Lama’s Naro Dakini Statue

In December 1999 while walking around the Great Boudha Stupa, I noticed this Vajrayogini statue in a shop’s display window.  There arose this immediate recognition that this one was to be given to my Lama.  When I went inside, and it was my friend Saroj’s store, he told me that this was one of several statues in his selection, which had been designed by Thinley Norbu Rinpoche.  After hearing this, there could be no hesitation. Without further ado I bought the statue.

December 1999 was a slightly troublesome time for Lama. He had been sick for a few days recently, during which time I hadn’t been able to see him.  I had a certain sense about what might be troubling him although one cannot be sure in these matters, ever.  A genuine Lama’s mind is hard to read.  It didn’t even occur to me that I might be acquiring the Naro Khadroma as medicine to remedy the situation. There was no agenda.  Just the wish to give Lama what I believed was his.

Although in the end, I didn't hand it over myself.  Rather, there also was this uncanny sense that my partner should do it in my stead.  A woman should be the messenger, not a man.  

Lama was living in rather poor circumstances at the time.  He and his small family only had one room, which served as shrine, living-, and bedroom.  In addition, they shared a terrace and the kitchen with another Tibetan couple.  Thankfully the terrace was quite spacious, and Kathmandu not as polluted as it is now.  A lot happened on the terrace in mild sunshine.  Now due to pollution, the sun hardly shines in the cold months.  I suggested to Paula, “most likely he will be sleeping when you go there.  In that case wherever he is, just place the statue wrapped in a silk scarf on his table, do three prostrations and leave.”  Which she did.

Two days later we received a message at our guest house to come and see Lama the same day in the afternoon. When we entered se said, “One dakini appeared on my table, so I guess, I will have to live a few more years.”  Which statement one need not take too seriously.  The words carried a message, but they were not to be take literally.  

Lama stayed in Kathmandu until the end of February or beginning of March 2000.  We saw him often.  Many precious moments were shared.  Teachings were received, both formal and by signs and symbols.  This however, is not the end of the Naro Dakini statue story.  

A few years later, Lama’s teacher Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche, ordered Kalsang to trade the statue for a small Kurukulle.  I only found out when I saw a piece that looked oddly familiar in Saroj’s display window, again.  I went in and asked about it.  And Saroj confirmed, “yes this is tahe same statue you bought for Lama Dawa.  Kalsang brought and exchanged it for a small Kurukulle.”

I knew that I had to buy the Naro Dakini a second time and offer it again.  Somehow, it appeared that the statue was an outward representation of my inner bond with Lama, which should not be broken, at the peril of the inner bond could be likewise fading.  As far as I know, Lama took the statue with him to the US thereafter.