What Happened at the DMC Kasung Clan Gathering

Our Dorje Kasung Drala Home Grounds called us, challenged us and welcomed us back.

We practiced in our shrine space, on the parade ground, at the Kami Shrine, in the Stupa and everywhere else.

We kept everything simple and direct, and enjoyed the elemental wisdom practices of Encampment together. We allowed questions and conversations to naturally arise and air out.

Suncamp Warrior friends from DMC, joined us, practiced with us and supported us. Drala Mountain Center Director and Staff came up for a taste of encampment energy. We were blessed to host the cheerful visit of about twenty-five Suncamp Teenage warriors from Family Camp, making us feel younger, and inspired about our joined future, a feast of joyful tears and cheers. Kasung elders honored us with a visit, Blake Thompson and Steven Jewel, giving us the opportunity to honor our elders and acknowledge the passing of past comrades. And we were delighted to be invited to witness the Family Camp Rights of Passage. A complete Inter-Generational celebration.

A visceral sense of the Dorje Kasung Flag being planted again, together with the Dralas.

Poems:

It seems like a long time ago now, but it was less than 2 weeks ago that we returned to our sacred home ground.

We came war weary with memories of a brighter past and

Hopeful for a way forward through the uncertain future which lies ahead.

When we donned our uniforms they didn't quite fit and the pins were crooked.

When we met on the parade ground we had forgotten where our feet were.

We turned left and right and about sometimes together and

Sometimes we marched off in our own direction.

As we worked together in our sacred mandala the drip ran off like mud in a car wash.

By the end, we were bright and shiny and ready to return to the trenches.

We are so fortunate to have our warrior clan with all our eccentricities and our big, beautiful...hearts!

Thank you Rigdens, Dralas, Kami, and Protectors for your support and for offering the Ka to those who are willing to follow and lead and shout and cry.

And to my brothers and sisters thanks for all you are and for all you offer.

Love,

Renee Cowan

Sitting on the rocks by the Kami Shrine

Vastness adorned with khaki flowers.

Marching squads spanning decades of ages, inspired culture, radiant arising.

Watching the Rites of Passage through tear filled eyes,

Heart broken open.

Carry on, dear friends.

The uncharted future is inviting.

Many thanks to all of you.  May we meet again.

Jesse Miller

Saluting the open space adorned with the glistering Trident

Feet on this ground, smiling at not-knowing

Nothing is excluded

Lennart Krogoll

All photo credits: Martha Silverspring, Jesse Miller, Gordon Burgess

Yes, MPE 2026 Will Happen !