Ven. Phakyab Rinpoche

Photo is one the Ven. Phakyab Rinpoche gave me after he privately blessed me this afternoon at the Rime Buddhist Center. The photo is of him and His Holiness The Dalai Lama. So honored and humbled by his blessing and gift. I loved talking to the Rinpoche one-on-one every opportunity that was available this weekend. It was an inspiring and awakening experience, his teachings and his presence.

Buddhist Retreat

Photo is one I took of the Ven. Phakyab Rinpoche at the Rime Buddhist Center in Kansas City, Missouri this morning. He was about to give us the Wrathful Guru Rinpoche Initiation. It was an interesting experience.

The more I learn about Tibetan Buddhism the more I see how little I know. It's so much more rich and complex than what I imagined. It's a journey, one I'm willing to take. There is much logic married with compassion within Buddhism and was a driver for my interest into this religion and philosophy. Am I religious? I never have been. More spiritual and philosophical. This is the first religion I've dedicated myself to. Some of it is a bit foreign to a Westerner such as all the deities, a bit against logic (in my mind) so I'm struggling with these aspects. But, if nothing else, Buddhism is a wonderful philosophy where compassion for others and yourself is part of its foundation.
More on deities in Buddhism:http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/deities.htm(Buddhanet is an excellent resource for information on Buddhism.)

A little bit about the Rinpoche and this weekend's retreat (from Rime's website):
The acclaimed Tibetan Buddhist lama and healer, Ven. Phakyab Rinpoche, returns
to the Rime Center to offer teachings on Lojong (“mind training”), Atisha’s famed mind-training slogans that use our difficulties and problems to awaken our hearts.
The weekend teaching also includes “Wrathful Guru Rinpoche Initiation.” Its purpose is: to remove obstacles, provide protection from demons and maras. This is considered the Highest Tantra.
Phakyab Rinpoche is a ranking Tibetan Buddhist lama in the Gelugpa order. Born in Kham, Tibet in 1966 and ordained at the age of thirteen, Rinpoche began his monastic training at Ashi Monastery in East- ern Tibet before transferring to Sera Mey Monastery in South India where he trained under the tutelage of Ven. Khenpo Lobsang Jamyang and Ven. Khensur Geshe Tinle Topgye. In 1994, he was recognized as the eighth reincarnation of the Phakyab lama, a renowned Buddhist teacher from Eastern Tibet.
Rinpoche is a powerful exemplar of the potential we all have to cultivate the life of the Bodhisattva or spiritual hero. A steadfast advocate of the non-violent resolu- tion of conflict, Rinpoche brings humility, cheer and boundless compassion to his teaching. His personal story of self-healing from several severe medical conditions vividly demonstrates our inherent potential to heal ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally. His radical healing has astonished his doctors, friends and stu- dents alike and serves as a vivid reminder that we all have the ability to transform obstacles into resources for spiritual awakening.

Sunday Trivial Details

At the coffeehouse with Leif. Getting our java fix before our hour long walk at the river park. Later packing for the early October astronomy camping trip and fixing our 15 year old washing machine.

Leif

Leif, my fiancé, letting me take a picture of him at Groundhouse Coffee. He's such a good sport. And so cute!

Coffee Break

At Groundhouse Coffee in Gardner, Kansas. Love the vibe of this place. Indulging in delicious coffee with my fiancé, Leif.

Ham Radio Fest

We're at the Sante Fe Trails Amateur Radio Club hamfest. Attending the Skype presentation by Bob Heil. Soon will start! Got a hat with my name and call sign. Pretty cool!

Get Busy and Start Living Life - I Am

Pretty good Sunday... 30 minutes of meditation this morning at Buddhist service. Few hours drinking coffee and playing on iPad at Starbucks. Then 55 minutes of walking at the park this afternoon, heat index 113 degrees. I'm off to do bills & chores around the house. Later, at 9pm, we'll walk our pooch when it's cooler. And I'm thinking of fitting in a yoga session this evening. Feel very accomplished today.

