Save Me A Lotus, Brother

Jetsunma’s oldest student – with her since North Carolina ’82 – is our beloved Yeshe Nyonpa, whose utterly suitable name means “Crazy Wisdom”. About 15 years ago, Yeshe contracted prostate cancer, and against all operable laws of the universe, somehow still breathes among us. But this may only be the case for a short while longer. He’s in the ICU at NIH and may be close to moving on. But with Yeshe, man, you never know.

Longtime DODR readers may recall my stints early last year as Yeshe’s caregiver while he received intensive therapy at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa, OK (the more bizarre among you will also recall this as the glorious time when I eagerly arose at 4AM to see the courtship display of the Greater Prairie-chicken). He was brought back from the brink then, but the cancer’s been in his bones a long time, and the treatments themselves are brutal on the body. The physical form can only take so much. At the end of the day, impermanence will always have its way.

Yeshe has been a darn good monk for 19 years. He will be the first of our ordained community to go. My beautiful robed sisters and brothers are maintaining a 24-hour prayer vigil at his bedside. Aching to be with them, I’m adding my feeble efforts from afar, but will dedicate my practice in the South Gobi (heading there in the morning) to his auspicious transition. Our fervent wish is for Yeshe to slip out of this worn body and take rebirth in the immaculate pure land of Buddha Amitabha, there to swiftly gain supreme realization in a fresh form, and then emanate into all corners of all realms in whatever way necessary to liberate those still wandering in confusion.

I invite you to join us in prayer for Yeshe, in whatever way feels right to you. And, being compassionate beings by nature, let’s extend and expand whatever prayers we make.

If we pray that Yeshe’s suffering be diminished and end, let’s pray that all sentient beings’ suffering diminishes and ends.

If we pray that he might be free finally from his cancerous form, let’s pray that all sentient beings be liberated from illness and that the conditions to cure the incurable arise, and that the conditions for the appearance of new diseases never arise.

Let’s pray for the skill of all doctors and the courage of all patients, two-footed or more.

Let’s pray that beings discover the cooling nectar of a virtuous life, as Yeshe did.

Let’s pray that Yeshe’s gentleness and delightfully eccentric good humor pervade the minds of beings.

Let’s pray that they embrace Yeshe’s devotion to pursuing the path of wisdom and compassion.

And let’s pray that the limitless field of Amitabha’s paradise be filled to overflowing with sweet-smelling lotus flowers, each supporting a sentient being emerging from the confusion and suffering of this world, certain of liberation in the blissful state of perfect awakening.

Om Ami Dewa Hrih
Om Ami Dewa Hrih
Om Ami Dewa Hrih

Comments

[Jinzang]

We should also remember Richard Eder, who was a long time member of KPC and recently died of prostate cancer.

Om Ami Dewa Hrih

[Konchog]

According to the intel I get, Richard's already there and waiting!

[dara]

What a beautiful post. I will send him your love and let him know about your retreat when I see him in the morning.

[Gonpo Yeshe]

Hey, Konchog. This is one beautiful post. Thanks for the direction on how to take concern for one person or a situation and expand it to address the condition of all sentient beings. Enjoy your trip! And, I am glad that your bird list is back... even trying to empathize! Peace, brother.

[Judy]

Amen, Brother Konchog, duly prayed.

[sisLaura]

Good methodist prayer circle will be ardent, if I know them. posted tonight.
Enough love to go around

[Ma]

Thank you son, for those beautiful words and thoughts, and although I was late reading your blog, I will faithfuly follow the prayers for Yeshe.