September 5th...Practice...

This photo is from last Saturday, the last day we worked on the Stupa itself. Sunday, as you can see below, we just ran water to the site.

Here Lisa is cleaning up the debris which fell from the bumpa as we stripped. We'll be back out tomorrow to continue the process.

Amber, our faithful crew member, has gotten to the point she can't do any more. She's set to give birth in less than two weeks, so your prayers for her strong health and that of her new baby are welcome!

So we'll be playing it by ear the rest of the week, in terms of finding a way to get water to the site. We still have KTs truck, and we might see if Tashi Dorje would be willing...No worries, we'll get it done!

Today I was suppose to work, but was canceled (overstaffed--much to my benefit!), so I spent the day in practice and prayer. A nice break from the activity of working on the Stupas (read: refreshed and ready to go tomorrow!). It gave a chance to really contemplate the situation in the Gulf Coast, and of all beings caught in the snare of suffering.

The temple was active today with many visitors taking advantage of the holiday to come out and spend some time with the Stupas, and in the temple itself. This is, after all, what the Stupas are here for. They are here to bring healing, peace and benefit to beings. By offering your prayers and aspirations for the benefit of others, you can share that benefit with countless beings. In this difficult time of horrible suffering and uncertainty, rest assured the Stupas are here for you, always. As I've said many times, no need to be Buddhist, religious, or even know any "prayer" at all. Your wish that suffering will cease is enough. So do come out and take advantage of these precious objects of refuge. They are extremely rare in this country, (though more are being built all the time!), so if you're in the area do come by! And if not, we'll keep them here online for you!