While many of you have undoubtedly already seen photos from Karmapa’s short visit to the EC, it was originally intended to be totally secret.
Karmapa wanted to see Lama Ole privately, that was the reason, this was the only intention. As things usually have the chance of happening in EC, loads of people found out and instead of arriving quietly there was a giant crowd waiting in front of the villa. Outstretched hands and cheers as Karmapa’s car turned the corner, his hand came out the window and he started high-fiving every one! Going down the line it was amazing, just to watch people’s faces, his face as well, his arrival brought so much joy in people they were nearly exploding with happiness. Not just high fives, but full on two handed grasps, him taking their hands in his - it was so touching. Kids were beaming too, riding on their parents backs, trying to get a glimpse, running behind the car, jumping up and down, it was kind of crazy. They love him so much there, they were screaming it from the rooftops nearly, as he passed by, all I could see was the deep smile on Karmapa’s face. His hang loose style makes it even more so, how can someone be so cool!? Serene, so happy to see them, it was tremendous. Not unlike our usually arrivals to the EC, but even more so this time, surely the surprise had quite the effect on people. I’m sure many had only heard just a few hours ago he was coming, and poof, there he was, the Dharma King at their doorstep.
Karmapa visited privately with Lama Ole twice, spending quite some time. I wasn’t there, and so it was Karmapa’s wish to include a photo from a previous visit in the collection. Everywhere he went, to the villa and back, he was absolutely swarmed with people, asking for blessing, offering gifts, many children gave him flowers. Loads of them. One baby in particular had such a smiling face he looked like he might just melt right then and there. And of course Karmapa agreed to see the Sangha that night, a “small” thing that ended up filling most of the barn Gonpa and continuing quite late into the night. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time, Karmapa’s humor is amazing and his laugh infectious. People were crying from laughing so hard on many occasions. He took questions and gave advice on just about anything one could imagine, from practice to family and beyond. It was far after midnight before I got back to my room, it was hard to imagine we’d only been there for a few hours!
I often say surprise cake is the best, when someone offers you something like that out of the blue it’s sweeter and more delicious simply because you didn’t expect it. Arriving from thin air. Such is the case with Karmapa’s secret visits, seeing him just arrive is that much sweeter, that much more precious. How lucky we are indeed! I for one always love being in the EC, the people there are infectiously kind and joyful, something I can always use in my life. Never have I been greeted with more enthusiasm than here. They seem to have some secret cake too, making everything just a bit sweeter and more precious.
Europe Center Lama Ole Nydahl
