Ajari Tanaka's 2011 Vermont Visit

Our teacher, Ajari Jomyo Tanaka arrived in Vermont for his annual visit on the evening of Tuesday September 13th and stayed with us until his early departure on Thursday September 22nd. Besides the strongest contingent of local students participating in any visit, we also enjoyed the company of students from Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, Connecticut and Croatia.

During the first three days of his visit, Ajari lead evening meditation sessions for our sangha which were attended by eight to ten of his students and friends each night. These sessions were about an hour in length and focused on various recitation practices that include sutras, gatha, dharani and mantra that are fundamental to Shingon.

Also during this time Ajari Tanaka spent the days conducting special training sessions for some of his established students. On Saturday he visited our affiliate dojo in Brossard Quebec (Vajra Gym, outside of Montreal), again to conduct a special training session for a long time Canadian student. On Sunday he had a relaxing day off, taking a trip into the Vermont countryside to visit an old friend in Plainfield VT.

Ajari's visit culminated with a two and a half day retreat attended by fourteen students. The retreat consisted of a variety of Shingon's meditation and recitation practices as well as many inspiring talks by Ajari. An out-of-town student who is beginning their second year of practice and study received their Dharma Name right at the end of the retreat.

During the retreat Ajari Tanaka created an amazing practice environment and an inspiring experience for all who attended. We all left feeling we had experienced something really special and were deeply appreciative of our connection with this unique dharma teacher.

We at Mandala Vermont think we just might be the luckiest dharma students in the world. Our teacher is full of warmth and humor, is genuinely down to earth and incredibly generous with our training. We can sit next to him at dinner or tea and have a real discussion. When he leads practice, he challenges and inspires. He gets to know us directly and we get to know him. It is a rare thing in today's world and really quite amazing.

Before he departed for Tokyo, Ajari Tanaka committed to returning to Vermont in 2012. He will visit us around the same time, about the middle of next September. We invite you all to join us for Ajari's 2012 visit and experience his wonderful teaching and Shingon practice first hand.