Jack now resides in the aftermath of the American Dot Com Dream. Following a tepid stint as a software engineer amidst the zenith of the dot boom, he pivoted his career trajectory to pursue photography. Presently, he finds fulfillment in the endeavor to establish an innovative creative agency, one that seamlessly melds his passion for art, technology, and purpose.
He ardently believes in the potential of business as a force for positive societal change, particularly in a culture fixated on short-term gains and purely economic benefits. Consequently, he endeavors to infuse his personal ethos into his professional endeavors by championing nonprofit causes and embarking on a long-term exploration of Buddhism’s relevance in the contemporary landscape.
He has another portfolio website that contains a collection of landscapes and personal projects. His work portfolio is here.
Favorite Bands and Performers?
Sigur Rós, Max Richter, Cocteau Twins, M83, The Radio Dept.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people/organizations that are making a difference in a sustainable way while incorporating seemingly disparate trains of thought. Whether it’s combining technology and creativity to solve social issues or using social issues to drive a bottom line, the synthesis of these ideas and how they manifest gets me up every day much earlier than I should.
Favorite Destination?
Vietnam, India, Tibet.
Favorite Place to Eat?
Turtle Tower, Chez Maman, Henry Hunan, Ti Couz.
Do you have any special/hidden talents?
I’ve been complimented on my cooking skills on occasion.
Favorite Quote or Last Thoughts?
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama
On this auspicious Buddhist holiday of Saka Dawa, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni, I am deeply grateful and elated to finally share the public launch of the new Beyond the Cushion project website.
Although the website has technically existed for some time, I have kept it fairly quiet, using it mainly as a working space to organize themes, gather stories, and invite people to participate in the project. Over the past six months, I have had the good fortune to work with an art director to make the project more approachable—both in its visual presentation and in the way the content is structured.
The site is certainly not finished. In many ways, I feel like it is only beginning. But today felt like an auspicious day to open the doors more fully, especially with the blessings of Khenpo Chophel.
With this public launch, I will also begin a more intentional social media campaign over the next few months to build out the project platform. My hope is that, when the time comes to approach a book publisher, the conversation will be grounded not only in the strength of the stories, but also in a growing community of people who see value in this work.
I believe the documentary nature of Beyond the Cushion—rooted in the real-life stories of diverse Buddhist practitioners—is unique in its own right. At the same time, I understand that being an unknown author and photographer presents real obstacles in the traditional publishing world. This next phase is about helping the project find its audience and allowing the work to stand on stronger ground.
You can read more about the ultimate vision for the project on the website. At a later point, I will ask for more direct feedback. But for now, on this sacred day, may whatever merit arises from this offering be multiplied for the benefit of all beings.
#Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners #BuddhaTeachings #PeacefulMind #ZenMeditation #SpiritualGrowth #Karma
I clearly don`t contemplate enough on the love of mothers. The double-edged sword of self-reliance has inhibited this critical foundation of practice. Homage to all beings who have been my mother.
Sometimes not knowing anything about a band is a great way to see a show, and @carpenterbrut was one of them. Not normally my cup of tea but still quite enjoyable at Denver`s newest venue, @missionballroom
I haven`t to that many large shows as the venues for these types of shows are generally not that interesting. well, if you are ever in denver and like a unique concert experience, Red Rocks Amphitheater is nothing short of awesome. Although from where I was seating, the sound was good but not quite as loud that I am normally used to for shows! alas, @mothercain was a glorious anti rock star vibe.
#RedRocksAmphitheater #UniqueConcertExperience #LiveMusic #EthelCain #AntiRockStar #ConcertVibes #DenverEvents #SoundExperience #MusicLovers #OutdoorConcerts 🎶
you would think i would come up here at least twice a year being it being in my backyard. alas, the dharma had other plans. #rockynp
#Dharma #RockyNP #NatureLover #ExploreOutdoors #NationalParks #AdventureAwaits #BackyardExploration #Wanderlust #ScenicViews #HikingAdventures
dead horse point state point. an unfortunate name for a state park.
#DeadHorsePoint #StatePark #UnfortunateName #NatureLovers #AdventureAwaits #ExploreTheOutdoors #ScenicViews #TravelDiaries #Wanderlust 🌄
It`s been challenging to put roots down when I feel like I am more often than not travelling for work and etc. Even when I am in town, I am still spreading my time in between various buddhist centers for different reasons but I am thinking by this time next year, I hope to be a bit more grounded. Which is to say, I`ve probably attended Mipham Shedra in Westminster the most in the past year or so. Today was the first big public event I attended for a land blessing that was led by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. After many years of significant obstacles, the center is finally beginning the construction for the expansion of the space, hence the blessing. May the dharma continue to spread for the benefit for all sentient beings!
#Buddhism #Dharma #Mindfulness #SpiritualJourney #LandBlessing #DzigarKongtrulRinpoche #MiphamShedra #CommunityGrowth #SentientBeings #GroundedLiving #BuddhistCenter #TravelingForWork #ExpansionProject #Meditation #InnerPeace 🌱🧘♂️
Normally an opening band is pretty obscure unknown act but @desire_musicofficial put on a delicious set for all the metal heads.