Jasmine participated in a Dances of Universal Peace retreat in Kokee where she was invited to offer some Tara Dance practices. From our Sangha Robin Mazor, Sharon Gonsalves, and Shakira were present as well. in total there were 15 people for the 3 day retreat on Beautiful Kauai
Here is Jasmine’s sharing of what the group all enjoyed.
I did an hour-long “class” leading the complete Medicine Buddha Practice.
Gayan was the main dynamic DUP leader of the event.
Stream had told him there would be an opportunity for other DUP leaders to share a dance. and Gayan asked me to lead the Medicine Buddha Dance. An hour slot opened up for a special “workshop” so I asked for it.
I started with my favorite Dali Lama story (based on Shabda’s instructions to begin with a “joke”) It’s the one where he’s asked what is the difference between Sufism and Tibetan Buddhism. He replies, “In Sufism, God is Everything; In Buddhism, God is Nothing. Same ‘ting! No difference!”
I then began talking a little about the similarities and differences between the DHO and UWS and the Medicine Buddha Practice; because there were a number of Healing Conductors and Cherags present.
Then I taught and led the Preliminaries; The Prayer of Motivation and Shanti Deva’s Prayer.
Then I did the MB Meditation from memory as best as I could, having forgotten to bring my written copy of yours. I did it casually, like explaining who Senge Menla is, how we make offerings. and I took the Purifications of “Homage to the Rare and Precious,” fitting them in. Then I had them say names of people and situations they wanted to dedicate the Practice to.
Then we danced and sang our praises to MB for his Wisdom Nectar in the Medicine Buddha Dance.
For the closing dedication dance, I lead Tara’s Mantra Dance.
The Taras all said I did a good job and Stream said it was the “highlight” of the retreat.
Rev.Dr.Jude (Jasmine)
