asunthatneversets wrote:It's unfortunate there was no webcast for this retreat...
This is ironic, because the only reason there was no webcast is because the internet at TM is rather shoddy due to its secluded location. Upgrading the internet to allow for live web-streaming is possible and may even be in consideration for the future, but it's a fairly in-depth process that would require a loooot of..... money.
And asking people to make donations to make the internet faster isn't exactly the easiest sell...
Slash I don't necessarily want a cell tower where I do retreat, do you?
The weekend was absolutely lovely. Rinpoche's 108 songs/dances were a lovely supplement to the Dugkarmo teachings. Nice to personally make a connection with the Dzogchen community, having encountered Rinpoche's teachings and done his practices via Lama Tsultrim, webcasts, etc., and being a student of Shang Shung's TTM school. It was quite wonderful.
Also, Rinpoche displayed an extremely touching act of generosity at the end of the retreat, which actually ties in to this whole thread. I have
never seen a Lama refuse dana. Ever. Nor do I ever expect them to. It solidifies the tendrel between the teacher and student, etc. But when Rinpoche was publicly handed the large envelope filled with all of the students' dana offerings and a couple of chocolate bars, he excitedly removed the chocolate bars and handed the envelope back, saying, "I don't need this. I need this chocolate! But I don't need this money. Maybe use this to help build some more cabins." There weren't many dry eyes in the house.