Mysterious Over Momo: Book Discussion

                                                     Mysteries over Momo                        

           I am humbled to be part of D.C's elite Tibetan book club, and here is a snapshot of our last Friday discussion.

Who have thought, that the discussion of a serious subject as the Institute of Tibetan reincarnation and Chinese emperor would turn into such a fantastic night of fun and learning?

Primarily it was all set into motion with the generous hospitality by our gracious host Tashing and Tsering la. I was throw off completely when I step into their door and see everyone inside was busy like bees surrounding the countertop in making Momos, kneading the flour, mixing the ingredients, flattening the dough and styling the Momos one by one while engrossed in chitchat and with occasional rapturous laugh. It was a love of labor. It was a party!

Momos, (steamed dumpling), a traditional Tibetan delicacy, that is known for its laborious process, is a great feast for all because of its mouthwatering delicious taste. With a great sense of comradeship and fraternity, everyone is comfortably and pleasantly involved in all that take place in the house. Except few newer faces, the familiarly of all others put everyone at ease and home.

So at the backdrop of this, we met Friday, June 17  for our monthly book discussion on "The Dalai Lama and the Emperor of China: A Political History of the Tibetan institution of Reincarnation. By  Peter Schwieger 2015, Columbia University Press.

No sooner the food was ready, around 8:00 pm. We start to self-serve the steaming juicy momos with mouth stinging spicy chilly with a delicious veg platter, a feast for the eye and palate. 

As we dine and wine, our hostess Tsering la led the book discussion with the sharing of an insightful piece by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on reincarnation. This supplementary reading along with another interesting perspective shared by a Living Buddha as tulkus are known from YouTube video set the stage to dig into our proposed book for discussion.

The moderator has created a friendly and conducive environment for everyone to share their thoughts, whether they have read the book or none. This allows everyone to enjoy a moment of complete freedom to express their thoughts without reservation and any sense of inhibition.  As the wine and Momo warmed us up, everyone is apparently bubbling with ideas and questions. The discussion revolving around the Institute of reincarnation was very focused and matured. Everyone's intellectual caliber and inquiry into this subject are remarkably sound mainly based on critical thinking and analytical reasoning.

Our discussion attempt to answer the following questions that the book also explored:

How did the political role of tulku position develop? What was its nature in various circumstances? and how did the Emperor of China try to influence this role? Overall, we realize at the heart of this history is the relationship between the Dalai Lama (and their regents) and the emperor of China?

With examples from the book as a pointer for discussion, some shared anecdotal examples of ludicrous nature on the folly and abuse of the reincarnation Institute, and the Tulkus. Except that the difference is just in the nuance, everyone has more or less the same attitude, belief, and faith in reincarnations system. The questions, concerns and comments are very pointed and at time blunt and straightforward.

The wit, sarcasm and humor injected generously by our members during the discussions make the discourse light-hearted without losing the essence of the meaning.

From the conversation, it becomes clear to us that the Institute of reincarnation is unique to the Tibetan Buddhism. The identification, selection and installation of reincarnated are ridden with mystery and mysticism. Except little noticeable reincarnation, such as the Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, and Karmapa, all other Tulkus are susceptible to abuse, cronyism, and nepotism during the selection process. As Tulkus is a social position of the privileged class with entitlement to wealth, inheritance and power.

The club members are particularly intrigued by the reference to a description of how to father a trulku in what is known as "treasure literature." Everyone was curious and got interested in acquiring that knowledge, but alas this was a mere temptation, and nothing was fully revealed, even when we passed well over midnight.

If we take history seriously, the Chinese Emperor deserves credit for popularizing the Institute of Tibetan reincarnation. The priest-patron relationship and its impact are fully shown in the following statement: 

"From the time Qing emperors began enforcing their sovereignty over Tibet in the early part of the eighteen century right up to the end of the nineteenth century; essentially none of the Dalai Lama exercised any political power of his own. But in their efforts to attain social and political stability, the Qing emperors had fashioned the Dalai Lama into the sacred head of the Ganden Podrang government, and thus inadvertently helped promote the image of Tibet as a country guided by the incarnations of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. When after more than two centuries the institution of the Dalai Lama was occupied once again the Charismatic personalities, this image had become such a strong force in Tibetan politics that the new Chinese government could no longer control it". (p.221)

My apologies, if you couldn't bear with my rumbling nonsensically, but I could not pass up in noting down the memorable night of fun and merriment and learning we had from the book discussion. Whenever there is Momos and Mosas I will miss it, so looking forward to the next discussion on certain articles that Yangkyi la will recommend. Cheers.

