When I moved to Boston in 1977, Chris Pleim was already considered a “senior student.” He was a very clear, knowledgeable, and caring dharma teacher, and also a very dedicated and devoted student. He practiced. Hard. He was also a wild man and a goof. He partied as hard as he practiced. His gait was little bit Mr. Natural and he had a Cheshire cat smile and a mischievous laugh. He was an accomplished musician, including in both Gagaku and Jazz, as well as a respected piano tuner and restorer (check out his website to see some beautiful pianos). As a sailor and an avid drinker, he was one of the early members of the Dorje Kasung naval branch, the Purnachandra. I lived with him for a time in a big pile with marble floors on Jamaica Pond, the former Italian consulate, where he comported himself like a young prince. He always found unique places to live and generously opened his home to many people passing through. When Shambhala started to come apart at the seams, Chris remained a stalwart, nonsectarian, and apolitical force, only interested in ensuring access to the Vidyadhara’s dharma for both present and especially future generations, which was why he was one of the pioneers in helping to establish the Profound Treasury Retreat. He led the search for a space to hold the retreat and secured the first location in Maine, Sky High, and the second one, Ferry Beach, which has been the East Coast home to the retreat for 11 years. Chris brought many people to the dharma and nurtured them on the path. Well done, sir. I miss your crazy, and your wisdom.