Chicago and the XVI Karmapa...

Chicago Dharmadhatu had just a hand full of members, around 12, I think, but we rented a whole floor in the new Ritz Carlton Hotel and made the front page of the Chicago Suntimes and the Tribune.  The flag of Buhtan hung out in front with flags of all nations.  It was bitter cold, and Tom Ryken was the only kasung to make it in from Boulder because of a huge snowstorm in Nebraska.  It was the end of January and 25 degrees below zero. 

Jim Drescher and Gary Hubiak were leading us through the visit and setting up the household.  Karl Springer toured the living spaces in the Ritz and declared, "We don't have to touch this place!"  We let the French manager know that we would need a room for all of the Karmapa's birds and he dropped his clipboard as well as his jaw.  The Dharmadhatu members didn't sleep much for the enitre three days that he was with us--Peter and Marita, Susan, Frank, Joe Vest, Bob, Rick, so many names--I can't remember everybody now.   Some of us stayed in rooms on the hotel floor. Karmapa brought with him Jamgon Kongtrul and Ponlop Rinpoche as well as a party of young monks who had never seen America.  He got up before anybody else and made sure the monks hadn't been smoking in the closets! 

 

We served them, cooked for them, cleaned, made sure everybody got to the ceremonies and loved them all.  It was the greatest three days of my life (up until then!)  The Black Crown ceremony was fantastic.  We had an incredible collection of "disciples."  I remember the guy in the front row completely draped with scarlet satin.The kasung watch him closely.  Karmapa laughed and laughed as we all tried to do prostrations.  I burst into tears at just the sight of him, he was so beautiful. 

 

I could go on and on--perhaps the other members who were there could add some things. I'm going to see the "new one" tonight in Boulder.  I'm taking my daughter, Valerie, and my friend, Alice.  I am so excited that I could hardly sleep.  I am an "old dog", but it feels like the first time.

 

Love, Tamara Eric