VAJRA BELL Volume 7 Issue I

January 2009

Introducing Amoghasiddhi
By Vidhuma

A
n introduction to Amoghasiddhi begins, as do all
proper introductions, with names. Amoghasiddhi
is not a mere appellation but a name that describes
who Amoghasiddhi in fact is. It tells something
of importance about the essence of this Buddha.
The A that begins Amoghasiddhis name represents a
negative prefix that modifies mogha or moha, which means
perplexity, confusion, spiritual ignorance. Thus we learn that
Amoghasiddhi is not confused, not spiritually ignorant. The
remainder of the name, siddhi, tells us Amoghasiddhi is a

Illustration of Amoghasiddhi from A Guide to the Buddhas, courtesy of Windhorse Publications

master, one who is accomplished in the extreme - above and
beyond the usual human limits of competence - at not being
spiritually ignorant. In fact he is the complete opposite of one
who is spiritually ignorant. Mogha can also be translated
as failure, unfruitful, or unsuccessful. Thus Amoghasiddhi
is also the master of success, the one whose success cannot
be obstructed. This is perhaps the most common epithet for
Amoghasiddhi, the Buddha of unobstructed success. You
have now been superficially introduced to Amoghasiddhi, the
one who is an accomplished master of spiritual understanding,
of unfailing success. But truly, whoever you are, you may rest
assured that you need no introduction; Amoghasiddhi has met
you before.
Spiritual understanding is the deepest and fullest grasp
of the universal truth that every experience and every object
arises out of certain conditions. Likewise, every object and
every experience becomes part of the conditions out of which
other objects and experiences in turn arise. To see this, to
understand this, to grasp this comprehensively - in its fullest
reach and meaning that is Amoghasiddhi. A dynamic,
moment-to-moment arising of actions, their consequences
new actions, new consequences - unfolding, unfolding, and
AMOGHASIDDHI
Continued on Page 14

Aryaloka Buddhist Center

14 Heartwood Circle, Newmarket, NH 03857
 PAGE 2 VAJRA BELL VOLUME 7, ISSUE I

From the Editor Contact

By Samayadevi your inseparable guide. Even in power Information
outages, with a tree over the driveway. And his
For those who love snow, this has been consort Samaya Tara, whose compassionate Aryaloka Buddhist
a stunning time. We have been snowed in energy can move in all directions without Retreat Center
14 Heartwood Circle
and snowed out, with and without power, for obstruction or hindrance, not dependent on
Newmarket, NH 03857
hours on end and days on end. Stephen Sloan atmospheric conditions but only on our open 603-659-5456
wrote in an email: hearts and minds.
Unfortunately no power at my house. Punya showed us all what an open heart info@aryaloka.org
No phone, cable or internet either (may be a and mind looks like. He showed us in his long www.aryaloka.org
week before we get them back). A large tree life and he showed us in his peaceful, aware
fell over our driveway taking out all of our passing. There is a lovely remembrance in
connections with civilization. However, I still these pages by Buddhapalita, and photos as Aryaloka Council
have the Three Jewels. well.
Dayalocana
How true. And how sweet that is. We do Punya knew about overcoming dayalocana@comcast.net
have the Three Jewels, and Amoghasiddhi, obstructions and still teaches us what that
the Buddha of unobstructed success... who looks like in our own lives. He is a blessing Saddhamala
dh.saddhamala@gmail.com
befriends you slowly and steadily becomes for us all. Even now.
Amala
amalamaeve@gmail.com
Musings from the Chair Khemavassika
sueb1011@verizon.net

By Dayalocana of seven women into the Western Buddhist Vihanasari

Order. Dharmacharinis Akashavanda, sbonin@earthlink.net
In October I traveled with three women Prasannavajri and Maitrimani are now here, Samayadevi
mitras to Akashavana, a retreat center in part of our sangha, practicing at Aryaloka and samayadevi@mac.com
the mountains of Spain, for a two-week Nagaloka in Portland, Maine. Their names
ordination retreat. At Akashavana we found represent the beauty of a clear blue sky or Prasannavajri
prasannavajri@gmail.com
great stillness, spaciousness and beauty. In spaciousness, the diamond like purity and
the silence it was possible to experience those strength of a vajra, and the precious jewel-
qualities deep within oneself. Quiet joy was FROM THE CHAIR
also abundant as we witnessed the ordinations Continued on Page 6 Vajra Bell Kula
Samayadevi, Chair

The Council samayadevi@mac.com

Viriyagita
pewedyer@worldpath.net

By Vihanasari Samayadevi. Vihanasari

The following is a summary of
Councilmeetings heldat the end of2008.
In October, proposed renovations were
discussed and prioritized. It was decided
to keep the Akasaloka building open for
the coming winter. The following officers
were unanimously elected for the coming
year: Chair - Dayalocana, Treasurer -
Khemavassika, Recording Secretary
- Vihanasari, Corresponding Secretary -
In November, future directions for the sbonin@earthlink.net
Center were discussed and plans were made Stephen Sloan
for future fundraising ideas, with Prasannavajri sloan@comcast.net
facilitating. It was also decided to continue Eric Wentworth
with plans for events that attract larger thewintercrow@hotmail.com
numbers of participants, such as the popular
yoga and meditation retreats. Members
brainstormed ways to broaden our visibility,
attract more newcomers, and maximize
COUNCIL NOTES
Continued on Page 7

Please be sure Aryalokas windows stay closed in winter and remember

to close them when leaving the center in warmer months. Thank you!
 VOLUME 7, ISSUE I VAJRA BELL PAGE 3

Green Tara: She Who Saves

By Karunadevi

When only my names are recollected, I always

protect all beings,
I, O Savior, shall ferry them across the great flood of
their manifold fears.
Therefore the great Seers sing of me in the world
under the name of Tara.

Green Tara is one of the most popular of the archetypal
bodhisattvas of Tibet. She is actually both a Buddha
and a bodhisattva. As a Buddha, she is the counterpart
of Amoghasiddhi in the Mandala of the Five Buddhas,
prevalent in the Mahayana and Vajrayana tradition. Samaya
Tara exemplifies the qualities of fearless compassion readily
accessible to beings in all the six realms as she steps down
with her right foot and extends her right hand in the giving
mudra.
Green is the color of the action family of Amoghasiddhi
and Tara. The color symbolizes an ability to accomplish
all things. According to the Tibetan Book of the Dead,
green light is the purified element of air. The element
air (vayu) represents the unrestricted movement of psycho-
spiritual energy in all directions at the same time. It is a
subtle color of green, mysterious in quality, a mixture of
blue and yellow. Blue is heaven and yellow is earth, a
union of opposites wisdom and compassion, feminine
and masculine. The time of day associated with Tara and
Amoghasiddhi is midnight, a time when invisible forces
Illustration by Eric Wentworth
TARA
Continued on Page 15

Sangha Notes - Whats Happening?

