WINTER PRACTICE PERIOD

Alex grew up in Berkeley and was first exposed to Buddhism as a teenager in the 1990s. Having lost his father to the AIDS epidemic, he was ripe for any teachings that could offer healing and spiritual meaning and began to practice meditation and attend retreats in a Tibetan tradition. At age 19, he departed from Berkeley on a 33-foot sailboat for a 5-year solo circumnavigation of the globe. This adventure led him to find the Thai Forest Tradition, where he took monastic ordination for several months in the North East of Thailand. Upon his return, Alex continued to live as a practicing lay Buddhist, spending several years living in meditation centers and monasteries. His interest in connecting with others in a spiritual context has drawn him to work in such areas as Hospice, prison rehabilitation, and counseling teens. For the past 13 years, he has lived with his family and small community on a market vegetable and flower farm, which is conveniently located about 10 minutes from Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. He works part time as a couples therapist and part time on the farm. After attending sesshins and practicing at the Zen Center for several years, Alex received Jukai from Nyoze Kwong-osho in November 2024 and received the Buddhist name Hokan (Dharma Barrier).