First Words

Wow, I am one stubborn nun. Our temple has a long-standing New Year's Eve tradition, but for one reason or another I've never been able to make it. Last year I was absolutely sure I'd get there, but I wound up in the hospital and got released late New Year's Eve. This year, there was a winter storm alert for New Year's Eve-- icy, windy, freezing rain. A great night to stay out late and drive down rural roads with deer leaping out, right?

Right! I may be in rough shape physically, but I can sure find the strength to dig my heels in when I want something. And it totally worked.

At ten o'clock the sangha gathered to do the Guru Rinpoche practice called "Shower of Blessings." It's a beautiful practice and accumulates great merit that is then offered to all beings. 2009 was a tough year for me. One of the toughest I've had, actually. Spending the last couple hours of it chanting the pure syllables of the 7-Line Prayer was enough to bring tears of joy to my eyes. It was delicious. Surrounded by our beautiful sangha, the precious altars and thangkas, all the blessings the walls of the temple have seen, I inwardly expressed deep gratitude to Jetsunma for making it all possible.

When we finished the practice, we spent awhile meditating and contemplating aspirational prayers for the new year. We meditated in silence until midnight. Then the first words we spoke were our Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows.

Refuge Vow
I take Refuge in the Lama.
I take Refuge in the Buddha.
I take Refuge in the Dharma.
I take Reguge in the Sangha.
(3x)

Bodhisattva Vow
I dedicate myself to the liberation and salvation of all sentient beings. I offer my body, speech and mind in order to accomplish the purpose of all sentient beings. I will return in whatever form necessary, under extraordinary circumstances, to end suffering. Let me be born in time unpredictable, in places unknown, until all sentient beings are liberated from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Taking no thought for my comfort or safety, precious Lama (Buddha), make of me a pure and perfect instrument by which the end of suffering and death in all forms might be realized. Let me achieve perfect enlightenment for the sake of all beings. And then, by my hand and heart alone, may all beings achieve full enlightenment and perfect liberation.
~ Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

We lit candles and offered them on the altars while making silent aspirational prayers. I offered mine at the "Twenty One Taras" altar. Tara is the mother of all Buddhas. She is active and powerful. She hears the cries of all beings and responds instantly when called on. Jetsunma was recognized as the emanation of White Tara, so praying to Tara has a special significance for her students.


Everywhere in the world there is suffering. I prayed for Tara to bring swift comfort to those who need it-- for miraculous cure of all disease, for an end to hunger, poverty and conflicts great and small. I have confidence that Tara heard my prayers and that there is less suffering in the world today as a result.

It was the best New Year's Eve I ever had. I pray that yours was, as well.