By Suzanne Woodland
As the season changed from autumn
to winter, the Aryaloka Buddhist Center
continued to offer a variety of programs to
support those seeking to explore or deepen
their practice of meditation and study of
the Dharma. The autumn months saw the
completion of the Tuesday night study sessions
on the topic of Engaged Buddhism. Also
offered on Tuesday night was the opportunity
to learn more about the Western Buddhist
Order, its history and structure. Meditation
also remained a part of each Tuesday nights
offering.
The Aryaloka community was fortunate
to have several guest speakers including
visiting order member Dh. Nagabodhi, who
serves as President of Aryaloka. He shared
his perspective on the practice of confession.
The Aryaloka community also had an
opportunity to hear from Viradhamma, who
shared his experiences of India. Local artist
Betsy Sterling Benjamin gave a talk on
Buddhist textiles in early December and later
graced our sacred space with an exhibit of her
lovely artwork for several weeks.
December 23 was a special evening
at the center with Barry Timmerman and
Hayden Ball joining the mitra community.
On that same evening, Aryalokas newest
Dharmacharinis Prasannavajri (formerly
Anastra Madden) and Akashavanda (formerly
Anne Rugg), who were ordained this autumn,
joined Vihanasari to share their ordination
experiences. Nancy Lorraine who practices
regularly with the Portland community,
Nagaloka, was also ordained in the autumn,
becoming Maitrimani. Other new Order
members included Saricitta (Rita Holmes)
and Danakamala (Dino Papavasiliou) who
were also ordained in the summer.
In December the womens mitra
SANGHA NOTES
Continued on Page 7
 PAGE 4 VAJRA BELL VOLUME 7, ISSUE I

Greetings from Buddhaworks (the Bookstore)

By Steve Cardwell
Greetings and Happy New Year from
the bookstore. Hopefully 2009 will be a
year of new beginnings and bring us many
exciting and inspirational books to further
our practice. Recently we received a new
stock of Crystal Journey candles and also
some interesting and beautiful products
from Nepal. Calendars and date books
are on sale now, but supplies are limited.
Please take a look at these new titles that
have just been received.
Buddhist Animal Wisdom
By Mark McGinnis
Around the beginning of the Common
Era, Indian Buddhists began to collect
fables, or jataka tales, illuminating
various human virtues and foiblesfrom
kindness, cooperation, loyalty and self-
discipline on the one hand, to greed,
pride, foolishness, and treachery on the
other. Instead of populating these stories
with people, they cast the animals of their
immediate environment in the leading
roleswhich may have given the tales a
universal appeal that helped them travel
around the world, surfacing in the Middle
East as Aesops fables and in various other
guises throughout East and Southeast Asia,
Africa, Russia, and Europe. Author and
painter Mark McGinnis has collected over
forty of these hallowed popular tales and
retold them in vividly poetic yet accessible
language, their original Buddhist messages
firmly intact. Each story is accompanied by
a beautifully-rendered full-color painting,
making this an equally attractive book for
children and adults, whether Buddhist or
not, who love fine stories.
This Moment is the Perfect Teacher
Audio CD
By Pema Chodron
Lojong is a powerful Tibetan Buddhist
practice created especially for training the
mind to work with the challenges of everyday
living. It teaches our hearts to soften,
reframes our attitude toward difficulty, and
allows us to discover a wellspring of inner
strength. In this recorded retreat, Pema
Chdrn introduces the lojong teachings
and explains how we can apply them to
any situation in our life because, as Pema
says, every moment is an opportunity for
awakening. In addition, Pema also leads a
guided tonglen meditation, a practice aimed
at developing courage and cultivating
compassion for ourselves and others.
In Buddhas Kitchen:
Cooking, Being Cooked, and Other
Adventures in a Meditation Center
By Kimberly Snow
The sweet potato queens meet Pema
Chodron in this book about enlightenment-
having- as a Tibetan teacher might phrase
it - in the kitchen of a California Tibetan
Buddhist retreat center. Southern-born,
Presbyterian-bred author Snow lays out a
buffet of episodes from her life before and
during her tenure as cook in the center.
Shes a divorced ex-gourmet chef and
refugee from academia, always leaving,
never staying to work it out. In this book,
the Buddhist dharma (teaching) comes
from the stove instead of the meditation
cushion, making it concrete, engaging and
generally highly entertaining. In addition
to her raconteur ability, Snow has a gift for
applying Tibetan Buddhist teaching, which
can seem foreign or esoteric, to real life
with its quirky demands and characters.
One chapter is even entitled Dzogchenpa
Among the Presbyterians. Narrative
progression in the first half of the book
is a little choppy as the author relates life
episodes in no apparent logical order, but
later chapters gather steam, providing
background that unrolls to drive the book
forward to a resolution of dawning wisdom.
Some of the episodes could go on longer,
because characters are so memorably
sketched that its a shame to leave them so
quickly. Overall, this is a small jewel, and
its altogether refreshing to read a Buddhist
book with a sense of humor.
These items and everything in the
bookstore are available for cash or check
or IOU. Because we are a self-service
bookstore, we cannot accept credit cards
but please take whatever you want and mail
us a check. You can take a self-addressed
envelope with you. Thanks for your
continued support of Aryaloka. Your dana
makes it all possible.

New Policy for Retreat Deposits:

Retreats/Classes/Solitaries
Those registering for retreats (including solitaries) and
classes of any length will be asked to pay a minimum deposit
of one-half of the total cost. If a registrant cancels two weeks or
more before the even, s/he will receive a refund of the amount
paid, minus a $15 processing fee. If the cancellation is received
less than two weeks before the event, the registrant will forfeit
the minimum deposit.
Forfeited deposits may not be transferred to another event.
* * * * * Note: In both categories above, special circumstances will be taken into consideration. * * * * *
Yoga Retreats
Those registering for yoga retreats will be asked to pay the
full cost in advance in order to finalize the registration. If a
registrant cancels two weeks or more before the retreat, s/he
will receive a refund of the amount paid minus $35 that may
be credited to another event. If the cancellation is received less
than two weeks before the event, the registrant will receive a
refund of $100. Thirty-five dollars ($35) of the remainder may
be credited to another event, the rest will be forfeited.
 VOLUME 7, ISSUE I
Movie Review
By Eric Wentworth
How to Cook Your Life
(2007), 92 minutes, Rated PG-13,
Available on Netflix
In the high-paced environment that we
all live in, sometimes its easy to forget the
importance of what we put in our bodys
tanks and how it fuels our everyday lives.
This doesnt simply involve eating organic
and making sure we exercise; eating really
well requires a completely revolutionary
outlook on how we relate to our food during
its creation as well as its consumption.
The mindful energy we put into sustaining
ourselves and others through food is never
wasted - the careful kneading of a loaf of
bread can never be replaced by the mechanical
arms of an industrial bread production line
- and it has dramatic ramifications on our
physical and mental health.
How to Cook Your Life is an exquisitely
filmed documentary that addresses some of
the issues surrounding our culinary lives.
It follows Edward Espe Brown, a Zen
practitioner and chef, as he teaches cooking
classes in Californian and Austrian Zen
centers. He also speaks more widely to his
own experiences with food and how they
Buddhaworks
The Aryaloka Bookstore
* Meditation Candles
* DVDs from Pema Chodron
and Lama Surya Das
* Meditation Journals
* CDs from Thich Nhat Hanh
Your support brightens Aryalokas future.
Buddhaworks is located at the Aryaloka Buddhist Center
VAJRA BELL
have deepened his practice of Buddhism and
enriched his life.
Brown quotes his teacher at the beginning
of the film: When youre cooking, youre not
just cooking, youre not just working on food,
youre working on yourself. Youre working
on other people. He talks quite a bit about his
own struggles with anger and impatience, his
difficulties with comprehending some of the
ritual practices of Zen, and at times his battle
with these things is on display for everyone
to witness with some discomfort of their
own. The quality of honesty and openness
in his communication with others is striking,
and is always balanced by humility, humor
and insight. One comes to understand that
through food, Brown has arrived at a deep
knowledge of himself - his own shortcomings
and successes - and that he has a yearning to
share this experience with others.
The film is filled with fascinating
reflections on the nature of food and cooking
in our culture. It brings one back to a sense
of pride in laboring over the creation of what
we eat, creating it fresh with your own hands,
putting nothing but the best ingredients and
the best of oneself into it. It causes us to
seriously question the value of the fast-food
society we live in and shows how simple the
MOVIE REVIEW
Continued on Page 12
* Singing Bowls
* Brass Door Chimes from
Nepal and India
* Childrens Coloring Books
* Lots and Lots of Great Books!
PAGE 5
Online In-Site
This issues featured websites
http://www.seacoasteatlocal.org
Love farmers markets, but dont
know when they are running? Trying to
switch to buying local foods, but arent
sure where to find local growers? Want
to find a simple, but effective way to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Well,
Seacoast Eat Local is your answer.
Seacoast Eat Local is a New
Hampshire organization dedicated to
supporting locally grown and produced
foods and the people who eat them.
They do this by providing listings of
local products that consumers can
use. This helps the individual make
better purchasing choices and helps the
producers increase public visibility.
There are many reasons to eat local.
Its better for the environment, for one.
When an apple has to travel from Chile
to New England, an immense amount
of fossil fuels must be expended to get
it here, not to mention the petroleum
that is generally used in fertilizers,
the pesticides used to fend off critters,
ONLINE IN-SITE
Continued on Page 15
 PAGE 6 VAJRA BELL VOLUME 7, ISSUE I

