Time with Geshe Tsulga-la

Immediately upon our arrival we went straight to Geshe-la's room. He had been calling our driver since we landed and made sure everything was being taken care of for us - we rejoiced every step of the way and were deeply humbled by his numerous gestures along the way. And, so, this was the moment we'd been waiting for so long:





Yes, Geshe-la looked very thin. But his smile was enormous and his spirit and energy strong and hugely welcoming. I am very sorry that I don't have a picture of Geshe-la's huge smile as we walked into his room; it was amazing - he was glowing! We were SO thrilled to see him!

We spent a little time in Geshe-la's room. I asked Geshe-la if I could take pictures of his altar to share with everyone:






From talking to him it was very apparent how much Geshe-la's health has improved. I cannot stress strongly enough how important everyone's committed, continued practice dedicated to Geshe-la's wellbeing is; the result is amazing and quite unbelievable.

After a short visit we went to Geshe-la's sitting room, where we were welcomed by all the house members. Dolores and I were showered by katas and warm smiles! It was a bit overwhelming and so kind.






We then had a wonderful dinner with Geshe-la and Geshe Pema Tsering. [Geshe Pema Tserig is a life-long friend of Geshe-la's. He and Tsunma-la have been responsible for Geshe-la's care from day one, taking instructions directly from Geshe-la's teacher and doctors, and coordinating his care.] Jeff (my partner) was worried that I might have troubles eating in India. As a terrible Mexican, I do not eat any hot foods; and I also don't eat mammals. But the vegetarian meals that I have been having, right from the first one, have been delicious! I was hoping to drop a few pounds during this trip but fear I may actually gain some!







We turned in for the evening. Dolores is staying at the guest house, a hotel set up with western amenities to make India feel a little more like home. It is close by - just a couple of minutes by auto rickshaw. I am staying at House #2A (Geshe-la's house) in two of the monks' room. Sleeping in this room with this altar at my head is quite the experience!





The overall theme of the next day was spending time with Geshe-la as he helped us become acquainted with our surroundings.





From the top of Geshe-la's house one can see the entire settlement. Geshe-la explained a little something about each monastery. Here are some pictures to give you a sense of the surrounding views:



















I am sitting in my room, and Geshe-la knocks on my window, "Come circumbambulate." I was so taken by surprised that I left wearing shorts (you don't wear shorts in India, let alone a monastery), with no money, and with my house vs. street shoes (you want to make sure your house shoes don't get full of cow maneur as you walk in the dark). I thought Geshe-la was inviting me to circumbambulate the house. Instead, he took me around the town - literally!

At one point we stopped at Sera Jey Monastery. Geshe-la ran into some friends and sat at the monastery steps to talk to them. He invited me to sit beside them. So, here I was halfway across the globe in my night shorts with the key to my room, my phone and nothing else. I couldn't understand a word being spoken. It was hot, humid and full of insects. Still, I found myself wishing for this instant to never end. It was perfect.

An hour later we were back. Geshe-la walked like it was nothing; I was actually having a hard time keeping up with him!




NOW it was a great conclusion to a great day. And, yet, as we slept we were completely unaware of the surreal morning that was awaiting...

-- Post by Sean Gonzalez