back in the year 2000. I also enjoyed reading books filled with Zen stories such as “Zen Flesh, Zen Bones” during my early 20s. Although I later went on to do a couple of Goenka retreats and subsequently had some intermittent attempts to practice meditation, it was only by around the start of 2013 that I really began to put dedicated effort into learning the dharma (which at that point in time, to me, meant doing daily meditation sittings). Around this time, I started wathcing a lot of YouTube videos (teachers such as Adyashanti and Shinzen Young) and then started getting into Theravada Buddhism. After listening to a bunch of online dharma talks by various teachers in the Theravada tradition (particularly Thai Forest), and doing a couple more Goenka retreats, I ended up mainly listening to and practicing in line with the teachings of Thanissaro Bhikkhu, and also Rob Burbea, (who was, at one time, a student of Thanissaro). Before this, point in time, I had tried practicing using various dry insight methods but found that they never really worked for me. Thanissaro Bhikkhu and Rob Burbea showed me how to develop (and the importance of) good, nourishing samadhi, alongside developing the clear seeing and discernment of vipassana through the practice of Anapanasati. Finally I started getting some real results and confidence in my practice, which by then had become more integrated into my daily life. I'm really happy to have now found Dhammarato's teachings and to be part of a real sangha. I appreciate how down to earth and simple Dhammarato's teachings are with his emphasis on getting satisfied and staying satisfied right here, right now.

	BeAJoyfulNoiz Mt View HI 10-13 21:25		I am new to Buddhism. I am open to learning something I am drawn to.

	DjembeJan SOUTH HADLEY MA 10-13 21:23		I am a retired holistic nurse. I have been a mystic most of my life; my father was a Quaker minister. I have trained and practiced shamanism for about 25 years and followed a loose Buddhist and eclectic path for 40 hears. I currently am processing a new cancer diagnosis. I am enrolled in Kornfield and Brach's 2-year Mindfulness Teacher training. I am seeking a spiritual community experience.

	kmar101 CO 10-13 16:56		Live in the states but enjoy connecting with others through online. Began path in Jodo Shinshu but have in the past few years changed to Theravada and Pa Auk school

	Tomas 10-13 11:00		no emojis </s>

	harry zhang 888 Tulsa OK 10-11 14:01		MBA coporate executive;business owner; Yogi

	Jana Casares Costa Malaga 10-10		Hi, I have been practicing since my daughter was born. It was time when some changes in my mind occurred. It was like a dam burst. at that time I found a psychologist practicing vipassana. when I sat down on the cushion it was as if I had finally found what I had been looking for for so long.

	Tony K Guatemala City 10-10 14:21		19 years ago I took refuge in the Karma Kagyu tradition and started practicing Ngondro. 10 years ago I started Vipassana as Goenka teaches it. I have always been attracted to watching the breath and simplifying my practice so recently I started to follow the instructions of the Anapanasati sutta.

	AndriusPakinkis Kaunas 10-09 17:08		A man interested in a spiritual path

	ianduncan San Cristobal NM 10-09 14:3		I am a Daoist priest with two Bon Dzogchen teachers: HH the 33rd, and Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. I hope that affiliation is acceptable to participate here.

	慧禅 Hui Chan Fuzhou 10-09 12:47		Can call me by my Dharma name 慧禅/Hui Chan or my 'normal' name, Ross. Practice the Dharma in China and online with various friends and groups.

	Laura Liebenau 10-09 08:20		Dear friends, I am Laura, 29 years old. Personally I had quite a rough start with the teachings. I started out pretty tense about it and tried to force my self into letting go of everything at once. That did not work out. That way of looking at the teachings had a great impact on my mental health. I had a turning point 1.5 years ago, where my mind and body did not allow me any further down the path I was going. Now I am talking a more gentle approach and I think I have a more realistic picture about my own abilities and what the path may be really about. Still I would say that I am not really at a point of great understanding of the path. I am at the very beginning and surfice. The reason I want to join the sangha is to be able to learn from and with other people. I think that was a key thing that was missing and I feel that there is great power and energy in learning together and supporting each other with good intentions. I think that can really bring forth a lot of joy and energy to practice. I am really looking forward to the potential of this sangha and what benefit it can bring to all of us.

	Nyanasami Ang thong Ang th 10-07 13:5		Yogi

	Edward Mayaguez PR 10-03 12:43		Podcaster Music Producer Lyricist and poet Spiritual, open minded

	Robert Walker Cohen Bogota 10-03 09:03		Been student of Dhammarato for years

	Santikaro Norfork Wi 09-27 03:05		Kevala Retreat Center was inspired by Wat Suan Mokkh in Thailand. Sitting on a hill in Southwestern Wisconsin, it consists of three guest houses where people can come stay and retreat either alone or with a group. There are only a few rooms available, so not many people will be there at one time. In the front, there are two of the guest houses, one with a shared kitchen and library space upstairs, and the house of Santikaro and his wife Marie Jo. Marie Jo and Santikaro spend some time each day taking care of the wildlife, the trails, and the horses that live on the property, but they are both available to schedule a chat with at any time if you just knock on their door. Walking to the back, there is a long soft grass trail with 6 or 5 places to veer off and sit on a little bench in seclusion. It’s like a beautiful little nature park full of native flora and fauna. There is also one guest house in the back of the property that sits more secluded than the houses in front. Santikaro and Marie Jo also keep three friendly cats that wander around making friends with the guests. Guests are expected to bring their own food, keep to their own schedule, and to clean up after themselves. It’s a wonderful place to come and retreat on your own or in a group.

