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About Illuminarium Convergence


Rudis's interest in Eastern vibrational medicine, philosophy and Buddhism began with an epiphany while flying over war torn Vietnam in the early 1970's.

"The mountains below had been devastated days before by 'Napalm' saturation bombing leaving only red dust and a few burned out trees for as far as the eye could see. Traveling fast and low for nearly an hour we crested a mountain top to reveal a perfect circle of green with planting of trees and flowers.  Visually it was akin to discovering a well groomed park with fountains, pond and shade trees on a tiny portion of moonscape.  This island of sanctuary, surrounded by the ravages of war, housed a small Buddhist Temple complex seemingly untouched and unaware of the chaos at its doors.  I was struck by the visual ambiguity, by a sense of peace, of sanity and spiritual place.  At the time I was not aware that this image would ultimately guide me through the years of confusion that followed."

Lost and dazed Rudis wandered through life reaching for answers until in the 1980's he embarked on what has been a life long study of Buddhist understanding.  Having a background in engineering he was naturally drawn to the ancient sound devices that are deeply embedded in Eastern medicine and ceremony.  He is a self proclaimed pilgrim having traveled throughout Asia for over thirty years as a researcher of vibrational healing techniques and as a student of Tibetan Dharma.

An American practitioner of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism he was granted refuge in the Buddha from His Holiness Gyalwa karmapa while in Tibet in 1996.  his Holiness named him Karma Sonam Dorje; (Meritorious Thunderbolt of the Kagyu School.)

In 1988 Rudis founded the Illuminarium Convergence - a modest store front for the examination of metaphysical phenomenon.  he began teaching Buddhist Dharma and vibrational healing (w/Tibetan instruments) shortly after.

Considered most knowledgeable in the field of sacred sound healing, sound instruments from the Himalayas and associated vibrational healing techniques he is often a featured presenter at International Conferences.  An associate of the tibetan Sound Healing School of California (http://www.tibetanbowlschool.com), he teaches advanced classes in sound therapy outlined with Buddhist teachings.

Touring the western United States Rudis presents a sacred sound concert under the trade marked term 'Gong Bath'; each experience is unique and rooted in Dharmic teachings.  Using a gong tuned to the 'Aum' frequency and patterning his playing techniques on sacred geometry his concerts are generally sold out.  Profound self-awakening and life altering experiences are commonly reported with each concert.

As the owner of the Illuminarium, specializing in Sacred Eastern Artifacts and Dharma teachings, Rudis represents museum quality artifacts collected by Tibetan Buddhist Lamas and their communities, (most of the moneys raised are returned to the originating Tibetan sources). As a Buddhist pilgrim he is in the Himalayan region often and has guided other curious travelers into the hidden world of sacred travel.

Richard also holds degrees in Fine Arts and English from the University of Connecticut.  He is a recognized photographic artist having studied with notables such as Paul Capreonegro, William Parker and Ansel Adams.

Richard may be contacted via the form above.