From Seeking to Serving: A Multi-Traditional Journey
Early Spiritual Exploration
The spiritual journey began with a deep hunger for authentic transformation and meaning. Before residential training, years were spent attending monthly weekend retreats at a Preparation Center/Active meditation center, building foundational experience with these techniques. This was followed by extended community living in Delhi, India, deepening daily practice and community integration.
International Center Founding: First Steps
After Delhi, the next step was Korea, where engagement with similar active meditation community included participating in weekly events and bimonthly mega retreats for years before eventually starting an independent meditation center there. This foundational experience taught essential skills of community building, cross-cultural communication, and the practical challenges of making ancient wisdom accessible in contemporary settings.
Preparation Technique Mastery: The Foundation
Finally, advanced training was pursued at Pune Ashrama in India, where specialized programs were completed:
- 21-day Mystic Rose process (deepest emotional catharsis work)
- 7-day No Mind intensive (advanced consciousness techniques)
- 7-day Facilitator Training (official certification)
- 2 months of daily practice at the source center
Korean Zen Monastery: Discipline and Depth
Seeking to understand different approaches to consciousness, 10 months were spent in intensive training at Hwagesa Korean Zen Monastery, including:
- Over 1,200 hours of formal sitting meditation
- Traditional monastery discipline and community life
- Daily work practice and mindful activity
- Direct experience of Zen's "no-method" approach
NYC Metropolitan Teaching Experience
Returning to the United States, 4-5 years were dedicated to supporting meditation community development in the NYC metropolitan area, including:
- Regular weekend teaching (90-minute movement and preparation classes)
- Cross-cultural retreat coordination with teachers from India, Nepal, and USA
- Multi-regional retreat facilitation across NY, NH, PA, and Philadelphia
- Community organization and logistics management
- Integration teaching combining Eastern wisdom with contemporary accessibility
Classical Yoga: Traditional Foundation with Advaita Focus
Eight years at Ananda Ashrama provided deep grounding in classical yoga tradition and Advaita philosophy:
- 2 years full-time residential study
- 6 years ongoing practice and community involvement
- 3 years faculty teaching experience
- Study with enlightened teacher Shiva Rudra Balayogi
- Annual retreats with renowned Ayurvedic master Vasant Lad
The focus at Ananda Ashrama was extensive Advaita studies including:
- Ramana Maharshi teachings and self-inquiry practice
- Nisargadatta Maharaj's 'I Am That' studies
- Classical Upanishads study and commentary
- Daily meditations with traditional fire ceremonies
- Residential community life and spiritual practice
In addition to the studies mentioned, weekly active meditation classes were taught and regular lectures were given on mindfulness from Thich Nhat Hanh, integrating preparation methods with classical wisdom. A 1.5-year early morning Pranayama sequence was also led that received very positive community feedback.
Self-Inquiry Practice: Direct Investigation
Over 2 years of intensive self-inquiry practice at Ramana Ashrama Queens (3 days per week), plus direct experience at Ramana Maharshi's ashram in India, provided training in consciousness investigation and the direct path of "Who am I?" inquiry.
Professional Integration: Contemporary Applications
Currently serving as mindfulness facilitator for NYC Department of Health healthcare professionals, translation of traditional wisdom for contemporary professional environments while maintaining authentic depth has been developed.
The Integration That Emerged
Rather than choosing one tradition over others, a natural integration emerged through years of teaching and community leadership that honors the depth of each path while serving modern practitioners. Each tradition contributes essential wisdom:
- International founding experience: Demonstrates entrepreneurial and organizational skills
- Preparation techniques: Address modern conditioning and stress patterns
- Classical yoga: Provides systematic framework enhanced through teaching experience
- Zen practice: Offers direct pointing enhanced by clearing preparation
- Self-inquiry: Reveals consciousness supported by conditioning release
- Professional applications: Ensures practical relevance and accessibility
- Multi-traditional teaching: Living demonstration of integration philosophy
Current Mission
Today, diverse communities are served through this integrated approach, drawing from decades of both intensive practice and teaching experience. Whether working with healthcare professionals, yoga practitioners, or serious spiritual seekers, the goal remains the same: genuine transformation through awareness, compassion, and practical wisdom gained through both study and years of community leadership.