Property:Letterofmotivation
From Tsadra Foundation Advanced Contemplative Scholarships
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I started to ask myself vital questions many years ago. What are doing here? What is the purpose of our existence? How exist the reality that it is front of my eyes? Is it real what we perceive? I have studied tirelessly and looking for philosophical systems that could answered all my questions but I found all these systems are abstracts thoughts of the ideas world.
The first Buddhist class that I assisted was about a direct introduction to the nature of mind, I was shocked for several days because I come to realiza that all the answers that I was looking for, were actually inside us. In this way the external search was purposeless. The precious Dharma would give us the tools for the transformation of the mind and for developping a good heart and enjoying the ultimate state of the mind.
The following years I've studied philosophy intensively with Geshela, but one day I realizad that eventhough studies are useful to rippen our minds not necessarily would make me a better person with a compassionate heart. Sutides by themselves could not benefit much other beings. I'm a youg woman and due to my character I saw clearly that what I needed in order to achieve this was to practice meditation instead of so much studies and theory.
I found that Dag Shang Kagyu is the best place for me to do that, you can fell here the protection of all Lamas, a place where we could receive the Shangpa Tradition jewel that many realized people followed for benefitting others. And this is the greatest treasure one can find.
V. Lama Phuntsok suggested me to do the 3 years retreat. Geshela was very happy withe the idea and Tulku Pema Rinpoche said to me in a very firm way "If needed you do the retreat in a tent, but you have to do it"
After that V.V. Tenga Rinpoche throwed the Mo divination and the answer was that it weas good for me to do the retreat and it will be of benefit. So I worked very hard in two differents jobs at the same time and tried to finish the university as quick as possible, but despite this I could not joined all the money that was necessary for the retreat. But thanks to the great compassion and the infinite kindness of M.V. Lama Drubgyu Tenpa he allowed me nevertheless to enter the retreat.
My motivation for to doing the retreat is to learn how to transform the afflictive mind, and to have access to the practices that subjegate to the self-cherishing, and slowly slowly taming the afflictive emotions and the self grasping to this illusionary ego, in this way one day I wish I can embrace all sentient beings with altruism and true love.
May one day I develop a good heart and the enough wisdom to benefit others, but today I have a long way to walk and we have the great opportunity to walk along this path with our precious Drupon M.V. Lama Drubgyu Tenpa who guide us so skillfully.
Before to reside in Dag Shang Kagyü I have practiced meditation in some solitary retreats on the advice of Buddhist books and of other traditions, discovering how essential is to follow the instructions of a Lama and a Lineage.
I am truly very motivated to make this three-years Shangpa retreat.
All the lamas of Dag Shang Kagyu advised me to do this retreat.
I have big interest in moving forward as quickly as possible in the path of Mahamudra, as I have almost 51 years and I have no time to lose. In all circumstances my dedication will be as big as I can, because I have no other greater aspiration. +
Two motivations have influenced the study, work, and play of my life. The first is to alleviate suffering and the second is to explore the reaches of human potential. At this point in my life, I believe that a three year retreat presents the greatest opportunity to fulfill these aspirations.
Growing up in the midst of racial segregation, the Cuban missile crisis, the assassinations of President Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, and the poverty and violence that I saw in the personal lives of those around me, I had a keen sense of the suffering in the world. With an urgent desire to do something about it, I left high school and received early admission to university, hoping to acquire skills that would help me help others.
I was not only interested in easing the pain I saw, but also in helping people realize their full potential. I studied this in my work, through physical challenges such as marathons and triathlons, and also on the meditation cushion. What most interested me was the human potential for such qualities as kindness and compassion. The contributions of western psychology to this search seemed superficial in comparison with the depth of Buddhist teachings. I went to Gampo Abbey for further teachings and practice and soon took monastic vows there. After 2.5 years, I was drawn to return to work, to use my skills to be of benefit to others.
Working as a hospital Chaplain, I was touched by the experience of accompanying people in sickness and death. Later, teaching young people who had very little experience of sickness or death, but who still knew suffering, I was grateful to be able to integrate Buddhist teachings into the study of Psychology. At the same time, feeling more deeply that alleviating suffering and realizing human potential meant putting my full heart into awakening, I was powerfully drawn to return to monastic life.
