Max Swanger has been practicing Buddhism since 1995.  He spent a semester studying all forms of Buddhism in Bodh Gaya, India in 1997. Then he lived and trained for almost 8 years at Tassajara Zen Monastery, and Green Gulch Farm Zen Temple (both part of San Francisco Zen Center.)  

At the Zen Center he was lay ordained in the Soto Zen Tradition and spent many years training to be a priest.

Although most of his experience is in Zen, he has also studied with Tibetan Lamas and Theravadin monks and laypeople.  He loves all forms of Buddhism, but is especially fond of the Mahayana (great vehicle) and the path of the Bodhisattva.

Currently Max is studying Vipassana Meditation.