20260307173933-Zachary-Burgess-Submission: Difference between revisions
From Tsadra Foundation Advanced Contemplative Scholarships
20260307173933-Zachary-Burgess-Submission
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I spent a week over the new years holiday at Gomde Pyrenees while Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche was visiting to open up the then just finishing first 3 year retreat. This was a great experience even on its own and further cemented my committment to do the retreat if possible. Aside from the spiritual impact of meeting Rinpoche and receiving his blessing to take part, it was also really helpful to speak with some of participants of the first group and this definitely made me feel more confident going forward. Drupbon Lama Tenzin gave a talk on the 3 year retreat and said that if by the end of retreat we're not realized, there's no need to feel bad; we will know how to practice dharma and be on the path and that's enough. I've kept this in my heart since. | I spent a week over the new years holiday at Gomde Pyrenees while Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche was visiting to open up the then just finishing first 3 year retreat. This was a great experience even on its own and further cemented my committment to do the retreat if possible. Aside from the spiritual impact of meeting Rinpoche and receiving his blessing to take part, it was also really helpful to speak with some of participants of the first group and this definitely made me feel more confident going forward. Drupbon Lama Tenzin gave a talk on the 3 year retreat and said that if by the end of retreat we're not realized, there's no need to feel bad; we will know how to practice dharma and be on the path and that's enough. I've kept this in my heart since. | ||
We all know the difficulties of trying to balance | We all know the difficulties of trying to balance spiritual practice with everyday life's endless demands, complications and confusion (especially as a beginner) and given the drastic state of the world right now, it seems really important to do what you can to work with your own ridiculous thoughts and try to develop at least some basic compassion and wisdom. Without wanting to be too idealistic about what I may or may not accomplish, I think that being able to receive and practice in a focused manner this cycle of profound terma teachings would be a very meaningful way to spend a few years and would also provide many lifetimes worth of precious pith instructions to reflect and meditate on. Also, while I will greatly miss my Palyul teachers, I can't help but feel that all of these masters speak with one voice and am excited to train in the Chokling Tersar lineage as well. | ||
As far as my personal life goes, I am 34 years old, single and childless. I did not go to post secondary school and have mostly spent my life trying to balance working whatever menial jobs I could get with a passion for songwriting and music recording. In this sense, I am in a good position (if not financially) to do this kind of retreat because I don't have much responsibility at the moment. My family and friends are supportive of my intention, which has been a great blessing, and my dharma friends from the Palyul sangha here and in the States have been incredibly helpful and kind in offering spiritual and financial support. In conclusion, I may not be the most experienced or well studied of aspiring practitioners, but still, I think I'd make good use of this amazing and very rare opportunity and I'd be deeply grateful for the support of Tsadra in helping me to do so.Thank you for your time. (Sorry if this is too long!) | As far as my personal life goes, I am 34 years old, single and childless. I did not go to post secondary school and have mostly spent my life trying to balance working whatever menial jobs I could get with a passion for songwriting and music recording. In this sense, I am in a good position (if not financially) to do this kind of retreat because I don't have much responsibility at the moment. My family and friends are supportive of my intention, which has been a great blessing, and my dharma friends from the Palyul sangha here and in the States have been incredibly helpful and kind in offering spiritual and financial support. In conclusion, I may not be the most experienced or well studied of aspiring practitioners, but still, I think I'd make good use of this amazing and very rare opportunity and I'd be deeply grateful for the support of Tsadra in helping me to do so.Thank you for your time. (Sorry if this is too long!) | ||
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Revision as of 11:02, 21 March 2026
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