News from Nagaloka

By Gail Yahwek forward in a skillful and positive manner! Our Wednesday night sangha has been
Since we have been in our new space studying Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko
So very much has been going on at we have had some new faces and lots going Beck. Studies have been led by Karunasara
Nagaloka over the past few months. We are on. Candradasa came for a visit and led a and our newly ordained Maitrimani (special
happy to report we have moved into our new Wednesday night meditation and study. congratulations there!!). This book has led to
space at 81 Oak St. in Portland, Maine. It is Viriyalila has been teaching Buddhism, some open and heartfelt discussion on how
a lovely, warm, and beautiful spot with large Tools for Living Your Life, as well as a few to apply practice to our life, or, more clearly,
windows, high ceilings, and exposed brick day-long retreats with Narottama. Nagabodhi realizing that our life is practice.
walls. came for a visit and gave a public talk on There are lots of events coming in January
We have opened a small bookstore area Mindfulness in Everyday Life. Linda and and February, including; day retreats, intro
in the front windows selling books, rupas, Viriyalila organized and hosted an Open to meditation classes, intro to Buddhism
prayer flags and incense, with some malas House on a Friday evening when our local art classes, and a meditation practice day.
and jewelry to come. galleries are open. Please see our website for details at www.
The move went very smoothly with lots Special thanks to Betsy Sterling- nagalokabuddhistcenter.org. Our regular
of sangha members there to help pitch in! Benjamin who allowed us to hang three of her meditation sessions are Wednesday at 7 pm,
Thank you so much to Dharmasuri for really stunning silks in our space. Their beauty is an Thursday at 6 am, Friday at 6 pm, and Sunday
believing in Nagaloka and keeping us moving inspiration to all. at 9 am.

FROM THE CHAIR

Continued from Page 2
like nature of friendliness.
At the same time we welcomed new Order
members to our sangha, we were sending our
metta to Dharmachari Punya who died in
December after living with cancer for the past
two years. Punya was among the first Order
members who came from England to the
United States to teach the Dharma in Boston.
His steady determined practice; his patience;
his wisdom; his kindness and care for others
has been appreciated by all of us. Through
these last years his strong connection and
devotion to the Dharma were an inspiration
that touched many of us in the sangha.
As you will read in this issue of Vajra
Bell, the Buddha Amoghasiddhi symbolizes
fearlessness and unobstructed success. He
represents spontaneous, perfected action
that is skillful and compassionate. We, too
,can move in that direction with inspiration
from the Dharma, Buddhas and bodhisattvas
and sangha members. It is through our
study and practice together that we move
beyond the current ties and views that bind
us. The Aryaloka program for 2009 is full
of opportunities for each of us to share the
Dharma and create peace and kindness in this
world.
Dharmacharini Dayalocana
From the Concord Sangha
On November 21st and 22nd, The
Concord Sangha held a retreat: the topic -
Ethics. Karunasara presented a model for
us to use in the decision-making process.
This model helps us to view our dilemmas
from all possible angles and consider the
implications our decisions will have upon
ourselves, others, and the environment,
and how it all relates to the Precepts. We
experienced first-hand how our emotions
can hinder our ability to objectively find the
best course of action.
During our discussions, we examined
a few scenarios which did not have
simple black and white answers. Some
got pretty excited when their core values
were challenged. And those differences in
our values indicate that there is no simple
right or wrong; sometimes there are two
right answers. So, in making the most
skillful decisions, its wise to consider a
variety of solutions, who is affected and
how we can still honor our values. Thank
you Karunasara for leading us through this
exploration of ethical decision making; it
was great!
On Friday night we had a special treat
as Lori Seibert took her Refuges and
Precepts as part of a candle ceremony.
This ceremony began as a means for the
residents at Concord to affirm their personal
commitment to practicing the Dharma.
After chanting the Refuges and Precepts, a
candle is lit as a symbol of our connection
with Aryaloka, the Three Jewels, and the
Precepts. Bodana then takes the candle
and, whenever we can make it to Aryaloka,
another ceremony takes place and the candle
is returned. Recently, James Mosonyi, one
of our original Concord Sangha brothers
got his candle back. We were told it was
an emotional ceremony for Jim. Sadhu, Jim.
Anyways, since Lori can visit Aryaloka
anytime, Bodhana said he would make her
wait to get it back.
There were plenty of friends from
Aryaloka in attendance: Bodhana,
Khemavassica, Karunasara, Lori, Steve
Cardwell, Stephen Sloan, Paul Dupre,
Candace Copp, Laura Davies from the
I.M.S. in Barre, Massachusetts, and two
newcomers, Brad and Lynn. We missed
not seeing Debbie Cardwell and Vihanasari.
You all have shown how the Dharma brings
out the best in everyone. May you all be
happy, joyful, loving and peaceful.
Rich Cormier
 VOLUME 7, ISSUE I
Kula Corner
By Sheila Groonell
Kula Coordinator
HELP WANTED!
Bodhisattvas Desperately Needed!
Are you looking for a way to help others?
To move your appreciation of Aryaloka
from words to real practice that will directly
help others?
Jobs are currently open on the Cleaning
Kula for those who want a good workout
as well as for those who need less vigorous
activity.
Its convenient! You can make your own
Lessons From An Ice Storm
By Stephen Sloan
It was a chilly night in December, and
all we could hear was the ice bouncing
off the skylight. There had been other
nights like this, so we didnt think much
of it. In the middle of the night we were
awakened by a loud crash. The house
shook. A quick survey in the dark did not
reveal any trees leaning against the house.
Guess well have to wait till morning. Oh,
and did I mention, the power is out?
The next morning, the dimensions
of the situation became a bit more clear.
COUNCIL NOTES
Continued from Page 2
attendance. It was decided to revise and
expand the current web site.Prasannavajri
volunteered to explore options.The Council
is committed to moving forward to develop
programming, marketing, and fundraising
activities that will support renovations to the
facility in gradual stages.
Who can contribute to the Vajra Bell?
Submit an article, poem or picture for consideration, or simply share some information and well do the writing
for you. Just contact any of the Vajra Bell staff - see the Contact Information section on Page 2 of this issue.
VAJRA BELL
hours. Its fun! Youll get to know others,
make friends, and share laughs.
Excellent Benefits ! An open and warm
heart, infinite gratitude, the satisfaction and
contentment of service to others, and a clean
building.
PLUS you can begin to fulfill your
Baby Bodhisattva requirements for service
to others and work toward your Dana Merit
Badge.
Seriously, all the cleaning at Aryaloka is
currently being done by only a few women,
all over age 60. Please help us.
ACT NOW! PLEASE contact Sheila
Groonell, Kula Coordinator at 778-7522 or
sgroonell@comcast.net.
During the night there had been an assault
on our connections to civilization. A large
oak tree had fallen across the driveway,
taking down the power lines, the phone
lines, and cutting us off from the road.
And the house was starting to get cold.
The radio warned not to go near any
downed power lines. During a cell phone
call to the dispatch center, I was advised
that there was no power anywhere in the
town of Raymond. I decided that this
was the opportunity to move the downed
ICE STORM
Continued on Page 14
In December, members discussed
requests from people asking to stay at
Aryaloka for an extended period of time,
ideas on how to conduct performance
appraisals, suggestions for redoing the
Aryaloka web site, possible kitchen
renovations, and the Aryaloka Development
Fund - long-term fundraising activities that
will support upgrading the facility.
PAGE 7
News from the
Boston Sangha
By Sunada
Several members of the Boston Sangha
trekked to Aryaloka in early October to attend
Nagabodhis retreat on the Buddha. It was the
first time at Aryaloka for some! It gave us a
wonderful opportunity to practice together
and experience sangha in a different way
than we can by meeting once a week on a
weeknight. Im sure well be back for more.
In December we finished studying
Sangharakshitas Living with Awareness,
which was very helpful for understanding
the deeper implications of mindfulness. In
January, were looking forward to studying
No Death, No Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh.
SANGHA NOTES
Continued from Page 3
community completed a study program on
the topic of meditation. This effort dovetailed
with ongoing meditation teacher training
being led by Amala and Bodhipaksha. In
addition, members of the menssangha have
continued to meet almost monthly to explore
several topics in depth and to deepen their
collective practice.
Retreats continued to be offered for those
looking for a more extended time at Aryaloka.
These included Nagabodhis From His
Greater Lamp retreat, the quarterly Yoga and
Meditation retreat, as well as a new Rest and
Renewal Retreat geared especially to nurture
those who provide care-giving and support to
others. Members of our spiritual community
also had an opportunity to attend an advanced
class on Non-Violent Communication.
Following the annual winter meditation
retreat, the new year was rung in at midnight
with the striking of the large bell in the shrine
room 108 times. From 6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.
on January 1, the center played host to a
stream of visitors and regulars who came to
meditate for peace.
YOU CAN!
 PAGE 8 VAJRA BELL VOLUME 7, ISSUE I