While teaching in Thailand, I had several hospitalizations, incurring medical debt which had to be repaid before I could take robes again. I worked in the Yukon, Canada, as a WomenÃs Advocate until my debts were paid, and then requested from Ven Pema Chodron and HE Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche that I be permitted to take ordination. This time I knew I was taking robes for life.
I feel that the best I have offered others in my personal and professional life has come through the lineage of teachings and the experience of practice. The most profound use I can make of my life now is to enter retreat. While my health and circumstances permit it, I aspire deeply to complete the 3-year retreat at Dag Shang Kagyu. The opportunity to be with the Lamas at DSK, within the committed sangha of other retreatants and the container of the traditional retreat teachings and practices would be of immeasurable benefit. I am most grateful to the Tsadra Foundation for offering support, whether it be for me or for another retreatant. Thank you.
As you may know, I've been already a year in retreat. So now it has lost all its romanticism and I am clearly see too the body of lies my whole life has been. I believed I was tired of a life that offered nothing but prancing with dead bodies. And I honestly believed too I had qualities to become a gook meditator. Good enough to help others through my practice, and inspire them to change into a more conscious way of life. I left everything behind, friends, family, inspired by this idea that took shape in the three years retreat. And now I have to face the truth that any gook quality I could have it's only a reflection of those of my lamas, being myself nothing but a take. Since I'm no better than any of my mates, any help I could receive should be shared with those who still need economical help as myself. May it be of benefit, at least to someone who deserve it. +
This is the natural continuation of my spiritual life story and my greatest aspiration in life.
What else would make more sense to this precious human life than an intensive dharma practice in retreat for oneself and to do your best helping others in their three-years retreat practice? +
Since I knew V. Lama Drubgyu Tenpa and V. Lama Sönam Wangchuk in Dag Shang Kagyu, I have felt that I want to practice their teachings and follow the path that themselves embody. Since I have practiced Vajrayana I have impoved myself and my relationships. I feel alive, cheerful, present... even when problems come I can recognize them without rejecting them. My mind has changed, I feel peace and real happiness through helping others. Therefore I want to do this retreat to continue to develop these qualities to be of benefit to myself and others.
I love Vajrayana practice. When I met this path I was quickly able to memorize the recitation of the Sadhanas, learn Tibetan, perform mudras and play the drums and the auspicious shell. I dedicate 3 hours per day for communal practices (daily Pujas), about half an hour for the Stupa offerings at mornings and evenings, one hour and a half in the morning for my Preliminary practice (Common Preliminary and Prostrations) and one hour at night for Dorje Sempa.
I am a peaceful person. I live at peace with people in DSK and I get along well with residents and visitors. I guess that it is because I am tolerant with others, giving them space to be themselves and never judging. Living in community I try to be flexible and accept all points of view.
One of the skills that characterizes me is that I am very hard-working. Since I was 16 I had to work due to my family situation at the same time that I was studying. This continued when I got University. I used to live with my three siblings, my grandmother and my mother. For that reason there was a lot of noise at home, yet I was able to develop great concentration and capacity for studying. Furthermore, my grandmother spent her last years in a wheelchair, so I am also familiar with the use of a sense of humor to cope with illness.
I am very responsible with my duties. As a University student I got high marks which let me enjoy scholarships every year. And as a DSK resident, I am committed with my tasks in the secretary office, where I have to attend to people and take care of the money that is coming from visitors.
I have led a very austere type of life due to my family situation. I am very simple person, I need almost nothing to live on. In DSK I have been very comfortable living in a tent for two years. I really enjoy solitude and quiet places to meditate, read or study.
I have practiced Hatha Yoga for 8 years, twice a week in a school lead by Manuel Morata, who was the Director of the Spanish Yoga Association. This work let me know about breathing methods and body health. But when I came to DSK and met the Lamas, I chose to devote all my energy to Vajrayana. I love to practice alone as well as in group during Puyas and rituals, this helped me to practice Dharma in and out of the Temple.
Wanting to do 3 years retreat is something that IÃve had in mind for so long (around 4 years) and so strongly, that now is more like a conviction of the heart beyond speech and word.
