Tony (he/they) started meditating in 2010 during a difficult time when he was questioning all the stories people told him about how and who to be. He is a heritage Buddhist, facilitator, and healer that occupies the intersection of queer and BIPOC identities. He also identifies as a 2nd generation Vietnamese American whose parents immigrated to the United States as refugees from war. Tony goes by Butterfly in spiritual spaces where they steward practices rooted in compassion, indigeneity, and sacred lineages. They are a student of Lama Rod Owens (Vajrayana/Tibetan Buddhism). They are also an alumnus of the East Bay Meditation Center’s PiTA8 trauma informed mindfulness program for social justice work. In addition to being a certified Compassion Cultivation Training © teacher at Tibet House US, Tony has also completed death doula and non-violent communication training. Butterfly offered a Dharma talk and guided meditation about compassion during The Dalai Lama Global Vision Summit 2023. They now reside in Brooklyn (occupied Canarsie/Munsee Lenape land).

As a working professional, Tony practices meditation regularly to stay grounded and mindful amidst all of the distractions and pressures of life. Drawing from his own experience, he strongly believes that dedicating time to take care of the mind is just as valuable as caring for the body. While Tony practices Metta, Vipassana and TM himself, he guides meditation with a simple yet powerful technique of centering on the breath (or sensation).

Click here to listen to and download a complimentary 20-minute guided meditation with Tony/Butterfly.

Tony/Butterfly considers it an honor and privilege to help others find ease so that they can make more conscious choices to show up as their authentic selves. He’s not so interested in the question of, “What am I supposed to do?” Instead, he wants to assist people in discovering, “How can I more fully be?”

Spiritual offerings, which include guiding meditation and teaching the cultivation of compassion, are provided through Butterfly Truth®, LLC.

Sessions are offered in a solo, couple/duo or small group format. Guided meditations and/or compassion practices last 30, 45 or 60 minutes and can take place either in NYC or remotely (Zoom). Tony is a firm believer in meeting people where they are, whether that is a business, secular or spiritual context. To view rates and book a session, please visit Appointments.

"Butterfly was very patient with us and demonstrated great listening skills. One can feel them holding space with great kindness for those who shared. They are articulate and mindful. I learned a lot about meditation, compassion, and myself. I'm glad I took the Compassion Cultivation Training!'Theresa W., San Francisco

"I was in Tony's meditation class at Tibet House US. Words cannot express how beautiful the experience was to me. His trauma informed, invitational language was so welcoming and I felt inspired after the session with him! I felt at peace with myself. The compassion, mindfulness and grace with which he held presence was touching. With deep gratitude."Diane L., New York City

"Tony is a fabulous facilitator and a wise mindfulness instructor. He demonstrates extraordinary listening skills and reflects back using a non-violent communication style. He is equally extraordinary in managing silence to enable even the most socially anxious participants time to process and dare to share."Roger D., Los Angeles