Remembering Vickie Walter

Some Reflections from the Sangha

In honor of Vickie Walter, who recently passed, we share heartfelt words from students and friends, along with wisdom from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche on the impermanence of life.

This life is very rare and precious, and it does not last very long. Every moment that passes never returns. We don't want to waste these precious moments by worrying, being sad or arguing. Instead, we can use each of them as an opportunity to be aware, to grow and to share our gifts with others. - Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

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Tributes from sangha and friends:

Vickie was a friend, colleague and dharma sister. I am not sure when we first met, but it was at Serenity Ridge. We attended many retreats together. She was always warm, knew many people and was an easy person to talk to about the teachings. Dharma (and editing) was a topic very close to her heart. It was not always easy to work with Vickie, but that was because she was truly an expert in her field and she took her work most seriously. She expected the same from everyone else. Vickie was instrumental in aspects of the publication of the Voice of Clear Light, and she was also instrumental in the creation of many of our books published by Sacred Sky. Living Wisdom,our tribute to His Holiness the 33rd Menri Trizin, The Seven Mirrors and the A-Tri were all marked by her skills, and the books were better for her attention. For me, Vickie was above all a friend and I miss her. I pray that she recognizes all visions of the Bardo as illusion and realizes her own self-arising innate awareness. -Rob Patzig

I remember when Vickie first came to retreats at Serenity Ridge, so many years ago, she quietly let us know that she had some experience with newsletters and would be happy to help. Vickie's wish to help came to span so much of our early communications, including helping in the design of our websites. Later, she assisted in editing transcripts of Rinpoche's teachings, which are now available through Ligmincha's Sacred Sky Press (and on lulu.com). Vickie had an amazing eye for detail, and always wanted to see what was written was clear and direct. Her big heart and wish to be of service to Rinpoche, the sangha, and in support of the teachings flows through all that she did. We are grateful for all she did for all of us. - Sue Davis-Dill

2019 Interview with His Holiness 34th Menri Trizin Rinpoche, Khandro Tsering Wangmo, Vickie Walter, Jeff Fisher & Aline Fisher. Photo by Melissa Katz.Vickie was a dear part of our Voice of Clear Light family. We shared many beautiful experiences, such as interviewing His Holiness 34th Menri Trizin Dawa Dhargyal Rinpoche during the 2019 summer retreat, while Khandro Tsering Wangmo translated. It was an honor meeting with His Holiness as the sun was setting that evening on Serenity Ridge. We were all seated around him on the floor of his bedroom in the Lama house, and he was kind enough to allow time to thoughtfully answer some questions about his life, his current activities and his vision of the future of Bon; it was an unforgettable time together. Vickie was always very thorough, striving to be clear, honest and accurate and in turn a real inspiration for the both of us. We all helped each other develop, and though it was challenging at times, we all were the richer for it. And so a familiar rhythm developed in putting the newsletter together, one that came about through many years of collaboration, since 2012 when she joined our VOCL team and dedicated her time and energy to being Ligmincha's communications director. We honor the memory of our dear heart friend, Vickie. Liberated from the body, may identity with the unutterable ground of being, the natural Clear Light, self arise. - Aline and Jeff Fisher

I was deeply saddened to learn of Vickie's passing, my dharma sister and friend. I'm personally grateful for her volunteer work as Ligmincha's director of communications, and for the many years she dedicated to steadfastly polishing and purifying the words of Ligmincha's websites and newsletter, benefiting so many. Although Vickie is no longer physically with us, her quiet, spritely presence remains here in our hearts. - Polly Turner

I knew Vickie through the NA5 Academy (The 3 Doors 5th Academy) and the Gift Committee, which we both worked on. I have many memories of Vickie. I was impressed with Vickie's writing abilities - she was a gifted writer and modest about her writing accomplishments. I also appreciated that she stepped up to the plate when things needed to be done, and was thoughtful and reliable about carrying out what she committed to. But above all I remember her physical presence a tall woman (like me) I found myself standing up taller and straighter and more confidently, as I matched my energy to hers. I will miss her. - Louise Allen

Vickie and I were in the 3 Doors Academy together. Her dedication to the teachings and practices were always so clear and her reflections on how they were shaping her experience of her life were always expressed with gentle strength, curiosity and wonder. What a gift. - Temple Crocker

We shared so many rides to and from Serenity Ridge retreats over many years, had conversations about everything under the sun, completed 3 Doors together in the same small group, and developed deep friendship. May her travels through the Bardo be easy and peaceful, and may she be supported by all the deities of Bon lineage! Vickie is in my thoughts, prayers and dedications. - Iris (Irina) Dobrina

I began working with Vickie in March 2017, preparing for the April 2017 edition of Voice of Clear Light. She was strict yet kind and patient qualities I truly value in a person. I will miss her in the future. May she find true peace, happiness, and freedom. - Lucian Giurescu

I cherish my connection to everyone in our sangha and Vickie was a special one, who first mentored me when I joined our volunteer group. Her dedication and steadfastness will be missed. She was so stoic and didn't complain about her condition so I didn't know that it apparently came back. I am saddened, and am praying that she would have left her pain body this time for good and now reaching better shores. - Tran Kimbel