Elena Leon Sizova

I was born and educated in the former Soviet Union, where I studied art. My education in art gave me a lasting interest in culture, creativity and the deeper questions of human experience.

Later, I moved to Denmark, where I have lived and continued my professional and personal development.

For many years, I have had a deep and growing interest in Buddhism and the Dhamma. Meditation gradually became an important part of my life, and over the years I have participated in numerous intensive 10-day Vipassana retreats in different Buddhist traditions. Among them were several retreats at Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram) and Wat Tam Wua in Thailand, as well as a 10-day Vipassana retreat in the Goenka tradition.

Through these experiences, my interest in meditation gradually developed into a deeper and more systematic interest in the Buddha's teachings. I began studying the Pāli Canon, Abhidhamma and the Visuddhimagga, with particular interest in the relationship between sīla, samādhi and paññā, and in the systematic development of samatha and vipassanā.

In my studies, I have become particularly interested in the Pa-Auk tradition,, because of its systematic approach to meditation and its close connection with the Pāli Canon and the classical Theravāda commentarial tradition. I would like to deepen my understanding not only through intellectual study, but primarily through sustained meditation practice under the guidance of experienced teachers.

At this stage of my life, I feel a strong wish to devote more time and energy to the Dhamma. My aspiration is to continue my education and practice in a supportive monastic environment, to live simply, follow the discipline of the monastery, learn from the teachers, and gradually deepen both my understanding and direct experience of the Buddha's teachings.

In the long term, I would like to dedicate my life more fully to Dhamma practice and, if considered suitable by the teachers, prepare for monastic life and ordination.