A poem I just came across I wrote 12 yrs ago....

Insight Numero Deaux

Today's Insight....

The Place all Meditators Dream of.......

The Morning  Light at Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu, Nepal

Hello & Happy Monday!

Although there is much to say about Nepal that I have incorporated into my life upon my arrival back into the States & ways I  now live my life differently (yet to share here), I just watched the movie " "The Celestine Prophecy"  (click on the purple to see the movie trailer)  & it so impacted me.  I have seen the movie many times,& have always enjoyed it.  But now I can say I  watched it from a knowing perspective....knowing what the hek they meant in all the insights, having felt the energy of being in what is referred to as "The Flow." where you are one with everything.

When I was in Pokhara at my Yoga Retreat, I did a meditation and entered into  that state of being or mind.. Since I am new to meditation, it was quite a surprise.   From the conversations I'd had with people after the experience, I understand many others who have meditated for years have yet to know it.

It is difficult to describe verbally, much less put it on paper (ie, internet).  There is no sense of time as in future or past.  There are absolutely no limits whatsoever.  Anything is possible in the broadest sense.  There is peace and love.  There is a feeling of ease and freedom.   You are connected to the entire universe, everyone & everything all at once.  You feel the sheer vastness of the Universe & yet the intimacy of the connection.

In the movie, they said to live into the memory of that feeling once you have experienced it.  That is my tip of the day.  To go within & find your peace, albeit a challenge, when you are in the midst of your most trying times. Take a moment, & just breathe in.

The movie also said that when you look for the silver lining within bad experiences, it helps you to stay connected.  I have always tried to look on the bright side of  life's traumas, but now see the deeper meaning in doing so.  The less time you can spend dwelling on the negative,  as soon as possible finding the lesson in it, the easier you bounce back.

Here's looking at you (r light) , kid....
Annie

My 1st Meditation "Post" Nepal.....

The "Monkey Mind".....
They say that your mind jumps around like a monkey does, & meditation "calms the Monkey Mind."

Well, I arrived back in the States on Dec. 6. It's now Feb. 26 & I just attended my 1st meditation session at a  Jodo Shinshu Tradition of Pure Land Buddhism  Temple.  (I'm not really sure what that means in the scheme of Buddhism, but for anyone following who is Buddhist, I'm sure that puts it in perspective)

Having come home to a busy work schedule, which only let up this week, this was the 1st time I really tuned in to wanting to meditate & find a Buddhist Temple since I've been home. AND to see, having gone to Nepal in search of Buddhism, (having been completely new to it), if I'd feel any different post Kopan Monastery & Nepal.

I didn't know what to expect.  I just knew that I'm in the midst of change in areas of my life from a new place to live upon my return to new job experiences.  I do know that when change is in the air, it's a good time to go inward, to facilitate the transition.  That's certainly something my experience abroad solidified within me.  

I was amazed at how conditioned my body was once I sat on the pillow on the floor & crossed my legs, having done it for a month at Kopan. It was like nestling into a comfortable old chair in front of a fireplace. My mind & body knew what was about to happen & I was eager to let my thoughts go & find the emptiness.

(I did, however, also have a brief moment of flashback to hours of being uncomfortable & fidgeting through the long days at the Monastery sitting on the floor, while I had envy of those participants who managed to nab chairs to sit on. AND simultaneously, felt bad for feeling that way, since it's not Buddhist-like to have envy (or maybe it was just Catholic guilt..lol)

The nice thing about tonight's meditation was in this tradition, you meditate with your eyes open. (The entire Nepal experience in meditation had been with eyes closed)  I find that the more I cut out,  stimulus wise,(ie, eyes closed) the more my mind wants to hold on to thoughts & race.  Just now, starring at a spot on the wooden floor in front of me, was waaaaay easier.   They said part of why you keep your eyes open is the purpose of meditation is to "awaken." (makes sense to me)

Everything happens for a reason & it's no coincidence that because I went tonight, I found out about the International Buddhist Film Festival being held this weekend down the road from me.

