The final hours before His Holiness’ arrival come quickly to an end - all the preparations are now in place, the guests are beginning to arrive, and our precious high Lamas have made the long and arduous trek from all over the world to come and participate, to offer their blessings and presence, and to show their deep devotion to Karmapa. Maniwa Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche and Lodreu Rabsel Rimpoche both arrived this morning, passing through the monastery grounds greeting everyone with their warm and extremely gleeful presence; as always they are both a joy to behold and a ray of bright light for us all no matter what time of day, or where they are in the world.
Tomorrow morning bright and early the grand commotion and bustle will begin - Karmapa’s flight arrives with a whole entourage by his side, as well as a flight packed with Lamas and monks from all over the world, converging on Ladakh in one giant tidal wave of Dharma family presence and power. A motorcade of over 100 vehicles is being prepared, to escort Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje to Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery to greet him in grand style and enormous pomp and ceremony, a royal greeting fitting for Karmapa’s first visit to this beautiful region. Even with all the activity I was lucky enough to slip away for a couple hours with some great dear friends from Diwakar in Kalimpong - spending some precious time together in Leh, walking the streets and having a great time getting lost, driving in circles, laughing ourselves silly as best we could. I cherish them so much, they are some of the sweetest and most honorable, kind and gentle people on the planet, and as they say - it’s not what you do, but who you do it with that makes it special.
These days of preparation have now passed, everything is ready, or as ready as it ever will be. The enormous effort that everyone has brought to the table - together as a huge team of volunteers, monks and lay alike to make this all possible, it has been a great combined effort worthy of such praise and pride. The entire place is shiny and fresh, ribbons and flags and flowers galore, glowing lights from the balconies, every possible detail has been planned and prepared with only the utmost - the courtyard awaits tomorrow’s welcoming ceremony with bated anticipation - for tomorrow the Karmapa will finally arrive!
Tomorrow morning bright and early the grand commotion and bustle will begin - Karmapa’s flight arrives with a whole entourage by his side, as well as a flight packed with Lamas and monks from all over the world, converging on Ladakh in one giant tidal wave of Dharma family presence and power. A motorcade of over 100 vehicles is being prepared, to escort Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje to Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery to greet him in grand style and enormous pomp and ceremony, a royal greeting fitting for Karmapa’s first visit to this beautiful region. Even with all the activity I was lucky enough to slip away for a couple hours with some great dear friends from Diwakar in Kalimpong - spending some precious time together in Leh, walking the streets and having a great time getting lost, driving in circles, laughing ourselves silly as best we could. I cherish them so much, they are some of the sweetest and most honorable, kind and gentle people on the planet, and as they say - it’s not what you do, but who you do it with that makes it special.
These days of preparation have now passed, everything is ready, or as ready as it ever will be. The enormous effort that everyone has brought to the table - together as a huge team of volunteers, monks and lay alike to make this all possible, it has been a great combined effort worthy of such praise and pride. The entire place is shiny and fresh, ribbons and flags and flowers galore, glowing lights from the balconies, every possible detail has been planned and prepared with only the utmost - the courtyard awaits tomorrow’s welcoming ceremony with bated anticipation - for tomorrow the Karmapa will finally arrive!
