Dharma Bum Life Program - Master Slideshow

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Pao Fa Temple Retreat

Namo Omitofo

After some resistance toward bowing and having the church feel-like I tend to avoid; in the middle of all that bowing, tears ran down my face and I felt an intense sense of appreciation, just pure bliss, and white light. The chanting is still in my head...its like having that song that keeps playing in your head, over and over again. I'm still sore, my legs mainly...it's good pain though. I want to thank you both for putting this together. This was a very humbling experience for me!

Dharma Bum Yadira
















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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Week 8 Guest Speaker - Dharma Bum Jeff


My thoughts from last night?



After almost crying and almost shitting my pants (the power of fear), I realized you weren't really telling me (I don't want to speak for the others in the group) anything I didn't know already.... you were only telling me things I didn't want to deal with!



Two months ago, I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of reality... to see how things could be if I committed to a lifetime of diligent practice. I was offered the food I have longed for for 27 years. This shook my world. For two months, I've been doing some community service, trying to learn how to meditate... Now the program is about to end: what am I going to do with all that I learned these weeks?



I can't go back to the old Julia 'cause the way I see the world has changed. It's time for me to stop goofing around, to stop commiting whenever I'm not too sad/ too busy for it. This is also why I questioned my thoughts/ decisions these past days: how do I make everything fit? What parts do I want to keep of the old Julia that "fell apart"?


I thank you for your words.... for your reality check. Your words had a strong impact on me last night... You made Buddhism real. You showed me that you can "live" Buddhism. No bullshit.

Finally I solved the puzzle that's kept me intrigued these past weeks: what do I want? I want to help others as much as the DBLP (especially Maggie and you) has helped me.


Thanks again (I really, really, really, really mean it),


Dharma Bum Julia



Monday, July 20, 2009

A Gift




Being part of The Dharma Bum Life Program is a gift. We have been blessed with the opportunity to meet people in the community who are down to earth, advocates of peace, and unity. Not to mention the amazing retreats we've taken together. I was searching for ways to improve my mindfulness practice and this weekend I was so amazed to learn the true value of horse training and how even riding one of these creatures is a mindful act. I can't wait to take horse riding lessons!

Dharma Bum Yadira