Property:Letterofmotivation
From Tsadra Foundation Advanced Contemplative Scholarships
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K
I came to KTD a few years ago where I was able to come into contact with the Dharma and with Khenpo Kathar Rinpoche and his Nephews Lama Karma Drodul And Lodro Nyima Rinpoche. Also, I feel so happy to have the opportunity to work and practice with Lama Karuna Tara, Rinpoche's main attendant, who introduced me to the Nyungne practice through which I found a real connection to the Dharma and along with that a real need to continue practice. She shared with me her aspiration to practice hundreds of consecutive sets of this practice. There is nothing I would find more joy in than being able to have the opportunity to practice Nyungne continuously throughout my life. I expressed to Khenpo Tenkyong at KTD that I would like to practice Nyungne uninterruptedly. He said if that's what I would like to do, first I should complete three year retreat. Due to the rare opportunity of being able to spend so much time at KTD and at Karme Ling, I understand that there is nothing more meaningful that could be done with my life other than continued practice. Being able to live in an environment that is only focused on practice is an aspect that i think is supremely rare. I will spend my whole life practicing Dharma. My aspiration for doing the next retreat is that through practicing the genuine Dharma held with in this retreat environment i be able to remain undistracted and develop the qualities perfected by all those who were so kind to teach me and after that three years remain inclined towards the life of retreat. +
I wish I would "exhibit the qualities of a successful practitioner: emotional maturity, flexibility, modesty, selflessness, kindness, humor, etc." Unfortunately, I'm pretty much the opposite of all of those qualities, the realization of which is the reason why I want to do the retreat. Unlike Buddhist practitioners who are capable of integrating their everyday life with their practice in a way that is satisfying to them, I recognize that my practice is not nearly as 'good' as it should be and, I know, can be. I have learned that whenever I am able to put myself in the right conditions to intensify my practice, such as during a 3 week solitary retreat in Halscheid, Germany, in 1999, my practice does show results, even if they are small and only noticeable to myself.
I am convinced, that doing a 3 year retreat is the right and only way for me to tame my egotistical mind and develop an all encompassing compassion for others.
You seem to be looking for the very best in your applicants, and for the benefit of all sentient beings I hope that you get contacted by many who more closely match your requirements than I do! If you can also help a Buddhist like me, who recognizes the necessity for intense practice within the right conditions and environment, I would consider myself very fortunate and would be most thankful.
Thanks,
Philip Lampe +
Reasons for NOT considering my application:
I'm neither a good practitioner, nor am I a good buddhist.
My visualizations are fuzzy at best and never stable. My concentration fluctuates. I get distracted too easily. I still get angry at others and frustrated. I don't believe in everything the Buddha or my teacher Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche taught. I don't even believe firmly in some cornerstones of Vajrayana Buddhism, such as reincarnation or that all sentient beings have at some point been our mother in past lives. This is simply how it is, how I am. I'm neither a depressed person, nor do I follow the buddhistic fasion of belittleling myself. The above is simply a realistic assessment of myself.
Reasons why I will stay in retreat and hope for your support:
I have lived a full life in ordinary society, have had girlfriends, a wonderful wife, friends, job, hobbies. Normal ups and downs. Mostly I was very happy. But I lived long enough to experience that none of worldly life was ever truly meaningful to me.
I'm a firm believer in Vajrayana practice in a retreat environment. I believe that the Vajrayana provides effective tools to observe our mind, witness and work on the slavery to our likes and dislikes. While I'm not a good practitioner, I tried my best to practice well and follow the instructions of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche as best as I could. I believe I was disciplined and dilligent in my previous 3-year retreat, and I always tried my best to apply the teachings in my interactions with the other retreatants.
In my previous retreat, I learned what to practice and how to practice. My aim for this next retreat is to deepen my practice and to further the development of my compassion and forgiveness towards the people around me. This work is meaningful to me. +
My aspiration for entering this three year retreat is to fully immerse myself into Dharma practice and to make a breakthrough on my karmic and habitual patterns. Through which, I desire to experience the ultimate truth of this universe, to discover the meaning of life, and to be able to help others to liberate from sufferings.
