My place and Yours....'Your Secret Weapon'

My shrine

This week lovely Pip is hosting another My Place and Yours theme. I missed last weeks - drats! - but took some time out this evening to release my secret weapon...ha ha. Thank you mybricole!


Tara, offering bowls, incense



I don't know whether I would describe my love and faith of Tibetan Buddhism as a secret weapon (being a pacifist and all - yep, don't even kill ants...or at least I try not to!) but I do call it one of my primary strengths. I came across spirituality when I was 17 when I hit some hard parts in life - I danced around a few interesting pathways before coming across Tibetan Buddhism. As soon as I started reading about it I felt like I was home.


Gau

Tibetan Buddhism is the very foundation I am built on now - and I am 36 years old. I don't practice daily, haven't taken refuge, but I do try and live my life in the Buddhist way. I have my shrine near the entrance of my house - not only so I can see it constantly, but so our family, friends and guests are welcomed by it, as well. I have collected bits and pieces over the years and love my shrine - although, I have to admit I don't clean it as much as I should! But I do offerings of coins, water and food (not enough, though) in the hope that those who need sustenance around the world get sustenance and those who are in dire need of financial help get it. The food is for people or Bodhisattvas who may be hungry...



I was very lucky to be a member of Drol Kar Buddhist Centre in Geelong when His Holiness The Dalai Lama visited in May 2002. I was within 20m of this wonderful man - it truly brought tears to my eyes to see him. This photo was taken of him blessing Geshe Sonam's shrine on the day - the giant Buddha you see behind him was blessed. My entire lifelong collection of crystals (precious and semi precious) was put in the Buddha as an offering. I love the photo :)



I have to consistently remind myself to be the best I am - if I lose my way, I always return to the sanctuary of Buddhism. I pray to Tara, the female Buddha, as, in her, I am most at rest. Green Tara, specifically. When I am stressed it is her I turn to for silence and rest. The round Gau in the pic above is a portable shrine and prayer box, should I want to take the Buddha with me when I leave home...



I wouldn't be the person I am today without Tibetan Buddhism. I hope you have liked seeing a part of me rarely known outside my family and friends. To Tibetan Buddhists my shrine may not be as it should (especially with all of the Buddhas everywhere!) but it has grown with me over the past 17 years and has become a part of my family.

The reason why I say this is my secret weapon? Well - Buddhism taught me the power of compassion, the truth about wanting and needing and about acceptance (and a billion other things). I live my life with these in mind everyday and I have to say, I truly love my life. I am grateful for so much - without this secret weapon I don't know whether my own life would have been this good...