"Dharma Without Compromise" Pointing out the Dharmakaya by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche POINTING out the NITARTHA INSTITUTE Foreword by the Dalai Lama Intro

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

iw:Lion Snow Lion Publications PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851 607-273-8519 . Orders: 800-950-0313 Volume 17, Number & SUMMER 2003 NEWSLETTER ISSN 1059-3691 BN:86605 3697 & CATALOG SUPPLEMENT "Dharma Without Compromise" Pointing Out the Dharmakaya by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche POINTING OUT THE NITARTHA INSTITUTE foreword by the Dalai Lama intro. by Lama Tashi Namgyal. DnarmaRaya The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche 232 pp. #POOUDH $16.95 had just finished a talk at a Public Day program at this past summer's At the heart of successful Maha- Nitartha Institute in which he used murdra practice is the ability to get the above phrase. Afterwards, as directly at the nature of mind. The we were walking back to his resi- 9th Karmapa was the acknowledged dence, he turned and said, with the master of this approach. No more usual sparkle in his eye, "Maybe this authoritative instructions exist should be Nitartha's new slogan...." than the three texts he wrote. This Nitartha Institute was founded easy-to-use, practical manual, which in 1996 by The Dzogchen Ponlop serves also as an indispensable com- Rinpoche under the guidance of panion to The Ocean of Definitive Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and Meaning, the most detailed of his texts, is so clearly laid out that the Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. <W.NCHf.N 1'Hft. Wliile many Western Buddhists have instructions are easy to recall and embraced two of the three main l put to use. elements of the Buddhist path, medi- x\$ - Brilliant explanations by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, tutor "A clear and thorough guide."— tation and conduct, the study of Bud- The Dalai Lama dhist view has been underdeveloped of the young 17th Karmapa, make "Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is and undernourished in the West. It the text vividly relevant for contem- porary Western practitioners. is this gap which the Institute aims (Continued on page 23) to fill by making translations, tran- scripts and live oral teachings by master teachers available to Western students through a creative blend of Eastern and Western styles of peda- The Ninth Karmapa's Ocean gogy. The Institute offers Western Combining a systematic course tions of Tibetan Buddhism. Through students an authentic transmission of study with training in Tibetan the transmission of oral teachings of higher Buddhist philosophical Buddhist forms of meditation and and translations of key texts along of Definitive Meaning theory and practice from the monas- debate, the Institute introduces with their commentaries, the Insti- tic college (sliedra) tradition of the Western students to the ancient tute is helping to transplant this The most in-depth and famed Tibetan Kanua Kagyu lineage. Tibetan Buddhist science of mind ancient oral and philosophical tradi- text on Mahamudra ever written, and gives them a sound basis in tion to the West. The Ocean of Definitive Meaning Foundational and Mahayana Bud- Nitartha Institute convenes for by the 9th Karmapa offers a detailed, Above photo: Dzogchen Ponlop dhism for understanding Vajrayana, annual programs each summer in uniquely comprehensive presenta- Rinpoche teaching (photo by Steve Mahamudra, and Dzogchen tradi- tion. Thrangu Rinpoche has distilled Seely) North America and Europe, as well as for shorter programs throughout the essence of the 9th Karmapa's North America. It is envisaged that massive text and gives guidance in the Institute will grow into a year- implementing the instructions. The availability of the translation Forward Snow Ithaca, PO round educational institute that THE NINTH KARMAPA'S of this text has traditionally been will permit students to continue Box Ocean of restricted to advanced students into a course of study designed to Lion NY only. However Khenchen Thrangu 6483 develop fully trained Western acha- Definitive Meaning Service Rinpoche has consented to the 14851 Publications ryas (senior teachers), authorized publication of these core teachings. to teach and represent the tradition Li* * He believes Mahamudra is especially Requested and, thus, to aid in its transplanta- tion to the West. appropriate for Westerners because it can be realized in the context of This summer, for the eighth year in a row, Nitartha Institute virtually any lifestyle, revealing the had a most successful month-long radiant display of mind. Compel- by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche program, for the first time on Van- ling, systematic approach to some edited, introduced and annotated couver Island at Queen Margaret's of the highest teachings in the Kagyu by Lama Tashi Namgyal tradition.The first question posed is, 139 pp. #NIKAOC $14.95 (Continued on page 12) (Continued