Jacqueline Kramer has been practicing and studying
Buddhism for 27 years. She began sticking her toes into Eastern philosophy when she was 16 years old by pouring over a copy of Zen Flesh, Zen Bones and practicing transcendental meditation. She was attracted to the practicality and beauty of the teachings. Her study and practice began in earnest when she met her meditation teacher Annagarika Dhamma Dinna in 1976.
By the time Jacqueline had become pregnant with her daughter Nicole, she had been practicing Buddhism for three years. Jacqueline had been taught to apply the Buddhašs teachings to everyday life so it was natural for her to apply the teachings to her pregnancy, birth, mothering and homemaking. In addition to her Buddhist studies and daily practice, Jacqueline went on 7 to 10 day Vipassana meditation retreats in Canada once a year.
Aware of the dangers of nuclear arms proliferation, threats to the environment, and tender from her birthing experience, Jacqueline devoted herself to being a part of the solution. Not long after making this commitment, Jacqueline began writing Buddha Mom. "I wrote the book I wanted to read, but couldnšt find, when I was a young mother," Jacqueline says. "I had read that being a homemaker was a distraction on the path to spiritual development, but my experience was just the opposite. This is why I wrote Buddha Mom, to share that support and insight with others." Jacqueline's practice is applying mindfulness and compassion to everyday activities.
Nicole is now in her 20s. Jacqueline is currently living in rural Sonoma County, California. She is the director of a spiritual growth study group and provides spiritual counseling as a Religious Science Practitioner. Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in painting and sculpture from Bennington College. She teaches art and music appreciation to seniors. Jacqueline sings with a swing big band and performs one-woman shows. She is a freelance writer.