Remembering Punya,
A Deeply Loved Friend
By Buddhapalita

December 13, 2008

Dear Friends,

With the death of Punya, who had been
a dear and very close friend for many years,
I have felt moved to write something about
him.
It is rare to have a friendship that spans
over two decades and one which grew deeper
by the year. I was fortunate to have this kind
of friendship with Punya. But even more so
because of the richness he brought to my life,
his deep warmth, sense of humor, practical
support and helpfulness. Also, perhaps one
quality I grew to see was his ability to help
harmonize differences and this was connected
to a certain down-to-earth wisdom. He was
also someone who had a natural devotion to
the Buddhas and this came though in Puja.
Punya, along with Manjuvajra and
Vajradaka, were the first members of the
Order to move to the US and start to help set
up the FWBO here. His contribution was very
important. Though perhaps not as extroverted
as the others, he quietly worked away and
helped keep a certain stability.
I recall when I lived at Aryaloka, he was
the most devoted chapter member for many
years, driving almost two hours each way to
attend, often the last one to leave. He would
come regardless of weather or circumstances.
He did not find it easy to raise a family,
work (often 60 hrs. a week or more) and be
an active member of the sangha. However,
he never failed to make an effort to be a
friend or engage with people. His loyalty to
friends was exemplary, and I cannot recall
him ever taking part in any lengthy conflicts
with anyone. He was quick to resolve any
difficulties with people.
When he found out he had cancer, he
 VOLUME 7, ISSUE I
It is rare to have a friendship
that spans over two decades
and one which grew deeper
by the year. I was fortunate
to have this kind of
friendship with Punya.
called me up and within a few weeks we were
on a two-week trip to visit his family and
various close friends in the UK. I was lucky
to be able to spend this time with him and
gained an even stronger love for him through
it all. Over the last seven or eight years we
had regularly met up (we lived about 3000
miles apart) and usually spent five days to a
week somewhere in the desert of the south-
west US. Tucson was his favorite area. These
trips were not only a break for us, they helped
us become closer friends. I loved those visits
together. He loved the sunshine and warmth
and invariably had a spring to his step and a
sparkle in this eyes!
After the news of his illness, we talked
on the phone almost every day, and I hope
in some way I was some comfort to him. I
deeply regret I was not able to spend more
time with him these last several months. I
did manage to see him for a few days before
his death and it was a huge relief to me that
What Does Buddhism Say About Death and Rebirth?
By Karunasara
Buddhism, the name we give our prac-
tice of the Dharma in our world today, does
not tell us anything truly definitive about
rebirth. There are various paths of dharma
practice that help us to move toward at-
taining Enlightenment and to decrease suf-
fering and bring us happiness in our lives
today. Birth, our lives now, and death are
major periods of time, change and experi-
ence that we call bardos. In Tibetan prac-
tice there are also bardos between death
and rebirth.
Because we experience each bardo as a
specific time of change, we often focus on
them in our practice. Death is a major time
of change and the biggest challenge to our
VAJRA BELL
I was able to say my good byes and show
my appreciation and love for him. It was
wonderful that Vajramati, Thiradhamma
and Atula in particular were there. I know
how much he appreciated them all. Also that
so many others came to visit just before he
died - it cheered him up. His younger brother
came out from the UK along with his wife
and it was moving to see their affection for
Punya. Lastly, Punyas wife, Sucharita, had
idea of a fixed, unchanging self.
The basis of the law of Dharma is that
all life is a state of flow or process, noth-
ing exists outside of this continual process
of change.This tends to be frightening for
us. We want answers. We want reassuring
information.
Different schools of Buddhism have
different explanations of what happens
when we die and after we die.
In the Theravadin tradition or Pali
Canon, what happens after death is not de-
fined. The Buddha stated that it was more
important to focus on our daily actions, at-
titudes and mind development than think
about life after death. He also spoke of see-
ing all his past lives and the karmic effects
that caused each of his lives.
PAGE 9
been a great support and comfort to Punya
through this difficult time - she was truly a
rock through this for him. I wanted to thank
her for all the help she gave him along with
her love and affections for him.
There is much more I could say - perhaps
sometime I will feel able to write more.
With love,
Buddhapalita
Tibetans, based on Mahayana and Va-
jrayana schools, focus much more on THE
mystic/clear nature of mind and continuing
life in the nature of rebirth.
This includes training for people after
death through the use of the Tibetan Book
of the Dead. The Tibetans have developed
a science of dying and death through
meticulous observation and mind explora-
tion.
Both schools focus on the opportunity
to achieve Enlightenment as we are dying
and both schools emphasize the impor-
tance of meditation and dharma practice
throughout our lives. These are ways to
bring about Enlightenment as well as to
understand death and lose some of our fear
of it.
 PAGE 10
Going Forth: Four Stories of Ordination
Akashavanda:
Many years ago I heard about a new
womens retreat center somewhere in the
mountains of Spain. I paid little attention
because I didnt see how it had anything to do
with me. HA!
Little did I know that this luminous place
is where I would have the most significant,
beautiful, intense, painful, and joyful
experience of my life (other than giving birth
to my children). I had heard about the spiritual
death that occurs during an ordination retreat,
but was a tiny bit skeptical. How does it
happen? Why? When?
I discovered that its part magic, part
well-developed process, and part individual
readiness and effort. Not to mention the
most spectacular scenery - monolithic rock
formations, multiple mountain ranges,
brilliant sunsets, the night sky dripping with
stars, a pristine snow fall - that pries open
ones heart.
For me, the days of confession and
purification, the six element meditation
practice, the private and public ordinations all
contributed to a real spiritual death and rebirth.
I left as Anne and came back as Akashavanda
(orchid in luminous space.) As Bhante
has said, ordination is the threshold to the
transcendental. Indeed it is!
I am so grateful to Bhante, the members
of the ordination team, and my preceptors
Dayalocana and Dayanandi. My wish is that
EVERYONE on this path can experience a
similar deepening and joy.
Vihanasari:
I stepped off the plane and into the bright
California sunlight last July atthe start of a
magical journey that had nothing to do with
time or distance and everything to do with
transformation. I had come to be ordained
into the Western Buddhist Order.
I had always thought that, should I be
invited to become ordained, it would happen
at Aryaloka, the place where my spiritual
journey began and where I continued
to practice with my many Dharma brothers
and sisters. Butlife had other plans.
Rita (the future Saricitta) and I were to
have our private ordinations on retreat with a
VAJRA BELL VOLUME 7, ISSUE I
group of Order members who had themselves Danakamala:
been ordained within the last several years.
In a private ceremony inside a small dojo
