Ben and Kendra
Ben
Ben Kramer has dedicated his life to learning and practicing the Buddhist path. He has taught Buddhism throughout the United States, has studied in the Tibetan monasteries of both South and North India, and has completed numerous solitary meditation retreats; including four month-long retreats.
While living in Cincinnati, Ohio Ben helped to organize the formation of Cincinnati Middle Way, a group of dedicated students interested in exploring Tibetan Buddhism. When he wished to go further in his studies Ben set his sights on Diamond Mountain University and Retreat Center in Southeast Arizona. At Diamond Mountain, Ben immersed himself in learning and practicing meditation, yoga, language, and philosophy. In a short time Ben's abilities were apparent to all and he was asked to begin his teaching career and later to become Debate Master of Diamond Mountain. In just a few years at Diamond Mountain, Ben taught courses on Buddhist logic and debate, meditation, advanced Buddhist philosophy, yoga, and the Tibetan Language.
The skills of reading and speaking Tibetan were just two of the many Ben acquired in his four journeys to India. The months Ben lived in Tibetan refugee communities and Buddhist monasteries were spent gathering knowledge and experiences that would change both himself and his students back in the United States. Combining the knowledge he gained at Diamond Mountain with the abilities he learned in India, Ben has become one of the most educated Buddhist scholars teaching in America. He's also one of the most fun.
In order to more deeply realize the knowledge granted to him, Ben engages in solitary meditation retreats during which he neither sees nor hears from another person. By practicing in a state of seclusion, Ben is better able to help both himself and those around him reach a state of spiritual happiness. And that has always been his goal.
While living in Cincinnati, Ohio Ben helped to organize the formation of Cincinnati Middle Way, a group of dedicated students interested in exploring Tibetan Buddhism. When he wished to go further in his studies Ben set his sights on Diamond Mountain University and Retreat Center in Southeast Arizona. At Diamond Mountain, Ben immersed himself in learning and practicing meditation, yoga, language, and philosophy. In a short time Ben's abilities were apparent to all and he was asked to begin his teaching career and later to become Debate Master of Diamond Mountain. In just a few years at Diamond Mountain, Ben taught courses on Buddhist logic and debate, meditation, advanced Buddhist philosophy, yoga, and the Tibetan Language.
The skills of reading and speaking Tibetan were just two of the many Ben acquired in his four journeys to India. The months Ben lived in Tibetan refugee communities and Buddhist monasteries were spent gathering knowledge and experiences that would change both himself and his students back in the United States. Combining the knowledge he gained at Diamond Mountain with the abilities he learned in India, Ben has become one of the most educated Buddhist scholars teaching in America. He's also one of the most fun.
In order to more deeply realize the knowledge granted to him, Ben engages in solitary meditation retreats during which he neither sees nor hears from another person. By practicing in a state of seclusion, Ben is better able to help both himself and those around him reach a state of spiritual happiness. And that has always been his goal.
Links:
The Diamond Cutter Sutra
Video Series: Ben teaches emptiness in the Diamond Cutter Sutra at Updog Yoga in Detroit, Michigan (with special guest: Kendra)
How Karma Works
Video Series: A complete overview of the workings of karma taught at Diamond Mountain University
The Art of Debate
Audio and Study Materials: Ben teaches Tibetan monastic debate method