Is the only thing I see myself doing in the near future, and I cannot see further away in the future than that, and I have no doubt that it will be the most beneficial thing to do, for myself and others. What an incredible fortune to receive the whole transmission of a linage of accomplishment, along with the rare opportunity to practice it in retreat and with close guidance.
It is giving this precious human existence all its value, specially when guided with the compass of the benefit of others and the bridle of aspiration prayers, and urging it with the whip of diligent practice.
I see it as the opportunity to practice wholeheartedly, steeping away from the outer distractions, to look directly at our own mind, with all its concepts, silliness, and stains, and working at purifying that, so that we get to know who we really are, and not only that, but also receiving all the different methods that will enable one to also point this to others, and thus fulfill the buddhas and bodhisattvas intentions and enjoying all the good that they have stored for us. And even if this is does not yet come to pass, a firm step in that direction I believe is of immense benefit.
IÃm not skilled with words, so this is simply the direction that my heart points to, and although IÃm plagued by many faults, by some strange Ãinnerà force and also by seeing the necessity of it, I do see myself able and with the courage to follow this path. +
I am very motivated to make this three-years retreat, taking advantage of so favorable and magnificent circumstances of Dag Shang Kagyu's Drub Kang.
During the Losar 2013, Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche was in Dag Shang Kagyu and strongly advised me to do this next three years retreat.
All the lamas of Dag Shang Kagyu also advised me to do this retreat.
Despite my desire to practice in retreat and with so many favorable circumstances, and general moral support, I have big economic constraints that hinder my access to retreat because I cannot cover the costs.
For that reason I need financial aid from Tsadra Foundation without which I could not enter on retreat. So I request for support to the President and managers of this great institution to kindly grant me a scholarship that allows me to cover the cost of the retreat. +
My principal motivation for to do the three years retreat is basically to have access to the great treasure to the teachings of the Shangpa Kagyu Lineage that remains in a pure form, through a qualified lama like M.V. Lama Drubgyu Tenpa and the others lamas that help to the center.
An also to have the right time and place in order to accomplish the different practices, and through that to have the opportunity to get deep in their meaning and integrate them as far as I can during my life.
Since my childhood I had a clear tendency to help others and through this retreat it could be possible that I can help others in a more effective way, not drived by my habitual ego-schemes (at least I hope they are released at some extent).
Since I was so young I was interested in the spiritual search and ordinary philosophical questions such as why we are here, what's the purpose of life, etc. Arts always interested me as a mean to reveal the mystery and everything that is not related to the habitual mind.
I enjoyed literature very much and trough words I began to discover and contemplate life in a way wich is not the ordinary.
From then on, my spiritual path began to take shape and I began to integrate the experiences of life wich I could expressed in the theater activity, which I shared with different groups with whom we created our own performances in accordance with our aspirations, inner worries, etc.
By that time I have the fortune of meeting Yoga, Tai Chi and Marcial arts teachers.
Despite that I had the feeling that someting was still missing. This feeling was cleared up when I found Vipassana Meditation by Goenka, wich I practiced regularly, two hours per day for two years. But then once more I began to feel that something was lacking, it was at that right moment when I found M.V. Lama Drubgyu Tenpa and the Tibetan Buddhism and I had the certainty ro find the correct path and the perfect teacher. From then on I had the opportunity and the good circumstances to meet many Rinpoches and I was impressed by their presence and what they irradiate and I was deeply touched by them and an inspiration to emulate them born in me.
To met a place like Dag Shang kagyu was discovering a place where human values like compassion, honesty, kindness and general altruism were taken in consideration, and someting to work with.
The motivation for to do the 3 years retreat arise when I found Lama Drubgyu and began to follow his advices. I had the certainty of finding a path and when the opportunity of doing the first three years retreat in DSK came to happen I was already living here, I felt an inner joy and didn't have any doubts that to do the retreat was the best thing that I could do can do for my own benefit and that for the others.
All my live has been a constant search to find a meaning to all these feelings of suffering and sadness that I had. Since I was very young I lived in communes, I studied therapies, I did Vipassana retreats...
