Jampa (AKA Richard D.) at Tara Mandala last week
Ani Jampal Tsomo at lunch today--that's fake fur!
The shrine room, mantrikas backs, and April's daughter
Stacey and Ellen chatting at the auction today
Teachings continued today at the Shambhala Center, plus the annual fundraising auction for charities. Christine, the doc in charge of the Tibet Humanitarian Project spoke about one twelve year old nun who needs expensive surgeries on for deformities of both legs, and these must be done before she is 13 because of something about her the growth plates. We did a good job pulling together for her, accompanied by a song by our favorite rapper Ellen S., who happened to be in town making a music video, and paid us a surprise visit.
Rinpoche always stressed that we are a sangha of both monastics and mantrikas (ngakpas), and likes all the non-monastics to wear a specific stripped shawl -- that some other lamas think indicates only a super high level practitioner. I think it is understood that the robes indicate a mere aspiration for us. It makes our lama feel uplifted to see up in robes, perhaps because he is a monk who has spent his life around people in robes--but what he says is that it increases his faith in us when we are in mantrika robes.
Between Colorado, Houston, Arizona and California, Rinpoche has at least six American nuns: Bhikshuni Kelsang Tsomo, Ani Chotso, Ani Tsomo, Ani Tsultrim (tall), Ani Tsultrim (short), and Ani Jampal Tsomo. And one monk: Jampa. The shortest time any of them has been ordained is two years. I had lunch with Ani Jampal Tsomo (Robin) today. She says she has never been happier. She works as a school teacher then just comes home and practices. She doesn't do anything else, and now she wants to tell everyone how peaceful that kind of life is.
Jampa (Richard) has really blossomed as a monastic as well. What I have observed is that each of these monastics is really drawn to the heart aspect of monasticism--they are practical, good-hearted practitioners who like to keep their lives simple. Really, I have been impressed with how taking these vows has enhanced their dignity, faith and humility.
Boy, I just lost steam! I'd better post these photos and hit the sack.
