It’s official! The ribbon has been cut by Karmapa himself, the celebrations can now begin, undeniably kicking off the commencement and inauguration ceremonies here in Ladakh this morning as the new Gompa is now open for business, and the day has now just only begun.
Bright and early, with the entire world watching, tuning in for this monumental occasion that holds such dear precedence and dire importance not only Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery, but for all of Ladakh and its people as well. Karmapa’s presence here not only signifies a great gift and blessing for all of us, but a very special coming together of our Dharma family as well, seeing so many faces from all over the world, from many different schools, all willing and able to put their lives aside to come and make the long trek here to the land of Buddha, sharing in the wonder of this place amongst the mountains and incredible skies unlike any other on earth. There was so much to see, so much color and activity, like a rush of adrenaline and excitement the hot and sunny morning passed by with much ado. Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje led the butter lamp offering and gave his opening address, followed by His Eminence Ladakh Drikung Choegye Togden Rinpoche, and the President of Karmapa Welfare Society Venerable Khenpo Cheunyi Dorje. Speeches from many distinguished and honorable guests, Rinpoches and Lamas, greeting everyone, thanking everyone for coming, the air was sweet and rich of humour and laughter, good positive vibes and rejoicing all around. One would think that simply being here for the opening ceremonies would be enough, but instead the entire morning was a full program that included a cultural performance in which we were all treated to local folk dances and music, as well as my personal favorite, the oftentimes secret and always revered Lama dances performed by the monks from Rumtek.
I first experienced the Lama Dance in Bodh Gaya for Monlam two years ago, and ever since I have been totally fascinated and completely mesmerized whenever I have a chance to see it performed again. Never in your life I assure you will you see such a dazzling fantastic display of colors. Forget being a photographer, this is an amazing experience for anyone to see, and I can only hope that through my photographs from today you can understand some of what I felt watching this. The costumes themselves are so incredible, ornate and beautiful, each one a work of art and a completely unique piece. Deep blues and crimson reds, shining gold and white, the darkest black trim met with brocade that carries such a sheen one would believe it to be made of carved and twisted metal - all moving and turning in the blazing Himalayan sun, casting glittering reflections against the dumbfounded faces in the crowd. The movements are slow and deliberate, graceful and deeply meaningful as each motion has such significance and purpose behind it. The instruments blare on the PA system, the drums beating as hard as my heart in my chest, there is something so magical about this whole display. I got so completely caught up in the moment that I almost didn’t notice that there were two enormous snow lions coming into the courtyard. For the first time in my life I saw the Lion Dance performed today and it was so beyond incredible. The movements were so fluid and strangely inhuman, the way they twisted and contorted, completely forgetting that there were two monks inside of each they took on a real personality of their own, dancing and jumping in the air, it was quite surreal. The local performances were really amazing as well, a local school’s students performed two Ladakhi folk dance numbers, a Tibetan folk dance by Kamstang Dangling Zhapshu Tsogpa and we were even treated to a performance by, wait for it, the world harmonica champion who came all the way from Malaysia, Mr Chong.
What a way to kick off the main event, now that things are officially started we can all rejoice in how wonderfully things have come together here. The monastery is rebuilt, Karmapa and many many Lamas from all over the world have come, with the ribbon cutting ceremony complete, the feeling of everyone joining together makes you feel so at home, so happy to see what we are capable of doing, seeing the result of so many’s hard work for so many years finally paying off. As the day fades into night the Lama dance is still with me, those brilliant colors and dancing lights will stay in my mind for a long time I feel. Now the cutting of the ribbon is complete, tomorrow is another great day, more to see, more joy to share. I wish everyone a good night, good practice, and thank you all so much for sharing and joining together, as one giant Dharma family on this amazing adventure together.
Bright and early, with the entire world watching, tuning in for this monumental occasion that holds such dear precedence and dire importance not only Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery, but for all of Ladakh and its people as well. Karmapa’s presence here not only signifies a great gift and blessing for all of us, but a very special coming together of our Dharma family as well, seeing so many faces from all over the world, from many different schools, all willing and able to put their lives aside to come and make the long trek here to the land of Buddha, sharing in the wonder of this place amongst the mountains and incredible skies unlike any other on earth. There was so much to see, so much color and activity, like a rush of adrenaline and excitement the hot and sunny morning passed by with much ado. Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje led the butter lamp offering and gave his opening address, followed by His Eminence Ladakh Drikung Choegye Togden Rinpoche, and the President of Karmapa Welfare Society Venerable Khenpo Cheunyi Dorje. Speeches from many distinguished and honorable guests, Rinpoches and Lamas, greeting everyone, thanking everyone for coming, the air was sweet and rich of humour and laughter, good positive vibes and rejoicing all around. One would think that simply being here for the opening ceremonies would be enough, but instead the entire morning was a full program that included a cultural performance in which we were all treated to local folk dances and music, as well as my personal favorite, the oftentimes secret and always revered Lama dances performed by the monks from Rumtek.
I first experienced the Lama Dance in Bodh Gaya for Monlam two years ago, and ever since I have been totally fascinated and completely mesmerized whenever I have a chance to see it performed again. Never in your life I assure you will you see such a dazzling fantastic display of colors. Forget being a photographer, this is an amazing experience for anyone to see, and I can only hope that through my photographs from today you can understand some of what I felt watching this. The costumes themselves are so incredible, ornate and beautiful, each one a work of art and a completely unique piece. Deep blues and crimson reds, shining gold and white, the darkest black trim met with brocade that carries such a sheen one would believe it to be made of carved and twisted metal - all moving and turning in the blazing Himalayan sun, casting glittering reflections against the dumbfounded faces in the crowd. The movements are slow and deliberate, graceful and deeply meaningful as each motion has such significance and purpose behind it. The instruments blare on the PA system, the drums beating as hard as my heart in my chest, there is something so magical about this whole display. I got so completely caught up in the moment that I almost didn’t notice that there were two enormous snow lions coming into the courtyard. For the first time in my life I saw the Lion Dance performed today and it was so beyond incredible. The movements were so fluid and strangely inhuman, the way they twisted and contorted, completely forgetting that there were two monks inside of each they took on a real personality of their own, dancing and jumping in the air, it was quite surreal. The local performances were really amazing as well, a local school’s students performed two Ladakhi folk dance numbers, a Tibetan folk dance by Kamstang Dangling Zhapshu Tsogpa and we were even treated to a performance by, wait for it, the world harmonica champion who came all the way from Malaysia, Mr Chong.
What a way to kick off the main event, now that things are officially started we can all rejoice in how wonderfully things have come together here. The monastery is rebuilt, Karmapa and many many Lamas from all over the world have come, with the ribbon cutting ceremony complete, the feeling of everyone joining together makes you feel so at home, so happy to see what we are capable of doing, seeing the result of so many’s hard work for so many years finally paying off. As the day fades into night the Lama dance is still with me, those brilliant colors and dancing lights will stay in my mind for a long time I feel. Now the cutting of the ribbon is complete, tomorrow is another great day, more to see, more joy to share. I wish everyone a good night, good practice, and thank you all so much for sharing and joining together, as one giant Dharma family on this amazing adventure together.
