THE MIRROR Newspaper of the International Dzogchen Community October/November 2005 • Issue No. 76
Schedule Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 2005 - 2006
2005 MARGARITA ISLAND, VENEZUELA Nov. 25 -29 Santi Maha Sangha Teacher training & Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance
Dec. 2 -8 Retreatants and 5 mandalas at the Barcelona Retreat F.ANDRICO Longsal Jñanadhâkkini retreat: Teaching and practice of Gomadevi
Dec. 26 -Jan.1 Longsal Longde retreat: The main teaching for this retreat is Longsal Longde When the Cock Crows Restricted Web Cast Teachings in Barcelona 2006 Jan. 27 - Feb. 5 with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Santi Maha Sangha Base Teaching and Practice Retreat Open Web Cast October 5 - October 9, 2005
Feb. 17 - 26 by Liz Granger Longsal Saltong Lung teaching and practice retreat Restricted Web Cast or six days, the city of with an introductory talk on translated into Spanish, simulta- Barcelona in Spain set the Dzogchen – The Three Ways of neous local translations were tak- March 10 -19 stage for a wonderful series Spiritual Liberation - at the ing place. Fof teachings by Chögyal Namkhai University of Barcelona to a hall A large hall adjoining the Retreat of Dzogchen Semlung Namkhache: Teaching and practice Namkhache. Norbu. Gaudi’ s city of broad overflowing with students and teaching area was organized with Open Web Cast palm-lined boulevards and his followers. The following five tables for the use of various colorful strikingly fairy-tale days of teaching took place at La groups and or ganizations within April 14 – 23 architecture hosted around 900 Mar Bella complex. the Dzogchen Community to Tibetan Moxabustion teaching and application retreat students of the Dzogchen master The Master ’s teaching make their presentations. There from all over the globe. The focused on the ‘Essence of the were a variety of publications of May 5 -14 retreat was held from October 5th Tantra of the Six Liberations’, a Rinpoche’s teachings available Ati Lam-ngon Nasjyong: Aretreat of Longsal teaching Preliminaries – 9th at an enormous sports com- terma teaching of his root master, particularly in Spanish, French, of the Path of Ati about the Purification of the Six Lokas, teaching plex, La Mar Bella, overlooking a Changchub Dorje. Rinpoche Italian and English. In fact it is and practice. wide sandy beach and a twinkling spoke at length about his experi- only a t a m oment o f c oming Open Web Cast blue Mediterranean dotted with ences with his root master and together such as a lar ge retreat sailboats and swimmers. In fact it gave much practical advice to that we can really understand the FRANCE would have been difficult to find a both old and new students. His extent to which Chögyal May 18 -22 more relaxing and pleasing place energy and power was dynamic Namkhai Norbu’ s teaching has Paris Retreat (and time) to have a retreat. throughout the cycle of teachings spread. The or ganizers of the event and was tempered with infinite The teaching hall was big May 26-28 worked hard and meticulously to patience as he remained in the enough to accommodate a lar ge Karmaling Retreat make it a success – abundant teaching hall for hours after the area for practicing Yantra Yoga as multi-lingual announcements on teaching sessions to speak indi- well as five separate Vajra Dance ITALY a variety of media months before, vidually to the many people who mandalas, which were set down June 9 - 15 weeks of communications both approached him. at the back of the hall. Merigar :Teachings of Yeshes Zangthal Transmission; Nadzer and nationally and internationally , Rinpoche was introduced and Experienced teachers gave expla- the Main Points of the View Totally Beyond the Conceptual Mind. choice of an excellent venue and ably t ranslated t hroughout h is nations a nd de monstrations t o Restricted Web Cast well planned or ganization during teaching sessions by Ramon large numbers of students early in the retreat itself. Their planning Prats, the foremost Tibetologist in the mornings and there were ses- Jun.18th and thoughtfulness was greatly Spain and former professor of sions of Vajra Dance in the after - 25th Anniversary Festival of Merigar appreciated by all those taking Tibetan Language and Literature noons. part. in Naples. The or ganizers had On Saturday evening, the BHUTAN Chögyal Namkhai Norbu pinpointed areas for local transla- penultimate day of the retreat an June 30 appeared well and happy as he tion in the lar ge hall so while massive yet orderly Ganapuja started his first day of teaching Rinpoche’s English was being was held with the Master after BANGKOK continued on page 4 August 4 - 6 CONTENTS JAPAN August 10 - 14 pg 2 (Tentative Retreat) Special Practice TAWAIN Teaching Calendar August 18 – 22 Chögyal pg 4 (Tentative Retreat) Namkhai Norbu ASIA SINGAPORE Excerpt from the Long Distance pg 8 August 25 – September 3 Barcelona Teaching Support continued on page 3 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
LIVING IN SOCIETY sufficient to be in the essence of explained what the base, path and the teaching by reading books; fruit are. Changchub Dorje gave ood evening everybody. I people think by reading many some advice and some examples am happy we are all books they get knowledge, but and with those examples I finally together to learn about the that is only intellectual knowl- discovered what my college Gteaching, particularly the edge. Intellectual knowledge is teacher was trying to explain. Dzogchen T eaching. Learning like seeing a reflection in a mir- about the Dzogchen Teaching can ror. For example, in the summer THE THREE LOGICS: D IRECT, be very useful for everybody; we time, in very hot weather , we see INDIRECT AND BELIEVING not only think that one day we there is a very nice reflection of will have realization, but it is nec- ice cream in the mirror . You’ve For example, in all schools and essary to learn before we arrive at had the experience of ice cream traditions, we learn to establish that day . When we live in this already; you know you are not the base as tawa or point of view. period, in this society , it is very going to have the experience of All schools have their dif ferent important that we learn how we ice cream in a mirror . That is viewpoints. There are also many should be in our life in general. unreal. So when the ice cream is arguments between schools and The Teaching is not only for being reflected you go to take the schools. Learning these view- learning some kind of practice or ice cream itself, not the reflection. points is done through the three prayer or chanting of mantras. So you see, that is called intellec- logics: logic, indirect logic and The Teaching is also to learn how tual understanding. the logic of believing. Direct to live in society, so if we want to For that reason, there are three logic means we have contact be in a comfortable condition or main points to learn related to the directly with our senses to state then we must relax, not principle of the Teachings. That is objects. For example, if I see a charged and accumulating ten - not only for Dzogchen Teachings, tree in front of me and I ask peo- sions. In general, everybody is but also for any kind of Teaching. ple if they see a tree, no one says always accumulating tensions. The first point is called the base, no because they also see the tree When we accumulate tensions we the second is the path and the last and there is no discussion. That is produce so many problems, even is the fruit. The base is how our direct logic. If I show and if we live in society in a normal Rinpoche teaching at the Barcelona retreat F.ANDRICO real condition is, our considera- describe an object, there is no way we cannot get comfortable tion of our real nature or condi- problem. This is a very easy way. because we do not know how our tion. This is true in all schools. So if we establish a point of view real condition is. We do not know When schools have an intellectu- with direct logic it is easier . how time is in our lives. The al view, they have limitations of Another way is indirect logic. For Teaching is for learning all these BARCELONA RETREAT schools and schools. In school example, if I say on the top of this things. EXCERPT FROM THE TEACHING number one and number two, the mountain there is fire and some- When we go to a retreat we might consideration of the base is differ- one says, “How do you know?” say, “Oh, we are going to do a 25 SPACES OF SAMANTABHADRA ent. They have a different point of and I say , “There is smoke, you retreat with this or that kind of DISCOVER ONE DISCOVER ALL view because they are searching can see”. We do not see the fire teaching.” Y esterday someone & something outside in an intellec- directly, but smoke comes from asked me, “When you teach here tual way. They are not searching the fire and when there is smoke, [in Barcelona] are you teaching inside. we automatically understand for new or old practitioners?” DAY 1, OCTOBER 5, 2005 there is fire. Or , for example, if The reason they asked is because LOOKING AT OUR OWN CONDITION we see some sea birds flying we there is an announcement with a can assume there is water , a lake title of the Teaching. Many peo- words, the knowledge of the think, “I will listen to that teach- I also had this experience when I or river , somewhere nearby . We ple have no idea what the title teaching is called chig she kun- ing and then see if I am interest- was in College, my teacher gave do not see the water directly , but means, and they find that dif fi- drol in Tibetan. Chig she means ed.” Some people say they had no lessons of a very important if someone asks how we can say cult. Of course, many people when you discover one, kundrol idea to see a teacher, their friends Mahayana text called Prajna that, we say, “Look, there are fly- have followed the Teachings for means you discover everything. If invited them along and maybe Paramita Alamkara Sutra com- ing birds of water”, and that per- years and years, so maybe they you want to learn all that exists in they will find it interesting. They posed by Maitryea Buddha. son accepts with indirect logic. have some idea of what kind of terms of the Teachings you would think that way, but that is not the Before I received this from my Many things are established in Teaching they are going to learn. need to spend your whole life. If real sense. If someone is interest- college teacher , I had already that way . When we have more In general, I don’t give titles very you discover the essence and you ed in the Dzogchen Teaching, it received and studied it from complicated questions, like when much because the principle is not learn something, even if you have means that person has some con- another teacher. It did not seem so someone asks what happens a title. Sometimes a title is impor- short life, it is very useful for you. nection with that Teaching, and very dif ficult to understand, but when we are dying and how will tant for publicity; if you give a So this is the characteristic of not only in this life, but in many later when I studied it with my it be after death, it is more dif fi- very elegant title many people how we learn about and commu- other past lives. Maybe that is the teacher I found it was more dif fi- cult because we can’ t show any- become interested. In the nicate the Dzogchen Teaching. reason when the Dzogchen cult. When I used commentaries thing directly . It is also not so Teaching, that is not the main I will give you an example from teacher meets a new practitioner , everything became even mo re easy indirectly. We say that after point. Titles are very relative. my life and experience related to that teacher never thinks that per- difficult. One day I went to my death we have a state of bardo. the Dzogchen way of learning son doesn’ t know anything. We teacher and explained, “I am Then that person asks, “How do CHIG SHE KUNDROL and communicating. When I was don’t know what kind of quality studying more and more and this you know?” I say , “I know DISCOVER ONE AND five-years old I entered a and capacity that person has. It book becomes more and more because Buddha Shakyamuni and DISCOVER ALL monastery and studied how to do seems that someone is complete- difficult. Why?” My teacher gave Guru Padmasambhava said that. prayers in a regular way . When I ly new in the Teaching, but if that me advice. He said, “Don’ t think That is the explanation they We can find a hundred dif ferent was nine years old I entered col- person were completely new in that there are three kinds of qual- gave.” That means I believe methods when we learn the lege and stayed until I was fifteen. the Teaching, it would not be so ities of realized beings in this Buddha Shakyamuni and Guru Teachings. But the root is only Later I went to many dif ferent easy for him or her to have the book; the first group of Arharts, in Padmasambhava. Also, if that one. It is very useful when we dis- colleges and met many important occasion to receive the teaching. the Hinayana style, the second person believes in Buddha cover the root. For example, there teachers. I received many teach- That is the Dzogchen way of see- group of Bodhisattvas, in the Shakyamuni or Guru is a big tree that has many branch- ings belonging to Sutra, Tantra ing the relationship of the Mahayana style, and the last Padmasambhava, then I can say es, leaves, and flowers, but those and Dzogchen. At the end of col- Teaching to the practitioner. That group of enlightened beings like in this book, on this line, on this things are not the main point. The lege, I had the idea that I knew is also the reason in the Dzogchen Buddhas with the qualifications page, the bardo was explained in main point is the trunk of the tree. everything. I never thought I did- Teaching propaganda is consid- of realized beings. Don’t consider this way . Our discussion is fin- If you keep that trunk in your n’t know the essence of the ered negative. To convert some - that you are reading a biography ished. If that person has no faith hand, then when you have time Teaching. Later, at the end of my one means you are conditioning of enlightened beings. You should and is not Buddhist, has no faith and possibility, you can learn the 17th year, I met my special that person; if that person has a deal with your own condition and in Buddha or Padmasambhava leaves, branches and everything. teacher who was called karmic relationship with the it will become easier .” Then I but I believe in Buddha or If you learn only some flowers Changchub Dorje. Changchub Teaching and Transmission the returned in my room. I thought a Padmasambhava, I must discover and leaves but are ignorant of the Dorje was a very important occasion will manifest. little about my own condition. I what kind of belief that person trunk, then you are not getting the Dzogchen t eacher a nd w hen I Many people have never heard of didn’t find that I had any of these has. Then, for example, I show real sense of the Teaching. That received introduction of the Dzogchen Teaching or qualifications, so it didn’ t help that the teacher of someone con- does not correspond only to the Dzogchen Teaching from him, I received it before, but when they anything. I didn’ t even under- nected to that person wrote about Dzogchen T eaching. People finally discovered that my knowl- receive transmission they wake stand what my teacher meant. Of the bardo in a book and I can think, “He is a Dzogchen teacher edge was only intellectual and a up and understand. Maybe a per- course, I understood that my establish in that way . That is not and he teaches Dzogchen.” I nice idea. I discovered I was not son has knowledge of Dzogchen teacher of college was also a done to support my belief, but to teach the essence of all teachings, at all in the knowledge of the Teaching, but no precise experi- Dzogchen practitioner, but at that go beyond discussion. So it has traditions and schools. Maybe essence of the Teaching. That is ence. The Teaching makes one period I k new o nly t he n ame value. These are called the three someone clearly explains and an e xample. C hangchub D orje understand everything. We under- Dzogchen and I had no knowl- logics. shows the essence and maybe was able to transmit the stand how we work with and par- edge. We were studying When we study in an intellectual someone else explains it in a dif- Dzogchen Teaching directly. For ticularly how to connect con- Mahayana and Sutra texts. Later , way we establish everything with ferent way, but we must discover the Dzogchen Teaching, we need cretely with the Teaching. It is when I met my personal master the three logics; then we believe the essence. In the Dzogchen such a connection between very important that we get in the Changchub Dorje, he introduced and consider what we have estab- teacher and student. Some people essence of the teaching. It is not Teaching there are very famous Dzogchen knowledge to me and continued on the next page
