Why do we consider shadows and lack of light to be of sadness and mourning?
I find it to be completely the opposite, as in the shadows, in those spaces where light cannot or simply does not pass there are such special shades of beauty emanating from within. When a fire burns brightly, it brings light and color to faces, illuminating from the dark a smile, or a look of determined devotion, not only under the cover of heavy sunlight do we see the true and powerful spirit within. Even the lack of color, shades of grey can carry with them such incredible beauty for without color to hinder our senses we can see the shapes and forms for exactly what they are, unaltered with saturated tones to hide their meaning and virtue. When the fire is lit, the flame burning brightly containing the names of the deceased, the puja for those who have passed is a thing of such beauty and haunting charm. As Karmapa lights the first flame, his face carrying with it all the suffering and pain of those from all walks of life, from all realms, from all kalpas and eons of life, the blessing of his wishes flowing strongly in the air. Over the thunderous roar of the chants, the beating of drums, the crystal clear ringing of bells cut through the air like a razor’s sharp edge, splitting the ignorance and anger, removing the obstacles and creating a clear and present line of sight to our ever awakened and true meditative mind. In this place, where some would place color and light, I find that the truest beauty, the most real and present beauty, the foregone and unexpected beauty, is in the shadows and the shades of grey. Illuminating the dark, opening hearts, freeing minds, when I am stuck and feel as though light cannot enter my momentarily darkened mind, I let in the dark and enjoy its rare and tranquil beauty.
In the neighboring ceremonial grounds by the mountainside , in the cover of falling night, six lamas performed the practice of Tcheu, lit only with the headlights of a single car parked beside. I found such beauty in this, such raw emotion, hanging on to the feelings I had received from the puja performed just moments earlier. The feeling of fire, the shadows, mixed with my beating heart and raw tangible emotion from the past weeks events and I found myself with such unexpected and powerful feelings of solidarity and peace. With all the commotion, all the activity, the energy, the people, the storms of movement and chaotic scheduling, these precious few moments of slow and bated breath seemed to pass through me like a wave of calm. In a frame where it is more dark than light, the forms are partially hidden from view, leaving to the imagination all the details that normally would be shown. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Every one of us has our unique and personal way to see this world. From the vault of undeveloped and unseen photos from Ladakh, I bring these final moments to life, lit by minimal light and underexposing shadows. In some situations, one must push to see the beauty, the unique, the shades of life and love hidden away in the beautiful darkness. Sometimes the only true way to express the innate feeling of joy in our hearts is through monochrome and faded shades. Sometimes one must be willing to risk it all, try something new, for it is in this way we find the truly unexpected. Color is beauty, dark is beauty. Heaviness brings after it feelings of weightlessness and joy. Fire burns through to free the space leaving room for light to once again pass through.
Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery
I find it to be completely the opposite, as in the shadows, in those spaces where light cannot or simply does not pass there are such special shades of beauty emanating from within. When a fire burns brightly, it brings light and color to faces, illuminating from the dark a smile, or a look of determined devotion, not only under the cover of heavy sunlight do we see the true and powerful spirit within. Even the lack of color, shades of grey can carry with them such incredible beauty for without color to hinder our senses we can see the shapes and forms for exactly what they are, unaltered with saturated tones to hide their meaning and virtue. When the fire is lit, the flame burning brightly containing the names of the deceased, the puja for those who have passed is a thing of such beauty and haunting charm. As Karmapa lights the first flame, his face carrying with it all the suffering and pain of those from all walks of life, from all realms, from all kalpas and eons of life, the blessing of his wishes flowing strongly in the air. Over the thunderous roar of the chants, the beating of drums, the crystal clear ringing of bells cut through the air like a razor’s sharp edge, splitting the ignorance and anger, removing the obstacles and creating a clear and present line of sight to our ever awakened and true meditative mind. In this place, where some would place color and light, I find that the truest beauty, the most real and present beauty, the foregone and unexpected beauty, is in the shadows and the shades of grey. Illuminating the dark, opening hearts, freeing minds, when I am stuck and feel as though light cannot enter my momentarily darkened mind, I let in the dark and enjoy its rare and tranquil beauty.
In the neighboring ceremonial grounds by the mountainside , in the cover of falling night, six lamas performed the practice of Tcheu, lit only with the headlights of a single car parked beside. I found such beauty in this, such raw emotion, hanging on to the feelings I had received from the puja performed just moments earlier. The feeling of fire, the shadows, mixed with my beating heart and raw tangible emotion from the past weeks events and I found myself with such unexpected and powerful feelings of solidarity and peace. With all the commotion, all the activity, the energy, the people, the storms of movement and chaotic scheduling, these precious few moments of slow and bated breath seemed to pass through me like a wave of calm. In a frame where it is more dark than light, the forms are partially hidden from view, leaving to the imagination all the details that normally would be shown. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Every one of us has our unique and personal way to see this world. From the vault of undeveloped and unseen photos from Ladakh, I bring these final moments to life, lit by minimal light and underexposing shadows. In some situations, one must push to see the beauty, the unique, the shades of life and love hidden away in the beautiful darkness. Sometimes the only true way to express the innate feeling of joy in our hearts is through monochrome and faded shades. Sometimes one must be willing to risk it all, try something new, for it is in this way we find the truly unexpected. Color is beauty, dark is beauty. Heaviness brings after it feelings of weightlessness and joy. Fire burns through to free the space leaving room for light to once again pass through.
Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery
