The day of the Thousand Arms Chenrezig empowerment it was dark and grey outside, ugly weather. Inside the tent Karmapa was giving a brief teaching, and he mentioned several times we should “focus on the rain”, as an example of just being in the moment, or avoiding filling our minds with unnecessary discursiveness when we practice. “Don’t worry, don’t try so hard, just focus on the rain” he said. A few minutes later during the preparation phase, it started to rain. It got stronger and stronger, louder and louder. After the preparations Karmapa began giving the lung, the oral transmission part of the empowerment, when the rain finally exploded onto the roof of the tent in a cascading onslaught of water that reverberated inside like a canon. We could barely hear the sound of Karmapa’s voice, surrounded by this unbelievable downpour. I couldn’t even make out the syllables, but the idea of awakening by hearing suddenly became clear in my mind. It was like a stream of blessing just flying into me, no need to understand. So I focused on the rain, we all did. Surrounded by this unrelenting deluge on all sides, I felt supremely peaceful. In that moment there was nothing on earth except the sound of Karmapa’s voice, and the rain. Suddenly it became really dark and there was a bright flash, I believe lighting hit the tent as a huge spark flashed on the roof with a loud crack. The audio and lights went off. People screamed and gasped in a state of bewilderment and surprise. I didn’t take my eyes off the stage, and I can tell you, Karmapa never flinched or stopped for even a moment. Completely unaffected by the rain, the thunder, the lightning, the power and sound, nothing. He just kept going. Everyone quieted down, the lung finished, the rain simmered back to gentle and wafting, and the empowerment began.
When the blessing cue was done, Karmapa went directly to Lama Teunzang’s room to give him the blessing. It was a very special moment, and a great honor for me to be but a fly on the wall, carefully snapping one or two photographs while trying my best not to interfere with their private moment. When Karmapa left the rain finally stopped, and I was standing next to the big stupa reveling in all that I had seen and felt. In that moment the black sky parted, and a streak of bright blue ripping through like fire appeared. The streak became bigger, and for a few seconds it formed a perfect Dream Flag - the grey clouds turned warm and golden against that deep sea blue, surrounded by vast black skies as far as one could see. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. I realized I didn’t have my camera or even a phone, so I rushed to get it but the moment was gone when I returned. But a few minutes later there appeared over the Temple two distinct rainbows, facing opposite directions, something I have never seen before. In a moment they too were gone, and we were left with only one of the most amazing sunsets of my life.
I’m not one for magic, or miracles, but this was certainly something extraordinary. I don’t want to pretend like I know what was happening, this was really something for which words cannot express. In fact the whole course was amazing, something very very special. An exceptional visit, one of the most powerful and meaningful I have ever experienced. This place has enormous blessings, and I feel very honored to have been there for this historic moment. You can feel it in the air; the devotion, hard work and heart of Lama Teunzang permeating in the air all around you. He built this place from nothing, with his hands and a shovel, literally. Pulling weeds and carrying stones. Brick by brick. You can feel that, this is a place built on devotion and dedication. Magic, or whatever you choose to cal it, chose a fitting spot to show itself. I’m not surprised that it happened here, in this special place, with Karmapa in the rain.
