Back at Rato
Long drive to get there
past hills,
some fanning skies.
Welcomed by Hubli friends;
It’s monsoon here
I visit a cattle fair along the way
Sellers watch
and sellees wait
some preen
and get dolled up
some smile
or shy away
still others are oblivious
and await
their fate
Off they go
this way and that
as do we all
to greener parts, we hope
Hello from New Jersey
Rinpoche has undergone cataract surgery
The doctor is pleased
plucks some lashes
and gives drops
But love is in the air...
My father and Sandra tie the knot!
They sign on the dotted line
get prepared
Other things are going on...
other weddings too
and then
We Do!
Les jeux sont faits!
Rien ne vas plus
Congratulations!!!
Hurray!
and the baton is passed on
New Jersey life proceeds
In Delhi, Ganshyam rests from cooking as Master-ji tailors on
Dear T T-la avoids the midday sun
And all enjoy their virtual realities
though the wise stick to the visceral
We ride through life
nurturing our young
and proudly parade along
My friends Shartse Khensur Rinpoche in the Trithog Khang
Gautam Sachdeva at old Rato
And Madame Siddeshwar, the proud owner of Hubli’s finest steel Almirahs.
I love my Siddeshwar almirah and she is happy I do!
Our chief administrator, in charge while I’m away
And then Bombay
to visit its rocky coastline
its blind minstrels,
and Chowpatti Beach.
Some swim
others preen
and everyone seems to pose
with modesty, of course
Take along a snack
and enjoy the view
But be mindful of where you tread
as life is full of life!!
The undulating path leading home
to our temple.
Incense is burned
and through the bougainvillea is the debating court
Our trees await monsoon
Mangos await eating
and pots need washing
We have new water filters
though milk must be boiled
and bread rolled
Stairs lead up to the Abbot’s quarters
where eggplants soak,
chives are chopped
And Suresh keeps me healthy
with pasta
My desk
and veranda where I complement a young monk...
many young monks who attend the Loseling school
Emory University students visit
and seemed satisfied with my bla bla bla
All well at Rato as we await the rains