The Memoir of A Tibetan Under the Chinese Rule

Noryang's sharing from the latest book discussion prompts me to reflect on the previous book discussion at my place. I believe, it is better late than never, so let me share you a synopsis of our discussion that took place couple months ago. I feel I owe it to you.

Khentsum la's "The Memoir of a Tibetan" is a fascinating account of one man's tryst with the Chinese rule. But his story is not isolated one man's story, rather Khentsum la's story represents the collective suf...fering and injustice that all Tibetan have gone through at the hand of Chinese. His narrative and portrayal of Tibetan prisoners' hardship in the various detention center are unbelievably horrifying. All those who read the book will agree that the Jew's suffering from the concentration camp in Hitler's Germany had more or less being replicated in Tibet under Chinese rule.

I can recall our discussion was meaningful with the loving presence of the author. He is a gray-haired man in his seventies who could still reminiscence vividly the defining moment of their lives under the most testing circumstances.
Khentsum la's memoir was published at the urge of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to share with a broader audience of the faithful account of all those individual who has experienced hellish suffering first hand in China occupied Tibet. This book would bear the testament of Tibetan people's undying spirit, and the will to survive amidst all those atrocities meted out by the aggressors.

The book discussion in the presence of the author was a real bridge of generational gap, as such the elder generation passing down their true story to the younger generation, by which the later is inspired to carry on their responsibilities and know their root.
Despite all those hardships he endured, the author is still alive in heal and hearty and bear testimonial for the unthinkable with no remorse and regret.
Khentsum la's willingness to spend an evening with us and to field questions from our members from the book was most fulfilling. He represents the quintessential of the finest Tibetan character and persona. It touches us to see him so unassuming, so gentle with a great sense of humility and considerate to the restlessness of us younger soul.
It is also noteworthy that the RFA feature program on that book discussion was well received by RFA listeners, with request and inquiry on where to get the book pours in.Here is a link to the program you can listen.. http://www.rfa.org/…/dc-tibetan-book-club-disscusion-with-a…
So this ones a month book discussion has good impact and we need to keep it up...

Are we ready for Democracy?

                                            Are Tibetan Ready for Democracy?



The process of introducing democracy in exile has started over fifty years ago, but even today it has become necessary to ponder if the democratic system is appropriate for the exile Tibetan diaspora. Generally speaking, It is still doubtful that the general populace has fully grasped the eventual benefits of a such a political system.

Those who realize this new found democracy and freedom in a democratic and open society, start to explore avenues to express their freedom and rights. But for the most, it is still that the democracy is inseparable from their individual faith and belief. Those who have a full grasp on the functioning of democracy and their rights are always aware of the potential that a free and democratic society has in bringing disunity to the fragile Tibetan exile society.

A Talk on f Gendered Issue.

Gendered Issue in traditional Society

“When you educate a man, you educate a person, when you educate a woman, you educate a family”. This age old wisdom is shared by many in today’s world. I don't know how the importance of educating a girl child even dawned to a Tibetan woman. But the fact is some Tibetan NGOs doing fantastic projects in Tibet, nurturing and empowering Tibetan girls through education, encouragement, and opportunities. I had attended a presentation by a Tibetan young lady, who has been invited by Machik in Washington D.C.  It was a thrilling experience for me to see a young Tibetan girl speaking fluent English and presenting a well-organized and well-researched information on the topic of the gendered issue in Tibetan traditional society. As a Tibetan herself, doing a presentation on such a controversial, unpopular and rather an ignored subject must have been challenging.