2 Teaching ChNN continued from previous page Collaboration between Gars and Gakyils lished as true. When you use the BASE Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s Message before the Gakyil Election three logics, there are many dif- ferent considerations and that is So you see, in Mahayana Sutra Tashigar Norte, Venezuela, March 12, 2005 the reason why there are many teachings it is said that all sentient irst of all, I think we should understand what Merigar means other people don’ t think in the different schools. Starting and beings have Buddha nature, or understand what a Gakyil is and what we are doing. same way. Many of them are only establishing with the three logics sometimes it is called the Buddha and why we need it, Particularly, they should under- interested in taking Teachings means you put all your questions seed. That means there is the pos- Fbecause it seems that some people stand how the Dzogchen from me. They learn something and problems on the table. Now sibility of total enlightenment. do not know. I started to teach in Community can continue in the and are satisfied. This is not good you coordinate which is which. In Contrary to that, there are many 1976 and from that period up to future and how it should work in and for this reason I asked Yeshe the real sense, that is dualism; I Hinayana schools that do not today I have been giving Teach- different parts of the world. to or ganize. He has dedicated am here, the problems are there. believe that the possibility of total ings and Transmission. For that I prepared a book entitled: himself to doing that and has Now I want to discover what the enlightenment exists for all sen- reason, many people have “The Fundamental Principles of worked very hard. problem is. In that way , the point tient beings. That is called become interested and follow my the Dzogchen Community”. I In this case, people on the of view is established. That rigched – rigched means not hav- Teaching. As the Community received a lot of criticism at that Gakyil, in particular , should method has become more univer- ing that seed, not having the pos- grew, we needed more or ganiza- time but I have continued to apply understand what Yeshi is doing sal in dif ferent schools. For that sibility o f ma nifesting i n a ny tion in order to continue the those p rinciples m ainly i n t he and instead of criticizing, they reason, my college teacher said I moment. Teaching and practice. This is Gars. This, however , doesn’ t must collaborate and be respect- should try to find inside myself There is a very interesting way of called the Dzogchen Community. completely correspond to the pre- ful. In the future, I don’ t want the sense of Prajnaparamita explaining this in the Mahayana I have never been interested sent situation: today we are in the anyone on the Gakyil - not only Alamakara. I should put this Sutra: Once upon a there was in creating a hierarchical system. 2000’s not in the 1900’ s. When here [in Margarita] but anywhere problem I cannot understand on yogi on a mountain always doing I know very well that other dhar- we started in 1976, things were - to say that Merigar is a dictator- the table and then try to under- practice and he developed a great ma centers don’ t have problems very dif ferent from today . ship. If you feel like this you are stand it. When my teacher capacity of clarity. In front of the because they have number one, Besides, I am getting older every free, you don’ t have to obey . Changchub Dorje introduced to mountain where this yogi lived number two and number three year, sometimes I still travel and I Nobody is obliged to. But if you me, I couldn’ t find the real point there was a small mountain. On who follow the main center . For do my best. want to be part of the Gakyil you of view outside. You remain like that small mountain there was a that reason, from my experience, From 1976 up to now , with- must understand and work in this subject and object but you should cave and every evening an old we started by forming what we out including the Santi Maha way because the Gakyil is not an turn inside yourself. man went in this cave and the call a ‘Gakyil’, which corre- Sangha trainings and seminars, I ordinary organization. The For example, you must under- next day when the sun rose he sponds to the Teaching. Until have held three hundred and sev- Gakyil is the or ganization of the stand the difference between eye- went outside until the evening. now we have had many years enty-two r etreats. I know how Dzogchen Co mmunity a nd t he glasses and the mirror. Even if we Every evening the old man experience with the Gakyil, not much I have worked and made Dzogchen Community is related have very good eyeglasses, the returned to the cave. The yogi just a few. sacrifices. I have done all this to the Teaching that I transmit. I function of eyeglasses is to see was wondering what that old man Since I have lived in Italy , all because I know the importance of have this responsibility much outside, not to see yourself. The was doing. With his clarity , the my experience of Teaching, the the Teaching and that it must con- more than anyone else and there- function of the mirror is another yogi discovered that the man was Gakyil and the organization of the tinue in a precise way . People fore I cannot accept that someone example. You look in the mirror a poor person who had no house Dzogchen Community developed who work in the Gakyil must criticizes, ma kes p roblems a nd and your face appears. You or bed or anything. In the day- at Merigar. Merigar represents the understand this. that someone who wants to be observe yourself and try and dis- time, the old man went to the vil- conclusion of twenty-five years of Recently, in order to make part of the Gakyil gives orders cover what your primordial lage to ask for food and drink. In experience, not just a few years. I everything correspond with a and becomes the boss of the potentiality is. When you discov- the evening he went back to have always said that Merigar more modern system, I asked my Gakyil. If you want to be part of er that, it is called chig she, when sleep, but he had no bed. There should be the example of how the son Yeshi to or ganize the the Gakyil you must reflect on you discover one you can discov- was a stone where he put his Gakyil, the Gar and everything Community. Even as long as four this and work in this way. er all. Otherwise, you should head. Every day the old man went else develop. If we watch the or five years ago, Yeshi said to learn everything that exists, but to the village and passed his life video journal, we can see how me, “Father , you are very tired. Transcribed and edited that is impossible. So you see, the that way. Later, the yogi observed hard we have worked at Merigar You travel too much. We have to by Liz Granger example of the eyeglasses and the that the old man no longer came to develop everything. That is the organize things so that you don’ t mirror gives a very clear idea. I out of his cave and the yogi won- real condition. People should have to travel so much.” But heard this example first from my dered what had happened to him. teacher Changchu b Dorje, but The yogi looked again with his later I saw it in Dzogchen original clarity and saw that the old man IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT books. This is a very important had died and that was the end of ON RESTRICTED WEB CASTS point. his miserable life. Then the yogi saw with his clarity that inside the Dear All, RIME stone where the old man put his “Restricted” or “Closed” web casts means that the web casts are restricted to the members of the head every night was a very big Dzogchen Community. Therefore, these web casts will be made available only to Community centers as So when we refer to ‘way of diamond. The old man always follows: being’ and ‘dif ferent kinds of had contact with this diamond, all - Gars and National Lings will have the possibility to receive the web cast in VIDEO. They should teachings’, we are talking about of his life, but he was ignorant appoint a person in charge of web cast reception, who will be sent the access data for the Gar or National the Rime School. Rime means that there was a diamond there Ling. non-sectarian. Why does Rime and even if it was there, it did not - Smaller Lings, city and town Gakyils will receive the AUDIO web cast. They should appoint a per- exist? All the teachers who have help his life. That is an example: son in charge of web cast reception, who will be sent the access data. the idea of Rime are Dzogchen Even if we have our potentiality , practitioners. When you discover our quality, since the beginning, - Anonymous/individual access to restricted web casts will not be possible, so the organization of group your real nature and you are in that which is called the seed of attendance by Gars, Lings and Gakyils is crucial. that state, there is no reason to be Buddha, when we are ignorant - Gars, Lings and Gakyils should contact Merigar at [email protected] as soon as possible in limited by dif ferent schools and has no benefit. That is our prob- order to be included in the access list. traditions. This is the real mean - lem. - We ask each Ling/centerto take advantage of this opportunity send their complete data (address, email, ing of Rime. Some people consid- web site if any, etc.).- er that Rime means opening up a DZOGCHEN, TOTAL PERFECTION - Every Gar/Ling/Gakyil will be responsible for keeping their access data absolutely private. tradition or school. That is not Rime; that can never be Rime, So what do we really mean by Do not hesitate to contact us for more information. because you always keep the con- Dzogchen T eaching? Literally Thank you for your collaboration, cept of your school. It only means Dzogchen means: total perfec- you have opened the school; you tion, but that total perfection is The Merigar Gakyil can always come to my house but our real nature. Everyone has that my house is always my house. I qualification but we are ignorant ChNN’s schedule continued from page 1 am only giving you permission to of it and there is no manifestation. come in my house. But when we If we have some karmic connec- Longsal Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod Retreat are in our real nature, even if tion with the Teaching or Restricted Web Cast November 10 – 17 there are a hundred different indi- Teachers, we receive transmis- Nadjyang of Tawa Retreat viduals, when they are in their sion of the Teachings, follow and AUSTRALIA The Main Points of the View Totally Beyond the real nature, between the real apply that Teaching and its Caloundra Conceptual Mind. natures, there is no dif ference. method, then we can wake up and September 27 – October 1 Restricted Web Cast There is no dif ference between discover our real nature. So this is Longsal Yeshes Zangthal: my real nature of enlightened our real condition of the base. Upadesha on All-Penetrating Wisdom November 24 – 26 being and my real nature of not Restricted Web Cast Teaching in Sydney enlightened being. Enlightened (To be announced) beings have that knowledge and Transcribed and edited NAMGYALGAR they are in it. Who is not in that by Naomi Zeitz October 9 - 15 ARGENTINA state and does not have that Jnana Dhakkini Teaching Retreat of Longsal December 8 – 19 knowledge is ignorant of that. In Gomadevi Buenos Aires Retreat this case, even we have that qual- (To be announced) ification there is not much bene- SANTI MAHA SANGHA fit. October 24 -26 December 26 – January 1 Santi Maha Sangha 1st Level Exam Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod October 27 - 31 Upadesha of the Introduction to the State of Ati RECOGNIZING THE BUDDHA SEED nd & THE REAL CONDITION OF THE Santi Maha Sangha 2 Level Training Restricted Web Cast
T HE M IRROR S EPT/OCT 2005 3 asia news LETTER FROM ANDREA DELL’ANGELO Dear friends and supporters, e are all aware of the difficulties of the Tibetan people and the HAVE YOU EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT importance of working for and dedicating ourselves to the protection and preservation of their culture. It is with this Wdeeply rooted conviction that ASIAOnlus, Associazione per la Solidari- SUPPORTING A CHILD LIKE TASHI età Internazionale in Asia, has been carrying forward its development, emergency and long distance support programs for the last 18 years. IN LONG DISTANCE ADOPTION? I have just returned from a mission to one of our projects for theTibetan community and I was able to see for myself the excellent work that is being carried out there by our local representatives.Thanks to this many children and entire families are really improving their quality of life. The generous contributions of many Supporters are concretely helping these people. Many other families, however, need help and there are still many children who cannot attend school. Guaranteeing these children the possibility to attend school means not only helping them receive an education. More than anything else it means guaranteeing an entire people the survival of their culture and a better future. For this reason we have committed ourselves to finding another 500 donors before the end of the year to support at distance the same num - ber of Tibetan children who are waiting for a gesture of solidarity . ASIA Onlus gives absolute priority to fieldwork and has decided not to use even the smallest part of contributions from Supporters to pay for costly publicity campaigns and would like to thank The Mirror for the opportunity it has given our appeal. Now we are counting on your help so decide to take part in long dis - tance support and spread our appeal to friends, colleagues, acquain - tances and family members: we are ur gently looking for 500 generous supporters for 500 Tibetan children! Have you ever thought about long distance adoption before? Would you like to support a child but don’ t Thank you in the name of ASIA Onlus know with which association because you don’ t really understand how your donation will be used? Now you have the opportunity to make your dream come true. Andrea Dell’Angelo Today if you decide to support at distance one of the 500 Tibetan children on the ASIA Onlus waiting list, General Manager you can know for certain how your contribution will be used. For only 25 euro a month, you can give them ASIA Onlus the possibility to attend school and have an education that will of fer them a better future. You will be able to follow your child’s progress through regular updating and photos sent directly to you by our local agents. If you wish, you could even meet your child during a visit to his or her Tibetan community. For 18 years, ASIA Onlus has been protecting and helping the Tibetan people with their wealth of culture and traditions. Send an email right away to: [email protected] and we will send you, without obligation, all the When the Cock Crows continued from page 1 information about our appeal. Tashi and another 500 Tibetan children are awaiting your gesture of solidar- ity that could change their lives. which ASIA ’s Andrea Dell Rinpoche in the teaching hall on Angelo presented an appeal and the first day of the retreat, they showed the organization’s high- explained that years ago on his ly moving film on the plight of last visit to Spain, Rinpoche had the Tibetans and Tibetan cul - said that he would return when Via San Martino della Battaglia, 31 – 00185 Rome, Italy ture. the cock crows. At the time his Tel: ++39.06.44340034, Fax: ++39.06.44702620 The retreat drew to a close prediction may have been enig- Email: [email protected] on Sunday , October 9 as matic for those who heard it, but Web site: www.asia-onlus Rinpoche gave his final advice this year, the Year of the Cock to the students gathered there. It (according to the Chinese lunar was a special moment as the calendar, ‘Bird’ in the Tibetan), Vajra Dancers filled all five was without doubt the most fit- If you would like to receive information about long distance adoption please fill out and send this mandalas to do the Om A Hum ting time for his arrival. May form to ASIA Onlus, Via San Martino della Battaglia, 31 – 00185 Rome Italy , fax 06.44702620 dance as a fitting close to the the Master return when the Dog retreat. barks! (2006 is the Tibetan Fire When the or ganizers wel- Dog year) comed and introduced Name & surname
