Thoughts from our retreat with Ajari Tanaka (v.2)

Not quite everybody that attended this years retreat as our part-time participants came and went before this picture was snapped. But as always, that's Ajari Tanaka in the center.

During each of his visits to Vermont since the year 2000, Ajari Tanaka has always conducted a retreat.  This year, our retreat was the two and a half days right at the end of his visit. During those days Ajari lead us in meditation and recitation, gave wonderful talks, conducted two fantastic Shomyo lessons and had his tuna sandwiches in the shade with us during lunch breaks.  There were never more that fifteen people in the room at any given time, so this event had a very intimate feel and that closeness with him, we cherish. In an attempt to capture this event we asked our sangha folks to write up something, anything about the retreat that struck them, anything that stuck with them.  The following are excerpts from their ruminations...

"Each yearly retreat is a mixture of Vajrayana meditation and chant, a gently delivered emphasis on sustained daily practice, and informal talks on virtually any aspect of Buddhism.  Stories from his exemplary personal life round out the message.  Yet, this teacher is approachable and down-to-earth.  Every participant has opportunity to talk one on one with him."  

This first passage is a really concise encapsulation of our retreat and how Ajari Tanaka conducts them from a long-time local student. 

Another student who comes to Shingon with a long history in the Tibetan tradition, had this thought:

"The Dharma. Very similar to my Drikung Kagyu Tibetan Vajrayana experience. A bit less formal. Not sure if it is naturally. Sometimes teachers alter the appearance, like Trungpa Rinpoche did, to reduce the attachments of our American minds."

Next are the first impressions of a relatively new student of Shingon who came to the training with a long history and deep experience in other forms of Japanese Dharma, Yoga as well as having recently become a first time father.

"This was the first retreat for me with Ajari Tanaka. I've heard a lot about him from the beginning of my study at Mandala Vermont, and I was excited to actually meet him and learn from him. To me, he is very approachable and took interest in my life. We had a common bond of living in NYC. We weren't there at the same time, but we shared similar stomping grounds. I felt like I could be myself with him. He brought clarity, instruction, support, encouragement, and newness to my study and practice."

Similarly, another student writes:

"Ajari Tanaka. Warm, wise, insightful. Approachable and interested in knowing us personally."

From our NYC student, here is a compelling description of a very personal experience that arose in meditation:

"During one of the meditations, I had a thought, a vision, a question. Why am I doing this? What came to me is that I have a desire to learn, a desire to learn about myself, a desire to better my relationships. When that thought came and went, in came I'm doing this for my partner and son. I'm doing this for them because I want to be a better partner and a better father. I want to be a better person. I want to wake up and realize and actualize me. I went out of the picture for a moment during that meditation and my partner and son came in, and it was beautiful. I was so thankful for my health and for having them as my family in my life. I learned something about myself at the retreat. I have Ajari Tanaka and the sangha to thank for that."

Wow. That might be as good as it get...

"When we practiced together, the chanting sounded smooth and beautiful, and the meditations were quiet and powerful. Ajari conducted his teaching in a structured way – we went through our basic text, he would lead us in a practice, and then he would offer explanations of the practice. I really enjoyed this format of teaching, and it left me with a much deeper understanding of things I’d been doing for years." 

That is from another local student, who has been training for a good, long time. Elaborating below, this same student adds some really interesting specifics about Ajari's teaching style: 

"First, he would explain the core mechanics of a meditation or a recitation – in a simple, accessible way. His instructions powerfully illuminated how we should work with body, speech, and mind to help the practice have maximum impact. I had heard some of the technical details before, but the repetition deepened my understanding immensely. Many other pieces of information were entirely new to me. I found it especially helpful when he talked about how a technique might apply to navigating the realms of work, home, and relationship. Because Shingon can be so opaque, his pragmatism was extremely refreshing."

Here are some interesting remarks on the experience of practicing with Ajari Tanaka:

"I also had a distinct experience of Ajari transmitting essential wisdom about the practice in a non-conceptual way. It seemed like simply meditating with him allowed us to connect with the tranquility and strength of his mind..." 

Another student had this response to practice with Ajari:

"A mystical transformation happens every time one practices Dharma. It always feels amplified when practicing with an accomplished teacher. My experience with Ajari was no exception."

And some insight into a really unique aspect of Ajari's interaction with our sangha... 

"...many people in the room lit up when he shared these stories about his adventures, his friendships, and practicing dharma in ordinary life. His stories continued throughout our time together, and the line between formal teaching and informal conversation vanished as the weekend came to its fruition..."

Here are some thoughts on how our retreats linger even after they are over...

"I come out of each retreat feeling renewed in my practice, and overflowing with compassion, regardless of whether I go in with my practice in good shape or in a shambles.  I skipped a few years, and I'm now looking at that choice and wondering what I was thinking, or more precisely why I was thinking it.  I feel improbably fortunate to live here at the epicenter of Ajari's western experiment."

And finally, here's a couple of students already looking forward to next time...

"His instructions and example are inspiring. I look forward to his visit next year."

"I'm definitely coming back next year for the next retreat with Ajari Tanaka..." 

And so is Ajari Tanaka.  During our retreat Ajari reiterated his commitment to return to Vermont in September of 2018.  So mark you calendar so you can be part of it too...jim