Vajrasattva Retreat 2005:

On 5 January 2005, a three-month Vajrasattva Retreat was held at Sravasti Abbey. During the retreat, each morning the participants took turns leading their fellow retreatants in cultivating a good motivation for their meditation that day. You may want to read one of these motivations each morning to inspire your practice

Motivations by Susan - Mar 31, 2005

When asked by Kevin and Nanc if I would like to give the motivation for this evening, I was very touched and continue to be deeply touched by your way of clearly showing me that I am part of this retreat.

When Nanc asked through note and through her words of reassurance. I did not answer right away. I am very slowly remembering this lesson of needing just to be with what has just occurred to be able to answer with a response/action from my heart, not so much from my initial reaction of attraction or aversion to what just occurred. Guess what I did say yes.

What to say, I am not sure. As I went into Newport to do shopping, my question of what to say was with me. As I drove back 1 ½ hour later than my intention when leaving, I again was with what to say. I asked myself what motivates me to practice? I am very motivated to become as kind, caring, open as I can be, and Buddhism touched me, showing me what is possible

Yes, I am motivated by my belief that human consciousness is evolving and would like to contribute in a positive way to this evolution of our species. Ok, I am getting in my head, yet, thank you. This is the first time I have shared this in such a conscious way to myself.

You are also the first to hear I now understand the bodhisattva way is my path. Not sure what that all means, but I am very grateful for my precious human birth with all that has meant specifically in my life including my major car accident of 6 years ago.

And in our session this evening-let us hold all those personally dear and those presently suffering.