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After three days of making imagery while
immersing myself in prayer and meditation at the Tarpa Choling
Monastery in India, I put down my camera and rested. I quietly
kneeled before the Rinpoche, a Buddhist spiritual leader
known as “the precious one.” The Tibetan monks
had allowed me to capture their daily lives and intimate
moments on film and I was overwhelmed with the feelings
of gratitude and appreciation. I had a compelling urge to,
likewise, share something personal with them. After a few
deep breaths, I summoned the courage to sing.
Monasteries are built specifically for
optimum acoustics and my voice floated and echoed throughout
the building. Thirty-seven monks joined me in chanting mantras,
followed by drums, horns and bells in an acoustic perfection
that penetrated my soul. Minutes later, my voice faded and
I opened my eyes in awe as a sense of peace settled around
me.
It is not often that one is allowed to
partake in the humble and earnest tradition of ancient monastic
life. Being allowed to photograph my experience was of even
greater significance. I left the monastery forever altered
by my encounter with the monks. My ever-present camera hung
loosely around my neck and the chanting of the monks resounded
in my mind, giving me a paramount sense of purpose and fulfillment.
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