A survivor of severe childhood abuse, Sofia May recounts how growing up in a violently dysfunctional and narcissistic family left her desperate for love, safety, and validation. After years of trying to earn protection from her parents by suppressing her own needs and identity, she became drawn to Buddhism because its teachings on dissolving the ego and transcending suffer*ng mirrored the self-erasure she had already been conditioned into.  Sofia found temporary healing and belonging at the Tibetan Buddhist retreat center Tara Mandala, where the peaceful environment, supportive community, and emphasis on the “sacred feminine” felt like an escape from her traumatic home life. Over time, however, under the thumb of Lama Tsultrim Allione, the teachings and culture slowly encouraged deeper submission, guru worship, and the abandonment of personal boundaries. Click here to watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/iCl1yqz2P0c] Watch pt 2 [https://youtu.be/rQPFsG_hH3k?si=mZSFkxFcvascEzTN] Website: sofiamaycomedy.com [http://sofiamaycomedy.com] IG: https://www.instagram.com/sofiamaycomedy/ [https://www.instagram.com/sofiamaycomedy/] Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! [https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClip] Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! [https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd] Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness [https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness] Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness [https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness]  Host Instagram @sheliseann  [https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/] Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_] TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  [http://cults.to.consciousness] Twitter @cultstocon [https://twitter.com/cultstocon]  **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].