My apologies, everyone, that you got this email 12 hours earlier than usual. Substack has changed the back-end of the system from a 24 hour clock to a 12 hour one. I didn't notice that the scheduled time was an AM instead of a PM.
It seems that the teacher we choose will match the stage of our spiritual development. In the listening stage we would probably prefer Lama Yeshe because he is charismatic and engaging. In the thoughtful stage we would prefer Yeshe La because he speaks with more deliberation which would give the student time and space to ponder and ask questions. And during the meditation stage, a more seasoned teacher would guide us. The wonderful news is that all teachers are needed and the universe seems to do a good job is finding the teacher as the student comes forth. Thank-you David...
David, I am always happy to receive your posts whenever they arrive. I recognized the toothless peasant immediately from the short story and loved the way you wove him in. There is also something about the rest of the story that seems oddly familiar. You are creating a universe of characters that reminds me of how we are all interconnected. And you seem to be weaving time together, past, present and future. It is a different world and yet we are part of it and it becomes part of us.
Thank you so much for this intriguing and beautiful observation Debra. When I was writing the story I also had that sense of revisiting a familiar place. I named Nala valley in the original story after my little Ginger Ninja cat who has subsequently died but, like Yonten's stupa, continues to radiate a glow of such deep affection in my heart.
Echoing, Debra’s comment, this universe of characters that you have manifested for your readers is a great gift. I so enjoy journeying into their world and learning with them! Thank you!
“Behind him, through an open window, the clear light of an autumn dusk filled the room….” Can’t explain why but, instantly, I was ‘there’; could smell the incense, feel a cushion beneath, the rich silence… beautiful!
I enjoyed this so much and appreciate the wisdom and insights from the comments as well. As I was reading and drawn into the experience, I thought about who I would choose. My choice would be Yeshe La - I suppose it's because I am in the ponder and question phase. The father's choice of the Abbot brought a tear to my eye. The toothless peasant was such a beautiful and heartbreaking story as we understand that monks and aspiring monks are not immune to judgement of another's exterior appearance. Please know that when you send the email does not matter. I plan for a time I can savor these mouse sized morsels with a tea or my own morsel of chocolate. As always, thank you David
What a lovely story. Your creativity and spiritual studies are a gift and a blessing for all of us, David. Thank you for continuing to write and help and uplift us. 🙏🏼💖
David, I have been reading your articles and stories for several years, and know that I'd love to learn more though your writings. I have tried several times to become a paid subscriber, but both times my credit card was not supported by your link. I tried a different card (first Discover, then Visa) and was again turned down. I'm not sure how to become a paid subscriber if my cards are not supported. I have an excellent credit score of 807, and can't think of any reason my cards didn't work. If you can help me resolve this, Id be most appreciative.
Thank you David. It reminded me so much of my visit to Bhutan a few years ago.
We were visiting one of the most wonderful monasteries there and your description of the Autumn Dusk also thrilled me. I was sitting in a small room in the monastery and there was a monk talking to about 28 of us and I happened to turn and see the golden glow outside and felt my heart lift and for a moment I was just there. I could hear no sound but felt in a state of bliss. I will always remember it.
Thank you. Yes one has to find the right teacher at the right time or they will find you. It might not always be a Lama either. I had a great teacher to set me on my way forward. Then my Lama Yeshe who I took refuge with gave me my
Tibetan name of Paldrag inspired me even more. I was even more inspired by his book that you told us about “From A Mountain In Tibet”. I realized that if this person who was such a reprobate in his youth could become so enlightened, I can too.
My latest teacher, who teaching me a lot about life and Karma is not a Lama but my beautiful wife.
What a beautiful message, Peter! Thank you so much for sharing. And yes, we can learn so much from our partner. It is interesting how the image of sitting alone with a guru in the room, with the clear light has resonated with other readers too - something I experienced many years ago but is still as fresh as if it had just happened. A gift from the lama.
My apologies, everyone, that you got this email 12 hours earlier than usual. Substack has changed the back-end of the system from a 24 hour clock to a 12 hour one. I didn't notice that the scheduled time was an AM instead of a PM.
It seems that the teacher we choose will match the stage of our spiritual development. In the listening stage we would probably prefer Lama Yeshe because he is charismatic and engaging. In the thoughtful stage we would prefer Yeshe La because he speaks with more deliberation which would give the student time and space to ponder and ask questions. And during the meditation stage, a more seasoned teacher would guide us. The wonderful news is that all teachers are needed and the universe seems to do a good job is finding the teacher as the student comes forth. Thank-you David...
