Compassion in the Rockies
Click on arrow above to enjoy the meditative sounds, performed by Kokin Gumi from his CD, Zen Garden while you read the article.
On September 17, about 2500 people gathered to receive blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Shambala Mountain Center situated in the rockies of Colorado. A Rocky Mountain News journalist, Jean Torkelson captured most of the story with additional related links.
The visit was preceded by a 3 day meditation retreat called “Compassion in the Rockies”. This is probably the longest time I’ve spent thinking or practicing meditation. Like most people my exposure to formal meditation practice is limited. What triggered me was a desire for a break from work so about 2 weeks ago as I was surfing the web for my next exotic getaway, I stumbled into the Shambala Centre. When I saw the 3 day Compassion program I was intrigued, but what really inspired me was the visit by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I immediately registered and set my plan in motion which fell into place rather quickly. Same night I connected with someone who was offering a ride from Denver International. It all seemed quite easy until I started to tell people how and why I was there. Some could not believe I got in so easily as there had been a long waiting list for months.This divine Intenvention was definitely welcome to interrupt life’s cycle of madness!
For 3 days, with 250 other participants, we braved the cold to sit in silence, mostly cross legged on the floor (cushions are provided), in the large meditation tent to receive meditation teachings by the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. We contemplated love, compassion and peace but mostly we received techniques for controlling the mind. Not as easy as it sounds. It will take many days, months and years to get comfortable with meditation practice. But once you hear from such revered teachers as Sakyong Mipham Ripoche and the Dalai Lama there is no alternative. Life and its events are experienced with a particular state of mind. A negative mind will see life’s dark side and a mind that is trained and happy will see the lighter side of life. It all sounds so logical!
Here are some more pictures I took on the day of His Holiness’ visit. Please contact me if you would like a particular picture and I will send you a high resolution image.
Namaste!
Jillene says:
Dear Indra ~ This is so beautiful, as are you! Not only did you capture the event in exquisite pictures, you told us the depth of your experience in amazing words. Thank you for this post. I am utterly inspired by it!
September 20th, 2006 at 11:47 am
Indra says:
Thank you, Jillene.
September 20th, 2006 at 6:37 pm
Nicole-marie says:
You are an amazing woman! Not only are you beautiful and graceful, but you are an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and amazing journey through this life. Namaste.
September 24th, 2006 at 12:27 pm
Indra says:
See you soon at the Yoga class, where I take inspiration from you!
Thank you!
ID
September 24th, 2006 at 1:13 pm
Sal says:
You captured the essence and beauty of the moment with your images and thoughts… safe journeys my friend. Namaste
September 25th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
rob schock says:
Indra, wow you are actualy “living” new experiences and sharing then with some of us who are stuck either by fear or being too comfortable to try something new.
Thanks for sharing and your inspiration. Rob
September 27th, 2006 at 8:56 am
Amrit Kaur Hothi says:
Dear Indra
You are brave to share your experiences with us. It is very encouraging. Best wishes!Amrit
December 16th, 2006 at 4:05 pm