Rob Haggerty: A Life Transformed by Buddhist Practice and the Teachings of Geshe Michael Roach

Rob Haggerty: Meeting with Geshe Michael Roach, and the Secrets of Buddhist Practice and Retreats

In this extended interview, Rob Haggerty tells the story of his spiritual search, the unexpected turns of his life, and the deep influence of Geshe Michael Roach on his worldview, daily practice, and personal growth. Rob openly discusses the path from confusion to clarity, from ordinary life to intensive Buddhist retreats, and shares lessons that are both universal and deeply personal.

Early Life and First Questions

Rob grew up in Philadelphia and later moved to New York. His life at first was defined by sports, poetry, and creative searching. Even before meeting any Buddhist teachers, Rob experienced a strong sense of inner calling, a search for something deeper than external success.

I studied poetry in university. English creative writing. I was also a pretty tremendous athlete. I played lacrosse my whole life… I was a gymnast since I was nine. [00:23:47]

It was after a painful breakup in university that Rob decided to pause and re-evaluate his direction. He moved to Santa Cruz, California, but soon returned to New York when his grandfather became ill. This period of loss and change became the starting point for his real spiritual search.

Following Intuition: The Path Opens

Rob’s entry into Buddhism was not planned. It happened thanks to a sequence of strange, powerful intuitive signals. He describes being physically stopped on his way home by an inner voice, telling him to turn away from his routine and head somewhere else. The result was a random, almost mystical entry into a small New York meditation class—an event that changed the course of his life.

The doors are open and it was like so strong, ‘Do not get on that train, don’t go home.’ … I walked out, waiting for the express train to come, the number four, and I just stood there. The train left. I thought, ‘Fine!’ [00:28:59]

He ended up in a meditation class led by Venerable Ponsock. The experience was unexpected, profound, and filled Rob with a sense that his path was unfolding exactly as it should.

This is exactly perfect. This is exactly what I’m looking for. [00:34:56]

Meeting the Teacher: First Encounter with Geshe Michael Roach

Rob recalls the first time he actually saw a picture of Geshe Michael Roach hanging on the wall of the temple. It struck him as unusual to see a Western person in Buddhist robes, and for a while, the image felt strange and mysterious. He kept attending the meditation classes, but the urge to find a real teacher only grew stronger. This period was filled with dreams and inner searching. The process felt like a calling, as if he was being led to someone who would shape his life’s path.

There was a picture of him on the wall and I remember looking at him and I thought, because I’d never seen like a guy wearing robes who was white, you know what I mean? I think it’s the strangest photo. [00:36:54]

Rob says that when he was finally ready to leave New York and set out in search of a teacher in California, he instead encountered Geshe Michael at just the right moment. The meeting felt destined and aligned with everything he had been experiencing internally. That realization came as an emotional shock.

When all of the conditions come together, then they’ll manifest as an outside person, teacher. And I just burst into tears on the bus. I knew like that I had that person in my life somewhere. [00:37:53]

Meeting Geshe Michael face-to-face marked the beginning of Rob’s deep involvement with both the teacher and the community. From this moment, his journey transformed from spiritual curiosity into daily discipline, devotion, and a new kind of purpose.

Becoming a Disciple: From Student to Service

After meeting Geshe Michael, Rob quickly became one of his closest students. He attended ACI courses, joined community projects, and soon took on significant responsibilities such as preserving and digitizing Tibetan Buddhist texts. This work took Rob to Mongolia, Russia, and beyond—each journey adding new layers to his understanding of Buddhist tradition and his own potential for service.

He hired me pretty quickly on. Back in that day, Asian Legacy Library used to be called the Asian Classics Input Project. And he started an imaging division… So we did the Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 verses… He kept saying that. So we were trying to get ahead of the game. [00:11:11]

Rob describes the international projects as both challenging and inspiring. The core mission was to safeguard Buddhist wisdom for future generations. The teamwork, travel, and direct connection to ancient texts profoundly shaped Rob’s approach to learning, responsibility, and the meaning of practice.

We flew to St. Petersburg, Russia. Originally we went to Mongolia. … We sat there for three weeks. We took about 6,000 photographs. … The dream was that you’d be able to upload that and then be able to search it. But for some reason, because the Tibetan script, much of it’s carved, the character recognition was having a problem doing it. So they really had to rely back on, what the original thing is, is that typing it in. [00:15:04]

Major Projects and Travels: Expanding the Buddhist Mission

Working with Geshe Michael opened the door for Rob to participate in ambitious projects that aimed to preserve and spread Buddhist wisdom globally. Together with international teams, Rob traveled to Mongolia, Russia, and other countries to digitize ancient Tibetan manuscripts. The technical and logistical challenges were immense, but the sense of mission united everyone involved. Rob often worked long hours under difficult conditions, yet always felt inspired by the larger goal — making Buddhist teachings accessible to future generations.

