I was taken by the hand and guided “to this end”
In South India at Sera Je Monastery a 38-year- me asked my Guru, Venerable Zopa Rinpoche to ordain at the end of his long life puja. “Is it good for me to ordain for the benefit of everyone?” I asked. “Good,” was Rinpoche’s reply paired with a thumbs-up.
That evening wanting to get further clarity I went to Rinpoche’s house to ask again. I offered Rinpoche a Khatak with a letter requesting Ordination.
Rinpoche smiled and asked Ven. Roger, Rinpoche’s secretary, for the divination dice. “Actually, tomorrow morning with Choden Rinpoche comes out best.” I jumped in my skin, having expected more time to prepare for ordination.
I was concerned that my family had not been informed and that I was scheduled to go on a three-month tour to promote my maiden home-production, ‘Surkhaab’.
Rinpoche said.. well you can do it later but later when we will see. Tomorrow comes best.
How am I to arrange robes, shave my head, staring my nails get rid of this bright red nail paint.. I was sitting in the lobby of the guest house wondering how will this possibly come together by 8am next morning
I don’t want to wait too long, after all, I could die tonight.
Just then I saw a tall white girl coming down the spiral staircase, her head freshly tonsured. I walked towards her introduced myself and told her my dilemma.. Connie looked at me with a twinkle in her eyes and with a reassuring smile she said I have a spare set of winter robes you can wear them for the ceremony.
Back in my room, sleep eluded. I reached out to Lama Zopa Rinpoche in prayer to help me. I felt Rinpoche’s energy enter my heart, and the next morning I called my mother.
I hesitantly expressed my wish, my mother replied, “If your Guru has advised you that it is best for you, if you have faith then what are you waiting for? My father too gave his blessing.
Time stood still.. what I felt is inexplicable in words.
“There is no turning back now”