The Breath of Awakening

Episode #202: Diego Prieto, guided by the allure of the Buddha's teachings, embarked on what would become a transformative journey into Myanmar.

His first experiences with meditation took place in his home country of Chile, and he continued to take courses across South America, before heading to India, where he began work on a documentary about the Buddha’s teachings. But Diego’s perspective profoundly changed in the vibrant Buddhist society of Myanmar, deepening his understanding of practice by engaging in a living tradition. Myanmar revealed a dynamic Buddhism, shaped by the passage of time and the tapestry of changing cultures. It was a revelation!

The sacred sites that bore witness to centuries of meditation held a strong attraction for Diego, leaving an indelible imprint on his practice. In particular, The International Meditation Center (IMC), where S.N. Goenka took his first vipassana course with Sayagyi U Ba Khin, was an intense and powerful experience, and allowed him to confront his inner darkness in a profound way.

Later, in the ancestral village of Webu Sayadaw, Diego discovered that the practice of ānāpāna (the observation of breath) encompassed the essence of Buddhism's path to enlightenment, as opposed to just being a way to concentrate the mind, as he learned in his prior meditation. This revelation became the guiding light for his future practice, a seed of wisdom planted deep within.

Yet, there were more revelations to come. In the Thabarwa Monastery, compassionate action became a gateway to meditation for Diego. Engaging in acts of active compassion—cleaning, assisting the vulnerable, and teaching—he witnessed the transformative power of selfless deeds. It was an awakening that expanded his understanding of Buddhism's true nature, beyond the confines of traditional boundaries.

Contemplating Myanmar's current challenges, Diego drew upon his own experiences of turmoil and social unrest in his native country of Chile. In the face of helplessness, he advocates for presence, for listening and sharing, and for the profound lessons that emerge from embracing the pain of others.