If one has been following along, I was flown to Delhi for the cremation of Sempa Dorje in KIBI, the whisked off to France that same night for an event in Le Bost, where I immediately began shooting, in a different continent than I had been the day before.
It was wild! To say that I received a warm welcome would be the understatement of the millennium. I have never been met with so sunny greetings, hugs, smiles, and love before, it was deeply touching. Everyone - my state of mind and physical exhaustion not withstanding - was very forgiving and helped me back to my feet quite literally. I love Le Bost, I’ve written many times before that I feel it is my home, and this trip solidified that for me in the deepest cockles of my heart. The people, the Temple, the air and breeze, the whole place shines with authenticity and deep tradition. While I was there for the 25th anniversary of the parinirvana of Gendun Rinpoche, there was nothing but celebration, joy, camaraderie and happiness in the air.
Jigme Rinpoche, one of my favorite people in this world, presided over the ceremonies along with Gendun Rinchen, another of my favorite people to walk this earth. They are both so incredible. Humble, devout, compassionate, caring and nurturing. This special place is clearly led by special people indeed.
During one of his teachings, which were absolutely fabulous and filled with humor, Jigme Rinpoche told a story that I would like to share with you all. He was teaching about how we all need to let others be who and what they are, not to get caught up in how they live, what they do, and how that can affect us. Outside stimulus can often break our attempts at peace, and this comes only from ourselves. Dharma teaches us to let go, and not get hung up by what the world around you brings. And so, he talked about his home in France. How dogs can bark incessantly, which in turn makes his dogs do the same, resulting in a chorus of non-stop noise. Could that be disturbing, of course. He said that hunters come around his land every weekend, guns blasting, the opposite of a Dharma lifestyle - that too could be very disturbing. But he focuses on his practice, allowing them to be who they are, and this allows him to be undisturbed in his usual relaxed and groovy demeanor. He then said that the frogs around his place croak all night too, and one time Shamar Rinpoche was with him when the frogs began their usual activities. Shamarpa went outside calmly, and then in a thunderous voice said “STOP”! With a smile and that sparkle in his eyes, Jigme Rinpoche told us that for the next two years those frogs didn’t make a peep. Rinpoche laughed so hard that everyone crammed into the Temple, in the summer heat, exploded in torrential giggles and applause.
The remainder of the event included a medal award ceremony for Lama Droupgyu for her tireless work with people in prisons. It was presided over by some of the region’s most powerful political leaders. Every morning all were gathers foe practice of 16th Karmapa Guru Yoga, and Milarepa with Tsok closed out Sunday afternoon. There was also a public address from Gendun Rinchen, who in great detail spoke to the masses about all improvements and developments that have been happening, and are planned for the Dhagpo Mandala. You could hear a pin drip as his spoke in his delicate tone, all were captivated by his presence, After his speech every single person in the Temple lined up for a blessing, and I will say that Gendun Rinchen’s blessing are a sign to behold. He places both hands on your head, his eyes close, and the whole of space seems to stop completely. Watching such a young man, with so much power and heart, hold a room of 600+ in complete transfixed attention and devotion is something I will not soon forget. He is a radiant beacon of compassion - he is the real deal.
Thank you all for taking this ride with me, I hope you enjoyed following along as much as I did living it. What an adventure!
Dhagpo Kundreul Ling Lama Jigmé Rinpoché Gendun Rinchen
