Al Blum encountered the Dharma over twenty years ago, after a long struggle with a near fatal illness inspired a search for deeper meaning and purpose. After studying and practicing in a traditional Tibetan context, Al found a true home in this lineage upon meeting Reggie in 2000. He has been teaching in a variety of Dharma Ocean programs beginning with the first Sutrayana course in 2006. As an original member of the first Dharma Ocean board, Al also served as the board member in charge of designing and building Dharma Ocean’s Retreat Center, Blazing Mountain.

As a father and business owner, Al’s teaching focuses on integrating Dharma practice into the practical realities of family, community, and work. Despite his busy schedule, Al finds time to teach, attend programs, and engage in solitary retreats. He has an M.A. in Indo Tibetan Buddhism from Naropa University.

About his teaching philosophy, he comments:
“Meditation practice in our lineage doesn’t imply retreating from or renouncing the world. Rather, practice gradually opens us to the profound spiritual possibilities of fully inhabiting the lives we actually live moment by moment. As such, there is tremendous respect in our sangha for the uniqueness of each person’s journey.”