Die With an Empty Inbox

Posted on May 30, 2004 in events.

"When you die, your Inbox still won't be empty," Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo joked. Funny, relevant and practical yet profound and subtle. That, in a way, describes the whole retreat on "death and dying", on life and living. To do meditation practices that the Dalai Lama does seven times everyday, to learn about the Tibetan view of death from a woman who was herself so close to death, and to have an experience of listening to a nun who has deeply cultivated dharma ... is a rare opportunity that can only result after years -- maybe lifetimes -- of generating incredible merit, Tibetans would say. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be an instrument in your journey.

As Ven. Lekshe led a couple minute "Om Mani Padme Hum" chant on the last day, I opened my eyes and saw her sitting erect on the meditation cushion. I did not see a woman who has earned 3 post-graduate degrees and written many books, or a nun who has built 13 nunneries in remote Himalayan regions without a dime in her pocket, or a revered teacher who is the president of reknowned institutes. No, I didn't see that. What I saw was a mountain of dharma, with radiant streams of compassion, flowing selflessly to all beings, without any discrimination, pride or ego. And I saw that everyone in the room was blessed and I tried -- in all my ignorance -- to repay the kindness. All I really did was cry. :)

In fact, my watery eyes are smiling even right now, as I write this. Because I know that I, for one, wouldn't have had this experience of service, without you being there with all your radiant hearts. Thank you.

Few frequently asked questions ...

• JAMYANG FOUNDATION. HOW CAN I HELP? Three big ways: give time, money or in-kind gifts. To give time, they are looking for an "Advocate" locally who can help them effectively leverage all CharityFocus resources. To give in-kind gifts for their schools in the Himalayas -- even stuff like pencils -- or to give money, check out their website.
  
  
• PLEASE, CAN I GET A COPY OF THE TALKS? Michael Kreuzer -- the brilliant Ayurvedic doctor who offers all his medical services for free to anyone! -- has recorded the event and kindly offered to burn CD's for everyone who wants it. The CD will also include pictures from the event and a copy of the Jamyang and CF websites. He will bring them on Wednesday (we can mail it to those who can't make it then). Please email Michael.
  
  
• WHAT AN EVENT. WHO CAN I THANK? It's hard to figure out who to thank, because every single thing about the retreat, including Ven. Lekshe's teachings, was an offering (which is so incredible!). Certainly, my mom nourished our dharma stomachs; Joy, Valerie and Dipti coordinated the logistics; Manish, Neelam, Yogen and Bhumika helped in many misc ways; my Dad provided vibrant harmonium tunes and audio setup; and Deepak washed dishes as if there was no tomorrow! And of course, the *many* anonymous donors and Viral and Guri, who never need a mention but always deserve one. If you'd like to share a note of thanks, please email dolphins@cf ... we'll collate the responses and send it to all involved.
  
  
• I'D LOVE TO COME AGAIN. WHAT'S NEXT? Once a month, we invite guest speakers from diverse backgrounds. These are all events that only merit -- not will or desire -- can bring together. For the last six years, we've also hosted a meditation sit every Wednesday, with a roundtable sharing of aha-moments, and dinner in silence. It's different every week and you're welcome anytime! More about Wednesdays.
  
  
• WHY DO YOU THIS? For four thousand bucks. :) How else can you find four thousand anonymous bucks outside your front door?!? Giving is its own joy, silence has its own power. We have no agenda and simply aim to be instruments in the spirit of service. Thank you for giving us the opportunity.
  
  

The real record for what happened last weekend is what lies in our hearts. We hope the evening energizes your journey of service in some way; surely, we feel blessed to host such powerful gatherings in our own home.

Om Mani Padme Hum, as we learned, is guided by the intention and vibration to liberate all beings, in all realms of existence, of their suffering and dissatisfaction with samsara ... starting with ourselves.

Om Mani Padme Hum,

Nipun
(on behalf of the 'extended' Mehta family :))

Comments ...

1. On Jun 02, 2004 Nancy Tieszen wrote: Dear Everyone at CharityFocus, Last weekend's event was my first contact with the group and I was totally amazed. For one thing, Karma Lekshe is such a prominent Buddhist leader I was amazed you established a relationship with her and got her to do the workshop/retreat. After having attended the workshop, however, I can see why she established that relationship with you. I have never encountered people such as you, Nipun, and your family so totally devoted to being of service to others. I was so impressed by your family and your grandmother(s), who at their advanced age have the spunk and openness to learn about other religions and even to ask questions and to patiently sit through a translated talk. Also, during the breaks I walked around and noticed that many people had broken up into groups and pairs and were having philosophical discussions related to Karma Lekshe's talk - also amazing! I should add that Karma Lekshe is an absolute inspiration to encounter and to listen to. She obviously has a thorough scholarly foundation of Buddhist thought and she is well versed in the differences between many Asian cultures and the west. She also is an embodiment of Buddhist teachings - totally dedicated to the Dharma - that is clear and so rare to encounter. Thanks so much and you will definitely see me again probably during a guest speaker visit since I practice Buddhism with some local groups. In appreciation, Nancy Tieszen

2. On Jun 02, 2004 Harindra Vasavada wrote: Hello Nipunbhai, Thanks to Dineshbhai, Harshidaben You & Viralbhai for hosting beautiful & informative as well as very interseting retreat by a seasoned Buddhist nun. In fact every month you bring guest speaker from different fields and class by themselves. You all have been doing yeomen service to all of us. It takes lot of hard work and skill to organise such programs but for your family it has become a good hobby. You all have implemented "Giving" in your daily life & activities. Wonderful ! I really appreciate and feel lucky to attend this retreat. Thanks & Regards. Harindra

3. On Jun 02, 2004 Joy wrote: Thank you so much for all you do and did for our fabulous weekend retreat. It really was a powerful weekend of dharma teachings from an incredible source! Namaste, ;) Joy

4. On Jun 02, 2004 Katherine Shariq wrote: I've been looking for something about the retired nuns in the convent in one of the eastern states but it could have been written before the Internet was prevalent. It's been awhile. Anyway, I haven't found it yet but I did find an interesting link where a buddhist group is trying something similar. http://www.mahasiddha.org/prayers/ Thought it might be of interest. I'll keep trying to see if I can find anything out about the group I was talking about tonight. With blessings, Katherine Shariq

5. On Jun 02, 2004 kw wrote: I want to thank you and your family and Ven. Karma Lekshe Tsomo for a special and meaningful day. Best, Karen

6. On Jun 02, 2004 Ragu wrote: Download this beautiful poem, Almost Found. Malcom X recites it as powerfully as King. It is not directly relevant to the theme but in general is very inspiring and raises one's hair. The poem starts at 12:14 and is less than 5 mins. And this is about Anil Joshi, that was referring to in our "heart storming" about Jamyang: http://www.hescoindia.com/founder.html

7. On Jun 09, 2004 Mark Brooks wrote: Phenomenal. I had to go home and let the day wash over me some more. What a great community service you are running. Absolutely congratulations Nipun. Please pass my regards and thanks on to Viral also. Power to you.

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