No. 118 THE MIRROR September, October 2012

Upcoming Retreats with Chögyal

2012 Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife November 9–13 Santi Maha , Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga Teachers Meeting

November 15–22 Photo: R. Kogel Yantra Yoga Teachers Training November 23–29 Longsal Longde Teaching Retreat

December 7–13 Chöd Teaching and Practice Tashi Delegs from Athens Retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Tibetan Cultural Event in Greece Retreat December 26–January 1 Pan Stambolis Guru Dragphur Teaching and Practice Retreat unny summer days in Athens in the beautiful multi-space building for Yoga and purification practice “Ati Lamgyi Ngondro“. 2013 midst of autumn… under a brilliant Alternative therapies, with the fragrances Taking under consideration the situation in SAttica sun and a turquoise blue sky, of the Himalayan wisdom, and exposed the Greece, it couldn’t be better than that for January 6–16 from September 28th to September 30th, light of the Teachings before an attentive us, certainly what we need, to overcome 3rd Tibetan Cultural Event the Hellenic Community, in col- and deeply interested audience. the karmic obstacles manifesting like clouds

laboration with The Shang Shung institute An exhibition of statues and thankas, in the sky of our lives and hearts here in February 11–13 of Italy and Austria, hosted the Tibetan cul- and pictures from the Kyung Expedi- Greece. Tibetan Ceremony tural event “Color and Spirit of Tibet in Ath- tion, offered by the Shang Shung Institute stayed in a nice spacious house, February 15–25 ens – a Precious Garland of Gzi under the of Austria was presented, throughout the and soon after the enthusiastic welcome, he Mandarava Chudlen Retreat Blue Mediterranean Sky”. event, together with a small bookstore with organized Tibetan singing and dancing af- There were a variety of presentations: Shang Shung publications and the “Self Per- ternoons in his living room until the days Venezuela Elio Guarisco on Tibetan Medicine, a lec- fected State” in Greek. More than 170 people, of the upcoming retreat. Adriana and Egle March 8–15 ture on the Teachings of Dzogchen, and a during the two and a half days attended the showed the movements of the dances, we Tashigar Norte Retreat presentation and commentary of the newly lectures, workshops and the exhibition. all sang, and Rinpoche explained to us and Argentina translated book published by Shang Shung On the last day, with the kind and gen- we discovered with commotion the beauty March 22–28 Editions, “Tibetan Book of the Dead”, Oliver erous permission of the producer and di- of the Tibetan people and particularly their Tashigar Sur Retreat Leick with the Application of the Teach- rector of “My Reincarnation”, a video projec- brilliant youth, the power of their hearts ings in Everyday Life, Aldo Oneto with a tion of the film took place before an ample and their indomitable minds, the power and April 1–8 lecture and a presentation of Kunye Mas- audience of participants, while Chögyal wealth of their music, a real revelation, a Santi Maha Sangha Training sage, Laura Evangelisti with explanations Namkhai Norbu was landing in Athens air- teaching on the fundamental truth that and two workshops on Yantra Yoga; all of port coming to Greece after an interval of we often forget, that the true spirit of man >> continued on page 3 these filled the atmosphere of “Shantom”, a 12 years, to teach the Preliminary Longsal >> continued on page 4

Content

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu The Vajra Dance . . .» Pages 12–13 Shitro Khorde Rangdrol » Page 2 Merigar Under the Stars, ASIA Onlus ...... » Page 5 Fabio Andrico’s Tour . . . . .Page 14

Shang Shung Institute » Pages 6–7 International Dzogchen Community News . .» Pages 15–23 Focus on The International Dzogchen Community » Pages 8–11 How I met ...... » Page 24 THE MIRRORTHE MIRROR · No. · No. 117 118 · September,· July, August October 2012 2012 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

