MEDICINE BUDDHA RETREAT ENDS WITH ITS TRADITIONAL ABBEY WALK AND FIRE PUJA
(en Español)
Before we knew it, the one month Medicine Buddha retreat ended on December 4 with some wonderful activities that deepened the already heartfelt connection of the retreat community. From a long glorious walk in the snow around the perimeter of the Abbey’s land to a fire puja that warmed the bitter cold day as well as helped us purify negative karma, the retreat experience will stay in our minds for years to come. May all the merit we generated during this retreat benefit countless living beings.
 The retreatants as they walk through the shadows into the sunlight on Paramita Path.
 The photo elusive Kevin as we begin our journey
 Marsha's quiet strength and clear insights were a welcomed gift to the retreat.
 Venerable Tarpa and Alec both brought the ability to articulate their deepest feelings to the community during our weekly sharing. They inspired us all.

With the new fallen snow and the brilliant clear day the forest sparkled with a shimmering light.

Alec, Venerable Tarpa, Venerable Chodron and Tenzin, one of our guests, pose at the high point on the Abbey land. Tenzin took most of these beautiful photos.

Venerable Chodron at one of the many beautiful overlooks during our walk. These beautiful expanses really help open the mind and heart.
One of the charred remains of the 1910 fire that devastated 1,000's of acres stands behinds a grove of trees.
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 Venerable Semkye tries the snowy stump meditation with Venerable Tarpa's encouragement. It was a very short meditation.
Carl, who loves the snow, takes a break to warm up.
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 Carl and Venerable Tarpa put their creative energies together to make the scorpion for the fire puja.
The scorpion is ready to be offered in the fire puja. The sesame seeds represent all our negativities accumulated since beginningless time.
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 The altar is ready with offerings and a picture of Dorje Khadro, one of the Buddha's many wrathful aspects. He will help us vanquish the negativities.
The day is bitterly cold and windy and it takes a few hands to get the fire started.
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 Lovable Alec and sweet, kind Kevin
 After the puja is over the group quietly shares the warmth of the fire as well as the warmth of the purification practice.
 All together for one last group photo. The retreat experience bonds the participants together in ways that worldly experiences simply cannot.
 Sister Leslie, a Carmelite nun stands out side the Abbey's retreat cabin where she lived for the month. She was able to participate with the group as well as spend some quality time alone doing her own spiritual practice. She found the time with her Buddhist friends very fruitful. |