From the moment you walk into
Kopan, you know you’re not in Kathmandu (well, technically, you are, I
guess). The energy is simply so serene & peaceful it could have something to do with the fact
that you are utterly surrounded by gorgeous gardens & nature everywhere you
turn. It could have something to do with
the fact that this is a very holy place with 380monks running around. And as for the daytime weather,, it still
gets into the 70’s & is always sunny.
It’s so nice being one of the
1st to arrive for the retreat.
I’m getting to know & connect with fellow retreaters. we kind of have the place to ourselves, before
the throngs of people arrive (220 expected). I’m so looking forward to seeing
what type of people are drawn to do this type of thing. I’ve met people from Germany, Sweden,
Canada, Switzerland, & England.
So far, I’m the only
“beginner” amongst the seasoned Buddhist veterans. Everyone drops names of famous Buddhists I
wouldn’t begin to know & mentions retreat names I can’t even pronounce. I’m not intimidated. I just ask questions. I learned what being a “refugee” means in
Buddhism
I’d say this will be like living in a combination of a museum (with
all the amazing statues & artifacts), botanical gardens (a children’s’
field trip came through yesterday as it’s open to the public), & a convent
with all the robes…… While camping. My
bathroom is outside as is the shower & I am in my sleeping bag. After 50 days of this, I’m either going to love camping even more
as it will give me fond memories of my experience here, or never want to do it
again. The temp’s already dropping into the 40’s at night….there’s nothing better to
convert one to an “instant” morning person, than stepping out of a
shower into that.
Within 10 min. of being in my
room, I spotted a beetle, roach, i.e. Something
scary & hairy on the wall, bigger than anything I’ve seen other than in the
jungles of mexico. Since I of course
bought industrial strength bug spray, I doused it. I was about to pass out from the fumes & it
didn’t even flinch, happily crawling along. Time to come to terms with my bug
issues (got another nasty spider bite
the other day, which isn’t looking good
& am going to the clinic on site this afternoon)
I toured their different rooms with my fellow
retreaters. As we came across the
dormitory bathroom. I stopped dead in my tracks as I saw a
reflection of myself. A mirror! I guess it’s a testament to my lack of vanity
that I haven’t seen myself in a mirror for 7 weeks & it hasn’t even phased
me.
Still waiting to learn Buddhism: we had tea with the monk from Australia who
will be teaching our course. He said
that most of the learning will happen after the retreat when we are back in our “real lives.” I understand & that makes sense, but feel like I’ve already waited ½ the
trip to begin. I guess it’s that patience thing people talk about.
So much to manifest, so little time…
….A great home to find easily
& move into upon my return, an
amazing & fulfilling work life, the man & relationship of my dreams. (Oops,
there goes the “to do” list again). Good thing I’m here…..
Be Well....
Annie
