Ven Aggacitta: ‘When you understand every small thing is changing — your mind will be free. You will open yourself to reality. Reality has no limitations. Mind is limited”, says Ven Aggacitta. He adds “I go for a walk, on the same path everyday. And everyday it’s a different walk”.
Himalayas: I am landing in different places. Crossing paths with: people, situations, conversations and thoughts. While crossing paths – taking photographs, making friends, exchanging contacts, saying goodbye, dreaming and moving on. Traveling by buses & taxis! Always by road.
Bir: It’s the smallest town – I have ever visited. I think, the main (only!) road is less than 1 kilometer and monks make up for more than 80% of the population. It has monasteries, almost everywhere. Other than monasteries, I can see- prayer flags (on rooftops, trees & electric posts), monks (walking in town, playing carom at cafes, shopping or at paragliding sites) and few people!
Deer Park: Its 5.30am and I am awake! Thinking of going to the Buddha hall – to sit in silence. Soon I am meditating at the top of the monastery. In this intense cold-one tiny space (top of the monastery) is warm. Great to meditate! During day, I am utilizing most of my time – meditating. Evenings, I am sitting (outside Buddha hall) – looking at sky and (sometimes) writing continuously. Occasionally, I am visiting town – for chai, conversations & internet! Often stopping – to look at the mountains.
I hear, Deer Park was a kempo (monastic college). That’s giving me a glimpse of where the monks lived, prayed & studied!
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, has a house nearby. Suzy & Gabriel – are inviting me to visit his house. At 9.30am we start walking! At the entrance there is a notice- Do not enter without an appointment. We are reading & entering! A resident monk is giving us -permission (to enter) & a guided tour (around the house). It happens to be Dharamapala (protectors) day – I am getting to know while walking.
The Chefs, at Deer Park: Their laughter is loud! For me, their food is delicious – always. Breakfast is served at 7.30am. Lunch at noon. Dinner at 6pm. To announce breakfast, lunch and dinner – they are ringing a bell!
lovely photos, Ankur. such a beautiful reflection of life in Bir.
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