Commentary on the Awakening Mind

Day two we headed for Sarnath, where the 1st sermon on Buddhism was given, checked in to the Tibetan Monastery, said hello to our Tibetan Monk neighbors outside our door and signed up for the teachings. 9 am the crowd piled through the metal detectors of the Tibetan Institute and onto the grass waiting for his holiness to begin. I sat on my cushion, pulled out my sketchbook and hooked up my radio waiting for the translation to begin. It was the most amazing feeling seeing The Dalai Lama walk in trying to shake ever ones hands and waving. Reminded me of my late grandfather all hunched over, big smile, cackle laugh, so precious. Even more powerful were all the Tibetan refugees who made the weeklong pilgrimage from Tibet to be here. No pictures were aloud because if any photos of pilgrims got back to the Tibetan government their families and themselves would be severely punished. Seeing these beautiful beings, having traveled so far, crying as his Holiness entered sent me into a world of tears as well. No better way to spend the Christmas season, but around so much compassion for all.

His Holiness the Dali Lama

The next few days we spent at the teachings, wandering the stupas, temples, and monasteries around Sarnath and getting to know two Tibetan monks we had befriended. Walking the streets of Sarnath washed away all the chaos Varanasi had left on my shoulders. Only calm peaceful feelings encased my being while staying is this small even crowded town. Perhaps it was the sea of monks from all over, Sri Lanka, Korea, China, Tibet, etc walking the streets. Somehow they just make you feel more peaceful in their presence. I have even started meditating again and those of you who know how hard it is for me to sit still, I am up to half hour meditations. Not Bad!

Our Neighbors @ Tibetan Monastery

Prayer and Offering

Solice

Tibetan Pilgrams