Beyond Cloud and Wind

Mist hangs heavy over the highest peaks of the Dhauladars,
shrouding them in secrecy.
Only on occasion are we treated to rare glimpses
of their 12,000 foot craggy summits...
Wind blows cool through pine forests...
Where am I?
This is a land beyond time...
My eyes open now
as mist parts
burned away by afternoon sun...
Beyond the range lies Himalaya...
home of Gods and Goddesses...
My eyes close again
and I'm carried by the monks' chanting
beyond my crosslegged form,
beyond space
and concept...
beyond cloud and wind...
where thoughts cease
where whirling energy finds stillness
where identity finds formlessness...
I am both lost and found
in the blasting of Tibetan horns
the pounding of drums
the crashing of cymbals...
I am both lost and found
in this ancient land
in the rich spirit of the Tibetan people
in the depth of their traditions...
Greetings from Dharamsala,
Monsoon rains have arrived... heavy downpours...
The streets are mobbed with mostly Indian tourists...
The monks have been silent for two days now... I think they're
creating the balance for the upcoming huge celebration in the
temple courtyard for the birthday of His Holiness, the Dalai
Lama, on June 6. He won't be there, but the entire local
Tibetan community will...
Had a full-moon walk a couple nights back with a band of
friendly, roaming dogs who guard the temple complex...
Hope you all are well!
Enjoy your 4th of July and be safe...
Ari