Return to Rato

New Jersey, where Rinpoche says his prayers each day

A visit to Dr. Shepps

who assumes his responsibilities most seriously

as eyes are most important!

I enjoy my room,

my view

and to the right

then venture out

to photograph the neighborhood

the houses smile

they stretch

and grin

and even wink at times

Rinpoche visits ET, Nancy, and Family

Ling and Jimmy, Edward and his daughter

we don’t forget the fish

Blessings of recently returned

I visit Alexander

who turns 64

Gibson’s, the beach we’ve known since childhood

and then farewell

More friends to see… Nuno

and Emilio

And Jeffrey Kay to whom I was sent by Mr. Penn

Home is now the garden state

with its own beaches

and birds to feed

Then France for a quick stop

Rinpoche rests

in the company of the Enlightened One

Then finally back to India

Land of Lord Brahma

and other holy beings

And home

where I unpack

and settle in

as monks prepare for their exams

Onward Travels

New monks join Rato

Then off to Piccadilly Book Stall, Delhi, where the owner has died

His Nepalese assistant is now boss

The Qutub Minar Mosque

its minaret

banyan tree

and mini me

Then to Chandigar

a peaceful place

and on to Manali

wonderful views

Long drive to Dharamsala, past holy tree

with hidden shrine

to where Rinpoches work on manuscript

A photo session with Simon

my teacher and my student

and relaxation at the Dhauladhar

where some zip along

others are shy

We pay our bill

and leave

Brief stop with Dagpo Rinpoche in France

then back to our Garden State

where family and friends visit — Dhondup, Jangchub, and Peter

Tom

Victoria and David

and Nyima with his chums

The shore provides coolth

and the Buddha protects

Happy Easter

Through the Punjab

and on to Taiwan

with its gardens

robust

elegant

creative

and mobile

And back to India

vibrant

religious

superstitious

lyrical

joyful

and laid back

wonderful cuisine

great art

nurturing

and nurtured

Then south

it’s hot

I learn to use a normal lens

anticipating pasta

with Mala’s cheese

and Suresh’s culinary touch

as he celebrates his daughter’s new life

A Long Life ceremony for Khyongla Rinpoche offered by Zopa Rinpoche

Rinpoche leaves his room below the main temple in Dharamsala

to make his way to Tushita

where Lama Zopa Rinpoche welcomes him

Zopa Rinpoche makes prostrations which Khyongla Rinpoche stands for

And then Zopa Rinpoche makes a mandala offering, a symbolic offering of the entire universe and part of the ceremony requesting that Rinpoche live long.

Other lamas offer their respects; Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche—the reincarnation of one of the HH the Dalai Lama’s debating partners and a teacher of Khyongla Rinpoche’s—makes offerings. Behind him is Dragri Rinpoche from who’s predecessor Khyongla Rinpoche received many teachings in Tibet.

Monks of Rato and other monasteries then offer white khatas as a sign of the purity of their thoughts toward Rinpoche

Rinpoche awaits a khata to offer to the throne of His Holiness

The important guests are offered a seat for the group photograph

Zopa Rinpoche is seated

And then it’s over

Rinpoche returns to his room where he prays for the happiness of all sentient beings before gifts he received