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January 16, 2005

Comments

Maurey

I think that you have every right to be well pissed off. You went to a lot of trouble organising something that sounds like a lot of fun and on the strength of a rumour, everyone picked something else to do. It doesn't put them in a very good light, to tell the truth. If it's any consolation, I would have loved to come! If only I weren't in grey London instead...

The Other Andrew

I felt bad for you when I read that no-one had showed. As Maurey said, I would love to have come... but I'm in Sydney, Australia. I hope someone does organise a sangha for you, whether you end up doing it or someone else does. I'm not a yoga practioner but I am a Buddhist, and I think there is great value in having a group of 'spiritual friends' to practice with. Take care, and keep your spirits up.

Andrea

Hi Russel, I love your blog! Of course it is not a failure, you know it better than anybody else I think. This is maybe the first and best lesson from your sangha! Now you can truly practice buddhism!!(giggles!) It is a trick of the mind. Do not chase the monkey(mind). Remaining Quiet is the true satsang.
Why loose your time with this people? Maybe they are there because of the "ashtanga scene" only, and are maybe not true seekers as you are. Always travel with those on the same boat going in the same direction.
I wish you could post everyday, you have your web sangha here mate!
Big Hug
Namaste

mark

Hey Russell,
Sorry to hear your sangha did not work out on the first try. Of couse, one person is enough for meditation, but a few more can give added depth, as you know. I've taken Thich Nhat Hanh's mindfulness trainings, just arrived in Mysore today and registered at the shala, rented a house. I've taken down your number and will try to contact as I get settled in. My concern here in Mysore isn't about meditation---though I'll be ready to join you whenever... Since I'm an organic farmer that lives in a rural mountain area in the
States, just being faced with urban life for a whole month looks a bit daunting. I've just come from rural Rajasthan working with organic farmers there...Hope the yoga classes make it all worth it....Cheers, Mark

steve

russell--i fondly remember your words on my deck last summer--or was it in the tree house--yes-you are the critical mass!!- breathing every day in thay's tradition for however many minutes a day with oneself or others= a sangha--im preaching...
my sister is about to leave for vnam with tn hanh...sangha continues to be good...bbs did finnegans wake presentation--truly fun!

any plans for dharmsala--my own dream someday...
stay calm and happy--we miss you

steve

toobeaut

I'm confused, are you doing yoga or studying Buddhism?

J

Hey, Russell – Sorry to hear about the sitting not happening. I can understand your frustration.
I’m in a similar situation. I came up with the idea recently for an event to raise some money for UNICEF tsunami relief. Got nothing but green lights from all necessary parties, but with one last exception - the person who was the absolute key to the whole thing....can't get a hold of them. I lost her contact number, she hasn’t responded to email, so now I’m in a holding pattern. And while in that holding pattern similar questions to the ones you were asking yourself have arisen. Do I want to do this for myself or for others? Hmmmm. Makes one question our own intentions when something we set out to do with a full heart falls flat. What is there to learn in that? I’ve no idea, but I’m sure whatever it is reveals itself as it needs to. .
Interesting that someone posted a comment about is this yoga or Buddhism. Wasn't the Buddha considered an incarnation of Vishnu? I actually find Vipassana meditation helps my ashtanga practice.
Peace.
- J

Luke's Mom

Russell...I wish I had been there to come to your wonderful sangha. Just one other person would have been perfect..think of all the leftovers!!I am impressed with your musings. The clear answer seems to come first to you..then a tsunami washes it away leaving you feeling badly. Luke, of course, knows I can get carried away so I'll stop here. I hope to meet you someday. Trish

>>and responds to mostly inane questions, the answer to which is often “mula bandha.”<<

hilarious, sweetie. one of my instructors here in NY hands out a sheet of 'guruji's favorite aphorisms,' the last of which is written in her own hesitant hand, "mulabandha <=> cittabandha." I put it on my fridge just to have a laugh every morning.

I love your honesty.

gary

>>and responds to mostly inane questions, the answer to which is often “mula bandha.”<<

hilarious, sweetie. one of my instructors here in NY hands out a sheet of 'guruji's favorite aphorisms,' the last of which is written in her own hesitant hand, "mulabandha <=> cittabandha." I put it on my fridge just to have a laugh every morning.

I love your honesty.

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