Independence Day -- Updated

I know at least our American readership is probably baking on the beach, grilling up burgers, or getting ready to accidentally set the roof on fire with an errant bottle rocket, but today seemed as good a day as any to issue the following announcement: this will be the last post on Dreaming of Danzan Ravjaa.

When I began this blog back in February of 2005, it was meant as a personal adjunct to my deployment in Mongolia to serve Kunzang Palyul Choling’s Mongolian Buddhism Revival Project. It was not an official organ of KPC, but rather a way of sharing my impressions, discoveries, and images from a fascinating land that many will probably never visit in their lifetimes.  While I feel that under different conditions much more could have been accomplished in our partnership with the Mongolian Buddhists, still I have a sense of satisfaction that true benefit was generated in a number of ways: sponsoring many young Mongolians to travel to India for deeper Buddhist training; printing and offering the only complete set of the Nyingma scriptures that exists in Mongolia; translating and offering instruction on basic chanting, meditation and visualization practices within our tradition; offering teachings to lay Mongolian Buddhists from Patrul Rinpoche’s The Words of My Perfect Teacher and then underwriting the printing of the very first translation of this classic text into modern Mongolian; building a teaching throne to offer for the new temple being built at Danzan Ravjaa’s Khamar Monastery in the East Gobi Desert; facilitating the first Mongolian translation of Longchenpa’s chod text, “The Bellowing Laughter of the Dakinis”; rendering timely assistance to several individuals in need; rescuing a handful street dogs and cats, two of whom now enjoy a very posh life in America; and many other minor efforts along the way.

But now the institutional relationship which made this work in Mongolia possible has dissolved and I find I must seek a somewhat different way as a monk within the broader universe of my Palyul lineage. On July 10 I will join Palyul’s annual 30-day summer retreat in New York State, at which time I will clarify the next phase of my dharma life. I hope one day it includes a return to Mongolia; I really did love my time there and feel strongly there is much more beneficial work that can be done. More than that, though, I really hope that pure lamas upholding any dharma lineage will turn their minds to Mongolia and travel there to bring to life latent practice traditions, and enhance the Buddhist education of the Mongolian laity.

I will leave DODR’s comments open until the morning of July 9, after which they’ll be closed for good. Because Typepad’s annual fee was recently paid, the blog and all its archived posts will remain live until May, 2010. At that time, as with all compounded phenomena, Dreaming of Danzan Ravjaa will dissolve into the primordial space from which it arose. This is, after all, what dreams do, do they not?

I want to offer the gratitude of my heart to all of you who unstintingly offered your support, whether it was material, personal or prayerful; those who amused, provoked, and educated us with your comments; the lurkers who simply enjoyed what was offered here; and, most of all, the love and hospitality of my Mongolian brothers and sisters. May all our minds be liberated within the one pristine mandala of wisdom and compassion!

Update: Well, look at that. I can't even resign without getting upstaged by that half-term governor from Alaska. Nonetheless, as I close the comments this morning and head off to gaze at my navel for a month, please let me thank all of you who left such lovely messages here and privately (Gail, the very last one, you nearly made me cry). I have found again and again that when we try to do good, no matter how artlessly, our efforts positively impact others in ways we could not have anticipated and sometimes may never know. The obvious lesson? Do good always, no matter what.

All of you have been a great comfort in my time of transition, and I've enjoyed so much sharing this improbable journey with you. And who knows? We may meet again in the future in ways we could not have anticipated. I certainly hope so. Until then, stay well, be kind to critters (even the creepy ones), love others (even the creepy ones), and let's work together in the gorgeous task of true, inner liberation.

Comments

[Carol of Seattle]

Konchog,
Let me be the first of many to say that I have loved reading DODR over the years, not only for your insights into life in Mongolia, but also for your point of view on the world. I wish you the best in your future endeavors, and would be happy to see you any time you wander out to the west coast.

[Senge]

Thank you Konchog, your posts have been inspirational, informative and amusing. I am so saddened that your Mongolian adventure can not continue at this time, what with the politics and economy of the time, impermanence eh! Have a great retreat, should be exceptional this year.