Saturday Project

                                                            Saturday Project
“Your carpet is the most valuable thing in the house and shouldn’t you do anything to keep it from wear and tear.” This conversation is what rings in my ear from my faint recollection of an encounter with a rug cleaner; who knocks on your door soliciting. While I couldn’t agree more with what he said. I want my carpet to last long and stay sparklingly clean. With this in my mind and taking into consideration of my little ones’ welfare and their hygiene, I was motivated to hatch the plan for my Saturday project. It is to clean our rooms with rug doctor cleaning machine. Yes, it is a project, with a plan in mind and goal set for a target time.

Dhargyal is a handy man. He is vigorous and deft with handling any machine. He solves problems, and he follows instructions. Without him, my Saturday project could not be materialized.
In consultation with Dhargyal, my project is set to start on Saturday, February 01, 2014. It is the only available time for both of us.

I went to the Safeway store, last night and paid around 50$ to borrow the rug cleaning machine and solution that goes into the water for the cleaning.
Dhargyal has done his shift and called me to inquire on my project, right when I was waiting for his show up.
I have set the rooms ready for the cleaning, by vacuuming and putting away furniture to give way for the streaming and shampooing.

Upon Dhargyal’s arrival, we set into motion. In the initial the machines appear to be not in perfect working condition. But we set everything right, and it starts to roaring to operate perfectly.  Beginning from the sitting room, we went about in a systematic manner to get every part of the room washed with shampoo and then rinsed. While DG handled the Rug Doctor, I snooped around to find stained areas and apply the extra solution and brushed it.

Buckets of soiled darkish water sucked in the water dispenser of the machine. It is from our area rug; the tiger striped rug. As far as I can recall, this is for the first time, in years that we are cleaning it.

By pushing and pulling back the machine, it is a sturdy little work of the two men. But both of us are enthusiastic about getting it done. Buckets after buckets of water went into the filler and outcome with dark water. And I threw out the dirty water out into the backyard.
After finishing up with the sitting room, I let Dhargyal go, for he looks exhausted, But I continued to clean and stayed up till 11:00 PM and completed the basement carpet to my great satisfaction.
The next day, Dhargyal returned after driving Acha to Wholefood.
We resumed the cleaning, and all in all, we have thoroughly done with three rooms.

What an achievement for my Saturday project!.
When my families return, the rooms are neat and ready for my hygiene freak spouse and my go-happy kids. 50$ investment had a hearty return; the area rug is now again beaming with luster and the floor carpets are spotless.
My Saturday project was resounding success, time well spent. I want my carpet to live long, and this cleaning goes a long way to help its longevity.

 

No Cry Overspilled milk

We went to a Korean BBQ restaurant and enjoyed the meal as a family outing. Our family does not go out to eat a lot, mostly my wife cooks at home.  But it was a special day when my wife appears to be tired, and we choose to eat outside. But what start out as something special, went horribly wrong. The scene of my daughter falling from the bar and my inability to save her before she hit the ground replay again and again in front of my eyes and conscious. It is haunting and very tormenting. But my pains is nothing compare to what she had to go through.


After leaving the Korean BBQ restaurant, we head back home. On the way, Choekyi wants us to go to a park, which she discovered lately.  So it was getting dark, and we went as she wished.  It was a new playground, with nice green field and kids playing area.


Both of my daughters played so well and enjoyed in the kids area. But my wife suggest us to go to another side of the field. She was adamant to go to the other side to take a long stroll.  My younger daughter wants to stay where they are playing so joyfully, and she made a scene for going to the other side as if she knows what is in store. Kids are intuitive, could that be premonition?. 

As we went to another side of the playground, it leads to a path that winding down and take us to a dead end. I was wearing my sun-glass in the evening with my regular eye glass having not taken with me. and my sights are not that good, what it is getting dark.


On the path that we went, a little further down the road, there was a wooden house. My two little kids as curious as they are attempted to explore it. I warned them that this might not be a good idea. As the wooden structure might not be safe for kids to enter. The kids are always restless and hyperactive; they need something to be doing all time. It might be to play with something or to climb or to explore or to touch something.


 On the roadside, there are some exercise tools including a gymnastic bar and a sort of bench.  The two kids lay down on the bench. Then my younger child wants to hold the gymnastic bar up in the air and to ask me to help her up. I did lift her up as she clutches the bar, and I swing her side to side. She signals when she is unable to hold it any longer , and I have safely helped her land on the ground. Then it was my elder child, who too want to hold the gymnastic bar. I helped her up to hold the bar. When I thought she has clutched the bar, then I swing her to one side.   But that very moment, when she did few swing, she has either let go her hold or she could not hold, but she was landed herself on the ground, with a thud, and scream. It was either a fall, or she attempted to land herself without assistance.


