I have sent my wife and daughters off to meet my Mother and relatives in Chengdu, China. Owing to a variety of reasons and factors, I could not go. But this time, my wife and kids embargoed a trip to meet my mother and relatives, at a location of their convenience. I wonder what my mother will react when seeing my two daughters, and Choekyi. Even though she could not meet me this time, but my wife and kids will fill my shoes in bringing her jubilation, and joy and happiness.
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Monday, June 27, 2016
Grappling WithThe Theft of Car
An exhausting day with my kids has drained me physically after taking them out to library, picnic and play. Blame it or not thus, I forgot to lock the car, which led to theft of my Toyota car.
This morning Tuesday, 21st I woke to find my car stolen from our assigned parking lot in front of my townhouse. I didn't realize it until my neighbors, who run to me and told that someone has rummaged her car, and she called the police and asked me if I would check my other cars for any suspicious activities.
When I looked into my Honda CRV. To my utter astonishment, the doors were ajar. My wallet is thrown open on the front passage seat, and other stuff in the car in the driver seat is thrown open with an apparent sign of ransacking in the driver's seat side holder. Only then I realized vaguely, that my other Toyota Corolla car is missing. I rushed back to my house and informed my wife if she is aware of what happened to our car. I was in a state of delirious and panic attack. I couldn't believe it, that your car could be stolen in front your house.
Now after several hours while sitting in the car, that I recall something. Last evening, when I took the kids to picnic, I left my wallet and our Toyota vehicle key back in the Honda car, because it was felt heavy and my pocket was bulging. So the possibilities are that when the thieves get into my unlocked Honda CRV car (I always thought the car lock automatically) then they found the spare key for the Toyota, and making it easy to steal
This morning Tuesday, 21st I woke to find my car stolen from our assigned parking lot in front of my townhouse. I didn't realize it until my neighbors, who run to me and told that someone has rummaged her car, and she called the police and asked me if I would check my other cars for any suspicious activities.
When I looked into my Honda CRV. To my utter astonishment, the doors were ajar. My wallet is thrown open on the front passage seat, and other stuff in the car in the driver seat is thrown open with an apparent sign of ransacking in the driver's seat side holder. Only then I realized vaguely, that my other Toyota Corolla car is missing. I rushed back to my house and informed my wife if she is aware of what happened to our car. I was in a state of delirious and panic attack. I couldn't believe it, that your car could be stolen in front your house.
Now after several hours while sitting in the car, that I recall something. Last evening, when I took the kids to picnic, I left my wallet and our Toyota vehicle key back in the Honda car, because it was felt heavy and my pocket was bulging. So the possibilities are that when the thieves get into my unlocked Honda CRV car (I always thought the car lock automatically) then they found the spare key for the Toyota, and making it easy to steal
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
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.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
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.
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...
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...
Saturday, April 23, 2016
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.
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.
“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.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
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.
“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.
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