This is a wonderful story from our archives … more current Tibetan visits will be added in 2016, so stay tuned!

Ok, maybe the possessive in the above title is not at all indicative of the very nature of “non attachment” that accompanies the Tibetan monks from the Drepung Losling Monastery in India who visit us each year  … but I did put it in lower case, lol.

This year was a special treat for all of us as the troupe consisted of a Rinpoche and a Geshi … two senior positions in the Buddhist monk world. Hosting this amazing group of men was a joy, as always, and we immediately bonded as family when they arrived. Most of the monks join the monastery at the age of 8, so they feel very connected to their host families who share their households with them.

During their stay, I put together a Green Tara puja for the community to partake in and also as a form of fundraising for the Tibetan monks in India. As well, we had a fabulous, authentic dinner that they cooked and then Rinpoche Gala spoke and shared the teachings of the Dalai Lama … it was beyond beautiful and very inspirational. It always amazes me that the people of Tibet can remain so loving and compassionate to the country of China, after losing their religious freedom during the occupation of their homeland. Many of the monks had to leave Tibet and cross over the Himalaya’s in frigid temperatures and with not much more than the red and gold robes they donned.

We made sure to share our fun pastimes in America with our new brothers and took them to the Santa Monica promenade (where we met up with an old friend, actress Muriel Hemmingway) and the Santa Monica pier (where I coaxed them into riding a ferris wheel), Hollywood (where Hesu lost one of the monks for about twenty minutes) and the Santa Barbara beaches (where they frolicked like children and buried one of them in the sand. By the time that they are ready to leave for their next destination, we are usually in tears from the impending “missing” that we will feel as they drive off. Always, before departing, they place white, silk scarves around our necks and give us simple Tibetan tokens to thank us for hosting them, sigh. What a blessing to be a part of such a joyous occasion as to bring such beautiful beings into our home.

If you ever get the opportunity to visit a Tibetan monk event, make sure to go and experience it … you will not be disappointed … and be sure to say hi to these special beings as they love meeting new friends!

by Cat Miller 

Cat, actress Murial Hemmingway and Tibetan Monks in Santa Monica, CA