But untill I didn't meet Lama Drubgyu Tenpa and D.S.K. my life didn't change. It was then that it really turned and i decided wholeheartedly to dedicated myself to practice and work for Dharma.
When I first arrived and I heard a Mahakala practice, was certain this was my place. That I just arrived at home.
And that is how it has been untill now, I never ever doubted again wich one was my path or the meaning of my life.
Thanks to Lama Drubgyu's kindness and his teachings live seen that there is nothing more wonderful than dedicate your life to be useful and benefical to others. One can really use all circumstances in his life to that mean.
The more one purifies himself and develop his ming more benefical could be to others. The more one renounce to wordly things and become more diligent in his practice, one can more forward quicker. This motivation (that I try to keep as pure as possible) is the one that is driving me to do this retreat.
The first tiem that the Lama talked to me about the three years retreat I knew that was the way to follow. Since then I've been walking that path, working and studying all these years.
My deepest aspiration is to able to free myself of this prison of suffering due to concepts about how thing have to be or about others. to be free from tendencies that make us to think only in our own happiness, and so on. I want to give the best of myself to all the beings, my king mothers. And to be albe to free oneself of these conditionings there are the deep practices of secret mantra that are teached in retreat.
That is why I am doing this, and I am trying the harder I can, learning too to use difficulties and obstacles as the path training, like spiritual friends. All I can say is that I am exerting myself with all my strength in order to make my life full of meaning.
And that is being useful and helpful to others.
I credit the Dharma with saving my life. For many years I was headed down a path characterized by addiction and numerous personal difficulties. Though I discovered the Dharma at a younger age than many Westerners, my karma was such that while I believed deeply in the teachings of the Buddha and the Kagyu lineage, I still had a lot to work through in order to arrive at a place where I was able to truly aspire towards real practice. All through those years things happened which drove me further into study and practice. I began Ngondro in late 2016 after receiving the transmission from my teacher Lama Losang, who had gently encouraged me to consider working towards 3 year retreat. I think that he saw something in my enthusiasm for the Dharma, but I did not necessarily consider 3 year retreat a possibility at that time because I think it felt logistically impossible due to my own financial hardships.
Family difficulties, the COVID pandemic, employment instability, among other things. All through this time it was a firm commitment to the Dharma which brought me up out of the mire of these hardships. After the pandemic has subsided some and students were again able to practice in person at Gainesville Karma Thegsum Choling, I reconnected with my teacher Lama Losang in early 2023, where he confirmed with me that I had completed my first Ngondro. To my surprise, he asked me to continue the Ngondro practices which I have done in some form since.
Shortly after reconnecting with Lama Losang, on Saga Dawa of that same year, one of his main teachers Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche passed away. It was during a small weekly reading group while dedicating the merit of that evening that I saw my teacher become emotional over the loss of Thrangu Rinpoche and the earlier loss of his main teacher Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. He shed tears saying, "We are truly losing so many of our great teachers." It was at that moment that I felt I had been struck by lightning. A sense came over me that it was necessary for me to continue the work of my teachers and that in order to do so I would need to make the commitment to undertake the 3 year retreat. I spoke to Lama Losang about this, asking him if he thought it was a right motivation for me to want to undertake the retreat in the hopes of sharing the Dharma with others. "Yes," he said, "that is the best motivaiton." He seemed overjoyed at the prospect and encouraged me to apply. Some time afterwards, with the encouragement and blessing of my partner, I applied, and Lama Tsultrim Gyaltsen encouraged me to study Tibetan and work towards completion of another round of the Ngondro practices, advice I have followed since then.
My aspiration is to complete the retreat and share with others the Dharma, which has been so life preserving. Since applying, my teacher has encouraged me heartily to work towards this aspiration.
At the completion of my 3-year retreat at Sopa Choling (Gampo Abbey) in 2017, it was clear to me that I wasn’t finished with retreat, that I needed to continue and that I would do everything in my power to make it happen. It is with that in mind that I am applying today, 2 years later. My aspiration is as strong as ever.
Following HH Karmapa’s advice of being in the world for some time after the 3-year retreat and before going back in, I explored my mind in the context of daily regular life and came to see directly obstacles I need to work with in practice. Even though there is some progress, I know from experience that a retreat situation is the most effective for me. Although I can and do integrate practice into daily life, it leaves me unsatisfied and I yearn to go more deeply into it, with undivided attention, knowing how much more efficient it would be.
