Ngondro & Green

Venerable Sonam Tenzin The Fourth Incarnation of the Great Translator Vairotsana

Born at Chodrak Lungmagka, a sacred and holy place discovered by Guru Rinpoche , in the province of Kham, East . At the tender age of six, the boy Sonam Butsa was recognized to be the fourth reincarnation of Rabzang Rinpoche. He was offered the title of Karma Jampal Sonam Tenzin Palzangpo Rinpoche by His Holiness the 9th Chodrak Saljey Rinpoche, holder and head of the Barom lineage. Rabzang Rinpoche was the first incarnation of Vairotsana, a lotsawa or “translator” living during the reign of King . Vairotsana was one the 25 main disciples of Padmasambhava. Together with Padmasam- bhava and , Vairotsana was one of the three main masters to bring the teachings to Tibet. At the age of eight, Sonam Rinpoche was ordained as a novice monk at Chodrak Monastery, under His Holiness Chodrak Saljey Rinpoche, Ven. Yeshe Rabje Rinpoche and Ven. Tonka Rinpoche, according to the Kagyu tradition. At this very young age, Rinpoche had been entrusted by His Holiness Saljey Rinpoche with the responsibility of spreading the rare Barom Kagyu lineage to the world wide communities. For the next thirteen years in Tibet, Ven. Sonam Tenzin Rinpoche successfully undertook full foundation practice and monastic training. He studied philosophy, received many teachings and transmissions from Ven. Lama Yeshe Rabje Rinpoche. He also under- took a number of solitary retreats. Dear and Friends, Sonam Tenzin Rinpoche, the fourth incarnation of the great translator Vairotsana on this second visit to the US from Aus- tralia will be coming to Houston, Texas from June 29th through July 7th, 2016. We have the great fortune that Rinpoche will come to Houston to bestow the Empowerment of the Barom Kagyu Ma- hamudra Inner Foundation Practice (Ngondro) as well as the Green Tara. Rinpoche will give teachings and lead us with the practice of these profound termas (treasures). You will have the opportunity to receive individual blessing from Rinpoche during the course of these two activi- ties as listed below.

Mahamudra Inner Foundation Practice (Ngondro) Practice of the outer and the inner preliminaries provides a strong foundation for spiritual development. The first, thatof the outer preliminaries , common to both the and Buddhist paths, consist of contemplation of the four thoughts that turn the mind. Then there are the inner (extraordinary) preliminaries special to the Mahayana and paths: , , Vajrasattva purification, Offerings, and Guru Yoga. The meaning of this Tibetan word Ngondro is “to go before”. Ngondro must be done, fully accomplished, before enlight- enment can be reached. If we want to reach enlightenment, this practice must be done because Ngondro practice is the root of enlightenment. If we want a fruit tree we need to plant the seed. To bear fruit the tree has to be deep rooted. Similarly, in order to reach enlightenment our Dharma practice must be rooted deep within our mind. Ngondro practice provides us with this deep rooted and solid foundation. Ngondro Part I: Refuge, Bodhicitta, Vajrasattva Purification. Ngondro Part II: Mandala Offerings, Guru Yoga. Schedule: Saturday July 2, 2016 10:00AM to 5:00PM—Ngondro Part I Sunday July 3, 2016 10:00AM to 5:00PM—Ngondro Part II Location: Niệm Phật Đường Cực Lạc—11862 Spears-Gears Rd, Houston, TX 77067 (281) 377-8126; (832) 859-8804

Green Tara Empowerment, Oral Transmission & Sadhana Practice People usually think that there is Green Tara, White Tara, 21 Taras and so forth, but in reality there is just one Tara, but in many different manifestations. She manifests in various and different forms to be more fitting and of benefits to the vari- ous predispositions of her followers. The practice of Green Tara is an inconceivable benefit for all beings. Whoever engages in daily practice of Green Tara will overcome all problems, such as hindrances and obstacles, sickness, job related difficulties, family problems, fears and nightmares and ultimately will lead to full enlightenment. This practice is particularly suitable for people who lead very busy lives and who have little time to spare. Schedule: Monday July 4, 2016 10:00AM to 5:00PM Location: Niệm Phật Đường Cực Lạc—11862 Spears-Gears Rd, Houston, TX 77067 (281) 377-8126; (832) 859-8804

Accompanying Rinpoche on this trip are Lama Nansai Jiuri and Mr. Lê Quang Dũng. Dũng is the English to Vietnamese translator for Sonam Tenzin Rinpoche in Việt Nam. Contact to obtain additional information: Từ Phổ Lạc - Tùng Vũ: (713)-382-6874 Niệm Phật Đường Cực Lạc