We were staying at Camp Salamander
decorated with flowers, ribbons, incense,
(although I never did catch sight of any
candles and pictures of dakinis, I was given
salamanders there!), high in the Santa Cruz
a new name. That was the first part of my
mountains, where three large yurts held the
ordination ceremony into the Western
shrine room, dining/kitchen area, and some
Buddhist Order. For the next couple of days
dormitory space. The silence on retreat was
I was left mostly alone contemplating the
profound, the rituals incredibly beautiful, and
experience of a new identity not yet made
the meditation deep and sustaining.
public. I kept thinking about the fourth
My private ordination was held in a
acceptance vow for the benefit of all beings
sunny meadow overlooking mountains in
and that I was one of those beings benefiting
the distance. Accompanied by the music of
by the efforts of others who have taken this
insects, birds, and a gentle wind, I received
vow - benefiting from all the Buddhas and
my new name from Dayalocana, officially
bodhisattvas and all the teachers in the refuge
took the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as my
tree including Bhante and the entire WBO.
spiritual guide and role model, and became a
A couple of days later with a few drops of
new being.
water and a kesa around my neck the name
I spent the next couple of days on solitary
Danakamala, lotus of generosity, was made
retreat in a nearby cabin on the edge of a deep
public. Its official. I am a Dharmachari now
gorge. Walking for hours along the stream
and one of the reasons for this is that for
at the bottom of the chasm, I spent a lot of
the benefit of all beings I have accepted this
time reflecting about what ordination meant
ordination.
for me - a marker on my personal spiritual
journey; an opportunity to take my practice
Maitramani:
to a deeper level;a next step on the path to
The then Anne, Dayalocana and I bounced
Enlightenment; and a commitment todedicate
along in the very back row of the land rover
my body, speech, and mindtothe benefit of
that was ferrying us, and the other women
all beings.
in the two rows of seats in front of us, to
After the solitary was over, I packed up
Akashavana. Actually I think Anne and I were
andwas drivenwith Saricitta toJikoji where
slouched in the back, forced to bounce. The
we were to join Dino (the new Danakamala)
ride had been fun to begin with. Now we were
for our public ordinations.After the ceremony,
ready to stop this roller coaster madness. We
we would spend the next week with Order
kept going, mostly up. Dayalocana bounced.
members from all over North America who
She was perched on the front of her seat
were there to attend the biannual WBO North
American Convention. between Anne and I, quite upright with the
most wonderful childs eyes and smile on her
The public ordination was as beautiful
and moving as the private one had been, face saying, I want to drive!
though a lot more...well...public.Retreatants We had thought we would walk the last
and guests gathered to witness our vows as few miles to the retreat center and changed
new Order members, hear our new namesfor our minds after a good days travel on trains,
the very first time, learn a little more about a bus and now a land rover. Our considerate
us, and welcome us into the Western Buddhist driver, knowing we might want some sense of
Order. pilgrimage, dropped us off about a third of a
I felt as though I was riding on a giant mile from the retreat center so we could walk
tidal wave of love and support made up ofall at least part of our journey. Good to get our
of my Aryaloka experiences, my spiritual legs back. (A little while later she drove up to
friends, and the energy and enthusiasm of the center with our luggage.)
everyone at the Convention. I look forward What we could see from Akashavana was
to my life as a brand-new Order member. I ORDINATION
am truly blessed! Continued on Page 12
 VOLUME 7, ISSUE I
Annual October Auction at Aryakola
By Elizabeth Hellard
TheAnnualAuction atAryaloka on October
28th was a huge success. Given the state of
our general economy, the $4300 received
that night was a tribute to the generosity of
those who attended. On a personal note this
was the first time I stepped away from being
a receiver to being a giver. Ive been
going to Aryaloka for several years, receiving
Buddhist instruction during Tuesday night
Sangha and receiving spiritual practice during
weekend retreats; but the auction was my first
real opportunity to give and it felt great.
Sometime in September Khemavassika
made the announcement that there was an
auction planning meeting scheduled and my
first reaction was, I want to get involved in
this. I hadnt been to any previous Aryaloka
auctions so I had no idea what I was getting
myself into; all I knew was that this was my
opportunity to bring something to the table
and to start to give back just a small bit of what
I have taken from this wonderful community.
And as happens so many times, I was mistaken.
Nagabodhis Visit to Aryaloka - Fall 2008
By Steve Cardwell
We had another fantastic visit with our
President, Nagabodhi, this year and wow, was
he ever busy! It all began on Oct 21st with a
good man, Rick Lee, driving to Logan Airport
to pick up our chief.The next morning was
spent meeting with me to go over the schedule
and appointments for his long visit.Its quite
wonderful that our President has such great
energy and enthusiasm for our sangha.
On Thursday the Portsmouth crew -
Danakamala, Viriyalila, Candradasa and
Suddhayu - picked up Nagabodhi at Aryaloka
for an all-day visit in that great little city.
Friday morning Nagabodhi started the
day with an important meeting with Amala
for much of the morning. Then a meeting
and lunch with Sunada. Friday evening began
From His Greater Lamp, the annual retreat
with the President.
Sunday night was dinner with Bodhipaksa
and Shrijnana at their home, giving Nagabodhi
VAJRA BELL
In my offer to give, I actually received much
more than I ever expected. My plan was to do
a little organizing, help with set-up and clean-
up and just plug myself into whatever needed
to be done. What I experienced was so much
more. During the two planning meetings (yes,
it only took two planning sessions to prepare
for the auction) I got to know Khemavassika
and Stephen Sloan on a more personal basis. hands making for light work. The volunteers
We respectfully listened to each others ideas,
changed a few things that had been done in
the past and with the least bit of effort and
angst prepped for the auction.
I have to admit I was a little nervous the
afternoon of the auction when Khemavassika,
Stephen and I started to put the items out for
display it all seemed a little too easy. I was
wondering what we had forgotten or what
ball had been seriously dropped. But at 6:00
p.m. people started to arrive with their bidder
numbers in hand and the silent auction items
were tagged and ready. One moment there
was nothing on the dining room table. I turned
around and, in what seemed like an instant,
Saddhamala and her team had prepared and
a chance to spend time with them and their
daughter Maia.
The new week began on Monday with
meetings with Joan Rochette, Rick Lee and
Lynn Donnelly, followed by an evening with
the men mitras. Tuesday Nagabodhi met with
Stephen Sloan and then Shrijnana. This was
the night for the annual Aryaloka Auction, of
course, led by Nagabodhi himself.
Wednesday there were meetings with
Surakshita, then Vihanasari, followed by
Viriyalila taking the chief to Boston to meet
with the Bean Town sangha. Nagabodhi
spent the evening with Sravaniya, returning
to Aryaloka on Thursday. Later that evening
he met with the women mitras.
