Happy Diwali!
Today the light of wisdom shines
bringing a glow to life
a crispness to the atmosphere
I’ve come from the south
where the monsoon was abundant
Stopped in Delhi to visit our Gelukpa accountant
and received a tutorial on malaria
life is relaxed in Delhi
Then on to Amritsar
to feed the pigeons
Punjab is an elegant place
with old grandeur
poetry
romance
a twinkle
and fun
Then to Dharamsala
my office
our kitchen
the path around His Holiness’s residence
Om Mani Padme Hum
or simply ni
Not everyone circumambulates
some watch
and many struggle
I am invited to Ludhiana
to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak’s birth
a grand affair
with various faiths participating
I felt at home
then time for a trim
as I’m back in McLeod Ganj
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