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Tibetan Medical class with Dr. Phuntsog ED HAYES Tibetan Medical Program Shang-Shung Institute in America Conway, Massachusetts by Matthew Schmookler n September 6 , 2005 at begin to continue to learn tradi- Tsegyalgar in Massachu- tional external treatments includ- setts, the Shang-Shung ing Moxibustion. The g oal i n OInstitute in America launched a offering practical experience rigorous four -year program in early on in the program is so the Tibetan Medicine. The program students have a real base of prac- was launched under the direction tical knowledge when they travel of Dr . Phuntsog Wangmo. Dr to Tibet for their culminating Wangmo received her advanced internship. degree from the Lhasa University The core of the curriculum is School of Traditional Medicine in the Gyud Bzhi, the four medical 1988 where she also served a two- Tantras from the precious teach- year residency after completing ings of Medicine Buddha. The her five-year training program students completed the Tsa Gyud (1983-1990). During that time she (root Tantra), the first and most studied with the Khenpos Troru condensed Tantra, in the first Tsenam and Gyaltsen, two of three weeks. Now beginning the Tibet’s foremost doctors who are Bshad Gyud (the explanatory credited with the revival of Tantra), the students are in the Tibetan Medicine within Tibet process of learning the detailed under the Chinese. Tibetan Anatomy and physiology. Talking about T ibetan Next fall, Shang-Shung in Medicine’s relationship to the America is preparing to launch a Western world Dr . Phuntsog new four -year class next fall. In explains, “ The face of Tibetan addition some summer classes Medicine has been hiding from will be offered for those interest - the Western world. No one knows ed in studying intensive modules whether it is ugly or beautiful. In including History of Tibetan order for it to thrive independent- Medicine and Astrology for ly it must show its face.” Her Medical practice. intention in starting this program Also underway is the opening is to create a curriculum that par- of a Traditional Tibetan Medicine allels her training in Tibet, a for- and massage clinic in the near mat never initiated in the West. In town of Northampton. Here the addition, a complete training in students will have the opportunity Tibetan Language and cultural to see the medicine in practice studies will supplement the and also develop their massage course. In contrast to the tradi- skills. A grand opening of the th tional style of Tibetan Medical clinic will be on November 12 training the four -year program from 2- 4pm in Rm.323 in the offers clinical training early in the Central Chambers Building, 16 study. After one month of classes Center St. next to the Iron Horse. the students have learned hands- on Kunye massage and have For more information on the begun learning pulse diagnosis. program go to Next semester , the students will www.shangshung.org
Updated Web Site Shang-Shung Institute, Austria Hello Everybody, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu” played I am pleased to be able to inform on guitar in Sinai Desert in you that we have reor ganized the December, 2003. Alex was so web site of the Shang- Shung kind to give all the income of Institute, Austria. On this new site selling of this CD as a donation you can find not only all the news for the Ka-ter Translation Project about the Ka-ter Translation and he is really playing very nice- Project, but we also of fer a lot of ly. new items in our Shop and you can get all the new books of Please enjoy our web site, Shang Shung Edizioni. Very best wishes,
I especially want to mention our Oliver F. Leick new audio CD by Alex Polak Shang-Shung Institute Austria called “V ajra Melodies of Web: www.ssi-austria.at
T HE M IRROR S EPT/OCT 2005 5 News about the Ka-ter Translation Project “Being Born, Living and Dying” Shang-Shung Institute, Austria New Book by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu he Ka-ter Translation Project is one of the Some of them are also confronted with difficulties to main initiatives of the Shang-Shung, Institute get a visa. Being aware of the not easy situation for n the next two months the latest book of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Austria. Three significant and long-lasting most of the participants, the Shang-Shung Institute, about Tibetan Medicine called “Being Born, Living and Dying” Tactivities regarding translation and preservation of Austria covered all the expenses of the Training and published by Shang Shung Edizioni will be available in English.As Isoon as this book is published you will receive more information. Tibetan texts are unified in the name “Ka-terTransla- could again grant a scholarship to most of the trans- tion Project”. lators. Scholarships are not a kind of payment for the Please allow me to inform you about our activities in translators but just a financial support, which cannot This book is the first result of the Ka-ter Translation Project (the main 2005. be g uaranteed e very y ear a s t he S hang-Shung project of the Shang-Shung Institute, Austria), as this text was the text Institute depends on donations. studied by the First Training for Translators from Tibetan in 2003. 1. The Dzogchen-Tantra Translation Project In June After this training, Elio Guarisco worked many hours on this text in 2005 the three main translators of the Dzogchen- 3. The preservation of the Tantras of Changchub order to guarantee a correct and precise translation of this wonderful Community – Elio Guarisco, Adriano Clemente and Dorje The preservation of the numerous Tantras of book, and a lot of more ef fort, time and ener gy were required to put Jim Valby – met in Merigar for two weeks in order Changchub Dorje, the master of Chögyal Namkhai the words into exact English and make a beautiful layout. to continue their work on the translation of the Norbu, is a project of the Shang-Shung Institute of Mejung Tantra. The work on this marvelous Tantra America in collaboration with the Shang-Shung The Italian translation will also be finished in the near future, but it started in summer 2004 during the Training for Institute Austria. All the work has been carried out would be great and useful if this book could be published in other lan- Translators in Margarita. for nearly one year in Tibet and is financed by the guages. Therefore I want to ask all qualified translators if anyone is Elio and Jim carried on this translation work in two Institutes. The Austrian branch of the Institute interested to translate this book from English into their own language November and December 2004 in Tsegyalgar. In supported this important project with 1500 US (Spanish, German, Chinese, Russian, French). Shang Shung Editions spite of a debilitating illness, Elio worked on two Dollar. will publish the book after these translations are checked by the IPC Tibetan texts in spring 2005; he went on with the (International Publishing Committee of the Dzogchen Community). translation work of the Mejung, and also finished the Finances of the Ka-ter Translation Project Until the For further information regarding publishing into other languages work on the book “Being born, living and dying”, end of 2005 the Shang-Shung Institute Austria will please contact me directly. the latest book of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on have financed all the projects with more than 22,500 Tibetan Medicine. This text was the manual of the Euro. As all the money comes from donations we Thank you very much for your attention, first Training for Translators in 2003 and it will be really want to express our deepest gratitude to all Very best wishes, published in October 2005 - and will be the first vis- donors who have supported our activities. In order to ible fruit of the Ka-ter Translation Project. We really guarantee a continuation of our work also in the Oliver F. Leick want to thank Elio for his enormous strength and future we will need again your support. Shang-Shung Institute Austria effort he always has been shown for translations of Email: [email protected] Tibetan texts. There is one very nice way of sponsoring our activi- Web site: www.ssi-austria.at The next meeting of the three translators will take ties: place between November and December 2005 in 1. If you can offer at least 1000 Euro you will get an book review Margarita. During six weeks they will try to finish incredibly wonderful statue of Garab Dorje. It is the translation of the Mejung Tantra and also will fully gold plated with painted face. It is 13 inches tall DZIGAR KONGTRUL work on the Khanyam Tantra. (33 cm) and 9 inches wide (23,5 cm) on a deer skin T S P TO OU HE RACTICE OF ELF EFLECTION ON base. Please have a look at www .ssi-austria.at/ssi- “I ’ U Y : T P S -R THE BUDDHIST PATH.” 2. The third Training for Translators from Tibetan engl/shop-engl-garabdorje.htm where you can see BOSTON: SHAMBHALA, 2005 (HARDCOVER, 133 PAGES) from July 6 until August 9, 2005 was held in the statue. Merigar. Under the guidance of Elio Guarisco, ten 2. If you can of fer at least 750 Euro you will get an his slim hardcover volume has a for- translators from the worldwide Dzogchen incredibly wonderful statue of Dorje Legpa. It is ward by prolific American nun Pema Community had again the precious opportunity to 14,5 inches (35,5 cm) high and 1 1 inches (27 cm) Chodron, who is an admirer of Dzigar work on a wonderful Dzogchen Tantra, the wide. It is beautifully carved and has a gold plated TKongtrul. The author’s preface states that the Khanyam, and in that way to progress their ability to face. Please have a look at www .ssi-austria.at/ssi- book is based on transcripts of ongoing talks translate spiritual Tibetan texts, which are so difficult engl/shop-engl-dorjelegpa.htm where you can see that he has with his students weekly by tele- to translate. Excellent translators from Tibetan are the statue. (The German version is: www .ssi-aus- phone hookup. The author’s acknowledgment very rare, but the reason for that is very simple: not tria.at/shop-statuen.htm) section indicates that he is married to a everyone interested in Tibetan language has the woman named Elizabeth. He grew up in India capacity to translate from Tibetan in a correct and You can also can give an online donation with your to exiled Tibetans and became associated with precise way. In order to become a good and qualified Visa or MasterCard via our web safe donation site: Tulku Urgyen. In recent years was on the fac- translator from Tibetan really takes many years of https://ssl13.inode.at/ssi-austria.at/creditcardoffer- ulty of Naropa Institute, founded by Trungpa intensive and concentrated work in which one dedi- ing.htm (or the German version Rinpoche. cates a couple of hours every day translating Tibetan (https://ssl13.inode.at/ssi-austria.at/kreditkarten- The book is loosely divided into three sec- texts. In the last three years more than sixteen trans- spende.htm) tions: “The Practice of Self-Reflection,”“Fearless Self-Reflection,” and lators from all over the world have dedicated their “Finding Our Place in the World.” Although some kind of central orga- time, money and effort to work on translations from All the money you offer is a donation for the Ka-ter nizing principle was obviously intended, it was dif ficult for me to dis- Tibetan and have taken part in the Training for Translation Project and will permit us to continue cover a particular progression in the order of topics. Rather , it seemed Translators from Tibetan, an initiative of the Ka-ter our fruitful and effective work. as though one could dip into a chapter at any point, and start from there. Translation Project. They really have increased their The following quotes will give a flavor of the central teaching in the ability to translate, have gained a good understand- We thank you very much for your attention and your book. ing and according to Elio Guarisco, their ef forts in precious support, very best wishes “Working with dif ficulties in a compassionate way doesn’ t neces- this training has been very fruitful. Besides great sarily mean we can resolve them. Samsara, by it’ s nature, can’ t be devotion and dedication towards Tibetan Culture the Oliver F. Leick fixed. It can only be worked with and transcended—which means seen translators need to have enough time and money to Shang-Shung Institute, Austria through” (p. 89) cover their travel expenses and their costs of lodging www.ssi-austria.at “A mind that is resolved is simply present. We are not struggling in order to be able to participate in the Trainings. with good or bad, right or wrong, life or death. We’re not trying to reshape our mind through Dharma practice or anything else” (p. 1 16). Seventh Issue of the Video Journal Available “It is important to always return to the understanding that suf fering is not personal. It’ s an integral part of being alive and something that we all share. A great deal of understanding can come from bringing he seventh Chögyal awareness to suf fering, rather than thinking about it or judging it” (p. issue of Namkhai Norbu 58) the V ideo for allowing us “Until we let go of attachments, we really only care about what hap- TJournal, the third to follow him so pens to us. If we win the lottery, we get excited; if someone else wins, for the current closely. Our we don’t. When attachments are let go of, we don’t really care who wins year, is now com- warmest thanks the lottery. . We enjoy the achievements and pleasures of others as much pleted and has to Fabio Andrico as we enjoy the sun, moon, sky . . .Nobody owns them, and there is no been sent out. for his tireless sense of “Why isn’t that mine?” (p .115) work in provid- One section that I particularly enjoyed spoke of the sense of pro- Between the ing us with won- found “ordinariness” that emanates from great teachers such as His months of March derful images Holiness the Dalai Lama. The author captured this perfectly when he and May and to our sub- stated: “There is no clumsiness of body, speech, and mind because there Rinpoche trav- scribers who is no self importance. Such a person might accidentally spill tea while eled extensively make this work pouring it. But there is no clumsiness in their world, because there is no in Mexico and the possible. clumsiness in their mind. We, on the other hand, would feel tremen - United States. dously clumsy if we spilled tea. If we weren’t so attached to how things This is a special 100 minutes issue of chronicles due We remind you should be……our tea pouring would always be elegant and gracious, to the large number of events that took place in those that the Video Journal is available in CD and DVD even if we spilled” (p. 116) months. We are sure that you will enjoy being with both PAL and NTSC system. For further information Now there’s a test! Can you spill something elegantly , graciously, our Master in Mexico City and Baja, California as or for subscribing please write to [email protected]. and with complete, unselfconscious ordinariness? Ooops!!!! well as Hollywood and New York and in Khandroling where the first Universal Mandala was Thank you by Paul Bail officially inaugurated on May the 10th. We would like to renew our deepest gratitude to The Video Journal Editorial Team
6 HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA RECEIVES AN HONORARY new books from DEGREE FROM RUTGERS UNIVERSITY AND IS HONORED AS shang shung editions THE 25TH MASON WELCH GROSS LECTURER AT THE SPORTS STADIUM OF RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, NEW JERSEY, USA ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2005.
