Bhante Vannyapamsa grew up in Sri Lanka in a Catholic family. He was drawn to Buddhism in his teens after a poignant encounter with an enlightened monk. After becoming a monk himself in Burma, he moved to the UK to study for his masters in cognitive science and has since founded the Dhamma Center in Colchester, Essex. In this episode he talks very lucidly about his personal experience with working with prisoners in India, Burma and the UK. He candidly discusses the difficult time he had when he first became a Buddhist monk, and how his Catholic upbringing caused some conflict in expectations since it was very different to the background of the other monks. He goes on to talk about the importance of not taking on or absorbing other peoples energy, especially when interacting with difficult or troubled people. And he also gives some very sound advice about self-reflection and realisation, coming to terms with the self, and living in the present moment. This podcast is sponsored by Zen Minded - An online lifestyle store offering you the very best of Japanese craft, incense & other Zen-inspired home-goods. Check it out at www.zenminded.uk If you liked this podcast, consider:  Sharing it via social media - sharable link to this episode https://www.buzzsprout.com/1902945/10784433Signing up to my email listwww.markwestmoquette.co.uk Support the show