My journey into spirituality began at the ripe age of 13. Amid school obligations and the budding whispers of an artistic calling, Buddhism tiptoed into my life, quietly laying the groundwork for a transformation that would redefine my connection to the world.
At the age of 15, choosing to embrace vegetarianism was a subtle step along the winding path of renunciation. Little did I know then that this seemingly small choice would foreshadow a profound deepening of my spiritual journey. In the subsequent decades, my exploration would evolve into a full-blown renunciation of the worldly world when I eventually took the solemn vows of a nun. Reflecting on that pivotal moment at 15, it becomes clear that even in the simplicity of dietary choices, the seeds of a more profound transformation were sown—an early dance towards a life characterized by detachment and spiritual liberation.
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Picture it as a dance, much like the ones I used to enjoy on the stage. Opting for a vegetarian stint three weeks before Christmas might seem like a small shuffle, and I understand that it came a cross as a subtle rebellion against societal norms. Imagine me in the school cafeteria, surrounded by fellow quirks in dietary choices, facing curious glances and the persistent inquiry, “What’s up with you?”—a reminder of the challenge in making sense of diverse paths outside of the norm box.
Renunciation, as I came to understand it, isn’t an exit ticket from the world but an invitation to sway to a more authentic beat. Reflecting on those early years, the teachings of Buddhism resonate like the steps of a grounded dance. The wisdom of stepping back, once a looming concept, transformed into a graceful rhythm—a dance liberated from the weight of societal expectations, akin to the freedom felt in the rawness of the first draft of a choreography.
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In the earlier chapters of my life, dance was not only my passion, but a language for expressing the unified whole, an experimentation with storytelling beyond the dualistic dance of worldly pursuits. Today, as I navigate the unpredictable dance of life, the concept of the Sky Dancer (Dakini or Khandro) in Buddhism takes on an even deeper shade. In the tales of Buddhism, a Sky Dancer embodies wisdom and enlightened energy—a being who dances freely in the vast sky of awareness.
This dance, whether in the tangible or spiritual realms, mirrors the heart of renunciation. It’s a celebration of freedom—an invitation to embrace the unique rhythm of our own spiritual heartbeat. Much like a Sky Dancer effortlessly glides through the open sky, unencumbered and free, we too can dance through life authentically, choosing a path that leads to inner peace.
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Sharing my story is a gentle nudge for others to join this dance of discovery, and to embark on their own transformative journeys. The journey of renunciation isn’t a grand exit from life but a grounded dance toward once undivided capacity—an exploration of authenticity amid life’s twists and turns. May we all muster the courage to dance freely and authentically, celebrating the beauty of our unique rhythms and choosing a path that leads to liberation.
Yours truly,
Lama Chimey
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Lama Chimey 