Hi, I'm Ashley (한국어) 

How did you get to know Prof. Lee Joongpyo and Buddhanara?
I lived in England for 18 years starting in 1996. I met Buddhism in London. I loved the teachings so much that I even spent some time as an ordained practitioner. I came to the US in 2014 with my husband who is also a Buddhist practitioner. I had been listening to English and American Thai Forest Tradition teachers on Youtube when I found Prof. Lee (thanks, Youtube!). I was very impressed by his insights and knowledge of Buddha's teachings. As soon as I heard he was teaching on Zoom I contacted Buddhanara and requested to join their study program. I was so grateful that they welcomed me with open arms. Now Buddhanara is my home and my family in Korea. 

What does Buddhanara mean to you?
I thought I had to choose between the Mahayana path and the Theravada path. I loved the idea of the Mahayana path that I would practice for all living beings' welfare but the more I practiced, the more the attainment of Enlightenment seemed to get further and further away. And I was not sure how to live as a member of society if I were to follow the path for my own liberation alone. Prof. Lee is a teacher who understands the Nikaya, the foundations of Buddhism, with the wisdom of the Mahayana. Studying with him and being a part of Buddhanara have been one of the most meaningful meetings on my spiritual journey!

What has changed most in you since you started studying with Buddhanara?
When I stopped seeing things through such conceptions as blessings, maras(bad luck), past and future lives, and so on, it allowed me to see the Four Noble Truths and the 12 Links much more clearly. Now the Buddha's words 'rely upon yourself and rely upon Dharma' became my motto. Buddhanara helped me to realize what it means to take control of my five aggregates and be the owner of my life.

Why do you study and practice Buddhism?
I study and practice Buddhism to be liberated from all sufferings and to live the life of a Buddha. I have faith and confidence that is a realistic and possible goal. What excites me is not reaching the finishing line but experiencing the journey of liberation and happiness. I really want to create a life of peace and harmony. I am so grateful that I can dedicate my life to such meaningful and rewarding study and practice.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I think we have now reached the point that we can no longer ignore the crisis of global pollution caused by consumerism based on desire, animal factory farming and overfishing. I try to live a frugal and simple life as best as I can and try not to consume out of desire.

I adopted a tripawed dog 2 years ago through Lionel's Legacy, a senior dog rescue organization in San Diego. It was amazing to see their unconditional love and compassion for senior dogs no matter how terrible they looked or how bad their illnesses were. I was deeply moved and humbled by their dedication. So I volunteer as one of Lionel's Legacy matchmakers.