Take care Your Vajra Brother Senge

[Egil Lothe]

Dear Konchog,

I have read your blog for several years now. I also got the opportunity to meet you in UB in early June last year which I really appreciated. I have enjoyed reading about your thoughts and observations about Mongolian life. I am really sorry that it was not possible to continue your work in Mongolia. I hope I might meet you again sometime and also hear more about your thoughts about the future of the Dharma in this country.

Wishing you all the best for the future.

Yours in the Dharma.

Egil Lothe
Norway

[Christian]

Not only dreams, but ultimately all things.

I didn't discover your blog until well after I myself had left Mongolia, but I have enjoyed quite a bit reading it over these last few months.

I wish you the best of luck for whatever's next for you in this life, and those subsequent.

Happy Independence Day to you too!

[Jim]

Thanks for everything.
From another American in Mongolia...

[Shannon]

Your words will be missed.
Be well, and good luck to you.

[Monique]

Dear Konchog,

Merely echoing the heartfelt sentiments posted here to say wonderful it was that you were able to share your work and insights into the Buddhism revival project in Mongolia. Had it not been for your blog, I never would have known about the good works there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share so much with us out here in the ether of cyberspace. I pray fervently that the pure nectar blessings of HH Penor Rinpoche continue to help you, and all sentient beings, along the dharma path.

Sarva Mangalam!
Monique

[Lama Kunzang]

I am with the commenter who enjoyed, not only your info about Mongolia, but your own points of view on various topics, Dharmic and worldly. I would hope that you would begin another, post DODR, blog as a vehicle for your ongoing comments on the mysteries and vagaries of life. May your Dharma future be clarified in Retreat, where I look forward to seeing you again in person.

[Kay in Albuquerque]

Thank you for letting all of us out here in Ethernet Land be part of your teaching and thinking and observing the world around you. You have given us Mongolia, pieces of it anyway, in wise words and astonishingly lovely photos. You have touched many of us in ways that you will probably never know. How else would I ever have found out that my local post office station had never sent anything to Mongolia before ("You're sending COFFEE to Mongolia?")? I will miss you very much. Reaching out, the way you have done in DODR, will probably continue to be something you feel impelled to do, so I am looking forward to finding out whatever it is you do next. When you get blogging again, tell your Cuzzin Ryan to put the info in her blog so I can catch up with you (that's how I found you in the first place). Meanwhile, peace and many blessings to you, and love from people you have never met...

[June Calender]

I shall miss this blog very much. I've been mostly a silent reader, one who did visit Mongolia and loved it but who is not a Buddhist although very much impressed with both your work and the rebirth of the traditions after the years of Communism. You write very well, and I was grateful for the sense of humor, the personal asides and the links you supplied because I am very interested in the plight of the Buddhists in Tibet.

Thank you also for your interest in the women as well as the men with monastic aspirations. And thank you for the wonderful photos. Are you aware that it's possible to have a blog's contents produced in book format? I suspect it's pricy but much about your blog is historic and it will be sad if it dissolves into the virtual reality ... yes, I know about the impermanence of all but I also respect history.

Best wish in whatever path you follow in the future.

[Northmoon]

Konchog

I'm saddened that you are ending this blog now that your work in Mongolia cannot be continued. Your observations on life have been fascinating especially your words and photos of the amazing people involved in the revival of Mongolian Buddhism.

Thank you for sharing your compassion, wisdom and sense of humour with us. I second Kay's request that if you decide to start another blog, please let the knitters know.

I wish you every success in your new Path.

Travel well.

Northmoon

PS all the best to the cats too! Hope you are soon reunited.

[caroline]

de-lurking to echo the sentiments of all those above. Konchog, I have always enjoyed your 'voice', perspective and dedication to your life path and to the benefit of all beings. I hope you will consider blogging again from wherever your path takes you. I also found you via Cuzzin Ryan so please do ask her to keep us informed. All best wishes to you now and always. namaste.

