Lord kaldan gyastso teaching
O solitary meditators who hope to wander in isolated places, listen here to this song with a mind of delight. If you don’t communicate with yourself, then it is rare to find a true friend who will encourage you in this way. If you are inspired to retreat to a remote mountain—at the upper slopes of a
mountain concealed by misty clouds, where a glacial cave awaits you— if you can remain there, then happiness in this and the future will ensue. If you are inspired to retreat to a remote forest—in the midst of the densely growing groves of trees, a cool abode awaits you made of fresh forest leaves. If you
rely upon a place such as this, joyful delight will ensue. If you are inspired to retreat go to a remote snow mountain—somewhere on the slopes of the white snow, in a practice cave where you can remain in solitude alone—by relying upon a place such as this, then virtuous activities will increase. If you
are inspired to retreat to a remote highland plain—in the meadows of brilliantly blooming flowers, a delightful grassy green shelter awaits you. In a place such as this, there is true natural happiness. If you are inspired to retreat to a remote rocky mountain where vultures’ nests abound, with natural
astonishing caves marking its face—in a place such as this, awareness awakens. If you are inspired to retreat to a remote crag—in the midst of its colored strips and piles of sliding rocks, within a cave where there are no distractions—in a place such as this, one can accomplish whatever comes to mind. If
you are inspired to retreat to a glacier mountain area—below the sheets of shale, a stone structure where a simple beggar can stay awaits you. In a place such as this, there is natural freedom. If you are inspired to have a companion in these remote places—when you look at your friends who are the birds and
animals around there—in an instant, their sounds become pleasing and captivating. To rely on such friends is a source of great joy! If you are inspired to go to a remote lake, slapping waves washing its shores and waters that create gentle repetitive sounds—in a place such as this, there is constant delight!
If you aspire to partake of the food of isolation, the provisions are the nettles and fruits that grow here and there. When savored, their flavor is most delicious. To rely upon such vessels, how astonishing indeed! If you aspire to listen to this song of isolation, a song that benefits your stream of mind, then it is always necessary to keep these habits strong; for to rely upon a song such as this is a great marvel unto itself! So it is as taught.
The passage you provided seems to extol the virtues of solitude and the benefits of retreating to remote, natural settings for contemplation and meditation. It suggests various idyllic locations such as mountain slopes, forests, snowy peaks, highland plains, rocky mountains, and glacier areas as conducive environments for self-reflection and spiritual practice.
The author emphasizes the rarity of finding a true friend who encourages self-communication, suggesting that solitude can be a valuable companion. The poetic description of each retreat setting highlights the potential for joy, happiness, awareness, and natural freedom that can be experienced in these isolated places.
The passage also touches upon the idea of companionship with nature, considering birds and animals as friends in remote areas. It underscores the simplicity and joy derived from the sounds of nature, like waves washing shores and the repetitive sounds of water in a lake.
Additionally, the mention of sustenance from nettles and fruits in these remote places implies a reliance on the natural environment for basic needs, emphasizing a harmonious connection with nature.
Overall, the text encourages the reader to embrace solitude in various natural settings, portraying it as a source of joy, self-awareness, and spiritual fulfillment.
