When our hearts are truly open we learn to give more than we thought we could, when the light seems its most diminished and distant, when all is believed lost, it is then that hope will come and guide us through.
Like a hand reaching out from the grim and somber, casting the shadows aside, we can offer our hearts in hopes that those who have lost their way, their homes, their families, that those who have endured so much already can feel the burden being lifted from their shoulders, a helping hand has arrived.
In these difficult times we can all come together and make wishes for those who have suffered and lost so much. Sending your prayers, your love and your hearts, it is through these channels that we will help to rebuild that which has fallen. For the people of Kathmandu it is not the time to dwell and remorse, though it may seem the case - it is the time to stand up and begin to rebuild. For those who have been to hell, it is time to start the trek back to the light, back to hope, and back to our lives we might have thought we lost. For when it is darkest - we can always remember that the light will come, it will be back again, and hope will begin to nourish our souls once more.
I will be in Kathmandu in three days and ready to do anything and everything in my power to help. I salute all those who have made the trek already, plunging into the deepest of it in aid and support. I will be joining you, armed with as much hope and love I can carry with me, and the hope and love of all those who may not be able to make the trip themselves, for I carry their love and hope with me as well. Donations to my page have been pouring in, thank you all for so much generous support. These funds in their entirety will go directly to those in need, especially the children who are still in such desperate and dire straits. My donation page is open to any currency, in any amount, no matter how small this gift of hope and light for those in need is such a powerful gesture of support and love. If you have a specific desire for the use of your donation please indicate this and I will do what I can to make sure it arrives as you requested. If you are not able to send a donation, don’t despair, for there is much you can do from home. Make wishing prayers, the six syllable mantra of Chenrezig has been requested by His Holiness the Karmapa himself as the best thing you can do, all day, from wherever on the globe you reside. These images from Swayambhu come from last summer, when we thought all hope was lost and the Kudung of Shamar Rinpoche wouldn’t be permitted to come. Instead, through the wishes and dedication of so many, through the coming together of the entire world sangha, through lighting up the dark with our candles and our hearts, our prayers were answered and Kathmandu was the host to a monumental and powerful event unlike any this photographer has ever seen before - or likely to see again. When we come together - there is nothing that we cannot accomplish.
In the darkest moments it is not the end but the start of the tough road ahead. This road, though it may be uphill, dangerous and full of uncertainty, it has already begun, and light has started to show in the corners thought to be reserved only for suffering and sadness. In the darkness, light has already begun to show, and with the light there is always possibility, and with possibility there is always hope.
-Tokpa
Like a hand reaching out from the grim and somber, casting the shadows aside, we can offer our hearts in hopes that those who have lost their way, their homes, their families, that those who have endured so much already can feel the burden being lifted from their shoulders, a helping hand has arrived.
In these difficult times we can all come together and make wishes for those who have suffered and lost so much. Sending your prayers, your love and your hearts, it is through these channels that we will help to rebuild that which has fallen. For the people of Kathmandu it is not the time to dwell and remorse, though it may seem the case - it is the time to stand up and begin to rebuild. For those who have been to hell, it is time to start the trek back to the light, back to hope, and back to our lives we might have thought we lost. For when it is darkest - we can always remember that the light will come, it will be back again, and hope will begin to nourish our souls once more.
I will be in Kathmandu in three days and ready to do anything and everything in my power to help. I salute all those who have made the trek already, plunging into the deepest of it in aid and support. I will be joining you, armed with as much hope and love I can carry with me, and the hope and love of all those who may not be able to make the trip themselves, for I carry their love and hope with me as well. Donations to my page have been pouring in, thank you all for so much generous support. These funds in their entirety will go directly to those in need, especially the children who are still in such desperate and dire straits. My donation page is open to any currency, in any amount, no matter how small this gift of hope and light for those in need is such a powerful gesture of support and love. If you have a specific desire for the use of your donation please indicate this and I will do what I can to make sure it arrives as you requested. If you are not able to send a donation, don’t despair, for there is much you can do from home. Make wishing prayers, the six syllable mantra of Chenrezig has been requested by His Holiness the Karmapa himself as the best thing you can do, all day, from wherever on the globe you reside. These images from Swayambhu come from last summer, when we thought all hope was lost and the Kudung of Shamar Rinpoche wouldn’t be permitted to come. Instead, through the wishes and dedication of so many, through the coming together of the entire world sangha, through lighting up the dark with our candles and our hearts, our prayers were answered and Kathmandu was the host to a monumental and powerful event unlike any this photographer has ever seen before - or likely to see again. When we come together - there is nothing that we cannot accomplish.
In the darkest moments it is not the end but the start of the tough road ahead. This road, though it may be uphill, dangerous and full of uncertainty, it has already begun, and light has started to show in the corners thought to be reserved only for suffering and sadness. In the darkness, light has already begun to show, and with the light there is always possibility, and with possibility there is always hope.
-Tokpa
