Tue, 26 Sep 2006
Thrangu Retreat Report
When I arrived at the Toronto airport and got through customs, I was met by a Chinese delegation with a large banner saying "Welcome Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche." So I stuck around to see what would happen and ten minutes later Thrangu Rinpoche walked through the door with his attendants. Scarves were offered, pictures were taken, and then Thrangu Rinpoche was whisked away. So it was a pleasant surprise to meet Thrangu Rinpoche at the airport.
I was surprised to meet so many people I know at the retreat. First I met Cathy and Orville from the Columbus KTC. They drove up and kindly drove me around with them. The retreat was not held at the hotel, it was held at a banquet hall a mile away. I walked a few times, but it was certainly nice to have a ride available. In addition to Cathy and Orville, I also met Nathan and Dawn, who also attended the Mahamudra retreat in Crestone last year. They both are students of Thrangu Rinpoche, so maybe it's not too surprising they were there. Reaching way back into the past, I met Richard, who was part of the construction crew for the KTD monastery back in the Eighties. Time either has altered his appearance or my memory, because I didn't recognize him until I saw his name. Richard is now a member of Shambhala and lives in Halifax. And of course, I met Gary, who I shared a room with at the hotel. Gary is a photographer and was hoping to pay for his visit with the sale of some of his Buddhist photographs. He did sell some, but not as many as he had hoped for.
The dharma center which hosted Thrangu Rinpoche's visit, KTZL, mostly has Chinese students. This may be because it is located in a largely Chinese section of the Toronto suburbs. I was surprised at how large the Chinese presence was, not only at the center, but throughout the area. It seems that KTZL runs on the energy of a group of older Chinese women, the most formidable source of energy known in the universe. The center was in full fundraising mode, as they had recently bought a new and larger center, having outgrown the old one.
All the lamas from KTZL were at the retreat. The chief guy, Lama Tashi, looks to be a very fine lama, very open and clear. In addition there are Lamas Sonam and Dawa, who also seem to be fine lamas. The big surprise is that Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche visited for the last weekend. He was in a very good mood and sparkled with joy. Karma Lodro and Michelle drove up with him and I heard that the Dalai Lama's visit to KTD went very well. I'm sure a lot of hard work went into preparing for the visit and I'm glad it paid off.
