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The self that wishes only for its own happiness is mistaken...

Writer: ksdlondonksdlondon

The self that wishes only for its own happiness is mistaken

-His Holiness 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje



Simon writes:

I have a dream – actually a recurring, sweat-inducing nightmare. I’m about to take to the stage, before a packed house to play the lead role in Hamlet when I am suddenly struck by the realisation that I’ve forgotten to learn any of the words. Actually I used to have a Hamlet-related party piece, but please don’t ask. I don’t do it anymore.

Freud would have no trouble interpreting this dream thus; I lack confidence. I fear taking on a task that I’m not up to. I’m going to fall flat. I’m going to be seen to fail and it’s going to be humiliating.

I’ve been a volunteer at KSDL for a lot of years now. I was a young man when I started. Sangha aside, I think only one current resident volunteer boasts a longer heritage. I think I am reasonably placed therefore to know what makes a good volunteer. In essence, you need to do whatever is needed, without complaint. You’ve never done this before? Well, step up to the plate and learn, or maybe swallow your pride. If Lama asks me to clean toilets, I just have to dive in.

This is fantastic. Amongst other things, I’ve learned graphic design, video editing, a bit of accountancy and sound engineering. It’s that last one that can fill me with dread. There seems to be a general rule that the more important the event, the more likely the sound system is to fail at the crucial moment. All eyes in a packed shrine room turn towards me and I don’t know what to do to fix it. You see? It’s my nightmare scenario.

Before the 2017 visit of His Holiness 17th Karmapa I had sleepless nights, despite exhaustive testing with an assistant (or vice versa – thanks again Bernard.) In the event, it was fine and I did not, as anticipated, ruin that most joyous occasion.

When we decided, in the face of the impending lockdown, to live stream events from the shrine room I had not a clue how to make this happen. Hours of research and a few YouTube videos later I was ready to give it a go. To my amazement it worked. To my huge pleasure more and more people started tuning in every morning and on Sunday evenings. People are telling us how much they appreciate it and how important it is for them to feel connected. That makes me very happy.

What I am really saying with all this rambling is that I am deeply grateful for the gratitude expressed. It makes all the work and anxiety worthwhile. I am happy because you are happy. This simple concept is commonly overlooked, indeed seems almost counter-intuitive to many. Being kind, thoughtful, helpful, in small ways, in deeds or words brings at least as much happiness as it gives. It doesn’t get simpler than that. It’s win-win.







 
 
 

6 Kommentare


victoriawhiteland
28. Apr. 2020

Thank you so much! It has been wonderful having the filmed sessions,

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cindylschwartz
25. Apr. 2020

Simon, thanks for this lovely piece of writing. So much truth in that last paragraph.

Thank you too for all of the time, energy, and learning that you've put into becoming an "ace cameraman" for the daily live-streams. Greatly appreciated!

I enjoyed the little snippets where you shared your anxieties over your imagined doom and ruin. I think however, mentioning your Hamlet-related party piece may put you under a bit of pressure in the future. There's bound to be requests. :))))))))


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nbellingham
25. Apr. 2020

Thanks for sharing this, I found it really uplifting. Having the live stream to the centre is such a positive. I live a long way away, so cannot visit in person very often, but the video links have created a new opportunity to stay connected and practice Shinay and Chenrezi. Hopefully your live links can stay even after things return back to normal. Thanks, Nick

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Gill Knight
Gill Knight
24. Apr. 2020

Thank you Simon for enabling us to stay in touch in this strange period of what is not 'normal' . To get the techinical stuff together is a an awesome achievement and to do it so quickly too. Thank you, Lama and all volunteers for keeping our communty together - we are privleged

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J Kelly
J Kelly
24. Apr. 2020

You write so beautifully Simon.

I have been wanting to express my gratitude to you too for working so hard and doing wonders. I join the live meditation in the mornings and it is a life line for me.

I am happy too that you too are made happy for the gratitude shared, if that makes sense?

I dropped groceries off to my elderly mother today, check on her and pay her bills at the Post Office. When I leave I am happy that she knows I care and I remind myself how my love and concern makes both of us happy. During lockdown and home alone every day is a challenge for me , the self and it’s when…


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