Graduation 2007

BACHELOR OF ARTS STUDENT SPEAKER
Lauren Trojanowski, Visual Arts
May 12, 2007

Writing this speech was difficult because I’ve learned a lot at Naropa, and I can’t begin to tell you about it in a linear way.  That would not be accurate or completely honor my time at Naropa. 

In trying to contextualize what I am talking about, I will begin with a piece of teaching from Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma is credited with the founding of Chan Buddhism, which then became Zen. This is relevant to me because I am a Zen student. 

Unless you see your nature all this talk about cause and effect is nonsense. Buddhas don't practice nonsense.

At Naropa we learn how to see our nature.  Knowing your nature is actually the same as following your heart. 

I am interested in what happens within a human being in the state of facing the utterly awesome unknown.

We are playthings of the divine. We as human beings become like children, curious.  I turn this situation into a form of play, an opportunity to develop a sense of humor about this ridiculously absurd situation of being a human.  The big, overwhelming, metaphysical confronts me: the nature of our existence as beings who may or may not have free will and who are ultimately and always faced with uncertainty, unknown, and lack of control over circumstances. The questions are often more workable between two hearts. We are at the mercy of ourselves and the child who will inevitably pull at and destroy us. 

We do not exist alone, while we may be autonomous.  The important thing to remember is that nothing exists in a vacuum, in its own private context.  This fact is in contradiction to the personal paradox of loneliness.  We are totally, deeply interconnected. 

We cannot know who will touch us, who will move us.  We cannot communicate outside their means and limitations—but miraculously do.  One of the biggest things that Naropa has taught me is that I am innocent.  We get to be innocent and curious about each other and what we care about. 

Now have the people look at each other for one min.

The mind's capacity is limitless, and its manifestations are inexhaustible. Seeing forms with your eyes, hearing sounds with your ears, smelling odors with your nose, tasting flavors with your tongue, every movement or state is all your mind. At every moment, where language can't go, that's your mind.  (Bodhidharma)

I hope your time at Naropa has been rich, has been the best time of your life.  Do not stop living here.  We are blessed with the privilege of deciding what to create.  Naropa has taught me how to approach the blank canvas of the unknown and the future with curiosity and reverence.  

I end with the blessing and reminder that we cannot completely see or understand everything we give.  We must trust that our intention and our genius will translate our vision, teach and uplift.  On my last day of Buddhist Meditation class we all had to present a final understanding of the Mahamudra, which is the original teaching received by the historical Naropa.

Wendy Levin, our TA reminded us: You really can trust your brilliance and wisdom.  And to that I add your heart.  “Follow your heart” has become something of a cliché because it is not always an easy thing to do.  But Naropa teaches presence.  We can actually live by the guidance of our love.  I trust that everyone I have known at Naropa will continue to lead.  One of my favorite Zen koans says, “Practice like your hair is on fire”.  Trust your minds and hearts like that trust will save the world, because it will.