K2: A Perfect Puja

k2 pujaWe just finished our Puja this morning, Friday, July 11, 2014, and will be leaving for Advanced Base Camp this afternoon. It is about a 2 to 3 hour walk.

I have participated in many Pujas over the years and this one stands out for many reasons. First we have a small team so the bonds are very tight, second we had an absolutely perfect day with clear skies and no winds with K2 serving as an inspiring, motivating and fearsome backdrop.

The puja is a ceremony where the Sherpas ask the Mountain Gods are asked for permission to climb, safety for the climbers and forgiveness for damaging the mountain. It is a sacred ceremony for the Sherpas, and while optional for the climbers, almost everyone participates. The symbolism is significant such as throwing rice into the air three times to ward off evil spirits, and spreading sampa on one another’s face to represent a long life with a white beard.

The gentle soft chanting by the monks during the ceremony took me into a quiet place where I reflected on my purpose. I am deeply sincere in saying that while I climb for the love of mountaineering and will do my to summit K2, my driving purpose is around Alzheimer’s.

In that spirit, I value each of you reading this post, following me or making a donation. The amount is immaterial, by bringing as many people together as possible we can make a difference in small and large ways. If you cannot make a donation right now, I understand – regardless of your reason – and appreciate your support through following my climb and sending positive thoughts my way.

So, we are off in a few hours. As I mentioned yesterday I will post audio updates from the high camps using my satellite phone but will have no Internet access. Thus you will need to visit my blog at https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/k2-2014/ to follow our progress until we get back to base camp. Also you can follow me on the SPOT gps tracker page. There NOT be any updates on Facebook until I get back. You can sign up for notifications of new blog posts using the form on the lower right corner of the blog page. Your email will never be used for anything else and you can unsubscribe at anytime.

We plan on spending a minimum of three nights and potentially five if the weather and our health holds; perhaps spending two nights at Camp 2. I’m very excited to be climbing Houses Chimney on the way to C2. I feel great here at BC but this rotation will begin the real test.

Thanks for your continued support, it make a real difference.

Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything

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22 thoughts on “K2: A Perfect Puja

  1. Alan – thank you for sharing this incredible experience. The ceremony was beautiful and even via video, it was clearly a very special, very meaningful event. Wishing you well….

  2. Thank you so much for sharing this experience. I wish for you a safe journey and many wonderful memories to enjoy and share. Following from Texas.

  3. As I came over Kenosha Pass last evening, the view of South Park was beautiful as usual. A rain storm had just passed through and a few clouds were hanging low below the peaks of the mountain range. It made me think of the beautiful pictures you have posted of K2. What you’re doing is so very inspiring and I look forward to seeing each of your posts. Climb on Alan, and climb safely.

  4. Hi Alan , Wish always well on your climb ,and climb for all the people that can’t climb like me , climb for people have lost there memory Thank you Karen and Jim

  5. As we say here in Australia, “your blood’s worth bottling”. Keep your chin up and climb up that mountain.

  6. Good Luck to you and your team Alan! We haven’t met but I am deeply inspired by you and your efforts. If you get a chance please tell Rick that Christie from the CrossFit Jibboom noon class says Hi!!!

  7. I really look forward every day for your updates and videos. Thanks for sharing! I am not a climber but have been very into everything I can find on Everest and now K2. Be safe, you will be in our prayers for your safe and succesful

    1. Susan, I am not even close to being a mountain climber , but I am like you. I love how it inspires me to climb my own mountain of obstacles each and every day. I am in complete awe of how these ladies and gentlemen do these amazing things, and respect how they love the mountains and the cause. My father died of alzheimers and it was so painful watching him slip away. I love the friends I have made through my interest in alzheimers and mountain climbing. I am keeping all the men/women on this climb my continuous prayers. Take Care and Climb on..

    2. I’m with both of you. I started with K2 and Everest, then of course started reading everything I could get my hands on. Denali is another great one to read about. I’m TRYING to train to climb Rainier (which is the highest I will ever attempt at my age) but if I don’t go soon my age and health may become too big of a factor. Alan inspires me in all things, to train, dream and donate. Like you, I think of him and all those on K2 everyday and look forward to each post.

      With all the training and preparation behind you Alan, all you need is luck for good weather and climbing conditions (and of course the blessings and prayers of all of us who care about you). Be Safe! We are all waiting for your post telling us you are home. Enjoy the climb!

  8. best of luck Alan , stay safe ! thanks for the videos and updates
    wishing you that weather remains as calm as possible

  9. Good luck Alan and everyone at K2 from the south coast of the UK. Fantastic reports & video. Will be following progress closely. Cheers

  10. The Ceremony was so beautiful and simple, but meaningful.. I got goosebumps and teary just watching it. I cant imagine the flood of emotions being right there. And Mr Alan I hope to see you in a flowing long white beard someday.. My many prayers and thoughts are with you, every second of the day.. Climb Happy, Climb strong and with God willing Climb on.. These memories are everything!!!! You have given me such inspiration to take my physical therapy to a new level and someday climb a mountain of my own.. Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with us. Hugs, Laura

  11. Hi Alan,

    Beautiful ceremony and thank you for sharing this with us all. We are all sending prayers and blessings for your journey. Safe travels.

    Mark

  12. So much history on each part of the mountain. Think of those who climbed it before you and let them guide you in spirit. Let their strength and commitment infuse you. And let the memories you have of your mother, and the love she had for you, keep you safe, healthy and strong. You are already successful because of those you inspire—to donate and to climb. Enjoy your climb, you’ve earned it!

    I will be following you all the way until you are home safely.

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