Eyes dart around the crowd as we all search out our old and new friends for this is the time to say goodbye as many will not see each other again for some time, until we all meet again under the tree.
Monlam is such an amazing coming together of people; those whom you would rarely have the chance to see, those maybe you wouldn’t have the chance to meet otherwise, all coming together to celebrate and rejoice as one crazy family in the wildest and most unique of places. The final ceremony is quite fitting as a grand finale - as night falls and the lights in the temple gardens come on, the sunset is of beautiful contrast to the artificial halogen and glowing colored lights - at the very end of the ceremony flowers and rice are thrown into the air that sparkle and dance in the light…
Trying to describe how I feel after this week requires more vocabulary and literary power than I possess, as the limits of my body and soul have been pushed far beyond their limits I feel that I cannot adequately describe it. I never would have believed you if you’d told me two years ago that I would be doing what I’m doing, that I would be sharing my images, thoughts and feelings with the world - and yet this opportunity has come and I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited along with being deeply humbled by its prospects. I received a message this week from a reader saying that she couldn’t wait to wake up in the morning because there would be new photos from Monlam and a story to go along with them, and because she couldn’t make it in person this was her direct connection to what was happening. This meant so much to me, as I too wake every morning excited to see and read what has been written back to me and these comments keep me going, pushing me to levels I never knew I had in me, the response and support has been literally heart melting. You have all shown me the true meaning of devotion and dedication, your words create a fire underneath me, helping to push me when there is nothing left. Just this evening after the event was finished, after trudging home to treat and prep my photos I spent my last viable moments of energy writing my post for tonight, only to have the internet crash, erasing my text and forcing me to (several times) reload the photos and start all over again. I now stare at the screen with eyes straining to focus, I feel humbled and beaten, chewed up and spit out, running on empty - and yet I have never felt so content and happy to my core. This work I present I do so with my most open heart and every ounce of my being, these are more than images to me, they are my thoughts and feelings, and for you all to share with me so much of yourselves along the way is the greatest gift of all. Far from perfect, and with constant flaws and changes I can only do my best - but I will always be willing to get up, brush myself off and try again.
I wish to thank you all from the very bottom of my heart for allowing me to share with you all these past seven days - these collections of photos and words represent my Monlam, and based on all your sharing, Monlam for many of you who couldn’t be here - from all across the world. I only hope that my work could be of some benefit, to simply show what an amazing event and an amazing, crazy dharma family we have here, I humbly cannot offer anything more. I truthfully cannot believe that what I do can be of such benefit to others: I simply do what I love and share it, this requires very little from me - it is you all that deserve the credit and praise as it is because of you that I am here - that we are all here together. Thank you to all the people who have, and continue to support me in my growth and learning. Thank you to everyone who helped me to get here with your words, support, help, advice, and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being open and letting me share - and for sharing back so that we may grow and learn together, as a community, a sangha and a family. Of dreams, goodbyes and memories, until the next time we all meet again, under the tree.
With a weary body and mind, but a triumphant and joyous, warmed heart
-Tokpa
Monlam is such an amazing coming together of people; those whom you would rarely have the chance to see, those maybe you wouldn’t have the chance to meet otherwise, all coming together to celebrate and rejoice as one crazy family in the wildest and most unique of places. The final ceremony is quite fitting as a grand finale - as night falls and the lights in the temple gardens come on, the sunset is of beautiful contrast to the artificial halogen and glowing colored lights - at the very end of the ceremony flowers and rice are thrown into the air that sparkle and dance in the light…
Trying to describe how I feel after this week requires more vocabulary and literary power than I possess, as the limits of my body and soul have been pushed far beyond their limits I feel that I cannot adequately describe it. I never would have believed you if you’d told me two years ago that I would be doing what I’m doing, that I would be sharing my images, thoughts and feelings with the world - and yet this opportunity has come and I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited along with being deeply humbled by its prospects. I received a message this week from a reader saying that she couldn’t wait to wake up in the morning because there would be new photos from Monlam and a story to go along with them, and because she couldn’t make it in person this was her direct connection to what was happening. This meant so much to me, as I too wake every morning excited to see and read what has been written back to me and these comments keep me going, pushing me to levels I never knew I had in me, the response and support has been literally heart melting. You have all shown me the true meaning of devotion and dedication, your words create a fire underneath me, helping to push me when there is nothing left. Just this evening after the event was finished, after trudging home to treat and prep my photos I spent my last viable moments of energy writing my post for tonight, only to have the internet crash, erasing my text and forcing me to (several times) reload the photos and start all over again. I now stare at the screen with eyes straining to focus, I feel humbled and beaten, chewed up and spit out, running on empty - and yet I have never felt so content and happy to my core. This work I present I do so with my most open heart and every ounce of my being, these are more than images to me, they are my thoughts and feelings, and for you all to share with me so much of yourselves along the way is the greatest gift of all. Far from perfect, and with constant flaws and changes I can only do my best - but I will always be willing to get up, brush myself off and try again.
I wish to thank you all from the very bottom of my heart for allowing me to share with you all these past seven days - these collections of photos and words represent my Monlam, and based on all your sharing, Monlam for many of you who couldn’t be here - from all across the world. I only hope that my work could be of some benefit, to simply show what an amazing event and an amazing, crazy dharma family we have here, I humbly cannot offer anything more. I truthfully cannot believe that what I do can be of such benefit to others: I simply do what I love and share it, this requires very little from me - it is you all that deserve the credit and praise as it is because of you that I am here - that we are all here together. Thank you to all the people who have, and continue to support me in my growth and learning. Thank you to everyone who helped me to get here with your words, support, help, advice, and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being open and letting me share - and for sharing back so that we may grow and learn together, as a community, a sangha and a family. Of dreams, goodbyes and memories, until the next time we all meet again, under the tree.
With a weary body and mind, but a triumphant and joyous, warmed heart
-Tokpa
