I have returned to the European continent - after almost three months abroad I am finally back in Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, surrounded by its endless blue sky in all directions that envelops me in memories. This place is home - though I am almost constantly away when I return it is like breathing fresh air for the first time, filling my lungs with its natural wonder and vibe is like refueling for a weary and tired soul.
The sky today is utterly magnificent. I have missed this sky, as the crowded and pollution filled cities I have been in have left me direly wanting of open spaces, with the breeze of the countryside gracefully and gently brushing by me on its carefree way to nowhere in particular. You can feel it in the air, a sense of calm and collective patience, even nature here seems to have a serene and nonchalant approach to how the day might turn out. The same cannot be said for those of Dhagpo, as the past months here have been an über race to the finish, a mass exodus of energy and planning, full steam ahead for all and everyone - for the preparation of Karmapa’s arrival has everyone literally exploding with excitement - and there is much work to be done. I have just arrived, but I have been filled in on what everyone has been up to and it has been an impressive display of both teamwork and camaraderie to pull off an event like the one that will begin next week. Well over 2000 are expected to be in attendance, and the grounds already look beautiful for the occasion. The stupa is freshly painted, and as always it is the strikingly beautiful, ever iconic centerpiece to Dhagpo’s main courtyard. It has been an extremely hot summer so far, with heat rising well past the traditional temperature that this area is used to, and in turn the earth and grass has turned a wonderfully pretty shade of burnt orange that creates a wonderful pairing and contrast against the crystal clear blue sky, and those Dhagpo clouds I see even in my dreams when I am away.
The enormous Chapiteux tent has been set up for the main events and teachings, a grand, gala white structure that now sits in the field next to the stupa. All across the grounds smaller tents have also been setup, dotting the horizon and hilly layout of the center with many new shapes and structures we don’t normally have here. It excites me greatly to see so much newness and activity here, everyone bustling around, so much to prepare brings home the reality that in just over a week Karmapa will be here again. We are so blessed to have an event like this here, for many this will be the grand summer event, as people from all over the world will soon begin to arrive, and this amazing place will be full to the brim with our Dharma family once more. I pass a few simple moments in the big field next to the Chapiteux, basking in the afternoon sun, taking in as much of that incredible sky as I possibly can. My heart and mind are content as can be in this moment. I am glad to be back, and really looking forward to what is in store for us all with excitement and joy. Dhagpo has undergone a great and vast array of changes in these months of preparations, but I, for one feel its warm welcome as I always have. It is a glorious Sunday afternoon, and though in some way I feel like I have been gone for years, the calm serenity and peaceful natural way of this place gently reaffirms that indeed I am home once more.
The sky today is utterly magnificent. I have missed this sky, as the crowded and pollution filled cities I have been in have left me direly wanting of open spaces, with the breeze of the countryside gracefully and gently brushing by me on its carefree way to nowhere in particular. You can feel it in the air, a sense of calm and collective patience, even nature here seems to have a serene and nonchalant approach to how the day might turn out. The same cannot be said for those of Dhagpo, as the past months here have been an über race to the finish, a mass exodus of energy and planning, full steam ahead for all and everyone - for the preparation of Karmapa’s arrival has everyone literally exploding with excitement - and there is much work to be done. I have just arrived, but I have been filled in on what everyone has been up to and it has been an impressive display of both teamwork and camaraderie to pull off an event like the one that will begin next week. Well over 2000 are expected to be in attendance, and the grounds already look beautiful for the occasion. The stupa is freshly painted, and as always it is the strikingly beautiful, ever iconic centerpiece to Dhagpo’s main courtyard. It has been an extremely hot summer so far, with heat rising well past the traditional temperature that this area is used to, and in turn the earth and grass has turned a wonderfully pretty shade of burnt orange that creates a wonderful pairing and contrast against the crystal clear blue sky, and those Dhagpo clouds I see even in my dreams when I am away.
The enormous Chapiteux tent has been set up for the main events and teachings, a grand, gala white structure that now sits in the field next to the stupa. All across the grounds smaller tents have also been setup, dotting the horizon and hilly layout of the center with many new shapes and structures we don’t normally have here. It excites me greatly to see so much newness and activity here, everyone bustling around, so much to prepare brings home the reality that in just over a week Karmapa will be here again. We are so blessed to have an event like this here, for many this will be the grand summer event, as people from all over the world will soon begin to arrive, and this amazing place will be full to the brim with our Dharma family once more. I pass a few simple moments in the big field next to the Chapiteux, basking in the afternoon sun, taking in as much of that incredible sky as I possibly can. My heart and mind are content as can be in this moment. I am glad to be back, and really looking forward to what is in store for us all with excitement and joy. Dhagpo has undergone a great and vast array of changes in these months of preparations, but I, for one feel its warm welcome as I always have. It is a glorious Sunday afternoon, and though in some way I feel like I have been gone for years, the calm serenity and peaceful natural way of this place gently reaffirms that indeed I am home once more.
