As the Rinpoches prayed before the Buddha, a large box turtle crawled out from under the grassy mulch in the flower bed at Khenchen Palden's feet. Rinpoche looked over at us and smiled, recalling the last time we had all circumambulated the hill together, about seven years ago. On the high edge of the mossy walkway between the western and northern altars, another large turtle had appeared, and like this one, as if stimulated into fearless exertion by their unique presence, intent on crossing their path and having an auspicious interaction. They leaned over and said blessing mantras as he continued on, victorious.

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