No small feat indeed, building a center up from literally nothing to grow such a vast, incredibly devoted and supportive community is a great act of devotion.
Pure and simple, this place has every reason to celebrate for today is a milestone among milestones. And what better way to celebrate than with a call coming in from Delhi with the voice of Karmapa himself! His Holiness broke retreat for a brief moment to call in and congratulate Montchardon and Lama Teunsang for their 40th Anniversary, and to let everyone know how much he cares for this center, its sangha, and for all of us to be gathered here together. It was staged so perfectly; right in the middle of a speech the phone rang, and they casually handed it to Lama Teunsang, who upon answering it and recognizing who it was broke out in the largest and most joyous smile I have ever seen. It was glorious! Karmapa then spoke for almost twenty minutes to the extremely excited and cheering crowd, who of course broke out into thunderous applause and a standing ovation when the call ended. It was such a touching moment, beyond belief really, and something I am sure no one will ever forget.
So here's to 40 more years of Montchardon! 40 more years of turning the wheel of Dharma. 40 more years of hard work, grind, and toughing it out to make such an incredible place a reality. 40 more years of love, companionship, support and compassionate living. 40 more years of being together, our family united. 40 more years of the incredible and ultra devoted Lama Teunsang’s own work and endless drive of course cannot be overstated. Or more appreciated. Lama la, what you have done here defies reasoning, and defines a generation. You are the stuff of Legend, and I thank you deeply for what you have shown me here today.
Happy 40th Montchardon!!!
Montchardon #Dharma.Family.United @Les Amis De Montchardon