On Friday, Oct 31st, there were meetings
with John Gregg, Arjava, and Bodhana. The
evening included the Friday night puja and
meditation. Saturday was an Order Day
and then afterwards dinner with Vidhuma.
Sunday was Sangha Day and a wonderful talk
by Nagabodhi on the importance of sangha.
PAGE 11
displayed a simply scrumptious array of
desserts.
Earlier in the day I had the chance to chat
with Nagabodhi, which made me appreciate
that much more the fabulous job he did as
auctioneer. He added just the right amount of
humor and enthusiasm to each item he offered
for bid. It was a fun evening with many
are too numerous to count. Dozens of folks
contributed items for the silent and live
auction, another group helped with decorating
and clean-up, and over 30 people placed their
bids for treasures.
Raising funds to sustain Aryaloka is
important, but whats more important are the
friendships and connections we make during
the planning process and the shared sense of
satisfaction over the successes.
It takes so little effort to make a difference.
Old lessons are sometimes the best lessons:
Its in giving that we receive. So next time
someone taps you on the shoulder and asks
you to volunteer or get involved, say yes.
Youll receive so much more than you give.
In the evening Saddhamala provided the
President with dinner and conversation.
On Monday, Nagabodhi was back on the
road after meeting with Samayadevi. Then
I took Nagabodhi to Portsmouth to meet up
with Viriyalila who drove him to Portland and
back for Nagalokas sangha night.
Tuesday morning Nagabodhi met with
Prasannavajri and that night it was Friends
Night and another wonderful talk by
Nagabodhi. Wednesday it was breakfast with
Karunasara followed by a lunch meeting with
Maitrimani and then a potluck supper with
the Aryaloka Council. Thursday Nagabodhi
met with Dayalocana all morning, had
another meeting with Amala and then Lynn
Donnelly and finally dinner and a visit with
Akasavanda.
Friday, Nov. 7th was Nagabodhis last day
at Aryaloka and Khemavassika was very kind
to drive him to Boston so he could catch a bus
to New York and spend time with the sangha
in The Big Apple.
 PAGE 12
ORDINATION
Continued from Page 10
breath-taking. We arrived to a big blue
sky. Looking down we saw deep valleys
covered by small pines, stout gnarled
oaks, and other varieties of trees and
shrubs. Across from these deep valleys
we had views of white and rust-colored
cliffs. One got named Vultures Peak
and during our stay at Akashavana we
watched these majestic birds ride the air
currents in our vast blue sky. Two other
cliffs in this panorama stood proud on
either side of a plateau and formed a
Bodhisattvas crown.
There were just seven of us being
ordained. We were out-numbered by
nine Order members which felt very
supportive. And we had a provision
and organizing team of three Order
members. I felt lucky reconnecting with
people I know in Britain and bringing
my two worlds, the UK and the USA,
together.
It is fun being with people from
different cultures and to watch people
discover different ideas and ways of
doing things. Anne contemplated over
hot water bottles and thought they were
the oddest things. They make sense
to me. They are a great way to keep a
bed warm. We didnt always have blue
skies and it got cold at night. I forgot to
tell her you can buy hot water bottles
with soft furry teddy bear covers. The
ones at Akashavana were just plain
rubber, no cover. Maybe the teddy bear
ones would have made more sense to
her. I think we were supposed to be a
little austere for the retreat.
Soon Anne would become
Akashavanda and Anastra,
Prasannavajri. I was very happy
with the name Maitreyi, that my
private preceptor gave me; Maitri,
MOVIE REVIEW
Continued from Page 5
act of taking care of ourselves and those
around us can be. Of special interest
to Buddhists, it shows how culinary
creation can contribute to our practice
and ritual and explains some of the
VAJRA BELL
friendliness and mani, jewel. So,
Maitrimani, the jewel of friendliness.
Generally I find I can at least manage
to be friendly and I very much enjoy
this. I feel connected and learn about
people. The part of the ceremony I felt
most moved by was simply saying the
refuges. The connection right back to
Gautama Buddha stood out for me.
We were in silence after our private
ceremony for just a couple of days but it
seemed like a very long time. We were
all excited to hear everyones name and
especially to hear our own name. It
was a little like waiting for Christmas.
We had a beautiful public ceremony
together with much rejoicing.
I believe I was the first one up the
day after our public ceremony. I was
putting a large pot of water on the stove
in the kitchen to boil for morning tea and
coffee before our meditation. The two
early birds were soon up and moving
around; that would be Prasannavajri
and Siddhishvari.
Siddhishvari came into the kitchen
where Prasannavajri and I were and
said, I think its snowing. We opened
the kitchen door to find a winter
wonderland with snow still falling. It
was October 29th. The three of us got
our coats and jackets on and headed out
to be in the snow.
A little while later others began to
stir and rise. When we looked back
at the retreat center, through the glass
doors, we saw our companions standing
in their flannel pajamas with childrens
faces looking out in amazement, just
like Christmas. We had fun in the snow
that day. But alas, our fun had to come
to an end. What a magical ending we
had to our very special retreat.
May you all have many magical
retreats, big or small.
ways it fits into life at a Zen center.
I was completely impressed
with How to Cook Your Life and,
immediately after watching it, went
straight to my kitchen to bake my first
loaf of bread with a big Buddha-like
smile.
VOLUME 7, ISSUE I
Poetry Corner
Weekends Are For Building
More Than Just Stairs
By Brian Jervis
The morning is dark, the wind and rain slashing
The tools are heavy, and the Prius Im trashing
The screen is fogging, the wipers are waving
Im driving to breakfast, the pancakes Im craving
And its Hi to Buddy, its great to be greeting
Coffee is served, its hot and its steaming
Much to think of, lets start with the planning
The Experts are here, my ideas Ill be canning
Rushing to the car, and still rain is hissing
Arrive at old Ary, to find people missing
Woody is barking, he gives a great greeting
I do my job, get the biscuits for eating
Taking out the string, we start the measuring
Stakes are put in, and the job it is forming
We hired a machine, so lets start the boring
The hole it is deepening, the men are a-sweating
Up goes the timber, the muscles are straining
Down comes the rain, but there is no complaining
Erect a tent, for the tools they are rusting
Try to stay upright, though boots are encrusting
Measure it twice, and once with the cutting
Bring wood together, and enjoy the abutting
Paul is dry, I hope that hes working
Stringers are needed, that job is a-lurking
All coming together, so good it is looking
Smells from the window tell of some cooking
Saddhamalas been busy, the soup shes been making
Time for a break, some sustenance needs taking
Outside once again and still it is raining
The yoga room stairs some care are receiving
Transformation abounds, our exits are doubling
If wed had a fire, it would have been troubling
The next day arrives, and wow! its not raining
The laughter abides, and the work it is gaining
Such good Sangha when Metta is striving
Our mats left at home, here Dharma is thriving
The stairs are firm, there is no swaying
Great to be here with friends who are playing
Our hearts are alive with the joy of just being
Thanks Aryaloka, through you comes our seeing
VOLUME 7, ISSUE I VAJRA BELL PAGE 13

