And with the wait comes the ripening of the merit, the growing of the anticipation as it mounts ever higher, and the final unveiling at that perfect and precise moment. I have witnessed such patience here today - as a seemingly single grain of sand at a time is carefully placed, this incredible mandala is being created before my eyes.
The colors are extraordinary - not unlike the traditional tibetan colors that I am used to seeing, there is something slightly matte and pastel here, and the result is both unique and staggering. Gone is my sense of comprehension as I watch these Lamas in their craft. Gone is the knowledge of just how they can create works such as these - beautiful colors and shapes, all with only the smoothest and finest grains of sand. What an incredible sense of accomplishment they must have when it is finally finished. Then the thought arises - when the final grain is placed, when everything is perfect, then it is time to let it go. In one final swift motion all this art, all this creation, all this wonder and patience will be offered away in a single breath. Another powerful reminder of impermanence and creation, it will all pass - and nothing, especially beauty, lasts forever.
A sacred offering - colors of blue, red, yellow and green, wall to wall robes and the heat and intensity of the great hall. Chanting drones, the practice unites us, the time spent here creates the bond between us. The buildup to the mandala offering, the practice continues as the halls echo with the sound of tradition. A great mandala will be offered, Karmapa will lead us in this. We bid farewell to Rinpoche with the creation and offering of a mandala as beautiful as it is impermanent. We bid farewell to Rinpoche with the creation of such beauty, such color, and such extraordinary patience.
A great mandala will be offered, Karmapa will lead us in this. A great teacher has passed, Karmapa will lead us in bidding farewell. A great teacher says goodbye to another - how fortunate we are to have been graced with the presence and capacity of these two in our simple lives. With his pure patience, with his never ending compassion, with his ever open heart, with his strong, determined and awakened mind, he will lead us in this. With this gesture of color and tradition we bid our treasured teacher goodbye, and in one swift motion, we must let it go. We must let him go. We will offer a great mandala to Rinpoche - Karmapa will lead us in this.