n September 25, 2005, His Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Holiness the Dalai Lama THE FOUNDATION OF THE PATH was conferred an Hon- Euro 13.00 Oorary Degree by Rutgers Univer - “If we observe well we can see that most of us are like a stone in sity at the Rutgers Sports Stadium water. Maybe we talk about Bodhicitta, about acting for the good of in New Brunswick, New Jersey . others and many other nice things and live in a rosy atmosphere, but Rutgers Stadium holds about then we remain like a stone. Usually things that are left in water get 40,000 people and was almost soft, but not a stone, it always remains hard because that is its con- filled to capacity with all kinds of dition, it never relaxes and even after centuries it does not have the people and was one of the biggest least idea of integrating with the water . Even if it stays in the water events Rutgers ever hosted. Even for thousands of years, if we break it open it is still dry inside. In this though the weather was overcast, be driven by emotions that lead to way our ego never integrates with the teaching, all it is capable of cool and threatening rain, the aggression and intolerance. His doing is uttering a lot of nice words, like a scholarly professor who large crowd welcomed His Holi - Holiness also spoke eloquently gives a talk and everyone says, “Ah, how erudite he is, what a good ness with a warm and embracing about how caring for others cre- talk.” But really he has not integrated anything in himself and his standing ovation. ates a more peaceful world. condition has not changed one jot. Dr. Richard L. McCormick, His Holiness’ s speech was So, the teaching must not become like this, we must integrate it in the President of Rutgers, opened followed by questions and ourselves, but in order to integrate it we must open a bit, that is, we with a sincere tribute to this sim- answers; many questions reflect- must observe ourselves and understand our condition.” ple monk of great stature. His ed the presssing need people have Holiness’s characteristically to better understand the human This collection of teachings contains the foundation for observing ourselves and understanding our real con- humble reply was, “First of all, I condition in order to make a more dition: the Four Awarenesses, the Thr ee Sacred Principles (Refuge, Bodhicitta, Dedication of Merit), the am very honored to receive this peaceful world. Three Trainings, and the Vajra State. honorary degree, especially The event finished after the because I didn’ t have to study questions and answers. His very hard for it.” His remark was Holiness and his long-time trans- Taranatha followed by contagious laughter lator got up to leave and the THE BIOGRAPHY OF THE GREAT MASTER that rippled through the crowd. crowd rose to its feet giving a PADMASAMBHAVA His Holiness gave an inspir- send of f befitting the simple Euro 11.00 ing talk on Peace, War and monk and his profound message. The Tibetan word namthar, which is usually translated as ‘biog- Reconciliation at the invitation of To be in his mandala is like raphy’, literally means ‘complete liberation’, because Tibetan the Mason Welch Gross lecture being bathed in the light of the biographies are essentially the life-stories of spiritual masters or series. Mason Gross was a presi- Bodhisattvas. enlightened beings. Thus the account itself can be an aid on the dent of Rutgers University from path that leads to complete liberation and an example of spiritual 1959 to 1971 and was particular- perfection. ly interested in philosophy and Naomi Zeitz for The Mirror Since it was Padmasambhava who brought Tantric Buddhism to literature. Tibet, he is the most important guru in its lineages. Therefore, any His Holiness’ s talk stressed, reliable testimony regarding his life is extremely valuable for as always, the need to look with- those who study and practice these teachings in the Western in, develop compassion and not world. Taranatha (1575-?), the author of the biography contained in this Special Practice Calendar continued from next page, 8 book, is one of the major Tibetan historians of his age. His testi - mony is still considered reliable by Tibetans, and the source of his writings is in the Kama tradition. In this case recite the heart mantra of the specific practice linked to the work he deals with the history of Padmasambhava as a modern historian would, wishing to satisfy a need for Ekajati as many times as possible. anniversary of Garab Dorje. In objectivity, using the most reliable sources available to him and making accurate references to them in his this way the transmission will be st th th text, so as to dispel any doubts regarding the authenticity of his account. 1 Month, 10 day Thu. 9 live because the transmission has March 2006 no distance. Rinpoche will trans- ESSENTIAL NOTES mit and throughout the world On the Vajra Dance Based on the teachings of This is the day on which people who do the practice at the CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU Padmasambhava was ordained by same moment will be in the trans- Edited by Prima Mai Ananta, or , according to Jigmed mission and will thus receive the Euro 8.00 Lingpa (‘Jigs med gLing pa), the transmission. This practice The short essential notes on the Vajra Dance presented in this book- day on which he left the kingdom should be done at the appointed let mainly refer to basic details such as the positions of the palms of Oddiyana to go to the cemetery time together with your Vajra and the feet in relation to each of the syllables of the Three Vajra at Maghadha called Citavana. brothers and sisters or , if that is Dances. They are based on Rinpoche’s book La Luce Preziosa (The You can do a Ganapuja in the not possible, alone. (In Italy , this Precious Light) and on notes taken during the verification work of usual way or if you do not have practice will be done at 4 am.) the last years. the possibility you can try to do SEE GLOBAL TIMETABLE In the original text by Rinpoche there are no indications of open or the Long life practice linked to There is also a penumbral lunar closed movements, instead the movements are explained mainly the Guruyoga of Guru Rinpoche eclipse on this day. through the terms tsom, chun, korbeb etc. (Universal Wisdom Union) either st th th The simplified explanation of “closed”, “open” and “parallel” which collectively or alone. Otherwise 1 Month, 25 day Fri. 24 Rinpoche applied when giving oral explanations of movements, you can do a Medium Thun March 2006 steps etc. has been adopted as a way to explain the movements and (Tundrin) with an intense practice is now used in these very simplified essential notes. of the Guruyoga of This is the day of the Dakini and This text is meant for practitioners of the Vajra Dance who have Padmasambhava. in particular the anniversary of already received instruction in this practice and endeavors to clarify the lady Master Ayu Khandro, so st th th some of its technical aspects. 1 Month, 15 day Tue. 14 it is good to do the Akar Lamai March 2006 Naljor or a Ganapuja with trans- formation into the Dakini Postage and packaging: in Europe add 4 Euro per order every 3 books. To order please send the list of books FULL MOON. The anniversary Simhamukha. you require by letter or e-mail to: Shang Shung Edizioni, 58031 Arcidosso, GR, Italy . Tel. 0564 966039, of the great Dzogchen Master st th th Email: [email protected] Garab Dorje as well as that of the 1 Month, 30 day Wed. 29 Or order the books through our web site: www.dzogchen.it links to Shang Shung Edizioni. founder of Bön, the great Master March 2006 Shenrab Miwoche, falls on the day of the first full moon of the DARK MOON. This day is suit- Shang Shung Edizioni books can be ordered on-line visiting the Tibetan year. It is also a special able for purification practice so Merigar website
T HE M IRROR S EPT/OCT 2005 7 Special Practice C alendar for Four Months W o o d B i r d Y e a r 2005-2006
9th – 12 th Tibetan months 11:00 Singapore, Hong Kong It is DARK MOON. This is an excel- Guru Amitayus, “Union of (November 15th – Februar y 12:00 Tokyo lent day to do purification prac- Primordial Essences”. If possible 27th 2006) 14:00 Melbourne, Sydney tice so try to do the Purification of try to do a collective Ganapuja the Six Lokas and a Ganapuja in with your Vajra brothers and sis - th th plus the 1st Tibetan month of 9 Month, 15 day the evening. ters in the evening. th the Fire Dog Year (2006) Tue. 15 Nov. 2005 11th Month, 8th day 12th Month, 18th day th th GLOBAL TIMETABLE FULL MOON. This is Sat. 7 Jan. 2006 Thu. 16 Feb. 2006 a day of the Buddha ANNIVERSARY OF ADZOM and a good day to do This is a special day for This is the anniversary of the DRUGPA the Long life prac- doing the practice of great Dzogchen master Longchen 9th Tibetan month – 25th day tice of Amitayus, Ekajati so try to do a Rabjam (Longchenpa, 1306- Saturday 26th November 2005 “Union of Long Thun, collectively 1363). On this very important day Primordial or alone, reciting the try to do the Guruyoga Akar 01.00 Wellington, Auckland Essences”, either heart mantra as many Lamai Naljor, Guruyoga with the 02.00 Hawaii collectively or indi- times as possible. White A, either collectively or 03.00 Fairbanks vidually according personally. th th 04.00 San Francisco, Los to your possibili- 11 Month, 10 day th th th Angeles, Vancouver ties, in the morning Mon. 9 Jan. 2006 12 Month, 25 day rd 05.00 Denver , Salt Lake City , and in the evening a Thu. 23 Feb. 2006 Pagosa Springs, Edmonton Ganapuja. This is a special day of 06.00 Chicago, Mexico City Guru Padmasambhava Dakini Day. This is very positive th nd 07.00 New York, Conway , 9 Month, 22 day called Padma Gyalpo: it is the day for reinforcing your ener gy rd Montreal, Atlanta, Detroit, Wed. 23 Nov. 2005 day on which he arrived in the and creating a stronger contact Havana, Kingston, Indianapolis, capital of Oddiyana and became with the ener gy of the universe, Ottawa, Lima, Quito This day is the important prince to King Idrabhodi. so try to do a collective Ganapuja 08.00 Caracas celebration of Buddha Therefore it is an excellent day to with your Vajra brothers and sis - 09.00 Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo, Shakyamuni’s descent to earth do the Guruyoga of ters. If that is not possible, try to Rio de Janeiro, Santiago from the realm of the