We decided to join them. We started off the day, cleaning and sweeping, wiping off dust etc. Everyone helped including the center manager, Sonam.
The younger students were happy to be in charge for a change, showing us and directing us what to do!
We had lunch at the center, simple meal prepared by the cook. Then we headed off to the temple on the hill just behind the center.
Jon has befriended the younger boys very quickly. They eagerly showed us the way and picking berry(????) for us to try on the way.
A 15 minutes hike from the back of the center to the Hundred Chicken Temple, and no, we did not find hundred chicken there! Along the way, there are horses and cows grazing freely on the hills. As we hiked higher, one could see the whole town of Shangri-la surrounded with beautiful mountains tall enough to reach the heaven. It was a beautiful day, despite being winter. Not a cloud in the sky!
As you reach closer to the top of the hill, you are greeted by the beautiful colours of the Tibetan prayer flags.
Many devotees come to this temple, offering incenses and butter lamps. When we reached the temple, they were making light offerings and the main hall of the temple were covered with lights from the butter lamps.
The students took us to the underhall of the temple which was not lit. It is supposed to remind you of the hell. Cold, dark and scary!
Dave thought it is a much better representation of our samsaric life. The darkness represents our ignorance, the cold refers to our selfish self-grasping nature. We head through the dark tunnel tumbling and scared. But if someone has a torch, showing you the way, your confidence grow and you take braver step ahead. Just like beginning to learn more about dharma, our steps in life become more confident when there is a kind teacher guiding us. At the end of the dark tunnel, if you look carefully, you will find a little Buddha. Just like our practice, with effort, we will be enlightened!!!
What a trip! So much to learn.
- Posted by Mich using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Shangri-la, China
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