 The very moment, that I realized she landed on the ground in unusual way. I was too late even though I immediately rushed to hold her up.  She yelled and said her arm was injured. When I looked at it, it was crooked, and kind of bend sideway.   I hold her up in my arm, and tempted to correct or smoothen her hand, but then a second thought, I left it as it was for fear that I might do something wrong.

My wife saw all this unfolding in a split second was petrified and start to act weird and very scared. But her maternal instinct was strong, that she took of her shirt immediately, and we folded her fractured arm, and with that rushed to ER at Innova Hospital. 


Thankfully, the ER took good care of my child. The hospital admitted her and after an x-ray and sedating; the orthopedic doctor corrected her fore arm. We went to the hospital around 9:00 pm, and we got home around 2:00 am early morning. With the art of state facilities and best medical profession, INOVA Children's care center, is a marvelous undertaking.


After several days, we made another appointment with a  orthopedic surgeon for follow up. The orthopedic surgeon took another x-ray and then we realized, her fragile, broken born has shifted and not allied in the right way. As the surgeon recommends, we agreed for surgery to properly straighten the bone.

Then it took another next day appointment, and with a early wake up, and driving to the hospital, the operation was completed in two hours. 

The surgeon came out and explained that it was s success, and assures, my child's hand will be normal after few months of recovery, with all functionality unaffected.

She has been resting at home with mother's care and with all the nourishment, until after a week she is ready to return to school. .   Thankfully the surgery wound appears to be healing fast, after a day, all her pain is no longer bothering. She becomes playful and returns to normalcy in her activities.

As parents, my daughter's plight was disheartening. I felt, partially responsible for what my daughter goes through. The scene of my daughter's fall and my sense of helplessness replays in my consciousness with remorse and regret.Both of my wife and I took utmost care of their safety, and this lapse that lead her fractured arm is the most unforgetable and regretful event in my entire life.

But there is no cry over spilled  milk. As my wife was very calm, and caring with great understanding in dealing with such a crisis. She showed no sign of fatigue and rallied around to nurse my daugther with her loving hands.

 The lesson that we have learned from this incident is that we should realize how  lucky we are, that we could make the best out of the bad situation. It help us to appreciate more how grateful we are for the health and safety of our precious children, as accident and things do happen in life without any warning. .

A Wolf & Sheep

A wolf caught up with a lamb after a chase. Delightfully, the wolf takes the sheep to home for a good meal. The helpless sheep find no ways to unleash from the clutch of the wolf. She thought to herself "I can not do anything now, other than going with the wolf. Obeying the aggressor is the best solution I can think of right now".

After passing half way through, the lamb saw a grove of trees nearby the road. After giving some thoughts, the meek sheep stopped in the middle of the way. Then the frightened sheep conjured a plan to save her life. With an idea in mind, the sheep humbly asked the wolf, that she is so hungry; and need to eat something. The wolf pondered over the entreat, and after some reflection thought "Anyway, you can not escape, so you can go ahead and eat something."  The lamb was very pleased with the wolf's giving green light and immediately run toward the trees and pretend to eat some fruits from the trees.  After some time, the lamb returned to the wolf and said, " the fruits are very delicious."

The wolf continued to proceed toward the destination and scheme to devour the lamb for a delicious square of a meal. The smart sheep, suddenly on the way whined for illness " Oh, my stomachs is unbearable painful. That fruit that I ate must be poisoned ."  Turning to the wolf the smart Lamb said " I can no longer bear my pain.  The only way to end my pain is to have you eaten me immediately". With that, the lamb offered herself to the wolf. The wolf hesitated on the offer, thinking that the situation is different now than it was before. The wolf came to the realization that if she eats the lamb, then she would also be affected by the poison injected in the sheep's stomach.

The wolf then lets go the lamb, stating what holds you back. The smart sheep quickly runs off briskly away from the wolf.  With intelligence and sweet tongue, the lamb saved herself from the death of jaw.