Drumming-web

Drumming for Rain!

Lotus line graphic

Join us this Sunday at 6:30pm to drum for rain! The drum circle will be at the Guru Rinpoche statue again. We will be chanting Tara mantra as we drum, praying for abundant rain to ease the drought. All are welcome!

Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and any drums you have – the more the merrier! If you don’t have any drums, there may be extra available. Either way, you can chant along with everyone.

The DC area is currently experiencing a moderate drought, with most of the region running around 4 to 6 inches below the average year-to-date rainfall. Many other regions of the world are also experiencing drought conditions. We will dedicate our prayers to bringing life-giving rain to all who need it!

For those who can come… a little etiquette for using other people’s drums – known in the drumming community, but not necessarily by everyone else:
1. Remove any rings or bracelets that could hit the drum heads. In general, be careful to avoid anything hard, scratching or poking into the drum heads, including other instruments.
2. Do not set anything on top of drums (except #3).
3. If it starts raining, like we want it to, quickly cover drums with garments, towels or a tarp.

See you there!

The Tara mantra is  OM  TARE  TUTTARE  TURE  SOHA (pronounced om tar-ray too-tar-ray too-ray so-ha).
21taras-ewam-fr

Tara is considered to be the mother of all the Buddhas, beloved for her swift compassionate activity that focuses on liberating beings from fear, anxiety, and danger. As a Bodhisattva, (and perhaps ahead of her time as a feminist) she made the vow that she would always return in female form to benefit sentient beings. In truth, she is the embodiment of our true nature, wisdom and compassion. Meditating on Tara helps us awaken to our innate Buddha nature and cultivate her virtuous qualities.

Although she comes in many forms, she is typically depicted with a beautiful appearance, smiling, and adorned with a crown. Her mantra is

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA