Shakyamuni and Norbu La

I was unable to continue my blogging on my journey, so I thought I would at least give a brief rundown of the rest of my trip. We went to find the Shakyamuni Buddha statue for the center after meeting with Chobo, a monk from the Drikung Kagyu Rinchen Ling Monastery in Nepal. After searching for many hours we were unable to find one suitable for the price and the height, soon realizing that we may end up with one much smaller than we were planning on. We finally came across one and were ecstatic to get a statue that was a decent size and was in our budget. I had been getting a bit worried that it we were going to end up with something that was not what was expected.
It was quite an exciting day overall, since Antse and I were able to go with Chobo to his Monastery to meet the Yogi I had been wanting to see for some time. He has been shown in Yogi's of Tibet, and I remember the image of a bird resting on his hand. Only something someone with extraordinary compassion could have this magnetizing effect. I didn't think I would have had the good fortune of seeing him in person; Venerable Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche. Antse and I had a blessing with his mala on our heads, and then I proceeded to ask his attendent if it would be acceptable for me to take his photograph. I was lucky to take a couple of pictures of him, since about two weeks later he passed on in Singapore in the company of HH Chetsang Rinpoche and HE Garchen Rinopoche. I had found out the day I was leaving Delhi to return to the United States, and it gave me the chills.

Me, Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

I haven't had much ability to write unfortunately. And finally now am getting over Giardia. I was wondering why the medicine I had gotten in Dehra Dun wasn't working! I went to a clinic here that took most of the morning, and am now on some antiboitics. The 2 day 2 night bus ride was an experience I will probably not want to repeat. Blarring Hindi music and occasional Hindi videos would play and the bus seemed to travel at high speeds the majority of the time. Ending up of course with a couple of flat tires along the way.

Yesterday was the 25th on the Tibetan Calendar, an auspicious time to do circumambulation and mantra around the stupa. I have reconnected with my friend from Chicago here, Eric, so we are on the search for the Statue for the center. Realizing that we do not have enough money to purchase one as large as they would like. He leaves for the US on friday and it is definitely nice to see a familiar face. I am currently traveling with someone from the monastery in Dehra Dun commuicating in broken English, and attempts to teach me the Tibetan language have been somewhat futile.

I had been warned of the uncleanliness of Kathmandu but nothing compares to Delhi. Overall it has been quite an interesting experience. Off to Thamel today with Eric and Anste. Tomorrow we will be purchasing the Rupa and hopefully I will be able to meet the infamous Yogi Konchok Norbu!

Hope everyone can view the photos I posted. . .will attempt to blog again soon!

HH Chetsang Rinpoche, Dehra Dun

Offering, Dehra Dun

The Teachings, Dehra Dun

New Dharma Friends, Delhi