Alec Peterson Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Alec Peterson Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2009 by Alec's mother, Ms. Karen Gillies, to honor Alec's memory and support Karmê Chöling — Alec's dharma home.
Alec John Peterson was born on May 16, 1986 in Corvallis, Oregon. At 18 Alec set off on an intense journey of personal and spiritual growth; growing more in his last five years than most of us do in a lifetime.
Alec had a very tender heart and his young life wasn't easy. He came to Karmê Chöling the week of his 19th birthday where he worked and lived for a year in this place he called "home." At Karmê Chöling, Alec felt accepted for who he was, encountered his basic goodness, and fell in love with the dharma.
A true bodhisattva, after leaving Karmê Chöling Alec worked for a year in a wilderness therapy program helping young boys find their inner strength and goodness. He continued his education at Heartwood Institute in California, where he completed coursework in Asian Healing Arts and Whole Foods Nutrition. In 2008 Alec attended Vajrayana Seminary and the 30th Anniversary Magyal Pomra Encampment. After this intense summer of dharma study and practice, Alec moved to Boulder, Colorado where he was an active member of the Shambhala community.
Sadly, this beautiful young man died on March 14, 2009 in Boulder. Alec touched countless souls in his young life and is remembered for his compassion, wisdom, gentleness, beautiful smile, unconditional love and passion for life. His memory will live on in all the hearts he touched as well as with the Karmê Chöling Scholarship Fund. Donations to this fund will help others find their way in this often confusing world. Karmê Chöling and Alec's family are grateful for any offering you can make to help support practitioners to deepen their understanding and commitment along the Shambhala Buddhist path.
