10/11/2015
Numbering well over 5000, the crowd is surging like a great tidal wave of chaos and electric energy, a whirlwind tempest twisting and swaying in all directions, as the Karmapa makes his way ever slowly - inching through the thronging hoard of onlookers desperately trying to stay afloat, with a look of pure calm and his hands in the lotus praying mudra, for this is the way the true Dharma King makes his entrance. The welcoming that Nepal gave today for Karmapa’s arrival was keeping the bar heald high, for his last visit for the passing of Shamar Rinpoche one could have expected sadness and grief, and yet, just like today, there was an explosion of positive energy and devotion unlike anything I have seen before. Shouts of joy, pushing and shoving, there were simply too many people to count and no time to even attempt to count them. A barrage of color and sound, as local musical instruments and drums soundtracked the scene with a great reprise chorus of glee and wonder coming from all directions, far off car horns in the distance signaling their inclusion in the festivities as well. Banners and flags, robes of every color, dresses made of fine brocade and adorned with huge pieces of turquoise. Monks and Nuns, children and elderly alike, all with huge gleaming smiles on their faces, heads bowed deeply as the Karmapa made his entrance to the courtyard here in Dhagpo Sheydrub Ling for the first time in history. Stuck in the middle of it all one could only attempt to keep oneself from being towed under, almost losing a shoe and camera in the process. Despite the insanity, there was an overwhelming feeling of joy pervading from the space all around us, as all our Lamas and Rinpoches were gathered here together, it was sight to behold all of them in one place at the same time. Welcoming the King, the Dharma King indeed, I have always felt that while watching him when he arrives to an intense and maddening welcome such as this is always so inspirational. Such grace and humility, such calm and leisure in the eye of the storm. His compassion for each and every one of us is felt deeply, and profoundly. His deep respect for Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche is so strong as well, for this is a great day in honor of a great teacher, for he has also brought us all together here. The day is made complete with the presence of Lama Ole Nydahl, standing right beside Rinpoche, helping to welcome everyone with his kind and warm smile, always so inviting, with his unique and greatly personable way about him. A grand welcoming indeed, to the appreciation of all who had made the great trek to be here, from across town or across the globe this was worth it as the day has come, the wait is now over, and the grand opening of this incredible place is now official!
Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje
Dhagpo Sheydrub Ling
Maniwa Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche