Dear Dakini’s Whisper Members, Friends, and Supporters,

Just a week ago the Coronavirus was a dark – but very distant – a cloud on the horizon. Now it is impacting many of our members' lives in a radical way. Europe is closing down and is facing its greatest challenge in generations, since World War II. 

There is now a sudden shift to going online: in the business world, but also for many Buddhist groups. For us, that shift is not sudden and does not impact our activities very much – with the notable exception of the empowerments that were planned to be given in person in Washington DC this April.

But what happens to us in times such as this? How do we react when we are suddenly confronted by rapid change and health threatened on a massive scale? Where do we place our trust? While these questions are taking on a new immediacy in this situation, they are perennial and at the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, the essence of The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma. 

Taking care of ourselves and our loved ones, turning our hearts to the suffering in the world, recognizing the limitations of the material world, and managing our minds is suddenly easy to appreciate – almost spontaneous. 

As difficult, painful, and challenging as this situation is, it is absolutely part of the spectrum of challenges that Chöd and Machik's approach to practice encompasses. There is a long and most powerful tradition of using Chöd to counteract epidemics. For we students, it means we don't have to invoke fear or demons to the cushion of practice – they are already here within us, in our everyday life. Thus, the common challenge of keeping the practice alive and relevant off-the cushion is an ever-present reality in our current circumstances.

Now is the time to draw upon Dharma to sustain us. 

Now is the time to deepen the practices that our dear teacher is sharing with us. 

Now is the time to rely upon our teachers when we need guidance. 

Now is the time to connect, to support each other, to share what we are going through and what we feel. 

The time has always been, and always will be, now but life is presently providing us with a reminder that cannot be ignored. Chöd is said to be a steep, but swift, path. Let’s take this most challenging situation onto our path. 

Take care, stay safe, and reach out if there is anything we can do. We look forward to connecting and sharing in the coming weeks and months when we get together online. Please join us for the upcoming sessions specially tailored to respond to our current challenge.

- Restorative Subtle Body Series - 3 Saturdays, March 21, 28 & April 4

- Rito Loma Gyonma Tara Practice & Mantra Counting - 2 Tuesdays, March 24, 31

- Cho Practice Dedicated to the Pandemic - Sunday, March 22

- ONLINE Cho Empowerment and Dakinis Weekend - Friday - Sunday, April 24 - 26

With much love, 

The DW Team