A Practice of Fearlessness by C. Harding

January 30, 2015 by Akiba_Barberousse

As the Shambhala year comes to an end, we enter the period known as the dön season, the ten days before Shambhala Day when the accumulated negativity, underlying habitual patterns and latent obstacles of the past year are heightened.

It is traditional during this period to intensify one’s practice, particularly the practices that invoke protector principle, to pacify and transmute negativity. While it is generally considered a time to lie low and to refrain from embarking on new projects, unnecessary travel, and risky ventures, the Dorje Kasung traditionally gather together in the dön season as protectors, to proclaim our commitment to working with obstacles directly and fearlessly.  Our camaraderie and esprit de corps establish the lungta that is necessary to face obstacles directly. Viewed with the eyes of practice, the ripening döns become obvious targets for the arrows of awareness.

Usually the dön season is a time to pull back and exercise caution and yet for the Dorje Kasung we travel, gather together and do our usual Kasung practices.  We do this in the context of our role as protectors.  The basis for this is our unwavering relationship to discipline and our willingness to face ourselves directly and honestly. Through this we discover fearlessness. This dön season we invite the whole Chicago Shambhala Community to join us.

This year the Kasung Acharya Mitchell Levy will be offering a live talk via Shambhala Online. The purpose of this talk is to share with the community this offering of protector practice. This talk will be February 14 @ 11:00 AM Chicago time.

 

The February 14, 2015 Dön Season Practice Day will begin at 10:00 with Kasung Slogan Practice lead by J. Harding Kadö.

11:00 to 1:00 PM Live Talk by Kasung Acharya Mitchell Levy.

Lunch served will be shared.

The practice day will end with Mamo Protector chants lead by Jercinovic Rupon.

 

An accurate head count will be needed so that we can enjoy lunch together. We’ll ask for a donation to cover the cost of the catered lunch and do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but it may be best to brown bag lunch, as needed. Whatever lunch option you’re planning please RSVP with your lunch plan.

 

Please RSVP to Khenchung Harding if you plan to join us for the practice day.

 

The Chicago squad of the Dorje Kasung is looking forward to spending time with you!

 

Yours in the True Command,

Khenchung C. Harding