Monastic

Brother Minh Lượng

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Brother Minh Luong is a monastic at Deer Park Monastery, whose journey to monastic life reflects a deep commitment to mindfulness, simplicity, and inner transformation. Born and raised in Laguna Beach, California, he enjoyed an active and creative childhood, playing saxophone, acting in theater, and surfing. His spiritual path began while studying at NYU, where he explored Eastern philosophy, game design, and computer science. A chance encounter with an audiobook by the Dalai Lama sparked a profound realization—an urgent need to stay connected with the deeper truths of life.

His exploration of meditation became a refuge from the anxiety and distractions of city life. Despite an initial struggle to find tangible results in his practice, Brother Minh Luong remained patient, guided by the insight that true transformation takes time. After graduating from NYU, he longed for a simple life of meaning but found himself in a period of stagnation following a major surgery. A journey to India with Deer Park Monastery became a turning point, exposing him to the warmth of the Sangha and the power of the Five Mindfulness Trainings.

Drawn to the depth of the practice and the simplicity of monastic life, he was ordained as a monk in 2018. He enjoys being outside whether hiking, running, or simply walking on the land. Brother Minh Luong embraces monastic life not as a sacrifice, but as a path of freedom—one that allows him to cultivate peace, joy, and insight while offering service to the community. For him, the Sangha is essential, providing the support needed to live deeply in the present moment. 

Ordination Date

2018

Birthplace

Laguna Beach, CA. USA

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