Dream Flag Gate

Here's a view of KTD's entrance gate with the blue and yellow dream flag that was designed by the 16th Karmapa.

You can buy your own dream flag from Namse Bangdzo.

KTD Building Construction

While KTD's shrine building has been complete for years, the rest of the monastery is still under construction and nearing completion.

Amrita, who is KTD's Director of Development, led some of us on a tour of the new building, which will house offices (including HH Karmapa's), Namse Bangdzo bookstore, guest rooms, staff living quarters, dining room, and kitchen--replacing Meads Mountain House, which will eventually be demolished.

Earlier, I posted a view of the lovely new dining room (is it wrong to daydream of a successful vegetarian restaurant there?). Here is a view of some of the recent work of the artisans who have been brought in to add the traditional Tibetan-style decorative touches.

Morning Prayer Flags at KTD

Here is a view of prayer flags in the morning light at KTD, near the front gate.

The small reddish tree surrounded by wire fencing is one of two maples that were supposed to be planted by His Holiness Karmapa on his first visit. He didn't have time for that task, so Sandra planted the trees for him.

Guru Rinpoche, Kon Chog Chi Du Form

This lovely small thangka hung in my room on my most recent visit to KTD.

The thangka depicts Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) with his right hand held at his heart, the form used in at least one of the Kon Chog Chi Du visualizations--the peaceful form of Guru Rinpoche, which was the subject of the empowerment given by His Holiness Karmapa on his first visit to KTD in 2008.

This particular practice is one which, for many reasons, is close to my heart--so I was thrilled to find this thangka hanging in my guest room.

Remember that you can click on the picture for a better view.

First Fall Leaf

I was walking in the driveway in front of Meads Mountain House when I spotted it, all alone and small and glowing on the gray gravel--the first fallen leaf of autumn, my favorite season.

This year, I will be spending fall in Florida. I dream about someday being able to spend fall in Woodstock.

Meads Mountain House

For many years now, Meads Mountain House—originally built in the 1800s as an inn for people who traveled by horse-drawn coaches—has served as the staff living quarters, offices, guest rooms, bookstore, kitchen, and dining area of KTD.

This trip, I'm staying in one of the rooms on the second floor at the front of the building.

I'm sure the building, in its heyday, was a great place to stay. The ravages of time are all too apparent now, however, and I think everyone will be glad when the new building—still under construction—is finished.

I'm all for saving historical buildings, but I think this one is really too far gone to be of any use. The floors slope in different directions, the roof and showers leak, and the joke is that the paint is the only thing holding the building up.

Tonight, though, it's wonderful to be here. The forecast low is in the 50s, a cool breeze is blowing in through the open window, I have a big double bed all to myself, and wi-fi internet access right here in the room. Plus, Machik Labdron is making an appearance, in the form of teachings by my refuge lama, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

My karma yoga is again in the shrine building, beginning tomorrow, and there is a Green Tara empowerment tomorrow night.

In short—rickety old building or not, it doesn't get any better than this.

Fantasy Woodstock Address

Where else would A Word Witch want her mail delivered, other than on Witchtree Road?