My contemplation on meaning of life can be traced back to my earlier childhood. My grandpa, who I was living with and was the only friend of mine, died when I was only eight years old. I witnessed the whole death process with sadness and fear while refusing to accept his suddenly disappearance from this world. I am puzzled and could not stop wondering where he went? Though I was too young to comprehend it at that time, but my grandpaÃs death left a deep imprint in my mind and later on led me to embark on the exploration of the meaning of life. I read books from all kind of fields and philosophies. When I learned the cause and effect theory and the cycling of rebirth from Buddhism, everything started to click. Buddhism not only explains the reasons of death, which perplexed me for so many years, it also sheds lights on life and universe in general. I decided then that Buddhism would be the path that I pursue. I started to study Buddhism and joined various groups, out of which, the Buddhism Study Group in University of Wisconsin -Madison and Tergar Meditation Center of Phoenix were very important. I was introduced to many teachings and retreats there from gurus of different sects, which helped me laid a solid foundation on Mahayana Buddhism and introduced me to the Vajrayana tradition. I have been continuing to listen, contemplate and practice Buddhism since then.
What urged me to entering the retreat was the will to be free from suffering and obstacles of practicing Dharma in mundane life. The more I practiced dharma, the more I was able to observe the evanescent happiness, pervasive suffering and universal impermanence. As my practice deepens, the sense of renunciation keeps coming to me and makes me think about the direction of my life. The biography of great masters such as Milarepa deeply touched me by their spirit of renunciation and intensive retreats, and offered the direction of my spiritual life. I clearly realized that I must go for retreat in order to study and practice dharma systematically, following the masters' footsteps. The three-year retreat provides an isolated and secure environment for Dharma practice at a level unapproachable elsewhere. The retreat program at Karme Ling is designed and guided by the great Kagyu master- Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche from whom I have received many teachings since 2006. I have deep faith in Rinpoche and his retreat program. With the blessing of H.H. 17th Karmapa and the lineage masters, I hope to make great progress through the retreat and make one step further towards the enlightenment. As my practice deepens, I hope to develop the wisdom and compassion to help others who suffer in various ways in life towards their liberations from samara.
"All composites are impermanent, so our bodies, the moment they arise, co-exist with death.
'We supplicate the Gurus to bless us to remember that we will die and that there is no time to waste, to bless us to give up attachment to misdeeds...' [.. ] at the time of death. Only Dharma can help, so, once more, we ask the Gurus to bless us so that we may develop devotion for the Gurus and compassion for all beings." (Karmapa 2014) This life is short but our negative karma from the past is great, and to prepare for the time of death, we need to practice the dharma. My main motivation for attending retreat is to purify negative karma in order to be able to help others, and this retreat is the specific one I wish to attend due to the teacher, the practice, and the support.
Lama Tsultrim had once said that if we were in Tibet (as in the way Tibet was, being in the same monastery), that we (ordinary lay practitioners) won't be able to get to see Ven. Khenpo Karther Rinpoche because of his status. Ven. Khenpo Karther Rinpoche is the only one I want to do a retreat with because I feel that he's one of the few Lamas that can really understand my obstacles, problems, strengths, situation, and be able to help me on the path of practicing the dharma.
In practicing dharma, one of my main pursue is to purify negative karma. One aspect of the three year retreat is about purifying negative karma. The first part of the retreat is Ngondro--doing prostrations, Vajrasattva, Mandala practice, and Guru Yoga. It is wonderful that we are able to have the opportunity to do these practices to purify our negative past karma.
And this specific three year retreat is a group retreat which is unique. In the past, the tradition is a solitary three year retreat. However, I feel this is a wonderful opportunity to support, motivate, and help each other on the dharma path.
This three year retreat is a wonderful opportunity to practice the dharma. "Contemplating death and impermanence, the Karmapa explained, is a means of motivating and inspiring us to practice the Dharma as quickly as we can. Having achieved this precious human body, each second we have this body is a precious moment, because it affords us the opportunity to practice Dharma and work for the benefit of others. If we let even a single moment go, we incur a great loss. If we do not practice these things now, the Karmapa emphasized, we will have wasted our lives." (Karmapa 2014) This retreat is a way of not wasting my life, and the teacher, the practices, and the support have all come together, the manifestation of good karma, and I wish to attend this rare, and precious three year dharma retreat.
