Meditation Informs Healing Facilitation

How do I describe what it is to be a worthy astrologer?

This material is copyrighted by Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. To support my business and blogging efforts, please visit my website. More recently, I have begun teaching Astrology classes on Trauma-Informed Astrology, see http://www.traumainformedastrology.com for more! Thank you for visiting!

At the risk of sounding less than humble and possibly even brash and bold, I am writing this post. What is it that makes a good astrologer? I have been doing a number of charts recently, now that I am on hiatus from school, and I derive real pleasure from (seemingly) being of benefit to others, answering questions and articulating abstractions which clients are just beginning to become aware of, and in seeing how much I have grown over the past couple of years. So, just to be safe, as Mercury is retrograde, and Uranus is crossing my Natal Sun (basically re-wiring my circuitry), forgive me wisdom beings if I am being arrogant.

Here are some of the ingredients that go into my blend of Spiritual Astrology: toss in a thorough astrological background, excellent teachers and years spent pouring over many dozens of books in Western Astrology; then blend a dedicated, semi-consistent Tibetan Buddhist practice; throw in heaps of bodywork classes and experience giving and receiving hundreds of sessions; dash in several peace-building modalities and workshops; ideally, you want to season with plenty of time spent playing and resting down and finding alignment through simple somatic exercises and being in nature; and of course, most importantly, attend and allow Tibetan Lamas to touch your heart, to show you how to let go just a little bit more and how to rest in equanimity. This might seem like a tall order…

And it is. I am not saying I hold all of this together all the time – because I do not! Ha Ha! That’ll be the day. However, I have had incredible teachers and mentors and I am not afraid to tackle psycho-spiritual challenges – both within and without. And did I mention I still have much work to do!

What do I recommend? Well, first, get a session with me, Kirby Moore, Spiritual Astrologer, but, as one of the great philosophers says, (Nietzsche), “only a fool is ruled by [their] stars.” What this means is, live your life! Enjoy, play, romp, dance, sing, meditate, eat delicious food, spend time with your family (if appropriate*), work a little and laugh! Do not look at your chart daily, or even weekly (monthly is okay). Be aware of your mental state when you read your horoscope – notice any stories which you may be repeating to yourself about how your situation is doomed. Be aware that some things will always be better. Take a deep breath.

I recommend receiving an astrology interpretation once or twice a year, not more. Do not look at your chart on-line more than once a month. Instead, breathe deeply, mindfully, fully. Spend time with that friend who you just can’t seem to find the time to fit into your schedule! Quiet your mind, in whatever manner is best for you and allow the Universe to fill your chest, your lungs, your heart. Take the time to determine what it is your heart is yearning for, and then go for it! (Appropriately of course, and gradually if needed.)

Oh – and of course I would recommend going through a self care workshop, which I just happen to lead. Learn how to take care of yourself and be kind. I currently lead workshops in Charlottesville, Virginia, but if you would like to get a group going in your neck of the woods, feel free to ask me about this. It is my intention to practice right livelihood, right speech and to be in right relationship. Sincerely, with peace.

* Unfortunately, tragically, and on the rare occasion that, if your family causes you harm, consistently, then think twice about spending time with them. With this exception pending, perhaps it is best to branch out and embrace a new community. As always, I would recommend speaking with someone you trust and consider to be wise about this issue.

Thanks for reading!

Kindness

This material is copyrighted by me (Kirby Moore). Reproduction without permission is prohibited. To support my business and blogging efforts, please visit my website. More recently, I have begun teaching Astrology classes on Trauma-Informed Astrology, see http://www.traumainformedastrology.com for more! Thank you for visiting!

As I have been prepping for my last final exam, I have had thoughts of ease and lightening up. I also just received a network chiropractice session earlier (might or might not be correlated). <Updated 3/26/10 – Life is a dance of expansion and contraction, ease and challenge, stretching and resting down. I am still doing these things.>

We are human beings, as the Metta prayer says, “I offer myself love, with all my frailties, vulnerability and beauty.” There is only so much we can change in a given week, or a given month, or even in a year. Slowly, slowly, only with patience, acceptance and gentle-loving-kindness, can we shift significant psycho-spiritual patterns. Like one of my teachers says, “Change is like water dripping on a rock. It takes time and patience.”

