For the past two days I have been battling what could only be confirmed as immense fatigue - these past eight weeks I have been traveling, working and moving nonstop and it finally caught up with me keeping me bed ridden and in need of an unplug and actual rest. It was totally worth it though - I wouldn’t change a thing - these few weeks have been a blessing of another breed entirely, as I have been able to see so many amazing things, to be inspired on so many levels, to experience what many never have a chance to see for themselves - it has been incredible.
After the intense ceremonies in KIBI I was asked to come and document the Diwakar Academy in Kalimpong - to which I excitedly agreed, for this place has always been close to my heart. Visiting for the first time when I was only 16 years old, His Holiness of the same age as well, it was like visiting a dream world. Coming back there now after the Kudung voyage of last summer and now with the one year Parinirvana ceremonies completed, I was finally able to come out during a restful time, a time without a large event or masses of people from all over the world, and simply enjoy the incredible surroundings. I was given the privilege of seeing the Grand Debate on my final night - where all the monks gather in the courtyard, and later in the large gompa to debate as groups with the whole school watching. This is such an impressive and unique activity to watch, the energy as they clap their hands together, as a group it is even more intense and mesmerizing. I had written previously that I was really happy in Kalimpong, the place is like a cool mystical fog world, in the mountains and jungle of West Bengal lies this special school full of these amazing young men who have taught me so much in such a short time. This trip has reinitiated and revitalized my awareness and devotion to their life choices and commitments, their hard work and study, this is a place of higher learning, and a place where the devoted and daring come to spend their lives in search of attaining knowledge of the highest level of Dharma.
From there we ventured to Takdah, where the Diwakar Academy has another school, for the little ones, ranging in age from 5 to 15 years old. This place touched my heart and impressed us all beyond words as the dedication and training of these little Dharma warriors was so far from what I could have expected, so incredible, so mature, an impressive community and Sangha, and a very special school. Being there with Lama Jigmé Rinpoché was a treat for us all, his warmth and great heart was so appreciated as he joyfully greeted everyone in his soft and signature glowing way, smiles abound as he toured the grounds, everyone was so thrilled for him to be there with them. The lines of little robes adorned the driveway as Rinpoche pulled in, forming perfect lines of crimson and white, their kataks held out with heads bowed in deep respect. All the smiling faces as we gathered in the little gompa, anxious and excitedly giggling as Rinpoche entered the room. For this was the first time quite a few of the little ones were able to take refuge, and to take this refuge with Rinpoche made the day such a special occasion for them. The cutting of their hair, the offering of kataks, the giving of their new refuge names, the smiles on their faces saying it all. Though the past weeks have taken their toll on me, as if in a dream I have passed this special time with them, sharing in these special places, the fruits of this have made deep and lasting impressions on my mind and in my heart. From the older generation in Kalimpong to the little ones in Takdah, I have experienced first hand the blessings and wishes of Shamar Rinpoche as he put all he had into these schools. Witnessing now the impact of Jigme Rinpoche’s presence here, as he toured both schools, I could see firsthand how powerful his wishes are as well for these places , and this has filled my heart with joy and hope. These places hold the future for our lineage, they are the future teachers for us all, and they are being given such an education, such attention, the presence of Rinpoche here is of great importance.
I feel so happy to have been present for this, through the thick and thin, up and down the mountains we have gone - for this entire trip has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. And for them, these devoted few with whom Rinpoche invested so much of his heart and time, to document this occasion for them was also a once in a lifetime event - as they take refuge for the first time with Rinpoche.
After the intense ceremonies in KIBI I was asked to come and document the Diwakar Academy in Kalimpong - to which I excitedly agreed, for this place has always been close to my heart. Visiting for the first time when I was only 16 years old, His Holiness of the same age as well, it was like visiting a dream world. Coming back there now after the Kudung voyage of last summer and now with the one year Parinirvana ceremonies completed, I was finally able to come out during a restful time, a time without a large event or masses of people from all over the world, and simply enjoy the incredible surroundings. I was given the privilege of seeing the Grand Debate on my final night - where all the monks gather in the courtyard, and later in the large gompa to debate as groups with the whole school watching. This is such an impressive and unique activity to watch, the energy as they clap their hands together, as a group it is even more intense and mesmerizing. I had written previously that I was really happy in Kalimpong, the place is like a cool mystical fog world, in the mountains and jungle of West Bengal lies this special school full of these amazing young men who have taught me so much in such a short time. This trip has reinitiated and revitalized my awareness and devotion to their life choices and commitments, their hard work and study, this is a place of higher learning, and a place where the devoted and daring come to spend their lives in search of attaining knowledge of the highest level of Dharma.
From there we ventured to Takdah, where the Diwakar Academy has another school, for the little ones, ranging in age from 5 to 15 years old. This place touched my heart and impressed us all beyond words as the dedication and training of these little Dharma warriors was so far from what I could have expected, so incredible, so mature, an impressive community and Sangha, and a very special school. Being there with Lama Jigmé Rinpoché was a treat for us all, his warmth and great heart was so appreciated as he joyfully greeted everyone in his soft and signature glowing way, smiles abound as he toured the grounds, everyone was so thrilled for him to be there with them. The lines of little robes adorned the driveway as Rinpoche pulled in, forming perfect lines of crimson and white, their kataks held out with heads bowed in deep respect. All the smiling faces as we gathered in the little gompa, anxious and excitedly giggling as Rinpoche entered the room. For this was the first time quite a few of the little ones were able to take refuge, and to take this refuge with Rinpoche made the day such a special occasion for them. The cutting of their hair, the offering of kataks, the giving of their new refuge names, the smiles on their faces saying it all. Though the past weeks have taken their toll on me, as if in a dream I have passed this special time with them, sharing in these special places, the fruits of this have made deep and lasting impressions on my mind and in my heart. From the older generation in Kalimpong to the little ones in Takdah, I have experienced first hand the blessings and wishes of Shamar Rinpoche as he put all he had into these schools. Witnessing now the impact of Jigme Rinpoche’s presence here, as he toured both schools, I could see firsthand how powerful his wishes are as well for these places , and this has filled my heart with joy and hope. These places hold the future for our lineage, they are the future teachers for us all, and they are being given such an education, such attention, the presence of Rinpoche here is of great importance.
I feel so happy to have been present for this, through the thick and thin, up and down the mountains we have gone - for this entire trip has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. And for them, these devoted few with whom Rinpoche invested so much of his heart and time, to document this occasion for them was also a once in a lifetime event - as they take refuge for the first time with Rinpoche.