References
Karmapa. (2014, Dec 3). The Time of Death is Uncertain So Practice Now! Day 4: Teachings on One Hundred Short Instructions. Retrieved from Kagyu Office: http://kagyuoffice.org/the-time-of-death-is-uncertain-so-practice-now-day-4-teachings-on-one-hundred-short-instructions/
My aspiration is to learn from this retreat in such a way that I in the future can benefit others in a more beneficial way then now.
Right now Im teaching in Sweden, my country of origin, to the best of my ability. Theres not much dharma available here and the Scandinavian dharma community in general are in need for theyÃre own native teachers. At the moment Im encouraged by the Gyalwa Karma and my other teachers, such HE Tai Situ Rinpoche and Ringu Tulku Rinpoche to be here and share the dharma to the best of my ability. My activities are conducted under the umbrella of Bodhicharya International, as a way to serve the Buddha Dharma in general and the Karma Kagyu lineage in particular.
After having spent years weaving between teachings and retreat, mainly in Asia and North America, I feel ready to gather what has been received, and take it in to retreat, for a chance to grow beyond the point where Im at.
In order to deepen my dharma practice through genuine experience, a three year retreat would be a natural next step as part of my path as a practitioner, dharmateacher and buddhist nun.
Theres a lot to learn from a long retreat, and especially under the blessed guidance of a retreat master such as Venerable Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, and this next retreat starting in 2016 at Karme Ling might be a once in a life time chance for me to do so.
After having spent years of studying the dharma, sitting short retreats (a weekend up to 3 months) spending my savings and giving service such as at the Kagyu Monlam and at KTD, I feel ready to go in to a long retreat for a chance to grow beyond the point where Im at, with the intention to better serve others in the future, and especially in Scandinavia.
When I stayed at KTD as the assistent shrine keeper I had an interview with Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in regards to attend this next 3 year retreat at Karme Ling (KTD), and Rinpoche said he would be delighted to have me. So I brought these news to the Gyalwa Karmapa in Bodhgaya last winter, and he agreed warmly that this would be very good indeed! So with the blessings from His Holiness, and Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, I pray that I will be able to begin, continue through and complete this retreat, with the sufficient financial support required.
If I put it simply, doing a three-year retreat is the most logical thing to do in my eyes. It is the most natural way to continue my practice. My life and mindset is progressively changing a lot just by practicing and studying outside of a closed retreat, and I believe being able to continue my practice under the guidance of two retreat masters I already know and admire, would be incredibly beneficial. Doing the retreat in Karme Ling specifically and being able to follow in the footsteps of Lama Sangye, who has become an incredibly important and inspirational person to me, and Lama Zangmo, whom I look up to, would be an incredible opportunity. In the future, I aspire to make enough progress in my personal practice, that I can help others on their own path. I also want to help Lama Sangye, who has built an incredible active Dharma center in a small conservative country in Eastern Europe, because I truly believe he is someone worth following and the center and community are more than worth keeping alive. Lama Sangye has been the only teacher in the center since it started, and as he ages, he will need more and more help. I want to be that helping hand not just for him, but for anyone who ever comes to our center. I want to be able to help people make progress the same way Lama Sangye helped me. I believe doing a three-year retreat is the most effective way of quickly and steadily furthering my practice in the right direction, and pushing me further for that ultimate goal of achieving enlightenment. +
As we all know, the best thing to do with our precious human life is to practice dharma. Retreat is a powerful way to engage with dharma practice and based on my experience the best way for me to cultivate love, compassion, wisdom, a multitude of other virtues, and to benefit all beings. Previously, I did 3-year retreat and it was a profound experience but I realized that I am only beginning to scratch the surface of the profundity of Buddhist dharma. I would like to continue my retreat journey for the benefit of all. +
I completed the 3-year retreat at the Garchen Institute and it was such a profound experience that I feel inspired to continue to practice in a retreat environment. I have the feeling that retreat practice has changed my life in an amazingly positive way and in turn the way I resonate out in to the world, yet I also feel that I am only scratching the surface of what is possible. I have so much more work to do and it seems to me that retreat is the necessary catalyst for that work.
3-year retreat at PTC will also have the structural schedule, holding space, and extensive experience with teaching Westerners that will allow for a more thorough retreat experience than may have been possible in my previous retreat. As much as I appreciate and am sincerely grateful for what I have been given, I recognize that a well-organized retreat with a committed teacher and group of practitioners will be very different from former retreats.