Take inventory of yourself – where are you? What do you want to accomplish this year? Where have you come from? Be realistic! If necessary, speak with someone who has been treading down a transformative and kind path for some time. Allow yourself time to integrate, time to settle and time to let that which needs to come to the surface to do so. Spend some time in nature. Take a nap. Be kind. Please.

Drupon’s teachings in Charlottesville and Va Beach

I had the blessing of being present for Drupon’s teachings in Charlottesville and the Tidewater area on two separate weekends.

Drupon and Ramanan in C'ville — Drupon and Ramanan in C’ville

Drupon taught on the preliminary practices for the most part, however, in Charlottesville he also gave the Bodhisattva vows and the Mahakala empowerment.

As the event organizer, I am always surprised when the lama or teacher asks me what I want them to teach. I think to myself – “I am not worthy! Why are you asking me?” But seriously, I am happy to make a request – the teacher knows what they will actually teach on when they sit in front of the audience.

Drupon taught on taking refuge and the four thoughts that turn the mind – very sound, quality, fundamental teachings which are mandatory for anyone looking to progress toward Buddhahood. Then in Va Beach, he taught on refuge practice and Mahamudra – the great seal. I would say more about this profound practice, but I know so little about it that I would swiftly insert my foot, directly into my mouth. I have heard, that in order to move toward realizing Mahamudra, one must stabilize their meditation through calm abiding.

After having organized the Mahakala weekend in C’ville, I was exhausted, to be frank. So I went to Va Beach and rested a little, walked on the beach, listened to blessed and extremely fortunate teachings and I also stayed in a gorgeous shrine room – they sure knew how to take care of us. The Sangha of Va Beach – Ratnashri Circle – are very generous, kind and connected – what a great example! Here is a picture of the bay from the house where I stayed – sunrise over Portsmouth.

Astrological News

I am reflecting here, on how my life is shifting recently. Astrologically, several events have occurred in my personal chart. I am going to share my thoughts on having Jupiter in my 7th house for the first time in eleven years, along with my reaction to having Uranus cross (conjunct) my natal Sun – possibly a once in a lifetime event, unless I live another 84 years… Hmmm.

Nature Laughs in Flowers! - a quote — Nature Laughs in Flowers! – a quote

So, first I want to mention that I practice frequency-based, choice-centered Spiritual Astrology and I offer interpretations professionally, along with teaching classes. The reason I mention this, is that I do not want people reading my experience of these aspects and projecting my experience onto their lives. I maintain a daily meditation practice, where I usually sit around and day dream for 30 minutes, in addition to maintaining a daily practice of loving-kindness to self, which goes a little ways toward reducing my negative karma. Therefore, what I am about to share is my experience, speaking from my frequency, wherever that may be. If someone else experiences these astrological phenomena, their situation is guaranteed to be different! If you have any questions about this, schedule an appointment with me.

With that said, Jupiter has been in my 7th house now for about six weeks now. Traditionally the 7th house rules intimate relationships and especially marriage. Whereas the 1st house is the self – the body, the motivation, the drive, the 1st house is self-oriented where the 7th house is other-oriented (our romantic partner). The 7th house is a desire for union, in whatever form that takes, as well as an easier time of compromise and accepting others. Over the time Jupiter has been in my 7th, I have been much more social and my attitude has gradually improved. And, for me, what is most important, is that I am having multiple meetings with remarkable young women! Hey hey!

I have been more inclined to do things with people, whereas in the past I was a home body – I would have rather been reading or studying than going out and mixing it up. For me, it takes a lot of energy to be around large groups of people – and even small groups if the dynamic is not right. Therefore, for me to be more social is saying something. Also, I have had a slight attitude of existential questioning for the past few years, and this shadowy veil seems to be lifting. It is very slight, but some days I legitimately rest in equanimity, clear and open to what is. Of course, it is a slow process and there is much I could improve upon – especially regarding stabilizing this experience. <revision on 2/3/10 – I still have a ton to work on, and if I do not sit daily, there is a mental fogginess that I cannot seem to shake.>

