We at the Chenrezig Project believe that true happiness comes from within, the natural result of clear vision leading to wise, compassionate intentions and actions.

We draw inspiration from many sources, including our dharma "teachers" who appear below. Buddhist and non-Buddhist, living and passed on, these people exemplify the skillful means for living lives of wisdom and compassion. (Please scroll to see teachers, click on names/photos to learn more.)

Gandhi famously wrote a note which he passed from a train window to a reporter who asked for a message to take back to his village: "My life is my message." So it is with our teachers.

Please visit our "teacher pages" -- they are here for all to share. After doing so, at a quiet time take a few moments to ponder what you've read . . . if you're open, some of it will take seed in your heart. Once there, as sure as the sun rises in the morning, it will sprout.

Thankfully, compassionate inspiration is not in short supply . . . our teacher pages are growing with many persons identified and "in production" . . . please feel free to suggest your "compassion" teachers to info@ChenrezigProject.org . . . click on the names/photos below to learn about each.

Crimson-colored boxes denote those who are living.

Deeply simple and loving, a healing mother to all she met.		Courageous defender of the ecosystem, exposed the harmful effects of pesticide use.		Psychologist and teacher of Eastern spiritual wisdom to the West.		A true genius who combined pure intellect with spiritual insight.
Gentle saint of animals and ecology; founder of the Franciscan order.		Heart and soul of India's non-violent struggle for independence.		The Dalai Lama. A symbol of engaged wisdom and compassion.		A man of grace; Buddhist monk, poet, author and spiritual guide.
His life and teachings of spirit provide inspiration for people worldwide.		The embodiment of the highest qualities and ideals of Tibetan culture.		Timelessly wise teacher of the "Tao" (The Way Nature Is).		India's silent philosopher, spiritual guide and, to some, an avatar.
Deeply committed and passionate environmental activist and author.		English-born author, lecturer, Tibetan Buddhist nun and nunnery founder.		Sufi mystic and ecstatic poet, he wrote with passion of unity and love.		Awakened 2,500 years ago, he has been "the Buddha" ever since.
Best known for her tireless work among Calcutta's poverty stricken.		With a single action, one person can inspire millions.		Non-violently fought South African apartheid.		He spoke oddly, making us smile as we learned his lessons of wisdom.