I realize that a fair bit of time has already passed, but sometimes it really takes time to unpack, collate, reflect, and eventually relish in a course such as the one we just experienced.
This year was quite special for me, as I had more time than usual just to be present. To simply experience the daily comings and goings of the course, instead of running around like a mad-chicken or burying my head in my computer at every free moment. (Though I always do a fair bit of that, it’s part of the job). And, despite me flying up the stairs six at a time after each teaching session, there were no private interviews or audiences that needed documenting, and so I was let go, to be free, each evening. So, I spent time with friends, having dinner and even chatting a bit, which was so lovely. Talking about nothing and everything. Laughing a lot. That’s a huge part of Dharma courses, of which I am never available for: the simple practice of conversation beyond my usual “hi-hug-gotta run” type of scenarios. There was of course plenty of hugs, and at some point I did have to run and get back to work, but that little time after each supercharged day was such a gift for me, and it altered my experience of the whole course for the better. To all of you I finally had the time to get to know more, it was lovely and I thank you for the experience!
One evening Karmapa didn’t come for the afternoon session, so Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche taught instead, which is always such a treat, and he stayed for the evening’s Chenrezig practice with everyone. This is always my favorite part of the day, for the practice itself, but also photographically it’s fascinating. I was crouching close to the stage, trying to avoid bothering anyone as I took the opportunity for some portraits of Rinpoche. I have always been fascinated with how intensely he practices, and such photos are always inspiring for me. This time he almost never opened his eyes, and so deep was his meditation that I had to just sit and watch. I managed a few photos, but mostly I just watched him practice, eyes closed, reciting by heart. It was captivating. At one point he started to cry, and all I could do was just be there, not moving, eyes locked on. This was quite the moment, as a lineage holder showed us his heart, barring it all. I couldn’t possibly begin to know what so profound for him, but I can say to was extremely profound for me to see it. Subtle yet explosive. Powerful and so, so serene. For him I’m sure, but also very much so for the rest of us. And I will never forget that. For anyone that also saw it, this was truly something very special, and I would keep it safe in your mind as something to reflect on when you feel the world is too dark, or messed up.
I could of course go on and on about the teachings, the teachers, using all the superlatives in the world in an effort to conjure up an image of what it is like to be in KIBI during this course. There is something special in the air, and being engulfed by the energies of Karmapa, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Lama Jampa Thaye and Khenpo Lobsang is difficult to transfer via text online. I do try my best, but I assure you it pales in comparison to being there in the room. And those dinners and chats? Those can only be experienced in the room as well, and those too shall never be forgotten. So I also invite any of you in the coming years to try and make it yourself. If you can, please come. It’s fabulous. I know it’s far, and difficult, but also so worth it. Of course if you can’t come I will always be there, happy to share in the lights, sounds and epic-ness that is the March Course in KIBI. I love to share, and you can count on it!
That’s it for now my dear friends, see you all soon somewhere! 😀🙏🏼