	Candana Kurunegala District 09-26 1		Long term monk in Pa Auk tradition

	Callum Greet Cornwa 09-22 14:54		Callum is a student of Dhammarato

	Maitreya thienan Saigon 09-21 11:54		I would like to be a monk

	dsnthepetman Collingswood NJ 09-19 11:06		I love dogs! Actually I love many creatures but I think dogs the most. This is good since I am a dog walker. Some of my other passion are skiing, travel, and live music. I’ve been a meditator for more than 15 years now and once attended a retreat lead by Thich Nhat Hahn.

	Dhammarato Happy Ampoe Koh Phangan Surat 09		Dhammarato is a dhamma teacher in the lineage of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa. Now retired into the Lay life, He spent many years as a monk in both Thailand and USA. He lives in Thailand on Kho Phangan and invites all dhamma friends to come hang out. He talks about the supramundane dhamma as instructed by Achan Pho the abbot of Wat Suan Mokkh..

	sock puppet H Ampo Koh Phangan Thaila 09-		sock puppet H

	dhammarato 16 koh phangan surat 09-13 02		just another sock puppet

	tommy Im Lisbon 09-12 22:35		I found Dhammarato via a Guru Viking video wherein he debated Daniel Ingram on the Mahasi method my favoured technique prior to anapanasati.

	Susan Thorning TORONTO ON 09-11 17:50		Hello my name is Susan I've been listening to Dhamma talks online for 5+ years. I've attended Silent Retreats with a variety of teachers and meditation centers. Dhammarato's online teachings resonate best (Dukkha Dukkha Naroda). I've participated in Ajahn Geoff's online teachings as well as Tuere Sala's. online retreats.

	Leonard 09-11 17:24		The simplest things are the most complex.

	Jonas Stepanik Wolfenbüttel 09-11 08:35		I'm studying computer science in Germany. I have been on a spiritual search for some time now and I love to express my path in music.

	anuutama Singapore 09-10 15:21		just here to make friends

	Matthew Hoskins Bangkok Thailand 09-10 08:2

	Caleb Cincinnati OH 09-09 03:17		Heya! I'm Caleb, and I have been practicing Dhamma infrequently for a couple of years now. I am looking to find more Sangha interaction within my daily life, and would love to grow with you all.

	Joseph_Doan Lexington KY 09-07 21:30		I'm a 36 year old Buddhist truck driver. I have a wife and 2 boys. I first found the dhamma while serving in the Navy and came across Bhante Gunaratana's books. I"ve practiced all kinds of Buddhism but am most at home in the Vipassana practice of the Sayadaw lineage. Most recently I've found the book "The Mind Illuminated" by Culadasa and am working with those guides by Culadasa. I love to read the Sutta's and lots of other dharma books and I'd love to find a teacher for further guidance past the stream enterer phase of practice, as well as a sangha to share the life of the dharma with.

	Michael Greenker Beloit WI 09-07 15:46		I have been practicing Zen in the White Plum Asanga, a Soto and Sanbo Kyodan lineage through Taizan Maezumi, as well as reading about traditional Theravada, Vipassana and Insight practices. I work as a welder, which is remarkably like calligraphy in that hot metal flows and pools like ink, and I find factory work a wonderful opportunity for mindfulness and presence. The recognition of happiness in this moment feels like coming home, and at the same time I look forward to continuing to grow and mature along the Path

	xiaoyan li pisa 09-07 09:43		I have been studying Buddhist teachings since 2017. In 2019, I developed a deep interest in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the teachings of the Nyingma lineage. However, I focused too much on theoretical knowledge and overlooked the importance of actual practice, such as meditation. Starting in October 2023, I began learning and practicing meditation regularly. My greatest aspiration in this lifetime is to realize that everything is a dream and to transcend this dream, even though that, too, is part of the dream.

	Tuomas Alanen Vaasa 09-06 16:33		Hey this is Tuomas and what a relief it is to practice satisfaction!

	Matthew Hoskins 09-06 12:26		Matt is the treasurer of Open Sangha Foundation. He is One of the first financial supporters. He gives guidance and advice for the OSF web site.

	Maria Fowler Kingston NS 09-03 11:51		Pending

	lion 7037 anirudh poranki Evanston IL 09-01 18:30		Hi! I’m a college student who’s been practicing for the last 1-2 years. I started off with Goenka’s Vipassana and now am learning under Dhammarato.

	Mark Shindo Knoxville 09-01 12:24		Simply sit

	Uona Trondheim 09-01 11:53		An European SouthEasterner living in the faraway fjords in the North. Lover of arts, crafts, nature, fantasy worlds, real worlds, travel, movement, choir singing, dancing, archery and a whole other set of joyful dynamic activities. Entered more serious practice after a series of sleep troubles due to many an anxious unwholesome thought that I got stuck onto in some periods in life. A friend pointed me into a direction of various lectures and videos on the topic of meditative practice. Then learning to enjoy the breath day after day and listening to Dharma talks, especially those of Thich Nhat Hahn, led me into a new lifetime and a renewed experience of joyous living. Here to expand the practice further, meet a wider sangha and bring joyous outlook at life to future generations.

	shell 08-29 13:19		not much

	aurelien Flatman Reading Englan 08-21 19:19		Hey guys! My name is aurélien ill add more to this bio over time just wanted to get signed up for now!

