Life Proceeds at Rato Dratsang

Fall in New Jersey

and at The Tibet Center - Kunkhyab Thardo Ling

Then on to India

where people enjoy the sun’s warmth

I visit Nizamuddin

have lunch

and meet Mayank Soofi, The Delhi Walla

On to the South where Norbu Tsering awaits

along with Lobsang Tenzin

Suresh makes tea

old friends come by

the new abbot says hello

Administrators are hard at work

Gen Ngawang Tashi is constructing a new building

it began as a room for the temple keeper

electricity has been provided

workers are busy

toiling the old way

Drakpa Gyaltsen cleans up

the young monks help

enthusiastically!

they are Rato’s future

they study hard

learn to read

write

and memorize

We celebrate the anniversary of Jé Tsongkhapa

Founder of the Geluk Order

Monks exit chanting his mantra

and circumambulate the temple

Life proceeds at Rato Dratsang

A stop in Rome

I visit my father

He lives near Garibaldi

protected by soldiers

a general

It’s a sedentary part of town

easy to navigate

we read

and eat!

Sandra writes her book

Alexander visits

we walk

a carbonara at Checco's

followed by a rest

and then good bye

to return to New Jersey for Halloween

Taiwan

In Xiushui the scent of lilies fills the air

in Xiushui life moves steadily

you take your shoes off outside

and people are respectful

I visit Lukang’s temple

people are happy there

happiness is the point, is it not?

and Lukang has charm

On to a mountain retreat

warmly welcomed

and then it’s over

On to Taipei

the Grand Hotel looms over all

as does 101, once the tallest building in the world

photographers take aim

I visit the Wu sisters, Saraha runs the gallery

showing contemporary Buddhist art works

her sister Ruby prepares Matcha

drunk with two hands to steady concentration and appreciation

and Hsiao Ro arranges flowers

the Wu sisters work hard

to bring beauty and spirit to their isle

Return to Rato

I return to Rato

monsoon brews

the young monks grow

they study hard

memorize their prayers

and learn about the world

Our elder scholars persevere

preparing for exams

a little walk can help

then back to studies

New construction has begun

architecture, engineering, and construction, proudly done in house

the animals relax

coconuts collect

Gen Gyatsend Tardo has taken charge of cooking

he prepares watermelon for desert

The guesthouse is well maintained

mopping continues

the generator chugs on

while Renuka takes a needed break

All is well at Rato