Sunshine Coast Retreat House

. . . taking a breath, catching up
It is hard to know where to begin, hard to believe that six months have passed
since our last update. The Deep Retreat broke records for ‘remarkable’ this year,
as did attendance at the annual public teachings. More and more community
members are taking on responsibility here, and their commitment is fueling new
growth. We’ve been exploring the Heart Sutra, creating a wholesome state of
boggle for some students here, and have had the pleasure of a weekend workshop
visit with Cecilie Kwiat, reminding us of the richness of our Namgyal-inspired
community.

. . . a slow, sweet goodbye
Mila, at age 15, has been diagnosed with cancer. He’s also got pretty nasty
osteoarthritis in his shoulders, hips and back. We’re fortunate to have a very
understanding veterinarian, who is happy to support us in providing palliative care
for as long as Mila lives.
True to his nature, Mila continues to manifest his sweet, goofy self. Although he
moves much more slowly (sometimes surprised when some part doesn’t want to
move at all) his outlook is optimistic, relentlessly mooching (those Lab genes) and
playful. But our life right now is a series of “lasts” . . . last car ride, last running
free in Cliff Gilker Park, last big bound down the long stairs to the Gulf Road
beach. It’s almost unbearably sad; and there’s also so much love, and daily
dances of joy.

. . . New Zealand
Our inklings continue to tell us that we will be in New Zealand for six months,
beginning in November/December 2011, returning to Roberts Creek in May 2012.
All depends on Mila . . . and we are very grateful for the flexibility of our friends in
Nelson, who understand.
There will definitely be a retreat with Bonni at Wangapeka, April 6 to May 6
2012 . . . it would be lovely to see many of you join us there and then!

. . . awakening in community
Here’s an offering from our local community, as it comes to grips with problems
and opportunities. We have participated in one day-long Forum together to
explore issues (communications, membership, energy . . .financial, emotional and
physical, ethics and programming) that need to be looked into deeply enough to
resolve into policies, and another is planned this month to take the conversation
further. In September, we will Forum once again to craft plans for what will
happen here during Bonni and Matthew’s stay in New Zealand. This comes from
Alison Lindsay, with input from everybody:
We meet. We sit. We breathe
each other.
We listen. We laugh. We vow
together.
We aspire. We fail. We inspire
each other.
To Teacher, Dharma, Sangha we bow
together.
We are sangha in process of becoming.

. . . in gratitude
“The fundraising campaign launched last fall to support the 2011 operation of the
Sunshine Coast Retreat House has reached its goal, and then some. Through the
boundless generosity of people from all over the world we have managed to raise
nearly $16,000. To everyone who pledged their support we offer the deepest bow
of gratitude.
“As a first foray into the realm of fundraising, this process was a big learning curve
for everyone in the Coast community. We got some things right and learned plenty
from our mistakes. Our thanks for your patience as we acquired knowledge and
moved forward.”
– The Sunshine Coast Retreat House fundraising group

. . . spring blahs?
Who knew that winter and spring would be so similar, and go on so long? We
don’t have much to complain about when we compare with disastrous floods,
earthquakes, wild fires and tornadoes elsewhere. We are grateful that our
elements just having a long sulk rather than a full-on tantrum. But. We still find
ourselves in need of occasional distraction, and would like to share a sampling of
the bounty our friends near and far and have sent us:

http://media.skysurvey.org/interactive360/index.html

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/WISE/main/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M9t2fm__K0&feature=player_embedded

http://ericwhitacre.com/the-virtual-choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySey8kbOiO4

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=jJrzIdDUfT4&vq=medium

http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4603

http://www.boingboing.net/2011/05/13/beautiful-out-of-pha.html

http://www.langorigami.com/

http://edge.org

And, local student Sarju Sooch (who came as a summer apprentice in 2008 and
stayed to become a vital member of the community) is offering a wonderful deal
on an small group adventure in his native India this summer . . . please check out
his website: http://www.journeytohimalayas.com

. . . our wider world
A student here has suggested we host a Namgyal Jamboree, bringing together all
the teachers inspired and trained by Namgyal Rinpoche and their students. What
a wonderful thought! While this might not be the best place for it, we share this in
the hope that a whispered notion might spread and gain power. See you all
somewhere, in 2013, the 10th anniversary of Rinpoche’s passing? Cool!
the world is my cloister!