	Jason Cullen 08-21 09:14		I'll fill this in later.

	Kim L Haarlem 08-19 17:22		My name is Kim I am a 35 year old man from the Netherlands. I started my dhamma practice about 8 years ago during a very difficult relationship as a means to cope and later as a means to deal with trauma. My more intensive practice started with The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa. I derived great benefit from this and could eventually get into first jhana relatively easily. But off the cushion only the coarser variety of unwholesome thought would really be noticed by me as such and dealt with. Practicing according to Dhammarato’s instructions really changed that. More on that later. I also did a bunch of other practices including Tibetan meditations presented by Reggie Ray of dharma ocean. I eventually went on a month long retreat at his retreat center in Colorado after which I collapsed with a chronic health condition I have been dealing with ever since. The root cause of the condition is what they call “kundalini awakening” which I find a rather vague mystical term for a condition that is understood somewhat poorly and can take a variety of forms and also differ wildly in intensity. For me it started about 1.5 years earlier when I really ramped up my meditation practice. I had heavy ongoing kriyas in practice and later off the cushion also experienced continuous purifications and energetic symptoms. Instead of properly pacing I my achiever personality part pushed through with practice. I was already exhausted and suffering PTSD so this whole situation culminated in a heavy burnout. Adrenal exhaustion and becoming bedridden. Meanwhile the “kundalini” energetic phenomena continued unabated whether I meditated or not. Traumatized parts of my personality where so overwhelmed by all this that they went into a perpetual state of “freeze” mode and dissociation and my nervous system started heavily blocking the flow of kundalini energy that was trying to force purification. This lead to extreme physical symptoms and extreme fatigue. And a repeating cycle of crashes and recoveries that where very taxing and caused further deepening of PTSD. It took about 3 years before I found the tools to get out of that state. But not out of bed. Because once my nervous system was out of that “freeze” mode the kundalini purification process started really ramping up. Kriyas (involuntary muscle contractions vocalizing inner heat trembling. Then more intense whole body continuous all day and night vibrations - my entire body feels like a tuning fork or like I’m laying on one of those vibration machines at the gym - and lots of inner heat. And that is where I still am at: 3.5 years later. Still bedridden (about 6.5 years total now). Still going through that endless purification process. In my dreams I see some of what is being processed. The depth of emotional residue that is taken in from all our relationships is enormous. At least when we do not practice the dhamma rigorously. It is really like a swamp. About a month ago I found out that at least 1 other person has experienced pretty much exactly the same kind of “kundalini” process as I am undergoing. Gopi Krishna. Who was in bed for many years as well and wrote a few books about it. The process and its stages as I experience it is pretty much completely the same as the one Gopi underwent down to more detailed patterns; given this I think I can gauge that I will be recovering in about 2 years or so but if it’s longer I am okay with it too. About a year and a few months ago I found Dhammarato. I heard about him before many years ago from my time posting on /r/streamentry on Reddit but this was before he had his YouTube channel. So I started watching and got hooked on the noble dhamma. I have been watching his videos very regularly and practice the noble dhamma now which has been an absolute blessing. I have yet to have a talk with Dhammarato himself. I would like to but I’m usually too tired to have conversations lasting more than say: 10 minutes. So that would have to wait. That said I think I get more than enough from áll the available talks and occasionally chatting with people in the discord sangha group. This process and illness have given me the opportunity to work deeply with various personality parts. Not just via the dhamma but also a number of effective therapeutic tools I have adopted over the years. For which I am very grateful. My psyche functions much more harmoniously and has become quite flexible. Though the work is still ongoing. There was a quote from Zen Mind Beginners Mind: “‘when I was young I was like a tiger. But now I am like a cat.’ He was very pleased to be like a cat”. Because my symptoms are still quite intense and my nervous system is often in a very excitatory state due to the energetic process I still find myself distracting myself with my phone a lot. I make sure I keep mindfulness strong while doing so and toss out unwholesome thoughts and reactions as they arise and gladden the mind. But I am allowing myself this mode of distraction for now. Besides Dhammarato instructions and a few therapeutic tools I also utilize some somatic and Vajrayana meditation protocols. To deal with energetic blockages in my system and because non dual meditation like mahamudra can bring about a very effortless state of sukha and really turn the volume down on the mind which can be nice when energy is very limited.

	Tom Runnemede Nj 08-19 14:55		Retired relocating from Florida returning to Phila-South Jersey seeking Sangha

	callum escayg 3001 London 08-12 10:00		enjoy learning dhamma

	Ayya Sudhamma Charlotte NC 08-08 06:17		Ayya (Ven.) Sudhamma was born in 1963 and raised in Charlotte NC. She was an attorney before leaving home to become a nun in 1998. She received novice ordination from Ven. H. Gunaratana (Bhante G) at the Bhavana Society in 1999.She received higher ordination as a bhikkhuni in Sri Lanka in February 2003 under her preceptor Ven. Khemacari in a ceremony led by Ven. Dhammaloka Sangha Nayaka at the Mt. Lavinia temple Tapodharanamaya.For 8 1/2 years she was the Resident Monk at the Carolina Buddhist Vihara in Greenville SC. She spent most of 2012 visiting Santi Forest Monastery in Australia. She expresses gratitude to her fellow Charlotteans for making it possible for her to return to her hometown.

