One of several meditation areas on the property in Western Massachusetts. This is one of the newest, built in late summer, 2007 from all recycled materials - and was a very peaceful spot to sit throughout the Fall season.

Professional Background

I am an Ordained and practicing Buddhist Monk with the Association of American Buddhists in NYC, a registered United Nations NGO of the Department of Public Information. I received my Certification and Ordainment as a Metaphysical Practitioner in 2002. I hold a Masters degree in Theology and currently working on completing Doctoral work in Metaphysical Science. While I do appreciate traditional Western Metaphysics and Philosophy, which includes a good deal of study of those topics both on my own, as well as with Harvard University for a time, my focus is primarily on meditative practice and the application of Eastern Thought (i.e., Taoism and Buddhism) as it applies to the betterment of ourselves and society.

Steve & Ura Rinaldi on a visit to the Gangyoji Buddhist Temple in Shizouka, Japan. To listen to a recording provided to us by Rinzai Master Kakushin (featured on our Karma-Net website), go here.

As an ongoing entrepreneur and business owner, I find no conflict with financial wealth and Buddhist practice, provided one uses one's resources in a productive manner and not simply to live in greater personal comfort. There are a variety of ways to help others and our world as a whole - and I feel that a focus on giving is not only a productive way to live, but also a great way to help one realize both a life of fulfillment and one of service to others.

Repeating the cycle of wandering through life without a strong sense of purpose, however, only helps set the strong possiblility of our children meeting the same end - and ultimately repeating that cycle ad infinitum.