At the consecration ceremonies in Kathmandhu last month for L.C. Rinpoche's new monestary there were about 150 guests from outside of Nepal. This includes about 15 students from KIBI as well as other students of Lama Ole from the world over.

Beginning with a Fire Ceremony on the first afternoon, and a second the following day there were also plenty of pujas, an initiation, Lama dancing done by monks who had traveled from Bhutan, a very long Mahakala puja. Rinpoche's 80th birthday was celebrated with the official opening and blessings of the monestary. On this day the King of Nepal was the honored guest for all of the festivities, including a lunch buffet at the famous Yak and Yeti Hotel for all of the invited guests, about 500 in total.

There was plenty of oppurtunity to make new friends, either at the three hotels where the foreign guests were staying, or through out the festivities. Lunches and dinners were served at the monestary, outside in the compound, with blue skies, sunshine and wonderful views of the mountains surrounding Kathmandhu Valley. With an almost equal number of resident and visiting monks there was plenty of oppurtunity to chat and ask (and get answered) dharma questions.

One intersting development during the ceremonies was also the planning of two buses to be rented and a group of 37 foreign guests travelling on together to Kalimpong where they were able to get the blessings of His Holiness the Karmapa, as well as the Chenrigzi Initiation from His Holiness.

A video tape of all the events, both in Kathmandhu and in Kalimpong was filmed by one of the German guests. This will be of professional quality and available sometime in late January. The cost will be somewhere between $25-$50. And all who might be interested will be able to order this directly from the film-maker. As soon as I have more information I'll send it on to the chat line.