Tejananda is my Buddhist name; my family name is John Wakeman. I’ve been living at Vajraloka, a Buddhist meditation centre in North Wales for the last 16 years & have been centre chair since 2001 (I think!) Vajraloka is part of the Triratna Community, formerly FWBO, and I’m a member of what is now known as the Triratna Buddhist Order, ordained by Sangharakshita in 1980. I've also studied with Lama Shenpen Hookham and Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamptso Rinpoche.

 'All-Good' Samantabhadra, our true nature as  intrinsic primordial Awareness

My life centres around Dharma practice - meditation & Buddhism, indeed any approach that points to waking up to who and what I / we really are. I teach and lead workshops and meditation retreats as well as writing on meditation and Buddhism. 

 I've published one book: The Buddhist Path to Awakening (see Amazon co uk or Amazon com for some appreciative reviews and to order - though it's now out of print, copies can still be found!)

 
I’m also very keen on climbing, mountaineering, trekking, running & especially, these days, road cycling. I've also been practising yoga (intermittently!) for over 30 years.

Here I am on the Cho-la pass (around 5300 m) between the Gokyo and Khumbu valleys near Everest, in March 2008 

On Kala Patthar, 5545m, with Everest behind us, and just 5 miles to the summit (but this was as far as we went!)

Also ... I love all kinds of music, from classical to modern to electronica to modern rock drone, drone-doom and post-metal.  Currently listening to Amplifier, Porcupine Tree, The Pineapple Thief and Boards of Canada. Check my current listening at http://www.last.fm/user/johnwakeman. I  also read a lot and browse the web a good deal!