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Formal group portrait in maroon and yellow robes outside the retreat center — Nera Jana Retreat Center, Shar Minub, Nepal — Jul 2, 2015 — From Nera Jana - Deep Respect — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
Photograph from From Nera Jana - Deep Respect — Nera Jana Retreat Center, Shar Minub, Nepal — July 2015 — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
From Nera Jana - Deep Respect
From Nera Jana - Deep Respect
From Nera Jana - Deep Respect

To those who may not be familiar - Nera Jana Retreat Center, situated at the top of the Shar Minub campus is home to some of the most accomplished and respected Lamas in our lineage.

NERA JANA RETREAT CENTER, SHAR MINUB, NEPAL · JULY 2, 2015

From Nera Jana - Deep Respect

All above the age of 50, following the full Vinaya vows as requested by Shamar Rinpoche - these lamas have dedicated their lives to practice, staying in the monastery for a full life retreat.

Despite the fact that their gompa was damaged during the earthquake, they have continued their practices and puja in a tent in the courtyard. Being joined by the monks of Swayambhu monastery - now completely torn down anticipating the remodel and rebuild, they have come to call Shar Minub home as well for the foreseeable future. Bright and early this morning, on a full moon day, they all gathered on the lawn in front of Nera Jana for a group photo.

These lamas have my deepest respect. They have spent their lives in practice, dedicating their merit for all beings, and for those incapable of making the sacrifices and life choices that they have made. Their faces shine with life, enthusiasm, joy and clarity. Their eyes are sparkling, and it has nothing to do with the flash I shot at them at 7am, as they gladly sat unabated and undisturbed, beaming in their beautiful yellow robes, just as the sun was climbing over the mountain. The younger faces joining them are equally lovely and warm - from Swayambhu they have lost their home, now they will be staying here, but they have only joy on their faces. Some are young, others older, but they all have such grace and dignity in their stance and posture. This is a very special group of men, monks under Shamar Rinpoche no less, and they deserve our deepest respect.

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