Sep 202009
A couple of weeks ago after a stressful summer of house hunting, I decided I would go on retreat to Padma Samye Ling Retreat Center and Monastery (Inconceivable Lotus Land) which is located in Delaware County in upstate New York. Set near the top of a mountain in the western region of the Catskill mountains, the outstanding facilities are contained within five hundred acres of forests, meadows, and natural springs. This is the first time I went to the Shedra retreat which means “place of learning.” It has been 3 years since I have been back to the land. I used to go frequently when I lived in Chicago. It was easy to drive up with my friend Dawn and there were times we would drive up 6 times in a year!
This Shedra was a particular study of our inner universe of our channels, winds, and essence elements according to Anuyoga Tantras. This was intensive study based on teachings of great masters of Vajrayana Buddhism. Unlike summer retreats that I have attended this retreat had 2 teaching periods where we would learn ancient Buddhist practices. I really enjoyed the extra time learning from my beloved teachers. They are so knowledgable and filled with love and compassion. I also enjoy connecting with sangha (like-minded practitioners) and sharing experiences.
What I find most beneficial is being in this beautiful natural setting and learning how to relax with special meditation techniques I can bring home to practice so that I can benefit myself and others. I find that going on retreats is much more relaxing than going on a vacation sipping margaritas and I am aware that the happy feelings last much longer.
If you would like to know more about Padmasambhava Buddhist Centers or support by contributing to many of their ongoing projects, please visit: www.padmasambhava.org
May all beings have happiness and the cause of happiness.
Aug 282009
Jan 032009
Whoops! I must correct what I wrote on January 1.
I wrote that post from the top of my head and just stumbled across Buddha’s quote like this:
The thought manifests the word.
The word manifests the deed.
The deed develops into habit.
The habit hardens into character.
So watch the thought and its ways with care,
and let it spring from love born out of concern for all beings.
I like this way better. Especially the last line which basically is speaking about bodhicitta.
Bodhicitta has many meanings but simply put it is about having an awakened heart. The motivation to watch our thoughts with care, love and concern for all beings is the practice. It is the aspiration to care for oneself and others unconditionally. Much like a mother’s love. There are two types of bodhicitta according to the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism.
Relative bodhicitta is where the practitioner works for the good of all beings as if it where his/her own. Absolute bodhicitta relates to wisdom, openess and spaciousness. The aspiration is loosening the ego and becoming free from attachments of self and the acceptance of life as it is. So according to Wikipedia, the term bodhicitta, in its most complete sense, would combine both:
*The arising of spontaneous and limitless compassion for all sentient beings and
*The falling away of the attachment to the illusion of an inheirently existant self.
What an aspiration! This could take years or many lifetimes. One thing I know is that if you start right now, little by little, love drop by love drop, practice in this moment, moment by moment, breath by breath, relaxing with life as it is, be in your own naked awareness, you will connect deeply with your own intrinsic nature. It is your true nature to love and be loving. All else is an illusion. So go ahead notice your thoughts, connect with your heart and Make Love Big.
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