Updating from Loseling Monastery

The week is coming to a close. I have time to update this blog since I am waiting to download virus definitions. This requires supervision since the dial up connection could be lost, the power could go out, or some other problem that is almost un-heard of in-dem 1st world countries, don’t ya’ know.

I have been setting up some new computers for the monastery this past week. The new computers need to be activated by Internet connection or by phone. That is fine until the phone stops working. So I filled the down time by install programs, drivers, fonts, etc.

Then there are updates that have to be done. Even after the phone line is fixed, many of the updates are too large. My only hope is to call on my (very kind) friends in other countries to download what I need and send me a CD with the works. So this simple project to replace 5 computers needs a global village to get it done.

Other events would be that the other westerner in the area who has been here for the last 7+ years teaching English is leaving. So I have been receiving more requests for English classes. I would love to help them but my understanding of the English language is rather limited. What I know is what sounds right to me. So as a teacher I don’t think I would have much to offer beyond conversation classes. We will see how it goes.

Activities to fill my time have been taking pictures for an array of things and people. If you wish to see some of my photos then go to Bodhi Center of Yakima. Many of these are of the new prayer hall that is being constructed. Not to be boarding but that is the largest project that is going in this area.

Example 1: I take photos of the monks so they can send them back to family and friends. Something that they wouldn’t normally do unless there was some major event but family and friends don’t always want to wait that long.

Example 2: I have been taking photos for the Drepung Gomang’s Art tour for North America. A must see event. This group of monks has been working for over a year and a half to create a new monastic tour. So even if you have seen the Gomang tour before this has was you liked from before and many new things. If you go see them then you will most likely see my photos almost every aspect of the tour. Photos of the paintings to pictures to help with the art classes they will be teaching. Then there is the group photo.

I think you get the idea….lots of photos.

So tune in next time when you might hear me say, “Man, form here it takes three times longer to publish a new post then it does to write it.”

Why do people do it?

When in India never get anything fixed. When some piece of equipment breaks down just think of it as a chance to upgrade. “Why?” you may ask, because the time it takes to get it fixed is more costly then just buy the thing new.

If you are buying in India, then only get what is factory sealed and on the shelf. Do not order anything. Otherwise you have just become a member of a series of stupid games that people like to play here. The irony is that the games are what keep shops from making a lot of money. Shooting one’s self in one’s on foot kind of games.

I guess people like pain. I know I don't.

Banglore or Bust

After a quick 2.4 months of waiting I am getting to head to Bangalore in search of deals on computer parts. Mentally you know that in India things take longer do ……anything. It is not until you try to accomplish something that you realize how long it takes. The desire for simple shopping experience is longed for, greatly.

So I am heading 8 hours away by train to check prices. Now many of you may say, “Hey why don’t you just call them up or send them an email.” That is what I would do if I were working in a business system of government-enforced trust. That is missing here. So handholding and you have to check everything yourself. Most my energy is spent playing stupid games and little business takes place.

The games are the reason I don’t get out much. I prefer the slow relaxed atmosphere of where I am. There is work to be done but you don’t have to waste time playing games. You don’t have think that every stranger that talks to you wants something. It’s the little things in life….

So I should go hop on a train now. Hello to all that find this posting.

Once more around

This is the news.

After long toil and waiting and …….I have come to know that I will be here on the flip side for one more spin around the sun. The details have not been sent to me yet. The up side is that I can start planning a direction to go. “So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.”

Now I need to make arrangements to go to Thailand or some place in Jan. Also see if it is not too late to go south for His Holiness’s teachings in December.
That is what I know for now. My brain can’t figure out another thing to write about. So…

END

What do you do when.......

At what point do you just say enough is enough. I am lost for the answer. When you try but everything you try seems to meet with a lack of communication that leads to lost of time, money and effort on all sides. What do you do? I mean what amazing power must I have to be the only one to think the way that I do? For the life of me I can’t figure it out. All I use is a simple set of rules. If you can do something to help others and you then do it. You get two things done at the same time so it is saving time. Some small extra effort on your side can help make someone else’s work easier later on. This is good because that someone else can be the future you.
Just two minutes of thought can bring so much better results then just focusing on your work and the rest of the world be dammed.

This is just basic stuff. It is trying to understand why others don’t think like this is what makes my head hurt.

The Emerald Hotel, BKK

This has been an experience I could never have planned or saw coming. I needed to leave India so that I could renew my visa. Having a few friends in Thailand I came here to see some sites and experience life here. This means that I am staying with one of my friend’s family here in Thailand. I have been at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in a rather remote part of India for a few months now. There I had a nice and comfortable room. Then I came to Thailand.

Lest just say I have been spoiled by all the creature comforts of having power 24/7 and AC to boot. These are things many who read this might say “So what?” Well you have to add power management to dictate what things you do that day on the computer, well your perspective changes. It becomes a little exciting to be able to turn a switch and the light comes on, every time.

As for the title "Yak -> Loseling -> ?"of this scroll well Yakima is where I grew up and Loseling is where I am at now. After Loseling I have not planned my life out. It is useless for me to plan. I have sketched out in the past how I was going to do things. Yet it I never seem to fallow my own map. Don’t get me wrong. It has not been a bad trip by any means but I know now that no one could have charted this journey.

Tashi Delek

When someone tells you to update your blog....First you have to get one.
That is how this one got started. The title will need more then 4 min of time I have at this point and time so...please visit again.