Furthermore, because there is such a yearning, I feel retreat practice is the best way I can contribute to this world at this point. First there is the intention of setting an example and inspire other practitioners that such a thing can be done in the West and by Westerners, that one doesn’t need to be a monastic to commit to such a project but that it is a matter of personal choice and dedication. In addition, through fundraising and getting together a team of people providing support, there is a greater exposure to the benefits and merit is shared. Hopefully it will help strengthen others’ practice as well.
Secondly, in all honesty, I do not feel ready to take on other role in helping the Dharma at this point. As much as I would like it, it is clear to me that my practice needs to mature some more so that when or if I teach one day it will be from direct experience, as I am not a scholar.
Because His Holiness blessed it and suggested a practice, I consider myself committed to making this retreat happen, however long it may take to gather the funds. Unfortunately, this would take many years if I were to pay for it entirely since my income is small, and it would leave me with little opportunity of saving for old age, whereas at age 51 there would still be some time to do that when I come out of retreat. (I would be then 55)
Naturally, I would prefer to take on such an endeavor as soon as possible since so many obstacles can arise as one ages. Aside from the possibilities of increasing health problems and my own parents requiring more support, I find my energy level is already starting to decline and so I could get the most out of it if I were to do it sooner. And obviously, the faster I mature as a practitioner, the sooner I can in turn contribute to the Dharma.
“My advice to you is not to undertake the spiritual path. It is too difficult, too long, and is too demanding. It is really going to ask everything of you. So, it is best not to begin. However, if you do begin, it is best to finish.”
~Chogyam Trungpa
Ever since I was 15 years old I have wanted to do two things: to wake up from the dream of conditioned reality and to be of the truest and deepest service to all people and all beings. In the Buddha’s teachings these two are beautifully connected. My aspiration is to manifest this young wish.
More than material help or money, more than mundane knowledge or power, more than any other kind of aid I could give, the realization of the Dharma is what can truly benefit my family, friends, fellow Americans and all other people – all other beings. My aspiration is to realize the Dharma.
I began practicing the Dharma over 33 years ago. I’ve received many teachings from great teachers and have done a lot of practice over the years – many retreats from one day to several months long. In this time I have also had various life experiences that have helped me mature and develop as a person in my emotional, work, and social lives. It has been a long, slow process for me. I have felt like a tortoise in my progress on the path. An obstinate and dull-witted one at times! My aspiration is to complete this journey.
Twenty years ago I was preparing to enter a 3-year retreat with my lama Chagdud Rinpoche when my life conditions changed and it didn’t happen. During the intervening years I have worked hard on healing my heart and clarifying my life as well as continuing to deepen my practice. Now I have met Rinpoche’s lineage holder Lama Drimed and have an opportunity to enter long retreat. My aspiration is to fulfill my promise to my root lama and to accomplish his teachings.
The human world seems to be more lost than ever and mindlessly walking to the edge of calamitous changes and harm to each other and to our mother earth. The majority seem lost in samsara’s painful loop and the minority have lost hope. People need to wake up -- to realize their true selves and begin to act with compassion and wisdom. Ten years ago my lama left his body. My aspiration is to continue his lineage and teach as many people as possible in whatever way I can.
For this retreat itself I take the inspiration of my teachers and all the other amazing practitioners who have walked this path before me with full hearts and complete commitment. Having been so close to death and illness I realize in my bones that now is the time to practice. My aspiration for this retreat is not to waste any time, not to waste any opportunity. This human life is a rare gift. Meeting the teachings is rarer still. My aspiration is not to waste this precious gift.
From the very first time I heard about Buddhism, it became my greatest passion.
I consider every Buddhist teching and practice, from hinayana to vajrayana, very important and interesting but the thing I love the most on Earth is Buddhist meditation. I find that the practice of meditation is not only necessary for having a strong and healthy mind but it is also the greatest means to discover directly how our mind is functioning its deepest level, and this is something I was interested in since my childhood. I believe that it is only by practicing in retreat that I can fully discover the depth of Buddha's teachings.
