Tonight, at 11:30, I leave for the airport in Delhi. I am taking the train from Dehradun and a friend from the U.S is on the same train, which makes it a little simpler! I fly out of Delhi at noon tomorrow and will be in Kathmandu at around 2 pm! I am staying for at least 2 nights at Shechen Monastery in a town just outside of Kathmandu called Boudnath (spelling?) You can google it! It's quite nice - this monastery was started by the great Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche who has been a teacher of the Dalai Lama and is known as a great Dzogchen Master - in Buddhism, these are the highests teachings and understandings - known as the Great Seal, they are the experience of the Unity of all Truths - these teachings transcend all concepts, dogmas, forms, rituals, and other demarcations that we make with our little minds! Whenever you think of Kathmandu you will be shown a picture of the Great Stupa with the prayer flags waving in the breeze - that is where I'll be!
BTW, just before Thomas Merton's death, he himself met a "who's who" of Dzogchen masters and knew that these teachers had found, as Christ, that "peace that passes all understanding" and wanted to study with one in particular. He said, the truth is beyond the concept of God and dharmakaya! - that is, it cannot be understood, but Known and is always true! It doesn't fluctuate with markets and relationships and moods! nor with sickness and health! This Love, this Compassion always IS and is the "suchness" - the substance of reality.
I have only a small backpack with a few changes of clothes! The lightest I ever packed and it seems that I keep letting go, letting go! Even of my hair! Got a haircut yesterday by a Muslim barber, outside the Tibetan colony, with a few Hindu men watching! It cost rps 15 - pennies! Quite short and cute and EASY!!!
I have learned to make sure the details are attended to here in India - God IS in the details! I have a taxi to meet my train in Delhi and transport me to the airport; the monastery has a taxi to meet my plane on the Nepal side and the return is also accounted for! It eases the mind, but this doesn't mean, by any means, that there won't be surprises! Ah, India - what is hidden in the West abounds here -
So, I'll keep you posted. I have my camera and look forward to this retreat. Maybe Dilgo Rinpoche (founder I spoke about) will reveal some of his secrets! Who knows??? You are my family and friends and you have been with me and I take you now on this next trek!
With great LOVE, Nellie
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Notes from India- March 16, 2009
I'm writing this from the Tibetan colony at Dikyiling, down the road from us. I walk here after our afternoon tea, since we already are in the spring time, which means much warmer days - hot to walk in mid-day for me! The young man who runs this shop is playing some very western music on his computer - a little hip hop. And from behind me is coming many mani prayers from the auditorium. which means many people are saying OM MANI PADME HUNG the mantra of Chenrezig and Compassion! I love it; east meets west; secular and profound!
Yesterday I went to the Bazaar with one of our nuns who was my bargainer and translator, helping me to purchase a mattress! We walked behind the monastery through the fields, past the little mandir (little temple - tomb of a saint) and down the steep path to the river and up again to the village of Rajpur. From there we caught a four-wheeled open "cab" I think called a bikram and headed to Dehradun! After stopping for a latte we then made our way into the Palden Bazaar which I personally think is a hell-realm that I avoid intensely! However, it was Sunday and quieter and by the time we got to the little shop, it still wasn't crowded and jammed by half and Ani started to do her thing. She called the proprieter "uncle" as the Indians do and they went at it, loudly going back and forth prices in rupees until an agreed price! I laughed and talked to another man who turned out to the be the owner across the way! He clearly wanted me to pay more! For about 8 American dollars, I got a cotton stuffed, soft mattress and kicked the terribly hard as a rock, musty smelling one out of the porch. I carried the mattress (like a futon) on my head as is the Indian way and had a blast walking through the market as people looked in awe at the big, white, westerner with the mattress on her head and when they'd catch my eye, smiling, I'd yell, "Jai India!" Muslim men, Hindi women, Christians, Buddhist monks and nuns, all haggling in the market place! What a cacophony of sounds and languages and playing at living our lives in diversity and yet, together.....We had a great lunch and after returning I laid down, deeply contented with this purchase. Simplicity.
To clean my 'house' and everything I own, might take a whole hour and a half! I wash clothes in a big bucket and hang them on the nun's hostel to dry, usually at night so that they only need a little sun exposure in the day to dry and I can bring them in by noon! My whole room was cleaned and the sheets spread on my bed and I felt as snug as a bug in a rug, as they say!
