July 25, 2015 was a very auspicious day. That day, I arrived at Garrison Institute for a lamrim retreat with a group I had never met: Shantideva Meditation Center. I knew nothing about them. I had previously gone to teachings on A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, so the name of its author, Shantideva, was already awe-inspiring. Also awe-inspiring was meeting Venerable Amy Miller, the retreat leader. Her gentleness, openness, endearing presence, and practical approach to sharing the Dharma won my heart.