Divinities. con- Padmasambhava with a do a Medium Thun alone. In 12.00 GMT , London, Dublin, It is called “Lhabab Tuchen”, the sidered that Ganapuja. either case recite the heart mantra Lisbon Great Time of the Descent of the on this day, at the end of the 8th of Ekajati as many times as possi- th th 13.00 Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Divinities. It is an ideal day to do century, King Songtsen Gampo, 11 Month, 15 day ble. th Madrid, Amsterdam, a Ganapuja with your Vajra broth- the ancient king of Dharma, van- Sat. 14 Jan. 2006 Copenhagen, Brussels, Geneva, ers and sisters. If there are none ished dissolving into a statue of th th Prague, Salzbur g, Stockholm, nearby, you can do a Short or Avalokiteshvara. Therefore it is FULL MOON. Today it is impor- 12 Month, 29 day th Budapest, Vienna, Warsaw Medium Thun on your own. good to do the Guruyoga of tant to try to do the Long life Mon. 27 Feb. 2006 14.00 Helsinki, Athens, Ankara, Padmasambhava with the Long practice of Guru Amitayus, Union th th th Beirut, Jerusalem, V ilnius, 9 Month, 25 day life mantra and a Ganapuja. of Primordial Essences, in the This month there is no 30 day th Johannesburg Sat. 26 Nov. 2005 Otherwise you can do the Long usual way , and, if possible, a so today is the last day of the 15.00 Moscow , Murmansk, life practice “Universal Wisdom Ganapuja. Wood Bird year. Baghdad, Kuwait City , Riyadh, The 25th is a Dakini day and also Union”. If it is possible, the best It is a special day for purification th th Tashkent the anniversary of the great moment to do the Guruyoga is 11 Month, 25 day practices so try to do th 16.00 Kabul Dzogchen Master Adzom Drugpa early in the morning between 7 Tue. 24 Jan. 2006 “Purification of the Six Lokas” as 17.00 ODDIYANA, Islamabad (1842-1924), a previous reincar- and 8. You can do the Ganapuja much as possible. You should 17.30 Delhi, Bombay nation of Chögyal Namkhai later in the afternoon. This is a day of the Dakinis in also try to do a Ganapuja with 17.45 Kathmandu Norbu. He was a disciple of general, so if you have the oppor- your Vajra brothers and sisters. th th 18.00 Dacca Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and a 10 Month 11 day tunity practice a collective th 19.00 Bangkok, Jakarta, Saigon master of great masters such as Sun. 11 Dec. 2005 Ganapuja, with the transforma- LOSAR - TIBETAN NEW 20.00 Singapore, Beijing, Lhasa, Changchub Dorje and Ayu tion of the Dakini Simhamukha, YEAR – FIRE DOG Manila, Hong Kong, Kuala Khandro. Therefore, when it is 7 This is an important day for the and recite her heart mantra as st st Lumpur, Taipei, Perth pm in East Tibet on this day , practice of Ekajati. many times as possible. 1 Month, 1 day th 21.00 Tokyo, Seoul Chögyal Namkhai Norbu will Otherwise you can do a Medium Tue. 28 Feb. 2006 th th 22.00Brisbane, Vladivostok give the transmission of 10 Month, 15 day Thun either collectively or per- th 22.30 Adelaide Guruyoga with the specific prac- Thu. 15 Dec. 2005 sonally. The Tibetan New Year starts Kamchatka, Melbourne, Sydney tice linked to the anniversary of today. It is good to do a Long life Adzom Drugpa. In this way the FULL MOON. This day is con - 11th Month, 30th day practice as early as possible in the th Anniversary of Garab Dorje transmission will be live because sidered to be the day to honor the Sun. 29 Jan. 2006 morning and a Ganapuja during 1st Tibetan month – 15th day the transmission has no distance. Lord Buddha in general, and it is the day . Prayer flags can be Celebration at 8 a.m. Oddiyana Rinpoche will transmit and one of the best days to do the DARK MOON. This is an excel- authenticated during the time. throughout the world people who Long life Practice with the Dakini lent day to do purification prac- Ganapuja. On the morning of the do the practice at the same Mandarava in particular . tice so try to do the Purification of third day of the New Year you can Monday 13th March 2006 moment will be in the transmis- Generally the best moment to do the Six Lokas and a Ganapuja in do the rite of the Sang and hang sion and will thus receive the this kind of practice is between 7 the evening. up the prayer flags. 17:00 Hawaii transmission. This practice and 8 in the morning but if you th th st th 19:00 San Francisco, Los should be done at the appointed don’t have this possibility , then 12 Month, 10 day 1 Month, 4 day th rd Angeles, Vancouver (US Pacific time together with your Vajra do it in the afternoon or later in Tue. 7 Feb. 2006 Fri. 3 March 2006 Time) brothers and sisters or , if that is the evening when you are free. It 20:00 Denver (US Mountain not possible, alone. (In Italy , this is also a good day to do a This day is the anniversary of The fourth day of the first month Time) practice will be done at 1 pm.) Ganapuja. Guru Padmasambhava’ s corona- is a special day for doing the 21:00 Chicago, Mexico City , tion as Prince of Or gyen at the Long life practice of the Dakini th th Belize (US Central Time) SEE THE GLOBAL 10 Month, 25 day invitation of King Idrabhodi. We Mandarava. It is also a very spe- th 22:00 New York, Montreal, TIMETABLE Mon. 26 Dec. 2005 can perform a Ganapuja collec- cial day for doing the practice of Detroit, Havana tively or do the Long life practice, Ekajati so today try to do the th th 23:00 Caracas 9 Month, 30 day Today is a Dakini day and the “Universal W isdom Union” Long life practice “Cycle of Thu. 1st Dec. 2005 anniversary of T songkhapa either collectively or personally , Life’s Vajra” in the morning and Tuesday 14th March 2006 (1357-1491), who made a synthe- according to circumstances. the Long Thun in the evening. If DARK MOON. This is a good sis of the previous schools and you don’ t have this possibility , day to do Namcho Shitroi Naljor, founded the Gelugpa School. It is 12th Month, 11th day you can try to do the Long life 00:00 Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo, th Santiago the Yoga of the Peaceful and a very beneficial day for reinforc- Wed. 8 Feb. 2006 practice included in the Medium 03:00 GMT , London, Dublin, Wrathful Manifestations, in the ing the energy of the universe; so or Long Thun, with the rite of Lisbon morning. It is also an important try to perform a Ganapuja with This is a good day to do a Ekajati, reciting the heart mantra 04:00 Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Paris, day for the practice of Ekajati, so your Vajra brothers and sisters. If Medium or Long Thun with an of Ekajati as much as possible. Amsterdam, Stockholm try to do a Long or Medium there are no other practitioners intensive practice of the mantra st th 05:00 Helsinki, Athens, Thun, reciting the heart mantra of nearby you can do the Medium of Ekajati. 1 Month, 8 day Ekajati as many times as possible. Thun on your own, transforming Tue. 7th March 2006 Jerusalem th th 06:00 Moscow into the Dakini Simhamukha and 12 Month, 15 day th th th 08:00 Oddiyana (Karachi- 10 Month, 10 day reciting the heart mantra as many Sun. 12 Feb. 2006 This is an important day for doing th Pakistan) Sat. 10 Dec. 2005 times as possible. the practice of Ekajati, so try to 08:30 Delhi, Bombay FULL MOON. This is in general do the Long Thun either collec- th th 08:45 Kathmandu This is a special day of Guru 10 Month, 30 day a day for honoring the Lord tively or personally . If you don’ t st 09:00 Dacca Padmasambhava, the day on Sat. 31 Dec. 2005 Buddha, and in particular an ideal have that possibility then try to do 10:00 Bangkok, Jakarta which he arrived in central Tibet. day for the Long life practice of the Medium Thun and in either continued on previous page 8 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS m e r i g a r Dzogchen Community in Italy Arcidosso 58031 GR Italy Tel: 39 0564 968 837 Email: [email protected] Dear Members of the Dzogchen Community, Web site: www.dzogchen.it As the end of the year approaches, we would like to take the opportunity of reminding you to renew your Update on Merigar membership so that you can take advantage of the many discounts that are of fered.
From the Merigar Gakyil Ordinary membership costs 129 euro per year, gives a 20% discount on retreats and courses* and free sub - scriptions to the monthly Merigar Letter online and the four monthly Merigar magazine. This brief report, based on the most recent Gakyil meet- ing at Merigar, presents some of the developments that Sustaining membership costs 500 euro, gives free entry to all courses* and retreats in Europe, free sub - are currently taking place there. In this way , scriptions to the monthly Merigar Letter, Merigar magazine and The Mirror, free use of the personal retreat Community members and other Gakyils will be cabins at Merigar as well as a 50% discount on the Video Journal. informed about decisions, plans and projects that often affect the whole Community . This is the first ‘Update Meritorious membership costs 1500 euro and gives the same benefits as sustaining membership as well as on Merigar ’ report that The Mirror intends to publish a free copy of any new publications from Edizioni Shang Shung plus a free subscription to the Video every issue. For further details on any of the develop- Journal. It will also include a special gift. ments, please contact the Merigar Gakyil at [email protected] . Reduced membership at a cost of 50 euro is for Community members who can show an income which is lower than 700 euro per month and gives a 50% discount on courses* and retreats. Dzogchen Community Trademark At a recent meeting, the Gakyil decided to register the During 2006, the cost of the membership card will be deducted from the cost of the first retreat in which a Dzogchen Community trademark at the international new member participates. That is membership is a gift included in the cost of the retreat for new members. level. It has already been registered at the local level in Italy. The symbol is made up of a mandala with a All types of membership also give members the right to participate via webcast in retreats given by our Gakyil in the center , under which is written the Teacher abroad. “Dzogchen Community”. This trademark will be used on all printed material, on the Community website and In order to be able to carry on the Dzogchen Community Reor ganization Project, membership should be other material. registered no later than March 31, 2006. Membership is valid from January 1 to December 31, 2006.
Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance teachers and courses For more details on membership concessions, please refer to the table above. Contracts for the four principal teachers of Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance - Fabio Andrico, Adriana dal Bor go, With all best wishes for a very prosperous Fire Dog year Laura Evangelisti and Prima Mai - have been drawn up. This means that they will receive a monthly income The Merigar Gakyil from Merigar and so when they are invited to give courses in Europe, the groups hosting them should only provide them with accommodation, food and traveling Membership Fee Discount Personal Monthly 4-Monthly Publications Webcast Video Gift Mirror expenses. Outside Europe, when a Gar or Ling invites a Retreats Retreats ML ML Journal teacher, besides contributing to their traveling expenses, Ordinary the Gar or Ling should send to Merigar the amount of Member 129 20% 20% Online Both*** YES money previously contributed to the ITF fund, which Û no longer exists. For further clarification on inviting Sustaining 100% 100% Online Both 10% YES 50% Paper Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance teachers to give courses Member 500 Italian Gakyils should contact: Û Andrea Calbucci Meritorious 100% 100% Online Both 100% YES Free Special Gift Paper Member 1500 Tel. 334.3446586 Û Email: [email protected] Reduced 50% 50% Online Online YES Foreign Gakyils should contact: Memberships 50 Alfredo Colitto Û Email: [email protected] (*) Except courses organized by Shang Shung Institute, SMS exams and SMS, YY and VD Teachers’ Training (***) Online and paper versions As part of his duties, Fabio Andrico in particular will also take care of the international web casts besides his official role of accompanying Rinpoche on his travels. HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER: At Merigar there will be a person who will take care of At Merigar: contact the administration office (Pia Bramezza) or the secretary (Anna De Sole) At the Lings: the organization of Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance cours- contact the person in charge or the Yellow Gakyil. es around the world as well as general or ganization of the courses at Merigar. The name and contact address of FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND CLARIFICATION: this person will be announced shortly. Secretary (Anna De Sole): Apart from the four above-mentioned teachers, Yantra Tel: 0564 966837 Yoga and Vajra Dance courses given by other teachers Email: [email protected] who have been approved by Rinpoche should receive a fixed amount per day for their participation in courses Administration (Pia Bramezza): as well as food and lodging. (For complete information Tel: 0564 968110 on organizing YY and VD courses, please see the arti- Email: [email protected] cle written by the Merigar Gakyil and entitled, “Organization of Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance Yellow Gakyil (Alfredo Colitto): Courses” published in this issue of The Mirror.) Tel: 0564 950619 Email: [email protected] New Swimming Pool for Gadeling At the request of the Master ’s family, plans for a new covered swimming pool at Gadeling (the Master’s resi- dence at Merigar) have been presented and the Gakyil has approved the budget. The work will start in November. Associazione Culturale “Comunità Dzogchen” Merigar Arcidosso, 58031 Grosseto Italy Tel. +39 0.564 96.68.37 Fax. + 39 0.564 96.81.10 Work at the Gonpa Email: [email protected] Web site: www.dzogchen.it\ Two new gates will be built to close the lower part of the Gonpa. The company that made the prefabricated parts of the Gonpa has been called in to come and check out places in which there are infiltrations of rain that are damaging the precious frescoes on the panels. continued on next page
T HE M IRROR S EPT/OCT 2005 9 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS ORGANIZATION OF VAJRA DANCE & YANTRAYOGA COURSES Merigar Update continued from previous Program of Events (latest revision Merigar October 2005) page at Merigar Gifts to Meritorious Members November - December Dear friends, Vajra brothers and sisters, paid directly to the teachers but should be sent to The Gakyil has decided to make a 2005, January 2006 Merigar. gift of a melong made in five- NOVEMBER Due to the r eorganization of the Dzogchen metals and created by a jeweler to Community, initiated by the Master , meritorious members at Sat. Nov. 26 some changes wer e introduced con- Courses given by intermediate teach- Christmas. Worldwide Transmission of Guru cerning the or ganization of the ers Yoga on the occasion of the Yantra Y oga and V ajra Dance Folder for Sustaining Members Anniversary of the Master courses. A special folder is being prepared Adzom Drugpa (open to all). This is a new category that includes for next year ’s sustaining mem- 10am – Regarding Merigar and the teachers who have successfully bers containing a precious print Explanation of the practice European Communities, during this passed the Teacher’s Training exam in on cloth done by a famous artist 1pm – phase of r eorganization the four the presence of Rinpoche and were depicting different yidams (Dorje Worldwide Transmission of Guru Yoga international Y antra Y oga and V ajra judged particularly capable by the four Legpa, Vajrasattva etc), plus a Dance teachers will be hir ed dir ectly by international teachers. new CD of practice especially DECEMBER – JANUARY 2006 Merigar, who will take char ge not only of their prepared for the folder. salaries, but also of the International T eachers The Gakyil or Ling who organizes such a course: Thu. Dec.8 Fund (ITF). - no longer has to pay the 50% of the course fees to 25th Anniversary of Merigar Master Chögyal Namkhai Merigar, but may keep 100% of the fees to cover 2006 will be the 25th Anniversary Norbu’s birthday This will allow the Eur opean Lings and local expenses (travel, lodging, food, rent etc.) of Merigar during which there Intensive Long Life practice of Gakyils to organize an increasing number of cours- - no longer has to pay the ITF contribution may will be special celebrations. The the Dakini Mandarava es, without worrying about paying for their fees organize up to 15 days of courses held by these main emphasis of the event will and ITF contribution, while adopting the new teachers per year. be the meeting between practi- Sat. Dec 10 – Sun. 11 Retreat of explanation and membership policy, which includes free courses for tioners and local people and it is practice with Costantino Albini. sustaining members and discounts of 50% and Merigar will compensate these teachers with a fee intended as a moment in which The retreat starts on Saturday at 20% for reduced and ordinary members. equal to 35 Û per day. the Community opens up to the 10am. The intent to organize a course must be communi - local population, rather than just a Cost 50 euro with discounts. We are happy to invite all European Gakyils to take cated to Merigar (person in char ge) way ahead of ceremony with local of ficials as note of the new rules and guidelines when organiz- time, specifying the desired date and number of has happened in the past. The Mon. Dec.26 – Sun. January 1 ing future Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance courses. days. Gakyil is waiting for Rinpoche’ s 2006 suggestions to choose an auspi- Audio and video web cast of the The Merigar Gakyil If however a Gakyil or Ling wants to or ganize a cious date for the celebration. retreat of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu from Tashigar del Norte on greater number of days than 15, it can do so while Longsal Longde (not open to all) taking charge of the daily fee of the intermediate Shang-Shung Institute Membership teacher while still respecting the discounts applied The Shang Shung Institute (Italy) Sun. 1 – Thu. January 5 2006 to the varies membership cards. is gradually going to become part Course of explanation and prac- of the Dzogchen Community tice of the Dance of the Previously established membership regulations structure. Up to now it has operat- Liberation of the Six Lokas remain the same. However, those who have never Courses given by local teachers ed closely with Merigar but as a Led by Rita Renzi. The course previously been involved with the Community separate or ganization. Gino starts on Sunday at 4pm. and wish to participate in a course organized by the This refers to qualified and authorized teachers Vitiello, Mauro Nascari and Cost 125 euro with discounts local Gakyils or by the ling, need pay only for the who only teach in their local area of residence. Giorgio Dallorto are in char ge of (open to all). course itself without paying full membership working on this integration by Sun. 1 – Thu. January 5 2006 fees. The courses held by these teachers are excluded giving a new shape to the Course of explanation and prac- from membership discount policies. The Gakyil or Institute’s or ganizational struc- tice of Yantra Yoga first level with But please note the following: Ling who or ganizes the course must cover all ture and, at the same time, by an authorized teacher. The course course expenses and teachers’ fees. In this case, it guaranteeing the preservation of starts on Sunday at 10am. Exemption of payment of membership fees is lim- is recommended that all the participants, regardless the Institute’ s original identity Cost 150 euro with discounts ited only to the first contact with the Dzogchen of their type of membership, contribute to the costs. and the continuation of its statuto- (open to all). Community (i.e., taking part in any of the courses ry objectives. Merigar 58031 Arcidosso (GR) offered by the Dzogchen Community regardless of Italy where they take place, or attending the first day of Permanent courses Tel.:(39) 0564 966837 a retreat held by the Master) for any further use of Fax: (39) 0564 968110 the community facilities a membership card is nec- Email: [email protected] essary. Merigar cannot financially cover the costs of regu- Web site: www.dzogchen.it lar, yearlong courses (whether monthly or weekly) The office is open every day It is therefore essential that the Gakyil responsible organized by the local Gakyil or Ling. from 9.30 to 13.00 for organizing the course take down the informa - Even though intermediate and local teachers hold On Saturday it is also open from 14.30 – 17.30 tion regarding new participants and communicate these courses: this information to Merigar , so that they may be Membership discounts are not applicable included into the database of the Community. Every Gakyil or Ling has to carefully evaluate its Santi Maha Sangha for Children financial ability to or ganize courses (including the costs not only of all course expenses but also in Merigar, Italy Organization of the courses held by the four some cases, the fee for the instructor). June 2006 international teachers
We are very happy to announce that our precious master Chögyal Organizing and Planning Namkhai Norbu has agreed to hold a Santi Maha Sangha for Children The Gakyil or Ling that organizes the course: Examinations of the Base and 1 st Level in June 2006 in Merigar . All requests for courses must be sent to the person However, Rinpoche clearly indicated that the children should be well * will no longer have to pay the four internation- in charge in Merigar . Merigar will soon send you prepared by the local Communities beforehand. Shang Shung al teachers or the ITF. Merigar will take care of all all the information necessary to contact this person. Editions provides training books for the Base and First Level. Once these payments. you are or ganized in your local Communities, please let us know * may keep the course fees, but has to pr ovide We would again like to remind you that it is very approximately how many children will be interested to participate in for the travel, room and board expenses of the important to plan these courses way ahead of time the base and the 1st Level exams. teachers as well as the costs relative to the course in order to ensure efficient organization. location.
Update on theVajra Dance Costumes Information Less Costly All the courses worldwide held by the four of ficial teachers, will be coordinated and planned by Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any question Dear Practitioners of the Vajra Dance, Merigar (with a person in char ge). Therefore the or further clarification! Gakyil or Ling must contact Merigar (person in We are now able to produce the Vajra Dance Clothes in India and the charge) as far in advance as possible regarding Merigar 58031 Arcidosso (GR) Italy price will be much more reasonable and the quality , of course, still their wish to organize courses. According to avail- Tel.:(39) 0564 966837 beautiful. A set in pure silk will now cost 170 Euros including a spe- ability, Merigar will decide whom they will Fax: (39) 0564 968110 cial carrying bag. We are about to start the new production so if you send. This information will then be communicated Email: [email protected] would like to order your set please do it soon. to the local Gakyil or Ling. Please contact [email protected] for any order and information. There are no discounts for the Teacher’s Training Warm greetings! courses. All the participants of the course must pay the full price regardless of the type of membership. The Vajra Dance Clothes Production Team Please note that the Teachers’ fees are not to be
10 ADVANCED SONG OF THE VAJRA DANCE COURSE INTERNATIONAL Geneva, Switzerland COMMUNITY NEWS February 22-26, 2006 with Prima Mai
This is a special opportunity for advanced dance practitioners to deepen their knowledge of the Song of the Vajra Dance. Participants have to know the whole dance of the Song of the Vajra in e u r o p e one gender.
Limited number of participants. Please register by December 20, 2005. Registrations will be handled in order of reception.
Cost : SFr. 380. - Euros 245. With current discounts for DC members without meals and accommodation
Registration deposit: SFr. 100. - Euros 65. Not refundable.
For more information and registration form: www.dzogchen.ch
Contact: Jocelyne Carasso Email: [email protected] Tel: ++33 450 35 11 42
Dream Yoga practitioners in Barcelona Postal address: Jocelyne Carasso IESTA AND IESTA F S 8, rue de Fribourg REAM OGA IN ARCELONA AND ADAQUES D Y B C CH 1201 Genève UGUST AND A 27 28, 2005 Switzerland arcelona is an ideal city to During a guided nap a woman The Swiss Dzogchen Community practice Dream yoga. The has the following dream “ I am scenery and the Spanish with a group. We are on the beach Blifestyle lend itself to this practice. sitting in a large circle. I am very For example, there is the architec- aware of the elements, the sky, the r u s s i a ture of Gaudi, and amongst other water, and the sand. We have just masters, the paintings of Miro. finished talking about imperma- You encounter fantastic shapes nence and the Dharma. Suddenly and designs around every corner , the s and fo rms g lobes, w hich perfect to ask yourself “Is this a hover in the sky before each of the dream?” Then there are the street participants. I am now lucid and performers decorated as trees, aware it is a dr eam. The globes animals, fantasy beings standing explode before each of us in turn as motionless as stone and sud- transporting us beyond time and denly coming to life. There is also space.” The dream points to the the old city and everywhere some- state and the possibility of aware- thing dream like. ness beyond the mind. I encounter a man on stilts We walk outside there are also juggling as he blocks traf fic. people dancing to Salsa music We round a corner and there is a and a man with bulging muscles Sadhu bare except for a loincloth, plays volleyball in a thong out- sitting in meditation. Is this really side one of the restaurants. We sit a large Western city I ask myself down for our mid -day meal and I or is it a dream? am served black rice colored with Emerging from one program the ink of a squid. I continue to we find a trail of troll like dolls ask myself if is this a dream? leading up a street. No wonder we Day after day it goes like this have some remarkable lucid in Barcelona, mixing dream and dreams amongst the group partic- reality, dream and awareness. ipating in the workshops. When When its time for fiesta we eat people take siestas during the day and drink with our brothers and and stay awake far into the night sisters remembering it is all a they blur the distinction between dream, and when its time for sies- dream and waking and are primed ta we practice dream yoga. for dream yoga practice. Dear Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, Tashi Deleg! Dear Vajra Family, With your blessing received at the Crimean retreat we will build a Stupa on Lake Baikal, Eastern Russia. The opening ceremony will be on September 18, 2005. If you can pray for the Stupa we will be happy . The Polish Dzogchen Community has a new Gakyil: We send you all our good wishes and prayers, Irina and the Sangha Blue, Artur Zolkowski, [email protected] Red, Jacek Machowski, [email protected] Yellow, Agnieszka Matlak, [email protected]
Best Wishes, Artur Zolkowski ERRATA
FOR THE FINAL TIME, the Mirror apologizes for the omission of this last part of the article called Policy Regulating Recording Activites….. in issue 75 on page 10 and includes it below .