This Thursday will start a 6-week class on Lojong taught by Dr. Brody. Photo is of the book cover for this class. Already started reading it and really like it. https://www.facebook.com/rimecenter

Today, at Sunday service, signed up for a 3 day retreat with Ven. Phakyab Rinpoche at the end of September. It's teachings on Lojong and includes Wrathful Guru Rinoche Initiation. http://www.rimecenter.org/

Tomorrow attending a meeting for new volunteers for the Rime Buddhist Center. I'll decide at that time if I really want to be a preceptor. Not sure about being in front of a large Sangha, helping lead chants and prayers. Don't think I have enough experience yet to be one. 

Slowly getting things ready for our five day October camping trip. Can't wait for HOASP. Astronomy observing - yay! http://www.hoasp.org/

Next week is going to be a killer. Have extra work duties (24 hour on-call week duty starts tomorrow), lots of work training, personal appointments, all while kicking off a new work project. 

I honestly love being busy and having a full life. Because having a full life includes the downtime moments like chilling at Starbucks or taking a leisurely walk. It's about being in the moment, enjoying or dealing with what's in front of you. Not feeling guilty about what you're not doing. Stop judging yourself and get out of your own head. You're missing life as it passes by if you don't. 

Thankful For My Life

I realized over lunch today that I have so many good things in my life and so much to be thankful for.

I signed up for a Buddhist class on Lojong. It's pretty cool. Starts next Thursday night.

I started sponsoring a Buddhist refugee. I feel humbled to help someone in that position. Makes you much more thankful for the life you have.

I'm thinking of becoming a preceptor at the Buddhist center.

I'll be taking a Java class next semester. Afterwards, hopefully, will get to start doing Java in my job.

Finally getting my health in order. Iron (multiple things it helped out with) and other things I've done.

Going to the huge star party next month for five days / four nights. Can't wait. Always have fun, even when the weather is bad.

I've finally had a chance to astronomy observe more lately.

I'm finally spending more time with old friends and new friends.

My daughter is doing better. She's switched to a less stressful and less expensive school. Her health has improved. And is now going for web programming. She'll get her degree then go back to aerospace engineering. 

Walking tons at the park and around downtown KC.

Finally, slowly getting my house in order.

Leif and I are doing really well.

My acne is finally clearing up and my skin looks better again (probably due to becoming healthier).

I have my best friend, Miranda, in my life. I don't think she know how much her friendship means to me.

I have a very understanding boss when it comes to my non-stop appts. Never gives me a hard time about them or doubt that I'm telling the truth. She's the best for so many reasons.

Lilly's physical therapy and recovery is coming along. It's slow but my dog is finally using her back leg more (we were worried she wouldn't trust the leg again).

Work is, overall, going better. Recently successfully finished some projects, helped out another team, and starting a new project today.

I love my UP band. It makes me want to walk more and is why I've started going on my coffee runs again (I want to add those steps to my daily count!) And I'm thankful I have a well paying job that allows me to buy things like the UP band. And thankful I have friends willing to be 'friends' with me on UP and they give me 'props' on my steps and sleep achievements nearly daily.

And so much more. It's not only the big things but also the small things to remember and be thankful for. As cheesy at it sounds, being thankful has helped make me happier.

Sunday Night Astronomy Observing

Sunday night went astronomy observing with Leif, Alex, and his wife, Kathy. Excellent night and great company! It was near perfect with clear skies and mild temps. We saw... Saturn, Venus, Uranus, Neptune, Ring Nebula, Saturn Nebula (first time!), Andromeda Galaxy, M2 (globular cluster in the constellation Aquarius), M4 (globular cluster in the constellation of Scorpius), M15 (globular cluster in the constellation Pegasus), M71 (globular cluster in the constellation Sagitta), M72 (globular cluster in the Aquarius constellation).

Pedicure TLC

My toes getting some TLC at Foxy Nails in Parkville, MO. They treat me like family, greet me with hugs, attempt to teach me Vietnamese, and provide awesome customer service. 

My relaxing time today. Later walking the dog in the heat, cleaning the house, and other errands. 

My wild, wild life. : D

Random Thoughts

Right now at Starbucks playing on my iPad. This morning 30 minutes of meditation at the Rime Buddhist Center. Dog walk and possibly astronomy observing later. Life is good. 

I like that I'm very comfortable sitting by myself in a public place. Very liberating to be able to enjoy life with others and alone.

I don't care if I'm sexy or cool. As long as I find my life interesting and not being fearful to try new things...that's all that matters.