Poetry Corner
Snow-White Revisited
By Sangharakshita

Mirror, mirror on the wall,

Who is the most beautiful of all?

You are most beautiful,

The mirror always replies,
Else hed be smashed into pieces
For telling lies.

So he says his piece,

And stays intact.
Were easily flattered,
Thats a fact.

Wed as lief hear the truth

As see a ghost.
Mirrors, mirrors on the wall,
Know this better than most.

Truth can appal.

(fromHercules and the Birds, by

Sangharakshita, Windhorse Press, 1990)

The Sunflowers Farewell Its How You Play

By Eric Wentworth
By Sangharakshita
Nature and I lounge together,
Aloft on its tall stalk the sunflower hangs
Distant from the buzz.
As though half weary. Harvest long since reaped,
Two aged men on a park bench
It sees beyond the ivied crumbling wall
Angling for checkmate.
Blue-vaulted stubble in faint sunlight steeped.
Silently we acknowledge
Aloft on its dry stalk the sunflower hangs
Each others ancient friendship.
Insilence: in the West, the round red sun.
Endless lifetimes long.
The yellow petals, once its glory, wilt:
Full of mutual self-appreciation.
Its seed is ready and its work is done.
We soothe ourselves for now
(fromHercules and the Birds, by Sangharakshita, Windhorse Press, 1990)
With the chess game sway
Of heartbeats and tides,
Sunbeams and smiles.
For Your Information ... Working towards the last round
FWBO Centers in the U.S. - Newmarket, NH; Portland, ME; Belfast, Against a worthy adversary.
ME; Lubec, ME; Somerville, MA; New York City, NY; Missoula, MT; Stalemate. Quite all right.
Another game tomorrow?
San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Richland, WA.
 PAGE 14
UPCOMING
Continued from Page 16
MARCH
21 Order day with
Devamitra
23 Mens mitra class
24 Tues.talk:Buddhism
and non-violence
- Shantigarbha
26 Womens Mitra Class
27-28 Retreat at Concord
State Prison sangha
27-28 NVC Basic training
- Shantigarbha
30 Mens mitra class
31 Tues.talk: Non-
violence and food
ICE STORM
Continued from Page 7
power lines. Mustve been okay because
Im still alive to tell about it. I cut up
the tree, restoring our ability to reach
the highway.
Somehow, it was comforting that we
were no longer trapped in our house.
This allowed a quick shopping trip for
survival supplies.
The realization had sunk in that
this was not going to be a temporary
outage.
At first it seemed almost romantic,
dinner by candlelight. By day two, I
was struck by my frustration at not
having an internet connection. Strange
how quickly we forget impermanence,
how quickly we forget that change is
suffering.
As the days drew on, the elemental
became more important. With no central
heat, the temperature in my bedroom
was a chilly 45 in the morning. The
romance had worn off.
But watching my mental states had
strengthened my connection to my
practice.
In an e-mail sent from my laptop in
a parking lot where I could borrow an
Internet connection, I told two fellow
sangha members: A large tree fell
over our driveway taking out all of our
connections with civilization. However,
I still have the Three Jewels.
VAJRA BELL VOLUME 7, ISSUE I
AMOGHASIDDHI breath that mysteriously never quite comes
Continued from Page 1 to an end except in the beginning of the next
endlessly unfolding. That is Amoghasiddhis breath. Mysterious also is Amoghasiddhis
field, his home. So the wisdom of dwelling animal. Unlike the animals of the other four
in this place is the wisdom of actions that mythic Buddhas, Amoghasiddhis animal
are perfected. Actions are performed for the exists only in imagination, perhaps because
good of all beings, and the actions accomplish imagination is precisely the necessary force
that perfectly. This world of perfected action for Amoghasiddhis work. The garuda, or
is one of perfected conditions: harmonious, Tsang-Tsang is a human form to the waist
serene, pure. with the wings, tail and feet of an eagle-like
Amoghasiddhi is one of the five mythic bird. Lama Govinda says of this half-man,
Buddhas of the Vajrayana tradition. Along half bird that it symbolizes man in transition
with Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi joined towards a new dimension of consciousness...
the three Buddhas Amitabha, Aksobhya, and the transition from human to the superhuman
Vairocana in the seventh to eighth century. state, which takes place in the mysterious
The mandala of these five Buddhas represents darkness of the night, invisible to the eye.
all aspects of full and complete enlightenment. Amoghasiddhis mudra, formed by the
Each Buddha is associated with a direction, a right hand held palm facing outward in front
time of day, a particular wisdom, a mudra, a of the heart, is the Abhaya mudra that protects
basic color, a seed syllable, a symbolic object, and dispels fear. That quality of fearlessness
an animal, a mantra and one of the five is essential to living the spiritual life. And
skandas. Each represents the embodiment of Amoghasiddhis object? Only the object of
certain aspects of enlightenment. Visualizing the greatest power imaginable will do. The
and meditating on one of these mythic double vajra, one crossed at right angles to the
Buddhas bring the meditator close to that other, the object that symbolizes the highest
Buddha, and closer and closer to that quality comprehension of truth, the incomparable
of enlightenment. Amoghasddhis direction power of a Buddha. Finally we come to
is the north. His time is midnight and so in Amoghasiddhis skanda the skanda of
visualizing Amoghasiddhi he is surrounded by volitional activity or tendencies of mind.
a sky of midnight blue. His element is air, and To meet Amoghasiddhi as I have
thus he has the power of the wind, both fierce presented him here, in such a brief and passing
and gentle, warming and cooling, a babys introduction as this, says almost nothing of
breath, a tree-breaker. His particular wisdom, the Amoghasiddhi who befriends you slowly,
as we have discovered, is the wisdom of all- and steadily becomes your inseparable guide.
accomplishing action. He is described as the You can continually find him in the night sky,
Buddha of the realization of the Bodhisattva in the wind, in the deep green of moss and
path, a Buddha of actions, actions perfected especially in your minds best aspirations.
and free of karmic consequences, actions
that are pure, crystallized, transparent. The
mantra of Amoghasiddhi is a simple and About Vidhuma
beautiful one (as I suppose all mantras are):
Vidhuma was
OM AMOGHASIDDHI AH HUM. To ordained in 1997,
see the words written is not to hear the sweet after having practiced
sounds as they move from your ear to saturate with the Aryaloka
your mind. Imagine the soughing of tall sangha since 1989.
evergreens against the stars of a clear and He became a mitra
moonless night. Add the rhythmic hum of in 1993. He realizes
waves sliding on the deserted evening beach, how extremely
and thenthe long reverberation of a cymbal fortunate he is to have met and studied
or bowl singing one low steady note. Imagine with many fine people during this time,
something like that. and he is deeply grateful. He usually
Amoghasiddhis color is the color of tries sincerely to put into practice all that
action, a deep and dark, lush and living green. he has learned from so many excellent
As you may have guessed from the mantra, teachers and friends.
the seed syllable is AH, the soft long
 VOLUME 7, ISSUE I VAJRA BELL PAGE 15

