The night is warm, the air is crisp, and the fiery colors of this incredible country fly high in the sky like never before.
Nepal my friends, is back. This beautiful country has suffered greatly in these past few years; horrible tragedy and bitter suffering has threatened to take away all hope, only to be reinforced by yet another onslaught felt as an endless insurmountable wave of difficulties. Fortunately for this world the people of Nepal are incredibly resilient folk and despite all odds they have emerged unscathed and unbroken, even more powerful than before, their hope and pure heart intact and ready for anything. It seems here, anything is possible. Structures standing tall; the brilliant white Stupa of Bouddha made more handsome and brilliant than ever before. Its power magnetized and multiplied hundredfold, candles and playful strings of lights make the night sky aglow with warmth and hope as it takes its place - now whole and complete - under the starry skies again. Nala celebrates one year of activity after its very inauguration was postponed and almost cancelled, it is now overflowing with more cheer and joy than I can describe, many new faces now calling it home, an overwhelming abundance of family abounds. Many other monasteries are not only opening again, but have been made more beautiful than ever. Roads and schools repaired and re-opened. That wild and wooly Nepali energy is back, the streets are once again overflowing with people, laughter, music, and rich history. That which was unmade has been made whole again, and for this we should always remember the life force and enduring spirit of those thought to have nothing to lose - but later understood to have had it all from the very beginning. There is a brilliant fire in the night air here, ablaze with hope. The air is thick with it, enveloping us all in its velvety gooey goodness - it is hard to explain but somehow that golden glow which has always made Kathmandu such a special place on this little earth of ours is back with a vengeance and will not be ignored.
To the wondrous people of Nepal, your spirit is a beacon of inspiration for the world. I have been touched deeply by your enduring ways, your warm and gentle hearts that seem to bear that which no-one else could. Your home is my home - your loss, my loss - your hardships, my broken heart. Through your struggle I have seen the world band together in an effort to save what was left in ruins, to salvage what remained of a beautiful history, culture and tradition. So much more than stone and earth. I have now learned what is most important: a message of love. You need look no further than those right beside you, as we all go through this life fighting battles in an effort to survive and live happily. We all need help, we all need support, we all need each other. We all need love. It is only when we band together, stand together, push back against the odds of calamity and devastation to realize a more happy and perfect world is possible through unity alone that we will succeed. Let us never forget what we have been through, but never be limited by what has been. Let that ooey-gooey golden glow bring contentment to your weary heart. I will rejoice in the abundance of joy that now fills the night sky, lighting the way to the future. Nepal is once again ablaze with glorious splendor. This is cause for celebration. This is cause for lighting a few heart fires of our own. Let your own colors fly high. Let your heart be ablaze with hope. Let us never forget what we can do together - roaring with new light these skies have never been more beautiful than they are now.
Maniwa Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche Dhagpo Sheydrub Ling Nadační fond NALA
