The Real Me
As far as I can remember… or at least want to remember… :D
1979
Born Noah Herschell Greenspoon in my parents house at Ice Lake, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada.
1985
Taken out of kindergarten by my parents to be schooled at home.
1993
Returned to the public education system at Manitoulin Secondary School.
1996
Left the public education system again for West Bay Alternative School.
1997
Moved to Toronto to continue alternative education at Subway Academy II, a three room school above Futures Bakery on Bloor St.
1998
Entered post-secondary education at McMaster University in the Arts and Science Programme.
1999
Withdrew from the Arts and Science Programme at McMaster.
Travelled to Thailand for the first time.
2000
Undertook practice of Satipatthana Vipassana at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chom Tong.
Returned to McMaster University to study Indian Religions and Sanskrit.
2001
Returned to Thailand to ordain as a monk.
Ordained as a monk at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chom Tong, Dec 4.
2002
Returned to Canada as a monk, returned to McMaster to study as a monk.
Returned to Thailand to study as a monk under Ajaan Tong Sirimangalo.
2003
Undertook intensive, year-long training as an instructor under Ajaan Tong.
2004
Accepted an invitation to establish a Vipassana meditation center at Wat Doi Suthep.
2006
Returned to Wat Chom Tong to continue study and teaching of Vipassana meditation.
2007
Moved to Wat Sanku to open an international forest monastery and meditation centre.
Travelled to Wat Thai of Los Angeles to teach two 1-month meditation courses
2008
Moved to Samoeng to try again at establishing an international forest monastery and meditation centre.
Travelled again to Wat Thai of Los Angeles to teach a two-month meditation course
Moved again, this time to Mae Taeng to try and fail again to establish an international forest monastery and meditation centre.
2009
Travelled a third time to Wat Thai of Los Angeles to teach a three-month meditation course, this time with the added intention to move to America to continue my meditation and studies in a suitable location.
Please let me know if you know of anything important missing from this list.
Greetings, my dearest friend. It’s been a while, no? I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well, and following a path that is fulfilling for you. I think about you often, wondering what you’re up to, and where you’re headed, so thank you for this site :) We should catch up sometime, but I’m not much of one to email novellas to people :) I still see Lloyd once in a while, and a few others from back in the day.
Take care, lots of love and affection,
-M
Hello Noah~~
I’ve just reconnected with your mom after 30 years or so because of our secondary school’s upcoming centennial. We have shared info about our children and I now feel compelled to write to you. Your path is fascinating and your wisdom intriguing. I will visit your blog regularly. Namaste.
Hello Venerable,
I was just surfing the net and one link directed me to your blog. When I read your bio, I just recognized Noah. I just wanted to say hello to you. I am glad to see that you are monk in motion sharing beautiful Dhamma with people. Keep this good work up. Wishing you goodluck and blessings !
Bhante Saranapala
http://www.westendbuddhist.org
that picture is really cute.
Great weblog, Noah. Why do I say it is great? I intended to just skim through and see where you are nowadays, and instead I have been awash in Noah-ness for almost an hour. I hope you find your way to Canada sometime in the near future — it would be fantastic to spend some time with you.