Some of the above could have been a reflection or mirrored by Uranus crossing my Natal Sun. This potentially explosive aspect only happens once (or in the extremely rare case of centenarians, twice) in a lifetime and for me, I am still “in it.” Luckily it seems like I have passed the crest or the critical mass. But I certainly know when that was occurring. I felt nervous and anxious for about four days, off and on, although, if I did the practices my Tibetan lamas recommended I responded well. I believe that having a daily meditation practice allows us to appropriately detach from our emotions and our body’s natural reactions and conditioned patterns and we can just sit back, objectively observing with curiosity and amazement and wonder! <revision 2/3/10 – I was not “out of the thick of this aspect” as I thought… Uranus goes retrograde so I am just now completing this long change-filled process. More on this in a future post.>

About some of my teachers

This material is copyrighted by me (Kirby Moore). Reproduction without permission is prohibited. To support my business and blogging efforts, please visit Kirby’s website. More recently, I have begun teaching Astrology classes on Trauma-Informed Astrology, see http://www.traumainformedastrology.com for more! Thank you for visiting!

It feels like it has been over a month since I last posted here. I have been busy with school and especially with organizing this upcoming Mahakala weekend with Drupon Thinley Ningpo. The Sangha (Buddhist group) I am a part of also updated our contact lists which I was an integral part of, so along with school and teaching my class, I have had very little spare time. However, here is a post on some of my teachers. I thank my karma every day for every opportunity to study and practice Dharma and especially to attend these qualified teachers.

Khenchen Rinpoche, Konchog Gyaltsen giving a precious pill to Drupon

I took refuge from Khenchen Rinpoche, Konchog Gyaltsen in 2006. I attended the TMC’s Spring Retreat – I met Khenchen, Drupon Thinley Ningpo and Khenpo Tsultrim along with the many modest (yet profound) practitioners who attended along side. Khenchen might be best known for his work with Gampopa’s book, the Jewel Ornament of Liberation. During this retreat, Khenchen covered several chapters of it. Hearing it from him, I was so fortunate to come to the understanding that Buddhahood is possible in one lifetime – not just something vague and abstract – with diligent practice here and now, we can become Buddhas (- Wow!). <Revised 3/26/10 – I have little to no wisdom when it comes to this process – but I became aware of the actual possibility of Buddhahood in a lifetime.> Rinpoche, through the incredible text, spelled out the steps required (not that I am any closer to doing so). <Revised 3/29/21 – now that I am focusing at least a third of my time on my new family (I moved in with my partner 10 months ago and we / she has custody of her daughter 50% of the time), I am taking advantage of time to practice the precious Dharma. Only thing is, there is not enough time! Wish me luck!>

I have attended multiple teachings by the Drupon, Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin, Khenpo Choephel and other qualified, respected teachers. I have a hypothesis which I need to test a little more before coming to any conclusions. It is this – more often than not, a Lama has a specific name for a reason. For instance, Khenpo Tsultrim teaches and emphasizes moral ethics quite often in the topics and texts he chooses to teach. And, his name, Tsultrim, means ethical behavior or discipline. I would say the same holds true for Khenchen – Gyaltsen means victory banner. Khenchen is very modest and soft spoken, but his wisdom and compassion are incredibly vivid even if he is in a crowd and profound – providing a model for living and practicing the Dharma. I would say his spreading the Dharma with wisdom and compassion is a victory banner for the rest of us, a shining example of what a lifetime of Dharma practice can achieve.

Khenpo Tsultrim (see previous post for a picture) and the Drupon have been in the U.S. since 2001, so their English is pretty good. In fact, Khenpo teaches in English quite often. It is such a great blessing to have teachers who are pursuing and enthusiastic about speaking the native language. (I think it might be more difficult for older Lamas to learn a new language well.) Khenpo Choephel has studied with some of the great masters of Tibet, having been the Umze, or chant leader of the Drigung Til monastery in Tibet. As Umze, he has memorized hundreds of texts and practices, leading rituals along with the daily prayers. His gentle, unassuming presence and his profound, humble wisdom are very evident despite his just starting out with the English language. He arrived in the U.S. in late 2007. I believe that when he learns English well, he will have incredible results in reaching people and promoting the Dharma. He is already doing a lot – Khenpo Choephel led us this past Winter in conducting the Mani Drupchen retreat.