on page 22) TIBETAN TREASURE VASES Incurable diseases, inescapable elements—earth, air, fire, water, """sKKMiBMKIiMK weapons of mass destruction, and and space. When the outer environ- a weakening of the earth's elements ment is purified, beings are released due to pollutants and poisons in from suffering caused by pollution the environment. Sound familiar? and are therefore rejuvenated. This Padmasambhava, the 9th century restores the energy to all realms. founder of Tibetan Buddhism, For the human realm, the trea- prophesied what sounds a lot like sure vase has the power to magne- our world. tize wealth and abundance, improve Through his wisdom and compas- health, and remove obstacles to long ITHACA, PERMIT sion, Padmasambava gave specific life. Its effects help pacify anger and U.S. PRSRT instructions for the creation of warfare and increase wisdom and PAID POSTAGE treasure vases to assist with the compassion for all. healing of the environment and the Padmasambava prescribed the NY14851 NO. STD restoration of vital energy during sacred objects that fill the treasure 746 these degenerate times. The trea- vase. The conch shell supports the sure vase is an ancient remedy that life essence of the god realm of joy. can replenish the essence of the (Continued on page 24) NEWS WIN a Guided Tour in TI5ET in 2004 For the seventh time Snow Lion Publications is offering a tour in Tibet to a lucky customer. We have arranged to give one of our cus- tomers the opportunity to travel with Glenn H. Mullin on a two-week adventure in Tibet in 2004. Glenn lived in the Himalayas from 1972- 1982 where he studied Tibetan Buddhism, language, literature, and yoga with many of the greatest teachers from Tibet. He is the author of over a dozen books and has taught throughout the world. He also organized and led several world tours for the monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery. Here's how you can win: Every time that you order from us, we will enter your name in our drawing. Just let us know when you order by mail, phone, or fax that you would like to be considered for the trip. We'll have our drawing on December 31, 2003. Please check the full-page ad in this newsletter to see what is and is not included in the trip. The main item not included is airfare ■ to the starting point (the starting point used to be Kathmandu, but the present political climate has changed this). Also, since Glenn is responsible for every aspect of the trip, please contact him for any information that you need or to find out about this or other great trips. Glenn's website is: www. dharmatravel.com ■ SNOW LION'S NEWS WHAfS NfcW New Website! Calendars Deported Tibetan Youths Detained in China BUDDHIST ASTROLOGY WHAT'S NEW Snow Lion has a large website with numer- Calendars October 2003 ous resources that you can use including: EVENTS CALENDAR complete Snow Lion newsletter WHArS NEW Calendars full-color catalog We offer a comprehensive database of events related to Tibetan Buddhism and New Books Culture throughout the world. You can search for an event in your area by date, international searchable events database New Dharma Items teacher, city, state or country. The more information you enter, the more precise a Tibetan calendar of special days ynq,- -<p-^[-h t-ln r-hn r.M-iL~.r hand rhicr nicn ra^nrfc the, rocilltl and yni I ma' special news on Tibetan Buddhism ji ^ea^^j dharma center listings appeals & Snow Lion PUBLICATIONS Buddhist astrology column political action items history of Tibet SEARCH THE SITE special web order discounts sound clips of CDs— and more! WHAT'S NEW NEW PUBLICATIONS AT SNOW LION FEATURED NEWS Since the website is updated daily, the Calendars • Lhasa Prefecture Encourages information is current. It is fast and easy to New Books New! Rural Migration for "Building navigate and to find items. There is a word How to Read Classical a Middle-class Society" New Dharma Items search so you can locate every item in our Tibetan • Excerpts and transcripts from catalog with, for example, "Manjushri" in the by Craig Preston HH Dalai Lama's recent public appearances description. COOKS • Summer 2003 Snow Lion Tibetan Buddhism You can receive a digital version of the more... Newsletter Now Online! Snow Lion Newsletter and Catalog. Just Tibetan Culture • Tibetan Monk Knew He contact to receive a quarterly announcement Additional Studies Wouldn't Live Long about it-as long as you update us with your New! email address, this digital Snow Lion will OTHER ITEMS Manual of Standard Tibetan always be available to you. Also, it is free, Audio Teachings by Nicolas Tournadre and you will never be asked for a contribution to mu d> Cards Sangda Dorje Vio-w cover the costs of printing and mailing. Plus 00 cot" roerf no *<*" we save some trees! Computer Dharma iov^ \,aroa "The best resource *ari \fi\\£ Oa\a> Snow Lion offers you the option to shop- Dharma Items »\ \ust \A/e' modern spoken Tibe ue\N >'wes roe a online. The credit card transfer is secure, Music & Chants cs David Germano \ '0i*e^ so please order this way with confidence.
