Very early this morning we left en route to the ocean, braving the already scorching heat and drawn out exhaustion we all feel here - the sea coming as a soft and gentle final touch to such an incredible event thus far. The task at hand: the Naga Vase ceremony led by Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje himself found us on four boats setting out from the marina.
With a beautiful sky overhead, on rolling waves we slowly made our way out to sea, the sun warming me inside and out after a week of always being inside. I could be the only one, but somehow being under the sun and feeling the breeze on my face opens my mind and frees my spirit. This has been such a powerful week. So much has happened I need this time to let it all sink in. Looking out to the ocean, my heart glows ever brighter, despite the extreme lack of sleep, chaos and constant motion this wondrous simple moment seems to last forever, the calm before the storm once more. Soon enough the vases begin to fly into the air, color dashing into the ocean to the droning sound of chanting, engine noise and the whistling open ocean air. It is hot and wet, there is nowhere to stand; all cramped together like this feels somehow quite normal to me. Rather fitting indeed I should say - what better way for our Dharma family to bond than to be stuck in a tiny boat bobbing up and down on the ocean with Karmapa, tossing blessed objects into the sea together? I cannot think of a single thing I’d rather be doing, or a single place that I’d rather be today. Well, it is my father’s 60th birthday today - though I can't see him today, and I've missed so many of these kinds of things, you can’t have your cake and eat it too - so he’ll just have to have an extra slice for me.
I Love you Dad, Happy Birthday!!!
Karma Kagyu Dharma Society Kuala Lumpur
