Nagaloka people
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Dharmasuri Dharmasuri was first introduced to Buddhism in 1994 by her good friend, Leigh Baker. She helped found Nagaloka in 2003 and was ordained in 2006 into the Western Buddhist Order following a six week retreat in Dunkeld, Scotland. Dharmasuri lives and works as an accountant, massage therapist and personal trainer in Portland. She is the current chairperson for Nagaloka. Dharmasuri has a strong meditation practice and the Dharma comes from her heart. Her love of the Dharma is noted in her name, Dharmasuri, which mean “heroine that embodies the path to Enlightenment.” |
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Viriyalila Viriyalila has been been meditating and practicing Buddhism since 1994 and was ordained into the Western Buddhist Order in 2005. She has worked in the fields of Recreation Therapy and is a licensed massage therapist. She appreciates the challenges of maintaining balance in one’s life and has found the tools of meditation and Buddhist practice as essential in establishing a sense of wholeness and well-being. Currently freelancing as an artist, fundraiser, and Dharma teacher, Viriyalila has been praised for her playful, approachable attitude to learning & exploring Buddhist principles and meditation practice. |
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Karunasara Karunasara has been practicing Buddhism with the FWBO since the mid 1990’s and was ordained into the Western Buddhist Order in 2003. During her professional life she worked as a registered nurse with a frequent focus on end-of-life issues and teaching. Currently retired, she now focuses on end-of-life care in hospice as a volunteer plus her practice and teaching of the Dharma. |
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Maitrimani Maitrimani first became involved at an FWBO Buddhist center in London, England, in the mid 1980’s. As a way to practice Buddhism she worked in businesses formed and run by Buddhists; first a restaurant, a shop, and then a holistic health center. Working with other Buddhists helped Maitrimani learn more receptivity, acceptance and about compassion, qualities so important on a Buddhist path. She was ordained into the Western Buddhist Order in 2008. Maitrimani helps facilitate meditation and study classes at Nagaloka. |
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Narottama Exploring a beginners’ meditation and Buddhism course in the early 90’s opened and enriched my life and world beyond measure. Identifying with the Buddha’s struggles, seeing that his insights and practices can provide a basis for personal growth, and the friendliness and honesty of those practicing these methods has brought much joy and contentment. We do create our worlds and with our own efforts and in support with others we can wake up to a better one each moment of each day. |