I think I travelled half the world in just about 20 days. This time, I really felt physically quite exhausted. I must be getting old. As you all know by now, I am not the kind of person that sleeps very much, but I became quite sleepy after returning from this trip, and only beginning to get some energy back after the Nyungnay retreat with my Hong Kong students. I can see that spiritual practice has made them better persons and I can even feel that the harmony among them has become more genuine and grounded. For this reason, I have recovered somewhat.

Just for your information, I think after next year's Tibetan New Year, I would really like to take a break for myself, going into retreat and free my mind and body, so that I can go a longer way. If I am able to get some rest and no work for about one year, it would be very helpful for me. I only hope that all my activities will somehow be taken care of by themselves or by some kind people. Otherwise, again, my rest would not be very peaceful, I guess.

I only spent a few days in Plouray and one evening in Paris, on my to America. I was quite happy that I had Khamtrul Rinpoche with me. It's maybe time for these older "sons" to join me in taking serious responsibility for our lineage. I can't do very much on my own, there are just too many things to take care of and to worry about.

I am really looking forward to the programs in Ladakh in July, to see all of my sons and my colleagues coming together, to support each other and to make sure that we can go beyond 800 years by helping more beings. By helping, I mean by being able to practically help them, not only through prayers, but through various humanitarian activities carried out under the umbrella of "Live to Love".

I also look forward to seeing many of you, my beloved students and friends, in Ladakh and to celebrate with all of you our 800th birthday there.