Sky's short bio

This Bio written by Sky was originally published with his poetry submission to the a poetry anthology out of San Francisco.  I have a number of copies of these magazines. Somewhere. I just spent a good portion of the last hour looking on every book shelf, random large storage boxes tucked under my sewing table, file drawers, and the cabinet in my living room that has childrens' books and many percussion instruments i have collected from my travels.... I can not find these small magazines with his published poems.  The grief of loss strikes at unsuspecting times and I just have to follow its lead till it's value is recognized, heart open - here is his short autobiography: 

La'akea Sky Smith

    "Born in Hawaii inot a family connected with the Dudjom Tersar Lineage. Met my root Lama at one month old, took refuge at 5 an have been practicing Buddhism in a very undisciplined but genuine way ever since. 
     I now live in Santa Cruz where i study at a community college, surf, write, and occasionally practice meditation.  When i was seventeen, I hit a wall with drug addiction and mental instability and for about a year I struggled with rehab and medication. During the first two years of my recovery i loved among some of the most kind and devoted practitioners I have ever met. thru regular mediation, pujas and retreats, I deepened my practice and to an extent opened my heart which allowed me to begin to forgive myself and others.  I am incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in such an authentic practice!
     I have now been clean and sober for over three years thanks to the Twelve Steps and the kindness of my teachers.  My life is incredibly rich and proportionately challenging.  I've lived a very long and hard 21 years and I'm looking forward to living the rest of my life in a more balanced but equally raw fashion.

        " Having seen a glimpse in this life of the hell borne of ego's passion and       addictions, I reflect upon the tough years of my life and how I came to have an understanding of refuge.... how the Dharma saved me and gave me the strength to live"  Sky 2011  

- In the two years since Sky wrote this bio for an online posting of his poetry, he has continued to fulfill his aspirations, his healing journey, ad has become a guiding force in his world. He will be missed my so many and now 
"Sky is Everywhere" 2013  ( included in him memorial program)

- His last post on FaceBook was "My Life Turns Me On" May we all live, inspired by Sky, a life that turns us on.