When I asked Khenchen about my various psychological patterns (some of which I would do without if I could), every answer was the same. For instance, “I have a tendency to be pleasing and to be overly sensitive to other’s needs and energy, what can I do about this?” He said, “practice Dharma.” I asked him several questions, in a similar vein and this was his answer to every one of them – “practice Dharma.” So I leave you with the answer to how does one free themselves from suffering? “Just practice Dharma.” Of course, in order to do this appropriately, it helps to have a qualified teacher.

This was hastily written by M. Kirby Moore, March of 2009.

the Zendo in white, Khenpo in C’ville, spring break, cactus blossoms

Today we got our first major (few inches) snow of the season and of course I had to take pictures of the Zendo under its cozy white blanket of frosty powder. I have several fun pictures of it.

I had members of the Zen Sangha over recently, or I should say, up, to a potluck. It was good to get to know them better and connect with other Buddhists in C’ville. I think I will host one of these per month, in my home above the Zendo.

Oh- and I am turning 30 soon! Wow – it kind of boggles my mind to hear this. However, I have gone through my Saturn return quite well – all the little bits and pieces that were in need of maturing are coming together nicely. <revised 2/2/10 – I still have a ton to work on!> <Yet another revision 3/29/21 – still working on layers of maturation and growth. Just more subtlety and clarity about my needs.> My current plans, which are always subject to impermanence and change, are to do some hiking this summer, continue to see clients and students, maintain my practice and then graduate in December of 2009. I intend to do a neat Zapchen Where is the Zendo?

retreat in one year – I need to get more clients and save up some $$.

Also, Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin recently came to Charlottesville and taught on several topics – including Nagarjuna’s Letter to a Friend, Khenchen Rinpoche, Konchog Gyaltsen’s new text on Prohibitions and Permissions, and a brief Guru Yoga. Terry Barrett helped to translate and we are ever so grateful for both of their presence and hard work. They accomplished much in the way of translations – they have been aspiring to complete multiple projects and they did so! Hooray!

Khenpo teaching in Ch'ville (at Tara's Den) — Khenpo teaching in Ch’ville (at Tara’s Den)

I am currently on spring break, so maybe I can write a few posts this week. I am doing a little bit of work, a bit of relaxation, and I am enjoying reading about Tibetan Medicine in my spare time. I recently started teaching a class on kindness to self – tools for relaxing, refreshing and practicing quality self-care. It is exciting. In about a month, I plan to teach more astrology as I am encountering many people who have interest.

I am having fun in my Drama (intro to acting) and Environmental Science (Virginia’s environments) classes. It is great to move energy for a change at UVa – previously I have been entirely too cerebral with academic work. It is a pleasant shift. As for Envi Sci, it is very fascinating to learn about the large scale impermanence of the planet – they speak of rivers moving, shifting, transforming and pirating other streams. The tectonic plates and mountains come and go. Whoa – impermanence is everywhere! How can we keep ourselves so distracted from it?

Finally, my Christmas cactus bloomed like you would not believe in January! It was gorgeous, so much so, I think I took 20 or 30 pictures of it. Hopefully this picture does it justice.

A discovery

Guru Rinpoche - Ladakh, India — Guru Rinpoche – Ladakh, India

News Flash: Kirby is molting, a bit early perhaps

I have been receiving more bodywork recently than I have had the privilege in previous times. Included within this caring touch is massage, and the woman who does my massages recently commented that we were “discovering secret treasures.” She said this in response to finding muscles on my body that were extremely tight – almost to the point of unbearable pain when palpated.

I have been lying around quite a bit recently – I do not mean this with any negative connotation – napping and integrating are extremely important. I have come to the conclusion that merely going to class full time at the University of Virginia is something to be proud of. At the same time, I have been a little less than kind, beating myself up for spending so much down time, doing less meditation practice than usual and not quite studying everything I feel is necessary to maintain those aforementioned classes. It is okay – no longer any reason to beat myself up! Good job Kirby, well done.

