Now, I have taken many classes on Eastern Religions, Philosophies, and Literature, as well as various Humanities courses, and I consider myself fairly well read on the topics. But, as for first hand experiences within the religion of Buddhism itself, I don’t have a clue.

Jane took me to  Tharlam Monestary that is just down a small road from where I live. There I was privledged to be able to meet His Eminence Sakya Dhungsey Asanga Vajra Rinpoche,to those of you are as unfamiliar with the religion as I am, is a 7 year old Rinpoche.

And according to Wikipedia he is a guru, or a teacher, and often a leader and an ordained monk. But according to the lineage of Asanga, he is not fully ordained, as he will marry someday, and the lineage is passed down traditionally from father to son.

It was amazing to meet such a young boy, who I must note, though not as full of expression as most 7 yr. olds that I have met, still comes across as a curious 7 yr. old, wanting to be told stories and wanting to watch movies on DVD. I am so happy to have been able to have this experience, and hope to have many more like it.

So as I went to bed last night, I finished the Alchemist for the second time and when I slept it was sound and solid and I woke with a new refreshment that I have not felt in some time.

So I leave you all with this piece of the book….

“Don’t think about what you’ve left behind,” the alchemist said to the boy as they began to ride across the sands of the desert. “Everything is written in the Soul of the World, and there it will stay forever.”

“Men dream more about coming home than about leaving,” the boy said. He was already reaccustomed to the desert’s silence.

“If what one finds is made of pure matter, it will never spoil. And one can always come back. If what you had found was only a moment of light, like the explosion of a star, you would find nothing on your return.”
…..
“You are almost at the end of your journey,” said the alchemist. “I congratulate you for having pursued your Personal Legend.”