Tathagata Pitaka has been participating and staffing on Enlightenment Intensives since 1980. She has been very active as an Enlightenment Intensive Master since 1994, when she was trained by Lawrence Noyes*.

She has a background in Zen Buddhist practice and study, at Green Gulch Farm and Mt. Baldy Zen Centers in California. Tathagata Pitaka was given her Sanskrit name by the venerable Ku San, Zen Master at Carmel Abbey in 1989. The name literally means Buddha Vessel, or Buddha Basket. She prefers to be called simply, Pitaka.

Searching for information about enlightened women for years, Pitaka was introduced to the teachings of Anandamayi Ma just 4 years after Ma's death, but then had the great good fortune to attend the first satsangs with Gangaji in Santa Cruz and Big Sur.

The teachings of Anandamayi Ma, Ramana Maharshi, Punjaji, Gangaji, and Eli Jaxon-Bear, have all influenced Pitaka's ability to serve awakening beings.

"Taking the Boddhisatva vow to save all beings was my first koan. Taking this vow threw me into a crisis of asking how can this be possible? I have made a vow to do the impossible! Koans or questions for inquiry into Truth are those which throw one into a state of bewilderment and profound questioning, deeper than the mind can reach. You may read my essay and hopefully understand how the Truth of Already Saved was revealed to me."

"Now all I want is for this Truth to be revealed to everyone who desires it. The great good luck of having this gift to give, the privilege to serve awakening beings is my fulfillment. This life  continues to be blessed by the grace of Truth."

Pitaka also offers one on one spiritual counseling, New Parent Coaching, and Feng Shui Consultation for sacred space in the home and garden.   

* author of "The Enlightenment Intensive" available in paperback through Lawrence Noyes