Hi my dears,
It is difficult for me to blog, so I thought I would just start.
I'm Chukyi.... or as our Irish friends sometimes say: "Chuckyi". I've been a resident at Diamond Mountain since we first started... that would be the last three year retreat. That retreat was out in the middle of the desert, no running water, no nothing, just a bunch of people determined to become the kind of people who could save the world. Of course, I didn't have the goodness then to be one of the retreaters, but I had the chance to serve those who did, and it was awe-inspiring.
Imagine going into three years of silence, armed with your spiritual knowledge, completely dependent on the kindness of others for every meal, every personal item, every single thing you need, including water. Nothing at your fingertips but sand. Nothing in your heart but love and compassion. Enough love and compassion that you are willing to be dead to the world for three years, three months and three days of solitary work--working to transform your own heart so that you can be someone able to transform the world.
Now to me, that is admirable.
So this time around, I hope to be on the inside of the retreat, rather than outside, with my nose pressed up to the window like a lost puppy, wishing that I had enough discipline to put my life where my mouth was. I say I want to help others, but am I truly willing to do what needs to be done in order to be of help?
We will see... so stay tuned, and through this blog I'll try to bring you along on my journey of preparation...
If I am going to do this, I'm taking all of you with me!
With much love (and the capacity is growing!)
Chukyi
Comments
3 comments postedHello Ven. Lobsang Chukyi : )
I have been listening to many of the courses from Tse Chen Ling that you (and Emily) have taught, as well as Geshe Michael's videos about Attachment, and The Wheel of Life. Also, a vast amount of texts and commentaries available online. I am EXTREMELY interested in starting proper training in the Mahayana tradition. I have only been with the Dharma for about three weeks, but it is rapidly becoming evident that I need to get into a Sangha atmosphere ASAP. I am 42, and have been wandering around Philosophy loosely for 20 years, and nothing before has made such clear sense to me. As soon as I listened to your course on Karma I immediately stopped eating meat, killing bugs, and started watching my speech and thoughts .. the transformation has been astounding, and my confidence, conviction and dedication grow each day. The time is ripe, and I am ripening some awesome Karma, and feel so blessed to have encountered so many excellent teachings that I understand in such a short time. Within the next week I am ridding myself of most of my distracting posessions at yard sale and charities. I have no job, no car, no phone, no money already .. so I'm not sure what comes next .. but I would like to help as you did before with the retreat process and receive more instructions. I have also started meditating, or making the attempt at least, and I am realizing I need formal training in everything. I want to learn the Tibetan language, yoga .. the whole nine yards .. Let's get out of here!
Please advise me if you can. I also contacted Geshe Michael on Facebook and sent him an email two days ago, but I am sure he is very busy.
Again, thank you so much for your teachings .. I dedicate whatever merit I have acquired to all sentient beings ..
Blessings,
John Dutchman
Hi John,
Geshe Michael is starting a whole new series of courses in Phoenix, AZ on the lam rim. So stay connected to his facebook page.
As for the courses at Tse Chen Ling, those aren't mine! That is another Lobsang Chokyi, who is a wonderful, beautiful nun and I am sure a beautiful teacher!
Thanks so much for studying.
Thank you Lama Chukyi for doing this for us. Thank you for everything that you do you for us, for all that you teach and share with us.
Much Love, Buddy