Jean-Marie (“Jan”) de Wurstemberger began studying Buddhism in the Tibetan tradition in the mid-1990s. His main teacher at the time gave him one piece of advice above all: “Just sit.” This was a rather unusual instruction in the context of the Tibetan tradition, more reminiscent of the teaching of a Zen master.
Shortly afterwards, an unexpected encounter with the highly experienced Theravāda monk and meditation teacher Bhante Sujiva gave that advice a clear and precise form: vipassanā meditation.
For more than twenty-five years, Jan has practised insight meditation (vipassanā) under the guidance of Bhante Sujiva. In German-speaking countries, he also serves as Bhante Sujiva’s interpreter during retreats and co-translated into German his seminal work on insight meditation, Tree of Wisdom, River of No Return.
In his professional life, Jan works in Switzerland as a teacher, counsellor and systemic coach, supporting adolescents, their families and young adults on their path towards independent living.
