By Dallen Esselstrom

Dorje Ling sangha and board member

Sometimes the beginning of a Journey is the most difficult part (whether it's the actual trip or writing about the experience). In November, I traveled to Tashi Choling, south of Ashland, Oregon. There were many aspects of the trip I was familiar with, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the depth of devotion I felt while climbing the hills of the Colestin Valley.

This year I was able to attend the Varjrakilaya Retreat at Tashi Choling, our “Mother Ship” of Buddhist Centers outside Ashland, Oregon. I had heard stories of Tashi Choling from Jampal (like sleeping in the “mouse house”) and he once introduced me to Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche during a FaceTime call. Matthew also told me about the various projects he had done there and more stories about his long relationship with Gyatrul Rinpoche. Arriving in the early evening five days before the Varjrakilaya Retreat, Caleb and I traversed the curvy and windy Colestin road. During the ride I became aware of the beauty and solace the valley embraced and I knew this was going to be a special adventure.

During the five days before the Retreat, there were innumerable tasks to be completed. From washing windows, making embellishments for tormas, and collecting firewood for the Cottage (aka: mouse house) where Caleb and I were staying, I could sense there was something big building. Each day was filled with wonder and accomplishment as I washed dishes and put together tsok dishes. Throughout the fifteen days I could feel the sense of devotion becoming more present as I learned more about myself and the Triple Gems.

The gem that was most powerful for myself was the sangha. The importance of sangha on our dharma path is written about and taught by many teachers. Being at Tashi Choling for the first time it was incredible to experience that. Within the Colestin Valley I could feel the dharma present - in the wild turkeys and deer with Ani Baba as she completed her Protector Practice each day, and in the shared meals and dharma camaraderie of the sangha gathered together..