We were both the same age, early 20s, and Rinpoche really loved to sing - and laugh. He was like a ball of energy, so radiant and cheerful. I remember my dad would sing the Heart Sutra in this silly cowboy voice and Rinpoche would laugh so hard that the whole car would explode in contagious giggles for the next hour or so. We spent most of the trip in this way, and it’s one of my fondest memories.
I still see Rinpoche all over, though we rarely have a chance to spend time together. This past week he was in Prague, and I was thrilled he could come to my studio. It was wonderful to see him, and I was completely blown away by his transformation in the past few years. He still has that gleam in his eye, that smile, the ease into which he explodes into laughter, but there is also an incredible solidity to him. He can be quite serious, deep in thought, reflecting on everything. He has kind eyes, that now carry the burden of years of experience that have made him even more understanding and compassionate. He is gracious and humble, especially when talking about dharma. He is very caring and patient when he listens, and even more so when he speaks. He takes his time in choosing his words very carefully, you can see in his eyes how important it is that he be understood and helpful. We may both still be the same age, but he has grown so much in his knowledge, his abilities, and his demeanor that I barely recognize him. While he was amazing before, his transformation is astounding to say the least.
Rinpoche wanted this collection to be raw and natural, nothing fancy, nothing planned. In the end I believe we accomplished that, and his genuineness comes through clear as a bell. This collection means a lot to me, for in the space of time since we met all those years ago, we’ve both come a long way and as Rinpoche said it best; we were witnesses to each other’s transformation. He would say that the in-between moments are his favorites and I would be inclined to agree.
I present to you the next chapter in my Dharma Studio series: Sabchu Rinpoche.
Follow the link below to download this collection in print quality
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hd60xjnio3m6r3i/AADi8jMe6iZ4L5Ucvc7D_CTLa?dl=0
*Follow the link to download these photos, for your personal use, in print quality.
