Amanda Turner
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Hello, fellow seekers! My name is Amanda Turner. I live in Hastings, Nebraska (south central part of the state). My Buddhism journey began last year. A friend (who began a Shambhala path about 10 years ago) and I spent the day at the Drala Mountain Center in Colorado, and I grabbed a few books while there, including Start Here Now (by the one and only Susan Piver!). The next day we went to an Intro to Meditation class at the Boulder Shambhala Center. I have been on a path of understanding without making real commitment. Since that weekend, I have been seeking. I keep trying to put away my disgust with the lineage holders of that path. And yet, so many find the teachings of these lineage holders to be a profound path to enlightenment. So, I continue to seek, let in what feels safe. I see that many of you have been on the Shambhala path. Maybe I will get to know some of you and can ask some questions!
Jake, fellow 4 here! And Susan, I have given away three copies of The Buddhist Enneagram so far!I loved ” On the left are all the people I love. Somedays the whole world and other days just a dog :).” This made me smile. As my thirteen year old daughter would say “Hashtag Relatable!”
I also deeply feel the desire for fellowship. And have known the sting of disappointment, sadness, betrayal in faith communities. I hope for you, and for me, and for all of us, that we find what need in our lives in the area of fellowship.I am so curious to learn more about “fourth site” now! Thank you for bringing this into my awareness.
I have really enjoyed the process of creating a shrine. I have a candle warmer creating soft light and melting a candle called “The Heroine.” I have a set of small statues representing the Four Noble Truths. There is also a pair of Offering Hands carved from a beautiful wood. What I love about the position of the offering hands is that they are in the same position as if they were receiving. Given our guidance of beginning each meditation with our offerings and asking for blessing, I feel really connected to this object and where my mind/heart goes when I look at it. Lastly, there is a small metal statue of a mother sitting on a park bench reading a book to two children.
Confession: I really enjoyed making this shrine and look forward to documenting how it evolves over my lifetime. The other thing I enjoyed about making the shrine was that it got me out of having to answer the question about lineage. This is currently a vulnerable spot for me. This week, I asked for the blessing/guidance from the trees and the birds, the spirit of the Mother of All Living Things (I don’t have a name for this spirit, I am open to conversation about what to call this spirit. Tara? I need to learn more…), and from Susan. I have so much to learn, and I do not yet know if my path includes Shambhala . My understanding is still so limited; I must be patient. I have so many questions, am seeking clarity.