Dear Vajra Brothers and Sisters, 2) DISTRIBUTION??2.1) The only Community body currently authorized to edit, duplicate, stock and distribute Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’ s audio/video recordings is the SSI Central Archives, located in The new Gakyil members of the Hungarian Dzogchen Merigar and directed by Yuchen Namkhai. 2.2) All Gars and Gakyils wanting to distribute/sell recordings Community is: of teachings or other Community productions must receive a case-by-case written authorization from SSI Merigar. In absence of this written authorization, to duplicate and distribute/sell any of the recordings made Blue: Attila Simon ([email protected]) locally by the Gar/Gakyil for archival purposes, would be an infringement of copyright. 2.3) At the end of Red: Zsoka Gelle ([email protected]) each retreat or seminar, a CD containing the audio of the teachings can be sold by the or ganizing Gakyil to Yellow: Janos Deak ([email protected]) those who have attended the r etreat or seminar itself, but only to those people and only at that time. While doing so, the local Gakyil must take care to inform people that the Shang Shung Institute copyrights Wishing you all the best, the Hungarians. the contents and that the media must not be duplicated. A label must be applied on each CD with this clear information, both in English and in the local language.2.4) Video cannot be distributed in the way described in 2.3, as it contains the image (likeness) of the Master and must be first scrutinized and approved. For more Cell phone in Hungary: +36-30-564-5041 information please contact Yuchen Namkhai, Director, Shang Shung Inst
T HE M IRROR S EPT/OCT 2005 11 INTERNATIONAL Tsegyalgar West COMMUNITY NEWS Baja Mexico Dzogchen Community West Coast 755 Euclid Ave. t s e g y a l g a r e a s t & w e s t Berkeley, CA 94708 USA The Dance of the Song of the Vajra - Email: [email protected] Parts III, IV, and V [email protected] with Anastasia McGhee Tsegyalgar, Dzogchen Community in Web site www.bajasangha.org December 16 - 18, 2005 America, February 10 - 12, 2006 PO Box 277 March 24 – 26, 2006 Conway, MA 01341 Tel: 413-369-4153 | Fax: 413-369- Tsegyalgar, Conway, Massachusetts 4473 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.tsegyalgar.org
New Items at the Tsegyalgar Bookstore
Two New Books have arrived at the Tsegyalgar Bookstore Transmission Required
Longsal Teachings Volume 5 Includes: Anastasia dances with her fingers on the globe painted with the mandala C SVANE -The Principle of the View Totally Beyond Conceptual Mind People who have participated in the first two parts of this course and people -The Direct Introduction to the Principle of the Mirror of Vajra Sattva who have studied the Dance of the Song of the Vajra before are welcome to -The Upadesha on the Tregchöd of Primordial Purity participate. The retreat fee is $140 for each weekend. Some reduced price -The Upadesha on the Profound Path of Illusory Body scholarships are available upon application. Membership discounts apply. Limited dorm space and rooms at our guesthouse are available. The course # 217E will take place at the Conway Schoolhouse. $18.00US
Part III Longsal Teachings Volume 6 -The Upadesha on the Guruyoga of the White A Schedule: -The Actions of the Guru Jnanadakini Friday, December 16: -The Profound Essential Upadesha of the Long Life Practice “The 6pm-9pm Teaching Thigle of Vajra Life”
Saturday, December 17: #225E 9am Dance Practice $18.00US 9:30am - 12:30pm Teaching 3pm Dance Practice 3:30pm - 6:30pm Teaching If you would like to place an order , you can call, fax, or phone into Dinner me the following information: 9pm Dance Practice Your Billing and Shipping address Sunday, December 18: Your credit card info with expiration date 9am Dance Practice The list of items you would like to order 9:30am-12: 30pm Teaching Don’t forget to visit the Tsegyalgar Bookstore online at www.tsegyal- Part IV gar.org/bookstore/bookstore.html !
Friday, February 10: Anna Bartenstein 6pm-9pm Teaching Tsegyalgar Bookstore 413-369-4473 (Ph/Fax) Saturday, February 11: 9am Dance Practice P.O. Box 82 9:30am - 12:30pm Teaching Conway, MA 01341 3pm Dance Practice 3:30pm - 6:30pm Teaching Dinner 9pm Dance Practice INAUGURATION OF NYC SPACE Sunday, February 12: 9am Dance Practice 9: 30am-12: 30pm Teaching Part V
Schedule: Friday, March 24: (Worldwide Day of the Vajra Dance) 6pm-9pm Teaching
Saturday, March 25: 9am Dance Practice 9:30am - 12:30pm Teaching 3pm Dance Practice 3:30pm - 6:30pm Teaching Dinner by Maya Stolkiner 9pm Dance Practice n the evening of Sept 23rd, one of the last al event was enlivened with delicious Tibetan Sunday, March 26: beautiful summer nights, the New York food and live jazz. 9am Dance Practice City Dzogchen Community opened the Kundrolling is located in midtown Manhattan at 9:30am-12: 30pm Teaching Odoors of its new practice space to practitioners and 151West 30th Street, 4th Floor , New York, New For more information, please write to [email protected] or call 413- non practitioners alike in celebration of its formal York. This will be the new home to the New York 369-4153. opening and inauguration. Rinpoche sent his Community’s regular programming of enthusiastic blessing for the occasion from Italy, Ganapujas, Yantra Yoga, and Vajra Dance. The The Dzogchen Community in America The place was beautifully adorned with soft white first practice weekend in the space has already PO Box 277 fabrics, flowers, sacred images and pictures from recently occurred and we look forward to more Conway, MA 01341 U.S.A. the dif ferent Gars of Rinpoche’ s International and more events to take place. Phone: 413-369-4153 Dzogchen Community. We were excited to see Check online for more activity at www .nyd- Fax: 413-369-4473 many new faces amongst the crowd. The inaugur zogchen.com, write to [email protected], or Website: www.tsegyalgar.org call the events hotline at 212-252-6818.
12 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS LUMBINI GARDENS - ANOTHER COMMUNITY STORY UNFOLDING 2005
by Carol Fields have discovered that our list of talents and experience is e were standing in very long and we are grateful! the dark, surround- We hosted Rinpoche’s visit to ed by Kitzia and Lumbini after the April retreat WGabriel’s looming trees in in Baja (picture attached). their permaculture garden, The group is now wrestling dragging rocks into a deep with the or ganizational issues depression, where we were presented by gro up living: helping to plant one of the pre- shall we live in clusters or in cious white figs of Baja (in the separate houses, or both; what Bodhi tree family). We had buildings shall we ha ve in just had a group dinner at Por- common (practice palapa for lamar restaurant in Santiago, sure); who shall we accept as Yantra Yoga Eight Movements weekend in Ventura, CA. October 13-16, and were all just joking around new members; should we add 2005, with Oni McKinstry . All but one person was completely new to and wondering why we had more shares as we add proper- Yantra Yoga and most had just met Norbu Rinpoche only at the LA chosen this moment to plant ty? What are peoples’ plans— retreat last spring. the fig. Gabriel remarked that how much will they be in his neighbor had seen us hav- Baja? And what about the fab- ing lunch with Rinpoche there Rinpoche at Lumbini Gardens at April 2005 ulous garden - what shall we Courses in Baja Mexico at the gardens under the grow there; who’ s going to some of your neighbors for 30 or banana trees, and wanted to sell us mind it? And, what are our vision 40 years. The Baja Gakyil is very pleased to announce the following courses at his 16 acres across the street - and mission, by the way? Not to Having p urchased L umbini the Gar in Baja, Mexico: “some of the most fertile land in mention, who are the other people Gardens from Oscar Agundez Baja.” The price, he said, was involved? We’ve all cast our lots Castro, we now are part of an Kumbhaka Course taught by Fabio Andrico “$108,000.” At this point, I began together. Facing into the wind, “Ejido” of Mexican organic farm- January 5,6,7, and 8, 2006 to track what was going on - we’re sailing along these various ers, of which he is one. We share Tracey Heglund remarked - oh, waves, and so far , pretty happy water (plentiful and free) and Mandarava retreat led by Nina Robinson you’re into numbers, too!! Yes, about it. We’re confident that we already have our first group deci- January 9-18, 2006 we were a setup - next to the little can create a structure that will sion to make together - shall we town of La Ribera, next to Gabriel work for us, and we’ll all have the purchase another 5+ acres from Further details to follow. and Kitzia’s paradisiacal garden, chance to look at alternative them and put an access road in and 3 minutes from endless building structures and the garden back of the property with them? Watch Norbunet and visit our website for updates: www .bajasang- beach. So we looked at it the next plan and meet the neighbors! And The answer , most likely , is yes. ha.org day. the town! Without Scott Schroeder , a As we walked along the neat Our written guide (aside from blonde, Spanish-speaking mellow field planted with cherry toma- the teachings of Dzogchen) is guy from Ohio with a horse ranch toes (Kitzia kept handing me “Creating a Life Together, on the Pacific side of Baja - we more and more to eat) I sank to Practical Tools to Grow Mexico City Gakyil News might not have the immediate my ankles in the gor geous soil. Ecovillages and Intentional trust that has arisen with our Yellow Gabriel pointed out th e brand Communities,” by Diana Leafe neighbors - but Scott’ s many Carolyn Bass (011 52 55) 5813 0315, cell (01 1 52) 55 2699 5914 new drip system, subsidized by Christian. years in Baja have made him a [email protected] the Mexican government. We Excerpting from one breakout favorite of the locals. Scott seems Blue trekked along the low hills behind group’s ef fort at creating a mis- entirely unaware of this. Monica Patiño (011 52 55 5511 0550, cell (011 52) 5400 9503 mon- the field, carefully avoiding sion statement: Fortunately, he’ s part of our [email protected] sticky cacti, and noting damiana, “We believe that establishing Community and on the Gar Red and other herbs and flowers, until a community of this kind is an Gakyil, and the new Lumbini Angela Mijares (01 1 52) 5208 1922, cell (01 1 52) 5966 0769 ang- we arrived at the uppermost part. essential method for insuring that Board. [email protected] You could catch a glimpse of the the teachings of Chögyal Once the word went out that Sea of Cortez, and nice views of Namkhai Norbu will remain we were forming Lumbini Affiliates: the inland mountains. It was a viable and alive in future years.” Gardens (named after the birth- Patricia Puente [email protected] sweet place. The area of rural We look forward to many place of the Buddha in Nepal), Paulina Zermeño [email protected] organic farms just outside of phone conference calls and our various Community folks decided town. As I trudged back, an odd next face-to-face meeting at to buy their share for $6,400 with message flashed through my Lumbini Gardens in late January . the expectation of building a mind . . . “O.K. we take it, but not At that time, we will join with small domicile or being part of a only grow tomatoes!” I knew this some local folks and work to cluster of domiciles along with was the message to pay attention clear the land of a few old cars other Dzogchen Community to, but we’ll leave it there. Oh, and various other tokens of the practitioners. Ten acres are and yes, later in Baja or L.A. past. We can feel ourselves prac - reserved for garden, and 6 acres Subscribe to The Mirror Rinpoche was heard to say about ticing under the palapa in the (soon probably more) are for this land, “Don’t just grow toma - future, walking through the gar- on line @ modest houses. Some bought toes and potatoes!” den paths under large trees, sitting www.melong.com sight unseen!!! The group has In Mexico, there is a very on our decks and laughing togeth- met at Lake Tahoe in California, On line only $25 interesting situation that happens er, and rushing down jump in the also before and after the last Baja to you when you decide to be Sea of Cortez or climb on board Paper only $35 retreat in Baja, and now , recently there more than casually. You find someone’s sailboat or sea kayak. Both $45 in Berkeley, CA at the Dzogchen that you have more or less inher- We are already linked tightly to Community W est Center Upgrades too ited a whole web of personal rela- the Gar - the little plants on our (Dondrup Ling). A few members tions that you were unaware of shaded tables will make their way have already dropped out, but the before you arrived and made your up to the mountain acres. Our waiting list is already burgeoning. decision. It’s so amazingly differ- voices rise past the velvet dark, We have diversity - naturally . ent from the United States, where the stars floating in the sea, to Old, young, families, retiring you could settle out in the middle everyone. We pledge to help oth- couples, siblings, new to the of nowhere and see no one as ers in the Community who wish Community, long-time members, long as you might like. Or you to cluster together in this blessed people who sail the sea of Cortez, might even settle in town, in a landscape. and people who heal others. We nice neighborhood, and not meet
T HE M IRROR S EPT/OCT 2005 13 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS Tashigar North Finca Tashigar Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar Tashigar South Valle de Pedro González. Isla de s o u t h a m e r i c a Comunidad Dzogchen Margarita Tashigar Tel: 00 58 295 415 5800 Dear Friends, Calle pública S/N Email: [email protected] Tanti 5155 Web site: www.dzogchenvenezuela.org During more than three years of our project to Pcia. de Córdoba grow Aloe Vera at Tashigar North, Mar garita Argentina Island, Venezuela, several Dzogchen Community members spoke to members of our Tel & Fax: 0054- 3541-498 356 company Agricola Tashigar CA to express their interest in collaborating with our business, such Email: [email protected] as production, sales and marketing of our future products. We usually had to tell them that we were not yet in a position to do anything, because the plants take at least three years to mature. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Now we have a mature crop of healthy Aloe Live Web Casts Vera, ready to harvest. It is fully certified by the from Margarita Island in Venezuela European agency Ecocert SA as or ganically cultivated. We have facilities for production of gel at the Araya processing plant on the main- Longsal Longde land (although this is not currently certified December 26 – January 1, 2006 organic), until our own facility can be devel - oped. Longsal Saltong Lung We invite all those who contacted us before, February 17 – 26, 2006 and any other Community members who are interested and able to collaborate in any way, to These live web casts will be made availableONLY to current paid members of the Dzogchen Community. A live video communicate with the Board of Directors of feed will be available at the main Gars and the Lings of the Dzogchen Community . The Gars and Lings will announce Agricola Tashigar CA at the email address: separately their program on how and when they will cover this live event. Please see the announcement below by the Merigar Gakyil for further information on the restricted. [email protected] Restricted Web casts will not be available for individual (or anonymous) access. However , members of the Dzogchen Many thanks and best wishes from Isla Community can form groups at city/town level and then obtain group access. For this the local (or closest) Gakyil should Margarita, be contacted to organize group attendance. Through this Gakyil the necessary further access information can be obtained Dick Drury for the Board of Directors
