The Story of Simon Wang

My upbringing was shaped by a rich tapestry of religious traditions. My paternal grandparents were devout Catholics, my maternal grandparents embraced Buddhism, and my mother integrated both Buddhism and Taoism into her practice. From the age of 12, I studied Buddhism under Master Zhaocheng at Longhua Temple, where I explored its philosophical depth and meditative practices. I have been studying Buddhist scriptures at the Longhua Temple Sutra Library and serving as a Dharma assembly volunteer, assisting in religious ceremonies and outreach efforts while deepening my practice of Buddhist teachings and compassion. At 16, I began learning Sanskrit to gain a more profound understanding of Buddhist scriptures. Around the same time, I immersed myself in Taoism and practiced Baguazhang, a martial art that emphasizes harmony between the mind and body—an approach that resonated deeply with Buddhist inner contemplation.

Despite their doctrinal differences, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism share common ground in their emphasis on spiritual growth, self-reflection, and compassion. This multi-religious background provided me with a unique framework for understanding the world, shaping my approach to problem-solving, and allowing me to view technological advancements—such as artificial intelligence—not with fear, but with a clear sense of direction for my own path.

Animals have also played an essential role in my life since childhood. My earliest memories include observing snails and ants in flower beds, chasing dragonflies near the water, and marveling at the intricate designs of butterflies. Over time, I became increasingly fascinated by the evolutionary adaptations that allow different species to thrive in their environments—systems as sophisticated as human technological innovations.

Driven by this curiosity, I began collecting and caring for species often overlooked by humans, including reptiles, birds, arthropods, and even aquatic creatures commonly seen as food sources. My belief is simple: every life form, no matter how small, possesses an intrinsic beauty when allowed to exist naturally. At 12, I started selective breeding of four species of pet lizards, enhancing their desirable traits while minimizing their aggressive instincts. Later, I expanded my expertise to include non-mainstream pet healthcare, surgical procedures, and palliative care, eventually establishing Simon's Animal Behavior Club to connect with like-minded individuals and offer guidance to animal enthusiasts.

In my view, animals and humans are equals—perhaps even superior to us in certain aspects. Buddhist teachings describe the cycle of reincarnation, where all living beings transition through past, present, and future existences. A person today could be an animal in their next life, just as a lizard now may once have been human. Taoist traditions, particularly within the Xianjia (Immortal) school, trace their roots to ancient shamanism and recognize the spiritual essence within all beings. They believe that certain animals, through centuries of cultivation, attain extraordinary abilities and serve as protectors of the world.

Even the ancient yogic practices that have gained popularity today draw inspiration from the animal kingdom—many postures are named after and mimic the movements of animals. This interconnectedness of all life, across spiritual traditions and biological realities, continues to guide my journey.