Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of HH Dalai Lama & the people of Tibet. A close friend of the Dalai Lama’s for over 50 years, he is a leading world-wide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, skilled translator of Buddhist texts, and inspiring writer of popular Buddhist books. His most recent book is the 300 page graphic novel, Man of Peace: the Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet.

In partnership with Nena Thurman and dedicated contributors, he now focuses on making Tibet House US and its Menla Retreat & Spa a global center for the promotion, study and practice of Tibetan Buddhist healing arts and sciences of body, mind, and spirit, dedicated as a complement to the vast life work of its patron, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Krishna Das is a Grammy-nominated chant artist and has sung with people all around the world for over 35 years. His music offers the practice of chanting mantras– mostly in the Indian tradition, with some Buddhist and Gospel infusions. By sharing his life experiences on the path in his book Chants of a Lifetime, and workshops with people around the world, participants have found a way to integrate spiritual practices in their lives in a better way with some peace of mind. In 2018, Krishna Das released his 16th album “Peace of my Heart.” Learn more at www.krishnadas.com

Michele Loew is an international yoga teacher and the founder and director of The Yoga Space in Portland, Oregon. She is known as a teacher’s teacher and is respected for her 200 Hr. & 500 Hr. Yoga Schools and her ability to combine Western knowledge of the body (anatomy & physiology and modern kinesiology techniques) with the Eastern tradition of yoga.   She has practiced and taught Hatha & Vinyasa yoga since 1998, having studied extensively in the Iyengar and Ashtanga traditions as well as the Sri Vidya lineage & since 2014, the Kalachakra Yogas. She is known for her keen observation skills and her ability to guide students toward aligning the physical and energetic body through the use of expert hands-on assists and intelligent verbal cues. She brings to her teaching a warm and engaging style that reflects her own internal understanding of the practice.   Michele is an avid student of Eastern & Western Philosophy and continues to study with her principal yoga teacher Richard Freeman with whom she has practiced with since 2000. She has been Richard’s assistant in his teacher trainings and workshops and has a close understanding of his brilliant middle path teaching. She practices Tibetan Buddhist yogas and has received initiation from a number of Tibetan teachers, including several Kalachakra initiations with HH The Dalai Lama. She practices Vajrayana as guided by her beloved teacher in Buddhist inner science, Dr. Robert Thurman.   Michele teaches regular classes and trainings in Portland, as well as retreats and workshops internationally. For more information on Michele please also visit www.theyogaspace.com and follow her on instagram @micheleloew Please feel free to email Michele with any questions or to let her know about former injuries or modifications you might be working with in your practice. [email protected]

Nina Rao learned traditional chants (bhajans) from her grandfather in a village in south India when she nine years old. The chants quietly stayed with her until she rediscovered chanting with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. For many years Nina has been Krishna Das' business manager and assistant, often touring with him playing cymbals and singing. In 2007, she recorded the track 'Nina Chalisa' on Krishna Das' CD; Flow of Grace " and in January 2013, she released her debut album ;Antarayaami - Knower of All Hearts" and her 2018 release, “Anubhav.” Nina regularly leads kirtan, chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, and sings for yoga classes in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY and beyond. Learn more at www.ninaraochant.com

A celebrated astrologer and intuitive, Alexander Mallon has practiced for over 45 years, sharing his gifts with clientele spanning the globe, from NY to New Zealand. Alexander has been an avid telescope builder and amateur astronomer for nearly 50 years as well and incorporates his intimate knowledge of the sky and natural cycles into his professional consulting and coaching career. Discovering his calling very early in life, Alexander began his work professionally with private clients including corporate leaders, political figures, entrepreneurs, physicians, lawyers, artists and actors. Over the years he has been featured on numerous radio and television programs, and for 5 years, had his own call-in live TV program “New Planet” which aired in Manhattan and the San Francisco Bay area. Alexander holds a Certificate of Astrological Study from the Astrological Research Center of New York, and holds a degree in Art Therapy from Long Island University School of Visual and Performing Arts. He has also received training in Body Centered Gestalt Therapy at the Hartford Family Institute in Hartford, CT. Known for his compassionate style and also his direct laser-like insight, Alexander provides Consulting, Coaching and Counseling services for individuals, couples, and corporations. As an avid amateur astronomer and sky observer, Alexander also conducts classes and “experientials” in astronomy and sky lore at his private observatory in Charleston, SC.

Wasfia Nazreen is a trailblazing force of nature who has shattered countless barriers, scaling the highest peaks on every continent, earning her the esteemed titles of being the first Bengali and the only Bangladeshi to scale the Seven Summits, alongside the treacherous K2, the world’s most unpredictable & deadly mountain. Born in Bangladesh, and abandoned by her mother at the age of 13, Wasfia’s early life was marked with tragedy. In her early twenties, she was blessed with the friendship of HH the 14th Dalai Lama, whose compassion and guidance altered the entire course of her life. She immersed herself in meditation, initiations, and practice under the direct guidance of HH Dalai Lama, HH Karmapa, Kyabje Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, and Kyabje Mingyur Rinpoche for two decades.

As an Expeditions Expert, Wasfia leads transformative journeys into nature, forging connections with self, humanity, and the Earth, catalyzing positive change for our planet. A passionate advocate, Wasfia has been a vocal proponent of human rights and environmental causes since her late teens. Her dedication transcends boundaries, making her a symbol of empowerment and change in South Asia. A writer, educator, pilot, and producer, she dons many hats, all anchored in the profound practices of meditation and self-realization. She’s a groundbreaking explorer and adventurer, having the distinct honor of being the only woman to hold the simultaneous titles of National Geographic Explorer and Adventurer. Currently, she’s working on her memoir and a film on her K2 conquest. For a glimpse into her extraordinary life, watch the award-winning short film ‘Wasfia’ on National Geographic and more at wasfianazreen.com.