The landscape is beautiful, otherworldly even, as the endless plains end with blue capped mountains meeting the horizon with one of the most mesmerizing skies I have ever seen.
I feel in love instantly. Visits to ancient retreat huts and monasteries gripping the sides of mountains, greeted by locals and spiritual leaders of all directions we ventured as a group always does: on a off the bus through the thick and thin of it, as a family. Miles from anywhere, completely devoid of phones or internet we camped in yurts, meditated together under the fading light of evening glow, sang together as we crisscrossed the country in a bus, chanted Mahakala in ancient temples, drank traditional fermented milk, watched cultural dances and local music, hiked through the rocky hills, and wandered together in museums and historic sites gazing at ancient artifacts and statues bearing such resemblance to our own Tibetan counterparts it was remarkable. We took hilarious and official group photos whenever possible. And yes, Ole held an eagle to the roaring excitement of all. We were all blown away by what we saw. The disconnect from the outside world seemed to only make the experience that much more powerful and real. A very special place, where one can really let the mind explore and be free, a place that holds great ties and history with our ancient Kagyu family.
This was a trip of great impact for all of us here, but also for our Dharma family worldwide. Ole met with many high lamas and spiritual leaders of Mongolia; the Khambo Lama, the Secretary of Religious Affairs to the president, and the heads of all the big monasteries. It became a mission of dire importance for the connection to Buddhism here in Mongolia. We were let in to see such secrets and treasures, like the towering 28 meter Chenrezig and secret Kalachakra shrine room in Gandan Monastery, the 108 stupas lining the walls of Eden Zuu, to the breathtaking “endless-valley-view’ of Erdene Khamba Monastery and its solitary retreat hut that looks out over it all. Trying to recount with any accuracy what we have seen is near impossible. It was an endless adventure, three days melting into each other in a barrage of wow and wonder, each place truly special in its own right. To no-ones surprise, with the energy of a man half his age Ole always led the pack. Making jokes and greeting absolutely everyone we came across with his usual cheer and grin. Guiding meditations, telling stories and leading candlelight Dharma discussions into the wee hours of the morning with such wide eyed joy it would be impossible for any other man. Such are the greatest conditions for self exploration; One part wild and wondrous Ole, add a small group completely out of contact with the outside world. A pinch of no internet, phone, or electricity. Then cut the cord for three days and just melt into the beauty and space that is around you. We let our minds fly free, soaring like eagles over the outrages landscape of rocky mountains and color drenched skies. (We did bribe the sweet landlord of our yurt camp to charge my computer and camera with his gas generator, but that was just an exception to make sure I didn’t miss anything important photographically of course). It was an incredible, emotional, wild and rowdy, breathtaking, bumpy, jumpy, exhausting, and richly powerful experience that has truly changed my life. I feel a great sense of liberation in my heart. This was a great journey to the heart center of Mongolia, to the center of my heart as well. Letting my mind soar like an eagle, and getting lost in those incredible clouds above.
Lama Ole Nydahl Mongolia
