Lama Osel's News - November 1997

November 1997

From left: Kunkyen, Harmony, Paco, Lobsang and Lama Osel

Siblings Surprise

Lama Osel's sister, Harmony, and brother, Lobsang, paid a visit to Sera Je Monastery for three weeks starting in late September. They made travel plans with Paco via fax and flew together to Bombay and from there to Bangalore. Lama, Kunkyen and Paco were waiting for them at the Bangalore airport, but the plane was delayed again and again. They finally arrived five hours late and explained that an engine had stopped and the plane had to be diverted back to Bombay for repairs.

When they finally arrived, Lama Osel recognized Harmony but not Lobsang. On the way back to Sera Je by taxi, everyone caught up with recent family news.

During their days at the monastery the family spent much time together -- Harmony and Lobsang rode bicycles with Paco, they had their meals at Osel Labrang and took a two day trip to Mysore to visit the King’s Palace and other tourist sights. Harmony helped Kunkyen and Lobsang helped Lama with their Spanish which was greatly appreciated. After dinner, the family members would meet again for conversation and board games.

Trip to Mangalore

Paco took his children to Mangalore by the sea for four days of sun, swimming and television at a beach resort. They started out by bus but ended up taking a taxi due to bus problems. They ate out at local restaurants and played in the pool getting lots of sun and, of course, saw lots of TV. They swam in the ocean and rode the big waves together.

Heruka Mountain

After their return, Paco took Harmony to Mysore for one day while Lama Osel, Kunkyen, Lobsang and Subhedhi (our Nepali gardener) took a trip to the famous pilgrimage site at Betapur, revered by the Hindus and Buddhists alike. They took a large picnic lunch.

Comings and Goings

Lama Osel’s Tibetan philosophy teacher, Gendun Choephel, took leave for about one month to attend the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala in late September. Unfortunately, Lama Osel could not attend, at the advice of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Steve left for a long teaching tour in Germany. The center there is really looking forward to teachings by Steve now that he has been studying in the geshe program for some time.

Kunkyen has left for a month long visit with mother in Spain. He travelled together with his brother and sister on their return to their home.

Omani Having Puppies Again

Omani, Lama Osel’s favorite German Shepard, is having puppies for about the sixth time. We think that only two members of her previous litters are alive here at Sera. Omani is very intelligent and very kind and Lama Osel hopes that her puppies are just like her.

Mon-not-soon Story

Before this year's monsoon while Lama Osel was in his house, he heard much noise and shouting. He was in class so he couldn't look. Luckily Kunkyen saw everything on his way back from Tibetan class. He said many Tibetans were shouting for rain: we want rain, we want rain... because their corn plants were dying due to the late rains. Then the monks threw buckets of water at them saying: if you want water so much, take this. Later the same day, some Tibetans threw water at Paco, Lama and Kunkyen's father, while he was riding his bicycle through one of the camps.

After some days, a Tibetan lady at one of the camps who tells the future by using a mirror said there was a black board in front of the Nyingma monastery which was lying face down and that to make it rain they had to turn it right side up. They immediately did so and it began to rain that very night while Lama Osel was going to visit Mysore to visit the dentist.

This years harvest was very good and the Tibetans are happy.

Editor: Lama Osel
Reporter: Lama Osel
Coolie: George