So many impressions, so much happened that it’s honestly hard to keep track of. I remember more than once falling asleep and having absolutely no idea what day it was, or how to differentiate between what we did this morning - seemingly days ago - and yesterday, which might as well have been last year. This was an especially packed Monlam for me, while they are always hectic and crazy, this one just seemed even more so. I must have only been able to actually say hello in person to very few friends, of the hundreds that I had planned to see, so if I missed you please accept my apologies. I tried at least to lock eyes from across the vast space with some of you, and offer a smile and wave before being whisked off again.
Such is Monlam; I am happy to say I was able to have some momos, even if some of them were eaten in front of my computer. As busy as it sounds, I had an incredible time, and wouldn’t change it for the world. I love what I do. I actually really enjoy being crazy busy and running around like my hair is on fire - it’s somehow calming if you can believe it. For a crazy brain full of non-stop ideas and ridiculous energy, being in the center of the hurricane makes me feel relaxed and happy. Like I’m home.
Be warned, this collection is huge, 117 photos to be precise. I know it’s a lot, but there is just so much to show. I couldn’t bring myself to lessen or remove any of them, to do so would stunt the vastness that was the past few days. There were an incredible amount of audiences and groups, many of these I placed at the end, so please scroll down to see them all. As I have stated many times, I really love what I do. I hope that this shows through my work. And even when the light is bad, or it’s pitch black darkness, or I can’t quite get the angle or shot I wanted, I also hope that these photos can be taken for what they are at their core: a documentary of the incredible activity of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. It is an honor to share these with you all, something I don’t take lightly and treasure above all else. So thank you for joining in, thank you for letting me share my work, my thoughts and experiences with you all.
Be well my friends, farewell from Bodh Gaya, and the Kagyu Monlam 2023! 😀
