June 12th....Roots and intention...

Today was spent in the temple, receiving teachings and catching up with our sangha members. I made a trip down to the Stupa (I always do, every time I go to the temple, any time I go, to circumambulate and make wishing prayers-thanks Dawa!). I watered the repairs we did yesterday. They need to stay moist for 72 hours to form a strong bond to the existing concrete.

I work the next two days (at the hospital), so Ashby volunteered to water them tomorrow and Tuesday. : ) Thanks Ashby! This is an important part of the curing process, and we've found it really makes a difference.

We're looking ahead at the week, and can actually plan when we'll be there! The prayer vigil kept Norbu and I on call this past week, but we can now choose our shifts, rather than act as defaults. So Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be definite work days. I'm going to try and persuade Lisa to work next Saturday (if she's up to it, she's got two children who keep her busy). If you'd like to come out and give this a try please do! We're working on back up plans in case rain makes repairs a challenge, including finishing the terma Ani Sherab showed us how to repair a few weeks back! So do keep checking in! I've also heard from Gretchen, who has been sewing brocades for the Stupas, she says they should be finished by next weekend! So things are moving along!

KT has been working hard at keeping the numbers crunched for me (I just keep throwing receipts at her--thanks KT). Soon we'll be working up estimates for the final phases of the Enlightenment Stupa, including gold leaf for the gau and spire!

I'll end as usual by inviting you to come out and take advantage of this tremendous opportunity! There are very, very few Stupas in the west, and no others on the east coast (do correct me if I'm wrong!), so even to have the chance to see a Stupa or make offerings to one are extremely rare. But to have a chance to repair one! That's really rare indeed! And we'll make it easy for you! It is our goal to offer this precious opportunity to as many beings as have even a minimal desire to try it, so don't be shy. We're here to help you! If you can't come out, then do keep checking in! I'll try and post a photo of some precious object every day, either the Stupas or a statue, so your mindstream can have those seeds planted. It is our sole wish that all our efforts be devoted to bringing peace to beings, and an end to suffering. Don't forget, the Stupas are here, 24/7, always open, always ready, always offering blessings. Even if you have no interest in us, you can visit these precious structures yourself, anytime. We're doing all the work you see here to keep this opportunity available for generations to come...