A peek into Rato life

Empty abbot’s meeting room

my altar

prayers

Suresh who keeps me fed

his spotless kitchen

Lunch

moi?

the roof garden

dancing trees

and pirouettes

I venture out

circumambulate

admire our environment

encourage new growth

the banyan tree is doing well

so is the bamboo

though palms are suffering

shriveling in the harsh heat

Some survive

Electricians visit

our transformer has burned out

I visit the monks rooms, meet new incarnations

much morning memorization

Drepung Monastery is locked up behind us

each finds his quiet spot

wherever

to concentrate

and memorize

I pass the incense burner

and find George who keeps us on the straight and narrow

our temple keeper prepares offerings

then lunch

we keep our social distance

walk through the kitchen

to be served

then out to the debating pavilion

and behind the temple

to visit the dancing trees

admired from above

They’re grand

and graceful

How fortunate we are!

My world from above

Others circumambulate

enjoy the garden

while we remain veranda bound

or in our rooms

barred

we still enjoy the dance

lean out for a closeup

and capture a shadow

but mostly screened in

cherishing a safe brush

and hoping to soon return to earth

View from lockdown

Out my window, the palm trees dance

out my door, the sun is bright

I open the screen to let in the breeze

and peak out to see our cow

step onto the veranda

and am reminded to develop the temple within

Trees of Uttar Kannada

Dear All, 

In these difficult times I’m happy to share some recent tree pictures from around where I live.  

Please stay safe and be careful!  n