A Sketch: Joseph Nabholz

I grew up in Pennsylvania with two brothers and a sister, wise parents, and lots of land. In our own order, we were home schooled, fed vegetables, and sent out into the world. I then received an English degree from Warren Wilson College in 2008, and more recently, I taught ESL in Taiwan for two years, where I also studied Mandarin and ate as much food as possible.

I have always been interested in the arts, especially acting and writing, and I look forward to an opportunity to incorporate them with my larger plans. Otherwise, sometimes I ride a bicycle, or sketch a picture, or drink imported teas, or do any other number of things that pass the time pleasurably.

My curiosity in Buddhism really took shape in college and quickly became a strong influence for what I chose to do with my other interests. I journeyed through Tibet, Northern India, Taiwan (where, for a short time, I lived and studied in a monastery), and other parts of Southeast Asia. I experienced, for the first time, culture—not simply influenced—but rather infused with Buddhism, which was manifest in each country in its various forms and colors.

Following this broad—at moments, quite specific—familiarization with Buddhism and Buddhist culture, I’m more inspired than ever to find ways for the Dharma to arise more naturally in America.