CURRENT MISSION
To explore diverse cultures worldwide, sharing knowledge, learning continuously, and forming meaningful connections. My journey combines travel, teaching, writing, and friendship-building.

ABOUT ME
I'm a 61-year-old American monk in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and a student of the Dalai Lama. I'm currently back in America after exploring Asia and Europe for the last fifteen years. Friends describe me as warm, friendly, and funny. I'm an easy-going guest with minimal needs. I'm clean, polite, and simple to host (although I am quite poor). I'm the founder and director of SBT-The Secular Buddhist Tradition you can learn more about me on my website at: https://sbtonline.org/

PHILOSOPHY
"A ship is safe in the harbor, but that's not what ships are for." - John A. Shedd"

"The true purpose and consummation of our lives is to awaken; to awaken to our true value, true potential, and true nature."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING
I am using Couchsurfing to help facilitate my work as a monk, sharing and teaching Buddhism and meditation with interested people. In the future, I would like to create a monastery open to Couchsurfers where friends can come and receive free rooms, food, and teachings. Many might not know it, but monks are the original couch surfers. I have couch-surfed at monasteries throughout Asia, the Himalayas, and Europe for years. Monks receive a simple bed, food, and tea.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE
The best thing about Couchsurfing is the honesty you experience. Normally when traveling, the first people you meet in each new country are often the taxi drivers, hotel clerks, and money exchangers who may try to take advantage of you. However, with Couchsurfing, you meet the most wonderful, open, and generous people in each country you're exploring. Wonderfully optimistic individuals who live life fully, with a uniquely open view of the world. Those who embrace the wonders of life, who value new experiences, and enjoy the pure joy of making new friends.

Interests

I'm a lazy traveler and love to take it slow. I love lazy days around the house, catching up on work on my laptop (when I can), spending an afternoon reading a good book, or sitting around talking with friends. I love simple things and a simple life.

• dining
• coffee
• meditation
• reading
• music
• buddhist
• teaching
• philosophy
• psychology
• movies,

Music, Movies, and Books

I love Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Genesis, Mozart, Bach,
I love Sci-fi, comedies, and blockbusters
Currently, I'm reading the Western classics

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My greatest experience was meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who I received monastic ordination from in Dharamsala India, 15 years ago.

Teach, Learn, Share

Learning: I wish to learn from everyone I meet. About their culture, interests, life, personal philosophy.
Teaching: Besides being a writer and teacher of meditation, Buddhism, and Buddhist philosophy, I'm also an English teacher and love to help others with their language skills. My free and original books can be downloaded at: https://sbtonline.org/

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can offer my experience as a teacher of meditation, Buddhism, Buddhist philosophy, and English. However, I think genuine friendship is one of the greatest things we can share.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Cambodia, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, Ireland, Turkey, United States