Finally, the time had come to start power washing. Gabriel was up for giving it a try...so I let him go for it!  

After working on the final areas on the upper steps, Gabriel power washed the relief. We didn't apply any stripper, as our goal is to preserve as much of the intact paint as possible. However, Gabriel didn't spend much time on it, as he said the paint was coming off rapidly anyway. He's interested in painting it though! What a guy! 

Most of the afternoon was spent power washing the inverted steps...the stripper takes longer to work under there, as it is all in shadow so we didn't get it all off yesterday. Once our barrels were empty I took over the power washing while Gabriel went to get water. He stocked us up all day! He learned from his previous experiences, and brought a dry shirt and shorts to put on...hmmmm...I haven't figure that one out yet... 

By the end of the day we had made some solid progress. More than that, Gabriel made sure we had 6 full barrels of water before he left! So we're on for Monday!

I have to earn my living this weekend, so the crew will get a break...Though Lisa may give an update on the Stupa Park. We're looking to have everything ready to paint, both areas, by the end of next week. Of course, Norbu and I are both caretaking the 24 hour prayer vigil (so we have to fill whatever isn't taken by volunteers), which could cramp our work schedule.

And--this is big news--Amber is having her baby next Friday! Yeah! Much of the regular crew you see on these pages will be there for that, so we may take that day off.

Even before we left today, a visitor was circumambulating this very Stupa. We got our ladder and equipment out of her way, so she could enjoy the peaceful evening. Ultimately, that is what the Stupas are here for. All our work is devoted to keeping them in the world for as long as possible, for the benefit of all beings. So, do come out and see them for yourself, they exist for no other reason than to bring blessings to all without exception...

September 8th....Help arrives...

Susie joined us today, thankfully! She volunteered her truck to help us haul water. This is the critical component to working these days...getting water out to the site. With Norbu's truck having trouble, we are needing to rely on volunteers from the sangha to help. Fortunately, they've been showing up! Susie, in fact, expressed an interest in helping paint the relief work on Migyur Dorje! I'm sure Lisa will be thrilled to have a team form! But today our focus was on continuing to remove old paint...

Susie, who raises Alpacas, not only hauled the water but helped us transfer it to barrels on the ground... 

We focused on the sunny sides first, as the stripper works much faster there... 

The paint was thicker than we expected today (okay, okay, what else is new?) so it didn't all come off. We kept working though, getting off what we could, so when we reapply tomorrow the rest will come off easily... 

In case you're thinking it's all go-go-go out here...when a barrel empties and we have to switch the sump pump, there's a pretty good delay in the pressure of the power washer while that long run of hose gets refilled. Gives us a chance to catch our breath, and contemplate the practice (we recite mantras while we work)... 

Here Norbu works on the inverted steps. He doesn't bother with the pvc suit. We took turns on the power washing, and I did use the suit. At these angles I found it just filled up with water though! 

Concerned we would again run out of water, Norbu went to the temple while I got as far as I could with the power washing. It turned out we had enough, but Norbu brought Tashi Dorje who agreed to haul two barrels. Tashi is a monk who spends most of his time in Arizona, but is out to help with an indoor renovation here.  

Tashi enjoyed his contribution to the cause today. He is usually working hard like us, only on an interior construction job, so he was happy to be able to stand back in his robes and watch for a change... 

Well, it wasn't as clear as we hoped, but we did make progress. We have 3 barrels of water ready for tomorrow (we'll need LOTS more, but Gabriel will be joining us in the afternoon with his truck). It is starting to look like we're working on it though!

While we were out today, there were practices going on inside the temple for disaster victims, and all suffering beings. We on the Stupa crew are devoting the benefit generated by our work out here to the Gulf Coast, and all those affected by the storm.

In the coming weeks we may be taking some time off from the project to offer some hands on assistance to those in need, but until the red tape is worked out we're going to keep moving here, offering our prayers and whatever benefit we accumulate through this auspicious activity.

As always, remember there are never any requirements for enjoying the blessings of the Stupas, they are open to all. Whether you're wanting to offer prayers for those suffering from the disaster in the Gulf Coast, or for anyone sick or suffering anywhere, that is what the Stupas are here for. 24 hours a day, every day.

September 7th...

