Each day brought with it new surprises, old and new friends, events with Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje on a grand scale, group practice, blessings and teachings, an empowerment of Chenrezig, somehow the best weather ever, and not to mention the largest group photo I have ever had the privilege to take.
Over two thousand faces peering back at me, over two thousand Dharma family members together, over two thousand amazing and unique individuals - every single one of them gleefully smiling back at me, the look of home on their faces undeniable. The joy I feel in my bones and in my very being, running through my veins and in my heart and thoughts is miraculous, I sometimes need to pinch myself to verify that I am in fact not dreaming. The energy has been just incredible, the people beyond amazing, everywhere you turn there is another smiling face to greet you, the crowds bursting Dhagpo Kagyu Ling at its seams, yet somehow still serene and peaceful. Seeing so many faces - from so many places - from all around the world has brought such a bright and cozy feeling to Dhagpo this past week, our giant Dharma family taking a great leap forwards, and keep it in mind this is just one small step for Dharma Kind. The future is what excites me, thrills me with possibilities and potential, I can’t wait to see what comes next, the future is limitless. For me, I know what comes next, as I am already on the road, directly from the big tent to the car, working away, now as we barrel down the highway on my way already to another location and another great adventure. A quick stop off in Stupa de Benalmádena, and then off to Europe Center for another amazing event with Karmapa, the fun never stopping, not even for a moment, and I can’t imagine living any other way, not in a million years. Spending my time in this way is the greatest joy, an intense but deeply colorful experience to say the least, passing my days in Dharma centers, surrounded by amazing people and our greatest teachers at the same time. Who could ask for more? Karmapa blessed the whole of Dhagpo today, with this morning’s puja in front of the institute, the unveiling of the statue’s open eyes, and being a full moon day we had an enormous Tsok feast of Milarepa in the big tent. It seems we pass our days receiving bounties of blessing from Karmapa, not a bad way to pass the time; surrounded by friends, warm sunshine, group practice and an environment that would make anyone feel at home, this has been a blissful week.
These large events carry with them a balance of emotions, so much happiness and excitement seeing friends and passing the day doing what I love best, but also a great weight for me as it is in these types of situations that I don’t have any free time at all. None whatsoever. So, when I would like to be spending time with those I never get to see, people who I have always wanted to meet - instead I am always running around, in and out of crowds, non stop, craziness and mayhem, on my feet and on alert at all times, camera at the hip and ready. These are work days, from sun up to well past sun down, the amount of energy and literal man hours that it takes for me to continue at this pace leaves barely enough room for heavily caffeine induced sleep, and very little at that. When everyone goes to dinner, stops for a chat, catches up over a few rounds around the stupa I haul my gear up to the office and start going through the photos from the day, trying to find something that can help to express and display what has gone on that day, what we’ve all been doing and how best to try and share these experiences with you all. Some days it’s easier than others, sometimes the only thing I could dream of doing is sleeping, resting, closing my eyes for just a moment, but that isn’t always possible. I’ll get plenty of sleep later on, maybe when I’m older. For now this is what it takes, what I’m willing to do, I say these things not out of fault but out of sheer contentment - as I said, I couldn’t imagine living any other way. I would give anything to have just a few extra minutes to spend with you, socializing, just saying hi would be wonderful, I hope that you can understand that sometimes it just isn't possible, even if I try my best to do so. With all that it takes to keep me going I am without a doubt in no short supply of inspiration from those around me, those who take the time to share their feelings with me, spreading our Dharma news to the ends of the earth and back takes a group effort on every level, none of this would be possible without you.
I want to thank you all for such incredible support and love, for your kind words and enormously appreciative feedback, comments and stories. I feel like we have all grown closer these past few days and it has been such an honor to take part in this, to be a part of this. Sharing every single day without fail is something I take great happiness in doing, it is my great honor to do so, regardless of the outcome, regardless of what it takes, doing my part to provide those who cannot be with us to partake and participate in the great turning of the wheel of Dharma. From all ends of the globe, in all directions, to all peoples who have the desire, Karmapa’s activity, the pure Dharma is extremely powerful and meant to be shared with all. I look forward to seeing so many new faces next week when I come to the EC for the first time, there’s a lot to live up to and I’m sure you won’t disappoint! Farewell for now my dearest Dhagpo, my stay was too short, I had to leave without even saying a proper goodbye, you are beyond amazing and I will miss you terribly as I always do. You have been such a warm and caring home for me when I needed it most, and for this I would always be grateful beyond words.
Thank you all!!!
