By Lama Osel

When George left for a two-month teaching tour of the States (mainly in the southeastern states, Vermont, Pittsburgh and New York City), Steve Carlier (a Nalanda monk who studies at Sera now) taught Lama for a few weeks, but had to leave due to visa problems and is now in Europe teaching. Paco then had a few extra hours of class and used them by having Lama practice touch typing on his computer (with “Mario Teaches Typing”) – Lama is now quite fast.

Paco also taught Lama and his brother Kunkyen how to do some of the gymnastic exercises he had learned in the Spanish Army. The two boys enjoyed it very much since their studies had not included any formal physical education til now, and Lama is now in better physical condition and very flexible. There was not so much luck in a separate yoga class Paco arranged for his two monk sons with a Spanish teacher – they found it too difficult.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche travelled to Bangalore to meet Lama Osel, September 22-25. Lama Osel was accompanied by Paco and Kunkyen and his Tibetan teacher, Geshe Choepel. Rinpoche watched Lama debate with Geshe-la, and was quite happy with his progress – Rinpoche felt that Lama understood Tibetan well. They all met to do the Guru Puja in Lama Zopa’s room one day and had their midday and evening meals together.

Afterward Paco took Lama Osel, Kunkyen as well as the Spanish monk, Jesus, and his student, another Tibetan Rinpoche, to Goa for a three day holiday on the beach. They spent each evening travelling by bike to see the sunset in a different location. The young monks really enjoyed themselves and kept busy with swimming, games and good throughout the days. Jesus has started a two month retreat near Sera Monastery at a holy spot of Heruka where he has done retreat the last two years.

Lama Osel travelled to Spain to visit his mother, Maria, and his other brothers and sisters on November 22. Lama was accompanied by his friend and attendant, Pemba, who teaches Tibetan language and recitation.