A Journey To Remember

I'm sure many of you travelers out there have been lucky enough to visit and witness the stillness and majesty of the Golden Temple in Bylakuppe. I was one such lucky person. Though it was my second visit this was the first time I beheld the place in all its splendor and the peace it offered. After having spent a good few hours attending their morning prayers and rituals I and my friend walked onto Tsogyal Shedrup Dhargye Ling - the surrounding nunnery. The place was nothing short of warm and welcoming. After having met the nun-in-charge we were given all the freedom to talk to and click pictures of the people there. After all what is travel without meeting new people and journaling it? 

Language was definitely a barrier I must admit. Hardly anyone spoke English and we barely knew Hindi. However with the little we knew and our special hand gyration we managed to converse (it was dumb yet fun!). It was then that Sonam appeared, Sonam Chodon a student at the nunnery from Bhutan. She spoke fluent English and guided us around the place. Had it not been for her I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to see and understand certain Buddhist practices, let alone turn the "mani" and chant my own prayer! We settled into a comfortable conversation and got to know her and the place decently well and it was grounding I must say. I'd love to share some tid-bits from our conversation here with you guys today and I hope it interests you as much as I enjoyed listening to her.

                                                              Say hello to Sonam! 
                                                        Picture Courtesy : My best ever travel mate, Rose Tomy

* How long have you been in this nunnery?

:  Its been two years and before that I did my schooling in Bhutan. I'm slowly equipping myself with the Tibetan language.

* Who are your gods or gurus?
: We have Guru Padmasambhava or Rinpoche, the second Buddha; Buddha Shakyamuni or Lord Buddha on whose teachings Buddhism is founded and Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of long life.

* What do you learn now?

: I'm currently specializing in Buddha Philosophy and Dharma ("Chae"). I also learn grammar and debate (Tariq and Noriq). Our degree is usually for a span of 9 years and once completed we are fit to be teachers and can teach anywhere. 

* What do you call the robe that you are wearing?

: Its called the Sangya Namsa and we can wear it in yellow, red and coffee colors. Nobody wants to be sported in the same color all the time (yeah whats life without a pop of color?!)

* How has your journey been so far?

: Its been interesting so far. I've had to renounce my family, wealth and former life for the sake of Dharma but I don't regret my decision. I have everything I need here - food, clothing, shelter and the nun family.

* What do you like about this place?

: I love the environment here. Its very peaceful and spiritual and often reminds me of Bhutan.

* Do you miss Bhutan?

: No, I've been there all my life. When I'm there I miss Coorg and once I'm here I miss Bhutan for a few days but eventually the feeling fades away.

* How do you speak English better than the rest?

: I've been in Bhutan all my life and I studied in an English medium school.

* What would you like to do once the degree is completed?
: I love meeting people and interacting with them. My proficiency in English language has brought me a long way but I wish I knew more about Buddhism and Dharma so I could share the good life with them. So once I complete my course I would love to stay back here and teach visitors all I've known and experienced.

* What is the next interesting thing you are looking forward to?

: Our new temple, Tashi Lumba's construction is almost nearing completion and the whole settlement here is preparing for Dalai Lama's visit this December.

A trip like this is what keeps me alive and pushes me to dream. As I and my friend bid our final good byes we heard the bells ring for the evening prayer. With a bright smile and a warm embrace Sonam walked us to the gate. As the gate closed on us the bells kept ringing. It still rings in my ears with every mention of the nunnery and the goodness it brought me.

[P.S. : For every Buddhism enthusiast, Dalai Lama will be visiting the Tashi Lumba temple on the 16th of December this year! I'll see you there!]

So long!