Golden Gleam in an Azure Sky: Completing Rinpoche’s Vision

On Wednesday Dec. 17, after years of anticipation and months of careful planning, the Sertok (golden spire) purchased for Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and his helpers in 2019 was hoisted high above the building by a crane and lowered into place on top of the new KTC building.

Cheers erupted from the small group of observers on the ground as workers from Superior Roofing (a local company contracted to do the installation) and Barnhart Crane and Rigging gently lifted the Tsokshing (a wooden central pillar covered in mantras) and the Sertok into their places on a special two-level platform created to hold the Sertok atop the central cupola on the Shrine Room roof.

And when the cushioning blankets were slowly unwrapped, a glint of bright gold shone in the sunlight - the Sertok had begun its work of inspiring and uplifting everyone in sight.

The entire process unfolded over several months, beginning with Compton Construction agreeing to take on the complex task of raising the Sertok and anchoring it securely to the roof. Compton’s engineering team (two women who we began to think of as engineering dakinis located by Khenpo Rinpoche to assist us) carefully designed the steel inner structure and wooden outer structure to hold the tsokshing and sertok in place. 

The outer structure itself was fabricated by a familiar friend - Matt Hatcher, who built and installed KTC’s new shrine cabinets earlier this year.

Once the plans were completed, we asked Lama Tashi Dondup (the ritual expert from Thrangu Rinpoche’s Karma Techken Zabsal Ling center in Toronto who supplied our stupa monument and oversaw the filling and consecrating of our main shrine statues in April) selected auspicious dates for the placement of the sertok.

Luckily, one of those dates was Dec. 17, when all the “stars” - celestial and earthly - aligned, and the installation date was set.

KTD President Lama Lodro Lhamo was consulted, and Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin and Khenpo Sangye made suggestions for prayers and practices to do the day of the event.

Under cold and overcast skies, a small group of sangha members began with a special Sang (outdoor smoke offering) and Torma offering before the workers started for the day. As we chanted, clouds of juniper smoke went skyward and a food and tea offering were likewise made to ensure a good environment for the work.

The crane arrived soon after, and, parked snugly next to an abandoned car (of course) in the KTC parking lot, the workers in hardhats began to prepare the structures for lifting onto the roof.

There was a moment of uncertainty as workers discovered that the tsokshing’s cedar 6-by-6 was just slightly too large for the anchoring hole and basket; but a motorized planer was produced that shaved off just enough wood from the base for a snug and safe fit.

As the workers examined the sertok before bundling it for its skyward journey, the sun broke through the clouds and glinted off the gold-painted exterior of the sertok for the first time. Such beauty - and such excitement!

By the time the sertok sailed into the sky, hoisted by the crane, the sky had cleared of all but some high and filmy clouds in the south. The patch of sky over the center was a brilliant blue.

And when the sertok covers were removed (yes, held in place by duct tape!) we saw what Lama Karma Drodhul predicted we would see: that although it merely looked like it was painted a yellowish-gold color on the ground, up in the sky - and in the sunlight - it gleamed like pure gold. “There is actual gold in the paint,” he said. “You’ll see.”

As the roofing crew worked to cover the outer structure with waterproof materials and finish caulking the sertok and structure joints, a small group of KTC friends gathered in the parking area behind the apartment building south of KTC and chanted a set of prayers specially chosen for the occasion for our lama advisers.

As the prayers finished, we looked to the south and caught a glimpse of our final blessing of the day: a small shard of rainbow light in the high clouds surrounding the sun. A smile from Khenpo Rinpoche in Amitabha’s pure realm, no doubt, as his aspirations and wishes were fulfilled.

Thanks to all the members, friends, volunteers, and donors who helped make this important step possible. We dedicate your merit to the long life and excellent health of all dharma

masters, and to the Columbus KTC and all who will be touched by its presence!