Our 2 day puja (prayers) on the anniversary commemorating the great Tibetan Yogi Milarepa and his teacher, Marpa, was earlier this week, March 10 and 11th. I was so grateful to be the only lay person in our hall with our nuns and the other Geylas, the Tibetan lamas who teach our nuns Tibetan, Buddhist philosophy and debate. Tuesday and Wednesday, we began at 8 am and ended around 6 pm with breaks for tea and lunch. It was very helpful to me to sit in meditation for such long periods and strengthens my daily practice; In regards to the holiday, to honor this, lights are strung from the temples and an atmosphere pervaded the monastery of reverence and a quiet Joy. The full moon competed with red lights dangling from the big hall and temple and the white lights that circumambulated the Kalachakra Temple and which guided us that night as we walked around and around, chanting quietly the mantra of Milarepa! Je Mila Sherpa dorje la solwa deb swaha! The lights represent offerings - electrical butter lamps to the Yogi and his Guru and was soft and sweet. Adding to this is the powerfully sweet scent from the citrus trees that was like incense or perfume - lovely.
I thought of my friends and family; of all of you. You walked with me then and do so now until I see you this summer back in Maryland or in Jacksonville, or South Carolina, Miami and Oklahoma! I will be leading 2 other retreats, besides the one in Maryland; in Jacksonville in late July and in Oklahoma, in August. I will send dates if you need in the next email. In all these gatherings, we will celebrate together, and this great privilege of being alive and in these times that seem to be degenerative, we will generate Hope, Compassion and Joy.
Lord, lead me from the unreal to the Real. From death to Immortality. From the false to the Truth. From chaos to beauty.
These words from the Upanishads were prayers the Gandhi-ji particularly loved and in his interdenominational prayer meetings would recite this! May it be so....Let's be led.....
Nellie
Yesterday I went to the Bazaar with one of our nuns who was my bargainer and translator, helping me to purchase a mattress! We walked behind the monastery through the fields, past the little mandir (little temple - tomb of a saint) and down the steep path to the river and up again to the village of Rajpur. From there we caught a four-wheeled open "cab" I think called a bikram and headed to Dehradun! After stopping for a latte we then made our way into the Palden Bazaar which I personally think is a hell-realm that I avoid intensely! However, it was Sunday and quieter and by the time we got to the little shop, it still wasn't crowded and jammed by half and Ani started to do her thing. She called the proprieter "uncle" as the Indians do and they went at it, loudly going back and forth prices in rupees until an agreed price! I laughed and talked to another man who turned out to the be the owner across the way! He clearly wanted me to pay more! For about 8 American dollars, I got a cotton stuffed, soft mattress and kicked the terribly hard as a rock, musty smelling one out of the porch. I carried the mattress (like a futon) on my head as is the Indian way and had a blast walking through the market as people looked in awe at the big, white, westerner with the mattress on her head and when they'd catch my eye, smiling, I'd yell, "Jai India!" Muslim men, Hindi women, Christians, Buddhist monks and nuns, all haggling in the market place! What a cacophony of sounds and languages and playing at living our lives in diversity and yet, together.....We had a great lunch and after returning I laid down, deeply contented with this purchase. Simplicity.
To clean my 'house' and everything I own, might take a whole hour and a half! I wash clothes in a big bucket and hang them on the nun's hostel to dry, usually at night so that they only need a little sun exposure in the day to dry and I can bring them in by noon! My whole room was cleaned and the sheets spread on my bed and I felt as snug as a bug in a rug, as they say!
Our 2 day puja (prayers) on the anniversary commemorating the great Tibetan Yogi Milarepa and his teacher, Marpa, was earlier this week, March 10 and 11th. I was so grateful to be the only lay person in our hall with our nuns and the other Geylas, the Tibetan lamas who teach our nuns Tibetan, Buddhist philosophy and debate. Tuesday and Wednesday, we began at 8 am and ended around 6 pm with breaks for tea and lunch. It was very helpful to me to sit in meditation for such long periods and strengthens my daily practice; In regards to the holiday, to honor this, lights are strung from the temples and an atmosphere pervaded the monastery of reverence and a quiet Joy. The full moon competed with red lights dangling from the big hall and temple and the white lights that circumambulated the Kalachakra Temple and which guided us that night as we walked around and around, chanting quietly the mantra of Milarepa! Je Mila Sherpa dorje la solwa deb swaha! The lights represent offerings - electrical butter lamps to the Yogi and his Guru and was soft and sweet. Adding to this is the powerfully sweet scent from the citrus trees that was like incense or perfume - lovely.