Recommended publications
  • Holidays Religion in China
    Holidays all passion, hatred, and delusion die out and the soul is released from the body. Buddha also understood the CHINA Chinese traditional holidays are calculated according constant motion of the universe and that everything in to the lunar calendar. Here are some national holidays it is subject to birth and decay. This motion is part of celebrated in China: the Dharma, the laws of nature. One of these laws is of January/February* cause and consequence, or karma, which implies that Spring Festival all actions have a corresponding effect. In essence, the March 8 force generated by a person’s actions is a determining International Women’s Day factor in the nature of his/her next life. Buddhism May 1 emphasizes five regimens: striving not to kill, not to Labor Day steal, not to engage in sexual misconduct, not to speak June 1 falsehoods, and not to use drugs. Buddhist holidays Children’s Day include Bodhi Day (December 8), which celebrates the October 1 enlightenment of Buddha under the Bodhi tree; Buddha National Day Day (April 8), which commemorates the birth of Gautama in Lumbini Garden; and Wesak (April/May), the holiest *date varies of Buddhist holy days, which celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Religion in China Population 1.4 billion Christians are followers of Jesus, a carpenter and a Jew China is a primarily Buddhist country. Roughly 3 percent from the city of Nazareth in present-day Israel. Christians Capital City Beijing of the population are Christian, and the remaining 1 believe that Jesus is the only son of God, born of a virgin Official Language Standard Chinese or Mandarin percent is Muslim.
    [Show full text]
  • Materials of Buddhist Culture: Aesthetics and Cosmopolitanism at Mindroling Monastery
    Materials of Buddhist Culture: Aesthetics and Cosmopolitanism at Mindroling Monastery Dominique Townsend Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 2012 © 2012 Dominique Townsend All rights reserved ABSTRACT Materials of Buddhist Culture: Aesthetics and Cosmopolitanism at Mindroling Monastery Dominique Townsend This dissertation investigates the relationships between Buddhism and culture as exemplified at Mindroling Monastery. Focusing on the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, I argue that Mindroling was a seminal religio-cultural institution that played a key role in cultivating the ruling elite class during a critical moment of Tibet’s history. This analysis demonstrates that the connections between Buddhism and high culture have been salient throughout the history of Buddhism, rendering the project relevant to a broad range of fields within Asian Studies and the Study of Religion. As the first extensive Western-language study of Mindroling, this project employs an interdisciplinary methodology combining historical, sociological, cultural and religious studies, and makes use of diverse Tibetan sources. Mindroling was founded in 1676 with ties to Tibet’s nobility and the Fifth Dalai Lama’s newly centralized government. It was a center for elite education until the twentieth century, and in this regard it was comparable to a Western university where young members of the nobility spent two to four years training in the arts and sciences and being shaped for positions of authority. This comparison serves to highlight commonalities between distant and familiar educational models and undercuts the tendency to diminish Tibetan culture to an exoticized imagining of Buddhism as a purely ascetic, world renouncing tradition.
    [Show full text]
  • Tibetan Buddhism
    Tibetan Buddhism By C. Fred Smith Founders: Siddartha Gautama, the Buddha. The Tibetan form grew out of the teachings Kamalashila who defended traditional Indian Buddhism in Tibet against the Chinese form. Date: Founded between 600 and 400 BC in Northern India; Buddhism influenced Tibetan religion as early as AD 200, but only began to take on its Tibetan character after 792 AD. Its full expression as a Lamaist religion (one dependent on lamas or gurus to guide meditation) began in the 1200s, with the institution of the Dalai Lama in the 1600s. Key Words: Lama, Bon, Reincarnation, Dharma and Sangha BACKGROUND Tibetan Buddhism focuses on disciplined meditation to achieve enlightenment, which is the realization that life is impermanent, and the accompanying state of bliss. Its unusual character, different from other forms of Buddhism, lies in two facts. First, it traces its practices back to the earliest form of Buddhism from Northern India. Certain practices are similar to those of Hindu practitioners,1 and the meditative discipline is similar to that practiced in the first Buddhist Sanghas, or monastic communities. Second, its practices and “peculiar, even eerie character” are a result of its encounter with Bon, the older religion of Tibet, an animistic religion that emphasized shamans, rituals to invoke and appease spirits, and even sacrifices.2 Together, these produce a Buddhism centered on monks and monasteries that is “more colorful and supernatural”3 than other forms such as Zen.4 This form of Buddhism emphasizes the place of the lama, or teacher, who directs his charges in their meditation and ritual practices.
