It’s been a whirlwind of couple of years, I am not sure where to begin and or how to even start because I have no words for the most part.
The synchronicities of events and I am sure lots of prayers by some real pivotal people in my life.
Finding this path is what I have been yearning for, for years I just did not wake up from my slumber. I was sleeping like the saying goes – doing the same actions and expecting a different result.
I was attending an event, bringing some healthy snacks ordered from a Café that I managed. At this event was a Taoist Master at some point during the event she pointed me out and referenced Siddhartha and the Bodhi tree. Few days later at my place of work at the time a friend was carrying a pile of books, and the book Siddhartha by Herman Hesse fell at my feet, and she picked it up and said I think this book is meant for you. Then a final event happened where a friend gave me a book called: A call for a Revolution by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This sequence of events has led me to reading Buddhist Dharma books, spanning over months and approximately two years later bought me to this path to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. I took refuge with Geshe Kalsang Damdul on 11th January 2021 and given the name Tenzin Choeying. Geshe Kalsang Damdul has been my main teacher and the greatest example to me through his actions, teachings and his way of being.
Over the months and continuing I have been in reading Dharma books, contemplating, meditating and attending teachings. Trying to get into my very being, questioning myself, questioning my environment – what are my root issues, how can I really benefit all sentient beings?
How can I really benefit all sentient beings?
This is a big question due to its vastness as we can barely help ourselves, but my determination has not stopped me. To help myself, to wake myself up is really helping those around me and hopefully beyond.
In March 2023 I took a pilgrimage to Bodhgaya and Dharamshala, India to meet His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama. While in Dharamshala I was introduced to Geshe Tsering Chophel from The Center for Mind Training, which is located steps from His Holiness resident temple in Dharamsala. The most amazing place for anyone and what I saw was mainly westerners walking through Geshe la’s door.
I have been to Dharamshala, India 4 times in about a 2-year span: March 2023, October 2023, April 2024 and November 2024. March into April 2024 I was fortunate to bring my two kids to Dharamsala, which was very special for all 3 of us.
Written June 3rd 2024 ~ Mareika Muller