I thought of my friends and family; of all of you. You walked with me then and do so now until I see you this summer back in Maryland or in Jacksonville, or South Carolina, Miami and Oklahoma! I will be leading 2 other retreats, besides the one in Maryland; in Jacksonville in late July and in Oklahoma, in August. I will send dates if you need in the next email. In all these gatherings, we will celebrate together, and this great privilege of being alive and in these times that seem to be degenerative, we will generate Hope, Compassion and Joy.
Lord, lead me from the unreal to the Real. From death to Immortality. From the false to the Truth. From chaos to beauty.
These words from the Upanishads were prayers the Gandhi-ji particularly loved and in his interdenominational prayer meetings would recite this! May it be so....Let's be led.....
Nellie
Monday, March 9, 2009
Save the Date--Talk in Annapolis, MD
SAVE THE DATE
and save yourself from the INSANITY of fear!!
GOING FOR BROKE
How to remember ABUNDANT JOY in a crashing market
FRIDAY June 12, 2009 7 - 9 pm
SATURDAY June 13, 2009 9 - 4 pm
Annapolis, MD
Friends Meeting House
351 Dubois Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
(From Rt. 50, exit at Rowe Blvd./Bestgate Rd and turn left at the light on Bestgate. After one long block, turn right at the light before the Catholic Church. Then take the first left at Dubois and go to the end of the street . Despite what Mapquest or Google Maps display, the meeting house is at the end of the street.)
My Dear Friends, please come and join me as we contemplate what the message is in times like this in which fear and catastrophic thoughts are bombarding us every day. The Dalai Lama was very clear that despite the massive suffering Chairman Mao rained down upon the Tibetans, that he was his friend. His Holiness said many times that the Chinese are my friends, for they give me an object for my practice of Compassion.
So it is with us; this economic "downturn" is simply an opportunity for each of us to walk the walk and to live as if we know that the Truth about ourselves is never threatened. Jesus said simply, in the Course, "NOTHING REAL CAN BE THREATENED. NOTHING UNREAL EXISTS. HEREIN LIES THE PEACE OF GOD." Period.
We will gather and I will have the great Joy of sharing my experiences of India with you and to share this time gathering all of our resources that we stabilize our little ego minds as a mother takes a child by the hand and leads her away from a dangerous edge of fear. It is that simple. The Truth doesn't fluctuate as the market does!! The value of COMPASSION doesn't rise and fall as the dollar does!
And your own self-worth cannot change; ever. This is what we have waited for - to be put to the test. This time, we will chose to love and to forgive and to be at peace!
"Why do you worry about what to wear or how to feed yourselves? Consider the lilies of the field." Please consider joining us. Please consider your own state of mind and the approach you want to make and the attitude you want to cultivate at this time and allow this decision to become a great Light for those around you and in this world that cries out for comfort. Let us consider the Path of Joy, now and always
with Love, Nellie
and save yourself from the INSANITY of fear!!
GOING FOR BROKE
How to remember ABUNDANT JOY in a crashing market
FRIDAY June 12, 2009 7 - 9 pm
SATURDAY June 13, 2009 9 - 4 pm
Annapolis, MD
Friends Meeting House
351 Dubois Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
(From Rt. 50, exit at Rowe Blvd./Bestgate Rd and turn left at the light on Bestgate. After one long block, turn right at the light before the Catholic Church. Then take the first left at Dubois and go to the end of the street . Despite what Mapquest or Google Maps display, the meeting house is at the end of the street.)
My Dear Friends, please come and join me as we contemplate what the message is in times like this in which fear and catastrophic thoughts are bombarding us every day. The Dalai Lama was very clear that despite the massive suffering Chairman Mao rained down upon the Tibetans, that he was his friend. His Holiness said many times that the Chinese are my friends, for they give me an object for my practice of Compassion.
So it is with us; this economic "downturn" is simply an opportunity for each of us to walk the walk and to live as if we know that the Truth about ourselves is never threatened. Jesus said simply, in the Course, "NOTHING REAL CAN BE THREATENED. NOTHING UNREAL EXISTS. HEREIN LIES THE PEACE OF GOD." Period.
