Bodhimandala Anniversary

Today is the 3-year anniversary of becoming the Abbot of Bodhimandala.

Bodhimandala is an ashram & retreat center in the Santa Cruz mountains which is surrounded my some of the most beautiful redwood trees in all the land.

I didn’t know quite what to expect when I first signed up to become the Abbot. I just know there was a strong dharma to it & I had the strong sense that it would take me to some unexpected & magical places. It delivered!

We had our first meditation on the front lawn in 2021. We were still deep into quarantine at the time, & so we could only safely meet outside. Time & space shifted a bit in that meditation. Ever since then – I’ve been on a wild cosmic ride.

Bodhimandala means “circle of awakening” & is understood to be a place where Bodhisattvas are known & people come to learn from them. We have 3 core values:

1. Be the CEO of your own mind
2. Be open
3. Be the living teachings

I am very grateful to every person & every turkey who has been a part of this wonderful experience. We live an uncommonly fine life.

Here is the email I sent the community to celebrate:

Hi Bomies,

As the clock strikes midnight on March 19th, we officially arrive on my 3-year anniversary as your Abbot.

I recently reviewed the original kickoff deck.  My how things have changed!

In particular – I loved seeing my original iChing reading that I rolled minutes after Ahjan’s announcement :).  No changing lines.  Just straight to lake over lake.  This has matched my experience these past three years.  What a gift.

Thank you to all of you who have contributed so much to make this program shine & become inspirations to the Sangha.  And thank you to my fellow co-Abbots along the way for giving it their all 

My first act of celebration was sending Ahjan his birthday video.  That seemed fitting. :D.

I very much look forward to your teachings on this Equinox transit & I love you all very much!

Sambhava
Bodhimandala Abbot