In 2004, in the midst of my biggest troubles in addiction and despair I was sent here for the summer. I spent my days on the masonry team, working harder than I thought possible, adding the final layer to the exterior walls of the Temple. I spent many nights in the kitchen washing dishes, cutting vegetables, and cleaning bathrooms. It was hard work. More than once I cried out for someone to rescue me from this place, and take me back to “civilization”. I had no idea how lucky I was, for this place was a gift. Surrounded by more than 60 other volunteers who lived, worked, and practiced here. Together. Many of them were preparing for three year retreat, something that sounded completely insane to me at the time. As the days went by, I softened, and opened up. Much more than that, I blossomed. I found something inside of me I never knew existed. In the end this place saved my life.
Being back here is a gift. My first time here I didn’t quite recover completely, I would spend more than eight years more in the dredges of addiction before I was ready. But it was here that planted the seed. It was here that I caught the first glimpse of real happiness. Now, 15 years later, in the sweet embrace of the center of the mandala, living as I do now, I hardly recognize myself anymore. The ways in which my life has changed, they aren’t even describable. It brings tears to my eyes to see how special this place is, and how much it means to me.It was here that life really began for me, even if it took me a while longer to see it. This place saved my life. This place is where I was born again.
These photos were taken during the puja of Milarepa, in Dhagpo Keundrel Ling (LeBost), on the last day of Karmapa’s visit October 13th 2019)
