Accompanied by horns

Dear family, friends and sangha:

Utpala and Chonyi here sitting in a very tiny internet cafe, sharing one computer because the electricity is now limited until 2:00.

Amongst a sympony of car, bus, bike and rickshaw horns, we sit in "silent" meditation. For the past two nights we have been staying in the primier "luxury" hotel of Sarnath. Though we are surrounded by marble floors, door men with fancy hats, room service, and real towels, the exhaust, noise andthe simple livng of the people stand in start contrast. Whether the outside if filled with distraction or peace and quiet, the inner journey remains steady.

We leave soon for nine days in Bodhgaya, the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Buddha means "awakened" one. May all those who journey to this place and all those who remain home reach this goal for the benefit of all sentient beings. That is our wish.

We send our love and express our gratitude to our family and friends who have supported us and made this trip possible. We promise to practice diligently to make the most of our time here.

Hello Laila, Clariel and Jenner. Love,

Mama and Mom

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

Containing enthusiasm and preparing engergetically

I appreciated Sangmo sharing Rinpoche's cautions about becoming too excited about the upcoming pilgramage. I've had so much to accomplish before we leave that I've not had any time to prepare or give thought to this pilgrimage. I know that it is better for me to avoid having expectations or assumptions about what this experience will be like. I can't possible know or anticipate; only hope that I will be receptive. I know that once I arrive at the airport I will put my work and family responsibilities behind me and seek to be fully present for what transpires moment by moment.

If there is some other form of energetic preparation that I might engage in prior to that time, I would welcome suggestions from Rinpoche and others.

Thank you Pema for all the time and careful attention you have given to creating this forum for our communication. I know my family will appreciate it, it will be a wonderful way to share with our brothers and sisters who will be with us energetically, and will provide a valuable record of observations and experiences of the journey.