Here we are, the big one, the mammoth, EC filled to the brim with almost uncountable friends sharing in the sun, rain, mud, and thunderstorms that make the EC legendary.
This year we were treated to extra crazy weather, it literally rained every single day and the clouds were dark and gloomy. But that didn’t hamper spirits in any way, for the 1000s that stuck it out in a tent I salute you - that is true devotion and determination. I was incredibly impressed by the joyful vibe, the insane organization, the food, the people, the energy, seriously - this place is just amazing. I was especially joyful to see Lama Ole again in person, and I can attest that he has the same magnetic presence and power we all know him for. The unstoppable. The tireless. The mountain of stone on top of which the entire Diamond Way community was built. What he has accomplished is beyond legendary, and I was constantly reminded of all that he built, all that he created for this world.
When Karmapa first met with Lama Ole it was such a tender special moment. Karmapa crossed the room, immediately clasped his hands in warm embrace, touched his head to Ole’s, and for what seemed like an eternity he just stayed there, this incredible soft and gentle look of care and love. When they gazed in to each other’s eyes, it was so powerful, one could only hold their breath for fear of disturbing their connection. Seeing them together, these two men who have been through so much together, reunited again before my eyes. I was deeply honored to have been there for these private moments, it was something truly special. During the Stupa consecration Karmapa made one big kora holding Lama Ole’s hand, walking slowly, gazing up at the Stupa together as the crowd cheered with glee. During the empowerment Karmapa would give Lama Ole’s blessing first, and once again their heads touched in a moment that felt as though I might actually explode - that first photo just might be my new favorite of all time. I can tell you it was like the world had stopped. Just wow… Hard to describe but it was thunderous for me. The crowd also seemed to share in my sentiments, every time they arrived together or met on the stage there was an eruption of applause that sometimes lasted several minutes and had to be stopped so the program could continue. Only in the EC.
In another show of crazy weather and “miracles”; the final evening during the empowerment of Mahakala it was pouring rain outside. Shrieking and screaming wind, thunderstorms that rattled the tent and scared more than a few. It was raining so heavily that water was actually coming in through the roof. Not a trickle, more like buckets. I spent the entire evening soaking wet, with socks that would gush with the wet carpet beneath me. All of us in a tent, at night, in the pouring rain, it was totally crazy. As the blessing line was going, more than once I saw a cascade of water fall onto Karmapa and those around him, and he never once flinched or moved a muscle. Everyone was screaming and laughing from the absurdity of it all, but not him. Calmly blessing and moving without a care in the world. This never ceases to amaze me, especially when I am soaking wet and trying to keep up with him. Tireless, unstoppable, a mountain of stone upon which our lineage is built. How lucky are we to see this up close, to bear witness to such incredible - yet in some way - totally ordinary feats of genuine compassion and power.
Thank you so much to everyone in EC - this was something I will never forget!
Europe Center
