This photo, from April 18th, gives some perspective on the size of Migyur Dorje. You can see it is larger than any we've undertaken before. In addition, if you look at the spire, it's concrete. One thing we have going for us with our current focus (the Enlightenment Stupa) is that the spire on that is mahogany with copper plating.

The Long Life Stupa had a concrete spire, but in comparison it is tiny! It felt HUGE when we were trying to strip it (on the fire pit, which supports the spire, you have nowhere to stand but right up against it, creating an intimacy with the chemical stripper that not only smells awful, but irritates skin, sinuses, and eyes). I think we are going to be wiser this time (we have respirators, PVC rain suites, and memories of the ordeal before that will motivate us to use them!). Still, looking up at that spire the inevitable question arises--how the heck do we get up there?

If we are fortunate, David Parker will be able to visit tomorrow and we can brainstorm with his considerable experience (he's told us tales of 5 story buildings in India being built with nothing more than bamboo scaffolding and a bunch of guys in flip-flops). I don't know that the concept of litigation is as prevalent in India...We involved in this project have a "no injury" goal. Scrapes, some plugged up sinuses (from the paint or dust) are okay, but I prefer to avoid anything more serious. So we're giving this one some real attention.

We have considered the obvious choice (an articulating boom lift), but this equipment is wicked expensive (hundreds of dollars a week, thousands of dollars a month ($2500 roughly for a month, and that's a steal if you can afford it relative to shorter rental periods). Unfortunately, our fund raising does not appear to support this approach. : )

So we are looking at potentially two tiers of platforms, rope and harness. Not pretty, not clean (like I said, you get right up against that spire when you're tied to it), but it might work...We're hoping David Parker can help us determine if that's a realistic aspiration or not. Of course, if anyone out there in cyberspace has a suggestion we're open! It has to provide security to the workers though, no falling allowed!

Why, you might ask, am I rambling on about this now? Aren't we working on the Enlightenment Stupa? Yes, we are working on the Enlightenment Stupa. I'm rambling because it is my job to see ahead to the next unsolved problem and work it out before we get to that point in the project....(Better to have a plan before we finish everything else and then look over there and wonder what to do). I'm no construction dude, I'm just a bewildered Ani doing the best I can in a world I have no experience with. So, I rely on those who have experience, and ask lots of questions, and occasionally ramble...You never know who's out there in cyberspace! David Parker strolled into the Stupa Park a few short weeks before we needed to move on to the Enlightenment Stupa (just the right time to start planning the logistics of the job!). His expertise, as well as his tools and plans, allowed us to bypass the whole lift thing for one Stupa. Maybe this can happen again! : )

Now, back to the current focus! Thursday I can return to the Stupa and assess what has been done in my absence! Linda is planning to be there, as is Ashby and Norbu, so the crew will be strong! I'll get some current photos as well, to keep all of you up to date!

As is my custom, I will end with the invitation to participate. It doesn't have to be work, the real goal of all of this is sharing the profound blessings these Stupas offer! That means you don't have to come when we're working, come anytime day or night! You don't have to have any special knowledge or practice to enjoy these sacred monuments, they benefit worms, insects, anything that comes into contact with them! Whether you think they're beautiful, or odd, they'll benefit you just the same. Come on out and give it a try! If you can't make it to Poolesville, then keep checking in here! Even photos of them brings blessings! Oh, in case you're wondering how to find us, just follow the link to KPC Maryland on this page, there are directions available on the temple's website!

May all beings, human and non, be placed in gentle ease, unending joy, as a result of these activities!