Mary Helen Fein

All my life, since my early twenties, I dreamed of finding a teacher who would guide me on a true spiritual path. I didn’t really know what a “true spiritual path” would be like and I had no idea what to expect from the person who might guide me. I didn’t know how I would find this person, but I felt a longing. When I was fifty years old, I met John Travis. John was an unusual spiritual teacher. But how he was different became clear when he spoke about the Dharma — about the Buddhist teachings. He quoted the Buddha from memory. He told stories with pointed messages. He taught us how to meditate. He explained the finer details of Buddhism with clarity. He knew his stuff. Cold. Or should I say, “Warm”. The message was always warmth, kindness. Be gentle, don’t contend with anyone, stay equanimous — even when life sweeps through with strong winds. John’s message came in both words and through behaviors. He lived what he taught. It’s thirty years later as I start this book, this story of John’s life. In all that time, I have never, not even once, seen him be negative. Never seen him angry. Never seen him want to hurt anyone. Never seen him defensive. I can’t say these words about anyone else I know or have ever known. What I know is that my life has been enriched and guided just by being around John. And the best guidance comes from his example. I feel fortunate to have found the teacher that I longed for so many years ago. And now, I feel even more fortunate to walk with him through his life story, the story of the places and people and ideas and events that helped him to become who he is.