Just imagine: sitting beneath the stars, a giant golden Buddha on one side, a massive stupa on the other, rows of tables covered in exotic food, while a string orchestra plays a Strauss polka.
Wild.
The finale?
A fireworks display, of course.
Fizzling balls of light and explosions of color erupted overhead as the Buddha gazed on, completely unfazed. It was surely the most unique gala dinner I have ever experienced, perfectly in keeping with Lopon Rinpoche’s eclectic tastes and love of culture.
I watched his toes tapping along to the music, his hands clapping in time, a look of pure joy across his face. When the fireworks finally ended, after more than five minutes of thunderous explosions, a sky filled with smoke and blue haze from the LED spotlights, he clapped and cheered with the delight of a loving parent watching a child’s concert.
So sweet.
I am deeply impressed by him.
Not only by the welcoming nature of his center and its joyful team of volunteers. Not only by his calm demeanor, earthy laughter, or his appreciation for the dramatic, the beautiful, and the divine.
It is his gentle humility that moves me most.
Surrounded by extraordinary wealth and exquisite works of art adorning every corner of this place, you might expect a man consumed by possessions. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rinpoche speaks softly, smiles often, and is unwavering in his devotion to Karmapa, his activity, and the lineage. His generosity seems endless.
This is what merit looks like.
Someone who has everything, yet seems happiest when giving to others.
From the kitchen staff to students, babies, gardeners, or the shrine room cleaner...
Everyone receives that same beaming smile that quietly says,
"Please come in. You're more than welcome here."
You can always judge a center by its teacher's students.
In this case, the proof is in the pudding.
In a world where you never know what will happen next, this is a place of wonder.
