A monk’s life by definition is a recognition of the interconnected and interdependent reality that underlies all things, even if they seem disconnected. This attempt to reflect part of my spiritual life in a book is a culmination of the efforts and kindness of many individuals across the world, too many to mention by name but all objects of my gratitude in my daily remembrances. I include M.Y. and R.H. for their generous friendship, Ella and Wayne Wu for their continued support, my sisters, Shefali and Shilpa, who have always been supportive of my risky explorations, and my mother, who learned to let go.

I am grateful to Mark Warren, my editor at Random House, for his attentiveness and advice, and to Zara Houshmand, for her persistence and dedication over the last decade in urging me to write and not retreat into silence. Tina Bennett is a spirited medium—a literary agent who wasn’t deterred by this monk’s lack of interest in writing something to sell. Cindy Spiegel encouraged me with the tremendous enthusiasm and sensitivity she expressed toward the book. Alexandra Selby and Elizabeth Campbell spent many weeks transcribing several megabytes of audio recordings.

I am grateful to my Dharma brothers and sisters in Asia and the West, who have often opened their temples and homes for this itinerant monk. My “homelessness” has afforded me many homes, and I feel fortunate to have witnessed that quintessentially human compassion. I am grateful also to my colleagues and friends at MIT as I continue to thrive in this unique culture of inquisitiveness and curiosity, with aspirations to alleviate suffering. Their dedication to what they do inspires me.

I am too young to write a memoir. Priorities in my life may shift but certain aspects of my life will remain rooted in the wisdom of my many past, present, and future teachers. Without their kindness, I would simply be a raft floating in a vast ocean. I am grateful to my students, who continue to teach me many things.