The dream was that you’d be able to upload that and then be able to search it… They really had to rely back on typing it in. So all these people were sitting there, typing every single character… It was a huge project. [00:16:11]

Through these journeys, Rob encountered new cultures and built friendships with fellow practitioners and scholars from around the world. The work wasn’t only about preserving texts, but also about building a sense of global Buddhist community and responsibility. Rob emphasizes that these years were formative not just spiritually, but also in developing practical skills like teamwork, discipline, and adaptability.

It was a wild, crazy experience… I never thought that I would be photographing ancient books in Russia and Mongolia. But looking back, I see it was all part of the path. [00:17:40]

Deep Retreat: Transformation and Inner Challenges

One of the most transformative periods in Rob’s journey was participating in deep meditation retreats, especially during the time when Geshe Michael undertook a three-year retreat. This period brought new intensity and clarity to Rob’s practice, forcing him to confront both his strengths and his deepest vulnerabilities. Retreat life was far from easy; it demanded strict discipline, radical honesty, and a willingness to sit with discomfort—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

He decided to go into three-year retreat. So that was a big shift in the students basically. It just kind of pulled the rug out from everybody… Now, you have to really decide: Are you going to practice for real, or just be a spectator? [00:18:05]

Rob describes the emotional rollercoaster of long retreat: moments of doubt, loneliness, and even despair, mixed with breakthroughs, inner peace, and unexpected joy. The silence and structure of retreat stripped away distractions, leaving only the raw material of the mind. Through facing his own patterns and limitations, Rob gained new insight into the workings of karma, the nature of suffering, and the real meaning of Buddhist discipline.

You can’t escape yourself in retreat. That’s when all your habits, stories, memories, and worries come up… Sometimes you just sit and cry, and sometimes there’s this unbelievable feeling of freedom. [00:49:11]

He emphasizes that real practice is not about running away from life, but meeting every experience—pleasant or painful—with openness and curiosity. The lessons learned in retreat have shaped his life ever since, providing tools to handle challenges with more awareness and compassion.

Everyday Life: Integrating Buddhist Practice Off the Cushion

After retreat, Rob discovered that the real test of Buddhist practice comes not in silent meditation halls, but in the messy, unpredictable moments of ordinary life. He speaks openly about applying mindfulness, compassion, and the principles of karma and emptiness in relationships, work, and everyday challenges. Each day became an opportunity to notice habits, triggers, and the seeds of new actions—transforming even mundane situations into spiritual practice.

Everything sort of turns on a little bit, and now you’re listening to everything, and you’re looking, and all your senses are a little bit on the heightened side… Part of it was like listening a lot. I started to listen. [00:27:18]

Rob describes how his understanding of karma brought a sense of personal responsibility for his thoughts, words, and actions. Instead of blaming circumstances or other people, he began to see every interaction as an opportunity to plant positive seeds for the future. This shift changed his approach to family, friendships, and professional relationships, making him more patient and curious—even in difficult moments.

Now you’re listening to everything, and you’re looking, and all your senses are a little bit on the heightened side… Everything is connected, and every action, even a thought, matters. [00:29:32]

Through years of consistent practice, Rob learned that Buddhist teachings are not abstract philosophy, but a practical guide for living with greater awareness, kindness, and resilience—no matter what life brings.

Core Insights: Lessons, Challenges, and Lasting Change

Reflecting on decades of Buddhist practice, Rob shares that the most important lesson is the continual return to awareness, humility, and kindness. Buddhist teachings on karma and emptiness, he explains, are not only metaphysical concepts but direct invitations to examine how we create our own happiness and suffering through everyday choices. Over the years, these principles have helped Rob navigate both triumph and disappointment, loss and connection, with a greater sense of stability and perspective.

Everything that’s happening to me, good or bad, is the result of things I’ve thought, said, or done in the past… That’s real freedom, because it means I can choose how to respond now. [01:14:12]

He emphasizes that Buddhist practice is not about perfection, but about continual effort: returning again and again to the present, being honest about one’s patterns, and starting fresh no matter what has happened before. Rob encourages others not to idolize teachers or spiritual experiences, but to use the teachings as practical tools for their own growth and service to others.

Geshe Michael always said, ‘If you can’t use it in daily life, it’s not real Dharma.’ I try to remember that when things get tough. [01:41:35]

For Rob, the journey continues. Every new day and every relationship is another chance to learn, practice, and plant seeds for a kinder, more awake world.

Key Moments (FAQ)

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