I get a lot of interesting emails. Most are kind and appreciative, which I enjoy because they let me know my writings and guided meditations are helpful. People often have questions, and I’m happy to answer them as best as I can.
Occasionally, I receive critical emails, like the one I got a few days ago from someone named Jacob (though I don’t know if that’s his real name). Since Jacob used a fake email address, I couldn’t respond directly. So, here’s my reply to you, Jacob:
In your email, you questioned whether my supporters know they are funding my living in a $400K condo. You suggested that I’m not being ethical by not disclosing this and questioned my integrity as a Buddhist.
First, you found my real estate listing online. But you didn’t do thorough research. The address you linked to is actually a rented apartment that I share with my partner. You’d have noticed it was a rental if you’d looked a bit deeper.
I don’t own a home. I currently rent a modest apartment with my partner, paying $1,765 monthly, including fees for our dogs and a surcharge because my kids stay here part-time. It’s not a luxury apartment. Until recently, we had some troublesome neighbors who smoked and caused disruptions, though our new neighbors are a lovely couple.
But even if I did live in a $400k condo, what would that mean? There are lots of scenarios to consider: it could be inherited, bought by a partner, or it could have been a past purchase from a time when I had a different financial situation. The median house price in my area is $550,000, so a $400k home is modest here.
You wanted full disclosure, so here it is: I don’t live in an expensive condo. I live in a rented apartment. I’m not wealthy; I recently bought a used Prius C and have no significant savings or pension.
My work in teaching meditation and Buddhism has never been about making money. I’ve been dedicated to this path, living simply and often struggling financially. Despite the challenges, I love what I do because it helps people become happier.
Your assumptions, Jacob, are easy to make but often misleading. If you had questions, I wish you had reached out directly with a valid email. There are wealthy “gurus” out there, but that’s not my situation at all.
To support my work, I rely on monthly contributions from kind people who believe in what I do. Their support helps me continue teaching and making a difference.
I hope this clears things up for you and anyone else who might share your concerns. If you or anyone sees value in my teachings and can support my work, I’m deeply grateful.
Wishing you all the best,
Bodhipaksa