Up and down

 

Darjeeling. November 2013.

It seems that there are only two directions you can take in Darjeeling, up or down, and having taken one, you must meet the other on your return. Of the two, down is preferable, but like everything else in life, it cannot exist by itself.

So, life is about balance and any extreme position can only lead to frustration, difficulties and ultimately foolishness, like trying to spend the whole of your life breathing in or just taking the easy road downhill. However, walking up the hill, even for a long time, can bring a beautiful result.

It  was the case with the Zigar Drukpa Kagyu Monastery.

Turning a corner whilst walking up an incredibly steep road just outside Darjeeling, we came upon a small Tibetan monastery.

The gate was open and so we entered. Everything was very quiet and peaceful and it seemed that there was no-one here.

I walked in a respectful attitude around the small temple and upon arriving at the locked main doors at the front, I was met by a young man.

“Welcome sir,” he said. “Here is a holiday now and all the monks have gone, but would you like to come inside?”

I removed my shoes, he unlocked the doors and I entered.

In front of me was a huge statue of the Buddha in the classic 'earth touching posture' (bhumispatra mudra), and I knelt and prostrated myself.

Even if I am no longer 'a Buddhist' I consider this man to be my true and greatest teacher. I share Dhamma to my disciples as offered by him to his disciples, and as tested and experienced by me. This in every instance has to be the relationship between master and disciple. Not to believe, but to test the teachings in every moment and in every situation.

Many can give Dhamma talks, but the true understanding comes from the relationship we have to our daily life.

How much anger, how much fear, how much love?

It is easy to be kind in the Dhamma Hall or on an ashram, but how is it to be outside in the world with the myriad things that we can't control? This is how to view the teacher and their true understanding. The living manifestation of Dhamma  in every moment.

The young custodian, with all the kindness that we have met every day here in Darjeeling, offed tea, and explained a little about the chanting and mantra tradition of this small monastery.

Once again, it was a beautiful moment, but without the difficulty of climbing the hill it would never have happened.

Such is life.

May all beings be happy.