Whatever a person's mind dwells on intensely and with firm resolve, that is exactly what he becomes.
— Shankaracharya
Who is Jerome?
Truth be told, since I was a child I knew that I would walk a path different than what was expected of me - however, I didn‘t think it would involve locking myself up in a remote cabin for 3 years (ok, maybe I had an inkling).
Having been brought up in a very loving, traditional Italian family (...yes, with rabbits, chickens and goats in the back yard... and, in the city), I was never in want of a single thing.
Upon completing my university degree in English Literature and Cultural Anthropology, I decided to travel the world and explore all the wonders it had to offer. As an avid outdoor enthusiast I spent much time in the wilderness, dabbling in every sport imaginable. Due to my love for food and people I worked in the hospitality industry in many capacities; I engaged in a number of entrepreneurial endeavours which involved serving others, ranging from catering to starting a touring business in the Canadian Rockies.
Yet, something was still missing. The endeavour to seek out new highs only left me feeling tired and empty, devoid of the deep happiness which I so desperately pursued. I had a strong sense that all this would one day end, everyone and thing I loved would eventually be ripped away from me. What was my purpose in life? For what will I be remembered? These became questions that plagued me for what seemed an eternity.
Looking for answers
Often I hear people complaining about all the things they dislike in the world: taxes, politicians, bosses, their health etc.. Many of us do one of two things: either we try to endure what is happening in our outer world, hoping that someone or something will fix it for us, or, we rebel against it, often in ways which cause much harm to both ourselves and others - I felt there must be another solution. Gandhi said that we “must be the change we want to see in the world” - this resonated so deeply that I knew I must start making changes within myself.
After much searching, in the spring of 2003, set in the remote deserts of Southern Arizona, I found what I was looking for: my heart teacher; like a skilled Sherpa that guides people to the top of a mountain, I knew that Geshe Michael Roach would take me to where I wanted to go - thus far, I have been absolutely correct.
If there is one thing I have learned over the past 7 years it is that anything can change - our mind, appearances, relationships, health, finances etc etc. Absolutely everything has the potential to become something else, for better or worse, and it is dependent upon us. Hence, if I’m seeing suffering in my world, I can change that as well. How? By changing my mind - and on some level we all know that if we can simply change our attitude it can impact how things appear to us.
Happiness for all
“All the happiness in the world come from taking care of others,
all the suffering in the world comes from taking care of ourselves”
— Master Shantideva
Following in the footsteps of many of history’s great yogis, sages, and spiritual aspirants, myself and approximately 40 other people have decided to enter into the Great 3 Year Silent Retreat. History teaches that the actions of a small group of individuals can profoundly alter the culture of an entire planet. Under the guidance of two of the world’s greatest Buddhist Masters, Geshe Michael Roach, and Lama Christie McNally, we will delve into the depths of our minds, purifying them of every ignorant, harmful thought, seeking to change the canvas of the outer world we live in.
Our days will consist of a rigorous schedule of daily meditations, yoga, and study. Living apart from each other in complete silence, as difficult as it will be, I know that this journey inward will yield many treasures, for both myself and others.
While attending Diamond Mountain University for the past 6 years I have made a conscientious effort to help others, giving back in whatever ways I could.
My journey will be a long one, and to make it a reality I will require many resources including food and building a small cabin. If you would like to be a part of this endeavour your help will be greatly appreciated. Let’s change the world together.
