Hi Rehn, thank you for reading and commenting. A while back I heard from a teacher that the proximate cause of faith is suffering. So there you have it! Bowing, Shoren
Hi Joan, you're welcome, and thank you for reading and commenting. Her words and teaching touched me deeply as well, as you can tell from the story. The profound awareness and boundless compassion Ani Pema radiates is truly a gift to the world. Bowing, Shoren
Outstanding bit of your autobiography. Thank you for sharing that.
Fun fact: when I was a San Francisco's HSZC resident, my room was the same room that Pema Chödron had occupied when the building was a Tibetan Buddhist Center.
I met her once while attending a retreat at Spirit Rock. Her mere presence radiated wise serenity.
Hi Adin, glad that you enjoyed the story. For me stories are such a powerful way to communicate important teachings. She's such an extraordinary teacher and a profound light in our world. It was truly life changing to spend some time with her at Gampo Abbey. Bowing, Shoren
Beautifully written as usual. Wisdom I desperately need right now. Love that panic and terror are included in Ani Pema’s quote and Rilke’s. ‘Shining the light of presence’ on feelings/situations is how another teacher puts it. Always, always need reminding to [try] to do this.
Hi Simone, thank you so much for your kind comments. It's very heartening to hear that what I wrote has affected you in a positive way. Ani Pema actually wrote that quote of Rilke's into a journal that I had with me and said something like, "now that's wonderful advice." Speaking broadly, our society seems to exile most emotions. We're not supposed to have them or express them, especially in the workplace. As children we're often shamed or invalidated when we're feeling a strong emotion, especially anger. So I wanted to highlight what Ani Pema said about strong emotions as they're so often suppressed and until they're excavated, if you will, we won't experience liberation, IMHO. Thank you for being! Bowing, Rev. Shoren
Thank you so much! This is a wonderful piece! Your great pain is a great teaching for us.
Hi Rehn, thank you for reading and commenting. A while back I heard from a teacher that the proximate cause of faith is suffering. So there you have it! Bowing, Shoren
Thank you for sharing this dokusan with Ani Pema Chodren. Your sharing and her words have touched me deeply. 🙏🏼
Hi Joan, you're welcome, and thank you for reading and commenting. Her words and teaching touched me deeply as well, as you can tell from the story. The profound awareness and boundless compassion Ani Pema radiates is truly a gift to the world. Bowing, Shoren
Outstanding bit of your autobiography. Thank you for sharing that.
Fun fact: when I was a San Francisco's HSZC resident, my room was the same room that Pema Chödron had occupied when the building was a Tibetan Buddhist Center.
I met her once while attending a retreat at Spirit Rock. Her mere presence radiated wise serenity.
Hi Adin, glad that you enjoyed the story. For me stories are such a powerful way to communicate important teachings. She's such an extraordinary teacher and a profound light in our world. It was truly life changing to spend some time with her at Gampo Abbey. Bowing, Shoren
Beautifully written as usual. Wisdom I desperately need right now. Love that panic and terror are included in Ani Pema’s quote and Rilke’s. ‘Shining the light of presence’ on feelings/situations is how another teacher puts it. Always, always need reminding to [try] to do this.
Hi Simone, thank you so much for your kind comments. It's very heartening to hear that what I wrote has affected you in a positive way. Ani Pema actually wrote that quote of Rilke's into a journal that I had with me and said something like, "now that's wonderful advice." Speaking broadly, our society seems to exile most emotions. We're not supposed to have them or express them, especially in the workplace. As children we're often shamed or invalidated when we're feeling a strong emotion, especially anger. So I wanted to highlight what Ani Pema said about strong emotions as they're so often suppressed and until they're excavated, if you will, we won't experience liberation, IMHO. Thank you for being! Bowing, Rev. Shoren
"Don't worry about a thing, every little thing gonna be alright.
Rise up this mornin'
Smile with the risin' sun
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou)"