I do a practice called Zapchen – created by Julie Henderson, PhD. – see the website http://www.zapchen.com for more info. This is a lovely, relaxing series of exercises for lightening the mood, pulsing restrictions in the body, coaxing openness in a stabilized manner, resting in alignment and coming down out of the head and into the body. Julie also does work with the I-Ching and she interpreted her version of this beneficial book. It was with the help of this resource that I recently made a discovery of my own – all the down time, napping, lying in the Sun and resting on my amethyst bio-mat has been because I am in the process of molting. “Help I’m molting!”

Actually, in all seriousness, I am looking forward to observing what my new skin will look like, at some point. And on a different subject, of Astrology…

Currently, there is some static in the astrological sky – Uranus and Saturn are opposing, causing quite a bit of confusion and injuries of connective tissue to name a couple of issues, Mercury just came out of Retrograde, so we are recalibrating our brains and communication skills, Venus is slowing down to go into Retrograde, which could mean our likes and dislikes and our needs in relationships are shifting. All of this plus the Sun, Mercury, Neptune, Chiron and Jupiter are all in Aquarius and Pluto is just starting to get used to being in Capricorn. Whoa! I need to lighten up with myself – just do what I can and let go, just continue to practice kindness and compassion to self, nurturing the inner shifts and insights.

May all be happy and free of suffering! Om Mani Padme Hung Hri

3/26/10 – an update. I was going to do an entire separate post about this, still might. But guess what? I am still molting. Funny thing these vast, foundational transformations. Birth trauma is being unwound, my limiting beliefs are coming up to be re-evaluated, old, tight wounds are being pulsed and stroked; I am moving toward awakeness at a snail’s pace. Hooray!

Further revision 3/26/21: I have Pluto conjunct the Moon in my chart (it is parallel – less than one degree apart). The Hades Moon. So of course I have been transforming almost all my life. Pluto is driven to tidy up the inner landscape, to purify, to cleanse, to purge that which is tainted or rotten.

I am loving my Trauma Informed Astrology classes – where I get to share insights like these and so many more! Check out my site! www.traumainformedastrology.com

Thanks for reading!

Kirby Moore

konchog chakchen

Mani Drupchen complete

Kirby on fellow pilgrim's laps in Ladakh, India — Kirby on fellow pilgrim’s laps in Ladakh, India

Hello again,

Back from attending Garchen Rinpoche – wow, what a being. I think he embodies spontaneous, liberated, spacious heart – words don’t come close. Hmm. Well, I am a bit more grounded as a result – had the blessing of another Bodhicitta pill, as he says, (and I paraphrase) Bodhicitta is the warmth that we need to melt the ice of self grasping.

So, I think I am wrapping up the Mani Drupchen, finally. I have a few more thoughts and considerations, but I think they will wait. For now, here are my thoughts on how the military and Tibetan Buddhism might be similar.

Overall, there is a deep fundamental difference between say, the Army and attaining Buddhahood, however, there are some uncanny surface parallels. Apparently, not that I have conducted much research on this, Robert Thurman believes this topic to be a valid theory, considering the Buddha had been raised as a military leader when he was Prince Siddhartha.

Here is what I discovered as I sat on my cushion and pondered (distracted from meditation):

In the military there is a hierarchy among ranks and in a spiritual tradition there is also a hierarchy among lamas – maybe they know who has attained which realizations. The Retreat Master, who is sometimes known as the disciplinarian could be reflected in a Drill Sergeant role (just very compassionate and lovingly-kind beneath the crusty, rough exterior). There was quite a regimented schedule at this retreat – especially with chanting through the night – the night shifts of mantra recitation greatly reminded me of night watch in the army. In Tibetan Buddhism there are preliminary practices that one must do before taking on a tantric deity practice, these preliminary practices could be viewed as slowly advancing through the ranks – there are various “schools” one has to complete before becoming eligible for higher ranks. And in another manner, the stages of the path could be viewed similarly – for instance, the stage of accumulation, the stage of one taste, the stage of no more meditation, etc. With advancement through the “ranks,” one gains more responsibility and occasionally the little things in life get easier – for instance some of the high lamas, abbots, lineage holders, retreat masters, might be relieved from needing to prepare food.

