Thank you David, for your words of wisdom. I also would like to know when you read my mind :) As I approach my 78th birthday and having rrlecently picked up the threads of Buddhism after being introduced to it in the 1980s and thought I had abandoned it, I found a nearby Buddhist community to vist, meditate and listen to lectures by a wonderful Kelsang (Nun, I think that is the correct translation). Yet in the last week or so, I have experienced a degree of anxt as to whether I am too late in this life and began thinking, hoping, trusting that I will come into the practise early into my next life. So, David, I now know to simply forget about age and continue with my explorations and learning through the Buddhist way. Again thankyou. And,I am grateful to know that some of my subscription goes to such wonderful causes. With sincerity and heartfelt love for such oppotunities. Diane
More wise words of wisdom! I had a thought that being condemned to samsara is what the church used to call purgatory! As long as I can glean a some insight into enlightenment to help me in the next life, I reckon I’m in front!
The idea to star where you are, is very important at least to me. I came to this world with an inner search for God. I was raced at a Christian family, but it did not help me. I lived in India in an ashram 2 years and I think they were perfect.
Since I got your first book of "The Dalai Lama’s Cat", I have been practicing your shared knowledge.
Thanks David for this informative insight into Buddhist practice. As the saying goes ‘it is never too late’…….it’s having faith in one’s self to explore & especially calm the racing mind with practice. Wow, isn’t karma amazing. Loved the article about the kidney transplant, dog & two beautiful people meeting on a beach.
I enjoy all of the books and articles you've written. This one touched me especially deeply. I recently celebrated my 69th birthday. I was introduced to the dharma in this lifetime in 13 years ago by a dear friend via the writings of Pema Chödrön. It continues to reshape and refine my thoughts, feelings, words and deeds--especially any tedencies to judge, become angry or despair. I curate Facebook content for my local sangha (Willismsburg Buddhist Sangha in Williamsburg VA USA). I know an article is especially meaningful to me when I long to share it with the entire planet. I am retired from a 40+ year career as a board certified empowerment coach, author, radio host and Reiki master teacher. One of the opportunities I enjoy most about retirement is having greater bandwidth to share hope, possibilities and empowerment with the world through volunteering with animal and human welfare charities. I appreciate all you do to share hope, possibilities and empowerment as well.
Thank you so much for your kind message, Deborah and for all that you do to share hope, possibilities and empowerment. In a world suffused with the opposite of all those things, it's great that you are keeping the light burning!
Thank you David, you have just answered my question to myself. Your words are wise and beautifully put, and very inspiring. I am in my late 60's with health issues, making meditation a challenge but, a challenge I need to overcome. I have read many books on Buddhism, and am putting what I read into practice, I feel I have changed a great deal already. Your wise words have already made me start to rethink the problems I am facing and not give up. Thank you, Mary.
We are so fortunate to have found the Dharma. And we are alive, so we have TIME also to practice and learn. Keep your writings coming. They are inspirational!
You always leave us with an encouraging word and for that I’m grateful. It does seem odd to look back and realize that my 27 year old self embarked upon a journey that has lasted for over 40 years now. My gratitude for all teachers (including you!) knows no bounds. May blessings continue to flow toward all who walk the dharma path.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about blessings, Nimrod. As you may well know, 'blessings' are defined in Buddhism as the ability to change, and I feel we're all on a path of inner transformation.
Thank you David for this post. Knowing that having the possibility to be aware of the Dharma in this life is rare, we should make the most of this wonderful opportunity. To me this concept is very powerful and brings tears to my eyes.
Now is a good time! The kids are off, 'foot loose and fancy free', no more helter-skelter shifts at the hospital. It's just me, my husband and the dog. It's time for the inner me to explore and learn the ways of Buddhism through your words of wisdom and with a little help from HCC of course. If only I could learn to sit still and not fidget. Thank you again, David for giving me the opportunity to study and learn from you.
David, I missed the opportunity to comment on the events affecting the Dalai Lama. I feel the need to say something still. The Dalai Lama is a man who walks tall in the world. A man who is much loved respected and revered. All thing pass, as we know, even the obnoxious behavior of some and I'm sure His Highness knows this already. I feel very passionate about verbal abuse, especially when it involves a such a good man.
Would they have done it to the Queen - You betcha! because they are such mischief makers.
It's like you were reading my mind David! I too feel overwhelmed by the enormity of diving into the Dharma, extending my meditation time, etc. I loved what you said about just follow our natural inclination. Out of the blue I am drawn to Green Tara and recently purchased the book you recommended Tara in the palm of your hand. Then hit another wave of overwhelm when I got to the chapter on the 21 praises. But I'm taking it in small bites and trusting the process! Part of me says I will never attain Enlightenment in my current time period as I am in my mid-70s. But I realize it's the Journey that's important. 🙏
Thank you so much, Brenda. Cultivating a heartfle tsense of connection to Tara is the main thing, rather than allowing oneself to be overwhelmed by all the various ritual alternatives.
Sharing your early thoughts and struggles with us has helped me realize I'm on the same journey as you were, although I'm starting at considerably more advanced years. Your pointing out that we might have encountered these ideas and experiences before especially resonates. I do feel an intuitive draw to the teachings you write about.
