June 28 – July 3, 2023
Arriving at Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) was the very first treat of walking into a sublime Buddha Field! Traveling up the narrow road flanked by tall, robust Redwood trees sets the ambiance to slow down the busy city pace. For so many years this land has been nurtured and built up as well as hosting profound teachings from many exalted teachers. This time, after a few years of nothing happening there, and the unexpected death of our beloved Lama Zopa Rinpoche a few months ago; Khandro Kunga Bhuma (fondly called Khandro-la) was offering teachings on Emptiness and Compassion, as well as an Empowerment and Tara initiation based on a practice by the 5th Dalai Lama. Wow!
She began with saying how one aspect of retreat is to have a sense of openness within. There are various methods we use to help us open to our hearts and deepen our compassion. Her explanations were clear and deep, and each day she built upon the previous day to culminate in a very experiential taste of emptiness and compassion. Every session started with the reminder to begin with the motivation to benefit all beings. She seemed to poke fun at our attachments, which at times felt a bit ‘edgy’; yet I knew she was doing this out of her compassion for us to be free of our hindrances.
Khandro-la spoke about the causes and conditions of dependent arising, referring to the 12 links of dependent origination. Everything is inter-dependent and when we examine our own mind deeply we go from coarse to subtle. She said to take care of our body/mind, bringing in very practical advice such as – get off the computer, which can create even more desires and obscurations! She brought in the connection of the elements with the winds of our body and the need to keep that in balance. Reminding us that listening inside we will discern what’s best for us. Going to a doctor when needed, but also listening to our body, and relating that to the elements. Learning the mind of renunciation as a way to relieve suffering was also expounded upon. You can find her teachings on YouTube to experience her for yourself. (https://www.youtube.com/@KhandroKungaBhuma)
She spoke about regarding the rules of conduct not out of a forced obligation of an old tradition, but out of a knowing that they can lead to happiness. The Dharma is about transforming our mind! Within our mind we have the possibility to cultivate joy and happiness. She reiterated about not getting caught in the eight worldly dharmas, not engaging in the ten non-virtuous activities, and remembering to create harmony. Always coming around to not clinging to our small sense of self. The four days of teachings helped to ‘till the soil’ of our mind and culminated with a powerful transmission and Tara empowerment from the 5th Dalai Lama’s treasury of practices. The way that Khandro-la relayed the teachings and empowerment seemed to open up new vistas even for those that ordinarily aren’t involved in the Tibetan Buddhist practices. She was very grounded and practical at the same time as ephemeral and mystical. At the Tara initiation she reminded us to have vast courage. Her words like a river permeated our hearts, and her laughter opened us to joy!
When I went to the Mandala Dance practice after the teachings, it felt like it was a way of putting the teachings into practice. We might not know anything about the Dharma teachings, but just as Khandro-la said, ‘we have a felt experience of pleasure or pain’. The Mandala Dance works with Sacred Geometry and with our subtle winds, which Khandro-la had spoken about during the day. As the Dalai Lama once shared with Taradhatu, “Tara is the wind”. When we move our bodies together while chanting her mantra, the inner winds are stirred and can more easily move into the wisdom channel (our central channel that subtly is parallel to our spine). Sometimes what’s stirred up are our confusions and klesha’s (emotional reactions). It’s helpful to remember that this Dance is a purification of our winds, our obscurations, that prevent us from realizing and abiding in our True Nature; and remember our motivation to create harmony, wisdom, clarity, and compassion! Truly we manifested that in our offering to Khandro-la and the sangha on the last day.
Afterwards….
Rommy (who lives at Land of Medicine Buddha and was one of the key organizers) drove Khandro-la to her next destination, and this is what Khandro-la shared with Rommy:
“The dancers they worked so hard. It was more than a dance. Thank you.”
She also discussed how it was so nice to see the dharma within the dance and how this was very important and made it extra special (paraphrasing can’t remember the exact wording).
She was very pleased. I told her how many of you had flown in from all over the country and put in great effort to be there. She was amazed.
She started talking about the 16 Dakini offering dance and even showed me some of the moves and the songs (although I was driving so couldn’t see it properly).
I requested if she would come to LMB and teach this in a retreat. She said yes and seemed very pleased I had asked.
She also agreed to come and lead the Tara retreat to the initiation we received yesterday.
I’ve got no clue when this will come to fruition. Khandrola likes to be in the present moment so doesn’t like to plan things in advance.
Thank you for all of your incredible efforts. Pia, Noelle, Prema. Just wow. Thank you for all of your help, guidance and grace.