A friend pointed out, when I mentioned this theory, that the lamas might be the officers, the monks could be seen as the enlisted personnel and the lay people (us) might be seen as the tax payers (basically watching and typically not having a clue about what is going on, at least on the subtle levels).

Thanks for reading and perhaps I will see you at the next Mani Drupchen.

Thanks for reading!

Kirby Moore

konchog chakchen

Mani Drupchen Chronicles – Part Six

A special on prayer wheels and lamas! Also, I have just resumed school for this spring semester, a heads up in case I lag behind on blogging.

the Lama's prayer wheel — the Lama’s prayer wheel

On the Drupchen retreat, nearly everyone who did the full retreat had a prayer wheel. Some were new and shiny – typically copper. Others were antique and aged – probably with years of mantra spinning under their belts. Most prayer wheels have the mantra that we were reciting within them, and if they are spun in a clock-wise direction, the mantra goes forward, continually sending light energy out into the world. The lamas, as you can see in the picture, had a red prayer wheel that had to sit on something – rather than being hand held. OM MANI PADME HUNG HRI!

I definitely notice something switch in my mind when I start spinning my prayer wheel. Especially when I go back and forth from right hand to left hand. It is almost as if my body reverts to a state of equanimity, where it is difficult for anything to bother me. I guess you might say a part of me has gone within as it focuses on keeping the prayers spinning round.

Here in the West, we are very blessed. Of course, it is awful what is happening in China and in Tibet. We cannot stay

an older prayer wheel - how many revolutions have I traveled? — an older prayer wheel – how many revolutions have I traveled?

silent about human rights violations which do not stop and which are not allowed to be witnessed by any foreign, objective media. However, with that said, we are very, very blessed to have had the Tibetan Lamas go into exile. Otherwise, we would not have such incredible teachers here among us. I have heard some scholars say that here in the West, we have better access to teachers than they do in India or China (Tibet). Seriously, stop and think about this. We, at least in the U.S. and parts of Western Europe, have better access to high Tibetan Lamas, who are, in my opinion, some of the most spiritually realized people on the planet. I have also heard that this is due to the heads of the lineages (of Tibetan Buddhism) sending their best monks to teach us – perhaps they want to have the best models for us. Actually, I have also read that Westerners are not easy to teach. We generally want instant gratification and results and when it comes to the patient, gradual path, we shy away. With this little introduction to our good fortune, next I will introduce the monks (lamas) from the retreat.

Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin has been in the U.S. since 2001, and his English is good enough evidence of that. He did the translating for the retreat master, Traga Rinpoche. Khenpo Tsultrim lives at the Tibetan Meditation Center main house where he takes care of the shrine, the center, hosting and organizing duties. He is one of three spiritual directors of the center and his knowledge of Buddhist sutras (scriptures) and ethics is very scholarly and proficient. If there is one of the lamas who is best at debate, it is Khenpo Tsultrim – his mind is quick and accurate, coming up with evidence and scriptural references very rapidly.

Khenpo Chopel has only recently arrived from India and Nepal. Before that, he was the Umdze (chant master) for the Drikung Thil monastery in Tibet. The chant master, who leads hundreds of monks in daily prayers and all the rituals must know dozens if not hundreds of prayers and texts by heart (in other words, his memory is excellent and full of juicy Drikung practices). He is the one who facilitated and directed this Drubchen, because it was done in a method similar to the Drikung Thil monastery (the main monastery of the Drikung Kagyu in Tibet). He is just beginning to learn English but he is gentle and his heart radiates loving-kindness and compassion. He is a profound and thorough teacher.

Drupon Thinley Ningpo, my root lama, has also been at the TMC since 2001. He is the TMC retreat master and he is sort of the Drupon for the East Coast – he visits centers from Florida to Boston and Chicago several times each year, where he teaches and bestows initiations into the lineage of wisdom and compassion. Drupon helped to facilitate this Drupchen with Traga Rinpoche.

