THE MIRROR Newspaper of the International Dzogchen Community Dec 2002/Jan 2003 -Issue No. 6.1 IT'S ALMOST COMFORTABLE Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Returns to Australia, December 2002 By Kelly Tracey and Bob Daonil dancers hit the floor with whirls so impressive that even Rumi tries, mothers against daughters, dogs against cats. Jan's per­ would have jumped out of his Suf to get in on the action. Most suasive techniques were more like "oilers you couldn't s most of the world's governments are preparing to dive evenings were capped by the cutting practice of Chöd. All this refuse". In less than two hours, she transformed the Commu­ Adeeper into the sludge of our current dark age. Chögyal activity transformed the gar into a vibrant place of possibility. nity into a buying frenzy that can only he rivaled by our cur­ Namkhai Norbu appears as a beacon of sanity, and light. If To add to the occasion, the Gonpa at Namgyalgar is now rent governments defense budget. $35000 was raised - the everthere was a need to cultivate bodhicitla, now is the time! complete with glass walls, a wooden floor and beautiful new final payment on the land. You little Ripper!!! (Australian for Three years since his last visit to Australia. Rinpoche dance Mandala. No more winds whistling through walls made "fantastic") returned to Namgyalgar sporting good health, energy, laughter of curtains and trying to find a fiat place on a bumpy earthen Rinpoche also enjoyed the auction, lo which he generous­ and the gift of his precious teachings. In the past three years, floor to practice Yantra Yoga. A retreat cabin has been built at ly contributed many items and sometimes enlightening, some­ tremendous effort and energy has gone into times highly amusing descriptions of the use and value developing the Gar into a bush oasis. "It's of auction items. At one point he held up to his lace almost comfortable!", mused Rinpoche. like a mask, a large wooden wall hanging in the form He went on to remind us that even in of a peaceful face something like the head oí Buddha, such salubrious surroundings, sacrifices are creating an amazing effect. He teased us about our often required to bring about all the neces­ possible use of this mask. "Maybe if you are not in a sary conditions for receiving the teachings. good state when your friends come over, at least you We need not only the teacher, the students, could put on this mask and appear to he kind." Later, the place and the teachings, but also the when an old thanka of uncertain origins and identity material means, the wealth, to enable all was being auctioned (the image had been almost total­ these elements to come together, he pointed ly worn away) he commented. "Here is a thanka on out. which your mind can project anything". Even in jest, "We live in a dualistic, limited world there are always teachings from Rinpoche. dependent on our senses. The teaching is Another precious moment, while wailing for the for our whole living life, until death, to be count down."What are we waiting for exactly?'.'!": integrated into our samsaric life. Even if Rinpoche blew the conch three times and then passed you are aware, sometimes you can't control it on to those nearby lo have a go. 1 le laughed, as w e all yourself, or things. The main point is being did. at the various strange and interesting sounds that in your real condition, to discover your real resulted! And then the countdown. Laughter, hugs, nature, the state your teacher introduces to kisses and well wishes ensued and the opportunity to you. Try to be forever in your real condi­ bring in the new year with Rinpoche was a three year tion. You can practice, you can learn, we all stint worth waiting for. have that potentiality." These comments, made in Rinpoche's the foot of the hill below Rinpoche's house, sites have been In his final talk on the final day of the retreat. Rinpoche opening talk, began a retreat rich in learning, practice and inte­ cleared for two more cabins, and thanks to the generosity of continued the theme with which he started ñ integrating the gration. several members of the community, the second cabin can now teachings into our dai.y Uves. He encouraged us with practical Whilst in Australia. Rinpoche continues to teach the be built. All efforts will be made to ensure that it's not too examples. "Do Guru Yoga. Observe yourself. Try to be aware, Longsal Cycle, the collection of rediscovered treasure teach­ comfortable. then it's easy to guide 'being aware' into instant presence. ings that Rinpoche received over many years in dreams and And now to the creature comforts: the open air. five star Like when we drive a car. we talk. etc.. but we are still always only formally commenced teaching at Margarita Island in Catering Kitchen is still in its early stages, the plans having aware or we will have an accident. You can make a commit­ April 2002. This summer retreat began with the Longsal Ati been approved by Council only just before the retreat. The ment to not being distracted for one hour. For example, going Ngondro, the Preliminary Practices of Dzogchen. and Yeshe incomplete and rough facilities were no obstacle for our team to meet someone, you can say. 