FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I generally charge a fixed rate of $75 for a session which is typically 60 to 90 minutes long, although the rate can vary depending on the distance I travel and other factors. I offer discounts of up to 20% for purchasing multiple class sessions in advance (e.g., a 5, 10 or 20 classes). I also offer substantial discounts for students who commit to more intensive, long-term mentoring programs. I often work with groups in a variety of formats, as practicing with others in a group session can provide many benefits and as well as greatly reducing the cost per person (generally $15 to $20 for a drop-in or online class). I recognize that every student or client brings a unique perspective, objective, availability and budget. My goal is to offer a variety of programs, structures, and rates so that to the greatest extent possible, there is something for everyone.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I offer and encourage a free initial consultation so that I can learn the student's meditation background and objectives, and so the student can make sure they feel comfortable with me. It is very important that the personalities, approach and teaching style are a good fit. I teach a seven step approach to learning meditation that guides a student from the very beginning through the most advanced levels of practice. This approach is discussed on my website and presented in detail in Dza Kilung Rinpoche's book, The Relaxed Mind (Shambhala Publications). In addition to the book, there is an audio program and other materials available for students seeking additional information to supplement their personal instruction.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been meditating for 25 years and have been a practicing Tibetan Buddhist for 22 years. This involves reading and studying ancient Buddhist texts as well as studying the Tibetan language. I attend classes and retreats, working closely with Buddhist teachers; and most importantly, practicing on a daily basis. I meditate daily in addition to studying, teaching classes and working with students in a variety of formats. I attend meditation retreats in the USA several time each year, and periodically return to the Himalayas for solitary meditation retreats as well as pilgrimage journeys to sacred places in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Several years ago I completed a year-long, invitation only meditation teacher training program taught by Dza Kilung Rinpoche to learn the seven step approach on an in-depth basis. Following that year-long program, I spent more than one-year in solitary meditation retreat at Pangan Gonpa, a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the north Indian Himalayas.