Worked at the hospital today...but things did move a little on the Stupa Project. Norbu arranged for Susie to use her truck tomorrow, hauling water for us! That's huge news, as it means we can move on with the stripping. We may also begin repairs on the gau (the top is really crumbling), if all goes well. Our repair material may be too short.

As the horror of Katrina grows, the Stupa Crew is devoting the merit of our efforts to all those suffering from this profound distaster. We may be taking a day off in the near future to participate directly in caring for refugees locally. We'll keep you posted. Need to contact agencies and get through the red tape...

But do recall, the Stupas exist exactly for this kind of situation. They are here for all who wish to bring benefit through prayer. Our temple is also coordinating with other centers to offer material and physical assistance to those affected. The Stupas and temple are open to all, regardless of faith, so please do feel free to come out and take advantage of these blessings. This Stupa, the Enlightenment Stupa, is right next to our parking lot, easy access! It's well lit 24 hours a day, so whatever time you feel inclined you can come out and circumambulate. Our prayer room inside is also open 24 hours a day, with someone praying for the end of suffering all the time, so you can come inside and spend some time in prayer or meditation if you wish, or just sipping tea from our tea and water station, all of it free.

For us on the Stupa Crew, we'll be back out tomorrow to keep generating merit for the benefit of all beings...

September 6th...Sacrifice....

Here's how Migyur Dorje looked at the start of the day...the bumpa clear of paint. Our focus for today was the upper steps. It was Norbu and myself, so we had our fingers crossed we'd have enough water...

After a brief moment of pause with the sprayer we got it working and I started applying on the upper steps... 

Our unwritten rule is that whoever makes the sacrifice of applying the stripper (it smells and blows in your face) gets to relax while the ground person cleans the pump...today Norbu got to clean the pump... : ) 

Here it is after we applied it...we let it cook a while. You can see in the photo it has already started to absorb into the paint (the dark spots), but much was still on the surface. The stripper soaks through the paint down to the concrete where it stops (doesn't harm the substrate) and begins to bubble. That action pushes the paint off the surface, making it really easy to get off... 

After a quick trip to get some cold drinks and snacks, we got right to power washing. Way back in March when we started we had to watch the weather to see if it was going to freeze overnight when we applied the stripper, as we would apply one day and remove the next. Back then, with days barely getting to 50 degrees, the chemical was slow to work. Now, with days in the mid to upper 80s, we have to stay on it or it'll dry back on! 

Today I let Norbu have a break from the physical labor. He got to hang out with my camera while I spent the afternoon power washing. It was fun up there! 

Here's a look at paint flying off the Stupa. The stripper works really well, causing the paint to bubble up and for the most part come right off.. 

You can see it takes a lot of water to get this job done...which did turn out to be a problem today... 

It was obvious...we didn't have enough water...this chemical we use to strip the paint is water based, and evaporates. You can see from the photos it does a great job, but if allowed to dry the paint just sticks back on. Once we apply we have to remove. Norbu hopped in his truck to see what he could do. We hoped we might catch Tashi Dorje, who has a truck..but no luck. So Norbu, devoted as always to the Stupas, took the extreme risk of hauling water in his truck (which has a rusted frame and is missing a leaf spring). It worked out okay, thankfully, but not something either of us wants to see done again. Fortunately, his efforts did allow us to finish the power washing...  

Here it is at the end of the day. Making progress little by little...I return to work tomorrow, but will be back out on Thursday to carry on! We're not sure how we'll get the water stocked...that'll be the big challenge Thursday. Without it, we can't do much. Norbu used his truck today with tremendous reluctance. If you have a truck and are willing to spend an hour or so hauling water let us know!

Though it's going slower than we hoped (what else is new) it is going, and we could be on to painting next week!

The days have been gorgeous lately...weird for Maryland...so if you're at all inclined do come on out and spend some time at the Stupas! The weather is beautiful, and we'll be taking the day off tomorrow (so no spray or chemicals to contend with). Even as we restore them, the Stupas continue to bring their amazing blessings into the world. They remain a source of peace and healing. During these difficult times, with such great suffering in the world, they offer a way to make a difference, a place to offer prayers, to make offerings, a place to connect with Enlightened Wisdom in form. This applies to non-Buddhists as well as Buddhists, no belief system required. We are working hard to keep them here for generations to come, for all beings without exception.

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!