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General Information: Overview: Who We Are: John Sprague John Sprague, M.A. has lived in western Mass for twenty-five years, working primarily as a musician, raising and home-schooling two sons, and simultaneously pursuing the study and practice of contemplation in several spiritual traditions. John first encountered Buddhist teaching at Amherst College where he studied Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and the "Poetry of enlightenment" with renowned Buddhist scholar, Robert Thurman. Since then he has continued to explore enlightenment traditions,, reading extensively, and attending teachings and retreats in Tibetan Buddhist, Hindu, Sufi, Jewish, Taoist, and Zen traditions. For many years, before getting involved with the Zen Peacemakers, he focused on the Dzogchen teachings of Tibet, receiving teachings from several masters including Namkhai Norbu, Tenzin Wangal, and H.H. Jigme Punstok. John received his M.A. from Vermont College, where he pursued an interdisciplinary program in creativity studies and comparative religion Ð exploring the nature of inspiration for both artists and mystics. For the culmination of that program he wrote and then self-published a 200 page work entitled "The Heart of Creation." John spent many years in an in-depth study of the Chinese classic, Tao Te Ching, and recently published his translation and study with the title, The Power of the Way. John also offers private coaching and workshops in creativity, improvisation, and self-awareness practices. He has released four CDs of improvisational music, one of which was nominated by JPFolks for best instrumental album of the year. John's community service activities include Native American support work, and being an early proponent of the local homebirth movement and vice-president of the Birthing Network, For many years he has worked with teenage homeschoolers, and is a board member and staff of North Star: Self-directed Leaning for Teens. He is also an interfaith minister, performing wedding ceremonies, and memorial services. John's website is www.sunyataproductions.com. |
Bernie's Zen
The Dude Abides