Dear friends:
It was that time of the year when the urge to take a break from the humdrum or urban living got too significant to be overlooked. This year saw me travel to the Buddhist monasteries of South Karnataka.
Bylakuppe, about 100kms from Mysore, is the larget settlement of Tibetans outside TIbet. It is also the place where two large universities of Namdroling ( Nyingma sect) and Sera Jey (Gelug sect)that impart Buddhist teachings of the highest order and purity are located. About 1000 lamas, young & very young, train here for monkhood at each of these locations. My teacher too resides here and is a post-graduate in Buddhist Philosophy from one of these hallowed institutions.
This time of the year was special. HH the 14th Dalai Lama was expected here between 31st Aug and 3rd Sep. Not only was the atmosphere festive, the thousands of monks who learn here worked alongside lay Tibetans, making special arrangements to welcome HH with a variety of sessions for all to attend. Dignitaries from atleast 15 countries were present too, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebrations of democracy by Tibetans in exile.
Staying with the monks for 2 weeks in the utmost serene, awareness filled and home-hearted surroundings alongside learning, practicing and receiving teachings from Tengyur Rinpoche and other senior monks was truly special.
Also, what was of great interest was the chat up with a group of western monks! These young men were once laity, and it was insightful to know what triggered their decision, what their experience has been and what message they have for the world. Hopefully, a leading national daily will carry it soon...
Some snap shots for you...Peace & prayers for all beings to benefit.
Recommended book: What makes you not a Buddhist - Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
No comments:
Post a Comment