Celebration during Retreat

The sealing of the Stupa was one form of celebration and then there was the celebration of the enthronement of the three year old reincarnation (Yangsi) of my ordaining master - His Holiness Penor Norbu Rinpoche. (Yangsi is found. ) Even if you don't subscribe to the theory of reincarnation this three year old boy, is already showing an amazing grace and presence. An estimated twenty-thousand people attended his enthronement at Palyul Monastery in China/Tibet. Something far more modest occurred at Palyul Retreat in Upper New York State to celebrate the enthronement. Maybe a few hundred! The cultural diversity of performers also reflected the diversity of retreatants who are from Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, Australia!, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Mexico, Columbia and the list continues -  most have migrated to North America. One woman from my class came as a young child over the Himalayas from Tibet and now lives in the bustle of New York City. So much change and diversity and here we were all gathered together. The dresses of many of the performers were breathtaking. I really enjoyed going around and taking numerous pictures capturing the happiness on people's faces and of course I couldn't go past taking pictures of other people taking pictures...it's endless really isn't it? I was Agent Wangmo camera in hand capturing moments that disappeared the moment I took them! That's how I enjoyed the day.

Welcoming Spirits!

Brilliance!

Individually hand woven Bhutanese kira.

East meets West

MCs

Tibetan (T Phurba Namgyal) and Nepalese Pop Star (whose name escapes me)!

 My Nepalese Class teacher, couldn't resist a photo opportunity ...

On lookers - Rinpoches, Retreatants and Visitors

Participants

Good Company

Gotcha

The Centre of Attention

It rained early on in the celebrations and then the sun came out!

Retreating is a form of Advance

Hi everyone,

Just back from Palyul Ling Summer Retreat It was all encompassing. I'm physically exhausted partly from some good exercise opportunities (2 km walk to my retreat hut and back 4 times a day) plus lots of activity to help at the retreat (for me that involved working mostly at the Temple helping out in whatever way I could) and partly because I captured two colds. I also had my Nun-mates with me Ani Meagan, Ani Lucia, Ani Tsomo, Ani Palmo, Ani Zing and Ani Ginger - spice Nun's! Also lots of good support from other students there. People were incredibly kind and helpful. I was snug as a bug in my tent thanks to additional sleeping bag from Michelle - and of course some furry friends wanted to share the tent with me - Mainly Ms Mouse. The first night she ran up my arm and on other nights she seemed content to run along the wooden beams. I caught her in the spot-light once - she was sporting a nice white fur bib! The reptiles were slower moving so I have a frog and a salamander to show you. The highlight for me was the sealing of the Migyur Dorje Stupa (consecrated architectural representation of the Buddhist Path)  at Retreat. Amazing to be a part of that. Four of us (Nuns) were on each side of the Stupa helping with the concluding ceremony. And then of course there was my Lama - Lopon Pema and my classmates. He was a really good stead-fast teacher. My classmates were diverse ages,  cultures and experience - which also makes Retreat so interesting. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. These pictures capture a smidgeon of what I experienced. The next installment I'll show you pictures of a wonderful celebration we concluded the retreat with.

Hugita and I arrive at our retreat abode

Sister Nuns

Monks including Class Teachers

Stupa Sealing Preparation Commences

Many hands make light work

Concluding Ceremony the Next Day

Yours truly wearing traditional Tibetan Sun Hat!

Dharma friends

Completed Stupa including Ani Lucia

Completed Class and our Teacher

Dharma friends too!

Au-Revoir