It has been an interesting week. On Saturday I went to see the Dalai Lama. No cameras or cell phones were permitted - so this is all my my notes taken as I sat. I did not have an FM radio (communication gap). I followed along as things happened.
I entered through a large gate and went through security - there were bag and body searches - thoroughly but kindly done. I had a pass, so was able to go upstairs to the "foreigners" section. Seats were already scarce - I ended up sitting about 15 feet from the temple where His Holiness sat but I was blocked by a door from seeing much of him (though I caught a glimpse on his way downstairs at the end). As we came in there was chanting of the Om Mane Pad Me Om (please excuse any transliteration errors). More took their seats and then all stood as he entered. The talk was to be on the Bodhisattva and the Middle Path of Meditation. It seemed that a dialogue was going on /or another person was reading and the Dalai Lama was commenting on the reading. After a bit, and intermittently thereafter, there were call and response type prayers. His voice was strong and he spoke entirely in Tibetan. Large fat pitta were passed out (about 6 in in diameter and about an inch thick). Tibetans near us motioned for us to put the bread aside and wait for the "tea". It came and it was butter tea (yak milk, sugar, and a bit of tea) I was one of the few who liked it. The bread was plain but great dunked in the tea- as the Tibetans did.
Then the Bodhisattva initiation took place. It was quite amazing to participate in and to watch. I had time (total time was about three hours) to watch those near me and some prayed, some talked quietly, and some fiddled (a young monk near me decorated his styrafoam cup with his fingernail!). We donned red bands and placed flower petals inside. Rice was thrown as were white scarves. All was done with reverence and yet in a lighthearted way. At one point, during a prayer, the Dalai Lama hesitated over some words - and then apparently made a joke about it - he has a warm loving laugh! After - there was food - of which we did not partake. I bought a book on the 37 ways of the Bodhisattva to read.
My placement goes well. We are down to just the three women and that is fine. We now have two computers so two can practice their typing at the same time. The Durga festival (which concludes tonight) has continued on - with singing and chanting late into each night. There are also many weddings going on - as this is an auspicious time to be married. October is the time for holidays (there are two more next week). The one I am anticipating is Duwali (Duvali) - the Festival of Lights - near the end of October.
After the Dalai Lama - I got my camera from someone who met us after - I hiked up to the waterfall at Bagshu - and then on to the Shiva Cafe a bit rougher and higher - but I was so glad I went!
Monday another volunteer and I climbed up to the temple at Indernag - it was a good hike but not too much. We also spent an hour with a sadu at a monkey temple on the way down. I am learning that time literally does stand still here. There is not much to do but walk, visit market, read, write and walk some more.
There have also been huge thunderstorms - I do mean huge with lightening and thunder and tremendous rains - Seattlites - think heavier than last January's floods!!! Water runs down steps, lights flicker and the world goes dark. My Monday yoga class took place during such a storm and we could barely see or hear (metal roof). The area is so clear and clean and cool after these storms - though they are considered unusual since the monsoon season has past (thank you global warming!)
I was very tired after Indernag and suffered my first tummy trouble - not sure what it was from but it passed quickly. The full meal of fried foods was not quite so welcome last night - the morning porrage (dalyia) was very good, however.
Several people are journeying this weekend - I am hoping to get a group together to go to Amritsar (the Golden Temple) next weekend. On one hand it feels like I "should" be doing more - but on the other - it is peaceful here and I am happy to not be a tourist - I continue to wear salwar/kameeze all day most days - except for hikes - others shed theirs for western dress right after placement - to each their own. My camera and paper and pen have been good companions. One of the Aussie's is leaving tomorrow - I will miss Sophie - she is a remarkable young woman. Others are leaving also tomorrow and a new group arrives on the 20th - I think.
I miss you at home - mostly to take around and show things to. I would love to take a small plane over these hills and valleys (of course not the high peaks).
I will blog again soon - I will just be with this weekend and see what it brings.(a monkey is climbing past the Internet cafe as I blog....is it a sign?
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