About Author
About Charlene Wilson
A lifetime of learning, a gift of teaching
I never set out to become a Buddhist.
Raised Catholic in the Washington, DC area, my life followed a conventional path. Catholic school from kindergarten through college. A master’s degree in Information Technology. Twenty five years building a career in the computer industry. I was living an ordinary American life. Career, marriage, divorce, friendships. Then something unexpected happened.
I met a Tibetan Lama by chance. I had zero interest in Buddhism at the time. But the Lamas I encountered possessed something I’d never witnessed before. Genuine, unconditional kindness. Not the kind that comes with strings attached or self satisfaction, but true compassion that extended to everyone, even strangers and adversaries.
That discovery changed everything.
The journey begins
For the first few years, I wasn’t a serious student. I dabbled, curious but uncommitted. Nearly 40 years later, I’m fully immersed in Tibetan Buddhism, still studying and practicing under the Nyingma tradition. In 2000, I was ordained as a Ngakpa. Technically Ngakmo, since I’m female, though I use the male term as it’s more commonly referenced. This means I practice Dzogchen, the highest Tibetan teachings, also called ATI yoga.
My root teacher is H.H. Penor Rinpoche, and I’ve been blessed to learn from some of the most accomplished Buddhist masters alive. I’ve taken the Rinchen Terzod empowerments, which allow me to practice all Nyingma meditations without special permission.
Why I wrote this book
My friends, none of whom are Buddhist, constantly asked me questions about the religion. They didn’t understand why someone raised Catholic would dedicate decades to studying an uncommon Eastern tradition. People complained there was no accessible way to learn about Tibetan Buddhism without wading through dense academic texts or oversimplified pop spirituality.
Two years ago, I began teaching a class at George Mason University. My students loved learning about Buddhist philosophy, especially when I broke down the concepts in plain language they could actually use. That’s when I realized I needed to write this book.
This book is my way of thanking my teachers. It doesn’t cover every prayer and meditation. There are other resources for that. But it offers ideas that can improve anyone’s life, regardless of their belief system. If readers want to explore Buddhism further, this book gives them a solid foundation.
What I've learned
Before studying Buddhism, I didn’t believe true kindness existed on Earth. Kindness always seemed transactional. Done for self satisfaction, pride, or social media validation. It was directed toward friends and family, not toward wherever it was genuinely needed.
I had to learn Buddhism to discover why unselfish kindness is the best path for all beings. That realization didn’t come from reading. It came from years of practice, meditation, and watching how enlightened teachers lived.
My life today
I still live in the Washington, DC area. When I’m not writing or teaching, I’m practicing meditation, spending time with family, or connecting with students who are beginning their own journeys. I wear robes specially made by my monastery. Not the ones you can buy online, but the real ones that signify decades of commitment and study.
I’m not special. I don’t have qualities that set me apart. I’m just someone who kept showing up, kept learning, and kept practicing. That’s all enlightenment really requires. Showing up, again and again.
Connect with me
I love hearing from readers. Whether you have questions about the book, want to discuss Buddhist philosophy, or simply want to say hello. Reach out through my contact page, and I’ll do my best to respond. You can also sign up for my newsletter for updates, teachings, and reflections on applying ancient wisdom to modern life.
Buddhism taught me that we’ve all been each other’s mothers in past lives. We’re all connected. So when you reach out, you’re not a stranger. You’re family.