PERSONAL STORIES

What others have to say about their experiences in China

"The first day in Beijing I had an epiphany while we were studying with Buddhist monks.  I thought to myself, "No matter what happens in the next two week, this moment has made the entire trip worthwhile for me."  Fabulous moments like this happened again and again on the trip." –Eve Lucia, Berekeley, CA, 2004; kinoplasm@yahoo.com

"The essence of the trip was one of heart opening and community. A way to deepen my spiritual practice as well as my understanding of myself. The teaching and how we were welcomed by the teachers was great. Master Zhang of Mt. Qing Chen was very open and she was rooted in the spiritual teachings." Kelly Loos, San Jose, CA, 2004 (3rd trip to China); kellyloos@mindspring.com

Kelly in a special ceremony honoring our Sifu Seth; Mt. Qing Chen

"Magical, powerful openings and discoveries! The teachers were amazing. The extra days in each location really helped to nurture our relationships with the masters who were so open and giving. Connecting with the people of any place is always the special part of traveling, for me. What I gained from those connections will be with me forever. As well as the beautiful people and the wonderful teachers, I found my sacred places in nature; the kind of places you know you were meant to discover on your own; places where I felt I was home again." –Veronica Ramirez, San Jose, CA; 2004 (2nd trip to China); veronica@buddhabootz.com

"I feel so blessed to have experienced this journey. It is a ripe opportunity for personal growth and new learning. The family-like dynamics made the trip what it was. I learned so much from the other travelers as I did from our lessons. We were welcomed so warmly and genuinely, it was truly an amazing journey." Paula Harris, San Jose, CA, 2004 (2nd trip to China); paulajeanharris@yahoo.com

Woman with baby; Tiger Dragon Mountain in Ying Tan

"This trip opened doorways for me that otherwise would not have opened, mostly in terms of making contact with the others on the trip. It also inspired me to continue to deepen my own practice in seeing others and where they are in their own practice. And of course seeing and feeling where the masters are in their cultivation of awareness is hightly inspirational." –Tom Leichardt, San Jose, CA, 2004 (2nd trip to China); email

"The trip, country and people of China helped me to grasp the opportunity to open myself up to the possibilities in life that I otherwise would be too blocked to see. My experiences on this trip opened my heart to a new culture and a new way to live my life with compassion, generousity and love." –Valerie Cashon, Santa Cruz, CA, 2004; vcashon@yahoo.com

Mary with a familar toddler around the mountain. Mt. Qing Chen

"The experiences I had with nature, the group, the locals and the teachers provided the fertile environment for me to awaken to layers I had been hiding behind, to face those weaknesses and instead make positive, healthy choices." –Mary Lang, San Jose, CA, 2004; marybagg@yahoocom

"Very enlightening to travel in a group dynamic. You can observe how other people approach their practice, their experiences and opportunity for growth. I felt accepted and supported by others." –Krista Merrimac, Mountain View, CA, 2004; kmerrimac@townsend.com

Our dear friends who cooked our wonderful meals at Mt. Qing Chen.

"I enjoyed the people, both the group that was traveling toether and the masters. The number one thing for me was working witht he masters. Their generosity and wisdom and big-heartedness were greatly appreciated. For me this was an introduction to the wealth of knowledge, opportunity, and the generosity of spirit that is available in China." –Geri Wittig, San Jose, CA, 2004; gwittig@adobe.com

"This was definitely a journey of personal growth. The local people were genuine, giving and curious. I appreciated the other travel companions who provided me with richness I drew from. Our guide Richard rocked and the masters were incredible!" –Keyes Lloyd, San Jose, CA, 2004; Keyeslloyd@yahoo.com