The Arrival of the Great Lama!
Hello again! I have some very good news; luckily my village was able to eliminate the spread of the dreadful Naga illness. After the nuns and I joined together for days worth of prayers, while helping to assist in the cure of the illness with the healers, many of our neighbouring friends were rescued from eventual death. After a grueling period of constantly chanting ritual performances, I began to feel mentally exhausted from lack of sleep, and decided it would be best to rest for the next couple of days. I realize how selfish these feelings accompanied by exhaustion are, and I should try and rid myself of them, but exhaustion seems to currently be winning my body over. I’m sorry I haven’t updated you about the repairs that are underway after the horrendous effects of the hailstorm, but thankfully rebuilding is underway! Occupying a secondary skill in building has also allowed me to contribute as many resources as I could towards the repair of the bridge most importantly, as it was the one thing that isolated us from neighbouring towns, and left us in a great state of isolation. Fortunately, with generosity in their minds and hearts, many individuals in the village contributed their resources as well, and you will be most happy to know that at least for the time being we are finally connected with the outer world. Though it is still with heavy hearts at seeing the destruction in my village that I along with many others continue to repair work on damaged homes, farmland, the monastery, and the nunnery. Although progress remains slow in some areas, as the repair of the bridge was of the utmost importance, slowly roofs are also being re-built for many of the villagers.
Some great news though has finally reached my ears! A local villager has informed the nunnery that the very important Lama is coming to visit our neighbouring village. Upon hearing this news, I believe that we could benefit greatly from the visit of the famous Lama, especially with all the misfortune that has hit our home in the last couple of weeks. I have advocated to many other nuns that we are desperately in need of a spiritual guide, to move us away from this negative cycle that we are currently engulfed in. With my primary skill in scholarship I have joined forces with the other nuns and donated resources such as scrolls, while helping to draft a formal letter of invitation to the Lama. Although I am hoping the Lama accepts our initiation, even if he declines, I regard my efforts as an opportunity to offer dana to him and to my fellow village people. However, if we are lucky enough and the Lama does accept our letter, I am more than thrilled to attain further knowledge from him in terms of ritual powers and mantras. Although, some are not so sure about the Lama accepting our invitation, I remain hopeful that he will come. The Lama is adept in both wisdom and compassion, and he is truly a magnificent teacher a novice nun such as myself should learn from. A teacher of this exceeding talent is rare, and we should spare no effort of body, speech, or mind, in our utmost devotion to him.
In order to effectively prepare for the Lama’s visit, a meeting amongst all nuns was called. We discussed how the Lama has attained the highest knowledge of a Monk, and is seen as a great honorary figure as a tantric practitioner. We then, discussed what we could also ask the Lama, and many of us had the deep desire to question him about the hailstorm, as it continues to cause hardship in our village. Lastly, we ended by highlighting what must be prepared for the Lama’s visit. For one we must prepare some of the finest scarves to bless the Lama, and these scarves will encompass drawings of symbols and mantras. The scarf is white, and is used to represent pure holiness, while promoting peace. The monastery must also be cleaned, and a room must be adorned to welcome the great Lama. The mandala will also be an important part of the Lama’s visit, and I am keen to learn on how it is created, as it is a vital representation of our universe. Once the mandala is given to the Lama he will begin by performing a ritual for positive wishes and blessings in for our village, which we desperately crave. It is indeed the Lama who will guide my village back towards the righteous path. I have just been informed that the letter is well underway in being written and completed, which means there is much less time to prepare thoroughly for the Lama’s visit, so of course I cannot listen to the exhaustion of my body, as must move forward, if I am to have any hope of receiving blessings from the Lama as a mere novice nun. The other nuns have just called us to learn the chants and prayers that must be recited when the Lama arrives, the prayers do not need to be chanted, but can also be sung.
This makes me very happy, as my parents would love hearing me sing when I was younger, telling me that I had a great gift with my soft melodious voice. A single tear unexpectedly leaves my cheek as I think back to my parents. I have not received word from them, though I expect not too, even if they do happen to know where I have landed. My parents like me are very strong-headed, and once they feel like they’ve been betrayed, they simply do not bother engaging with that individual. I shake my head away from these wayward thoughts, as it was my decision to come here, and I new this was the life for me. I do not have a single shred of regret in my mind about coming here, pain and sadness in leaving my family maybe, but regret, not even a bit. Now back to the Lama’s visit, although it is the monks who are meant to provide offerings and greetings to the Lama, it is with great pleasure that the nuns were invited to join in the chanting for his arrival, and to help with preparations, even though we had decided to do this well before the monks approval. Seeing all that is being done around me I really do hope the Lama comes and visits my village, and blesses these people that I have begun to view as my very own family.
Until next time then, goodbye! I think a few hours of sleep will do me some good. Zzzz….
