Tony Fernandez

Moved by the Buddhist commitment to non-harming and aspiration to awaken, Tony Fernandez has made daily practice central to his life since 1998. He began practicing in the Theravadan tradition in 2000, sitting several residential retreats each year since then, led by a wide variety of lay teachers or monastics in the Thai Forest Tradition. Many of these he helped organize as an officer and member of the original Board of Madison Vipassana (MVI) for more than seven years. Inspired by the teachings of Ajahn Sucitto, he tries to keep his own practice simple and heart-centered while committing to social justice and standing against oppression based on race, gender, or sexual orientation.
He continues to assist MVI and frequently leads the Sunday night sitting group in Madison. For the last five years, he has taught weekly meditation groups in prisons with the Wisconsin Prison Mindfulness Initiative. Tony greatly appreciates his connection with the Common Ground community and guiding teachers. He is especially grateful for the opportunity to do independent practice at the beautiful Prairie Farm retreat center and is honored to assist as a practice leader.