Sol Hanna unveils new Buddhist podcast Treasure Mountain

Local teacher and veteran meditator Sol Hanna has started a new podcast now available on all platforms delving deeper into the world of spirituality and Buddhism which has inspired him since he was a teenager. The Witchcliffe resident teaches history and economics at Cape Naturaliste College in Vasse. But in his spare time, the 46-year-old guides others on the path to meditation and finding out more about their inner life with monthly classes in Margaret River, Dunsborough and Nannup, and his relatively new Treasure Mountain podcast supports that. The podcast has released nine episodes so far interviewing others about their spiritual journeys and exploring topics crucial to everyday life — and even more relevant in his work as a teacher — such as resilience. The name Treasure Mountain came from a discussion Hanna once had with a Buddhist nun. “The idea is we’re on this mountain of treasure, and we don’t realise it, and once we start to practice (meditation), we realise it,” he told the Times. Hanna said he found his way to meditation more than 28 years ago, like most people, “due to suffering”, he said. Depression was a big factor driving him on his journey which included taking Buddhist vows and serving as a monk — but it was only for a year. “For me, it’s a surprise I went so far,” Hanna said. “I had a restless mind. I went in there and just wanted to see how far I go.” He started Treasure Mountain in April to complement his work at his informal monthly classes. The podcast would soon feature a series based on “instant dharma” focused on introducing seekers to the teachings of Buddhism. “It’s a quick and easy way to get started with spiritual practice,” he said. Hanna moved to the region with his wife and son more than four years ago and was a crucial driver of the local group BAMBI — the Busselton-Augusta-Margaret River Buddhist Initiative which is active on Facebook. Hanna runs public meetings from 9.30am on the first Sunday of the month at the Margaret River Community Centre, Nannup’s Recreation and Community Centre on the second Sunday of the month and at the Naturaliste Community Centre on the third. For more information find BAMBI online or visit treasuremountain.info.