October 2021
I have spent this summer in the UK, either on my narrowboat on the Llangollen Canal or visiting friends around the UK. I spent a little time cruising along the canal but mostly I was giving the boat a repaint and some much needed maintenance. She looks rather more cared for now. I enjoyed my time on the boat and decided to hold onto her for a few more years – hopefully spending the summer months on board. My visits to friends included a tour of North Wales, a couple of visits to Bristol and Alfoxton House, and quick trips to London and Cambridge. I didn’t get to see everyone I’d have liked to visit, but overall I felt well connected with old friends again.
In mid September I returned to Uttaraloka and sorted out a few things at Uttaraloka before the four men who are going to join me for the Autumn three-month retreat arrived. Amoghavamsa, Maitrivasin, and Prajnahridaya – all from Sheffield – arrived and a few days later Vidyaruci joined us. We have already established a program and I am pleased to be settling into a more ‘internal’ life for the next few months.
Since I’m now, hopefully, going into a more meditative mode I thought I’d send you a series of ‘postcards’ from Jade Mountain – the name I give to the Realm of Meditation – written in previous years.
If you are interested in other things that I have written or some photos take a look at my website. It needs a sort out but there might be something of interest: www.manjuvajra.org
Jade Mountain
I left the world far too late. Busy doing this and that. And no one remembers my name. **** For travel on Jade Mountain, I have a fine compass, And some old rutters1 But no map. **** The ground of my faith: Peace can be found in the mind When grasping the Five2 ceases. **** All I have to do is – nothing. But that is such a difficult task, I do not know where to begin **** Sitting before two massive gates In a solid rock wall. Just waiting for them to open. **** The wild, prancing pony of the mind Grows calm and steady: Jade Mountain comes into view. **** Jade Mountain is hard to find But when you’re there It’s been close all the time. **** Climbing Jade Mountain is very strange. Sometimes you fly up, Sometimes you dive down, Sometimes you just stand still. **** The path to Jade Mountain is Narrow, hard to find. Alone, one tastes beauty. **** A yogi needs to be alone. How else can he hear The silent song of angels. **** Seeing the distant Diamond Peak. Even from so far away. The path is clear and firm. **** Returning from Jade Mountain Now hidden in cloud. Did we see the Diamond Peak? ****** 1 Before charts were invented sailors used written descriptions, called rutters, to navigate. 2 Skandhas