    [Show full text]
  • Buddhism in America
    Buddhism in America The Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series The United States is the birthplace of religious pluralism, and the spiritual landscape of contemporary America is as varied and complex as that of any country in the world. The books in this new series, written by leading scholars for students and general readers alike, fall into two categories: some of these well-crafted, thought-provoking portraits of the country’s major religious groups describe and explain particular religious practices and rituals, beliefs, and major challenges facing a given community today. Others explore current themes and topics in American religion that cut across denominational lines. The texts are supplemented with care- fully selected photographs and artwork, annotated bibliographies, con- cise profiles of important individuals, and chronologies of major events. — Roman Catholicism in America Islam in America . B UDDHISM in America Richard Hughes Seager C C Publishers Since New York Chichester, West Sussex Copyright © Columbia University Press All rights reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Seager, Richard Hughes. Buddhism in America / Richard Hughes Seager. p. cm. — (Columbia contemporary American religion series) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN ‒‒‒ — ISBN ‒‒‒ (pbk.) . Buddhism—United States. I. Title. II. Series. BQ.S .'—dc – Casebound editions of Columbia University Press books are printed on permanent and durable acid-free paper.
    [Show full text]
  • His Holiness the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to Visit University of Redlands in Rare U.S
    His Holiness the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to visit University of Redlands in rare U.S. tour March 18, 2015 The University of Redlands will welcome His Holiness the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to campus March 24, 2015, as the only Southern California stop on his third trip to the United States. Reigniting a years-long connection with the University and special bond with students, the Karmapa will interact with Redlands students, faculty, and alumni and accept an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, presented by University President Ralph Kuncl. He will then offer a public lecture, "Living Interdependence," at 7 p.m. in Memorial Chapel. The Karmapa heads the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and guides millions of Buddhists around the world. At the age of 14, he made a dramatic escape from Tibet to India to be near His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his own lineage teachers. Currently 29 years old, the Karmapa is a leader of the new century. He created an eco- monastic movement with over 55 monasteries across the Himalayan region acting as centers of environmental activism. Leading on women's issues, he recently announced plans to establish full ordination for women, a step that will change the future of Tibetan Buddhism. His latest book, The Heart is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside Out, co-edited by University of Redlands Professor of Religious Studies and Virginia C. Hunsaker Distinguished Teaching Chair, Karen Derris, the Karmapa speaks to the younger generation on the major challenges facing society today, including gender issues, food justice, rampant consumerism and the environmental crisis.
    [Show full text]
  • VT Module6 Lineage Text Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
    THE MAJOR SCHOOLS OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM By Pema Khandro A BIRD’S EYE VIEW 1. NYINGMA LINEAGE a. Pema Khandro’s lineage. Literally means: ancient school or old school. Nyingmapas rely on the old tantras or the original interpretation of Tantra as it was given from Padmasambhava. b. Founded in 8th century by Padmasambhava, an Indian Yogi who synthesized the teachings of the Indian MahaSiddhas, the Buddhist Tantras, and Dzogchen. He gave this teaching (known as Vajrayana) in Tibet. c. Systemizes Buddhist philosophy and practice into 9 Yanas. The Inner Tantras (what Pema Khandro Rinpoche teaches primarily) are the last three. d. It is not a centralized hierarchy like the Sarma (new translation schools), which have a figure head similar to the Pope. Instead, the Nyingma tradition is de-centralized, with every Lama is the head of their own sangha. There are many different lineages within the Nyingma. e. A major characteristic of the Nyingma tradition is the emphasis in the Tibetan Yogi tradition – the Ngakpa tradition. However, once the Sarma translations set the tone for monasticism in Tibet, the Nyingmas also developed a monastic and institutionalized segment of the tradition. But many Nyingmas are Ngakpas or non-monastic practitioners. f. A major characteristic of the Nyingma tradition is that it is characterized by treasure revelations (gterma). These are visionary revelations of updated communications of the Vajrayana teachings. Ultimately treasure revelations are the same dharma principles but spoken in new ways, at new times and new places to new people. Because of these each treasure tradition is unique, this is the major reason behind the diversity within the Nyingma.
