The monastery where I did my retreat (and at the head of this blog) was at the epicentre of the earthquake this week. 8 monks have died and over 1,500 of the local population of about 80,000.
Please go to
http://www.kbi.com.au/ to see the photos being taken by the monks. Be prepared to be shocked - they present the reality in all its rawness and compassion. At the present moment our Rinpoche, the Spiritual Director of the monastery, is coordinating the monks in their search and rescue, cremation and setting up of 4 kitchens. He is in touch by email and mobile.
The three monks pictured above live here in Sydney, together with Rinpoche, and all have family in the town. My wife and I have visited those families and had meals with them, so this tragedy is particularly harrowing for us.
Please pray for all the people of the area.
Om mani pema hum.
Vajramate.
