Orpheus

Practical experience — since 2011

Penko Ivanov (Orpheus) was born in 1979 in Yambol, Bulgaria. He spent most of his childhood in the countryside and developed a deep connection with nature. From an early age, he was inquisitive, full of questions, and thirsty for knowledge. During his school years, he studied biology and chemistry intensively, following his father’s dream of becoming a medical surgeon. Events arranged themselves in such a way that his path took him in a different direction. After completing his military service, Penko decided to turn to the world of IT. Although he completed his secondary education in a mathematical high school, his real love for mathematics manifested itself afterwards. For him, everything in the world began to have a mathematical justification and interpretation. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Biomedical Informatics from Sofia University.

From a young age he was drawn to music, musical instruments, and interaction with sound, but his environment did not allow him to develop this interest. During his military service, he trained his hearing as a radio-telegraphist. Later, when he began his professional career, the life of a programmer seemed rather monotonous. The need to socialize and meet a variety of people led him into the world of salsa dancing. There, Orpheus gained six years of experience, taking part in numerous competitions. He developed a sense of tact and rhythm. He is strongly intrigued by Afro-Cuban rhythms and to date has studied and experienced them through various musical percussion instruments.

However, the good professional and social environment did not fully satisfy Penko. In 2011, he received an attractive offer for a career in a prestigious IT company in the Silicon Valley, which he refused, as the pursuit of the American dream did not tempt him and he stayed in Bulgaria, where he thought he could be more useful and could devote himself more fully to his own development.

His encounter with a “special” woman during this period turned his worldview upside down, turned his focus inward, and introduced him to Taoism. Coincidentally, he met Spetsnaz and began attending the practices he led. This is how he came to INBI. He was fascinated by the completeness and depth of Taoist knowledge that was taught at the institute. In the following years, he studied intensively Taoist Yoga and Bagua Zhang with Master Baozheng, and in the last two years, he expanded his experience in the practices in motion with Master Buba.

He regularly participates in CHOM’s seminars in Bulgaria. The guiding principle of Orpheus’ path is the development of consciousness through various tools (inner practices, working with sound, aromas, and taste). This also makes him a regular participant in the events of the “Perfumer”, NutriQ, and Code de Vino projects in the Bulgarian branch of INBI.

Penko has versatile interests and a constant drive to acquire new knowledge. He believes that the only way to improve the space is by developing himself, and this has become a leading motive for him. He sees himself as an idealist, looking for the good in every person he interacts with. He desires to change the world for the better. He believes he can make a positive impact in any situation he is involved in.

He honors his roots and family, the old Bulgarian customs and traditions, some of which are still preserved in his hometown. He is interested in ancient Bulgarian history and the ancestors of the Bulgarian lands.