Born in Kuwait in 1974 to Egyptian parents, Hani’s path took an unexpected turn at the age of 16, when the First Gulf War led him to remain in Egypt. What followed was a difficult nine-year chapter marked by drug use and a turbulent lifestyle.
After finishing his studies, Hani understood that Agricultural Science was not the life path he was meant to follow. He moved into advertising and worked as an art director in the Middle East. Yet even the fast pace, glamour, and success of Dubai could not fill the inner emptiness he felt. This period eventually deepened into a painful phase of financial loss, health challenges, and suicidal thoughts.
In the middle of that darkness, meditation, yoga, and spirituality opened a new doorway. Hani began a sincere journey of self-discovery and healing. During meditation, he repeatedly received the same message: “Surrender and Travel.”
Trusting that inner guidance, he left behind his job, possessions, and familiar life in Dubai. His journey carried him through Europe, Australia, Egypt, Malaysia, Bali, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Along the way, he formed a profound connection with the natural world, communicating with plants, animals, and insects, whom he affectionately called his “gurus.” At the same time, he deepened his healing practice through crystal work, tarot cards, movement meditation, yoga, breathwork, bodywork, energy healing, and sound healing.
Hani’s search for wisdom led him to the teachings of Baba Ram Dass, Osho, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Alan Watts, and Eckhart Tolle. Over time, his life transformed, and he began working with plant medicines, becoming a trusted plant medicine shaman while continuing to explore other shamanic traditions.
His path brought him to Hariharalaya Yoga and Meditation Retreat Center in Siem Reap, where he lived in community for two and a half years as a shaman and healer. There, he deepened his connection with teachers such as Swami Ramdas, Papaji, Karl Renz, Nisargadatta Maharaj, and Anandamayi Ma. A powerful dream also connected him with Ramana Maharshi, who appeared to him as his father.
At Hariharalaya, Hani met his soulmate, Sissi, and a new journey began. They traveled to Egypt and exchanged vows there, then celebrated their wedding in the sacred city of Tiruvannamalai, India, the home of Ramana Maharshi. When they felt Amma’s call, they continued to Karela, where they received a blessing from Amma Mata Amritanandamayi.
At Sri Ramana Ashram, Hani experienced a profound realization: there is only one Self, seeing itself through many eyes. He and Sissi decided to settle in Tiruvannamalai.
During a shamanic journey, Hani saw a vivid vision of a Cambodian wooden house that would hold their healing work. Guided by intuition and love, they chose to remain in Siem Reap rather than move to India, following their desire to find that house, which later became Jupiter’s Eye. Together, they co-founded this sacred and safe space for spiritual healing, welcoming healers and seekers to explore their inner Self and discover the wisdom, magic, joy, and love within.