QUESTION
Dear Robina,
I have been following you as my root guru. I am seeing your guidance on how to purify my past karma from before I became a Buddhist and all that entails.
Love,
L
ANSWER
Most dear L:
I’m delighted to hear from you. And I’m so pleased the teachings are useful.
Tell me more about your practice and studies. I’m glad to help!
Love to you,
Robina
QUESTION
Thank you, Dear Robina, for getting back to me!
I think I should have paused before asking this question because the answer if I thought about it was the four opponent powers which I do every night.
I have a strong practice and I have been a Buddhist for decades.
My real question is how to carry forward as an elderly person. I have not been allowed to ordain because I am older and married but I wish to become a monastic either now or when I reincarnate. Is it wise to carry on and behave and practice the bodhisattva vows as if I were already a monastic and fully ordained?
It is very conservative where I live. Buddhist temples are not interested in older, white people who are interested in learning about Buddha nature.
So I am also looking for a teacher; can you recommend one or do you have time for an independent student?
I thank you, Ven. Robina, from the depth of my heart. I have been watching and listening to you for a very long time.
Love,
L
ANSWER
Dearest L:
I wonder why you think you’re too old to ordain? Have you seriously looked into it? It’s worth investigating! Have you looked at our Sangha’s website IMIsangha.org?
Ordination or not, the fact that you have a strong practice is fantastic: that’s what sustains us, for sure. I rejoice!
I’d be very happy to stay in touch with you!
Do you attend teachings online? That’s a good alternative for developing community: I’ve seen this worldwide: many people living in isolated places feel very connected now. And there are some excellent courses around.
Let me know your thoughts.
Love to you,
Robina
QUESTION
Good morning, Venerable Robina,
Where I live there are strict ordination ceilings set when it comes to age. I have looked into it and emailed the centers. Not allowed!
Maybe it is my “greed” that insists I get my way on this aspect and I greet that in my meditation daily for sure!
I have for many decades been watching and engaging in online teachings and so yes, I have taken classes online. I am enrolled in your future classes.
I have taken online vows and practice daily. “My hair is on fire” as the saying goes.
Thank you so much for your email. I will scour the website again and look for the part that pertains to where I am in my path.
I really appreciate all you are, dear Robina.
Love,
L
ANSWER
Keep me informed, L!
QUESTION
Dear Ven. Robina,
I have been absorbing the seminar you presented on “Love or Attachment,” and I am humbled to say the least!
I need to focus on what is in front of my eyes and not my greed and grasping. I hear now the “voice” of the email I sent you demanding a teacher and demanding guidance! This whole teaching series was amazing for me.
Now I must delve closer into my mind, delve into all the resources that are afforded to me, (your website, IMI, monasteries (even though they told me not to apply for ordination, that is okay), there is so much for me to apply myself to!
I really love and appreciate studying the mind and Buddhist psychology. My focus is there.
I appreciate you, Ven. Robina, and I am going to keep you in my prayers and keep you on my email list and visit your classes when I can.
Sending love,
L
ANSWER
You’re doing magnificently, L! I really think so!
And be totally satisfied with what you’re doing, with your practice, with your progress. As Lama Yeshe says, we have to practice being satisfied, being content. We have to think it!
Much love,
Robina