When I began my work as part of the leadership of Open Gate Sangha, I really had no idea what was in front of me. In our first meeting on my first day, Adya let me know that what was most important to him was that the organization mirror the teachings; that his and our integrity would always be central. He said, “I want you to let me know if I get off track.” And I said, “I hope you will do the same for me.”
And so it all began. Twenty-one years later, I am still learning what it means to have my life and the Dharma be one and the same.
In thinking about crafting my goodbye on the eve of my retirement, the words that come to mind are “full circle.” At the beginning of the pandemic we downsized and moved our office to a small space in an old mission style building in Santa Cruz. It so happens I was born in that building, as it was a hospital in 1947. A few weeks ago we packed up the office where I began life and ended my time with Open Gate Sangha. My part of the mission to “make the teachings of Adyashanti and Mukti available to all . . .” is complete.
Being in the presence of so much incredible teaching for all these years really can’t be described or appreciated enough. I feel like a riverbed; the water of awakening has washed over me and seeped in and beyond what I know as my “self.” There are so many words that bear repeating, but I decided to share one of the simplest yet most profound teachings that Adya gave to me in the first months of my work at Open Gate. In a meeting, I asked him how he had made decisions for the organization. He said, “I tend to look for what is obvious.” That is the rudder I have had in my hand ever since. Of course, what’s obvious does not always appear exactly when you want it to. Through the looking and waiting I have learned deep patience and trust. And humility, when everyone was looking at me for a decision and there just was no “obvious” coming my way. It helps to have a sense of humor in these situations.
So much has happened in twenty-one years, thousands of hours of teaching by Adya and Mukti in the form of retreats, online programs, and meetings. Upon reflection, there is very little that I can take credit for in all of this. Every memory is filled with . . . well, with all of you—teachers, board members, staff, volunteers, donors, everyone in the Sangha. It is certain that during this time, we have collectively made this world a bit brighter, more open, and deeply connected.
As Adya expressed upon his retirement, I leave you in good hands. I pass my part in the realm of leadership on to Mukti with full confidence in the continued flowering of awakening in all that she does. And I walk on with nothing but gratitude in my heart for all of you and for the great good grace of having had one of the best possible jobs on the planet.
Love,
Jerilyn
