An Update from Lama Dashon
It's been a long time since my last update, so this is rather long ....
Last year I was engaged in many discussions about the future of the sangha and one of those was about the role of A.I. and how it might impact on the future of Dharma in our Sangha and in the West.
While A.I. might be able to fulfil many important functions, especially when it comes to administration, archiving, creating teaching materials, we found ourselves focussing more on the essential qualities that A.I. can't do - which is direct, in-person transmission of the living Truth of Dharma.
The future of the Dharma in the West will rely on transmission of the Adhistana of the Lineage through the heart to heart connection of sincere practitioners.
While this doesn't necessarily mean that the internet can't give us a way of honoring these connections (I think we have all experienced how online groups and teachings have really benefited our Dharma study and practice, especially for those of us who can't make it in-person for various reasons), it seems essential that we continue to find ways to meet in person and strengthen the bonds between us.
One of the main ways we can do that is with the sacred space at the centre of our sangha mandala. Most people who have been to the Hermitage in recent years have described how simply being there has a massive effect on their faith and practice of Dharma, being close to the Stupa in the presence of Lama Shenpen, with the continuous practice that she and those who have cared for the Hermitage over the years have created through their devotion to practice.
Lama Shenpen and Lama Tara are working with Mebar to present a long term vision for the Hermitage as a source of Adhistana and centre of Sangha practice for generations to come. We will let you know how that looks as soon as it's ready.
I have also been keen to go out and meet sangha friends in person as often as I can.
Here are a few of the projects I'm currently engaged in with others:
Sudhana and Eli have held a 'Heart of Meditation' group at a local permaculture farm. I had the chance to join them for the introduction and transmission. Local enterprises like this have the potential to reach those who wouldn't usually come to us through our online channels.
A small group of the Mahayanagana gathered at the Hermitage to get clarity of the vow we take as members committed to the vision of the sangha. I have really enjoyed the online meetings I have had with Gana members over the past year, but we can't all go for a walk on the beach, talking over ice-cream through a zoom meeting!
Lama Tamsin has been holding a group of volunteers who have been taking care of the Hermitage, preparing the grounds for the upcoming season. I took a walk round the grounds, astounded that so much could be achieved with such a small group. They seem to have made a really strong connection to the sacredness of the place, at the same time as clearing brambles and nettles and finding secluded spots to put benches for contemplation.
We have started a series of teachings in Bristol for new students. We met for the first time in March, where I gave a talk on Formless Meditation. I am going deeper into the topic with them in May - contact Pearl for details.
Pearl is one of a group of younger members that I am currently working with, going through the DHB and Heart of meditation together. The group currently holds about 18 students (almost) all under 30 years old. This is part of a longer term project to encourage a new generation of students to practice together and create teaching and retreat opportunities for themselves and others. A number of the group are organising a retreat over the summer for them to come together in person. Many of the group have already volunteered to support the Hermitage as stewards or volunteers including Elliot, Nyima and Julian. Juul will be there over the summer. It's a really enjoyable project to be involved in and I look forward to seeing how they grow in depth and confidence over the coming years.
I met with a group of senior students in Hastings to do a small retreat in an AirBnB. This was simple to organise and very easy to manage, and provides an opportunity for our Mahāmudrā practice group to go deeper together. It is an interesting model, which I'd like to experiment more with - perhaps using the Hermitage as a venue.
Immediately after Hastings, I met with a number of members in Brighton. Kshanti kindly offered her house for me to meet members for one to one interviews and Namka organised for me to talk with members in Brighton and London on the Saturday morning. Coming together as sangha has a quality that is rare in this world of 'passive participation' either through online courses or YouTube videos, facebook reels and so on.
It was wonderful to share a connection and language with which to go deeper into the Heart Essence practice of Formless Meditation.
The Summer will bring more opportunities for online and in person gatherings. Please keep an eye out for gatherings and retreats, including an in-person weekend exploring Formless Meditation in June. Or perhaps a solitary retreat at the Hermitage during July, where a number of people will be engaging in periods of solitary retreat in a supportive environment.
While my emphasis on this message has been about the preciousness of the in-person meetings, I am sure that we all really appreciate the work that is being done to find ways that everyone can meet and share Dharma, wherever they are, whatever your circumstances.
DHB and THB groups, LAH streams and practice groups are all happening online. There are also plenty of online weekends and teachings coming up, all thanks to the inspiration and commitment of our mentors and teachers.
With gratitude and enjoyment
As Lama Shenpen says - Have a good Dharma Day
Dashon