WHEN THE STUDENT IS READY THE MASTER APPEARS
The Universe conspired to send me quickly and dramatically to San Francisco to receive teachings from the Dalai Lama. Thursday evening I was minding my own business, 12 hours later I was a world away, being instructed on Dependent Origination, what is said to be the heart of Buddhism, by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama.
I'm sorry, perhaps I didn't make myself clear. I RECEIVED TEACHINGS FROM THE DALAI LAMA! Oh, yea, there were 4,999 others there too, but who cares, I know he was talking straight to me.
The intense and heady teachings were broken into three 2-hour sessions. Long about hour 5 1/2 my friend sitting next to me leaned over and whispered, "You realize you're in the stream, don't you? You realize you've just received teachings from THE DALAI LAMA. All that's left is for you to take refuge."
"Taking refuge...." I thought to myself. Hmmmm... What do I think about that. I decided to do the "When in Rome" thing, stop thinking with my mind, and listen with my soul.
Sticking one toe into Buddhism was fine for awhile, plenty. Then I learned that wading could be nice, too. The water was warm, nothing to bite or sting. Do I want to dive in head first? What's stopping me? What stands in my way? What part of all that is real? What part of resistance is within, and what is without? As within, so without. Emptiness. Universality of suffering. Ceasation of suffering. Confusing thoughts making my mind work harder than it comfortably can. My body though? My soul? My "being" has never felt calmer. That has to be significant.
I am sure the Universe will compassionately bring me another teacher, when I'm ready for my next teachings. I'm not sure where you go after you've been taught by THE master, but I can't wait to find out.
12 comments:
Been there, done that.
So glad you were "called" to this and you took the leap, Carrie! I'm still at the wading part, but I'm inspired by your experience. I am also thrilled that your soul is calm and happy. You deserve nothing less.
Love.
Congratulations Carrie for bringing this amazing experience to yourself.
Smiling for you here in Virginia.
Sounds very cool. Remember to just keep yourself open to what you experienced, trust your inner soul and everything will fall into place. Glad your back!
You were so ready for this! I am thrilled for you!
No one deserves this more than you!
WANT TO HEAR MORE!!!
What a great experience! I fully agree that when the student is ready, the teacher or master appears. I have been very interested in writing my memoir. When my partner’s daughter arrived to visit us in Mexico, I serendipitously picked out Blackbird to read among her stack of books. 48 hours later I finished it. 72 hours later I was on Jennifer Lauck’s website. 96 hours later I was on the phone with you. And you know the rest of the story!
What a fantastic experience! I agree--he was clearly talking directly to you!
I love how you don't feel in a hurry to commit to one thing or another--you are following your mind and heart where they lead you. What better commitment is there than that? You'll know if and when the next step should be taken.
Big smile for you here in NYC!
My sense...if you don't mind me jumping in...is that you are not interested in taking refuge until you find the teacher that will name you...in Tibetan...in a way that is appropriate. I mean...I just don't see you being a Zabsang or a Langdrop...so, when a teacher comes along who gets you as you are...fully caffeinated, fully you, fully outragous, fully unapologetic...then the refuge path will be cleared!
Beautiful, Carrie! Just beautiful! oxo t
I'm so jealous!!! I want to hear everything.
love.
What are amazing experience. I'm sure you'll tell us much more about it soon....
No rush figuring out your relationship to these teachings. You seem to be getting plenty out of them regardless.
I almost went to see him in India, and I went to the beach in Goa instead. Damn, I have been kicking myself for quite a few years now.
Simply wonderful! I'm so happy for you and looking forward to hearing more. I admire your seeking and honest heart.
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