Gaden Tour visits the Bay Area – May 2 to May 11, 2009
The following outlines the schedule for the Venerable monks from Gaden Shartse during their stay with us here in our home. I hope this is of interest and adds some insight to those who regularly follow the tours activities. We have been truly blessed and very honored to be in their presence while they continue to spread the Buddha’s teachings. The week was filled with house blessings, healings, teachings, initiations, oral transmissions and visits to Buddhist Temples and also a Spiritual Center.
Saturday May 2nd:
The group arrived at our house around 4 PM after driving up from Long Beach. It’s always so nice to see everyone and it takes a little time to settle in and hear what has been happening with all the monks. We spent some time discussing Gesha-la Gyeltsons passing and the trip to India. We were truly amazed at the way the trip, ceremony and the blessed Geshe-la’s body remained in such a pure state. Also hearing of the way Geshe-la passed into the clear light. The auspicious sign of a double rainbow after three days of prayer and meditation as was evidenced in photos and reinforces our dedication and belief. Then, how well his body preserved over the long journey (70 hours) back to the monastery in the high heat. The relics left after his cremation, is an inspiration and precious sign to all of us. He was a true Buddhist Tibetan Master and a blessing to all of those whose life he touched. We pray for His quick return.
We were fortunate to have pizza delivered from one of BicKieu’s friends. Minh VO drove about thirty miles to deliver 10 pizzas to the group and then made a donation to Gaden Shartse. Pizza always makes us happy.
Then it was time for the work to start. The first night was a visit to a Vietnamese family. It’s an interesting house blessing because there was a series of blessings, starting back in 2006 when it was just bare ground. Then as the construction progressed the monks have come to bless the house at different stages of its progress and now it’s nearly completed. The home is beautiful and warm, just like the family who owns it. On this night, the monks slept in the home with the family.
Sunday May 3rd,
They did this house blessing in the morning and went to Tam Nguyen Vietnamese Temple for a Healing Ritual in the evening. (Pictures dated 5.3.09)
Monday May 4th,
There was a private healing at the house. That night there was the White Umbrella Puja at our place.
Tuesday May 5th,
Geshe-la Sonam arrived from Long Beach. We had the Tara Puja at our place in the evening.
Wednesday May 6th
The Heart Sutra Puja in the evening.
Thursday May 7th
House blessings in the morning and afternoon.
In the evening Geshe Sonam gave the Six Paramitas lecture at Unity Center in Walnut Creek. (Pictures Unity Center 5.7.09)
Friday, May 8th
Personal blessings and a house blessing in the morning and in the afternoon.
They left our place in Concord for the Compassion Vietnamese Temple in Hayward and did the Jangwa puja in the evening. Beginning their three day stay at The Compassion Temple in Hayward.
Saturday, May 9th
The group went back to The Tam Nguyen temple in Fremont to celebrate Vesak day (Buddha’s Birthday) in the morning. (Pictures Tam Nguyen dated 5.9.09)
House blessings in the afternoon and evening.
Sunday, May 10th
Vesak celebration at The Compassion Temple in the morning and Healing Ritual in the afternoon. (Pictures dated 5.10.09)
Monday, May 11th
There were three house blessings and healings before the group left for Grass Valley.
It was a successful tour in the Bay Area despite the difficult economic situation. Many of the individuals and families were very pleased with meeting the Venerable Monks and all spoke highly and respectfully of them.
