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Black-and-white close portrait resting one hand against the side of the head — Karmapa International Buddhist Institute, New Delhi, India — Jun 4, 2015 — KIBI - Putting Down The Lens — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
Photograph from KIBI - Putting Down The Lens — Karmapa International Buddhist Institute, New Delhi, India — June 2015 — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
Photograph from KIBI - Putting Down The Lens — Karmapa International Buddhist Institute, New Delhi, India — June 2015 — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
Photograph from KIBI - Putting Down The Lens — Karmapa International Buddhist Institute, New Delhi, India — June 2015 — photograph by Tokpa Korlo
KIBI - Putting Down The Lens

I remember when we first met - Though we were both young - you had already accomplished so much and I was just beginning to see how far I could go.

KARMAPA INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST INSTITUTE, NEW DELHI, INDIA · JUNE 4, 2015

KIBI - Putting Down The Lens

Both born into Dharma, but galaxies apart in understanding, worlds apart in most things.

You were so strong and brave, and I was unable to stand on my own. With oceans between us, lives of opposites in style, culture and context - somehow making my way to you in my later years. My whole life searching for a teacher, one who could understand where I come from and what I dream about, one who could see me for my truest most raw human nature.

I could never understand what life is like for you, only that as myself I am humbled by my own ignorance and a lack of control of my own mind. A practitioner, a student, a wanderer and an explorer of dreams. Every day is a gift, a blessing and a chance to learn. Every day is a struggle, there is pain, sadness, loneliness and regret. When I fall I have learned to pick myself up again, through your teaching I feel like I have somehow begun to try and be a better person, though the road is long and I have just begun.

Putting down the lens gives me clarity and contrast, picking it up again lets me see in a different light. Somehow looking through the glass I am able to see you more clearly, somehow it lets me see outside myself. Putting down the lens and I am made raw, hiding behind its curtain of shadow I can move freely, Once it is gone I am exposed and open, I have nowhere to hide and this is when I must work the hardest on myself.

I remember when we first met - I can remember what you said just this evening. Every moment has its purpose, every moment is special and unique, every moment should be cherished and remembered for what it is. Putting down the lens I am brought back to the moment, this precious moment, and this is a gift that needs to be taken advantage of. I have a teacher that can see me for who I am. Though we may never speak, though I hardly know you, I know that I am grateful for your attention and presence.

Putting down the lens is a gift - a precious moment that is too quickly taken away. Today I put down the lens and I can see you more clearly. Your compassion to us all is overwhelming, your kindness is vast and unassuming, limitless in its potential and reach. Putting down the lens gives me clarity in moments such as these, Moments of hardship and pain, love and understanding, amazement and bewilderment. In this moment I can see you so clearly, Moments such as these are a rare and precious gift.

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