Perhaps in a future post, you could share some ideas on finding a teacher. You often express the importance of finding a teacher and community, but I'm not sure how to go about doing that, starting from a place of no connections and not living in a big city. One would assume in current times that one's teacher and community could be physically distant, at least in part. In the meantime, there are wonderful books to learn from (definitely including yours!).
Many thanks indeed Janice! I think you were one of those who asked me to write on this subject, and your suggestion about finding a teacher is something I've also been mulling over - I will definitely write about this very important subject too. You are right - we don't need to live next door to our teacher, and there are certainly more options now to receive teachings than before Covid.
Thank you David. If you thought you were late then consider I was 44. Just starting a new business of my own my wife saw an article on meditation. She said let’s go along. It was a weekend retreat at the local Johannesburg Samye Dzong. The teacher was also an ex Rhodesian and had been a magistrate in Rhodesia.
I so enjoyed the weekend and learning to meditate, I approached the teacher Rob Nairn and asked what books should I read to learn more about Buddhism. He immediately said, I am doing something new and I I running an advanced 6 month course on Buddhism, why don’t you join. I said, I think it a bit soon I would like to learn a bit more first. He said, No just come along you will do fine.
Well after the 6 month course I refuge with Lama Yeshe. I was hooked.
I always tell people who ask me why I did it and I tell them that you can look at Buddhism as a Philosophy or as a religion, or both. I chose the two and it was something about it that I believe that the resonance as you called it came from a former life. It just requires attention to the teachings and getting used to sitting.
Now, my knees can’t take it, so I use a chair.
Great clip on the lady getting a kidney. Humanity in action.
My sincere thanks Peter. What an extraordinary privilege to receive refuge from the great Lama Yeshe! You are also right that Buddhism may be regarded as a philosophy or a religion depending on perspective. Many thanks for your contribution to our little community.
Thank you David, for your words of wisdom. I also would like to know when you read my mind :) As I approach my 78th birthday and having rrlecently picked up the threads of Buddhism after being introduced to it in the 1980s and thought I had abandoned it, I found a nearby Buddhist community to vist, meditate and listen to lectures by a wonderful Kelsang (Nun, I think that is the correct translation). Yet in the last week or so, I have experienced a degree of anxt as to whether I am too late in this life and began thinking, hoping, trusting that I will come into the practise early into my next life. So, David, I now know to simply forget about age and continue with my explorations and learning through the Buddhist way. Again thankyou. And,I am grateful to know that some of my subscription goes to such wonderful causes. With sincerity and heartfelt love for such oppotunities. Diane
You are never too old. Just remember to practice. That is all you really need. Well done and good luck.
I am so glad that this article resonated with you Diane! From a precious human rebirth perspective, every day is an extraordinary opportunity!
More wise words of wisdom! I had a thought that being condemned to samsara is what the church used to call purgatory! As long as I can glean a some insight into enlightenment to help me in the next life, I reckon I’m in front!
Quite right, Chris!
Dearest David,
The idea to star where you are, is very important at least to me. I came to this world with an inner search for God. I was raced at a Christian family, but it did not help me. I lived in India in an ashram 2 years and I think they were perfect.
Since I got your first book of "The Dalai Lama’s Cat", I have been practicing your shared knowledge.
Thank you so much.
Rossy Cortes
Mexico
My heartfelt thanks for your kind message, Rossy! Your life sounds like an intriguing spiritual adventure!
I feel it is never too late. Life and people present themselves to us just when we need it and when we are ready
Yes, the guru will arise in the mind of the student when he/she is ready!
Thanks David for this informative insight into Buddhist practice. As the saying goes ‘it is never too late’…….it’s having faith in one’s self to explore & especially calm the racing mind with practice. Wow, isn’t karma amazing. Loved the article about the kidney transplant, dog & two beautiful people meeting on a beach.
Many thanks Sue, and so glad that you also enjoyed that link!
I enjoy all of the books and articles you've written. This one touched me especially deeply. I recently celebrated my 69th birthday. I was introduced to the dharma in this lifetime in 13 years ago by a dear friend via the writings of Pema Chödrön. It continues to reshape and refine my thoughts, feelings, words and deeds--especially any tedencies to judge, become angry or despair. I curate Facebook content for my local sangha (Willismsburg Buddhist Sangha in Williamsburg VA USA). I know an article is especially meaningful to me when I long to share it with the entire planet. I am retired from a 40+ year career as a board certified empowerment coach, author, radio host and Reiki master teacher. One of the opportunities I enjoy most about retirement is having greater bandwidth to share hope, possibilities and empowerment with the world through volunteering with animal and human welfare charities. I appreciate all you do to share hope, possibilities and empowerment as well.
Thank you so much for your kind message, Deborah and for all that you do to share hope, possibilities and empowerment. In a world suffused with the opposite of all those things, it's great that you are keeping the light burning!
