December 09: It Takes a Village....

It takes a village to build a temple, and it takes a temple to create a village!Saturdays are busy days at the temple. Any hands are welcome. Come join us! These photos are of Nick, Allyson, Lama Pema, Lama Yeshe and and others.

Kathleen Meagher's reflections

Saturday morning after working on the site, I sat down outside on the cement foundation to rest my back on one of the huge round pillars. A bright sun warmed me in the chill air, and I was filled with feelings of gratitude and pleasure. How fortunate I am to be part of creating this building. As I looked to the east, the Cascades caped in snow, under an intense blue and sereen sky, I saw Tibet. Memories returned of the pilgrimage, almost 5 years ago, with lamas Pema and Yeshe. The similarities so striking; those vistas of mountains, prayer flags, the winds and birds. This Meditation Center is a pilgrimage for the sangha and the wider community. The paths that will find their way here, the transformations and blessings that will take place here, carrying far the dharma of compassion and wisdom. An enormous thank you to our lamas Pema and Yeshe for their courage, dedication and devotion, helping us all to bring a big aspiration into fulfillment. How like Tibet this all looks this morning. Tears came as I thought of us keeping alive the precious storehouse and practices of the dharma

Lama's and volunteers oil the new windows and doors at the center

Clay Colley's letter requesting volunteers for this workday

Dearest friends,
Isn't it always amazing that our Sat. get-togethers really do seem like a mini-party!!

Well let's do another one this Sat. at the usual time, 9:00 A.M. I'm hoping for decent weather so we can coat the remaining rafters on the front porches but if its too wet or cold we can work in the lower level where it is warm and apply Pro-fin oil to the window sashes and frames. Either way, I am planning on a full day of work and buying or bringing a lunch because we are now at a point where we can really be effective as painters for a time and save the Sangha some real $$ by doing this work as a team effort.

We are fortunate again this week to have Yeshe and or Pema attend our party . Also, our designer and very effective as a painter, Michaeldavid is also coming to help. I know we all have been seeing the effect we have as a work force and constantly amaze ourselves that we can so cheerfully accomplish so much with such an open heart. Now we will start to enter the finishing phases of our beautiful center and see the fruition of all we have been visualizing as a Sangha. What an incredible honor to be a part of this group of lovely people, thank you so much for your hard work.

Pardon me if you have suddenly become a part of my newly constructed e-mail list, but if you can think of someone else who would like to be on my list, please contact me.

Many blessings
Claymon

P.S.
If you have your favorite cut-in brush, please bring it !!

Windows installed

- Shrine room set up for a Tea