A day to remember

Well, yesterday was without doubt one that will be etched into my mind forever. I traveled to Blackburn, to Saccavicaya's house where I met Urgen Sangharakshita. Just writing this fills me with a sense of wonder, the man I consider my teacher, the author of many of the books that I re-lie on for my spiritual direction, the voice of so many lectures and talks I have listened to countless times was sitting in front of me asking if I had a good trip over from Liverpool. We talked for nearly an hour, which passed very quickly, I could of happily just sat there all day but Bhante, even at 84 years young, had a busy day and needed to prepare for the book launch at the Blackburn centre. I had questions which I had gone through the night before, when I should of been sleeping, but they like my nervousness they disappeared and I am afraid I just babbled about anything that came into my head. I feel very embarrassed now, but what is done is done! Bhante was very kind and was delighted with a ceramic of Avalokiteshvara which Tony had made for him and which I presented on his behalf. When I left, Bhante thanked me for coming and squeezed my hand, even now I am finding this hard to write, that one simple gesture meant more to me than I can ever say, I left Blackburn in a daze and the rest of the day zipped past like the landscape from a moving train. This is to share with you, my friends, how lucky we are to be alive at this time, having contact with the Dharma through our precious teacher Urgen Sangharakshita.

METTA

All change!

Well who would of thought that a different room, twice the size I grant you, only one floor below the original would have such an effect instantly! Every body looked so happy last night, it instantly felt right. There is still some sorting out to be done but the conditions are there for the sangha to grow and develop. Supportive conditions, whever it is regular meditation, a quiet room set aside, silence, getting away on retreat or an inviting and friendly space to meet as a sangha, are what we all need to deepen our practice I think. We certainly have the room, how are you doing with the rest?

Metta

June is bustin......

Well its MOB again which seems to be giving me the work. I total missed the first stage this morning! I can't even remember what distracted me. Its like the distraction was distracted my the realisation that I was distracted? I am confusing myself now! Needless to say I got to it in the second stage and things when well from there on in. Need to work on recognising the hindrances and hopefully this will make getting back on track more straight forward!

Metta