We will gather and I will have the great Joy of sharing my experiences of India with you and to share this time gathering all of our resources that we stabilize our little ego minds as a mother takes a child by the hand and leads her away from a dangerous edge of fear. It is that simple. The Truth doesn't fluctuate as the market does!! The value of COMPASSION doesn't rise and fall as the dollar does!
And your own self-worth cannot change; ever. This is what we have waited for - to be put to the test. This time, we will chose to love and to forgive and to be at peace!
"Why do you worry about what to wear or how to feed yourselves? Consider the lilies of the field." Please consider joining us. Please consider your own state of mind and the approach you want to make and the attitude you want to cultivate at this time and allow this decision to become a great Light for those around you and in this world that cries out for comfort. Let us consider the Path of Joy, now and always
with Love, Nellie
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
February 23, 2009 Tibetan New Year
Hi My friends. Tomorrow is Losar, the Tibetan New Year. We are in solidarity with those in China who in protest did not want to acknowledge the new year with the traditional celebrations, but are being forced by the Chinese to do so. We will gather, then, in prayer without the festivities and traditional dance. Even though, there is a feeling of newness; the nuns have been cleaning each room, the temples and the kitchen and the grounds are swept clean and fresh today.
Last week, there was a special puja (prayers) where the monks and nuns read all the teachings of the Buddha. I was in the Temple for all 3 days, practicing meditation and the experience was such a gift. The sound is like a slow, quiet murmur, that eventually builds with an intense rythym as each one is saying and reading their part of the text out loud. Then, the cymbals and the drums and horns add to this powerfully prayerful atmosphere. I was raised by Catholic nuns for 12 years and there is much here that reminds me of them and of the feeling I had and loved in my schools - St. Rose of Lima and Notre Dame Academy!
I have had some very sweet moments sitting with the nuns during these cleaning frenzies when we take tea breaks outside, leaning on each other and laughing and making this monastery shine! The nuns share treats that they make in their rooms as well, and last night, I sat on the floor with 4 anis (nuns) who were eating vegetables with the flat bread that Ani Konchok Sangmo made in her room! It was delicious, but the company does give it a flavor that is sweet and loving - a gentle contentment.
I am in the shop here outside of the monastery at Jangchubling which I can walk to through the fields while looking around me to the Himalayan foothills. The paths are rocky and dusty although the other night a wonderful, windy storm blew through quickly at 2 am. I hope one comes again! There are some clouds lingering behind the mountain ridge that could be filled with moisture......?? I only hope!
I will have a little coffee which is made with about a teaspoon of Nescafe instant with milk - made similar to chai. We have tea but I drink very little coffee, but have come to love this treat! By the way, Arun, who owns the shop and works it with his son, Vivek and Sunil his son-in-law ,says he will teach me Hindi now - for only $500 American!
Some monks sit quietly behind me having an alloo parantha and tea (flattened bread with potato).
I will make my way back to Samten Ling and wish each of you Joy. Nellie
Last week, there was a special puja (prayers) where the monks and nuns read all the teachings of the Buddha. I was in the Temple for all 3 days, practicing meditation and the experience was such a gift. The sound is like a slow, quiet murmur, that eventually builds with an intense rythym as each one is saying and reading their part of the text out loud. Then, the cymbals and the drums and horns add to this powerfully prayerful atmosphere. I was raised by Catholic nuns for 12 years and there is much here that reminds me of them and of the feeling I had and loved in my schools - St. Rose of Lima and Notre Dame Academy!
I have had some very sweet moments sitting with the nuns during these cleaning frenzies when we take tea breaks outside, leaning on each other and laughing and making this monastery shine! The nuns share treats that they make in their rooms as well, and last night, I sat on the floor with 4 anis (nuns) who were eating vegetables with the flat bread that Ani Konchok Sangmo made in her room! It was delicious, but the company does give it a flavor that is sweet and loving - a gentle contentment.
I am in the shop here outside of the monastery at Jangchubling which I can walk to through the fields while looking around me to the Himalayan foothills. The paths are rocky and dusty although the other night a wonderful, windy storm blew through quickly at 2 am. I hope one comes again! There are some clouds lingering behind the mountain ridge that could be filled with moisture......?? I only hope!
I will have a little coffee which is made with about a teaspoon of Nescafe instant with milk - made similar to chai. We have tea but I drink very little coffee, but have come to love this treat! By the way, Arun, who owns the shop and works it with his son, Vivek and Sunil his son-in-law ,says he will teach me Hindi now - for only $500 American!