	Happy fabricator Genoa city 08-07 21:24		Father husband sheet metal fabricator.

	JESSICA Phoenix AZ 08-02 21:56		Hi. I’m Jessica. You can find me on X @theartofjessica and in the deserts of Arizona. I am 43 years young. Dhammarato sent me here.

	Larz G Marlborough MA 08-02 01:27		Influenced by Thich Nhat Han and the Dalai Lama

	Alexandre Choux Coulommiers 08-01 14:15		Currently traveling with a bicycle from France to Nepal. I’m a musician who likes traditional music like Balkan/Turkish folk music.

	Andrey Derevyanko 08-01 02:49

	Anna Ginzburg BROOKLYN NY 07-31 20:28

	Ana Ochoa Morelia Michoa 07-31 18:38		I’m Ana born in Mexico. I like to do art. I enjoy practicing yoga studying and reading and meditation.

	Ben Williams 07-31 12:10

	David Gardiner CO 07-31 02:15

	Berta Fossas Marlton NJ 07-31 01:01		My name is Berta 51, originally from Spain, and now living in south New Jersey. I have been meditation for over 8 years now and still feel like a beginner so believe in reaching out to others! Good to be here!

	Josh Mueller Longmeadow MA 07-30 15:02		I have been sitting almost daily for almost two years now. No tradition adopted or lineage

	Mountain Dhamma Sekiu WA 07-29 15:47		There’s nothing to it.

	sugar mathura Bangkok 07-26 17:11		Meditation is my daily life. I hope for inner peace radiant to all people :D

	Elias Fahssi Calgary Albert 07-17 03:35		I am an ex-academic turned strategist and marketer. I wish to deepen my understanding of Sangha and Buddhism particularly to cultivate a more resilient sense of peace.

	Karolyn Ruffino Illinois US 07-02 01:47		A young padawan trying to live in the present moment

	Amit .Kothiyal Berlin 06-30 12:56		Hello I am practicing the teachings of Dhammarato and it is helping me to cultivate and sustain the happy states of mind.

	Canada Five Wisdoms Temple Test Toronto ON 06-30 12:44		Lama Jamyang Lodro is one of those rare Dharma teachers that deeply developed their own practice before starting to teach. He teaches according to the needs of each individual and provides support for spiritual development and healing of the mind and body. Lama Jamyang was born in Tibet. He studied in Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, his whole life is devoted to practice and helping others. Five Wisdoms Temple was opened in June 2016. It was established as a place to learn and practice Dharma, Vajrayana Tibetan Buddhism in particular, and Tibetan Yoga. The notion of Five Wisdoms comes from Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings. Five Wisdoms refers to five different types of knowledge. These five can be of two kinds, one is the inner wisdom, which means Buddhists teachings, and another is outer teachings, which is regular worldly knowledge and common teachings for all people. These are – art, languages, logic, medicine and science. This temple was named Five Wisdoms for two reasons; the first reason is that lama Jamyang studied in Five Wisdoms (Wuming) Buddhist Academy in Seda in Tibet, and second - is that that through these wisdoms you can do Dharma practice and attain the final result.

	Jan bam Giessen 06-20 20:50		Musician years of depression tipped my toes in the storm and the middle path

	Mokuko raphaelle Oissel 06-17 10:17		I'm Raphaëlle 35 years old. I work like interior conceptor. I live in flat with my cat. I practice zazen from zen soto since 10 years. My teacher is Jiko Roshi. I practice in Gendronnière temple and virtual sangha. I exchange with another bouddhist wich some different path. Thank you for the connection

	Liam Woods Radford VA 06-11 23:33		I’m a simple kind of guy. I’m looking to make connections with other people who share some of my spiritual beliefs and ideologies, learn from people who know more than me (so most people) and further my practice through connection with others.

	danys dragons michael hamel Ottawa 06-10 16:27		Programmer in Ottawa.

	Still mind Bturn Seattle 06-10 03:31		Found the Dhamma and meditation on a 10 day Vipassana retreat in 2019. The deep insight I had opened me up to a new direction in life and I have been exploring and practicing in the Theravada tradition ever since. I have practiced in a few different meditation styles and mostly without guidance from a teacher. I look forward to connecting with other practitioners.

	duaned ecal Whitehall PA 06-09 21:34		Hair salon owner by day… reclusive inner hermit by night…

	Sam Saffron Walden UNITED 06-06		I enjoy meditation.

	Tora Cathrynne Stryder Dallas TX 06-03 12:59		I feel enmeshed in the wheel of dharma for the first time after years of atheism and hope to join a Theravada nunnery and take a vow of poverty next June of 2024. I am transgender and mentally ill and worry if I will ever complete my spiritual journey.

	tonelove amstar 215 Philadelphia 06-01 23:09		Seeking like mind individuals interested in learning more about the Dharma I have two and half yr of consistent practice in meditation which comes from the use of the waking up app ..just discovered Dhammarato and am super enthused to learn a much as I can with anything connected to him.

	eddie271 Hull 05-23 09:33		Buddhist practitioner; Theravada - Ajahn Chah lineage

	Swiftbell325 RAVENNA 05-21 11:57		I am 40 yrs old. Just introduced to dhamma recently. I am a student studying at Akron University. Looking to broaden my horizons.