Exactly so, Trisha! Many thanks for sharing.
David, I am always happy to receive your posts whenever they arrive. I recognized the toothless peasant immediately from the short story and loved the way you wove him in. There is also something about the rest of the story that seems oddly familiar. You are creating a universe of characters that reminds me of how we are all interconnected. And you seem to be weaving time together, past, present and future. It is a different world and yet we are part of it and it becomes part of us.
Thank you so much for this intriguing and beautiful observation Debra. When I was writing the story I also had that sense of revisiting a familiar place. I named Nala valley in the original story after my little Ginger Ninja cat who has subsequently died but, like Yonten's stupa, continues to radiate a glow of such deep affection in my heart.
Thank-you, David. A gentle story to sooth the weekend!
Glad you found it so, Chris!
Echoing, Debra’s comment, this universe of characters that you have manifested for your readers is a great gift. I so enjoy journeying into their world and learning with them! Thank you!
It is mhy genuine pleasure, Cathy, especially given the appreciation expressed so generously by you and other readers.
“Behind him, through an open window, the clear light of an autumn dusk filled the room….” Can’t explain why but, instantly, I was ‘there’; could smell the incense, feel a cushion beneath, the rich silence… beautiful!
I am so glad you connected in this way, Gordon - many thanks for your kind message.
🙏🏼 Palden's Answer ❤
Many thanks, Lynn!
Keep em coming David !!! xoxo
I enjoyed this so much and appreciate the wisdom and insights from the comments as well. As I was reading and drawn into the experience, I thought about who I would choose. My choice would be Yeshe La - I suppose it's because I am in the ponder and question phase. The father's choice of the Abbot brought a tear to my eye. The toothless peasant was such a beautiful and heartbreaking story as we understand that monks and aspiring monks are not immune to judgement of another's exterior appearance. Please know that when you send the email does not matter. I plan for a time I can savor these mouse sized morsels with a tea or my own morsel of chocolate. As always, thank you David
I am honoured that you set apart a time for these posts Rikki! 'Setting apart' is the literal definition of 'sacred'!
What a lovely story. Your creativity and spiritual studies are a gift and a blessing for all of us, David. Thank you for continuing to write and help and uplift us. 🙏🏼💖
My heartfelt thanks, Sharadha!
When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Namaste. 🙏💜🧘♀️
Indeed - and in many different guises. Thanks so much Deborah!
David, I have been reading your articles and stories for several years, and know that I'd love to learn more though your writings. I have tried several times to become a paid subscriber, but both times my credit card was not supported by your link. I tried a different card (first Discover, then Visa) and was again turned down. I'm not sure how to become a paid subscriber if my cards are not supported. I have an excellent credit score of 807, and can't think of any reason my cards didn't work. If you can help me resolve this, Id be most appreciative.
Thanks
Lynn McDaniel
So sorry to hear this, Lynn. I have just sent you an email about it. Hope to have you on board soon!
I don’t think any of us mind getting your email early!
Such a lovely, seemingly simple, story of our hearts longing, and the blessings of finding a teacher.
You have a gift of taking us readers right into the experience and feeling the depth and the wonder of
our spiritual path. Thank you, with Love Lorraine x.
My sincere thanks for your beautiful message, Lorraine!
Thank you David. It reminded me so much of my visit to Bhutan a few years ago.
We were visiting one of the most wonderful monasteries there and your description of the Autumn Dusk also thrilled me. I was sitting in a small room in the monastery and there was a monk talking to about 28 of us and I happened to turn and see the golden glow outside and felt my heart lift and for a moment I was just there. I could hear no sound but felt in a state of bliss. I will always remember it.
Thank you. Yes one has to find the right teacher at the right time or they will find you. It might not always be a Lama either. I had a great teacher to set me on my way forward. Then my Lama Yeshe who I took refuge with gave me my
Tibetan name of Paldrag inspired me even more. I was even more inspired by his book that you told us about “From A Mountain In Tibet”. I realized that if this person who was such a reprobate in his youth could become so enlightened, I can too.
My latest teacher, who teaching me a lot about life and Karma is not a Lama but my beautiful wife.
Thank you
What a beautiful message, Peter! Thank you so much for sharing. And yes, we can learn so much from our partner. It is interesting how the image of sitting alone with a guru in the room, with the clear light has resonated with other readers too - something I experienced many years ago but is still as fresh as if it had just happened. A gift from the lama.