It seems like a lifetime since we all gathered under the tree, prayers pervading the misty grounds, sunlight peeking out from behind the afternoon clouds.
The whole family together. It was always my favorite time of the year, however this year I found something just as special, albeit in a different location. I was in Dhagpo Kundreul Ling in France, where a large portion of our Dharma family gathered to make Monlam a reality again. We used the audio streaming from Rumtek, and presiding over the prayers in France was none other than Jigme Rinpoche, and Gendun Rinchen. Talk about a very special moment, two great lineage holders, surrounded by hundreds of practitioners and the entire monastic Sangha. It was truly beautiful.
I could try and describe how much the presence of masters such as Jigme Rinpoche and Gendun Rinchen mean to me, but oftentimes words fail me. They are both just so incredible. Relaxed, joyful and powerful. They move with such grace, almost as if they were floating through space. Jigme Rinpoche makes me smile so much I feel my face might explode. I see people crying when he is present, and I understand completely how they feel, his great heart touches all. Gendun Rinchen is the most attentive human being I have ever seen - he misses absolutely nothing. For a man of such young age he may as well be 300 years old, his poise and presence like that of the great masters of old. The way he touches people- I watch through my lens as he gives blessings- they touch me deeply even from far across the room.
The first few days were bitter cold, wind and ice making the temple a glorious sanctuary for the weather, and our minds as well. I have said many times that Le Bost has the most beautiful Gompa I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen quite a few. The colors are deep and earthy, there pervaded a sense of warmth inside, even if the sunlight didn’t join us. I have yet to shoot so many days in a row in such a dark environment - I had to alter my sense of space and technique. Instead of light and brilliance, I focused on silhouette, shadow, and darkened corners. Delicate details surrounded often with complete darkness, specks of glimmering candlelight a tranquil background. Every morning hundreds of incense sticks were lit, the smoke wafting and wandering, covering the entire space in a luminescent mist. I think these are some of my most unique Monlam photos, contrasting again Bodh Gaya they are dark and grainy, filled with shadow. But don’t confuse dark with grim, this was one of the most joyful environments I have had the chance to be part of.
Monlam is now over, it’s been some days now, and as I sit by my computer trying to put my experiences to words I have a few lingering thoughts. For one, I am still reeling in the feelings and emotions I experienced there. Like I was there for months, each day so full of impressions I oftentimes felt in the evenings what happened that morning was a lifetime ago. Each session was like its own day, plus meetings, friends, the Sangha, it was powerfully overwhelming in the greatest of ways. Gendun Rinchen asked me to focus a lot on the people themselves, not just the Sangha. Portraits and private moments, I feel this was a very insightful request for me. So, in the end there are many photos - I tried endlessly to narrow it down, but felt I would be diminishing the experience in cutting anything else out. I ask you to see them all, so in that way I feel the full Monlam experience will be transferred to you, whenever you are in the world.
It seems rather fitting that these photos are published today, on the eve of a new year. New experiences await us, a chance to be fresh and unbound if we so choose. I hope the new year brings good health to you all, and that you are with your loved ones. Thank you all for being a part of what I do - you have my endless gratitude.
May all beings enjoy happiness and the root of happiness. May they be free from suffering, and the root of suffering. May they not be separated from the great happiness devoid of suffering. May they dwell in the great equanimity, free from passion, aggression and prejudice.
Dhagpo Kundreul Ling Lama Jigmé Rinpoché Gendun Rinchen