	Michele Delamen San Francisco CA 05-11 23:2		I am an artist based in San Francisco California. I have been studying Buddhism for a number of years with Vipassana and Zen teachers. good for you

	carlif varsson Málaga 04-28 19:58		Dharma

	Agnes Lundgren Luleå 04-25 08:39		I'm very happy about having found the teaching of the Buddha! : -)

	Maksym Timchenko Bangkok 04-21 11:15		In the search of nibbana

	Max Loveday Melbourne Victor 04-16 05:5		A background in the Creative Arts Education and System design. Currently finishing a Masters in Counselling and am curious in the application of Dharma to life broadly.

	Stevens Stein Ravenna OH 04-13 02:29		I’m 66 and retired. Every Sunday I help facilitate a recovery dharma group at a recovery center. I try to meditate twice daily and help to foster an environment at Our Place recovery center. I worked as a psychologist for many years. When ai was younger Krishnsmurti held my attention .

	Roshan Koralege Rosebud Defaul 04-07 01:20		North London born and bred. Don't worry be happy

	Santiago Allende BUENOS AIRES BUENOS 04-05 0		Im a Vipassana practitioner and I love Theravada and Zen teachings.

	Khemacitto Bhikkhu Brighton 03-28 23:37		Buddhist Monk

	New Zealand Bhikkhunī Sangha T Wellington 03-19 04:25		Co-founder: Ven. Adhimutti Bhikkhuni Beginning. The NZ Bhikkhuni Trust was established in 2012 by a group of lay people inspired by Venerable Ayya Medhanandi Bhikkhuni's six year visit to Aotearoa, where the need for a supportive environment for bhikkhuni was very evident. With Ayyā Tathālokā Therī's first visit in 2012 further discussions began.

	Wat Buddhabucha Decatur GA 03-17 04:54		Wat Buddha Bucha Foundation 3094 Rainbow Dr, Decatur, GA 30034 (404) 284-2416

	Randy Martin encino ca 03-16 04:38		practicing TCM and Vipassnaa for many years

	Corey Waterreus Napier Hawkes 03-01 07:19		Most of my Dhamma experience comes from Tibetan Buddhism in my home town. I gained some great friends and enjoyed my time in Vajrayana. The original teachings of the buddha always called to me, so from this I made friends with the local Wat, who are of the Pathumrungsi Watthanarum in Bangkok. Being a small community of Thai monks I am able to have more private teachings from them in exchange for helping teach them english.

	Amir Hashemi Toronto 02-26 10:39		Suffered chronic pain for 10 years. 2017 summer I started to notice pain was dissolving into these sensations that could move around in my body. Became interested in yoga and meditation and Buddhism and psychedelics since then.

	Emin Arakelian 02-02 15:46

	Peaceful Harbor Sangha Portland, ME 01-28 04:50		Peaceful Harbor Sangha is a community of experienced and beginner Buddhist practitioners in the Portland Maine area. We come from many different backgrounds spiritual traditions and beliefs. Our group honors each members’ individual commitments by practicing compassion loving kindness equanimity and joyfulness. We are an open and welcoming community for anyone who wishes to practice. We also encourage those to come who would like to explore meditation and learn more about Buddhism.

	Corey Lupo Centralia WA 12-09 03:36		I am a middle aged american male. I grew up in the USA I currently work for the State Gooberment. They pay me well have nice benefits and a low stress environment. I have enjoyed meditation esoteric philosophy and spiritual seeking ever since I had a near death experience at 21 and astral projected as part of the OBE. It really made me fascinated about spirituality. Since I am a logical and rational person Buddhism and other eastern philosophies appealed to me. Like advaita vedanta hinduism and buddhism.

	Erick Ramirez Managua 12-06 19:37		Nothing much

	Nour Meddeb Sousse 12-03 06:41		Hi my name is Nour. I hope you are doing alright!

	Andrew Lentz St. Paul 12-01 19:57		Musician and syncretic mystic

	Dominick Dejoy Gent 11-29 16:39

	Mikhail Churilov Essen 11-24 23:04

	Pietro Falco Milan Como 11-23 12:00		Pietro is in the process of becoming white robed eight preceptor staying at Wat Rusee Pa Seang Tham on Koh Phangan. He is under the wing and is a student of Cha-wat Achan Mitree an monk of more than 20 years. Open Sangha Foundation is please to have Pietro is a paid volunteer and is our fourth example of one whom we financially support, Please be generous to OSF so we can continue supporting our friends in the dhamma.

	Joe Stanski Bellac Haute- 11-23 11:51		I am a 35 year old practitioner that has been practicing for about 10 years. Looking to find my way to see whats really happening in the here and now.

	Yves TestUser 11-12 17:46

	Ricky Blankenstein Amsterdam 11-08 06:26

	Sensei Wendy Templ AZ 11-07 06:54		Zen Theravada Buddhist teacher. Wendy Palmer began training in 1971. She was drawn to the beauty and power of aikido and recognized the practice as a path to increase empowerment and love. She is the creator of Leadership Embodiment a profound approach to personal and professional development using embodied practices based on aikido. She has been teaching classes and workshops in Conscious Embodiment for over thirty years. Wendy is author of three books: Leadership Embodiment: How the Way We Sit and Stand Can Change the Way We Think and Speak, The Intuitive Body: Discovering the Wisdom of Conscious Embodiment, and Aikido and The Practice of Freedom: Aikido Principles as a Spiritual Guide.

