Hola. I am originally from the Oregon coast in the United States. I am practicing Buddhist in the Korean Zen tradition, living a nomadic life in Mexico. I really enjoy hanging out and having philosophical discussions with friends. I have traveled through most of Europe and hope to go to Asia in the next few years. I love the Couchsurfing app because of the quality of people using it. Warm and deep bows! ../\..

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For the experience and to meet interesting people with a similar passion for travel.

Interests

I am a practicing Buddhist in the Korean Zen tradition

• meditation
• traveling
• music
• philosophy
• reading books
• film
• buddhism

Music, Movies, and Books

Independent and foreign film, jazz, blues, ragas, Tao Te Ching, Compass of Zen, Teachings of Don Juan

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was homeless in Istanbul for a weekend. I ran out of money and could not get money until the following Monday. I had to sleep in a train car and drink water from the fountain, which made me very sick. The whole experience was intense and traumatic. I don't speak Turkish and felt completely vulnerable and frightened. It was both crazy and cool as hell. For personal growth, I recommend being homeless for a few days in a foreign country! :)

Teach, Learn, Share

I have nothing to teach. I am only interested in learning from others.

Here is a lesson from one of my favorite Zen Masters, Kodo Sawaki Roshi [1880–1965], or “Homeless Kodo".

"To you whose life is about money, money, and more money

Human happiness and unhappiness doesn’t only depend on money. If the balance in your savings account were a measure of your happiness, it would be a simple matter. Yet it really isn’t so.

Don’t be so helpless that you start saying you need money to live. In this world you can lead a fine life without savings.

Some think they’re important because they have money. Others think they’re important because they have “satori” [enlightenment]. But no matter how much you puff up your personal sack of flesh, you won’t make yourself into any- thing besides a devil."

What I Can Share with Hosts

Interesting conversation and kindness.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Netherlands, Romania, Serbia, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Venezuela

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mexico, United States