I sincerely want to transform my life in the direction of wisdom, compassion, and liberation and to be able to benefit all beings. In order to accomplish this wish for all beings, it seems to me that 3-year retreat is the best way to do this. +
I've just completed the 2022-2025 3-year retreat at Thubten Choling. It was such a profound and meaningful experience for me... life changing, really. We learned so many practices in the retreat yet I feel I'm only scratching the surface and I'd like to continue to develop my practice with more retreat. Lama Alan Wallace has been a big inspiration for me since the beginning of my journey and CCR's vision is one that resonates with me deeply. Crestone has already been a home for me for years. It seems like an auspicious time and space to continue my retreat practice. +
L
Retreat has been invaluable in my life. I have a strong desire to continue to deepen my practice and connection to the Dharma and see clearly that itÃs a process that takes time, dedication and patience. This aspiration is fueled by my ultimate wish, to benefit others. Without an opportunity to further devote myself to practice, study, contemplation and service, I believe my capacity to be of benefit will always be limited in experience and understanding.
Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche's vision of retreat at Samten Ling includes daily service (work period) and some group practice in addition to our solitary practice. The interaction with other retreatants in these contexts can be challenging at times, but also incredibly valuable. My understanding and experience in communicating with others and community living has deepened greatly over the years and continues to do so. I'm so grateful for that. I also feel fortunate that, as a long term retreatant and resident of Samten Ling, I am able to support short-term retreatants which gives me great joy.
This retreat situation has given me and many others the opportunity to grow as whole human beings, with plenty of time for solitary practice and a potent feedback-mirror in others which is a strong indicator of how/if our practice is being integrated.
I have the great fortune of being shrine master here at Samten Ling which means I generally open Rinpoche's shrines in his cabin. This requires a somewhat taxing trek up the hill to Rinpoche's cabin (9,000 plus feet above sea level) in the mornings in all types of weather and conditions. I consider it one of the best jobs in the world and always take plenty of time to make prayers, aspirations and dedicate the merit at the end. I have received prayer requests from all around the world. At the end of my prayers and dedications, I always make the aspiration that everything I ask for and do, from the small picture to large the large picture, benefit others....ultimately all beings. I also ask that my life not be a waste and that I die without regrets which is synonymous with relative and ultimate bodhicitta in my view.
Speaking more specifically, I wish to deepen as a Dzogchen practitioner and understand the Ati teachings more clearly, principally through experience i.e. practice. I also aspire to continue serving the retreat center and those who come here for shorter retreats in any way I can.
Fundamentally, these are the aspirations and reasons for me wanting to continue in retreat and why I believe my application is worthy of consideration by the Tsadra Foundation.
Thank you for you attention,
Yours in the Dharma,
Michael ChimŽ Mattis
It was 1999 when I met my root teacher Neten Choling Rinpoche in Bir, in the foothills of the Himalayas. I had no doubt that I had encountered the most valuable connection to my birthright. So I returned to Northern India in 2000 to start the preliminary practices and completed the Brief Longchen Nyingtik Ngšndro by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo in 2003. At that time I also met Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche (VDKR) and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. A firm seed of inspiration was planted to practice and study Buddhism. I returned to my native country The Netherlands in 2004 to work and cultivate the dharma as part of my daily life and limitless inspiration. With a sense of determination, I was fortunate to further deepen the path of the Longchen Nyingtik by completing three 100-day retreats Rigdzen Dupa sadhana (2009-2015) at Samten Ling retreat center under the guidance of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. In 2015 he kindly suggested I undertake a traditional three year retreat. I felt this call instantly to my innermost wish. Approaching the first year in 2016-2017, it turned out that I was allowed six months maximum per year under US-European Union immigration agreements. Upon that Rinpoche suggested an alternative format to approach the retreat through multiple short stays - each 6 months in duration.
My aspirations for the coming year are to continue the Dzogchen practices of the Yeshe Lama under guidance of VDKR and to be trained as a chopen and umdze. By making practice a priority I try to develop discipline of a genuinely good heart and contemplation mind. I also deeply wish that the blessings and my aspirations contribute to universal peace, and offer my family and friends something useful to inspire them in every moment of their lives. I wish to fully engage in the dharma under the guidance of my teachers and unbroken lineage that aspire to the most essential vision: for the future generations to become awakened and compassionate. Through the blessings of the lineage and by being in retreat I experience strong faith and confidence that applying the practice methods leading to awakening from delusion are very possible. I believe that my responsibility to care for sentient beings and our planet in a bigger way is found in the continuity of the path of the buddhadharma in particular. So dedicating my life towards the dharma is the best thing I can do.