	Wat Pa Bunatharam Bundanoon Tem Bundanoon NSW 11-06 01:35		Sunnataram Forest Monastery

	WAT FOREST HERMITAGE Warwick 11-05 04:54		Hello This is Testing Test Backend

	EVAN LEED- 11-04 07:38		Evan Leed first learned to meditate at Zen Mountain Monastery nearly twenty years ago and has maintained an intensive daily practice for the last twelve years. His main practices include metta jhana Mahasi-style noting and awareness and emptiness practices./He also has a deep interest in psychology and both Buddhist and continental philosophy having studied these topics for thousands of hours in both formal and informal settings./Since 2018 he has been studying attachment theory and meditation with George Haas of Mettagroup./He is based in Buenos Aires and teaches in English and Spanish. I am an artist and meditation teacher originally from New York, currently living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I was authorized to teach on meditation and attachment several years ago by George Haas, with whom I maintain an active mentoring relationship. I also had the fortune to study under the late Dr. Daniel P. Brown for nearly two years in the Ideal Parent Figure Masterclass. I have maintained a daily meditation practice for fifteen years and sat dozens of retreats, dividing my practice equally between Theravadin and Vajrayana traditions. After thousands of hours of developing the Jhanas and working in Mahasi Sayadaw’s Progress of Insight model, I now mainly practice in various Buddhist and Bön Dzogchen lineages.

	Bhante Vimalaramsi Annapolis MO 11-04 04:56		We are honoured to invite you to Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center (DSMC) located in Iron County MO just outside of the town of Ironton. This is a different experience than usually found within the United States. Here you will learn a very practical meditation that can be easily carried over into daily life to help you in today's stress-filled world. During this kind of meditation it is not uncommon for you to momentarily see and experience actual relief from suffering and confirm a true understanding of how relief works. Perhaps you will deepen an already established personal practice. You might find for the first time that you can take the meditation off the pillow and carry it with you. Certainly you will discover a new depth of understanding the Buddhist teaching.

	BHANTE PANNA Seattle WA 11-04 04:51		This is a small introduction about who I am and was previously and the truths I‚Äôve encountered and reasons why I see the path as I do.

	BHANTE PANNA 11-04 04:44		This is a small introduction about who I am and was previously and the truths I encountered and reasons why I see the path as I do.

	Abhaya (Dustin Davis) 11-04 04:39		Abhaya (Dustin Davis) is ordained as a Dharmacharya in the Embracing Simplicity Order under Venerables Pannavati and Pannadipa. His primary practices of Satipa·π≠·π≠hƒÅna (4 Establishings of Mindfulness) in the style offered by Bhikkhu AnƒÅlayo ƒÄnƒÅpƒÅnasati (Breath Based Mindfulness) and the Brahma VihƒÅras (Heavenly Abidings) spring from an affinity for the approaches offered in Early Buddhism. He also has an appreciation for the later traditions having undertaken retreats in the VajrayƒÅna and Zen traditions including formally receiving the 5 Mindfulness Trainings from Th√≠ch Nh·∫•t H·∫°nh in 2013. Having worked over 25 years in the hospital critical care setting he brings his intimacy with the illness death and dying processes to bear in Dharma sharing. He is also passionate about Dharma as a central support for dealing with addictions of all kinds.

	alexander trickett IL 10-30 06:52

	Ajahn Jayasaro 10-21 05:20		Jayasāro was born on the Isle of Wight in England. At the age of seventeen having been in contact with Buddhism through reading he left for India where he spent "a couple of years" travelling and learning before hitchhiking back to England. At the time he was still looking for a way of life in line with his personal principles. In Asia he heard about an Englishman who had been a monk in the Thai Forest Tradition and was leading meditation retreats. Upon hearing his stories of life as a forest monk he realised it was the way of life he was looking for.

	pietros sockpuppet Phra Dhammak Erba como 10-10 10:44		Pietro has done many volunteer projects including the podbean and photo garthing

	Dhammarato Ampoe Koh Phangan Surat 10		Dhammarato is a dhamma teacher in the lineage of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa. Now retired into the Lay life, He spent many years as a monk in both Thailand and USA. He lives in Thailand on Kho Phangan and invites all dhamma friends to come hang out. He talks about the supramundane dhamma as instructed by Achan Pho the abbot of Wat Suan Mokkh..

	Yves Dorfsman 10-07 13:52

	Admin Botsoft Tempe AZ 10-06 05:42		sock puppet Admin do not delete this

	Prateek Goyal PP Testing Delhi 10-06 05:3		PP Testing

	Ajahm Sucitto Chithurst West S 10-05 09:5		ntered monastic life in 1975 in Thailand but since 1978 I’ve been based in Britain. I spent fourteen years training under Ajahn Sumedho the senior Western disciple of Ajahn Chah and so I’m part of that lineage of direct practice. The lineage has an umbrella website www:forestsangha.org. I am based at Cittaviveka Monastery in Chithurst West Sussex near Petersfield in southern England (cittaviveka.org). You can visit the monastery we are receiving guests and Cittaviveka is so far back to normal.

