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This year Rinpoche began his west coast tour in Seattle. Dharmakaya Seattle hosted three events, including a two-day city retreat called "How to Meditate" held on the 29th and 30th of December. The schedule included instruction on methods of practicing shamatha, guided meditations, discussion, question and answer, and vegetarian lunch, which gave us time to get to know each other a little better. About twenty people were able to attend, and it was nice to see both new and familiar faces.

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On the 2nd of January Rinpoche gave an evening lecture titled "Taming the Drunken Elephant". This ancient Indian metaphor for training the mind is a potent illustration for the steps in overcoming habit and delusion and achieving mindfulness and awareness.

"The Psychosomatic World: What It Takes Us to Know I" was the title of the lecture given on the 3rd of January. Rinpoche commented:

We have the experience that "I am here", an experience of a locus from which one sees the world, from which one experiences happiness or sorrow. It is undeniable. It does not rely on intellectual pursuits, it is instinct, inborn, innate.

Even animals have this experience. We feel the hollowness of it and try to indulge ourselves, try to create an identity of self.

The topic of this lecture was identifying and undoing the self-deception of "I". Around 30 people were able to attend each lecture, once again giving us the chance to make acquaintances and see friends.

One of the most exciting parts of Rinpoche's visit was the chance to stop in Portland for an additional teaching, hosted by Subashini Ganesan, whom we met at the two-day retreat and was interested in starting a group in Portland. Rinpoche gave an introduction to meditation there, and we wish them well as they begin to meet together.