I had difficulties from the get go; streets in Paris blocked, no taxis, twice cancelled flight, missed connection, but I made it. Even leaving afterwards, my flight was so delayed I got home after 4am in the morning. I actually missed my father in law’s wedding for this. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Nedo Rinpoche is one of our most treasured teachers, and one of the few I would trust with such a task. He has this way about him that allows these powerful things to be felt, heard, and absorbed in an extremely deep way, but with a gentle touch. They go right to my core, and he plants them there with vigor, but always with this smile. There’s humor, profundity, some searing vajra like truth, and then again his genuine heart just cuts me clear through. Photographically this was not my easiest work - it was night much of the time and the lighting was very dark. Many parts I cannot show because of their secret nature. I instead opted to actually participate more than I normally would, and I am so happy I did. During the day I ventured out to explore, documenting the incredible space that is Karma Guen, and when night came I put the camera down a bit more and let myself take part. It was very powerful, and I was moved to the core by Rinpoche, his kindness for us, and his endless energy and compassion for the lineage, and to Dharma in general. It was only 300 of us, intimately gathered until the early hours of the morning. Once in a lifetime? Under these incredible conditions, you better believe it. Kalachakra stands for the Wheel Of Time, an endless cycle of change and learning. I found this quite poignant, as my life and my understanding of my art has gone through many iterations, occasionally deepening enough to allow the space to learn, and to put the camera down every once in a while. Sometimes the most important thing is right in front of you, and if you don’t stop to look, you’ll miss it completely.
