I started the Stitching Buddhas® Virtual Apprentice Program ten years ago to teach the art of Tibetan appliqué to people all around the world in their own homes. If you haven’t already signed up, you can do so here.
I thought you might like to meet a few of the longtime members of the Stitching Buddhas sangha.
Donna, Massachusetts, USA
“I had been looking for my next art path, after being a doll maker for 20+ years. I was also looking for a way to integrate my spiritual journey with my art, and this course excited me with that possibility.
“Now that I have been involved with the virtual apprentice program for a number of years, I find that the images we work with continue to provide me with spiritual sustenance and the stitching itself is like a meditation for me. With each new project, I have developed my stitching skills and it’s a wonderful feeling to master a new challenge!”
Cathy, Ontario, Canada
“I’d been on a journey to make some changes and find some space in my life for some form of creative expression. I found the Stitching Buddhas website and it just struck me as something I could do. I was really quite drawn to it despite the fact that I have very little sewing experience.
“Over time, as I continued with Stitching Buddhas, it grew beyond creative outlet to become another expression of practice for me. It is devotional in the sense of working with and exploring my relationship to the deities and symbols, but it is more than that. It is a practice. It requires focus and concentration much the same as when sitting to meditate. Sometimes it actually seems like another form of meditation. And of course, we have a little sangha of stitchers too! ”
Marianne, Varberg, Sweden
“I like to help preserve Tibetan culture, and I really like working with silk. It is an old technique, and you have to practice a lot to become skillful, but that is also fascinating. I am a Buddhist and learning to make my own thangka connects me more deeply with my lineage.”
Kerryn, Victoria, Australia
“So much more than stitching it is a meditation practice of its own… it encourages one to reflect on the images and meaning and, not only to be mindful of the process but also to be fully present with oneself. The Stitching Buddhas program brings together unique but like-minded people from around the world… a Stitching Buddhas Sangha. It reminds me that I am a part of something bigger.”
Nyima, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Nearing retirement, this medical doctor and Buddhist practitioner turned her attention to creating art that supports her own practice and contributes to her practice community.
Louise, Pau, France
“The attention given to each stitch has brought my own spiritual practice into new focus. Just like spiritual practice, this too is a continual process towards a deeper refinement. And, if I can create images that also inspire others, may the blessings continue!”
Margaret, Maine, US
“I have always found sewing and needlework to be profoundly therapeutic. Stumbling upon Stitching Buddhas was an answered prayer.
“Every time I walk by my appliqué project I feel a swelling in my heart. It is waiting patiently for me to pick up the needle once again and guide me, with each stitch, into the freedom of present moment awareness.”
We’re a friendly group and will be happy to welcome you!
Sign up here if you’re as captivated as we are by the possibilities available for you in the rare spiritual art practice of Stitching Buddhas.
And, please, write me if you have any questions!
