Rosemary (b. Australia 1952) and Steve (b. U.S.A. 1949) have been practicing meditation since 1972, and have received instruction from many of the leading Buddhist meditation teachers of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, India, Australia, England and the United States.
In 1978 they developed a deep connection to the Buddha's teaching as represented in the Theravadin tradition. This occurred because the Buddha's teachings and practices resonated strongly with what they had learned from their close connection with nature and alternate lifestyles. This was deepened by participating in intensive retreats in the Theravadin tradition.
With the wish to learn more, they traveled to Thailand in 1979. They had the good fortune of being able to visit and practice with many famous Thai meditation teachers. It was during this trip that they were greatly influenced by one particular teacher who stressed the importance of having Compassion, not only for others but also to have compassion for ourselves.
Upon returning to Australia, they tried to integrate their practice in active involvement in the community they had founded in 1977; building, organic gardening and farming, developing cottage industries in Arts and Crafts. Realizing the need for periodic withdrawal from activities into silent contemplation, they also continued attending meditation retreats which included practice in Australia, Burma, the U.S.A., and Thailand.
The importance of the meditative path deepened in their life so in 1986 they decided to devote their life more fully to the Buddha's teaching. After traveling to the U.S.A., Thailand, and India -- visiting teachers, practicing, and going into retreat -- they settled in Thailand, living and practicing in many different monasteries.
In 1987 they were requested to teach at Wat Kow Tahm and began the retreat programs in 1988. Periodically, they traveled to Australia, Singapore, the USA and Europe teaching retreats and/or workshops. They also regularly went into personal retreat, and received guidance from many leading meditation teachers in Thailand.
Rosemary and Steve arrived back in Australia in April 2013. They keep in close contact with a network of old students and past assistants around the world. And they plan to continue to teach retreats, give talks and lead workshops as long as their health and energy permit.
Stressed highly among Steve and Rosemary's teaching is the development of Compassionate Understanding.