I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DRAWN, almost instinctively, to “Truth.” Since childhood, I sensed there was a deeper reality beyond what our senses can perceive. Somewhere inside, I knew that only a spiritual path could lead to it.

I was raised in the South of France, in a family of six children, by non-religious parents. Coming from a lineage of Jews who converted to Catholicism during the Second World War, in my family, religion was a delicate, sometimes painful topic, surrounded by a giant taboo. As a child, I would occasionally accompany my grandparents to church, thinking I might find the truth I was looking for, but I soon realized it wasn’t my path.

Later, I turned to Judaism, hoping to uncover something authentic by confronting the family secret. But the complexity of the path and its restricted access quickly discouraged the adolescent I was, in the midst of an existential crisis.

Meditation entered my life gently, like signs left along the way: at twelve, through a “good mood club” at school; later, as a teenager, through my athletics coach, a practitioner of Japanese Buddhism; and then as a young adult by attending mindfulness workshops at a Buddhist center in Paris. Each time, I felt the same pull — a sense of rightness, of returning to something essential. Yet I felt lost. So many traditions, teachers, and strange names… and I imagined that I would have to live an ascetic life — giving up meat, wine, and parties, waking before dawn to meditate. Deep down, a voice whispered Buddhism was my path, but I kept pushing it away, not feeling ready.

Over the years, I explored my mind and suffering through therapy. Then I worked with Doctors Without Borders, traveling to Africa, thinking that by relieving others’ suffering, I might find the truth I sought. Despite the passion I felt for my work, I returned from each mission emotionally and physically exhausted, overwhelmed by helplessness in the face of so much suffering. Once again, I knew the truth was not there either.

At 30, I followed my partner to São Paulo. I settled there in between my missions, and two years later, in 2014, I gave birth to my daughter, Hanaë.  The moment she came into the world, I wondered how I could offer the best of this world to this little being who had instantly overwhelmed me with unconditional love. The answer came immediately, like an inner voice shouting: “Stop running away! Find your teacher and become a real Buddhist! “

With my baby in arms, I stepped into Odsal Ling—Chagdud Gonpa, on the outskirts of São Paulo. I had the great fortune to meet Lama Tsering and Chagdud Khadro, who opened my heart to the wisdom and methods of Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche. Being in their presence awakened in me everything that had lain dormant for years. Surrounded by the joyful and welcoming Brazilian sangha, I was finally allowing myself to be born spiritually. Each teaching answered my questions, filled the gaps within me, and made me feel as if every cell in my body had come fully alive. For the first time, I felt ready — and courageous enough — to commit fully to the path.

As I engaged in practice, I connected with my other teachers, each revealing another facet of this precious wisdom. In searching for the reincarnation of Kangyur Rinpoche, I met Mingyur Rinpoche in São Paulo in May 2018. From the first moment, I was deeply touched by his simplicity, joy, and profound presence. I began following his teachings, aspiring to serve his enlightened activity, as I was doing with my other masters.

That wish came true in May 2022, when I was fortunate to join Tergar International as a French interpreter and translator, serving the French-speaking community. Every day, I feel deeply grateful that my professional work has become part of my spiritual path, and I cherish being connected with friends worldwide who, like Rinpoche, embody the joy, simplicity, and love of the dharma — striving together to bring awareness, love, compassion, and wisdom to more and more people.

With deep gratitude, I pay homage to all my teachers for their patience, kindness, and boundless generosity. May they live long, and may their teachings continue to shine throughout the world, guiding all beings to awaken to their true nature.