As an artist it seems I have found myself really doing more meaningful work this year than at any point in my career. I cherish my days at the natural history museum working on educational displays intended to teach about the wonders of our world. It is now the wonders of the human spirit I am just beginning to explore. Yesterday I was invited to photograph and document the special Guru Puja with Tsok (a ceremonial cake) to commemorate the passing of Deer Park Buddhist Center's founding teacher, and spiritual guide Geshe Lhundub Sopa Rinpoche. As I write this I am trying to define my own sense of wonderment, confusion and desire at trying to learn this spiritual path of compassion. I am still at the very beginning. I am still struggling with my own sense of internal darkness. In learning about the Eight Fold Path I have cast a light into the blackest aspects of my very being. There are times that in drawing those recesses into the light I almost become smothered in grayness. As I moved through the Temple, trying to get the best shots, listening to the songs of prayer and meditation, I could also feel the grief of those who loved Geshe Sopa. Their mourning touched me and added a sense of earnestness to my efforts. I only wish I could have met him in person. I feel that I have met him in spirit through the interactions I am now having with those he taught. I am so fortunate to have found my way to this opportunity to learn about myself.
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Its great to be on the Buddha's path. Its the best.
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