Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche
With the week-long visit of my friends from Colorado, I had the priviledge of meeting Rinpoche. My friends' son studied at Naropa in Boulder, Co., and is the Rinpoche's translator. That this kid (well, he's 33 now but you know how they'll always be kids...) learned Tibetan astounds me. If it's anything like Chinese, it's a very difficult language for english speakers to learn. It sounds beautiful as J. quietly translates. The Rinpoche is living in Santa Cruz while he and J. build a foundation.
We met him when J. brought him to the house to pick up our friends for the evening. Imagine our surprise at the arrival of a reincarnated enlightened one on the doorstep! He was wearing his robes and this was a tad intimidating. How the heck does one greet an enlightened one? Well, one shakes his hand.
Last night we danced under the stars to the local garage band, the Clam Tones. Not the famous ones -- the local ones who have been playing together for 30 years. It was a 60th birthday party for a couple of friends and Rinpoche came to the festivities. T. and I actually got him on the dance floor a couple of times -- photos to follow later! He wore western garb so he could enjoy the evening and just be one of the revelers. The theme was the 1970's, and many guests dressed the part. Though I've got to say it, here in Santa Cruz, the 21st century dress isn't that much different.
So my friends are flying out this day. What a great week of activities and just hanging out. L. and I have been friends since our children were little babies. She and her husband got me through my divorce with their hospitality and weekly dinners. Our only children had a kind of sibling in each other, and they remain close.
Bye, guys. I'm looking forward to our next adventure together. And T., send me those party pictures - my blog friends are waiting!
