Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche teaching on prayer and aspiration after the afternoon Monlam session.

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche teaching on prayer and aspiration after the afternoon Monlam session.

So many people, just made it in the door, it was impossible to sit down. Another 100 people easily outside.

The temperature of so many people crammed together in his monastery made the temperature well over 100 degrees. 

This body of mine does not regulate temperature, dripping with sweat, standing in the back, only thing that kept me from collapsing was the people pushing me up against the wall.

My gut aching, my body breaking. 

My glasses scratched and bent.

The tooth I broke chasing a girl in 4th grade on the playground coming loose.

Covered with mosquito bites.

Yet none of that mattered.  

Sometimes it is a joy to suffer. 

Some suffering is quite blissful.

Suffering is really just purification and blessings. It is really true.

The trick is to not add to it and just let it be and try to enjoy it.

Everything passes, in India your karma ripens quickly. 

Suffering and joy can alternate in a moment, back and forth, like a dance.

Would say more but too exhausted, just grateful for this precious fleeting human life.

🕊️

David Arndt 2018