MAPLE represents something extraordinary–a residential community where people do long-term, monastic-style practice as they train to become community mindfulness teachers.

MAPLE brings together the best of two worlds: an intensive training environment combined with a systematic, fully modern version of mindfulness.

Four years ago, I entered modern monastic training with the intention of looking deeply into the mind and heart.

It has turned out to be the most meaningful, impactful, and love-filled decision of my life.

Today, I am ready to take the next step: I am going to ordain and give my life to this path fully.

This means that I am moving to Japan to train as a Rinzai Zen monk!

Two years ago, when I asked a dear friend to tell me how I have changed from my monastic training, he was silent for a while and then said: "You're still you. You're just better at it now."

In moving to Japan and taking on traditional forms of training, I hope to continue and intensify this process -- to deepen in clarity, in wisdom, in compassion, and in my capacity to be of true service.

I got a taste of how meditation can actually reduce suffering in my life. I saw how I initiated those shifts myself, supported by a group of people and a set of intentionally designed life circumstances. The people, the place, the circumstances and the practice together form the monastery. I was drawn to MAPLE specifically because it seemed to be engaged in the current problems of the day (existential risk and AI).