After returning from a transformative ten day vipassana course at Igatpuri in 2011, I spontaneously drew the above mandala which I have chosen to share in my first post.
At Dhammagiri, the vipassana centre, attached to the dhamma hall, are individual cells for meditation. Architecturally the roof of each cell is shaped like a lotus petal, the plan of the dhamma hall is circular, and the rows of cells rise in a mound towards the golden dome of the Pagoda. Even now I can hear the wind-bells of its finial gently tinkling in the breeze, the only sound heard in the noble silence maintained during the course.
For a while now I have meaning to have a site where I can share my art, my thought processes, sketches, etc. The last two years were busy on the home front with the birth of my daughter, Mila Norzom. As all parents of new born babies and toddlers know, having a child completely changes your life...for the better, all my creativity was channeled into supporting a new life and taking care of my family. But more on that in another post on my other blog Turquoise Dreams. This year I have finally picked up my brushes and art materials and I'm ready to expand my creativity :)
Returning to vipassana, Guru Purnima is on the 31st of July and there will a one day sitting at the Global Pagoda, Gorai, I won't be attending the one day course, I only make mention of it, as it is such an auspicious day to remember one's teachers, whether they taught you in school or in college or whether they are your spiritual guides, meditation teachers, all who have helped you along the way and to offer gratitude to them on this day. Just remembering my teachers, especially late S.N.Goenkji, the vipassana teacher and dearest Mrs.Sharda Sanghvi, Director of V.R.I (Vipassana Research Institute) whom we addressed as Sanghvi ma'm, it was she who convinced me to study Pali. She passed away quite unexpectedly and left a void in our hearts. It is quite extraordinary to think that she passed away during the midst of a long vipassana course! It is thanks to her that I joined the Pali diploma course at Somaiya. In the few years I knew her she touched my life and inspired me to learn Buddha's teachings while also growing in meditation.
Much metta, to all teachers on this occassion of Guru Purnima.
Love & light.