	Swapnil More 10-05 07:18		Sam is a dhamma teacher in the lineage of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa.

	ayya yeshe bodhicitta 10-05 06:26		Ayya Yeshe Bodhicitta is a Buddhist nun of 21 years a teacher contemplative and feminist activist. Ayya is the founder and director of Bodhicitta Foundation a socially engaged Buddhist charity and girl‚Äôs home working to empower ex ‚Äúuntouchable‚Äù Ambedkarite people and poor women and children in Central India. Ayya teaches internationally and is the Abbess of Bodhicitta Dakini Buddhist Monastery Tasmania Australia. Ayya is the author of ‚ÄúEveryday Enlightenment‚Äù published by Harper Collins and has 100k hits on youtube as a sacred chants artist on the album ‚ÄúDakini.‚Äù Ayya trained mainly in Tibetan Buddhism but was fully ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh and stayed in Theravada monasteries for many years. Ayyas teachers are the Dalai Lama Thich Nhat Hanh and Bhante Sujato. She practices a fusion of Tibetan Buddhism and early Buddhism called the Mahayana Forest Tradition. www.bodhicitta-monastery.com (Australia) www.ayyayeshe.wordpress.com www.bodhicitta-vihara.com (India)

	Anthony Markwell Koh Phangan Surat 10-05 05		Anthony Markwell is an Australian Dhamma teacher and meditation instructor who shares his knowledge and practice of meditation by leading vipassana retreats, evening talks, and weekend workshops. Anthony is the founder and resident teacher at Indriya Retreat, a new English-speaking vipassana insight meditation centre on Koh Phangan, Thailand. He previously lead retreats at Kow Tahm Insight Meditation Centre between 2013-2016, where he guided thousands of meditators through silent monthly 7-day and annual 21-day vipassana retreats.

	DAN GOLDFIELD Bristol 09-24 08:53		Dan is a dhamma teacher in the lineage of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa. He learned the dhamma via hundreds of hours of Skype calls with Dhammarato and also received Dzogchen transmission from Tempa Dukte Lama of Olmo Ling Monastery in Pittsburgh PA. /Dan is about to earn an accredited teaching certificate in Complementary Healthcare Educational Theory & Personal Development. He is husband to a qualified Neuropsychologist who confirms his teaching from the academic perspective. /Dan became interested in dhamma first of all seeking simple stress relief. He was working hard playing hard and paying the consequences! He ’shopped around’ for a year or so before spotting a post by our own Noah Starbuck on r/streamentry where Noah was kindly offering the opportunity to speak with Dhammarato./Dan’s first call with Dhammarato lasted 3 hours and he called right back the next day for round 2. Finally Dan felt he was hearing satisfactory answers to those deepest of questions he’d had since his earliest memories. Dan enjoys a daily gratitude high for Dhammarato Bhikkhu Buddhadasa and the rest of the noble lineage. Following Dhammarato’s example Dan’s practice these days is better described as ‘play’. Dan decided early on that first jhana—as described in the suttas—sounded like a good place to hang out. So he used Anapanasati to dance along the Eightfold Noble Path until the hindrances fell behind the horizon./Dan teaches the dhamma in friendship. Conversations are casual & lighthearted. No formal structure is necessary: the dhamma is transmitted naturally in a one-to-one setting. This is what it was like for Dan learning with Dhammarato and it is a potent method. Unavoidably the Four Noble Truths and Anapanasati will show up and for those who are interested Dan enjoys sharing insights into how other wisdom teachings agree with the supra-mundane dhamma./Further for those who wish to embrace lay life Dan is currently developing a system for engaging with the world on the foundation of supra-mundane insight.

	Markus user650 Tartu 09-21 18:23		My name is Markus and I am a dhamma dude.

	sock puppet wordpress AA test NC 09-08 09:33		long bio goes here Is this the description field

	ABHAYA DARPANA KNOXVILLE TN 09-07 13:39		Abhaya (Dustin Davis) is ordained as a Dharmacharya in the Embracing Simplicity Order under Venerables Pannavati and Pannadipa. His primary practices of Satipa·π≠·π≠hƒÅna (4 Establishings of Mindfulness) in the style offered by Bhikkhu AnƒÅlayo, ƒÄnƒÅpƒÅnasati (Breath Based Mindfulness), and the Brahma VihƒÅras (Heavenly Abidings) spring from an affinity for the approaches offered in Early Buddhism. He also has an appreciation for the later traditions, having undertaken retreats in the VajrayƒÅna and Zen traditions including formally receiving the 5 Mindfulness Trainings from Th√≠ch Nh·∫•t H·∫°nh in 2013. Having worked over 25 years in the hospital critical care setting, he brings his intimacy with the illness, death, and dying processes to bear in Dharma sharing. He is also passionate about Dharma as a central support for dealing with addictions of all kinds.

	love music 09-06 11:34

	Thanissaro Bhikkhu Valley Center CA 09-05 11:1		This is Achan Thannissaro wat founded in 1990's there are a number of western monks

	sock puppet 09-05 10:33

	Vincent Horn Antioch CA 09-05 07:00		’d say I’ve gotten more practical less idealistic about work over time because being an “expert” in the field doesn’t mean that I can build a good company. It doesn’t grant that immediately. Over time I’ve had to loosen my idealism about meditation and just focus more on the nuts and bolts of marketing of building technological systems of integrating those systems and providing good service to people. Just the basics of business — like having a two-year cash flow a good budgeting system and good relationships with investors — and all of the different dimensions and aspects of business that are their own skills. Meditation can support those skills but they don’t translate one-to-one by any stretch of the imagination.

