Miracles and Prayers for the New Year

Hello Everyone:

I wanted to share a miracle Dikki and I witnessed yesterday. Before setting off on our treck to the Burning Ghats and Hindu temple, Diki openned a sealed bottle of water and filled her canister. She purchased her water at the Guest House where we are staying. As we were walking back from our visit to the Hindu temple she opened her bottle to take a drink. The plain water had turned into rose water. She asked me to take a taste. When she handed me the bottle I could smell the scent emerging from the canister and I too tasted the distinct taste of rosewater. She had never placed anything in the bottle but plain water. When we got back to our room, we checked the original bottle of water, and it was "plain" water. We both feel a sense of awe and blessing to have experienced this directly and realize now that we have tasted "blessed" waters. When Diki asked Rinpoche about this event, she said that this very "auspicious." I have heard that other students in the past have experienced smelling the sweet scent of roses around Rinpoche and in her room.

And to think we've only been here a few days. ..

Last night at 11:30 p.m. we met to say 11 very special prayers for world peace. We energetically felt the deep intention for transformation of our world. Prayers by Jane Goodall, Buddhist, Hopi, Native American, and Jainist prayers and a most beautiful prayer by Shantideva. Calling for the alleviation of suffering through harmful actions and ignorance. Calling for the cultivation of love, compassion and wisdom to transform our world. Near the conclusion of our prayers, Rinpoche shared home made treats and we ordered 6 pots of tea. We then went to the rooftop overlooking the Ganges holding lit candles and sang "All I am saying is give peace a chance." All the while, the songs of celebration throughout the city of Varanasi wafted through the night.

A word of caution, if you ever attempt to replicate this experience, make sure your tea pots are secure. We found out this morning that the monkeys got into our tea pots.

Well that's all for now. All my love to my brothers, sisters, family, and friends. Happy new year! Much love,

Chonyi