The Aftermath

Re-entry. Maybe not as intense as if you are returning from the moon, but challenging nonetheless. The noise of daily life around Boudhanath Stupa is deafening to ears that are accustomed to silent mornings, sitting in teachings and periods of meditation throughout the day. I will adjust I know, and more quickly than I’d prefer.

There is really no way to describe the Kopan November course experience. The monastery setting brings its own set of unique circumstances. The comings and goings of 300 or so monks of all ages, the rituals, ceremonies, chanting and singing, and the rules that dictate monastery living. Add to that approximately 250 students, some of whom were away from home for the first time and were new to Buddhism. I am not exaggerating when I say that more than a few of them had breakdowns of varying proportions, including the one young woman who was taken away in an ambulance in a near catatonic state.

The daily schedule was gruelling. The bell went at 5:00 a.m. for those who were doing prostrations (I was not one of them) and 5:30 for the rest of us. There were a few breaks during the day but we went straight through til 9:00 in the evening most days, and it was exhausting both mentally and physically.

There is the challenge of living with a roommate – one if you’re lucky but it could be two or three or seven. Jockeying for position for bathroom time, space to hang your laundry on the dorm roof (where it dries in record time in the Himalayan sun).

Then there is the food. At first I was appreciative of knowing it was being prepared for me and all vegetarian. That changed gradually, until as we neared the end of the course I was certain I’d lose it if I saw one more grain or rice, potato or slice of white bread.

Which brings me to the teachings. I made progress this time around with some of the concepts but like the first time hit a brick wall with others. Hitting that wall quickly turned into an important lesson about myself and how I often quit when the going gets tough. Not this time though, I’m happy to say. As to what it all means, only time and space will tell.

What I am absolutely certain about are the people I met. Young, old, rich, barely scraping by, knowledgeable, novice, we represented every nationality and came from every corner of the earth with a common purpose…to learn how to live happy, useful lives. I will hold these folks in my heart as I continue the journey.