His Holiness Is HERE
I opened my eyes in bed, it was still dark outside but with a pinch of light slowly cracking through the dark from where the sun rises over the horizon. It had finally came the day that the Lama is arriving into town. I woke up really early and meditated at my little alter I built, to cleanse my mind from negative thought. Then I went inside to get the branches of the juniper tree I had bought from the traders. I had forged a steel offering bowl for fire offerings (bsangs mchod), placed it in my alter and put the juniper branches in. As I lit the branches on fire I chanted purification rites. Fire offerings purify the environment; although I knew there would be two big fire offerings burning before and throughout the ceremony, I wanted to perform one to purify my home and the neighboring homes of my friends and fellow villagers. I was bursting with excitement running around the house but finding nothing to do, my offering scarf was ready and so were my prayer flags. So I grabbed them and left the house I wanted to go to the monastery to see if help was needed for last preparations. At the entrance of the monastery were the artists drawing the eight auspicious signs. I wished my friend luck and went inside. All the monks and nuns were getting ready like bees, I felt like I was in the way. But then one of the monks said that they could use a builder to help put together and then take down the throne. I was so excited to help in such an honorable way!
Soon after the throne set was up, the rgya gling ; the short horns started to play I rushed out and ran as far out as I possibly could to greet his holiness. As I looked back while running down to the town entrance I saw every body coming out of their houses. Every one dressed well and holding an offering scarfs of different colors, so many happy faces. When i came to the entrance of the village the convoy was on the bridge so I waited with a couple of other villagers that were as excited as I was. We tagged along with the convoy as the rest of the village followed as we passed by. There were many instruments and horns being played people were throwing scarfs and flowers to the Lama.
When the Lama approached the monks and nuns were occupying the yard of the monastery so the lay folk stayed behind as the monastic community assisted the Lama. After the Lama got of his yak every one bowed with their hands over their hearts. The auspicious umbrella (rin chen gdugs) is held over his holinesses head as he walks over the eight auspicious signs (bkra shis rtags brgyad) and stares at them with reverence. I take a glance at my artist friend and he looks most delighted. The Lama enters the monastery and is seated on his throne. The monks and nuns followed by the lay community make they’re way into the monastery. The chanting begun and the offerings started the first was a Mandala, which is a representation of the perfect universe. Followed by the lining up of five monks with five offerings. I explained the process of this in my previous log. The Lama spoke about dreams and the nature of reality. It was a beautiful ceremony.
The Lama left our town but we have all gained merit from his visit. Also he has very graciously donated to the building of the medicine factory and the restoration of the library with the adding of a printing press. These are great improvements for our village after our setbacks with the storm and Naga illness. The medicine factory will be the first in this area of the Himalayas. While the printing press will produce more scripture that can reach to the hand of the lay person. Prosperity awaits us!
After the Lama had talked about getting in touch with ones inner Buddha to come closer to Buddhahood. Also that one has to spare some time to concentrate on the inner Buddha. My dear neighbor and artist friend has been organizing daily active practices. It is called Deity yoga one of the most active and common tibetan practices.This practice helps one identify themselves with a particular enlightened being to realize our inner Buddha nature. We use visualization, meditation, chanting and mantra recitation which are all the active forms of cultivation. The purpose of this practice is to overcome the delusion of difference and leave the belief in I and see the wholeness of the universe. I hope to make this practice with my friend regular and hope that it helps me in my ritual practice as well as my goal on joining the monastic community. Feeling more whole and whole everyday with this practice!! I wish all my fellow villagers a wonderful and prosperous week!
