Samsara is unrelenting.  Sometimes the pain and suffering is not so obvious. We may have a relatively comfortable life , but in these times samsara stares us in the face and challenges us to deal with it.  When Lama Lodu Rinpoche was here last October he bestowed upon us fortunate enough to be there the Medicine Buddha (Tibetan: Menla) Practice called Lapis Lazuli River. His timing seems impeccable.  Following Lama Lodu's request, each Wednesday since then a few of us have gathered together to participate in this practice.  Before starting we have a list of people that we wish to dedicate our practice to, those who are ill, suffering or have passed away. Most times we recognize that this list is truly exhaustless, endless. This fact is even more apparent these days.

We may wonder what we can do today to relieve the suffering of others.  First and foremost we will stay at home as best we can. Some of us must continue to work in order to benefit others. Our gratitude goes out to all of you.

Those of us who follow a Buddhist practice have some other options.  We can find comfort in the Medicine Buddha prayer as we recite: "Possessing the treasure of an ocean of qualities and merit, the blessings of your (Menla's) inconceivable compassion appease the afflictions and pain of beings. I pray to you, light of lapis lazuli."   

Chenrezig  Practice

Medicine Buddha Practice

Dharma Study Group

A Short Biography