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A banquet close to heaven... There we were, on top of the world in an ancient
land. How strange we must have looked in our western clothes and
neon colored tents. Yet we were treated as if we had been family
forever. Here, a sea of monks prepare a dinner feast which they served
us in the cold night air by candlelight. We ate Bhutanese red rice
and spicy hot traditional dishes, yet what filled us up were the
intoxicating smiles and goodness. |
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May all beings be happy... Wooden beams strain to support the sagging roof from collapsing. On the left is Rinchen, our translator and program coordinator in Bhutan, saying prayers for world peace in front of a statue of Maitreya, the "Buddha of Loving Kindness". This traditional Bhutanese style of making statues is disappearing. Once these historic pieces of art are lost it will drive another dagger into the vanishing cultural legacy of Bhutan. |
Prayers in the wind. When we departed
from our mountaintop visit, the goodbye was just as moving as
the welcome. Seated on my horse,
I took this photo of our departure-Sewala Jamgon Rinpoche waving
the white scarf of friendship, the young students hands gestured
in prayer,
and traditional horns resounding through the mountain passes until
long after we were out of site. Prayers followed us down the mountain
requesting that the world not forget these noble and proud people
who desperately need our help. |
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