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Procession Through The Village |
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the edge of the village. Dawa abruptly stopped and
placed the plate on the trail. The monk carefully
took the figurines and the sticks off the tray and placed
them on the ground, said a few words and quickly turned
and disappeared into the mist.
We were finished. The children, however, were not
done. They proceeded to throw the figures in the
air, kicking them and finally stomping them into oblivion.
The house has now been blessed and the evil spirits driven
out to the edge of town. For this service he charges
between 50 and 175 rupees. A goodly sum. Three more
homes will yet be done this evening.
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One of the areas that I find interesting is the
relationship between the priest and the village. There is
not the opulent splendor often times associated with
formal western religions that can create isolation between
the clergy and the people. Instead with the monks, there
is an easy going attitude inserted into their every day
lives and thus an easy interaction with the Sherpa people
- as I witnessed today with the gentle interruptions of
the Monk by the kids and family, and even Dawa, in this
solemn ceremony. My continuing good fortune is to be
privileged to witness this side of Sherpa life.
During the chant my pen has disappeared. Perhaps I gave it
to Dawa. Or more likely, one of the kids decided his need
was greater than mine, which of course it is. I’ll
ask later.
It is in the 40’s and a two year old child is running
around the house with only a thin top. They adapt at an
early age to the cold. |
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Outside Of The Village The Figurines
are Placed on the Ground |
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Leaving The Village With Evil Spirits |
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The Best Part - Evil Spirits Being
Stomped into Oblivion by the Children |
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Page 45 |
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