The lotus growing in the mud; transformation creating true Dharma in Action

Last week while in retreat, we were drawn to the window by the rumble and thunder of an impending storm   The clouds looked ominous and we were assessing what needed to be done to safeguard the house and garden. Within minutes, a tornado touched down and ripped through the property with winds over 150 km/hr tearing trees apart, pulling them out of the ground or snapping them off at six feet. The world went sideways under the force of the wind. Within 10 minutes it was all over and we were left speechless staring at the aftermath. Luckily the trees deflected the winds and we escaped with little serious damage. From nowhere it came, created its havoc and was gone… Talk about challenging times! 

The impacts of Covid and rapid climate change, affects us in ways we know not. At the DCC, the effects of Covid create their own special circumstances and our staff’s work load has increased exponentially. Researching into Covid guidelines, the staff work extremely hard to implement protocols necessary for the safety and welfare for all who visit the centre. Marta and Marion, continue to meet the Covid challenge — as Pillars of the Dharma Centre, we realise without their invaluable input there would not be such a functional welcoming Centre for awakening.

These two exemplary beings are not just “staff,” they are living examples of aspiring Bodhisattvas. Much work humbly goes on behind the scenes, that most, including us,  cannot know all that these wondrous beings carry out! Our staff work tirelessly keeping the centre buoyant and beautiful for all aspiring practitioners.  

With great care and thoroughness, in anticipation of courses, solo retreatants and volunteers, staff continually ensure the DCC is sanitised and Covid-prepared. They also deal with so much more, bringing their expertise to each person’s needs from the first enquiry to the end of each retreat.

Both Marion (retreat-coordinator) and Marta (projects-coordinator) have a wide range of skills that many don’t know about. Both spent over seven years in Mozambique working with projects and local sustainability in the arts before coming to Canada. Both have degrees in fine arts and completed postgraduate research studies in England, Marion in sustainable design and Marta in ethno-ecology. Both are avid practitioners and regularly do long solo retreats. Their diligence creates an incredible resilience that we can trust as they create a supportive atmosphere for practice at the DCC.

Let’s take care not to take for granted these hidden gems, but to have deep gratitude for their commitment and tenacity. Particularly true in these challenging times, as they continue to ensure the ‘Banner of Victory’ flies.

Our founder, Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche, planted his intention in the 1960s when he guided his students, creating a centre for contemplative reflection and meditation. The land had been a failed mink farm and there are numerous stories of how it was transformed into the Diamond beacon it is today. Those students back then learned much about transforming the unwieldy and re-establishing deep respect for all beings who inhabit this land.

So here we are again, transforming difficult times, bringing all onto the path as Grist for the Mill. Can we embrace government guidelines, rather than seeing protocols as irritating inconvenient obstacles, can we see them in another light, an act of caring compassion for the well being of others, even if it challenges our comfort zones?  This all supports awareness and the recognition of the states of mind behind our reactions. 

The centre is open again. Encouragingly, a steady stream of people are booking solo retreats into the fall. August long weekend the Monument Restoration team successfully ran a course on the monuments and this past weekend’s Life Moves course was fully booked. It is a joy to see the centre active again.

Mala Sikka and Terry Hagan