Return to Rato

I return to Rato

monsoon brews

the young monks grow

they study hard

memorize their prayers

and learn about the world

Our elder scholars persevere

preparing for exams

a little walk can help

then back to studies

New construction has begun

architecture, engineering, and construction, proudly done in house

the animals relax

coconuts collect

Gen Gyatsend Tardo has taken charge of cooking

he prepares watermelon for desert

The guesthouse is well maintained

mopping continues

the generator chugs on

while Renuka takes a needed break

All is well at Rato

Dharamsala

Monsoon can be severe in Dharamsala

Kashmir Cottage remains serene

The new Rato abbot has come from Korea

the stupa of our late abbot, Chuwar Rinpoche, my teacher when I first joined Rato

View from the apartment I was so kindly lent

Temple Road, McLeod Ganj

a shave

chai with the cobbler who repaired my umbrella

a Rajasthani serenade

the best samosa and chai in town, their maker in the background

I see Heiko who photographed my ordination many years ago,

the man who guards the ATM,

and two happy lamas, Lelung Rinpoche and Ngagchen Rinpoche

I visit Prakash who cared for us at Deodar Villa during covid and now has his own tea stall

then a dinner party, Khyongla Rinpoche-style, on the eve of my departure.

A quick stop at the Amritsar Ritz

and to Delhi where life is laid back

In search of Julia

I’ve returned to India!

where work is done by hand

sweeping is supervised

and bricks are bricks

Cows roam

they rest

and pose

with grandeur

roads are improving

and fashion is safer

boys are happy

and girls are too

It’s time for a shave

clean

then off to find Julia

more bricks

more posers

and finally dear Julia

blessed by the Lord

Father’s Day

The seasons change

Tibet Center members travel to South Orange

A devoted lot

I go to New York meeting my friend Josh on the way

then Tompkins Square for a concert

Washington Square for joy

and for photography!

with my old form-mate and photo ally Rob

I meet Alexander

for a birthday lunch—I’m 71!

My father comes to America

He's just turned 98!

a quick nap

Here are little Sandra with her father and big Sandra who has made our reunion happen

grand and great grand children play

and Father’s Day is celebrated!