Hi all, I thought I would finally put pen to paper and introduce myself after joining the order in early 2022. I didn’t go to Guhaloka or Padmaloka to receive my ordination, instead gratefully enjoying Mokshapriya’s beautiful cottage in North Wales where I spent a week with my private preceptor, Mahasraddha. We spent a lot of time looking at the beautiful scenery, had some great meditations (six elements in the howling wind!) and clambered up to the relics of Dardo Rinpoche. I say ‘clambered’ as I am walking wounded with Multiple Sclerosis.

Mahasraddha really made the ordination retreat. He was driver, chef, walking companion, Preceptor and friend. He gave the name Buddhasevaka, which means “servant of the Buddha“ and the Padmasambhava Sadhana, which I am growing into, I think. A couple of days after we got back, I was publicly ordained by Arthapriya at the Manchester Buddhist Centre. It was a lovely day.

During the week I live in accessible accommodation (which means wide door frames, level access and a wet room). It’s just down the road from my parents house in Stockport. At weekends, my partner Elaine and I spend time together in the house that we bought together near Rochdale. It’s a beautiful spot in the foothills of the Pennines.

I have three beautiful daughters, Caitlin, Emi and Molly. They live near to the house, in Shaw and I am intensely proud of them. Caitlin is a police officer in Oldham (which is probably the busiest job in the world!), Emi works as a product advisor for the cooperative group and Molly is currently sitting her GCSEs (university-bound no doubt). I see them as often as I can.

I facilitate sessions for the Buddhist Centre online on a Saturday morning and lead lunchtime meditations for the Manchester Buddhist Centre. I’m also involved with the fledgling Stockport Buddhist Group (set up by my friend Paranayaka.) I’m  grateful for the local order members who sometimes come round for baked potatoes and Dharma chat.

I got back from Padmaloka a few days ago, having gone there to spend some very precious time with my public preceptor. The retreat was entitled Guru Yoga- the Path to Liberation and was quite esoteric in nature! I love it there and find it spiritually enriching although physically quite tiring. I was helped by Upekshapriya this time though, which did  help lighten the load. I also met my newest friend Sajjana – who encouraged me to write this.

I’ll be at Adisthana next weekend to attend the MBC Sangha Retreat as I’ve been asked to lead a study group. I’ll travel down there with Buddhasamagama, Mahabodhi and Upekshapriya. It should be a good trip.

So I’ll go and light the barbecue now, for when Elaine gets back. We’re like ships that pass in the night at the moment! Goodbye for now.