‘ The Treasure Vase of Instructions’ n a m g y a l g a r & p a c i f i c r i m For my wife the honey bee and my daughter the flower . How things are ‘Like it were in the palm of our And how they appear hands’, Namgyalgar DzogchenCommunity in Australia Are entirely different, Free from such complaints PO Box 14 Central Tilba, Yet suckered in Of like and dislike, NSW 2546 Time and again For and against We are like a dog We bathe in natural clear light, Tel/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668 Chasing its tail, Melting away the ice of all Email: [email protected] Or a child inner tensions, Web site: www.dzogchen.org.au Afraid of her shadow. Setting in motion the flow Of primordial wisdom Without the parent of mindful- Rising up from the inex- The Dzogchen Community of Aotearoa, New Zealand ness haustible ocean-like hosts a Chöd Retreat The kind father-mother lama, Wellspring of our hearts! We wander helplessly with Santi Maha Sangha teacher Angie Gilbert from Australia Through life Opening completely Overcome and ensnared Has no limits, January 21 – 25, 2006 By myriad delusions No time frame And without the marriage Nor frame of reference, The retreat will be held beside the ocean at Wai Puriri, Colville on the beautiful Coromandel Of wisdom and compassion It is simply the unfolding Peninsula about 3 hours east of Auckland. We do not discover the union of Of your natural potential all things! Blossoming in the guise of a There will be a mix of shared accommodation and camping and we warmly invite you to share our Buddha! retreat with us. Rejecting what appears Both noumena and phenomena Simply put To register your interest or to make further inquiries contact us soon. Based on our hopes and fears, You needn’t trouble yourself We simply sway With such efforts, Gabrielle Kearney (for the Gakyil) Back and forth Be relaxed in your approach- Between conflict and resolution, Simply mirror the vastness of NZ Dzoghchen Community Tension and release - heart and mind P.O Box 90450 AMSC The path of extremes - Which is the sky of your true Auckland, NZ Closing our hearts and minds nature! Email: [email protected] To the true nature of the world, We cease to be open! In short, Don’t listen without doing any- All manner of addictions arise thing! passages From our need to ‘fix’ this Don’t miss the point! And our need to ‘fix’ that, Turn your attention within! DIED But simply put Anne Christie 1946 – 2005 There is nothing broken! Without ‘suffering’ the teach- We are simply deluding our- ings Anne was a Dharma sister, a healer, a much traveled and loved person selves- Be unconditioned by all manner in the wider neighborhood. She died of CJD surrounded by monks and We stubbornly resist the world of methods used nuns from the Gelukpa tradition and her loving Catholic family . She As it is! To awaken, helped many people with radiant good humor and a gusto for life. Yet recognising their nature and Anne attended the first retreat the Rinpoche held in New Zealand in A vast treasure awaits us intention 1988 at Banks Peninsula. Many love her. Her funeral was a combined When our hearts and minds Cultivate the Buddha’s love and Buddhist and Christian ritual and remembrance. A Gakyil was paint- Truly open, wisdom! ed on her decorated coffin and outside the church she received a Maori By relaxing this tight fist of karakia – blessing. OM A HUM. grasping by Colin Pilkinton-Brodie We see the truth
14 Norbunet APARTMENTS FOR SALE The Mailing List IN MONTALATERONE, ITALY of the 6 apartments in the historical center of International Montelaterone, a medieval village about 8km from Dzogchen Merigar. The apartments are part of an 19 th century The Mirror oil mill, 3 with lar ge private gardens and one with a Newspaper of the Community 25 sq.m panoramic terrace, all with a wonderful view International over the Val d’Orcia. Renovation will be carried out Dzogchen Community of Administrator: according to the principles of bio-architecture and Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Loek Jehee using traditional materials such as terra cotta tiles, [email protected] chestnut beams, “peperino” stone, and plastering in lime. Each apartment has an independent entrance Main Office: To subscribe: and autonomous heating. PO Box 277 send a mail to: Conway, MA01341 norbunet- Projects for the dif ferent apartments can be seen on USA request@mail. www.abitaresani.com . Tel: 413 369 4208 dzogchen.ru with Fax: 413 369 4473 the subject line: More information from Rita Renzi at rita.renzi@tis- Email: cali.it or Mob. Phone 0039-3356065058. [email protected] subscribe European Office: The Mirror Merigar Arcidosso 58031 GR Italy Email: [email protected] Tel: 39 3298865292 Fax: 39 0564- 968 110
Editorial Staff: Pema Chödrön and Jack Kornfield: Naomi Zeitz, The Wondrous Path of Difficulties Y The Winter Tsegyalgar Conway, MAUSA issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly features a
Liz Granger conversation with Pema Chödrön and Jack Kornfield on the Merigar Arcidosso, Italy everyday difficulties that provoke us, reveal our habitual patterns, and ultimately transform us. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: A discussion of the Literary Editor: John Shane student-teacher relationship with Norman Fischer, Sharon Salzberg, and Ponlop Rinpoche. Marshall Glickman on the benefits of doing solo retreat. Reginald Ray on Advisors: the meaning of “lineage” and the question of authenticity. Adriano Clemente Anna Eid Barbara Paparazzo Des Barry Buddhadharma Jim Valby K?< GI8:K@K@FE Layout & Design: is the in-depth, practice-oriented journal for N. Zeitz Buddhists of all traditions. Brought to you by the publishers of the Shambhala Sun, Buddhadharma Illustration takes you deeper into the practice, furthers your Bepe Goia Wood Bird pg 8 understanding of the dharma, and connects you Cartoon Jan Golden pg 13 with fellow practitioners. Web Site Managers: Every issue gives you: Thomas Eifler Malcolm Smith • In-depth teachings from the full range of Buddhist traditions Printer: • Challenging perspectives on topics Turley Publications such as selecting one’s teacher, the law Palmer, MA of karma, and the meaning of “prayer” USA in a nontheistic tradition Distribution: • First-rate reporting on stories Tsegyalgar at of special interest to Buddhists Conway, • Reviews of all the latest Buddhist books MA, USA • Mahasangha News: the most comprehensive PHOTO: CHRISTINE ALICINO Subscription Rate/6 Issues: coverage of Buddhist $35US available community news available Subscribe today through today. and receive four outstanding issues Tsegyalgar of Buddhadharma–starting with 35 Euro the upcoming Winter issue–for through Merigar only $19.95. Call toll-free Visa and Master card 1-877-786-1950 or visit welcome www.thebuddhadharma.com. ON LINE MIRROR www.melong.com.melong.com All material ©2005 by The Mirror Many Buddhists, one Buddhadharma Reprint by permission only We reserve the right to edit all subsmissions T HE M IRROR S EPT/OCT 2005 15 HOW I MET CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU by Elizabeth Vaughan brought me back. loved the classes, I found I was retreats advertised and asked me if pain in my body and he told me to In 1988 we moved house and hopelessly bad at passing theoreti - I h ad e ver h eard o f a Teacher sing the Song of Vajra. Later on n 1974 I was living in Boston, illness took over again. In about cal exams and put this down to my called Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. I during the teaching, he spoke of Massachusetts and became 1989, I started seriously to study said I recognized the name the nomads and people of Tibet interested in Buddhism after dreams after experiencing a clini- because I had a book on dream who would ask the Lama for bless- Ireading a now famous book on cal depression and wanting to yoga, but I didn’t know if the ings. He said that even though Buddhism by Christmas understand how the situation had author was the same person. I had blessings are good, it is the prac- Humphreys – one of the first writ - arisen. I worked on my dreams in bought the book years before and tice that is of real help and benefit ten in English. Though the con- writing and painting, using a didn’t know how to do the practice to people. He also said how sad he cepts were very strange and diffi- ‘Dream Workshop’ book I had and it had stayed on my bookshelf. was that people did not ask him for cult to understand, I pursued the found in a bookshop. However , I had read the book with great transmission for a practice, subject over the years and read even though I was able to recall interest and regretted that I did not because that is what is of real ben- everything I could find on the Bud- my dreams, I still did not under- really know what it was teaching efit. In any case, I felt as if I had dha’s teachings. They expressed stand them or know how to inter- or how to start the practice. missed an important opportunity truths that religion, as I knew it, did pret them, so I reached an impasse I went home and fetched the and felt regret that I had not asked not reflect. I loved the sheer logic for a while in working with my dream yoga book and showed it to a more sensible question. I wished and absence of conjecture they dreams. The depression lasted my friend who showed me her I had been braver and asked for contained. The Buddhist teachings about two years. This period was copy of The Crystal and the Way of transmission for dream yoga prac- made so much sense to me. also the start of a real spiritual Light and we discovered that the tice. At the same time I knew that Around 1980, however , when search. I felt utterly lost, exhaust- Master was the author of both my life had completely changed my son was little, I started attend- ed, and in a way aware of the true books. My friend then asked me if having met my true teacher and I ing the Quaker meetings because I helplessness in the face of birth experience in the English school I would accompany her to a retreat was also very happy. appreciated the sincere search for and death. system in the 40’s and 50’s. So my in Karmaling, France, that Master The next step then was to cor- truth among the members and they In 1993 my husband and I mind could search for meaning but Chögyal Namkhai Norbu was giv- rect this mistake and in November had a day care center for my son. were divorced. We were married not memorize it word for word – ing because her friend was unable of 2004 I managed to go to Isla Also, as far as I knew , there were for twenty-five years, he was a col- that was impossible for me but a to go with her. It was arranged that Margarita for the teaching at no Buddhist groups in town and I lege professor and we had a nice requirement. My health broke I should go and I got an invitation Tashigar North. At the end of the continued with the Quakers for middle class life together . After down again, but this time it was to Karmaling and we went to the wonderful Ganapuja, with the about eleven years. As I personally twenty-five years we realized we “burn out”. I had seriously over- retreat. The experience was rather moonlight shining in the night sky, could not believe in a “God” each had to live our own life. We done things. The high intravenous overwhelming, for as well as hav- people lined up to see the Master (except as a concept), and never suffered with the divorce process doses of antibiotics I was forced to ing a strange dream, I also became and I was able then to ask my even did as a small child, I always after such a long time together. take, while saving my life, have ill with a fever and was praying I question and receive Rinpoche’ s felt a bit of an outsider though I In the early nineties, so me left side ef fects I’ve never fully would be well enough to help my advice. How wonderful and mar- truly admired the work that was Buddhist meditation classes start- recovered from and it’s quite rarely elderly friend home at the end of velous! A day or two later the done by the Quaker Community. ed in our town and I began to that I feel well now. I moved away the retreat. Master gave a teaching to the local I had my son at aged 40, fell attend and practice weekly. I was a to a new neighborhood in the win- More than anything I wanted people of Pedro Gonzalez and I victim to post natal depression and keen student and rarely missed a ter of 1999. My son Emlyn com- to personally meet Chögyal hurried to the Gar because I had to was forced to give up my work. class. After two years of dif ficulty pleted college and became a pro- Namkhai Norbu, but the prospect leave for England the next day , Completely exhausted during the and financial loss in the ‘real fessional musician. That was a was rather daunting to me. Finally, December 8 th. The Master spoke birth, I remember going some- world’, in 1995 I moved into this great blessing. In 2002, I was at a I joined the long queue of people Italian and the translator spoke where totally away from my body; Buddhist community and was able friend’s house after a “dream jour- wishing to see him. When my turn Spanish. I did not understand it was a vast starlit and dark place. to become a full time student of ney” when she started leafing came my mind went rather blank - either language, but it was enough I was very lonely. I don’t know if I Mahayana Buddhism. That was all through a newspaper called “The it was overwhelming to be in his to be in Rinpoche’ s presence one left my body or not, but it really I cared about. I stayed there for Mirror”, which I had never seen presence – and I could only ask last time before my departure. seemed like it. The medical staf f four years. However, as much as I before. She pointed to one of the him what I should do about the J. CROW’S ® Mulling Spice ® SpicedCider.Com 1-800-878-1965 New Ipswich, NH 03071 Southern Tuscany CASA TOSCANA Town and country apartments, farmhouses, and villas for rent See online catalog: www.casa-toscana-glang.com 16