    [Show full text]
  • Op Het Spoor Van De Kangling
    UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Kangling: Sporen naar het hart van het bot van Baar, B.J.W. Publication date 1999 Link to publication Citation for published version (APA): van Baar, B. J. W. (1999). Kangling: Sporen naar het hart van het bot. General rights It is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), other than for strictly personal, individual use, unless the work is under an open content license (like Creative Commons). Disclaimer/Complaints regulations If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: https://uba.uva.nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible. UvA-DARE is a service provided by the library of the University of Amsterdam (https://dare.uva.nl) Download date:07 Oct 2021 OP HET SPOOR VAN DE KANGLING Na aankomst in Dharamsala trachtte ik me te oriënteren op mijn onderzoeksonderwerp, de kangling. Aanvankelijk was dit echter geheel zonder succes. Mensen hadden er wel van gehoord, maar het wie, hoe, wat en waarom bleef volstrekt onduidelijk. Ik bracht mijn tijd door met bibliotheekonderzoek en het volgen van cursussen Boeddhisme. Zo kwam ik ook bij de nieuwjaarslessen van de Dalai Lama terecht.
    [Show full text]
  • Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden Blog Al Jazeera Top Story
    Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden Blog: Al Jazeera Top Story -- Revisits Court Case against the Dalai Lama 1/15/09 12:32 PM Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden Blog The official blog of the Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden Website, providing the latest news, videos, and updates on the Dorje Shugden controversy. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2009 Subscribe Al Jazeera Top Story -- Revisits Court Case against Posts the Dalai Lama Comments Al Jazeera’s People and Power has named ‘The Dalai Lama: The Devil Within’ one of their top two stories of 2008. As a result, Al Jazeera is now Protector of Je featuring it again. Tsongkhapa's Tradition The reporter has added at the end of the updated report: "The case against the Dalai Lama is still with the courts. We hope to bring you an update later in the year." As the lawyer for the persecuted Shugden practitioners, Shree Sanjay Jain, explains: "It is certainly a case of religious discrimination in the sense that if within your sect of religion you say that this particular Deity ought not to be worshipped, and those persons who are willing to worship him you are trying to excommunicate them from the main stream of Buddhism, then it is a discrimination of worst kind." Al Jazeera adds: "No matter what the outcome of the court case, in a country Click on picture for Wisdom Buddha Dorje Shugden where millions of idols are worshipped, attempting to ban the Website Deity is an uphill battle. One in which many Buddhist monks have lost their faith in the spirit of the Dalai Lama." Search For a full transcript, see Al Jazeera News Documentary, October 2008.
    [Show full text]
  • And Daemonic Buddhism in India and Tibet
    Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2012 The Raven and the Serpent: "The Great All- Pervading R#hula" Daemonic Buddhism in India and Tibet Cameron Bailey Follow this and additional works at the FSU Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected] THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES THE RAVEN AND THE SERPENT: “THE GREAT ALL-PERVADING RHULA” AND DMONIC BUDDHISM IN INDIA AND TIBET By CAMERON BAILEY A Thesis submitted to the Department of Religion in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Religion Degree Awarded: Spring Semester, 2012 Cameron Bailey defended this thesis on April 2, 2012. The members of the supervisory committee were: Bryan Cuevas Professor Directing Thesis Jimmy Yu Committee Member Kathleen Erndl Committee Member The Graduate School has verified and approved the above-named committee members, and certifies that the thesis has been approved in accordance with university requirements. ii For my parents iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank, first and foremost, my adviser Dr. Bryan Cuevas who has guided me through the process of writing this thesis, and introduced me to most of the sources used in it. My growth as a scholar is almost entirely due to his influence. I would also like to thank Dr. Jimmy Yu, Dr. Kathleen Erndl, and Dr. Joseph Hellweg. If there is anything worthwhile in this work, it is undoubtedly due to their instruction. I also wish to thank my former undergraduate advisor at Indiana University, Dr. Richard Nance, who inspired me to become a scholar of Buddhism.
