"Happy New You" to Lhakpa Dolma

Dear Lhakpa Dolma,

I greeted you last night as Lhakpa Dolma in my dream...just as we greeted each other on the roof in Varanasi under the stars as the New Year came forward...except both of us are different now...and thus I greet you again with "Happy New You"

The name fits you well my friend. I look forward to greeting you in person soon.

Take Care, your sister in the Dharma
Menma

Introducing Lhakpa Dolma

Shell received her Dharma name today outside the sacred cave of Padmasambhava and Mandarava in Tsok Pema. It is my pleasure to introduce Lhakpa Dolma, hand of Tara.

If you did not know, Mandarava was thrown into a well by her father in order to punish her and prevent her from being with her Guru, Padmasambhava. She found the well quite homey and stayed there and did Tara practice for twelve years. She persevered through many hardships and eventually meditated in the caves above Tso Pema with Padmasambhava. At some point, the king (her father) found them in the caves and punished Padmasambhava by throwing him off the cliff. Padmasambhava fell to the ground far below, and a lake arose on the spot. In the middle of the lake bloomed a lotus in which sat an 8 year old Padmasambhava. Mandara took him away and trained him and thus began his second incarnation as Padmasambhava. There are many tales of Mandarava which you can read. As you can tell, she had strong determination and perseverance in practicing the Dharma. I am sure that this is a reflection in Lhakpa Dolma's name. May she realize the qualities of her name fully and quickly.

And may I add to that my joy in seeing our vajra sister grow and come into focus as a practitioner and a member of our community.

Prayer wheels

doing well in india. slept about 12 hrs the first night here. ate lots of tibetan food yesterday. was pleasantly surprised by warm water this morning. this is very good.

it's been so long since i've been here, but the sounds, smells, and sights of india seem so familiar. much love. shell