Some monks sit quietly behind me having an alloo parantha and tea (flattened bread with potato).
I will make my way back to Samten Ling and wish each of you Joy. Nellie
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 6, 2009-- Notes From India
Hello My Friends! Many Blessings to all of you.
I just wanted to pass on to you a few thoughts gathered when I walk up the hill from the nunnery here, to a site that I love on the hill that overlooks this valley. There's a mandir, a small Hindu temple, that isn't used, but that's been built beneath this great Banyan tree. You can see the tree for miles. She sits on the side of the hill in such a way that the leaves and branches have adopted the shape of this steep incline.
Around 4 pm, and after my classes, I love to grab my sneakers and head for the hills alone; well, not quite, for usually a 4 legged friend, one of the nunnery dogs, jumps for joy and heads out the gate ahead of me sniffing and checking out all the news. The trail takes me close to a neighbor's yard and I skirt the stable and the cows and goats and climb higher through the fields below the Shakya retreat grounds and then across to this little path in front of the great banyan. Coming there, I sigh deeply, happy to be able to sit on the cool concrete and hidden underneath the canopy of branches and thick leaves and below me, the valley murmurs and stutters in so many languages - the life of India! You can hear a revival from the Christian Theology College which is next to the Buddhist monastery at Jangchubling! There's a Hindu temple where bajans (chants) are broadcast through a speaker and the cry of the muezzin for Muslim prayers all compete with the drums and cymbals of the nunnery. There are children crying and talking and yelling and bells from cows and goats and the sounds of machete's as many cut limbs for timber for their evening fires. But the sounds seem to be muffled for the distance and the embrace of this tree. I can look to my right and see Mussorie and know that the Himalayas are seen from her pathways just knowing this, I laugh and smile deeply satisfied. And the light filters so gently through the greenery and I am embraced and moved to be here and deeply grateful.
All the sounds to me are prayers - and all the sounds are heard by the same One. They seem to say the same thing and they are all heard. From here, there is no differentiation or argument of who's right or wrong. From here there is just a knowing and a Peace.
There doesn't need to be an explanation for me. I just sit grateful. The Grace that brings me here is a gift that calls me to share by opening my heart to embrace all the sounds, all the beings and all humanity and in moments like this, I am lifted out of the confinement of my own limited body and awareness and like all the sounds, I am lifted to the space of sky itself.
I just rest in this awareness and breathe a prayer of thanks for myself and all others.
Then... Sindoo the dog gets restless, like my mind, and he begins to sniff and distract me and himself , jumping and nipping and together we make our way back down another road. And I pray that all I greet can see in my eyes the language that universally speaks to us all! Nellie
I just wanted to pass on to you a few thoughts gathered when I walk up the hill from the nunnery here, to a site that I love on the hill that overlooks this valley. There's a mandir, a small Hindu temple, that isn't used, but that's been built beneath this great Banyan tree. You can see the tree for miles. She sits on the side of the hill in such a way that the leaves and branches have adopted the shape of this steep incline.
Around 4 pm, and after my classes, I love to grab my sneakers and head for the hills alone; well, not quite, for usually a 4 legged friend, one of the nunnery dogs, jumps for joy and heads out the gate ahead of me sniffing and checking out all the news. The trail takes me close to a neighbor's yard and I skirt the stable and the cows and goats and climb higher through the fields below the Shakya retreat grounds and then across to this little path in front of the great banyan. Coming there, I sigh deeply, happy to be able to sit on the cool concrete and hidden underneath the canopy of branches and thick leaves and below me, the valley murmurs and stutters in so many languages - the life of India! You can hear a revival from the Christian Theology College which is next to the Buddhist monastery at Jangchubling! There's a Hindu temple where bajans (chants) are broadcast through a speaker and the cry of the muezzin for Muslim prayers all compete with the drums and cymbals of the nunnery. There are children crying and talking and yelling and bells from cows and goats and the sounds of machete's as many cut limbs for timber for their evening fires. But the sounds seem to be muffled for the distance and the embrace of this tree. I can look to my right and see Mussorie and know that the Himalayas are seen from her pathways just knowing this, I laugh and smile deeply satisfied. And the light filters so gently through the greenery and I am embraced and moved to be here and deeply grateful.