2 Shitro Khorde Rangdrol: Teaching of Rigdzin Changchub Dorje Retreat Merigar West, September 21–27, 2012 Excerpt from Day 1– September 21

ood day to everybody everywhere. We are starting our retreat of shitro here at Merigar West. In these Gdays we will learn how to do practice and also what the real sense of the shitro is. You know that shitro is a very diffused and important practice. There is a Tibetan teaching that is very diffused in the Western world called the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and that is the shitro practice. That shitro practice, and in general that teaching, comes from the shitro called the Shitro Gongpa Rangdrol. Gongpa means the real state of the individual and rangdrol means self -liberation that is related with the principle of the Dzogchen Teaching. Guru taught Shitro Gongpa Rangdrol, which he put in a terma, and later that terma was discovered by a terton called ; so that teaching series is very diffused. In the Western world what is mainly diffused is tagdrol and the explana- tion of the bardo and death, etc., not really the understand- ing of how to do that practice and what it means to really deal with our condition with shitro practice. That is not the only shitro, there are many kinds of shitro, but the source of all the shitro teachings is Guru Padmasambhava, be- cause the teaching always corresponds with circumstance and the circumstance corresponds to the relative condition of the individual. There are so many different kinds of in- dividual conditions. Someone can apply a complex practice I received the entire series of the teachings of the Jatson that is our condition. Not only human beings, but any kind of teachings and instructions and someone else will apply a terma from him. We still had a little more time so I also of sentient being, their real nature is Dzogchen. Of course, shorter and simpler way. For that reason, the shitro is dif- received teachings of the tradition of Mahamudra, even human beings, we can speak, judge and think, and we fused in different ways. naro chodrug and nigu chodrug, etc. For this reason I am are considered much more intelligent and developed than After this shitro of Karma Lingpa, another very diffused little familiar with the terma teachings of Jatson Nyingpo. animals and other sentient beings. But we are also ignorant shitro is the one of Jatson Nyingpo. Jatson Nyingpo is a very There is also another shitro practice very diffused in the that our real nature is Dzogchen, we do not know that. The famous terton and he had a terma teaching of shitro called Kagyu tradition, which is called Shitro Padma Vajra. There other sentient beings are much more ignorant, of course. Shitro Ngedon Nyingpo. That means the essence of the real had been a terton called Yabgon Minjyur Dorje, (this is not That is why we have the infinite transmigration in samsara. condition and that is also very diffused in the Kagyupa and the same as the Minjyur Dorje, from which we have the So when we say kadag and lhundrub, what is kadag? Nyingmapa traditions because Jatson Nyingpo is a terton shitro), Namcho Minjyur Dorje. The Shitro of Namcho Min- Kadag means emptiness, how is its real nature, but even originally belonging to the Kagyupa tradition; he became a jyur Dorje is a also a terma teaching but very short, and is if its real nature is emptiness it has infinite potentiality. terton and many series of his teachings came out. There are the unique shitro we have, which is very condensed and When potentiality manifests there are different aspects; many volumes and not only this shitro teaching. the essence of the practice of shitro. For that reason we are this is called all qualifications of lhundrub. So for example For example, there is one kind of a practice very diffused using that. That transmission I received from my teacher in our dimension, in our vision, we have pure and impure in the Kagyupa and Nyingmapa lineages called kanchog in the transmission of the semde, longde and upadesha. vision. So there are those who relatively have such knowl- chindu. Kanchog means jewels, in general we are saying I received all the series of Namcho Minjyur Dorje’s terma edge and understanding, and if we are missing that under- three jewels, Buddha, , Sangha; chindu means the teachings