Hanna: Born and Raised Kadampa

Hanna is the newest member of our KMC NYC Education Team. Check out our interview below where she shares her lifelong journey (yes, lifelong!) in Buddhism. Welcome, Hanna!

Right from the beginning of this life, Buddhism has been all around me. I was lucky enough to be born and raised by two Kadampa parents. I actually had my first Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment while I was in my mother’s womb. I would say Kadampa Buddhism is the philosophy of how I live my life. It’s part of who I am.

When I was 18 years old, my dad died suddenly. He dropped me off at babysitting one night, headed out for dinner and had a terrible fall down a flight of stairs. This was a very very big loss for me. As a teen my relationship with my mom was challenging, but my dad and I had always been very similar and close.

Dharma became the thing that got me through his death. It also became the common language between my mom and I, and how we healed our relationship.
There was a period as an adult where I thought a lot about the role I want Buddhism to play in my life. I decided that I basically want my Dharma practice to be the priority…which is why I’m now here, working at KMC NYC. I want to do the most I can at making progress towards enlightenment. One day I’d love to teach to help carry on our lineage. I see a real need for that, for relatable and young teachers among my generation.

Please join us in welcoming Hanna to the KMC NYC Education team!