Today we went to the hot springs in Ojo Caliente. The waters at Ojo Caliente are a group of small hot springs that were delightful to soak in. The weather was beautiful and you could sit in one of the many springs, look up at the burnt sienna cliffs above with their little patches of snow and relax. We met up with Jenn, one of our long time raft guide family. It had been several years since we have seen her and we had been looking forward to this day for many months. There is no way to express ones feelings of this type of reunion. It goes beyond words and travels deep into one’s heart. I could not think of a better place to come together.
The monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery had been asked to perform a Blessing of the Waters Ceremony. Having seen these monks previously, we knew we were in for something extremely special. Although I was unable to play drums today, the experience of listening to the monks throat sing, and play drums, cymbals, bells and horns had a wonderful, healing effect.
During the blessing, as I listened and watched the monks bless the waters, I found my own zen place. I received the message that all types of religions have a way to their own form of heaven. Each person’s thought of how their afterlife will be is different from their neighbor. I realized that if you have faith, love unconditionally, and help to take care of others, this will make God smile. Then I was returned to the ceremony.
During the blessing, as I listened and watched the monks bless the waters, I found my own zen place. I received the message that all types of religions have a way to their own form of heaven. Each person’s thought of how their afterlife will be is different from their neighbor. I realized that if you have faith, love unconditionally, and help to take care of others, this will make God smile. Then I was returned to the ceremony.
The rest of our time at the springs with Judy and Jenn was wonderful as we spent some more time soaking up the warmth of the water that had been blessed. As the sun began to set, we went for showers and got back into some warmer clothes. After a walk around the labyrinth, we followed Jenn to a small restaurant for a bite to eat.
This has truly been a blessed day that will remain in my heart forever.
This has truly been a blessed day that will remain in my heart forever.
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