Hello. I met my root guru, Ven. Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, in 1989, shortly before he moved to Boulder, Colorado to begin teaching at Naropa University. Since that time, I have tried wholeheartedly to serve my guru and the sangha in any way I could. Some details of that service are related above.
Having been involved in this way for over 20 years, with my guru's enthusiastic encouragement, I have resolved to enter into full time, indefinite retreat. I have been doing a minimum of 6 months of retreat per year for 12 years now, switching off with my wife, Tara, and juggling work, retreat, sangha service and family life. Now that my daughters are grown enough to be independent, I am intending to enter into full time retreat. Since we have been juggling between the above mentioned aspects of life, we have been unable to accumulate any savings in which to do long term retreat. That said, I am determined to take impermanence to heart and not waste the rest of my life in busyness, even that of the virtuous variety, and go into retreat. I am seeking Tsadra Foundation's support for this upcoming year of solitary retreat as a beginning to this ongoing endeavor. My motivation is simple: I cannot see any significant way to spend the rest of my days other than one-pointed focus on practice for the benefit of beings.
I know many think that the best approach is to do it 'all' so to speak. That is, to be 'in the world', to practice well, serve others in active ways, to give to one's community and the world in general. In my mind, I have not shirked from serving others, and will continue to serve others directly in my responsibilities as drubpšn, guiding others in retreat. But I feel that for the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism to be fully established in the Western countries, there must be not only all the forms and individual lineage traditions present, but there must be those who have developed deep realization of the teachings. According to many teachers whom I respect deeply, only when there are realized Westerners, authentically recognized by the Eastern lineages, will we be at a point where we can say the Dharma is genuinely and irreversibly established here.
Now, I don't have the high view of myself that I have the capability to become one of these alleged realized Western practitioners. But I do have the heart and resolved determination to do whatever I can to go in that direction before death overtakes me. Personally, given my own limitations and experience, I can see no other way to even seriously approach this possibility other than one-pointed, full time practice. It is in this way I feel I can most directly serve others.
Thank you sincerely for considering this request.
most warmly,
Vern Mizner
Hello. As a general aspiration and motivation summary of my reasons to do this retreat, please refer to this section on my original application for 2011. There doesn't seem to be much need to repeat the same things here since the same words hold true.
Firstly, I wish to say how grateful I am for Tsadra Foundation's generous support for this last three year period of retreat. During this time, I have been able to make the transition from frequent shorter retreats to full time retreat as a way of life. For the next three-year period, it is my intention to go more deeply into the practices of this lineage, namely the dzogchen teachings of the Longchen Nyingtik lineage, and to aid others in whatever small way I can in their retreats through example and occasional interaction to answer questions and share experience. My teacher, Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche has recently formally instructed me to pursue full time life retreat from this point on and the following three years will likely be crucial in establishing a firm foundation to that end. I am aware that Tsadra Foundation can only sponsor a maximum of two three-year periods in retreat, so it is also my hope to allow that period to garner support in other ways to maintain this commitment to my teacher, the lineage and beings, while maintaining a full daily retreat schedule.
I'm not sure what else to say. I feel it is incredibly important for the tradition of solitary, longterm retreat to continue and flourish in the Tibetan tradition. Just as it seems crucial for the other aspects of the tradition (such as shedra, teaching, service, monasticism, etc.) to be established and passed down to future generations, this tradition of longterm, even lifelong, retreat too must continue and flourish if the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism is to continue intact into the future. In my experience, this aspect of the tradition, along with the monastic path, has the least chance to continue without concerted efforts by those most inspired and connected to it. It simply doesn't 'fit' easily into a modern sensibility with its emphasis on productivity and frenetic activity. Again, I am so grateful to Tsadra Foundation and other long-thinking organizations for seeing the need to support this noble part of the buddhist path. In this culture and in this age, without such organizations, I fear people with the most potential for longterm retreat and, hopefully, its desired outcome, would have little chance at success, and the tradition of retreat would slowly erode into something barely recognizable to its longstanding roots. Thank you.
