Tonight Lisa and I had the privilege of attending a public talk by Changling Rinpoche, at the small Tibetan Temple on Grafton Road in nearby Coombs.
When we got out of the car, the air had that fresh out-in-the-country smell I love. The temple looked like it belonged on a Tibetan hillside. Two mellow dogs greeted us, smiling. Inside, there were golden Buddhas, little lamps, lovely hangings, pillows on the floor for sitting.
The crowd was attentive, peaceful, largely senior, with some lovely young women with a light inside of them, including my daughter.
The Rinpoche spoke of how, when we feel emotions that bring discomfort, the discomfort does not come from outside of us, but from within; that the anger or distress is not attacking us; our minds are allowing and nourishing the discomfort, if we are attached to the emotion.
He spoke of us needing to decide whether we want to be a frog living in a well, or a frog living in the ocean: the narrowness or broadness of our vision depends on which we choose. Needless to say, I choose the ocean!
It was wonderful to sit, feeling the attentive energy in the room, listening to this man speak about community. He said there are monasteries in southern India that house as many as six thousand monks, who live in harmony because they share the view of inter-dependence and respect. He said North American society's focus on self and "wanting More" creates disharmony and discontent. He said many more profound truths but my brain has holes in it:) I hope my subconscious took good notes!