'Oh I will stay present during Zangthal, an Upadesha that clearly explains the way in which of gourmet masters. Headed by the grand chef Patrick Car- this meeting". Then notice. 'I am saying this.' 'he is saying primordial wisdom manifests. Rinpoche will go on to teach mody 'the extraordinaire' with Lyn Geppart 'the magnifique" that'. Being aware is very close to having that know ledge." He the Longsal Tsalung in Caloundra later in January, and his spe­ as the executive chef, a team of Sous chefs. Emily. Stu. Fijelka urged us. "Don't remain indifferent. With indifference we lose cial Longde teachings from the Longsal Cycle on his return to and many other hardworking friends, brought us as close as so much opportunity. If we forget. OK. Even if we forget ten Namgyalgar in April. we will get to the Epicurean Deity Yummy-Tucker. (Aus­ times, but don't be indifferent. You try your best." Each day of this summer retreat began with an early morn­ tralian for divine, delicious food.) With much thanks to Rinpoche for his kindness and gen­ ing Mandharava practice followed, après breakfast, by Vajra The opening of NamgyalBar was also a great success, erosity. May all those who attend the coming two retreats have Dance practice. It was a joy to watch newcomers learn the once the secret chai recipe was finally established! "Was that an equally glorious time. Vajra Dance with such ease and enjoyment. Rinpoche arrived twenty cardamon pods or plenty of car door rods?" Ask Paul at 10 am each morning to give us teachings and delight us with and Adam for details. The bar was hipper than Cate Flores. his endearing stories. Rinpoche was immeasurably generous Evenings spent under a celestial blanket inspired conversa­ Bob Daonil anil Kelly Tracey are founding members of with his time, remaining in the Gonpa after each session foras tions on life, the universe and the Narooma Golf Club as Ranters Theatre in Melbourne, a company that has performed long as people wished to come and speak with him. another year inched its way into the night. Before we knew it a in arts festivals world-wide. Both met Chögyal Namkhai Nor­ The days continued with an explanation and practice of new year was upon us. bu during his last visit to Australia in 2000. Bob and Kelly the Longsal Ngondro led by Lisse each afternoon. If the heat The evening commenced with a Ganapuja and was fol­ (recently known affectionately as 'Kelly the Belly' i are about was too much, a quick dive into the turquoise waters of Mys­ lowed by "the auction to end all mortgages!" With a wonder­ to become parents. tery Bay was the obvious solution! Fabio taught Yantra Yoga ful array going under the hammer, our president Jan cracked a each afternoon ñ bringing much humor and freshness to an pace that would make the seasoned bidders at Christie's shud­ age-old practice. Before dinner, the more experienced Vajra der. Cities were played against cities, countries against coun­ CONTENTS 2 Teaching by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Dzogchen Teachihgsfrom Kinheim, Germany, September, 2002 3 islands of Samsara. Interview with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu about Margarita Island special practice calendar 5 Updated schedule of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu pages 14 & 15 6 - 8 Shùng- Sluing Institute Updates & Schedules 9 Book Review of Quantum and the Lotus by Paul Bail & Art Review of work by Alex Grey by Louise Landes Levi 10 Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche's Passing 11 Buddhist Book Project 14&I5 Special Practice Calendar 16 Featured Ling: Dorjeling in Lithuania 17-25 Community News 28 How I Met Chögyal Namkhai Norbu by Jim Valby Chögyal Nœnkhai Normt n all traditions, the Dzogchen real condition in daily life. that these are limitations and they Iteaching has always been consid­ We are very similar to a small bird believe that they are part of our real ered as the essence of Buddhist in a cage. This condition doesn't condition. They give them too teachings. It is actually a very correspond to our real nature but much importance and then tension, ancient teaching. In the history of even if it doesn't correspond, this is fear and all sorts of problems devel­ the Dzogchen teaching, particular­ samsara, this is our condition.