Traga Rinpoche is a profound being with a heart full of vast compassion. He seemed ordinary, simple and humble to me, but there were times, once we were all into retreat mode (and lacking in sleep) where he let his true colors shine through and he was fully present with whoever he was speaking with or whatever activity he was doing. He truly wears his huge, loving heart on his sleeve. Traga Rinpoche mainly teaches at the Garchen Institute where they have retreatants (Arizona). [Revision – 10/2009 – I believe Traga Rinpoche has moved to New Mexico where he is the head of a center in Albuquerque. Revised in 2021 – Traga Rinpoche has been back in Tibet for a number of years now where he is the primary teacher for monastics (I believe nuns in this case).]

Lama Sonam is the resident teacher in the Boston Center. He has completed his three year retreat, and the way I will always remember him, is singing and bringing joy to all around him. In my first Tibetan Buddhist retreat, he was also attending, and he would sing to himself or to others (and me) just spontaneously and joyfully. It truly brightened my heart and opened me to greater possibilities of beingness.

Lama Gyaltsen is Drupon Thinley Ningpo’s attendant and one of the resident lamas of the TMC. However, at this, and at most retreats, he did all the work behind the scenes as it were. Every time we had a change – from morning to afternoon, from day to night, from early night to late night, we received blessings – saffron water which he was always dispensing. He is full of helpful, modest energy and he is always helping out with whatever project is going on. They say that the most enlightened are the most humble (and they happily take the worst jobs) and if this is true, his realization must be vast.

For more on Lamas – visit the TMC website at http://www.drikungtmc.org or visit the overall Drikung Kagyu website at http://www.drikung-kagyu.org look at the teachers section.

Thanks for reading!

Kirby Moore

konchog chakchen

Mani Drubchen Chronicles – Part Five

So if you ask me what I accomplished on the retreat, I would have to say, I got in touch with my lemony laughter and it was very good. Although, this was not always the case, there were a couple of days where resistance and frustration nearly blindsided me – I wanted to go home, I wondered if I was crazy for sticking around and I just sat with it. On one of the first days, I was asked to throw away some food which we could not use, which I did – trudging through mud and the cold woods to do so. It was not easy to rest in equanimity as I did this. Also, on the final day, I came down with a head cold, which I have as I write this. So it was not all peaches and cream, but it was clarifying and filled with the occasional insight. Plus I got to learn a lot about the traditional method of intense Tibetan Buddhist retreats (Drubchens) and about laughing at the little things in a shrine room. I also dipped my toe into the pot of true practice – pushing my mind to its limits and then playing on that edge. Around the clock, practicing for the benefit of all beings. <Revision on 2/2/10 – See my more recent posts of the 2009 Drupchen for further thoughts on pushing one’s mind. I have a long, long way to go, and I think I am just beginning to scratch the surface of true practice.>

At one point I wondered about the mystery and sacred potency of the mandala, when one of the retreatants, who is a very skilled amateur photographer, tried to take about ten shots of the mandala when the two lamas who tended it briefly opened the curtain to change the tormas or water bowls. She would snap a picture from across the room, with her zoom lens, and then she would look at it (digital camera) and scowl and proceed to try another picture. It was very fascinating that she never seemed to get a good shot of the mandala during the retreat, at least not while I was awake and present. However, she took about three hundred pictures of lamas, retreatants and of the rituals the lamas performed, and those pics turned out great. Very curious indeed. (we were not supposed to see the mandala during the 7 retreat days, seeing it before or after the retreat was permitted.)

I had a couple of vivid, easy to interpret dreams which I guess is usual for a retreat. However, with the sleep deprivation, I dreamt a lot less than I normally do (or I recalled them less). I had many various sensations wash over me – my heart throbbed, my posture improved, I almost fell asleep on my cushion. Oh yeah – speaking of cushions, I brought a new one from home and it burst on me. It was full of the little buckwheat hulls, which I prefer over the cotton stuffed one, but I forgot to take some out of it. So it sprung a leak as I was sitting and I found myself surrounded by little brown seed pods.

A friend of mine mentioned that when I meditated, I tended to have my eyes roll up into my head, which is not that unusual. However, for someone who has difficulty grounding in this world, she recommended I experiment with looking down. Therefore, I would spend one, two and sometimes three hours at a time looking down as I chanted. It was tough to counteract my usual habit for so long, but I

felt it helped to ground me, especially with so much stuff coming up for everyone.

Thanks for reading!