This icon, famous amongst travelers and locals alike has been on this very spot since before any of us were here, and it has stood the test of time against all odds and all forms of calamity.
The stupa in Swayambhu is still looking out over the valley below, even after a tremendous earthquake that rocked a nation and the world, it is holding strong. Around it lie the memories of what once was, piles of rock and rubble that made up its surroundings, now no longer here with us. The Gompa that was home to Shamar Rinpoche, and was a steady symbol of togetherness for the entire lineage has begun its teardown phase and for the first time since the deconstruction I spent an afternoon passing beside it. My initial feelings and impressions leave me speechless as the sight of such a great landmark now almost completely destroyed and removed is hard to bear. It is with a heavy heart that I circle around its base, passing workers and tourists alike, all in a state of shock to the new decorum that is now the top of Swayambhu hill. However, one must take it as a sign of rebirth - as Shamar Rinpoche had always expressed his wish for the Gompa to be rebuilt, there is no time like the present, and our misfortune has been turned on its head as the process of rebuilding and change has now begun.
Under a perfect blue sky I passed my time wandering amongst the piles of brick and stone. A beautiful day, and the amazing feeling I have every time I visit here has not left this place. Wonderous memories come to my mind as I walk, visiting here as a younger man the space is somewhat changed, but the emotions remain. I can only try to imagine what it must be like for those who were raised here and spent their childhoods playing in the stupa’s great shadow. A thought comes to my mind, for in order to make new the old must be tossed out. What a way to bring light and positivity to a situation such as this. We can all find comfort that the rebuilding process has already begun. We can all find comfort that the statues and monuments have been cared for with the utmost sensitivity and patient care. We can all find solace in the fact that after all this is over, once Nepal has begun to feel normal again our beloved stupa and its Gompa atop the hill have already begun to be rebuilt. It will be better than ever before. Stronger than ever before. New memories will be made here. It will last the test of time.
In order to make something new and fresh we have to be willing to let go of its past. In order to make it stronger we have to see what was weak and redesign. In order to remove what was broken we must first take a deep breath and let it all go.
In order to rebuild we must first be willing to tear it down.
The stupa in Swayambhu is still looking out over the valley below, even after a tremendous earthquake that rocked a nation and the world, it is holding strong. Around it lie the memories of what once was, piles of rock and rubble that made up its surroundings, now no longer here with us. The Gompa that was home to Shamar Rinpoche, and was a steady symbol of togetherness for the entire lineage has begun its teardown phase and for the first time since the deconstruction I spent an afternoon passing beside it. My initial feelings and impressions leave me speechless as the sight of such a great landmark now almost completely destroyed and removed is hard to bear. It is with a heavy heart that I circle around its base, passing workers and tourists alike, all in a state of shock to the new decorum that is now the top of Swayambhu hill. However, one must take it as a sign of rebirth - as Shamar Rinpoche had always expressed his wish for the Gompa to be rebuilt, there is no time like the present, and our misfortune has been turned on its head as the process of rebuilding and change has now begun.
Under a perfect blue sky I passed my time wandering amongst the piles of brick and stone. A beautiful day, and the amazing feeling I have every time I visit here has not left this place. Wonderous memories come to my mind as I walk, visiting here as a younger man the space is somewhat changed, but the emotions remain. I can only try to imagine what it must be like for those who were raised here and spent their childhoods playing in the stupa’s great shadow. A thought comes to my mind, for in order to make new the old must be tossed out. What a way to bring light and positivity to a situation such as this. We can all find comfort that the rebuilding process has already begun. We can all find comfort that the statues and monuments have been cared for with the utmost sensitivity and patient care. We can all find solace in the fact that after all this is over, once Nepal has begun to feel normal again our beloved stupa and its Gompa atop the hill have already begun to be rebuilt. It will be better than ever before. Stronger than ever before. New memories will be made here. It will last the test of time.
In order to make something new and fresh we have to be willing to let go of its past. In order to make it stronger we have to see what was weak and redesign. In order to remove what was broken we must first take a deep breath and let it all go.
In order to rebuild we must first be willing to tear it down.
