Dear Reader,
On this very hot day in Amsterdam I would like to share different things, from the Dalai Lama’s birthday to pictures of the recent Italy Thangka Retreat to news and updates on the upcoming retreats (it would be great if you could join!). Plus of course an update on the cheeky Amsterdam pigeons that nested on my balcony…
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The Dalai Lama’s 88th Birthday
On July 6th, HH. the Dalai Lama celebrated his 88th birthday! He recorded a special birthday message and attended the celebrations that were held for him. Check out the pictures at his main temple in Dharamsala, India.
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Join a retreat this Summer or Fall!
Don’t miss the opportunity to join one of the upcoming thangka drawing and painting retreats in The Netherlands and the US!
Also the four day course in Venice is now open for registration.
Classes in NYC
After the retreat at Omega I will offer classes in NYC, most probably on Oct 6/7/8. Save the date and keep an eye on the website and this newsletter!
Pics of the Italy Retreat
I just came back from the 10-day Thangka Drawing & Painting Retreat in Italy. We had an amazing time with a great group of people and apart from the beautiful artworks that were made, there was time for relaxing, sightseeing and new friendships. Check out the pics here!
Online Thangka Courses – Save the Date!
Want to start your thangka journey this Summer? Then enroll in theBuddha Face Thangka Art Course that can be started anytime. This course can optionally be joined with the Colouring Techniques Course.
This Fall, the following online courses can be joined at the School for Tibetan Buddhist Art. They will soon be opened for registration:
Sep 1 – 10, 2023 / Buddha Face
The wonderful face of the historical Buddha of our time.
Sep 15 – Nov 12, 2023 / White Tara
The beautiful female Buddha of Long Life, with the floating skirts and scarves around her body, and her seven wisdom eyes.
Nov 10 – Jan 21, 2024 / The Eight Auspicious Symbols
The most famous set of Tibetan Buddhist symbols, drawn/painted each by themselves or in a Mandala. As these symbols are often painted for the new year, you can take this opportunity to create them for an auspicious 2024.
Got any questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact me by replying to this email.
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PS
Remember the pigeons that nested on my balcony and laid two eggs at the feet of the Buddha? 💚
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Let me tell you more about them.
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After they came out of the eggs they grew like crazy…
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The parents (who were taking turns) worked so hard to feed them, day and night,
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And that’s how pair of little monsters (I named them Love and Peace 😉 )
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turned into proper pigeons in about three weeks.
There’s only two days between this pic and the previous one btw, this is how fast they grew. Can you believe it?
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And then one day the parents didn’t show up anymore…
I was a bit worried, but soon the more daring pigeon (the one on the left) was trying out its wings and suddenly flew out,
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leaving the more timid one all by itself… 🙁 It looked puzzled and was walking back and forth.
I didn’t know what to do or how to help him, but the next day this last pigeon decided to take the plunge as well and flew off from my balcony on the third floor.
I think it’s amazing that they didn’t even make short ‘trial flights’ on the balcony itself, but that they flew away in one go without having flown before.
I guess I have an empty-nest-syndrome now haha!
It was beautiful to observe this whole process from up-close.
My wish for these pigeons is that they will have a good and happy life, die in a peaceful and painless way, may be reborn in a human body, get in touch with the Dharma and may finally reach Enlightenment.
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After they left I cleaned everything so I could use my balcony again, and I picked up Tara who was stayed with my parents until the pigeons flew out. She absolutely looooves being able to sit on the balcony again!