But the main reason why I wish to entirely devote my self to dharma practice is the fact that I simply cannot find a moment of peace seeing so much suffering around me. I believe Dharma is the medicine that can heal all torments that beings are experiencing. And I'm sure that one day, with my precious teachers help and a diligent practice, I will be able to give some relief to others. I do not wish anything more than that. +
At the age of 28, I began my first traditional Buddhist retreat at a Kagyu lineage center in France, fulfilling my deep aspiration to dedicate myself fully to spiritual practice. Since then, I have remained committed to my Dharma path, and although doubts sometimes arise about my progress, I have never wavered in my belief that the Buddha’s teachings will lead me to the freedom I seek—for myself and for others.
Having received numerous teachings and transmissions from authentic masters, I feel a strong responsibility to continue this path. Once I complete my current accumulations and translation work, I plan to enter a three-year Yidam retreat in January 2026, dedicating myself fully to this transformative journey.
This scholarship would enable me to dedicate myself fully to my practice, deepen my spiritual development, and contribute more meaningfully to the Dharma. +
I have no other motivation but to benefit sentient beings - however much possible.
My aspiration is to continue having the causes and conditions (through faith, devotion and diligent practice) for Mahasandhi to ripen fully in my midstream; abiding in evenness, unaffected by duality and stabilizing ultimate Bodhicitta.
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche used to say:
"Keep going". +
E
From a very young age, my vision of the environment and of life appeared to me very different from the normal vision of the people with whom I was related, leading me to confuse myself in the deepest part of my interior due to not finding answers to multiple questions about the causes of existence and suffering in the world.
This made me search for Truth. Finding in Buddhism an answer to all my concerns, after a period of study and reflection on the teachings of the Buddha, I practiced and dedicated myself in body, speech and mind to the Dharma.
A blessed disease, which almost took me to the next existence, gave me time, then, to use the convalescence of this disease to perform all the retreats with my root Lama, V.V. Lama Djinpa, who awakened my longing for the final awakening.
My compassion and wisdom have been increasing since then giving my whole existence to the Dharma. With the clear vision of the uncertainty of whether it will be tomorrow or the next life that will come first, I have sat here in Caneto, the spiritual legacy of my root lama, until the Awakening for the benefit of all beings.
OM MANI PADME HUNG HRI +
From a very young age, my vision of the environment and of life appeared to me very different from the normal vision of the people with whom I was related, leading me to confuse myself in the deepest part of my interior due to not finding answers to multiple questions about the causes of existence and suffering in the world.
This made me give myself to the search for Truth. Finding in Buddhism an answer to all my concerns, after a period of study and reflection on the teachings of the Buddha, I practiced and dedicate myself in body, speech and mind to the Dharma.
A blessed disease, which almost took me to the next existence, gave me time, then, to use the convalescence of this disease to perform all the retreats with my root Lama, V.V. Lama Djinpa, who awakened my longing for the final awakening.
My compassion and wisdom have been increasing since then giving my whole existence to the Dharma. With the clear the vision of the uncertainty of whether it will be tomorrow or the next life that will come first, I have sat here in Caneto, the spiritual legacy of my root lama, until the Awakening for the benefit of all beings.
OM MANI PADME HUNG HRI +
I have pursued a career in academia that has led me to work as a college writing instructor at the University of Chicago for last 4 years. That job is currently being restructured, and I have decided to leave the academic career path rather than continuing to pursue work in the field of college writing instruction. My decision is primarily motivated by the fact that I have increasingly found the Dharma to be the only truly meaningful life pursuit, based on comparing the fruits of Dharma practice against those of worldly life over the last 20 years, as well as with my deepening appreciation of the Buddhist view. The opportunity to undertake this kind of intensive retreat under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo will only occur this once in my life, and it would be a tremendous mistake not to seize it. I will be 45 in October and have decided that I want to focus on practicing the Dharma over and above the pursuit of professional status in the second part of my life. This will place me in a more economically precarious position following the retreat, but I feel that it’s worth it. Support from the Tsadra Foundation would enable me to retain more personal savings for once I leave the retreat and need to find work again, in whatever labor market exists at that time, at around 50 years of age. I feel that both my worldly and Dharmic curriculum vitae demonstrate the seriousness and reliability with which I undertake and fulfill personal commitments. In my view, this makes me a worthwhile candidate for the Tsadra Foundation's financial support of my retreat.