It sounds like you have t retired but just changed jobs. Well done for doing so much to assist others
Thank you David, you have just answered my question to myself. Your words are wise and beautifully put, and very inspiring. I am in my late 60's with health issues, making meditation a challenge but, a challenge I need to overcome. I have read many books on Buddhism, and am putting what I read into practice, I feel I have changed a great deal already. Your wise words have already made me start to rethink the problems I am facing and not give up. Thank you, Mary.
I am so very glad to read your message, thank you Mary!
We are so fortunate to have found the Dharma. And we are alive, so we have TIME also to practice and learn. Keep your writings coming. They are inspirational!
My sincere thanks, Tiah! I am so glad you find these writing encouraging!
You always leave us with an encouraging word and for that I’m grateful. It does seem odd to look back and realize that my 27 year old self embarked upon a journey that has lasted for over 40 years now. My gratitude for all teachers (including you!) knows no bounds. May blessings continue to flow toward all who walk the dharma path.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about blessings, Nimrod. As you may well know, 'blessings' are defined in Buddhism as the ability to change, and I feel we're all on a path of inner transformation.
Thank you David for this post. Knowing that having the possibility to be aware of the Dharma in this life is rare, we should make the most of this wonderful opportunity. To me this concept is very powerful and brings tears to my eyes.
I am very touched to hear this, Wendy. It is extraordinary how the Buddha's words still resonate over 2,500 years later!
Thank you so much for your comforting considerations, David. They are most precious and inspire me to go on on my spiritual way.
I am delighted and humbled to hear this, thank you Susanna!
Now is a good time! The kids are off, 'foot loose and fancy free', no more helter-skelter shifts at the hospital. It's just me, my husband and the dog. It's time for the inner me to explore and learn the ways of Buddhism through your words of wisdom and with a little help from HCC of course. If only I could learn to sit still and not fidget. Thank you again, David for giving me the opportunity to study and learn from you.
David, I missed the opportunity to comment on the events affecting the Dalai Lama. I feel the need to say something still. The Dalai Lama is a man who walks tall in the world. A man who is much loved respected and revered. All thing pass, as we know, even the obnoxious behavior of some and I'm sure His Highness knows this already. I feel very passionate about verbal abuse, especially when it involves a such a good man.
Would they have done it to the Queen - You betcha! because they are such mischief makers.
Many thanks for sharing your response, Trish. I think a fair number of us are at, or reaching, the lifestage you are at. I agree, now is the time!
It's like you were reading my mind David! I too feel overwhelmed by the enormity of diving into the Dharma, extending my meditation time, etc. I loved what you said about just follow our natural inclination. Out of the blue I am drawn to Green Tara and recently purchased the book you recommended Tara in the palm of your hand. Then hit another wave of overwhelm when I got to the chapter on the 21 praises. But I'm taking it in small bites and trusting the process! Part of me says I will never attain Enlightenment in my current time period as I am in my mid-70s. But I realize it's the Journey that's important. 🙏
Thank you so much, Brenda. Cultivating a heartfle tsense of connection to Tara is the main thing, rather than allowing oneself to be overwhelmed by all the various ritual alternatives.
Sharing your early thoughts and struggles with us has helped me realize I'm on the same journey as you were, although I'm starting at considerably more advanced years. Your pointing out that we might have encountered these ideas and experiences before especially resonates. I do feel an intuitive draw to the teachings you write about.
Perhaps in a future post, you could share some ideas on finding a teacher. You often express the importance of finding a teacher and community, but I'm not sure how to go about doing that, starting from a place of no connections and not living in a big city. One would assume in current times that one's teacher and community could be physically distant, at least in part. In the meantime, there are wonderful books to learn from (definitely including yours!).
Many thanks indeed Janice! I think you were one of those who asked me to write on this subject, and your suggestion about finding a teacher is something I've also been mulling over - I will definitely write about this very important subject too. You are right - we don't need to live next door to our teacher, and there are certainly more options now to receive teachings than before Covid.
Thank you David. If you thought you were late then consider I was 44. Just starting a new business of my own my wife saw an article on meditation. She said let’s go along. It was a weekend retreat at the local Johannesburg Samye Dzong. The teacher was also an ex Rhodesian and had been a magistrate in Rhodesia.
I so enjoyed the weekend and learning to meditate, I approached the teacher Rob Nairn and asked what books should I read to learn more about Buddhism. He immediately said, I am doing something new and I I running an advanced 6 month course on Buddhism, why don’t you join. I said, I think it a bit soon I would like to learn a bit more first. He said, No just come along you will do fine.
Well after the 6 month course I refuge with Lama Yeshe. I was hooked.
I always tell people who ask me why I did it and I tell them that you can look at Buddhism as a Philosophy or as a religion, or both. I chose the two and it was something about it that I believe that the resonance as you called it came from a former life. It just requires attention to the teachings and getting used to sitting.
Now, my knees can’t take it, so I use a chair.
Great clip on the lady getting a kidney. Humanity in action.
Thanks once again for explaining it so well.
Peter
My sincere thanks Peter. What an extraordinary privilege to receive refuge from the great Lama Yeshe! You are also right that Buddhism may be regarded as a philosophy or a religion depending on perspective. Many thanks for your contribution to our little community.
OOps cant edit ... My dearest FYA is what it should read