from that teacher. But Yabgon Minjyur Dorje is standing, we have pure and impure vision. All this means union of all. It is diffused in Kagyupa because Terton Jat- another Minjyur Dorje in the Kagyupa tradition. This shitro lhundrub, self perfected qualifications. So non-dual is your son Nyingpo is related to the Kagyupa tradition and his is not very diffused in the Nyingmapa tradition, but in the real condition. Dzogchen teaching originated with Guru Padmasambhava. Kagyupa, particularly the Karma Kagyu, it is diffused very Now when we are observing in the ordinary way; for ex- For that reason this terma was also diffused in the Nying- much. Also that shitro is a very rich terma, something like ample we are living in samsara, in the dualistic vision, we mapa tradition. In Nyingmapa there are many different cur- the terma teaching of Karma Lingpa. are not in kadag and lhundrub even if we have qualification rents of the various terton teachings. You see, for example, So you can see there are many practices of shitro. Some- of kadag, how its real nature is, but we are ignorant and in in the Nyingmapa tradition there are the currents of the times it is not given that name. Also, the titles of many of dualistic vision. Now how does kadag and lhundrub cor- kathog tradition and palyul tradition and the Dzogchen these practices are coming from the practice of Vajrasat- respond with our condition? For example, we are observ- Mindroling tradition, etc. In the palyul tradition one of the tva. First we transform into Vajrasattva and then we mani- ing when a kind of thought arises, then we are observing, main practices is kanchog chindu. fest the shitro . For example, in the terma teach- where is this thought, where does it come from, where is I was in China together with Kangkar Rinpoche; Kangkar ing of Adzom Drukpa, there is also Vajrasattva and a very it, where does it go? We can observe for hours and hours Rinpoche is one of the teachers of the 16th , a very rich explanation of this Vajrasattva practice, but in the inner and each time we are observing, the thoughts disappear. high-level scholar and practitioner of the Kagyupa tradition. practice there is the same manifestation with all the same This is not something that I say and you believe. You should When we were together in a Chinese office they indicated manifestation as inside the inner mandala of shitro. But observe and you can discover for yourself. that Kangkar Rinpoche and I should teach in the schools the title is not shitro. So you see there are many kinds of You need to have that experience. When you discover in China. For some months we were together, and I later these practices of shitro without having a particular title of that the thoughts have disappeared, what do you find? You discovered that Kangkar Rinpoche was a very important shitro. In this case it is very important that we know why cannot find anything, so that is empty, and that is called teacher and I asked him to give me the teaching of konchog shitro is an important practice. Shitro corresponds to our emptiness. But you are not in emptiness for hours and chendu, because this teaching is also related to Dzogchen real condition. hours continuously. Immediately another thought arises practice. There is trechö and thogyal, both upadesha teach- When we introduce the teaching of Dzogchen, we and you are thinking, “Oh I observed, but I did not find any- ings. In the daytime we did not have much time because we ask what is Dzogchen? Intellectually we can reply that thing”. This is also another thought. You observe it and you had to teach, so he gave me this teaching in the nighttime. I Dzogchen is our real nature. What is our real nature? In- also arrive at emptiness. You can have infinite thoughts then discovered it was a terma teaching of Jatson Nyingpo. tellectually we say it is kadag and lhundrub - non-dual. continually arising. So this is the part of our clarity in the Jatson Nyingpo’s terma is not only that, it has many vol- That means not separated, how the real condition is, and emptiness; the self perfected qualification. So you see how it umes. Then I asked to receive all these terma teachings, and that is called Dzogchen. That is not a book or a tradition; >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

