A Young Seeker’s Journey – A Loving Mother’s Blessing

In late 2023, a young man from Germany named Jason arrived at our retreat centre for a one-month retreat. He found the experience meaningful and felt it was a good use of his time. At the end of the month, he asked to stay longer.

We didn’t really have room. But his sincerity and quiet enthusiasm made it hard to say no—so we reshuffled things to make space.

As his second month came to an end, it happened to coincide with the start of a six-year retreat. Jason asked if he could join.

When asked why, he shared that although he had received a university scholarship, he felt this was the more valuable path.

He said:

“I could go to university in the West and get a decent job, but when I look at people who’ve done that, many seem miserable and unsettled. Some of the best and kindest people I’ve met are Buddhist monks— Lama Zangpo. If I could become like him, that would be the best thing I could do.”

He was accepted into the retreat and also enrolled in Thrangu Sekhar Institute’s BA in Buddhist Mind Training programme.

Last year, while I was in Germany, Jason’s mother, Ina, asked to meet with me. As we spoke, it was clear how deeply she missed her son. She described how hard it was to be apart from him, but said she truly felt he had found his place—and that what he was doing was good. She expressed her strong wish to visit him in Nepal.

In the months that followed, Jason continued his studies, practice, and reflections. He came to a clear conclusion:If he was going to train his mind and become a genuinely kind and awakened person, it wouldn’t happen quickly. It would require time, patience, and long-term commitment.

So he requested to join the 21-year study and practice programme, based on the tantric teachings transmitted by Marpa. And, inspired by the monks he admired—and wishing to generate the continual merit that comes from upholding vows—he decided to go forth and become a monk.

He made these decisions just before his mother was scheduled to arrive at the retreat centre.

Naturally, a big question weighed on him: How would she take the news?

You can see what she said in the short video below.

I share this with heartfelt prayers that Jason fulfils his aspiration to become a better, kinder human being—and that his journey inspires others along the way.

May he see the path through to its completion.

May he benefit countless beings.

Drupon Khen Rinpoche

May 2025