TARA ornaments formed from wish-granting gems. the benefit of all. She is the embodiment
Continued from Page 3 A pure white sash flows over her left shoulder of receptivity, fearlessness, and supreme
are at play.Taras mudra, her physical bodily and is tied loosely at her right hip. compassion that comes from wisdom. She
expression, symbolizes these qualities of all- Taras name is defined as star or planet. originates from a realm beyond space and
accomplishing action and wise receptivity. The more popular meaning comes from the time, from the far reaches of the infinite blue
She steps down with her right leg, ever ready verb form Tri meaning to cross, traverse, sky, yet she enters into the conditioned world
to help living beings help themselves, while or escape. So her name means she who without hesitation, fearlessly descending into
her left leg is drawn up as in meditation. This ferries across from suffering to liberation or the six realms of existence.Her compassionate
symbolizes the union of skillful means (upaya) she who saves beings from danger. energy can move in all directions without
and wisdom. Stephen Beyer writes that her Taras mantra, OM TARE TUTTARE obstruction or hindrance. Her seed syllable
two hands are the understanding of the two TURE SVAHA, has a progression of meanings TAM enters the hearts of her devotees and
truths: her right hand the conventional truth, representing the three stages of liberation. her mantra is recited by all living beings
her left hand the absolute truth. The right Tare represents moving from an unhappy, who glimpse her presence. When her mantra
hand expresses giving, open at her right knee worldly life to a happy, worldly life; Tuttare begins to circle around the TAM in my heart
and reaching out, and the left hand in a mudra represents being delivered from the worldly and my body begins to sense the green light
similar to that of Amoghasiddhi expresses life to a spiritual life in an individualistic that makes up her form, I find myself floating
fearlessness, but her thumb and ring finger sense; Ture represents moving from the path on a pale blue lotus of light. The Tara that I am
are joined, symbolizing the union of wisdom of individual salvation to the altruistic spiritual becoming is holding lotuses in different stages
and compassion, and the other three fingers life for the benefit of all. of opening, reminding me that beings are also
are straight representing the Three Jewels Taras beautiful form when visualized as a in all different stages of spiritual awakening.
Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. This is also meditation practice is situated in the midst of I breathe in the fragrance of the lotuses, which
called the utpala mudra. a deep blue sky, perhaps the sky of midnight. enhances the atmosphere of receptivity and
The utpala is a blue lotus that blooms The form itself is made of light and radiates devotion. Above her head are bodhisattvas
at night with the moonlight; it has a sweet light. Around Taras head is a deep red aura of wisdom and compassion to whom she
fragrance and long-lasting blossom. Tara and around her body is a blue aura of light. sends offerings on rainbow-colored light,
sits upon a disc of moonlight above a large Rays of rainbow light flow from the seed- while the bodhisattvas send down blessings
blue utpala lotus and holds at least three of syllable in her heart outward to all beings of white light that further illuminate the TAM
these lotuses - one fully opened, one partially in the six realms: the gods, the warriors, the in the heart. Simultaneously, she is sending
opened, and one as an unopened bud. These humans, the animals, the hungry ghosts, and out beacons of rainbow light to all beings
can symbolize the Buddhas of the three times the hell beings. Tara is known for being in all the six realms. When she enters into
or the stages of spiritual development. playful and may appear in unexpected places, those realms all the beings begin to chant her
A crown sits upon her head with five jewels particularly in forests and in trees or where mantra,and she can take in all the pain and
representing the Five Buddhas of the Mandala. there are rainbows. Sometimes I just sense suffering of the world without fear or anxiety
Red Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light her presence in my heart, especially when I or aversion or grasping. It all dissolves into
and Distinguishing Wisdom, sits in the center need her the most. the TAM and she sends out kind, gentle,
above her head. As a bodhisattva she wears In summary I will end with a mythic image soothing compassion to all the quarters of the
beautiful silks of rainbow colors and fine of Green Tara expressing her compassion for universe.

ONLINE IN-SITE
Continued from Page 5
and the inorganic coatings used to protect
the fruit from spoiling before reaching you.
All that wasted energy and environmental
pollution, when we have apples just down
the road! Multiply the effect of one apple on
the environment for each fruit and vegetable
you buy and your individual contribution to
global warming grows. Eating close to home
helps the local economy and makes it possible
for local farmers to make a decent living on
their own terms without having to sell their
goods to large conglomerates. This, in turn,
ensures that the regions farms will be more
protected from the need to sell their farms to
land developers, preserving open space and
working farms for New Hampshire to enjoy.
Finally, eating local is just better,
healthier and tastier. The produce is fresh
and consumers have more information
about where and how it is grown. With more
consumer knowledge and input, farms are
much less likely to make unhealthy decisions
about what goes into their product, because
they know their buyers personally. Shopping
at a farmers market teaches one to buy and
cook seasonally, the natural way. You may not
have fresh strawberries in the dead of winter,
but the food you purchase will have been
picked at the top of its growing cycle and will
therefore be much healthier - packed with
vitamins, minerals and flavor.
Seacoast Eat Local provides a searchable
database of local food producers, as well as
how to contact them and where to buy their
products. The sites calendar lists special
events and all of the farmers markets for the
Seacoast area, which are still going on even in
winter. They also have information on which
food pantries and soup kitchens accept fresh
foods as opposed to dry items.
The navigation of the website sometimes
leaves a bit to be desired, and at least in the
winter season it might need to be updated a
bit more, but overall there is a wealth of good
information. For anyone committed to eating
locally, its a great place to start.
 PAGE 16
Upcoming Events
(All events are subject to change. For the latest up-
to-date information, please call the office or check our
web site: http://www.aryaloka.org.)
(Akasaloka events are listed in italics)
JANUARY
22 Womens Mitra Class
25 Med. teacher training (class full)
26 Mens mitra class
28 Intro eves. begin (6 wks.), 7-9 p.m
29 Womens Mitra Class
31 Womens GFR day
FEBRUARY
1 Med. teacher training (class full)
2 Mens mitra class
4 Intro eve. class 7-9 p.m.
5 Womens Mitra Class
7 or 8 Parinirvana Day
8 Visit by Durham Comm. Church students
9 Mens mitra class
11 Intro eve. class
12 Womens Mitra Class
15 Mens day
Ongoing
Sangha Night at Aryaloka
Every Tuesday evening, 7:00-9:15 p.m.
Led by Amala and Khemavassika
Open to all who have attended an
introductory class at Aryaloka
Fee: Suggested donation $10 per class
No registration necessary
Typically, our Tuesday night activities include:
7:00 - Gathering, tea and announcements
7:15 - Meditation and shrine room activity
8:00 - Study, discussion or a talk on the evenings topic
9:15 - End
With all of the activities, you are free to participate or to
just sit and listen. Nothing is compulsory. If you have any
questions, please ask!
VAJRA BELL VOLUME 7, ISSUE I
16 Mens mitra class
18 Intro eve.class
19 Womens Mitra Class
20-22 Order-mitra practice retreat
- Viriyalila et. al.
23 Mens mitra class
25 Intro eve.class
26 Womens Mitra Class
27-29 Retreat on Viriya (open to all)- Devamitra
MARCH
2 Mens mitra class
4 Last intro eve. class
5 Womens Mitra Class
7 Mens day
8 Intro day (mindfulness)
9 Mens mitra class
12 Womens Mitra Class
12-15 Yoga and meditation
16 Mens mitra class
19 Womens Mitra Class
20 Shakespeare eve.
- Devamitra
UPCOMING
Continued on Page 14
Friday Night Puja
Friday evenings as scheduled. See the
Aryaloka web site for dates and locations.
7:00 p.m. meditation, followed by puja.
The rich devotional practice of meditation and puja is
shared most Friday nights by those who find devotion an
important part of their practice.
When we celebrate the Sevenfold Puja, which combines
faith and devotion with poetry and sometimes an element
of visual beauty, we find that our emotional energies are to
some extent refined. When this happens, it becomes possible
for the vision and insight of the higher thinking center to act
through these refined, sublimated emotional centers directly
on the moving center. In this way, the whole of life is com-
pletely transformed.
Sangharakshita ~ Ritual and Devotion