My motivation to intensively practice the Dharma in a three-year retreat is fairly traditional: to make as much progress toward enlightenment as is possible for me within this lifetime, with the ultimate goal of establishing each and every sentient being in that state. Deciding to do a three-year retreat for a western lay practitioner requires serious “big picture” thinking about one’s life. Up until this point, I have had the fortune to encounter the Vajrayana Dharma, to meet and receive oral instructions from a qualified guru, and to spend several years attempting to apply them in practice. Suspending worldly activities and focusing single-mindedly on applying my guru’s instructions is the inevitable next step in this process. While I am wary of attempts to justify Dharma practice in terms of worldly social aims, I also see my growth as a Dharma practitioner as inseparable from developing my capacity to serve, protect, and benefit others. In terms of post-retreat employment, I would aspire to do some kind of social work aiding others in disadvantageous circumstances, such as those living in poverty, or the elderly and dying. But I also view this retreat as the beginning of a phase of my life in which Dharma practice is the primary aim. Support from the Tsadra Foundation would help me realize this goal.
July 2025, Moscow, Russia
LETTER OF MOTIVATION
Dear Tsadra Foundation Committee,
First of all, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this Advanced Contemplative Scholarship grant. Thank you so much for supporting people around the world in their wish to practice and study the Dharma!
Since very young, I have been inspired by life stories of saints. These people were out of ordinary, helping countless beings, showing them the spiritual way, and often practicing for a long time in seclusion. When I joined the Buddhist path and heard about the great Masters practicing in long retreats, I thought that one day I would like to do such a retreat.
In my view, a traditional three-year retreat provides us with a very necessary place and structure to formally apply, for an extended duration, the teachings we have received. It is a very precious context where we can concentrate fully on what is the most important, the practice. It is also a great opportunity to become very familiar with one's mind and to fully work on it since there are not many other distractions. It is also a way to develop the six paramitas on many levels. It is a precious chance to further strengthen our devotion, our practice capacity and commitment. If this opportunity is used precisely as it is taught, it is definitely a way to benefit many beings in this and future lives. This is exactly what I am aspiring to do.
For many years I did not have the conditions to do such a retreat, however now, it is close to becoming possible. I have a strong wish to do a three-year retreat, I have the support from my dear teacher Tsoknyi Rinpoche, I also have perfect retreat guides (Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Lama Tenzin Sangpo) and a perfect place (Gomde Pyrenees), I have no dependents, and I am organising my finances to partly pay for the retreat.
Regarding my practice, I have done the full Ngondro that Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche advised me to do. I have also followed the meditation guidelines that they gave me. Mingyur Rinpoche has connected me to Tibetan Buddhism, and in his teaching style everything is so easy, so I have also completed Tergar’s curriculum up to the highest level (Path of Liberation 5). Since I also have a strong connection with Yantra Yoga, I have been learning and practicing it for the past 5 years too. I maintain a yearly connection with three of my teachers: Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Mingyur Rinpoche. I have done many group retreats as well as personal retreats, and have been to many teachings and drubchens with my Lamas. Having a full time work, I was not able to go beyond a 1-month retreat in time, however, at the end of each retreat I have always been nostalgic and wished I could continue practicing in retreat. As a person, I am slightly introverted, so spending time on my own is not a problem. However, I also love and appreciate people, and aim to maintain harmony between my friends and Vajra siblings.
That being said, my finances fall short of paying the retreat costs in full. I live and work in Russia, and my salary does not really allow me to make savings. However, I am preparing to sell a small property that I inherited from my mother. This sale should allow to cover a half of the retreat costs. Therefore, I would like to request the financial help from Tsadra Foundation to co-fund my retreat (half of the total retreat cost).
I would be hugely grateful for your help, and promise to keep all the benefactors involved in my sincere gratitude and prayers.
Thank you so much for considering this application.
Warm wishes,
Elena Sautkina (Karma Dokun Dakmo)
