Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Secret Magic of Tashi Ling

Where the air is so thin only the gods can breathe with ease

And the steep path endlessly stretches to the skies

The dry stone walls encircle Sikkim’s most ancient stupas

Guarding the prayer flags as they whisper on the wind

Messages of healing to wherever the wind horse flies

Carrying the mystery of the Himalaya to foreign lands


Water three centuries old fills the sacred pot

Bringing blessings to this, the adopted land

Magic and mystery meet in eternal embrace

Butter lamps, juniper, and incantations in the dark

Golden and silent the Buddha blesses with raised hand

Outside the Protectors of the Four Directions dance


On the Thankas timeless trees hang on burgundy walls

The artist’s brush has frozen the velvet forests of the hill

The conch’s call sounds, the horns blare, cymbals crash

Warm air breathes and the flags dip and sway

Drums pulse and throb then once more all is still

Enthralled by the secret magic of verdant Tashi Ling

Who can now remember the stark and barren beauty of Leh?



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