Blessed Arrivals
News has finally arrived with the verdict ; the Lama will be gracing us with his presence in the next week! The village is absolutely vibrating in excitement as we rush to finalize our preparations for our most esteemed teacher’s visit. It is incredible to see how positive the energy of our people has become where just a few short weeks ago , we were facing the negative aftermath of the storm ; how the tides have changed for the better! I have sensed a great change in my Mother which I believe is for the better, the beautiful smile I remember has returned and I hope that it does not leave us once more. Like many in the village, she has been working so hard to prepare for our most auspicious leaders arrival. I am forever grateful to the scholars that worked diligently to craft such a lovely invitation that was so positively received. I cannot wait to be in his presence as I have been keeping up with me meditations and know that he will offer us further insight and wisdom regarding our paths to liberation.
It seems as if the news of the Lama’s impending visit has brought many out of their isolation that was a result of the storm and the square and monastery seems to be filled with people. It is safe to assume that our teacher will be welcomed by a massive congregation which I cannot wait to experience. While the village has been hard at work , there is still much to do as our Sangha is not yet complete and many have yet to make their offerings. My Mother and I have been making quite a few Tormas which are cone shaped figures made of flour and butter that have been dyed a variety of vibrant colours that will together construct a shrine to be offered to the Lama during his visit.
The other artists in the village and I have worked together to construct a Mandala which is a representation of the world system that we will offer to the Lama so that he may teach and provide tantric empowerment. It is also symbolic of our appreciation as he concludes the tantric initiation ritual. The Mandala consists of a flat bottomed bowl held bottom side up, with three mounds of raw grain or gems, placed one atop the other on its surface and contained within progressively smaller concentric rings. It is crowned with an ornamental diadem.
The condition in which the Nun’s are living in our village has always been controversial to some and I also recognize the injustice that the monks live comfortably while the nun’s who are following the same spiritual path are discriminated against because of their gender. I have always wanted to speak up but felt powerless to do anything ; who would seriously consider anything that a young , female artist had to say? Lately however, the voices of change have grown louder and I find myself inspired to help in any way I can to improve their living conditions. Apparently, A nun has been collecting funds to do this and I plan to donate as much as I can as I firmly believe that such horrid conditions are preventing them from arriving at their full potential of liberation. They should have equal opportunity to work towards enlightenment and outside forces should not hinder them from doing so. A clinic is to be built at their location with these funds and I feel as though everyone in the village , not just the nun’s will benefit greatly from such a goal.
While the last few weeks have been trying, our village has managed to come out stronger especially in the wake of loss following the hailstorm. There have definitely been times where I have lost faith and very nearly gave up especially when my mother was suffering and I felt utterly helpless. However, I know that my father would not want us to lose sight of the Eightfold Path and negate all that we have accomplished and overcome. Afterall, attachment is a root of suffering which can be alleviated if we let go of our earthly attachements. That is easier said than done! My father would not want us to suffer and so that will be my motivation moving forward. Especially with the impending arrival of the Lama, I feel as though I am on the way back to where I was spiritually prior to the devastation that was brought to the village. For the first time in a long time, I feel as if I am in sync with my mother in our quest for positive karma as she is no longer living a passive existence and is now actively carrying out her duties in our community.
I must go as there is still much to be done and I simply cannot wait for the Lama to grace us with his presence. It will be a glorious day indeed!
