I had been meditating regularly after reading Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratara in 2021. Meditation (and medication, and therapy) helped me recover from depression and anxiety.

I took refuge with Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin at Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling (KTC) on 05/28/2022.

After that, I completed the “Dharma Paths Program” at Columbus KTC - an eight-class Introduction to Buddhism course. I read Dharma Paths by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche sometime after that.

I say that I’m a “bad Buddhist” for a few reasons. I can’t seem to keep up a daily practice. Maybe one of these days. I also started ngöndro, an advanced Tibetan Buddhist practice in 2023. The first goal is to do 111,111 prostrations. I did 8,999 prostrations and stopped. I’ve been somewhat estranged from Columbus KTC since then.

Empowerments

  • Chenrizig Empowerment from Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin on 05/28/2022

Reading Transmissions

  • 1000-Arm Chenrezig (Nyungne Retreat) on 07/16/2022
  • Ngöndro up to Vajrasattva on 06/05/2023