Our Training.

As I am now in the final years of my life, I find myself growing more and more impatient with the mind set of others who have ideas and opinions as to how our Pure Dhamma retreats, seminars and meetings should be organized and conducted.

I trained closely with a Master for twenty-two years as a lay man and monk whilst he generously shared with me the correct way to practice, and so meet the beauty of the Awakened heart. Truly a wonderful blessing. 

In my mind, he was a great teacher, but I was also a committed disciple. If I didn’t understand something I would reflect until I did, and if that did not happen, I would respectfully ask for his guidance. It never occurred to me to tell him he was wrong, or that the training could be improved by making it more comfortable for me, only that I had not understood properly.

I became his close disciple, assistant and manager on his retreats and as a consequence, served him, the monastery and Dhamma. This is how I trained. Not in conflict with the procedure, but in harmony with it.

Now as the Master myself I can say that I am blessed to have an assistant teacher who herself has trained in this Dhamma way with me for more than twenty-five years. Because of that careful and love filled guidance she intuitively understands the discipline, humility and generosity required to be of value in maintaining the tradition, by serving tirelessly those who also come to receive instruction. A fine successor to Henry, my first disciple and companion in Dhamma.

Those who are close to me, whether they are managers, helpers or organizers, already understand the obligation to serve the best and most nourishing Dhamma food we can.

Only the students who do not grasp the need for commitment to the Path and its necessary selfless behaviour, feel the need to pour ketchup over this beautiful food, and so change its presentation from refined to coarse and from challenging to comfortable.

According to Theravada Buddhist teaching, the Dhamma is now in the period of decline, and will one day be lost to the world. It is my only intention then, in the time that is left to me, to serve and share this pure Dhamma as much as I am able with all beings. I cherish and honour this responsibility given to me by my own dear teacher.

May all beings be happy