The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi entered a Buddhist monastery in his native
India, at the age of ten. His interest in photography began at the age of
eight, when he received his first "point and shoot" camera as a gift.
Starting in 2000, he began his ongoing photographic essays using a Canon
Rebel camera. Since 2005 he has been using a digital Cannon 20D camera
for his powerful secular and lay images. A monk and a scholar, his
multilingual and multicultural education contribute to his photographic
vision. He considers his end product the projections of his imagination, and
reflections of the the world he experiences in his travels across the
continents.
He finds photography, contemplative. It serves as a tool for the development
of a calm, clear, and decisive mind . It is also instrumental in gaining
appreciation for the profound "illusory" displays of nature.
Ven. Tenzin lectures worldwide on Buddhist philosophy, conflict resolution,
and interfaith initiatives. His vision is ecumenical and global. He
currently serves as a Visiting Scholar and Buddhist Chaplain at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and President of the MIT Prajnopaya
Foundation.
Proceeds from the sale of Tenzin Priyadrshi¹s photographs go to support the
humanitarian activities of The Prajnopaya Foundation in the areas of health
care and education. For more information on Prajnopaya visit
http://www.prajnopaya.org/
