Be flexible. Be ready for anything—for it could change, and will change, in an instant. Where you rest your head is but a location, swaying in the breeze, with us for a moment before we move on again.
I feel like we move between families here, not centers, not organizations. We arrive, get to know one another, reconnect with those we've met before, and spend precious time together. They become our whole world for those few days. We confide in them, rely on them. We share stories and laughter. We sweat alongside them, toiling in joyful, epic fury, all doing our best to support Karmapa's activities. Each with their own role, their own dreams, their own life beyond all this.
And then, just as it began, we change hands and the cycle starts anew. For us, it does not end when the event is over. We continue on.
Those I meet on the road share so much of themselves with us. We bond like crazy. Even the newest connections can feel lifelong and purposeful. Everyone is so kind. Beyond kind. Beyond their limits, and yet still smiling, still happy to serve His Holiness. Still standing at the end of the day we exchange looks of exhaustion and supreme happiness. Wrinkled clothes and gleaming faces. True joy. A day well spent in Dharma. A day spent with friends. With family.
I am deeply grateful to all who join us, support us, and travel alongside us—for treating us like family. Like dear friends who have shared something beautiful. Lifelong bonds that cannot be broken, no matter how far apart we may be.
Dharma Family United.
Karmapa
