Annual Maneuvers is a gathering where Dorje Kasung practice, train and have fun!

by: Timaree Bierle-Dodds

January 29 our main teachers Jai Crapella from Juneau, AK and Barbara Moffat from Vancouver BC arrived.

Dorje Kasung from Eugene, Salem, Portland, Seattle, Bellingham and Vancouver BC attended. The first night was the opening night of Mamos chants, so people from the sangha and general public joined in practice with Kasung. It was a great, rousing, protective, energetic practice and people seemed to depart the Shambhala Center with a greater lung capacity due to the brisk chanting!

The next two days were glorious with an elegant lhasang and chanting outdoors in front of the 1110 SE Adler Street building, drill out on SE Alder street with our caring Lance Corporal Bolton and mock training scenarios . Another electric mamos session — open to the public — greeted the dusk. Various Portland Shambhala Center Council members and senior teachers , joined the Kasung for Mess and Chinese food and Ms. Pleviak graced the dinner with her clowning skills. Story-telling, poetry, cheering, singing Canadian, USA, and Shambhala anthems encouraged everyone to listen carefully and laugh!

The gathering closed with Mr. Finley from Vancouver BC and Mr. Light and Ms. Nichols from Portland taking the Dorje Kasung Lifetime Oath. Ms. Pleviak and Mr. Cook from Portland stepped forward to proclaim their Dorje Kasung One Year Oath commitment.

 

Being on time and being late, working in two delightfully cooperative Squads — The Blue Heron and the Dot Squad– and eating great food were threads that wove a beautiful and colorful weekend tapestry. People faced various obstacles to attend the gathering and during the gathering itself. Everyone could count on one another to be supportive. Upon departure all seemed grateful for getting to know, practice and train with so many warm-hearted Kasung from the Kyung Dzong region. Thank you Portland Shambhala Center for opening your doors to host the gathering and to the wonderful sangha hosts who opened their homes. Cheerful Year of the Fire Monkey to all!