Full name: Hillary Adrian Han
Degree/Graduating Year: I received an EdM degree from Harvard in 1987
Location: I live on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand
When I first moved to Koh Samui in June 1988, a small well known tourist island, there wasn't even a road around the island, no airport, few cars and banana boat-type transportation from the mainland. It was the perfect place to find a quiet temple on the beach and sit at the feet of a revered monk. And this is what I did for the first 4 years.
As a Buddhist educator I felt an affinity for the Land of Smiles and their approach to educating students. My initial intention in coming here was to learn to read, write and speak Thai, and translate Buddhist Dharma texts, from Buddhist scholar-monks who had the same ides that I had regarding the education of students, and teachers. My ultimate intention for coming here, was to design a curriculum for students of each age group, founded on Buddha Dharma principles.
Thus, my journey during the first several years consisted of studying Thai 6 hours a day, amongst Yoga practice and swimming--I am a long distance swimmer--while living a retreat type lifestyle.
Current Role: I am the director of Dharma Healing International. I teach several courses here on Koh Samui, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, and in Singapore--Fasting as a Path of Dharma, and Dharma for Teachers.
I am also an Archetypal Astrologer, and have designed a type of astrology reading called an Astro-Thesis, which is a very comprehensive, in depth account of a person's psycho-spiritual sacred geometry.
I have also been writing several books--4 books to be exact:
Fasting as a Path of Dharma
Dharma for Teachers
A Compassionate Business Mandala
The 9 Types of Bio-Spiritual Nutrition
3 Fun Facts: I am a swimmer--that is where I have the most fun and can completely give my body, mind and spirit to the presence of the sea. This is very different than a pool--the sea is alive, changes throughout the day and one must breathe with its identity to stay afloat.
I have been teaching myself music theory and classical guitar over the last several years. I am really not good at all but it is fun to feel like I am in 1st grade again--letting go of my age, and ego. The discipline to practice awakens the patience needed to endure the many mistakes I make.
I love to help people learn about themselves. Throughout my life I have studied Buddhist and Astro-psychology, Dharma and other subjects, that have helped me understand human beings of every age, culture, nationality and religion. This is not only fun it brings me great joy, confidence and satisfaction.
Why did you join HAEd?
I feel at 71 years old, there is still so much to give, and so many people to help.
How did you get involved in education?
I began teaching in 1973 in a rural area in Southern Oregon. I taught Kindergarten, had my own nursery school and rode my bicycle to the different hippie communities in the area to teach the kids who were being home schooled. I taught Yoga, Math, Meditation, Science. . . anything I could.
What is something that inspires you?
I am inspired to guide people--hold the mirror up--into him/herself.
Dharma--which means nature, inspires me. I love, and feel most at home living in a natural environment, with my bare feet deep in the earth, with little or no technology, few people and where it is blissfully quiet. . . It is a celebration that I am truly grateful for everyday!
What is the most memorable experience you remember from your time at Harvard?
I loved visiting the many libraries, taking classes in Buddhism at the Divinity School, and working at Gutman Library.
What advice do you have for other Harvard alumni?
Learn as much about yourself as you can throughout your life. Know that to be alive means to change. Empower yourself to be your own authority, your own portal of divinity. Yet, always stay humble to the present moment. Be ready to change, let go of who you are in order to take part in the evolution of humankind. . . .
To preserve, protect and vitalize your health, it is advantageous to eliminate all foods and drinks and ways of life that get in the way of feeling vibrant while maintaining a flexible body, and a focused mind.
Always be able to control habits which get in the way of your true happiness. Never allow negative attitudes to bring you down. Catch them before they saturate your spirit. If you feel depressed don't suppress it, sit with it, allow it to be separate from your center. See it for what it is. Then when you are ready, take a step away, do something loving for yourself, and someone else, then soon It will pass like a big cloud ready to move on.
Never discriminate--everyone is different. We each need to feel special in who we are.
Don't attach to self-centered goals which do not encompass the greater world.