    [Show full text]
  • The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra Pdf, Epub, Ebook
    THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BUDDHIST TANTRA PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Rob Preece | 288 pages | 01 Dec 2006 | Shambhala Publications Inc | 9781559392631 | English | Ithaca, United States The Psychology Of Buddhist Tantra PDF Book Our world is moving a lot faster than it probably was back in those days and so, yes, the stresses and complexities seem to be much greater than centuries ago. It would be difficult to clarify everything in a short period of time. This is what is meant [in the Tantras] by the unity of Samsara and Nirvana, which was for them the limit of perfection. An experienced meditation teacher and thangka painter, he lives in London and is the author of The Wisdom of Imperfection and The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra. Sample: Buddhist Tantra. Audio Software icon An illustration of a 3. Engage your body, your desires, and your obstacles as the fuel for spiritual insight. Rob Preece. Because of this, it is helpful to bear in mind that elements of the course may change as it unfolds to take into account what emerges as things progress and what is relevant to peoples experience. This book masterfully clarifies the nature of tantric practice. Select more View selections. Many teachers of lineage share their teachings to students who have sincere interest. He is credited with associating sex with tantra, a sensationalist spin that stuck. Today this tradition is accessible to Westerners as Tibetan masters come to the West to teach. Although I have read one of his book which I adored, it's the first time I listen to his teachings.
    [Show full text]
  • The Five Elements in Tibetan Shamanism, Tantra, and Dzogchen
    HEALING WITH FORM, ENERGY AND LIGHT front.p65 1 3/6/2002, 11:21 AM Page ii blank front.p65 2 3/6/2002, 11:21 AM HEALING WITH FORM, ENERGY AND LIGHT The Five Elements in Tibetan Shamanism, Tantra, and Dzogchen by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche Edited by Mark Dahlby Snow Lion Publications Ithaca, NY / Boulder, CO front.p65 3 3/6/2002, 11:21 AM Snow Lion Publications 605 West State Street P.O. Box 6483 Ithaca, NY 14851 607-273-8519 www.snowlionpub.com Copyright © 2002 by Tenzin Wangyal All right reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publisher. ISBN 1-55939-176-6 Printed in Canada on acid-free recycled paper. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Wangyal, Tenzin. Healing with form, energy and light : the five elements in Tibetan Shamanism, Tantra, and Dzogchen / Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 1-55939-176-6 1. Rdzogs-chen (Bonpo). 2. Spiritual life—Bonpo (Sect) 3. Spiritual life—Tantric Buddhism 4. Bonpo (Sect)—Doctrines. I. Title. BQ7982.3. .W345 2002 299’.54—dc21 2002000288 front.p65 4 3/6/2002, 11:21 AM CONTENTS Preface x The Prayer of the Intermediate State xiii Introduction xvii The Bön Religion xix ONE: The Elements 1 Three Levels of Spiritual Practice 3 External 3 Internal 3 Secret 4 Relating to the Sacred 5 The Five Pure Lights 8 The Dissolution of the Elements 11 Understanding Through the Elements 11 Relating Oneself to the Elements 12 Earth 13 Water 15 Fire 16 Air 17 Space 19 The Elements and Our Well-Being 21 How
    [Show full text]
  • Brief History of Dzogchen
    Brief History of Dzogchen This is the printer-friendly version of: http: / / www.berzinarchives.com / web / en / archives / advanced / dzogchen / basic_points / brief_history_dzogchen.html Alexander Berzin November 10-12, 2000 Introduction Dzogchen (rdzogs-chen), the great completeness, is a Mahayana system of practice leading to enlightenment and involves a view of reality, way of meditating, and way of behaving (lta-sgom-spyod gsum). It is found earliest in the Nyingma and Bon (pre-Buddhist) traditions. Bon, according to its own description, was founded in Tazig (sTag-gzig), an Iranian cultural area of Central Asia, by Shenrab Miwo (gShen-rab mi-bo) and was brought to Zhang-zhung (Western Tibet) in the eleventh century BCE. There is no way to validate this scientifically. Buddha lived in the sixth century BCE in India. The Introduction of Pre-Nyingma Buddhism and Zhang-zhung Rites to Central Tibet Zhang-zhung was conquered by Yarlung (Central Tibet) in 645 CE. The Yarlung Emperor Songtsen-gampo (Srong-btsan sgam-po) had wives not only from the Chinese and Nepali royal families (both of whom brought a few Buddhist texts and statues), but also from the royal family of Zhang-zhung. The court adopted Zhang-zhung (Bon) burial rituals and animal sacrifice, although Bon says that animal sacrifice was native to Tibet, not a Bon custom. The Emperor built thirteen Buddhist temples around Tibet and Bhutan, but did not found any monasteries. This pre-Nyingma phase of Buddhism in Central Tibet did not have dzogchen teachings. In fact, it is difficult to ascertain what level of Buddhist teachings and practice were introduced.
    [Show full text]