Well, like many of my fellow retreatants, blogging is an exploration into new territory for me. So, without further adieu, I will forge ahead.
To introduce myself, I have been a Buddhist since I attended my first teaching from Geshe Michael in December 1997. I immediately connected with the practice, particularly the wish to remove the suffering of all beings. I was hooked and inspired--I have studied and practiced since that initial teaching, and just recently took novice nun's vows. I have been fortunate enough to be one of the students at Diamond Mountain, attending advanced teachings over the last six years. The culmunation of the years of course work, our "thesis" as it were, is to complete a traditional three year retreat. I hope to be one of those retreatants, and in fact it has been my sole focus to prepare for this over the last couple of years.
With the designs of a Tucson architect, Robert Gay, and my contractor Keith Emmons, we have started on my cabin site, #54. The initial design was by Keith; Robert fine-tuned it, and created the plans for submission to the county. They were approved within a week!. The result of their colloboration is a lovely set of two retreat buildings--a meditation round, and a kitchen round. The water line has been laid, and the foundations are set. Soon, we will begin on building up the earth bags.
I am really pleased with the design, and many people have commented their approval. I am also glad that they are to be built with mostly natural materials with low impact upon the environment. And when I finish the retreat, the cabins will be available for the next retreatant. The site has a good feel to it, and those who have worked on it have enjoyed the experience. Everyone is inspired about this retreat abode.
I feel that going into retreat is the most important thing I can do at this time. I have studied a lot of information, teachings, practices, etc. And I have taught some as well. There are different ways to instill the Buddhist teachings within us, to be able to transform ourselves into kinder, more compassionate and caring people. Studying and teaching are two very vital methods. But to truly make an inner transformation for the better, we need to meditate deeply on what we have learned. This is my goal for three year retreat--to deeply ingrain the beneficial results of the practice. I believe I will emerge from the retreat as a person better able to help others, and more skilled in the ability to pass on the teachings and practice.
The bottom line is that it costs money to build a retreat home, and to support a retreatant for three years. I have continued to work in order to raise the funds for the "Remati" (as the retreat site has been fondly named). I hope to raise the money to build the buildings, but I will be in need of funding for food and supplies for the duration of the retreat. The estimate is around $500 a month, which is not much compared to what a lot of us spend in a month, but still a significant amount.
Giving to a cause or a person that we believe in, will bring up within us a sweet feeling of appreciation and downright joy. And when we give to someone who has a need, we feel better in that we have helped another person. In these times of difficult economics, many have to be careful how they spend their money. But even a little bit can help--$1, $5, etc. It all adds up. And we really do help ourselves, when we help another.
So I hope you will feel it an opportunity to support the retreatants, either financially, physically, or some other way. They have all made numerous sacrifices to do something that they believe in. They have chosen a radical and not very well known path--going into retreat to bring peace to the world--to become peacemakers themselves. They will come out of retreat as good people, and will go out into the world working in all areas--business, medicine, the arts, teaching, communication, etc. With their positive outlook and skills, they will make a difference in bringing peace to our world.
Thank you in advance, for your kindness, your love and your help...
Ven. Kunga
