“My first contact with Sifu was at the Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies's 2003 summer retreat in Greece. The teachings I received there really blew me away as they reflected my life and what I was experiencing at the time. It was as if Sifu had known me all my life and knew all my aspirations, complexities and motivations. At the time, I enjoyed the apparently privileged life-style of a post-graduate student, yet I did not know where my life is taking me and what else to do. I felt my life was being swept along on a conveyor belt which I was too scared to step off. I felt being pressured to become successful and intelligent. Over the years I learnt to build up an image-management ethic that somehow seemed to protect and, to the untrained eye, might have superficially made me appear in control and down to earth. In fact I was motivated only by fear of what others would think of me. Sifu's unobtrusive support gave me the strength to break free from that which I previously did not know how to do. I used to fill my life will all sorts of meaningless activity in order to give a sense of purpose, a sense of importance and a sense of being in control. Sifu reflects how this is merely an illusion created by our own mental obscuration which prevent us from recognizing the true nature of the world and how everything in actuality interacts inseparably. He tangibly demonstrates how in our denial and resistance of these laws of cause and effect that we end up creating emotional suffering for others and ourselves. Sifu's expansive awareness sees each person for exactly who they are, yet without judgment other than with love and compassion. He is a true example of authenticity and humility in action and I feel incredibly fortunate to come across such a teacher. From the point of view of a student, accepting that here is an incredibly accomplished practitioner, who is more wise and compassionate than you could ever comprehend and who is willing to guide you, recognising the rarity and the fortune you have to come across such a person and allowing yourself to trust and take refuge in this person as a spiritual guide and teacher, is most liberating.”

Ani Sonam Yangtso (Norfolk)