July 8th...Effort...

My first thought today was that the storm coming through would make it an "inside" work day. When I left my apartment this morning to go to the temple (for an 8 am prayer shift, it was early), it was pouring rain. Sheets of water across the road, that kind of thing.

After my shift the rain had stopped, however, and Norbu was ready to work. So, we turned our attention to the gau. I had originally thought about using chemical stripper on it, but when I scrapped the loose paint off I saw the same awful latex primer that had precipitated our decision to sand blast the rest of the Stupa, so moved to plan B. That involved a belt sander, drill with grinding head, and lots of perseverance.

I can say without hesitation though, that it is awesome to have the chance to break loose and give everything you can to something like this! There is this weird kind of moment, when you feel your muscles aching, your feet hurting, you see you aren't making much progress, and yet you know you have to keep going! Maybe I've been up there too long today, but there is a joy that arises when you persevere, when the set back of realizing it won't go as quickly or as easily as planned results in an indescribable joy. That absolute affirmation that this is so important that no matter what it takes, it's okay! It's going to be done! David Parker had talked about it last time he was here, he said people who have never done this kind of work don't realize how present death is all the time. He said you risk your body, your life, to get this kind of thing done. When you're up there, working hard in this kind of situation, you really do know what it is to give your body to the Dharma....

Okay, so maybe I'm not a good example of prudence. And I do promise that anyone who comes out to help need never reach such a point (unless they choose to freely and willingly!). You are free to come for as briefly as you wish, or as long as you like, and leave when ever you want. There's lots of work to do on the ground, and believe me, we'll never ask you to do something dangerous! We'll be glad for your company, and we'll make it as easy for you as we can!

I'll offer my usual invitation. All the work you see here, everything that is being done, and all those offering their time and effort to this project, all of it is devoted to you! We're all working hard to keep these sources of spiritual power in the world for the benefit of all! The Stupas don't care who you are, where you are, or what you believe, they offer their blessings without reservation. We all aspire to such equanimity and generosity, and cultivate it by engaging in this practice, in this auspicious activity! So it brings us all great joy whenever folks come to visit the Stupas, whether in person in Poolesville, or here on this blog! You are always welcome, there is always a place where you can find peace.