All the sounds to me are prayers - and all the sounds are heard by the same One. They seem to say the same thing and they are all heard. From here, there is no differentiation or argument of who's right or wrong. From here there is just a knowing and a Peace.
There doesn't need to be an explanation for me. I just sit grateful. The Grace that brings me here is a gift that calls me to share by opening my heart to embrace all the sounds, all the beings and all humanity and in moments like this, I am lifted out of the confinement of my own limited body and awareness and like all the sounds, I am lifted to the space of sky itself.
I just rest in this awareness and breathe a prayer of thanks for myself and all others.
Then... Sindoo the dog gets restless, like my mind, and he begins to sniff and distract me and himself , jumping and nipping and together we make our way back down another road. And I pray that all I greet can see in my eyes the language that universally speaks to us all! Nellie
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
January 21, 2009--USA Inauguration
My Dear Friends, and my Dear Family,
I went downtown today for lunch and there in the restaurant was a T.V. with news in English and the news was all about the United States and the inauguration of Barack Obama. Everywhere I go, Indians will ask me about this election. It's humbling. And being raised Catholic, I remember the verse, "to more that is given, more is expected." I think about this in terms of the destiny of the US. Many, many people would give anything to get a passport or visa to come to America.
I was walking up to the village of Chalgon behind the nunnery a few weeks ago and a young man, maybe 18 years old was walking with his mother or grandmother and just came up to me and said, "I have no money and no papers, but I want to come to the United States. Can you help me?"
But what is it we have? For me, the first word is FREEDOM, which translate into choices. We are a very rich nation (despite the economic downturn) with incredible resources and we have the capacity to make great strides in terms of influencing the world in ways that reflect the beautiful vision of a democracy that was codified in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. And it's simply a matter of what we do with these choices. Simple! hahaha
I was teaching English today to a woman who was born in Tibet (close to Lhasa) around 1972. This very shy woman, begin to tell me of her very political involvement in Tibet against the Chinese and the imprisonment of many of her friends. She told me of the re-education programs in the prisons which begins after a few months or years of beatings. Her uncles spent years imprisoned for being Tibetan and for owning land. She appears to be so passive and quiet and out of her came such a conviction and commitment to do all that she can and hopefully to return to Tibet to help restore the losses for her country and culture. And then, she turns to me and simply said; "America is so great and what happens in America effects the world."
It's very interesting to see the U.S. from here. And to see my life and my home from a foreign perspective.
I myself have a lot of freedom. And this freedom requires a lot of responsibility. I've have had to face a lot of my own choices in my life and this is humbling. I am living in an insulated environment, not able to really talk to anyone at length or in depth due to the language barrier, so I have only my own mind to dialog with! It is my sadhana, my spiritual practice, and why I came to India in the first place. I can see immediately the results or fruit of each thought and action. I can hold it, so to speak and I have to ask in all honesty, what was motivating this? Was I trying just to get what I want? Or am I really thinking of someone else? What do I want from you? What am I asking of you? These are tough questions that require brutal honesty if one wants liberation. For if I am not motivated by Love, the fruit of this is not loving and is simply suffering; for me, for you.
Whatever world I want to see, I am seeing through my thoughts and these are reflected in each and every interaction I have with each and every person I meet. Am I influencing someone with hope or am I hiding fear through a false smile and platitudes? Do I really believe that Peace is possible in this chaos? If so, what am I doing to further this and what actions do I justify that oppose this?
I come from a nation of "can-do" people and feel deep gratitude for these gifts that have given me this foundation. As my Tibetan friend says, "what happens in America effects the world," really translates for me to, "whatever I do effects all beings, without exception, whether I am aware or not." What effect will I have?
That's the question for me.
I shouldn't be as hopeful as I am, given that there was much suffering in my life, but that is the Miracle OF my life. Throughout it all, the deaths, the sadness, the moves, the failed relationships, there has been an undercurrent of deep Faith and great Love. In India, I am finding that this is the ground from which everything is growing and always has been! Throughout it all there have been the Friends and the Family that I have and underlying even our different paths and lives, we are still here, with each other.
