It seems with the passing of our dearest Shamar Rinpoche, his final gift, a gift that is precious beyond words and measurement, was to help us wipe the slates clean, to remove old and outdated thoughts and concepts and to pave the way for a more complete, unified, undivided and richer for the experience family. Through what I have seen today, and these past few months on the road, there has never been a time of such great coming together and bridging of the gaps that divide us. Through Karmapa’s unflinching and exponentially ever-growing activity throughout the world it is important - make that imperative - that we can make the most of every second we have on this earth with him, every precious moment, and to seize the day and opportunity to practice and grow as a family with no strings attached. We have a living buddha walking amongst us, offering his teachings to any and all who wish to hear them, and the time is now to let things rest and open our hearts and minds to the true Dharma without limits. We are all the same, we suffer and grow the same, we struggle to make our way along the path in the same way, we should also support each other regardless of where we come from, or who we think we are, and how we think that makes us different. I must clarify that this is only my humble opinion, my thoughts, my own and only my own personal feelings on the subject, but I have been inspired with a burning fire under me with what I have seen is possible, and today was another great shining example of this. We made a trip to the Sakya headquarters in Leh today, Matho Thupten Ling Gonpa, the largest and oldest monastery of their lineage, towering above the valley on a mountaintop, its spires and towers visible for miles in all directions. It is a thing of beauty, ancient and regal, like stepping into a Tibetan mountainous dream world. The reception we received when Karmapa arrived was of the greatest respect and an amazing statement of togetherness and family. There were no holds barred, no limits, no expense spared as the red carpet was literally rolled out for His Holiness' arrival. It’s official, it’s a family affair, the clans have become more united than ever before. With Karmapa’s visit to Ladakh, and with the great honor of this invitation to come and visit this beautiful monastery with so much deep rooted history here, this is a huge step for the commencement of the bridging of the clans.
Flags and banners, horns and drums, mixing with the unique and iconic local music that is Ladakhi, we arrived up the mountaintop to Matho Thupten to a grand and righteous celebration. Met by all the high Lamas, the procession made its way ever slowly to the gompa as the crowds were thick and excited, energized beyond belief, so enthusiastic to see Karmapa there with them. Locals and monks alike, bowed heads in respect, glowing smiles and the bluest sky I have seen yet made the day so full of life I couldn’t help myself from grinning ear to ear while running around from room to room as Karmapa blessed their many shrines and secret monuments. Though many have left for home as the official program here ended with the pilgrimage, nothing seems to have changed as the wall to wall people in all dimmed or lost its intensity, the pushing and shoving, the screams and cries of devotional joy seem unabated and unwavering. The mandala offering was especially exceptional, as His Holiness was seated on a beautiful throne, in such a beautiful gonpa full of flowers and incredibly rich colors and brocade, seated directly beside, and at the same height, as His Holiness Sakya Trinzin’s throne, currently occupied by his ornately framed photograph. Such great respect, what honor, such a blessing to see this - I was greatly moved. Karmapa was powerful as he taught, gentle as he gave blessings, and majestic as he accepted the traditional tea offering made to him by their highest lamas, with a look of king-like poise on his face. The whole event was really powerful, and I couldn't help but feel that this trip, this moment in Ladakhi history even, was one that I would forever look back on with such joy and reverence. Make no mistake - this reception was for the Gyalwa Karmapa, and with a simple exchange of a cup, a passing of an offering of tea, the bridging of these two great clans was brought closer to reality than ever before. One small step, one giant leap, the great coming together of two great families, two great clans, now and forever united under the great all-encompassing banner of Dharma.
Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery
Flags and banners, horns and drums, mixing with the unique and iconic local music that is Ladakhi, we arrived up the mountaintop to Matho Thupten to a grand and righteous celebration. Met by all the high Lamas, the procession made its way ever slowly to the gompa as the crowds were thick and excited, energized beyond belief, so enthusiastic to see Karmapa there with them. Locals and monks alike, bowed heads in respect, glowing smiles and the bluest sky I have seen yet made the day so full of life I couldn’t help myself from grinning ear to ear while running around from room to room as Karmapa blessed their many shrines and secret monuments. Though many have left for home as the official program here ended with the pilgrimage, nothing seems to have changed as the wall to wall people in all dimmed or lost its intensity, the pushing and shoving, the screams and cries of devotional joy seem unabated and unwavering. The mandala offering was especially exceptional, as His Holiness was seated on a beautiful throne, in such a beautiful gonpa full of flowers and incredibly rich colors and brocade, seated directly beside, and at the same height, as His Holiness Sakya Trinzin’s throne, currently occupied by his ornately framed photograph. Such great respect, what honor, such a blessing to see this - I was greatly moved. Karmapa was powerful as he taught, gentle as he gave blessings, and majestic as he accepted the traditional tea offering made to him by their highest lamas, with a look of king-like poise on his face. The whole event was really powerful, and I couldn't help but feel that this trip, this moment in Ladakhi history even, was one that I would forever look back on with such joy and reverence. Make no mistake - this reception was for the Gyalwa Karmapa, and with a simple exchange of a cup, a passing of an offering of tea, the bridging of these two great clans was brought closer to reality than ever before. One small step, one giant leap, the great coming together of two great families, two great clans, now and forever united under the great all-encompassing banner of Dharma.
Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery
