Words from Spring Retreat

Not to leave you with a morbid tone there…   I am keeping a detailed journal about my experiences here at the 2010 TMC Spring Retreat which I plan to write down upon my return.  For the moment, things are going very well – I do a little bit of sitting in the morning, then I head up the mountain to the center by 9 am.  Khenchen has been teaching and will continue to do so throughout this week (we are very fortunate!) and Khenpo Chophel has been teaching on the Gong Chik in the afternoons.  It is my intention to attend most of the teachings and to be of as much service as possible – while to also listen to my body / mind and practice self care when appropriate. 

Khenchen gave an answer yesterday, to a question that was not exactly on topic.  But it was still incredible nonetheless!  Someone asked him, “at work, my colleagues are very competitive and it is difficult not to get caught up in this energy.  What would you recommend me do?”  Khenchen answered, “you must compete…  <wait for it!>  You must be in a competition to see if you can have more Bodhicitta than anyone else.”  Wow – talk about an unexpected answer  🙂

There will be more such stories when I return next week.  Thank you for reading.