So last year's waves curl up on the shore
Into wood shavings: into monkey tails
Wrapped softstrong around this coming year
Sea monkey - see monkey see monkey do
Yes, it's supposed to be about that easy
What a wood monkey could if a wood monkey would
And it will of course, in its own sweet way
But here's something we have to recognize:
good communications aren't always a door to compromise
As curiosity spurs us on to the top of the tree
where the branches are thinnest and the fruit is sweetest
embracing arms stretched; simian fingers reaching...
-- W. Joe Hoppe
Nalandabodhi Texas
The new wood monkey year is quickly becoming a year of energy and activity and, we hope, the prajna that can develop from these!
Many members of the sangha were able to enjoy hearing Rinpoche discuss the qualities for the new year and his aspirations in his address to the sangha at Nalanda West on Losar Day, February 21st, during the sangha-wide day of celebration. Also during this first month of the new Tibetan year, Rinpoche is teaching at Nalanda West on the three main Buddhist teachings of View, Meditation, and Action. What a wonderful overview for us as this year's calendar of activities begins to unfold!
Nalandabodhi has several projects in development that we look forward to sharing with you soon. One project is already in progress: live teleconferencing of Rinpoche's teachings from Nalanda West and web access of the Losar address recording. (Email info@nalandabodhi.org to register for Rinpoche's talks on the 12th and the 19th.) It is our aspiration to improve communication and strengthen the connections throughout the sangha with these projects.
Thanks to Joe for agreeing to let me use his Losar poem here. I hope we can have a joyful time together as we study, practice and work together. Like the monkeys in the treetops, who naturally keep their balance, we too are inspired to balance view, meditation and action in all that we undertake as a sangha and as individuals.
Best wishes for a wondrous year, and (to borrow a phrase)...
May You Have Abundant Bananas!!