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- Mar 5, 1999
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So many have emailed asking to see these and more pix that I am posting them here for all to view if interested. I have never been to the dismantling of a gompa so some of my terms and explanations may be lacking. Any help is most welcome. But, anyway, here are three pictures that were taken during Kami's recent effort of taking down the gompa and placing the icons in the grandparents home.
<img src = "http://members.aol.com/yangduspag/pict43.jpg">
The gompa is down. You can see the timbers and beams stacked and saved. Old Lama Kunghar inspects the kati (the metal blade like objects -- kati means nail, as I recall, and has to do with the everlasting part of the old gompa) on the chaptaar (the long pole with appropriate prayer flags.) Kunghar escaped from Tibet about 40 years ago and took refuge in the gompa which has just come down. He must have strong memories and feelings, both good and bad.
<img src = "http://members.aol.com/yangduspag/pict44.jpg">
The ritual of transferring the major icons from the old gompa. From left to right:
Ang Dhaki, Kami's sister-in-law, holds the traditional bowl of chang with butter.
Old Lama Kunghar prays the proper prayers.
Kami Sherpa holds one of the three major Buddhas.
An unidentified workman holds Buddha no. 2.
Nima Sherpa, the ranch foreman, holds Buddha no. 3. Of interest to those who might send gifts take a look at the blue sweater Nima is wearing. I gave that sweater to him almost 15 years ago.
In the background an unidentified worker looks on.
<img src = "http://members.aol.com/yangduspag/pict46.jpg">
The chaptaar now flies in the wind where the gompa once stood and will be there until it literally disintegrates, a reminder to all here and beyond that here is a holy place.
Of course, these pictures bring a certain sadness to me but I hope you enjoy them. They are a reminder that nothing in this world, including us, lasts forever.
What has this to do with knives and khukuris? Everything!
Uncle Bill
<img src = "http://members.aol.com/yangduspag/pict43.jpg">
The gompa is down. You can see the timbers and beams stacked and saved. Old Lama Kunghar inspects the kati (the metal blade like objects -- kati means nail, as I recall, and has to do with the everlasting part of the old gompa) on the chaptaar (the long pole with appropriate prayer flags.) Kunghar escaped from Tibet about 40 years ago and took refuge in the gompa which has just come down. He must have strong memories and feelings, both good and bad.
<img src = "http://members.aol.com/yangduspag/pict44.jpg">
The ritual of transferring the major icons from the old gompa. From left to right:
Ang Dhaki, Kami's sister-in-law, holds the traditional bowl of chang with butter.
Old Lama Kunghar prays the proper prayers.
Kami Sherpa holds one of the three major Buddhas.
An unidentified workman holds Buddha no. 2.
Nima Sherpa, the ranch foreman, holds Buddha no. 3. Of interest to those who might send gifts take a look at the blue sweater Nima is wearing. I gave that sweater to him almost 15 years ago.
In the background an unidentified worker looks on.
<img src = "http://members.aol.com/yangduspag/pict46.jpg">
The chaptaar now flies in the wind where the gompa once stood and will be there until it literally disintegrates, a reminder to all here and beyond that here is a holy place.
Of course, these pictures bring a certain sadness to me but I hope you enjoy them. They are a reminder that nothing in this world, including us, lasts forever.
What has this to do with knives and khukuris? Everything!
Uncle Bill