Most Warmly,
Vernon Mizner
The core motivations of a Buddhist are clearly defined in countless treatises and stories of the past. But, as a regular person in search of meaning, I have had a harder time articulating my own aspirations. In fact, my life is apparently defined by meandering trials and errors, albeit interesting ones, and somewhat productive. But in my defense, I have been quite distracted my entire adult life—by an obsessive quest for Enlightenment.
Although I grew up in East Asia, visiting dozens of Buddhist temples from Angkor Wat to Potala Palace, it wasn’t until I read the novel Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse that I discovered my life’s purpose in Dharma. Hesse’s romanticized account of the Buddha’s path inspired me to want nothing more than to live in a secluded mountain temple and meditate until I was completely liberated.
Miraculously, the realizations of 17th century terton Mingyur Dorje were passed all the way down to a rag-tag group of yogis practicing Shitro in a basement in Boulder, Colorado. From the moment I saw them, sitting in my tears surrounded by the jingle of bells and cracks of damarus, I have slowly been finding myself more at home.
At several different moments over the past few years I have truly thrown all caution to the wind in the interest of studying and practicing the Secret Mantrayana. I have definitely suffered as far as mundane aspirations go, barely scraping by financially, though I have also enriched myself through relating properly with my family, friends and professional companions. Even privileging myself in service of the Panamanian government.
Through the generosity of the Palyul lineage, I have been able to exchange my labor for rare and precious teachings, empowerments, vows, in-person guidance, and the time and space to practice. I owe absolutely everything to them, including the special connection I have made with Pema Osel Ling. In my heart I feel loyal to my root guru Penor Rinpoche, and his three Heart Sons, my personal teachers. It is not without their express blessing that I would pursue this three-year retreat in the Dudjom Tersar tradition.
In a sense my motivation is extremely simple: to practice Maha, Anu, and Ati Yoga until I attain the rainbow body. I have committed myself multiple times over the past decade to that exact end, almost since the moment I heard about it. Sometimes, however, I wonder if my motivation is purely selfish, and I often feel unworthy of support, or even the recognition that I am a “practitioner.” Although everyone knows that I am a Buddhist, my sense of renunciation is weak, and I have talked much more than I have walked the path.
In recent years, I have finally developed a serious sense of obligation towards abandoning my life to the path. After all, how can I live up to my refuge name milus rinchen, if I don’t take full advantage; and, if I don’t attain realization, how could I be of any benefit to others?
Dear Tsadra Foundation
This next step in my life is like a dream and I hope it will come true. Our planet with all the sentient beings within are suffering more and more, there is no doubt about Kali Yuga. Seeing this, my biggest aspiration is to make a big step in Dharma with the three-year retreat, and now favorable circumstances can give me the opportunity to make it happen. Therefore, I pray everyday to have the strength and diligence to succeed and not fall back in the pitfalls of samsara.
I perceive the three-year retreat as the greatest and one-time opportunity in my lifetime, and through this the possibility to help other living beings more effectively and efficiently. Seeing others’ happy with good motivation is the best joy for me. Helping others was already early imprinted in me in this lifetime,serving others, even strangers was always my first priority. Meeting with Dharma, sealed my inner motivation and helped me to flourish this passion to help others within the Dharma community also.
As a layman it is not so easy to practice Dharma in all the situations that karma brings to me. Going into a three-year retreat will help me grow in discipline so that I may act and react anytime like a Bodhisattva through wisdom gained from the teachings and practices. Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings and blessings are still alive and the opportunity is here to make them of benefit for all sentient beings.
Numberless thanks to Lama Lekshe Dorje who made it possible for me to discover treasures of Dharma in my current lifetime as a human being. Applying to the retreat is also an aspiration to use this precious human body that I have gained, in a proper way, 100% of the time. To be able to do this in a fast and fruitful way I need the genuine guidance that is given by the opportunity of the long time retreat. Having an ideal environment to learn, meditate and practice Dharma with the guidance of the retreat master is an extraordinary opportunity. Entering the three-year retreat gives me the opportunity to deeply practice the teachings and work towards elevating them from the intellect level to the wisdom level.
