There is a glow about this place - not only for those who have decided to join in the preparation festivities, or those taking part in the puja to consecrate the mantra rolls and prayers, or those sweating away doing all manner of construction, setup and cleaning jobs; it is in the very earth and sky, in the leaves that blow in the wind that caresses our faces so gently, a warming glow that comes as a welcome sensation even in the afternoon swelter. Faces have newfound energy and excitement, new purpose and meaning, a fixed and steady attention to each and every detail as the hours quickly wind down to the start of the event and the last minute scramble to finish it all.
More and more volunteers are joining the team every day - new faces, new smiles, new stories, new members of our dharma family continue to arrive, heart open and willing. The grand accumulation puja started this morning, the table laid out completely covered in colorful mantra rolls, standing before the golden statue like a great and wondrous offering to the buddha himself. The main tent’s red carpet is also newly installed, matched against the clean and clear white walls, the crimson pathway leading to the shrine that is beginning to take its final form and shape. Speakers line the walls, cameras have been brought in, and an impressive audio console with all kinds of screens knobs, devices and electronic items now make up for a cockpit like space at the far left corner of the grand auditorium. The shrine setup for the mantra offering is gorgeous, with yellow brocade shimmering in the afternoon sunlight coming through the wall length windows of the institute, the murmur of mantras coming all around me as the team from Le Bost once again leads us with their presence and skill.
Outside the sun beats down with a purpose and a vengeance, the heat is warming beyond the point of comfort, but the beauty of my surroundings cause me to brave it a while. My shadow, cast contrasty on the ground before me follows me as I make my rounds of the grounds and each tent and stand. The stupa is particularly amazing today, gleaming in the sun, it is a smooth porcelain white pearl surrounded by burnt earthen textured tiles. The sun glinting off its peak casting reflections and glare onto my lens, a rainbow light passing through, dancing on the surfaces around me like it has its own mind and imagination. Everywhere I look the glow is present, on every face, in every offering bowl, on every statue and thanka, on the warm ground and in the cool breeze, even in the cloudless sky overhead there seems to be just a faint hint of gold. Spending my time like this has great effect on me, my mind and heart seem to be filling to the brim with contentment and joy, all the while a warming glow is growing inside of me as well. My shadow once again just a step behind me, always playing catchup, bound to me and my movements, yet dancing freely in the sunlight.
Dhagpo Kagyu Ling
