Such is the true nature of Monlam, a great gathering of the entire tribe, the whole familia, crossing borders and continents to arrive in this one place in time together.
With the arrival of Lama Ole Nydahl this afternoon marking yet another legendary historic moment for this year’s events, there seems to be no limit to the excitement and goings on here. It comes as no surprise that the airport was brimming with people; screaming, giggling, singing loudly, impatiently awaiting the arrival of Ole from Bhutan. What joy to see such smiling faces everywhere you look. The scene when Lama Ole arrives is always like greeting a rock star, but he has such a down to earth, tremendously charismatic genuine presence it’s easy to see why everyone just wants to be around him. He greets everyone with such personal attention, to the mobbing throng of hundreds or just one person, there seems to be no difference to him, they are all greeted like he hasn’t seen them in years. What great joy I see in their eyes. There is love there I think, and that’s the whole point isn’t it. This is family at its most beautiful. This is why we are here.
Love is everywhere - Maniwa Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche made a special mandala offering to Karmapa this morning and it was such a beautiful display of affection, respect and gratitude. The prostrations Rinpoche made today were extremely powerful, slow and majestic, I could see the intensity in his eyes. The way they exchange the ritual objects, the golden offerings such a simple yet powerful gesture that always deeply affects me when I get to see such things up close. There is such love there as well. Watching the blossoming friendship and deeply bound Dharmic brotherhood of Karmapa and Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche has also touched my heart deeply. Watching them together, the way they exchange glances, walking through crowds, or just sitting side by side in meditation is awe inspiring to say the least. This is certainly only the beginning of a life long, ever growing, and resplendent connection that we will all cherish to watch for years to come. What an incredible family we are! An abundance of love. This Dharma family of ours is such a gift. Let us rejoice not only in these few days we spend together; let us spread this love, this family, this connection out the whole year long, to all those who are with us in person or in spirit. Sing it loud and proud, from the top of your lungs. Dharma Family United indeed! If life is to be full of love, then here, most importantly, it begins with family.
The Kagyu Monlam