These are such important times to practice Peace. These are great times to practice Forgiveness. These are such great times to have Faith and believe, as President Obama has said - in Hope. No matter what we might believe, to have the word HOPE brought back into the vernacular of politics and nations is a great gift. I hope! Blessings, Nellie
I went downtown today for lunch and there in the restaurant was a T.V. with news in English and the news was all about the United States and the inauguration of Barack Obama. Everywhere I go, Indians will ask me about this election. It's humbling. And being raised Catholic, I remember the verse, "to more that is given, more is expected." I think about this in terms of the destiny of the US. Many, many people would give anything to get a passport or visa to come to America.
I was walking up to the village of Chalgon behind the nunnery a few weeks ago and a young man, maybe 18 years old was walking with his mother or grandmother and just came up to me and said, "I have no money and no papers, but I want to come to the United States. Can you help me?"
But what is it we have? For me, the first word is FREEDOM, which translate into choices. We are a very rich nation (despite the economic downturn) with incredible resources and we have the capacity to make great strides in terms of influencing the world in ways that reflect the beautiful vision of a democracy that was codified in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. And it's simply a matter of what we do with these choices. Simple! hahaha
I was teaching English today to a woman who was born in Tibet (close to Lhasa) around 1972. This very shy woman, begin to tell me of her very political involvement in Tibet against the Chinese and the imprisonment of many of her friends. She told me of the re-education programs in the prisons which begins after a few months or years of beatings. Her uncles spent years imprisoned for being Tibetan and for owning land. She appears to be so passive and quiet and out of her came such a conviction and commitment to do all that she can and hopefully to return to Tibet to help restore the losses for her country and culture. And then, she turns to me and simply said; "America is so great and what happens in America effects the world."
It's very interesting to see the U.S. from here. And to see my life and my home from a foreign perspective.
I myself have a lot of freedom. And this freedom requires a lot of responsibility. I've have had to face a lot of my own choices in my life and this is humbling. I am living in an insulated environment, not able to really talk to anyone at length or in depth due to the language barrier, so I have only my own mind to dialog with! It is my sadhana, my spiritual practice, and why I came to India in the first place. I can see immediately the results or fruit of each thought and action. I can hold it, so to speak and I have to ask in all honesty, what was motivating this? Was I trying just to get what I want? Or am I really thinking of someone else? What do I want from you? What am I asking of you? These are tough questions that require brutal honesty if one wants liberation. For if I am not motivated by Love, the fruit of this is not loving and is simply suffering; for me, for you.
Whatever world I want to see, I am seeing through my thoughts and these are reflected in each and every interaction I have with each and every person I meet. Am I influencing someone with hope or am I hiding fear through a false smile and platitudes? Do I really believe that Peace is possible in this chaos? If so, what am I doing to further this and what actions do I justify that oppose this?
I come from a nation of "can-do" people and feel deep gratitude for these gifts that have given me this foundation. As my Tibetan friend says, "what happens in America effects the world," really translates for me to, "whatever I do effects all beings, without exception, whether I am aware or not." What effect will I have?
That's the question for me.
I shouldn't be as hopeful as I am, given that there was much suffering in my life, but that is the Miracle OF my life. Throughout it all, the deaths, the sadness, the moves, the failed relationships, there has been an undercurrent of deep Faith and great Love. In India, I am finding that this is the ground from which everything is growing and always has been! Throughout it all there have been the Friends and the Family that I have and underlying even our different paths and lives, we are still here, with each other.
These are such important times to practice Peace. These are great times to practice Forgiveness. These are such great times to have Faith and believe, as President Obama has said - in Hope. No matter what we might believe, to have the word HOPE brought back into the vernacular of politics and nations is a great gift. I hope! Blessings, Nellie
Friday, January 2, 2009
January 2, 2009- Email Still Down
Dear Friends,
The internet is down at the shop I go to and I took a break from email to meditate a lot etc. Today begins a workshop for nuns and Tenzin Palmo is the main speaker - she's the nun in the book the Cave in the Snow - I had breakfast with her and her nuns (she's British but has been in India for decades) and she is so powerful. Her talk today was on the male domination in Buddhist tradition to encourage the nuns to build inner strength - it was WOW and I speak tomorrow!
The internet is down at the shop I go to and I took a break from email to meditate a lot etc. Today begins a workshop for nuns and Tenzin Palmo is the main speaker - she's the nun in the book the Cave in the Snow - I had breakfast with her and her nuns (she's British but has been in India for decades) and she is so powerful. Her talk today was on the male domination in Buddhist tradition to encourage the nuns to build inner strength - it was WOW and I speak tomorrow!
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