Here we go... I'll finally tell you some more about my travels. Today I left Mahabodhi Meditation Center. I've spent over a month there this summer counting all of the times I've visited. It's not the most conducive place for meditation. There is a lot of activity going on, construction, conferences, little monks running around. I'm learning more and more though that meditation is not just about silence, peace, or focusing the mind. Things I have yet to experience. For me its helping me to open up to things more. I'm learning to peacefully co-exist with things, good or bad. Instead of trying to control my surroundings, to accept them, especially if they are unchangeable. Life is much lighter and clear with this state of mind. I'm going to stop myself here before I say more than I understand. I just want people to know a little about my meditation practice. I'm not learning to float, read peoples minds, or attain any other super powers. Just sit and be comfortable with life as it is... since that's all there is.
I've gotten to know the staff at Mahabodhi and enjoyed my time there. This past ten days have been great. It got very cold for a few days and everyone became really lazy. I helped a woman from Hawaii make Apple fritters and a small group of us gathered and watched some movies for a few nights in a row. Something I haven't done in months. I did meditate when I was there, but spent more time learning how to use meditation in daily life.
A few weeks ago I went to three days of teachings given by the Dalai Lama. His teachings were good, but a bit past my current level of comprehension. I enjoyed the event as a whole. From piling 14 people (8 adults, 6 kids) into one jeep and facing the torrents of traffic everymorning with my Ladakhi family, to the teachings themselves which a majority of the Ladakhis just use as an excuse to gather with friends and family and enjoy a nice day. Some are listening intently, but most are just having a good time. The sun was blazing hot, but the time passed quickly. Afterwards, instead of trying to rush out with the crowd we would stay and have lunch on the large grass field where the teachings were held. In all there must have been about 50,000 people in attendance, if not much, much more. So what was taught... basically be a good person. Do everything you can to eliminate other's suffering, and in return eliminate your own by letting go of your ego. Why not?
2 days before the Dalai Lama's discourses I attended a parade. It was the beginning of the Ladakh Festival, a ploy by the tourist department to delay peoples departure for a few more weeks. The tourist season is only 3 months long here, so this is good for those that depend on tourism. Villagers from throughout the region came dressed in their traditional clothing to participate. They filled the small main street singing, playing instruments, and dancing. Those participating looked like they were enjoying themselves a lot. It was all amusing to watch.
I think I will be leaving Ladakh in 4 or 5 days. Either I'll be heading south to Himachal Pradesh, west to Kashmir, or some other place. I'm not sure. I'm ready to see more though.
Thanks for reading.
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