Today began the puja of Chakrasamvara - an extremely powerful practice that I have experienced performed once before in this way - with the passing of Shamar Rinpoche, performed in Kalimpong just one year ago. It is an extensive and complicated practice, and seen performed by hundreds is truly breathtakingly powerful.
We were extremely fortunate today to have this particular practice led by Karmapa himself, this was not the case the last time, and the environment and energy was much stronger this time around. So much so that this wild and amazing energy was felt by all, as the gompa’s AC went out for the better part of the afternoon, the heat and intensity was palpable and real, everyone feeling the power and intensity in a deep physical way. The practice has many parts: one part performed outside, kneeling down, back inside, standing together, moving as one, drums and instruments, standing on their thrones, back seated again, and an incredible array of beautiful mudras. These mudras are so captivating - done in perfect synchronized motions; so beautiful, like a dance of the hands, as the whole room smoothly and gracefully performs these together like a gorgeous choreographed ballet. The movements mesmerizing, the drone of the instruments and drums beating together, as the whole room vibrates and churns, a great art performance and a powerful Dharma practice - captivating for the body as well as the mind.
Grace and thunder, power and serenity, these rarely go hand in hand. During what we experienced today they were inseparable, totally matching one another, perfectly placed alongside one another as the day passed with each moment bringing something new, constantly growing in complexity and movement. The mudras are especially powerful for me. There is such amazing technique behind them - it isn’t simply moving your hands about, there is emotion and determination in each move. As the fingers touch, curl, dancing in the air, each gesture is both intentional and perfectly placed. Seeing the rows upon rows together, as the hands go up and down in the air together, it’s as if they are all connected, without even the slightest separation between them, in perfect unison and harmony. Stepping outside in the sunlit courtyard the drums and bells continue, the great marble and concrete space covered in glowing purple and red robes. The bells glimmer in the afternoon sun, the sound echoes off the walls as the entire group kneels together, then stands at attention once more, finally heading inside for the final chapter.
The great hall is shimmering with color - from the great many thankas covering the entire inner edge to the rolls of brocade and colorful cloth as far as the eye can see in all directions. Each side of the main mandala shrine is decorated in a different color: deep emerald green, bright pearl white, glowing saffron yellow and fiery Garuda red. They are overflowing with offerings, golden bowls, colorful brocade, candles and exquisitely crafted tormas in every color. Taking in the room as if for the first time I am overwhelmed with the incredible color everywhere, there seems not to be a single spot without something intentionally placed there, elegantly placed there, purposefully placed there - as everything here has tradition and meaning behind it. A room full of life and color, hands dancing in the air, bells and drums reverberating against the walls creating a vacuumous space here that is inescapable. Standing in lines atop their thrones, as they ring their bells and chant as one, moving their hands together, performing mudras and reciting prayers directly in front of the relics of Shamar Rinpoche. Though it is a sad occasion, though we are bidding farewell while remembering Rinpoche’s life - this amazing display of color, unity, precision, power and grace is unlike anything I have ever seen before.
