Tibet in Paris
I passed by the Tibetan restaurant under my house and read on a sign there was a Tibetan Festival in Paris. I decided to attend. It was next to a forest in Bois de Vincennes, a park I frequent a lot. Amazingly, when I arrived what first struck me, was that despite a large crowd it was so quiet. Immediately I felt at peace. There were dances and songs being performed on stage, and even the movements were slow and the voices soft. I went to see two temples, one with an enormous golden Buddha. I had a quick Indian lunch and went to the second temple. For me that was a true experience. The temple was made out of wood, with intricate colored carvings. I had to remove my shoes to enter this sacred place. I ran into a monk with a shaved head wearing crimson and golden robes, similar to the Thai monks I had seen years ago. They always greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in their eyes. I walked around quietly, and then went up to the second floor. A beautiful prayer room awaited me. There were dark wood floors with cushions on the floor. Everybody sat on the floor and I loved the feeling of being close to the ground (keeps you more down to earth I feel) There were also large furnitures with compartments that held Buddha statues and the photos of several monks, adorned by candles, tins filled with water, and vases with fruits. It was a peaceful setting. It felt as if the world stopped and nothing mattered. I felt so at ease there I did not want to leave. Eventually, I went home... I sat on the floor sipping my ginger lemon tea and lighting some Tibetan inscense to recall this spiritual feeling.
From the Indian, Peruvian and Tibetan festivals I went to, this one was my favorite. I love Paris!
posted by Michelle at 15:03
