Glowing yellow sunshine meeting robes of crimson and gold, the light drifting slowly and carelessly through the trees, illuminating the gleaming translucent leaves which sparkle as the wind rustles through them, dancing in air, creating beautiful patterns and leaving a soft and luxurious texture in the air.
Seated on his throne is the Karmapa - with that instantly recognizable brocade which has been the backdrop of so many of my memories and images these past few years - gracefully and majestically seated in front, leading us all in practice, with a smile and a sense of contentment on his face he is a symbol of both compassion and joy. Especially in this light, the billowing and glowing light of Gaya, with its effervescent presence and distinct ability to completely transform the world I know into a magical dreamlike space. An overwhelming display of color and light is in the air, with rows upon rows of robes, flowers and offerings, coming together at the horizon to meet the lush greens of the trees - the sky full of warmth and welcome, enveloping us all. His Holiness is quite simply glowing - a beaming symbol of the lineage, and those of us lucky enough to be there with him are more than enveloped in this advantageous environment - for Monlam is truly an amazing experience and a pilgrimage for the mind as well as the body.
These photos I found in my archives from two years ago - they have great significance for me as they were my first Monlam as a photographer, my first time in this glowing light full of masters, teachers, lamas, monks, Rinpoches and devotees - all gathered together - it will always be my first time, and it will always be something special. These photos were not previously released and I felt very excited to find them, hiding amongst my memories and older work, somehow waiting to be found and shared. I’ve always found it quite interesting how our eyes and tastes change and evolve over time; constantly learning and exploring new ideas as we develop and grow - however these images do seem to capture that iconic, heart warming and ever majestic Monlam light, for even after years have passed, it is as captivating to me as ever before. And Karmapa, seated on his throne of thrones, with his beaming heart of compassion open to us all, his majestic awesome presence the only thing brighter and more wondrous than the rest - a majestic light for all to see.
Seated on his throne is the Karmapa - with that instantly recognizable brocade which has been the backdrop of so many of my memories and images these past few years - gracefully and majestically seated in front, leading us all in practice, with a smile and a sense of contentment on his face he is a symbol of both compassion and joy. Especially in this light, the billowing and glowing light of Gaya, with its effervescent presence and distinct ability to completely transform the world I know into a magical dreamlike space. An overwhelming display of color and light is in the air, with rows upon rows of robes, flowers and offerings, coming together at the horizon to meet the lush greens of the trees - the sky full of warmth and welcome, enveloping us all. His Holiness is quite simply glowing - a beaming symbol of the lineage, and those of us lucky enough to be there with him are more than enveloped in this advantageous environment - for Monlam is truly an amazing experience and a pilgrimage for the mind as well as the body.
These photos I found in my archives from two years ago - they have great significance for me as they were my first Monlam as a photographer, my first time in this glowing light full of masters, teachers, lamas, monks, Rinpoches and devotees - all gathered together - it will always be my first time, and it will always be something special. These photos were not previously released and I felt very excited to find them, hiding amongst my memories and older work, somehow waiting to be found and shared. I’ve always found it quite interesting how our eyes and tastes change and evolve over time; constantly learning and exploring new ideas as we develop and grow - however these images do seem to capture that iconic, heart warming and ever majestic Monlam light, for even after years have passed, it is as captivating to me as ever before. And Karmapa, seated on his throne of thrones, with his beaming heart of compassion open to us all, his majestic awesome presence the only thing brighter and more wondrous than the rest - a majestic light for all to see.