I daily find, in the most unexpected ways, the influence & impact the trip had on me & my life.  It hasn't been all at once, but is unfolding in bits & pieces, as I had expected......more to come....

So much to share, so little time...

Hello!
I have had to cut my trip short due to illness from the food & water in Nepal.  I am currently in the Hong Kong Airport on my way home.  I am so glad I made the trip here & have learned so much about life, myself, & of course, Buddhism, the purpose of the trip.

I have many stories to post that I will share from my time learning Buddhism at Kopan Monastery over the course of the past month. 

Please sign up at the right of the page to receive e mail alerts for posts as I expect a bit of jet lag with the 12 hr time difference before I write about my Buddhism experiences....

My final Namaste from Asian soil....
Annie

Pictures of Kopan Monastery...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When in Rome....Henna

 

Couldn't resist.  Ate lunch in "Jesse James" restaurant & ink seemed like a good idea.....

The Colors of Nature at Kopan Monastery

I'm no photographer (or at least I never thought so) and  I've always complained that my camera takes really crappy pictures.  I took these at just the right time today when the dew was still wet & the morning sunlight kissed the petals perfectly....Another testament to how magical this place is

  

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 







 

30 Days to Nirvana (My 1st 24 hrs in the Monastery)....

 

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 1^st 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

 

"Buddhist Boot Camp"Phase 1:What my next month looks like....

Daily Schedule for the One Month Course 2012

I check in today (Tues. Nov. 6) & am free to come & go as I please...

 

Then, on Nov. 11, no cell phones, no computers, just lots of Buddhism....yeah!! (zenn-ness, here I come!)

 

Here's a pic of the inside of the Stupa (temple) where I hope to be spending a lot of time...The pic. doesn't do it justice.

 

 

 

11. November 2012  First day

5..00 pm Tea in the dining room

6.00 pm  Introductory session

7.00 pm  Dinner

8.00 pm  First meditations

 

Weekly Schedule  (Monday - Saturday)

6.30 am           Morning meditation

7.30 am           Breakfast

9 am                Teaching and meditation (break at 10.30 am)

11.30               Lunch

2 pm                Discussion group

3.30pm            Teaching

5.00 pm           Tea break

6 pm                Lam Rim meditation

7 pm                Dinner

8 pm                Evening meditation.

 There is a possibility that every Sunday will be a full day of meditation in complete silence. This will be decided closer to the time.

There is no break or free day during the course.

 During the courses, a one day pilgrimage is planned to the Great two stupas in Nepal, Boudhanath and Svoyambu. Dates will be announced during the course.

11. December, Last day

6.30 am meditation

7.30 am breakfast

9.00 am Last teaching, and possibly refuge ceremony

 12.00  picnic lunch for all in the court yard



Appreciating American Pharmacies....

A Pokhara Pharmacy closed for the Dassain Holiday....(yes, it is a garage door)



 

And they are about 1/4 the depth of a garage

"The many faces of Nepal......"

 

My Mini Monks I teach English to

Annual Deej Women's Festival  in Sept. where the young girls dance for husbands

Boudhanath-Stupa Boudha in Kathmandu

Bimala applying a Tika to Alex at the Hindu Temple in Kalanki

Swayambhunath ("Monkey") Temple in Kathmandu

 

Durbar Square in Kathmandu

 

And this is why they call it The Monkey Temple...

At Seti River Gorge,Pokahara

Drumming during Chanting at Sadhanna Yoga Retreat

Downtown in the tourist area of Pokhara

Oct. 24, the last day of the Dassain Festival

Downtown Pokhara

 

The closest I've been to a live Cobra when it wasn't behind glass at the

 zoo.  Some Dutch girls came up & asked him if  the "toxins" had been taken

out of the snake. He nodded & said, "Oh yes, the toxins have been removed.

He's harmless. Come sit down."  Guess that's why he's called a "charmer."

 

1) Tourist taunts Oxen.  2)  Tourist gets chased by Oxen.

And, last but not least....he came right up to me...actually

thought he was posing for me.