Long life ceremony for a deceased

My days are filled with joy. The day before yesterday, I accompanied Rangdröl to a special ceremony at his family's house. Exactly one year ago, there was a death in the family. In order to remove all obstacles for the deceased and the living, twelve nuns and monks gathered for a special long life ceremony.

The ordained ones had already spent hours the day before making 1000 tormas (offerings made of barley dough and butter), arranging offering bowls with barley grains and 1000 incense sticks, as well as 1000 silk umbrellas and ties into a mandala. Now, prayers were to be recited all day and the mandala was to be completed with 1000 mantras.

A wonderful nun

During the breaks, I had the opportunity to get to know one of the nuns better. Sonam is the name of this wonderful, graceful woman who has the most beautiful hands I have ever seen. When she makes mudras (symbolic hand gestures) with her slender, long fingers, it is as if butterflies are dancing.

We are surprised and delighted to find out that we have the same refuge teacher. I learn that Lama Jampa may also come to Ladakh this summer, which would make me very happy. After all, I was planning to visit him anyway. I would love to see him, even if Lama Jampa can no longer communicate due to a stroke.

Sonam and I make a point to meet again. She also invites me to visit her in her monastery. I definitely plan to do that.

War so near, yet so far

It's already quite late when we drive back to Lamayuru. Along the way, I admire once again the 'highest Roadbuilders of the world', who are still busy repairing roads despite the late hour. A lot has changed regarding infrastructure in Ladakh. The old, bumpy dirt roads have been replaced. Large, developed mountain roads shorten travel times. From Rangdröl, I learn that the Indian government is investing millions of rupees in the expansion. This is also to meet the threat posed by both the Chinese neighbor and Pakistani terrorists. No wonder there is a military station every few kilometers along the roadside.

As for me, both the war in Ukraine and conflicts elsewhere in the world have receded into the distance. After this fulfilling day, I am simply happy. So much so that I could cry with joy.

To be continued...