There are more moments than not when I wonder if this remote quadrant of cyberspace known as Dreaming of Danzan Ravjaa produces much meaning or benefit at all. Unfortunately, I’m often a glass-half-empty kinda guy. But then there are moments of such pure, exquisite sweetness that for a fleeting instant, the world seems suffused with love and all things possible. This is one of those.
Because of this blog, I’ve gotten to know a great guy named Ariel, who’s one of the enthusiastic board members of the DC Area Friends of Mongolia and occasional commenter here. During his time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia he made a love connection and married the lovely Khandaa. Well, Khandaa just gave birth to their first child, a healthy baby boy – whom they’ve chosen to name Danzan! Maybe I should let Ariel take over, from an email that just made my whole week:
“Now of course, part of the reason we named him Danzan, was because it's real easy for Americans to just say "Dan" – or easy for the English-speaking American friends we have.
“But one of the other major influences was my knowledge of the Buddhist scholar, poet, artist, and builder of monasteries – a certain Danzan Ravjaa. And most of that knowledge came directly from you -- so thanks for the positive influence!!”
Can you stand it?
“Danzan,” by the way, is the Mongolization of the Tibetan “Tenzin,” one of the names of HH the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. It means “upholder of the Dharma.” So, beloveds, please join me in welcoming to the world little Danzan. May he live up to his name and grow strong in wisdom and compassion, and one day may he call me Monkle Konchog!
My nephews call me "Uncle Buddha." It makes me smile. :)
Posted by: Rinchen Gyatso | May 28, 2009 at 04:30 AM
Very sweet.. I have 20 nieces and nephews and love being called Auntie Ree.. Hopefully you will continue to be a positive influence in his life. :)
Posted by: Marie | May 28, 2009 at 08:04 AM
How perfect in so many ways, and especially meaningful at this moment in time.
Welcome, lovely child of peace, hope, and joy! May you have every happiness in life and be blessed with loving guidance in the Dharma by a perfectly pure, kind, and wise root guru.
WOO HOO!!!
Tana
Posted by: Tana | May 28, 2009 at 08:10 AM
I think little Danzan would love to meet you one day -- maybe next time you're in the DC area!!
Thanks for the kind words about me and the Mrs!! ;0)
Posted by: Ariel | May 28, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Very sweet! (both the baby and the connection)
Posted by: Northmoon | May 28, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Oh smooch! I just want to pinch little cheeks! Why is it so compelling to wake little sleeping babies up?
How lovely to welcome a new member to the DDR fan club!
Posted by: Carol of Seattle | May 28, 2009 at 06:25 PM
I think this is fantastic, Cuzz. Reminds me of when the cria was named after Dulaan. Or perhaps this is more important...but as a knitter, I would be hard to convince.
Posted by: Cuzzin Are | May 29, 2009 at 07:33 PM
I believe that my children have called you Uncle Monkey on occasion....
Posted by: Sis Laura | May 30, 2009 at 07:28 AM
Precious, precious new little one come into this world. May his life be blessed always. Congratulations (and thank you!) to the happy parents.
And thanks, Konchog. Miss you.
Posted by: yeshe lhamo | May 30, 2009 at 12:21 PM