[Dolgor]

Dear Konchog,

We miss you in Mongolia! I enjoyed reading your blog...and now wonder if you will start a new one... :")

Take care and please give a big hug to Mooj and Nita on my behalf when you see them!

[MacKensie]

Hi, I'm one of the "lurkers" who have been enjoying your blog. Best of luck wherever the future brings you!

[Marie]

I'm thankful that I came across your blog (and email link) when I did. Checking your blog daily has become such a habit in the past six weeks. Hopefully in the very near future you will find yourself authoring a new blog, even if it's just to keep us informed of the American Adventures of Mooji and Nita!! Enjoy your retreat..

[Tana]

God speed you in all ways!

Please heed all these comments and return soon in bright new bloggarb (lol) to the community of friends that has gathered around you and will sorely miss reading about your world view, insights, warmth, teachings, humor, and birdie-obsessed brain.

All my love and a big hug,
Tana

[Beaweezil]

Travel safely. Love and Light.

[Ariel Wyckoff]

Konchog,

Your blog will surely be missed! It has affected me greatly.
And through it I have found not only a way to be in Mongolia without actually being there, but the sangha here in the DC area. You're postings have also led me to think about various Budddhist insights, to to read certain books, to find out who Danzan Ravjaa was and why he was so important, and it's helped me find ways to improve myself through meditation and chanting.

Good luck with all future efforts my friend!

-Ariel
Friends of Mongolia

[Marianne Solome]

Your blog has been an invaluable and witty resource about Mongolia and Mongolian Buddhism. Best wishes on your new inner journeys. For your blog fans that will miss hearing your visits to Mongolian artist Soyolmaa and seeing her work, a new video has been released on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY40fk5nTp4

[Rinchen Gyatso]

Konchog-la,

I lurked more than anything, but I've really enjoyed your blog. If you find yourself setting out on a new adventure, I hope you'll start blogging again. Email when you can and let me (and everyone else) know what you settle into in the coming months.

[Gordon]

Konchog,
Thank you for writing a wonderful and inspiring blog. Over the past year I have enjoyed reading of your adventures from a far away land, the wonders of hidden treasures, the best coffee, learning about different bird species, as well as so many other things. I have also treasured the amazing Dharma stories which you provided. It is sad to such great writing disappear but such is the nature of impermanence. I wish you the best in your new adventures and hope that they inspire you to one day return to the blog world and share once again.

Look forward to seeing you at retreat,
Gordon

[tayloe]

I will miss your writing,your birding,and of course the cats! Take care and best wishes for a happy life. Thanks.

[Cuzzin Ryan]

Drat.

[Joan in Reno]

I second Ryan. I have enjoyed your view of life and cats, birds, etc. I have only lurked in the past and hope Ryan will let us know when you start a new blog.

[Charlotte]

I'll miss reading your blog. Best wishes.

[Christine]

Just a note to thank you for your blog -- I have enjoyed your writing very much, and hope to read further dispatches from new adventures!
Many thanks,
Christine (another lurker)

[Robert]

Dear Konchog,

I wish you well. I have enjoyed your blog and your touching my life. I hope that what every comes next is rewarding and leads to enlightenment.

[Kristen]

We'll miss you. May your further travels with your beloved felines bring you peace and joy.

[DSturges]

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for all of us. You have been a wonderful example and friend. I especially liked your bent for saving animals - who seemed to save you as well. Safe travels!

[Annie]

Hi Konchog,

Thank you for sharing so much with all of us. What a truly wonderful gift.

All the best -- Annie

[Gail]

How I will miss this blog.

There have been so many late nights when I can't sleep, when I've visited Mongolia through your blog.

I've used your blog as a comforting blanket, while my mother is dying in hospice, while everything about life and death is so difficult and confusing. I've visited your blog, and though I didn't and don't understand all you have to share about Buddhist ancestry and Mongolian history, I've found comfort and peace and release.

This blog has enriched my life. I will miss it. Thank you for all you have offered. I will miss it so much.