It’s That Time of Year Again

All over the Northern Hemisphere through many cultures, this time of year signifies a shift in time and space. Some call it the “Thin Veil” indicating the suspension of division between realms; others call it “All Hollows.”  In ancient times, beginning  with the Druidic period in Ireland (5th century BC), the end of summer and Harvest was celebrated with bonfires and the renewal of light for the coming New Year. 

Given the "thinness of the veil" between the worlds of the living and the dead, it is a time that suggests divination (seeing into the future, dreaming, prophecy, and the occurrence of visions). In Mexico and parts of Latin America, "The Day of the Dead” honors those who have passed. 

As we enter this brief magical time, it is useful to consider the present moment of not only our own Tsegyalgar East Community in the continuity of past and future. So much energy and resources have gone into manifesting the vision of our Guide and Teacher Choegyal Namkhai Norbu worldwide. If we have challenges in the present, we must find a way to rekindle the fire of our ardor and create new solutions to carry us into the future both locally according to our own cultures but also globally in developing our international center, Dzamling Gar.

While we know that the  Dzogchen Teachings are not a tradition, the preservation of these Teachings in human society requires a perfect container for their continuity into the next generation.  Let’s all work together to create a harmonious community presence wherever we are--overflowing with a culture of generosity and mutual appreciation. Let us take care of each other with loving kindness in our big and lively family bursting with such talent and diversity so that we grow and prosper in this sorry kali yuga world of suffering and hardship. For we are mothers and fathers of the future generations of Dzogchen practitioners. 

Needless to say, there are may ways to manifest according to our interests and circumstances. For some it will be financial contributions; for others collaboration and karma yoga; still others practice and study. Spread the joy! Whatever course you choose, know that you are appreciated for all that you do and more. 


Samhain By Annie Finch
(The Celtic Halloween)

In the season leaves should love,
since it gives them leave to move
through the wind, towards the ground
they were watching while they hung,
legend says there is a seam
stitching darkness like a name.

Now when dying grasses veil
earth from the sky in one last pale
wave, as autumn dies to bring
winter back, and then the spring,
we who die ourselves can peel
back another kind of veil

that hangs among us like thick smoke.
Tonight at last I feel it shake.
I feel the nights stretching away
thousands long behind the days
till they reach the darkness where
all of me is ancestor.

I move my hand and feel a touch
move with me, and when I brush
my own mind across another,
I am with my mother's mother.
Sure as footsteps in my waiting
self, I find her, and she brings

arms that carry answers for me,
intimate, a waiting bounty.
"Carry me." She leaves this trail
through a shudder of the veil,
and leaves, like amber where she stays,
a gift for her perpetual gaze.

[Annie Finch, "Samhain" from Eve, published by Carnegie Mellon University Press. Copyright © 1997 by Annie Finch].  Reprinted from the  Poetry Foundation.

On a more personal note, for those of you not on Facebook, check out the Reiss/Mella family Halloween pics from Hawaii.

[Ati,Laila holding Veda, Goma and big bad woolf Joey]

Then there is Goma’s awesome rendition of Krishna, which according to her mother,  she herself thought of and then created. A true Indigo kid!