And what a visit it was, wow. I look forward to this place all year long; the electric energy, the wild and crazy smiles jutting out from all corners, the heat and sweat-cramped-sardine-smooshed atmosphere with its vibrant colorful people who make it such a unique and special place. Sometimes friends are literally spilling over the sides in a mosh pit of hilarious affection. There’s something in their eyes - this sparkle that ignites in me feelings from a life long past. They make me feel young(er) again, where seemingly every moment is special. It’s pretty awesome, and it totally rubs off on me in the best of ways. It started at the airport, throngs waiting in the dimly lit arrival hall, excited crowds pushing for a chance to see His Holiness first. The arrival to KG itself, lit only by moonlight, crowds once more unfettered by anything. From the Gompa for empowerments of Mahakala and Chenrezig, or up at the Stupa to celebrate the very beginnings of KG, it’s all a bit overwhelming in a beautiful kind of way. Nowhere is there few people - nowhere is it quiet, but it is always peaceful. And it seems a lot of folks started families! Gone are the endless rows of tents, replaced instead by strollers and babies toddling around, parents enjoying friends, their happy children basking in the sun. I love it, and I’m bringing my son next time for sure. What more could anymore wish for: a week in the warm sun with Karmapa handing out teachings and empowerments like candy to a baby - pun intended. Blessing photos with babies are my personal favorite 🙂
Karmapa’s energy this year is tremendous, I’ve mentioned this already a few times. He is so joyous, so youthful. It makes my heart sing to see him this way, and the effect is seen clearly on everyone else as well. The whole visit he was smiling and laughing, placing his favorite Totoro bunny next to him on the throne which has now become a regular thing. He seems infinitely more grand than ever, his presence simply massive, parting the seas as he moves slowly in his trademark carefree way. When he entered with Lama Ole, he walked tenderly with him, holding his hand with the utmost care. The love he has for him is so beautiful, and the standing ovation Lama Ole received from the crowd each time he arrived shows the feeling is mutual for all of us. These kinds of moments are very special, we need to remember them forever.
To end the visit Karmapa always gives an Empowerment at Stupa Benalmadena. For a photographer, Karmapa seated on the throne wearing the Black Crown as the sun sets behind him, is one of those moments that could define your work. Alas that wasn’t the case, as Karmapa started late, and gave a nearly four hour introduction talk before starting the empowerment itself! Instead I shot with only moonlight and cell phone flashlights to guide the way. But honestly, I love how they came out. It’s dark and moody. Set against that dark sky, the ocean behind, there’s something quite special about it. It’s different than what I had expected, or maybe even wanted, but as is the case with Karmapa, the end result always carries this magical quality. One must just let go and see what happens, embracing it, loving it. That’s my job, documenting the activity of a Buddha. And with that comes endless surprises, constant changes, and a near cataclysmic array of wildly difficult lighting conditions. I love it dearly. It’s never simple, but always, always, always beautiful.
Farewell dear friends of Spain, I adore you all. I look forward to the next time, when we can do it all over again!
