Dearest Judith

[Richard]

I just heard of Judith's death from Bama.  Like you, I loved her and grieve.  I have forwarded an email I received from her after the Oakridge gala, in which she shared her review of a CD featuring a great Buddhist teacher.  Her thoughts were characteristically penetrating, poetic, and personal.  They now have merged with the timeless melody of the universe to echo the truth and beauty of a life humbly and graciously lived in every direction.  Love to you all, The Rev.

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Judith Allen <judith...@drake.edu>
Date: October 30, 2013 at 9:39:07 PM CDT
To: "richa...@gmail.com" <richa...@gmail.com>
Subject: So many thanks

Dear, dear Richard,

I am thinking of you many times each day while driving and listening to Pema Chodron on the CD you sent. The practices described there are deeply challenging to me. I've read a number of Pema's books though not all of them, and had not read this or heard this particular CD though I have read about charnel ground practice. I do think of death and dying of course, and it is harder to think about that some times relative to others. I thought the questions and answers were helpful along those lines. Thank you so very much for thinking of me and sending this powerful CD.

The small Drikung Kagyu Nunnery (Vajradakini Nunnery) in Vermont where I have done a number of retreats and spent time receiving teachings is directed by a former art professor (sculptor) at Maine College of Art, now Abbess of the Nunnery, named Khenmo Drolma. Khenmo lived at Gampo Abbey for a while - I think it was a couple of years - in order to learn and benefit from living there with Pema while also working with young people interested in Buddhism. Khenmo says she learned a great deal from her as one can imagine.

I had heard of charnel ground training and practices but never before incorporated them into my own practice. I can see the logic of how this could lead to a reduced anxiety around dying over time, though, as she says, one may be able to sustain vivid charnel ground images for only a few seconds at a time at first.

Was really so good to see you and visit together at the Oakridge fundraiser recently. I thought you looked great and, as always, talking together for some time was a deep pleasure for me (except was saddened to learn of some new movement in your illness).  I hope you are enjoying the beauty of the leaves and sky this fall.

Warmest regards,
judith  

[Marilyn Vaughan]

Thanks for sending her e-mail, Richard. The loss of Judy has been hard and sad for all of us. I also am a fan of Pema Chodron. Her book, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times, seems particularly apropos. I will reread it. Marilyn

Sent from my iPhone

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[Kathy Williams]

Hi all,

 

I too read “When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times” a fair number of years ago.  It was very good, and I’ll try to pull it out to re-read it, thinking of Judy when I do so.  What a gift she was to all of us.

 

Kathryn Williams

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