In No Man's Land, Robert talks about an extraordinary day in September 1971, and reflects on the lasting impact the events of that day have had on his life.
Since Robert is someone that many practitioners knew in the 1970s and 80s, and since many of his dharma brothers and sisters may not have seen him for a number of years, we asked Robert to give us a quick update on his activities. Here's what he has to say.
My mother used to tell me to go to the local Hillel, meet a nice Jewish girl and get married. Finally, in 1981 when I was 37 and ready to become a monk, she gave up. She told me just to meet SOME girl and get married. Fortunately, I met a wonderful girl in 1982. Carol and I were married by Michael Root in Boulder in 1983 in an elegant ceremony he developed for us with Donna Holm. Carol has had some success encouraging me to live up to my vows. We moved from Boulder to Boston in 1986, where we both earned law degrees, and I trained as a mediator. After we left Boston in 1998, I became involved in real estate development, and Carol practiced law, specializing in employment law training. We later lived and worked in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia. In 2006 we moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where we now live and practice. We have a few casitas that we rent and we welcome visitors. Carol engages in legal training via webcast; and at 66 years of age I am working as a mediator of disputes and counselor for practical problems. The Buddhist perspective really helps, and I can work via telephone and video conference. I don't know what's going to happen next..
-Robert Merchasin
Next week:Never Give Up--Jim Lowrey's account of kasungship, the origins on Sun Camp, and Rinpoche's often repeated admonition to "Never give up."
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Wow! That is an incredible story! I am so appreciative for Robert sharing that with us!! Robert was one of the first people I worked with at Varjadhatu in the early eighties in Internal Affairs in Boulder. He kind of taught me how to answer the phone! The beginning of a long journey. I love this series of stories with Jim Lowrey, et al!! Thanks to Chronicles Radio!!!! {{{Monkey Chant}}}
Alma Carpenter
Theme music: Balinese Monkey Chants. Chogyam Trungpa very much enjoyed these traditional Balinese chants. They were sometimes used to wake up participants at Magyal Pomra Encampment.
