You Cant See Me.

YOU CANT SEE ME!!!!!!!!  He screamed, in John-Cena-like overtones, as he jumped out right in front of me fingers spread, out of the sheer darkness into my only visible portion of the monastary.  I had just opened my eyes from the meditation and was coming back to my senses.  What a rush.  It was one of the little monks, about 10 of age, who, minutes before, had been intently chanting the preceeding mantras.  There were no lights in Kathmandu tonight, so we did the practice in darkness.  Given the nature of the liturgy, it was quite intense.  After this wrestling fans' display and the look of fear that was clearly on my face, we burst out with bouts of laughter as the situation was hilarious given its contrast.

The practice is called Chod.  I started it a few days ago after meeting a wise old man.  Its a tantric practice and invovles some esoteric activity.  You can read about it here http://www.bodhicitta.net/Chod.htm and / or watch more.

Today was day three.  On day two, one of the monks was banging on a big drum in front of me as the others played their mini drums (damaru) and chanted the mantras.  I had opened my eyes for a little while to catch him wallop the monk next to him on the head with the drum stick, and in perfect rythym too. :) His peer was teasing him by trying to grab a hold of the drum stick while his friend was banging the drum.  It must have been sore, because he let out a loud scream and put his head on his attackers lap in surrender.  The big drum banging monk went on with his syncopation in perfect timing as if nothing had happened.  I saw a few of the other monks let out a chuckle.  It was hilarious.  Were my eyes closed, i would not have even noticed the mini commotion.

On day one, we had to make a circle outside in the light of the moon.  Around 20 monks gathered, ranging from ages 7 to 50. Each had a traditional drum (damaru) in one hand and a thigh bone trumpet in the other.  I was not familiar with the excerise so i opted to stand outside the circle.  We started with the blow of the trumpet, the banging of the drum and then the dancing.  It was beautiful, drums, trumpets, dancing and chanting, all in perfect harmony. It was very intense. But on one acount, whilst the dancing proceeded, I noticed one of the monks had a packet of crisps in his pocket and was secretly eating it, whilst the others were engaging in rigorous practice.  To his surprise, his friend to the left, noticed the packet and started reaching out to steal his chips.  He managed to get a few and a fight ensued whilst the both of them were trying to keep rythym with the rest of the group.  I hosed myself.

Today i walked down the Boudha main road in search for cotton canvas.  I managed to pick up some pieces of wood, a few nails, screws and a hinge as well.  I decided to embark on a mini project, a paint stand.  Here is a before picture:

Here is the after picture:  

Thats it from me tonight.  I see you.  I hope you see me too.