Praying everyday as a human being with ego, tormented by the five degenerations and all the contamination within, through the blessing of Dharma, my wish is to be cleansed as much as possible of these obscurations during the three-year retreat for the benefit of all living beings.
Sincerely,
Lehel Lőrincz
La beautŽ du Dharma a touchŽ notre coeur. En prenant la dŽcision de consacrer notre vie Ë la pratique en retraite, nous n'avons fait que suivre les conseils donnŽs par nos prŽcieux maâtres: Laisse tomber tous les projets et consacre-toi Ë l'essentiel; maâtrise ton esprit et cultive la compassion; pratique toute ta vie pour le bien des autres; rien d'autre n'a d'importance.
Eux-m�mes, yogis accomplis, auraient pratiquŽ en retraite toute leur vie, si leurs propres maâtres ne leur avaient pas demandŽ d'enseigner.
Suivre leur exemple est pour nous deux, une grande source d'inspiration et une Žvidence. +
Dear Tsadra foundation team,
I take this chance to share with you my short story, full of blessings and devotion
Ever since I met Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, after a long inner search, I understood that I had finally met the teacher and the tradition I could entrust my path to. Suddenly, my path shifted sharply and I devoted all my time and resources to serve, study, and contemplate the Dharma wholeheartedly.
When I met Rinpoche, he pierced my heart with his gaze and words, and he made me understand that my path in this life was to serve the world directly with my activity. This memory inspires me in the path to be a lead for action and change through contemplative education, science, and arts.
Over the years, I am understanding that this fervent wish to benefit others, can only go together with genuine love, compassion, and insight that I must cultivate first for myself from within, and then learn to expand widely so it encompasses ever being and thing.
In this opportunity I want to dive very deep into the waters of my own being, and from there, grow the wisdom and skilful means that can truly bring about benefit to this world.
Through my personal experience in retreat, I have understood how mountain retreat works and how much I love it. I benefit greatly from this setting.
The time I have spent in retreat has been incredibly meaningful to me, and I simply want to continue this path, which I appreciate with all my heart. I am very aware of how fortunate I am, I am very greatful to my Guru and Sangha.
The right conditions are presenting in front of me, and I embrace this adventure full of joy and wander. (and a bit nervous, I must admit!)
Even though my path in solely Buddhist practice is short, I have been working on myself since a very young age, and I feel ready for this journey.
Rinpoche's words when I asked him if I was ready to finally be part of the three-year retreat were: “Yes, you can do retreat, and you have my blessings”. I trust in him with all my heart, as well as Lama Tenzing Sangpo, I sincerely admire what an amazing practitioner he is.
As the resident nun in the Pyrénées, Ani Sangye, said to me lately: "You have the only important thing for this retreat 100% in your favor. Rinpoche believes in you and sees that you will do great in 3 years, so that is enough to trust".
Devotion, renuntiation and a wish to be of genuine benefit are the strenghts I count on.
I reach to you because I need the support from the Tsadra Scholarship. I will be working hard for all this year, but right now, with the path I have chosen of volunteering and retreating, my means barely cover my basic needs. I will be taking a few jobs and volunteering to fundraise for the project itself (construction and so on), so you count on my word that I will do a joyful effort to make this retreat possible for me and for all the group.
I thank you in advance,
Sincerely,
Lorena Carazo
La beautŽ du Dharma a touchŽ notre coeur. En prenant la dŽcision de consacrer notre vie Ë la pratique en retraite, nous n'avons fait que suivre les conseils donnŽs par nos prŽcieux maâtres: Laisse tomber tous les projets et consacre-toi Ë l'essentiel; maâtrise ton esprit et cultive la compassion; pratique toute ta vie pour le bien des autres; rien d'autre n'a d'importance.
Eux-m�mes, yogis accomplis, auraient pratiquŽ en retraite toute leur vie, si leurs propres maâtres ne leur avaient pas demandŽ d'enseigner.
Suivre leur exemple est pour nous deux, une grande source d'inspiration et une Žvidence. +
M
As you can see from my Dharma CV, all my life as been dedicated to the study and practice of Dharma, and my main goal has been to be at the service of others sentient beings through contemplative dedication.
From young age i had many visions capabilities, and because of these my teachers always introduced me to Zogchen contemplative practices.
I have been taught that this is the way i could be of most service to others. That is why i would be very grateful to be able to fulfill the wishes of my masters. +
