A surprise visit it was, in-between Le Bost and flying to London Karmapa somehow managed to squeeze in a short visit to the Czech Republic, where an insanely excited NALA group, along with Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, were anxiously awaiting his arrival.
I for one was overjoyed, for NALA is like family to me, and to say this meant a lot to them would be the understatement of the millennia. And a visit of this magnitude no less, something so momentous, colossal even, for such a small group of people to put on, while also hosting Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche for the whole summer, building two (2!) stupas, filling three (3!) giant statues, finishing construction on the shrine room, and then this… it’s absolutely staggering. They had construction crews working literally around the clock, trying to get the new building ready. The center is a many years project, and the fact it was no only habitable, but gorgeous and ready for Rabne is bonkers. Perhaps since I have been around this project, seeing it grow slowly over years, and then almost overnight blooming in this massive thrust of activity, leading to a visit with Karmapa to consecrate, it’s all pretty overwhelming. Just wow. Honestly everyone was totally blown away, and for a relatively unknown center to be thrown main stage like this is quite something in and of itself. It speaks volumes to me. Petr, Vlasta, and the whole NALA family: you did an amazing job, what a work, what a blessing!
Seeing Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche was a very special treat, he looks magnificent. So youthful and energetic, with his loving and warm presence that has always entranced me. His smile could light the Eiffel Tower, he’s as magnetic and tender as any being I have ever known. He and Karmapa have a very special bond, watching them together over the few days I could see clearly how much Rinpoche means to His Holiness. He would always wait for him to come so they could walk together. During the Rabne, when there were stairs Rinpoche would wait at the bottom, mantra wheel endlessly spinning, and when Karmapa came back they would beam at each other, and then quite happily continue on together again. They would wait for each other to sit, motioning over and over that the other should go first, only to burst into giggles and eventually one would relent. Another time during the Rabne outside, Rinpoche’s glasses were falling down his face, so Karmapa stopped under the boiling hot sun, went over and gently put them back on in such a kind way the whole entourage was just bursting into tears and belly laughs. This moment will live in me forever, I am so happy I get to share the photo with you all. During his afternoon teaching Karmapa mentioned how important Rinpoche was to him, especially when he was young, and I could hear all the NALA family just melt. We all did, it was so special. The whole thing had this magic quality, something so fresh and raw too. While the visit was very short, it was initially planned to be a very private visit for Karmapa to be with Rinpoche alone, the packed one day event felt like we all spent a month together. (I also got to spend a few nights at home, and seeing my wife and playing with my son was well needed. The fact that he got to see Karmapa a bunch, staring at him on the throne transfixed or showing him his favorite Dinosaur T-shirt was just icing on the cake.) :)
And to end the roller coster visit, another super short and wild visit, on the way to the airport Karmapa visited the Diamond Way Center in Prague. This was madness, so many people came to see him that the hall was overflowing in the garden outside. We had only one hour before catching our flight, but it was totally worth it. Everyone was so joyful, so happy to see Karmapa, like a wave of bliss knocked me off my feet and I was carried away in their energy. I love visiting the Diamond Way centers, it’s always so much fun! Each year we visit, and I am always left with this amazing feeling of love and family. Lots of hugs, head bumps too. Always crowded, always hot, and always a highlight of the tour. That is Karmapa’s gift, bringing people together in ways no-one else can.
What a time, what a place! What a family we have!
