We have a free day before climbing over Drolma Pass. While most of the others go off to explore a glacier at the base of Mt. Kailash, I stay at camp to write. Then late in the morning I walk up to the monastery.
Dirapuk Monastery (Gabriele photo)
I gravitate to a cave at the back of the monastery and sit quietly on the side of the small cave for 40 minutes. I try to still my mind and feel the energy of the place. No words, memories, or images come to me. However, without thinking about it, I begin to say blessings for the well being of my family, my community, the people in my life, and for all sentient beings. I repeat the blessings over and over, wishing that specific individuals and groups may be well, happy, and peaceful. Saying the blessings just feels right and my spirits are buoyed up by it.
Later in the day most of our group goes together to the monastery. Again I gravitate to the cave, however this time I notice there is a sign, in surprisingly good English, not far from from the entrance doorway. The sign notes that in 1215 Master Gotsampa found the cave and began three years of practice in it. Since then it has been continuously used as a practice site by the Dakpo-Kagyupa sect. It is said that Master Gotsampa answers all wishes for health, longevity, and wealth. “For this reason it is important for pilgrims to pray for the well being of all sentient beings at this wonderful site.”
I return to the monastery several more times during the afternoon, so sit in the cave and to sit with the monks who are chanting for the day. I feel honored by the head monk who noticed that I had come several times and motioned for me to sit down on the bench reserved for monks.
Dirapuk Monastery towards the back, our tents to the left, in the foreground is a lodging for Hindu pilgrims
By dinner time there is a light snow and a cold wind.
View of Mt. Kailash from our tents (Timothy photo)
Mitchell,
…walking with you, with deep gratitude.
Thank you for sharing your visits at Gotsampa’s cave. What an amazing interbeing story: to read the sign (to send prayers) AFTER you had already “received that instruction” and were sending prayers for well-being to others.
May you be healthy.
May your compassion and wisdom continue to increase.
May you be peaceful and at ease.
May you continue to be a living blessing to all beings.
Susan Murphy
True Good Birth
What a spiritual moment finding the cave and sending prayers for all beings.
Receiving these messages has been uplifting for me.
Thank you for your prayers.