	Tõnn Sarv 09-04 10:43		Tõnn Sarv was born 1949 in Estonia and currently lives in Thailand. He studied biology and music theory, and has worked as a music teacher, chairman of a social movement organisation, and CEO of a booksellers company. He has been practising meditation for over thirty years, and is currently living in a Buddhist monastery. He is the author of How to be, Learn to Say Good-Bye and several other books on spirituality and self-help.

	The Three Treasures Zen Center San Diego CA 09-04 10:15		The Three Trasures Zen Center is part of the Kwan Um School of Zen. The Kwan Um School of Zen is an international organization of more than a hundred centers and groups founded by Zen Master Seung Sahn the first Korean Zen Master to live and teach in the West. The School's purpose is to make this practice of Zen Buddhism available to an ever-growing number of students throughout the world. The heart of the Kwan Um School of Zen is the daily practice which goes on in its Zen centers and groups. Students and visitors eat together work together and meditate together -- gradually attaining a clear compassionate mind which moment to moment is able to help all beings.

	3Q- Institute Temple NE AZ 09-04 08:32		Talks on the practice of meditation are a vital aspect of the IMS retreat experience and help to bring alive the Buddha’s teachings of freedom. At the Retreat Center teachers offer talks on a daily basis. At the Forest Refuge talks usually take place twice a week.

	smvan scoyoc Bartlesville 09-03 10:59		I am a wife mother and grandmother. I have worked as a psychologist for decades. I have experienced and observed dukka. Because of my experience and observing dukka in others I was drawn to Buddhism. I first attended retreats run by the Friends of Western Buddhism then on to Theravada and later on to Tibetan Buddhism. In recent years I have joined some "modern buddhism' sanghas such as Dhamachanics and Open Sangha Foundation. I am a member of Dhammarato's sangha.

	Maria Serena Donatelli 09-02 21:15		I will assume you know that these ‚Äúbiographical‚Äù introductions are generally written in the third person by the person allegedly being talked about! In the interest of transparency honesty and intimacy I am rejecting that strategy and I am going to tell you a bit about myself directly. From the age of 4 or 5 years old I‚Äôd been having experiences that only Buddhism seemed to make any sense of (once I discovered Buddhist books when I was around 10 or 11). These experiences were intimations of what the Buddhist tradition refers to as ‚Äúnot-self‚Äù and ‚Äúemptiness.‚Äù I read some books about Buddhism throughout high school but more from curiosity than from any sense of necessity or desire to take up the practice. My sister‚Äôs death from cancer when I was 16 shook me to my core and I began a deep search for meaning in the face of mortality. At 18 I began practicing at the NY Dharmadhatu where I practiced for several years before making my way to the NY Zendo Shobo-ji. After a year or so there I turned away from any formal relationship with teachers or community but I practiced informally at Zen Mountain Monastery with no inclination to become a formal student. In 1989 I began practicing in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh my dharma teachers being Lyn Fine and Patricia Hunt-Perry. By 1997 I ordained into the Tiep Hien Order. However already by 2000 no longer thrilled by what I saw happening in the community I began study with Samu Sunim who ordained me as a dharma teacher (poep sa) in Toronto on July 4th 2007. I‚Äôve earned a Graduate Level Diploma in Buddhist Studies under Peter Harvey through the University of Sunderland. Realizing I did not want an academic career I chose not to write a thesis hence no letters after my name. I have two daughters separated by 36 years and live in Tucson Arizona where I enjoy co-parenting my younger daughter. I founded and served as guiding teacher of the Empty Mountain Sangha and the Tucson Mindfulness Practice Community which has evolved into a peer-led group. I have the great joy and privilege to teach classes lecture and lead retreats and workshops throughout North and Central America as well as in Asia. I was invited by Wisdom Publications to write a book integrating the four foundations of mindfulness with the movements and postures of hatha-yoga. That book Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath Body and Mind offers a fully comprehensive and integrated practice of hatha-yoga-asana with Buddhist mindfulness (vipassana) meditation based upon the instructions of the Buddha on the four Foundations of Mindfulness. I‚Äôve studied and practiced many forms of meditation and work with each student to find which techniques seem best suited to one‚Äôs life situation. The basic core practice is satipatthana (four foundations of mindfulness) which includes focused attention and inquiry into body (breath posture activities of the body parts and elements of the body and it‚Äôs dissolution); feelings (the felt-sense of experience whether pleasant unpleasant or neutral); mental formations (all other mental activities such as perception emotion thought) and dhammas (investigation into phenomena). Along with satipatthana other key practices include the four immeasurables (kindness; compassion; selfless joy and equanimity); lojong (mind training); tonglen (the exchanging of self and other); naikan (the practice of gratitude) and more.

	BUDDHAS FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS 09-01 11:15		We are happy to announce the following Dhamma talk by Venerable Ukkansa

	Andrew Lenards 08-26 09:43

	Avery Avery IL 08-12 23:42		I am a trans woman living in Illinois I have always been interested in meditation and have learned from dhammarato talks

	Manish Mohan UttarP 07-21 13:19		Hello This is Testing Test Backend

	emre yucel stanbu 07-20 14:22

Total users: 226 Views: 126

Total users: 226

Views: 126