With a crowd numbering well over ten thousand, His Holiness gave the empowerment of Amitayus; the blessing line quite literally over a mile long as the bodies stretched from the main hall, zig-zagging over the entire complex, up and down the stairs, across the lawn, over and down the hill, and overflowing into the street way down below the front gate.
There were masses of people in every direction, standing for hours before the puja even began, all for a glimpse and a chance to see Karmapa in person - for many locals this could very well be the one and only time for this great opportunity. A once in a lifetime event, the masses coming from all over the valley, by the bus load, on the roof of cars, trucks emptying onto the street, entire families coming piled on motorbikes. The attendance of hundreds of monks and lamas as well, added to the westerners, the entire main hall overflowing already as there was absolutely not enough space for everyone to even come within eye sight, the puja being played over the loudspeakers for the great majority in attendance. The blessing line was so long that locals set up tea and snack stands for those waiting in the hot afternoon sun; like the parking lot of a major sporting event there were people quite simply coming out of the woodwork and just setting up camp. Karmapa, donning the black crown and giving the empowerment was regal and truly mesmerizing as he worked his way through the extensive preparations, completely unfazed by the insanity of what was happening just outside. His presence was so powerful, the whole room completely transfixed on his every word and motion, his mudras and recitations followed with bated breath by all. But the greatest show of compassion came at the end, when the masses started to come for blessing, and he sat unchanged, unwavering, and completely relaxed as he began to bless the rushing coming crowd one by one. He gave each person such a dignified and personal blessing, I was watching his every careful movement as he seemed to halt time for each one as they passed by. His face a glowing reminder of peace, as the room churned - shouting and pushing ensued, he sat in dignified calm; nowhere else to be, nothing else to do but pass his time giving all he has to every single person without exception. Over ten thousand of them. I was completely blown away, it was staggeringly difficult to even stand near him as they kept coming and coming. I can’t even wait in line at the airport without getting impatient, and this he continued without a single word of protest for over five hours, until the entire crowd had the opportunity to pass and receive his blessing. Well into the night the lines continued, and well into the night Karmapa continued. For as long as there were people waiting, Karmapa was willing to wait for them as well. No one turned away, no one left without the chance. It was a beautiful and awesome display, so incredibly powerful I struggle dearly to try and describe it. Today I witnessed in person, the great power, limitless devotion, and endless compassion that a human being can have. Today I saw more than I had known was possible. Today, the Great Compassionate One showed me the true meaning of Buddha nature, and the awesome power of the human heart.
Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje Dhagpo Sheydrub Ling
