Living Art

Photograph and Artwork by Jane Marenghi

I was asked to write a piece to share my experience of Venerable Sonam Senge’s online retreat in August 2021 on Unfolding Through Art.

Disclaimer: I am not trained in any way as a visual, auditory, movement, tactile or even gustatory artist. Visual art has been a very long-time ‘draw’, since early childhood in fact, but I haven’t had/taken the opportunity to further it other than through occasional exploration. The desire is strong, but circumstances have held it at bay.

The mode most active in this being is observation. Observation of activity, of being, of circumstance, of situations natural and imposed. And attempting to make some sense of what has been observed. A lifetime’s challenge.

Sonam Senge’s retreat was a balm, a grounding in Reality; soothing, stimulating, rich with possibilities for exploration. His approach was at once strong, clear, and directed while supporting fully the natural inclination of each participant, open to new ways of unfolding conscious awareness, recommended openness, acceptance, and curiosity in the process of ‘mistake making’ as explorations evolved. All this and so much more, with the humour of a genuinely open heart.

So many offerings came from the participants from far and wide. What a joy this technology offers, bringing together such a wide range of explorers, searchers, from so many points of the planet. Some visual artists, others musicians, and still others dance/movement aficionados. Beautiful questions resulting!

The link through the media of technology seems a natural extension of the use of microscopes and telescopes encouraged by Namgyal Rinpoche to bring distant worlds within reach. Here those coming together were humans unfolding each in their way across a large planet, encouraged to share their explorations as they went.

The central point I came away with from this retreat is the focus on creating a life as a work of art unfolding. Everything, every aspect, whether initially viewed as good or bad, easeful or difficult, incorporated as moving us toward awakening... developing gratitude for the whole with a stance of ‘the empty belly’ of the enzo.

And so, my gratitude to Sonam Senge for these awe-inspiring teachings, to Susan for taking on the technology to make it possible, as well as to the Dharma Centre for supporting this possibility and extending the invitation worldwide, has no bounds. It has affected this moment in my life in the most supportive and encompassing way. Thank you all!

by Jane Marenghi