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>> continued from previous page because there is a center, there is a potentiality or some- is a main manifestation of and in front of is related to our condition. Emptiness and movement exist. thing. When there is potentiality it has its dimension. This Samantabhadra there is Vairocana. It is always the same Movement is thought. is called khor. So you see when we are drawing a mandala, principle. It is always peaceful and that represents the calm Now you can understand what shitro means. Shi means there is a center, and a border, at the end there is a circle state of the empty dimension. Now we are in this wrathful peaceful, the state of emptiness. When you are in emptiness and that is a symbol of that dimension. Any kind of man- manifestation. In the tungkhang we are manifesting but we there is no movement. Tro means wrathful manifestations. dala is presented that way. are not doing some visualization, some deities are different That means movement. Just like a wrathful manifestation, Also the individual, our condition is a mandala. So where from what we did as the central visualization. If we visual- movement, represents also our thoughts, and any kind of is the center? The center is the center of our physical body. ized Samantabhadra or Vairocana, they are now manifesting energy level movement. That is the symbol of the wrath- In Tibetan that is called nyingkha, nying means heart; as a wrathful aspect. In our real nature, when we are being ful. Shitro represents our condition, it is not something that heart is considered something more central but the heart in a calm state or in movement, the aspect has changed but Guru Padmasambhava or someone invented. Shitro is to organ is not really in the center. We feel the center of the the nature has not changed at all. In the transformation make us understand or discover how our real nature is and physical body, when you practice it is not necessary you here we instantly manifested as the wrathful aspect. You then we have that method of the teaching. So this is called physically measure where the center is, but you feel where should understand it is always the same principle, the same shitro; shitro is something like the universal symbol of all your center is, so when you do visualization you do not do sense, not something different. So then there are the Five teachings. it at your head, you do it at your heart, that is the center of Dhyana Buddhas manifesting as the Five Wrathful Heruka For example in the Nyingmapa tradition, when initiations our physical body. So our physical body has its dimension manifestations. Also they belong to five different families. are received, instructions for applying the practice of Vajra- just like a mandala. There we manifest peaceful forms that So then they are integrating the aspect of the calm state yana, you need to receive at least an initiation of Vajrasattva. represent the seat of our primordial state in general. and movement in our real nature. Why do we need to inte- Even if you are not receiving all kinds of initiations, then at We have our mind; mind means what we are thinking grate? Our real nature is non-dual kadag and lhundrub. We least you can apply that method of . Why does the and judging, etc. Where is the seat of mind, where is mind? should be in a non-dual state. For that reason relatively we Nyingmapa tradition say that? In the Nyingmapa tradition Mind is at the center. Mind is not in the head. Many people are transforming and then we are working with that prin- rig-gya rig-chig dorje sempa means that when we receive say mind is in the head and that we think in the head, ciple, and at the end we can get in that state. So you see that an initiation of Vajrasattva it represents the initiation of all. but we never think in the head. We receive information is the principle of shitro practice. It is also one of the most You see rig means family, when we say the three states of in the head because in the head we have all our organs important practices for purifying our obstacles and negative all enlightened beings we say body, speech and mind and of senses. If you do not have eyes, you could not see from accumulations of the negative karmas. then manifestations like Manjushrimitra, Avalokiteshvara your heart, from your mind, you always need eyes, for hear- and Vajrapani for example, these three are called rigsum, ing you need your ears, for that reason we have organs of Transcribed by Naomi Zeitz which means three families. All families related with body, senses and they are all in the head. For that reason we have Edited by Margaret Jasinski and Naomi Zeitz speech and mind are included in these symbols. contact with objects, and we receive that information with In general in Vajrayana, when we have a mandala, you our senses. In the teaching this is called consciousness of remember there are five families. In the center is the Bud- the senses, it does not mean the same consciousness with dha family, and then there are the Vajra, Ratna, Padma and which we judge and think, that is another thing. It means Karma family. All these five families represent any kind of only we are seeing, we are hearing, and we are receiving practice and function, etc. This is called family in Vajrayana, this information. There is some concrete function and that just like in a mandala, and the family can increase infinitely. function is called consciousness of senses, and that infor- It can be infinite manifestations. So rig-gya, one hundred mation is immediately communicated to the mind. Mind different kinds of families unified in one family, this is Vajra- receives that information and after it receives that informa- sattva. That means going into the essence. For that reason tion, mind judges and thinks. This mind is the center of our in the practice of Vajrasattva, in the mandala, shitro always body, not in the head. The head has the function of receiv- manifests. ing something. We can think, for example, that the office of Also in shitro, manifestation is called tampa rig-gya, mind is in the head. tampa means sacred, rig-gya means one hundred families, Now we are doing visualization of the wrathful mani- because when we are doing a more detailed visualization of festation in the head chakra. In shitro this is called tung- shitro, the main visualization is of the one hundred mani- khang. What does that mean? Dung means conch shell and festations. If we are chanting the one hundred syllable of a conch shell is something that has had contact with wa- the Vajrasattva, you remember that is one of the ter for hundreds of years and is very clear and pure. Most main practices of that, there are one hundred syllables, we conch shells manifest white, or reddish white, like that. A can count one by one and there are one hundred. There capala is just like a conch shell and that is why it is called are one hundred syllables because in tampa rig-gya the tungkhang. Khang means dimension, just like a hall, for main manifestation is one hundred. Each of those sylla- example when we are being together like in the Gonpa, in bles represents this manifestation. When we do any kind of general Gonpa’s more common name is tungkhang. Tung shitro practices, we should do the visualization of peaceful means many people meeting together there. Khang means and wrathful forms. You know already that peaceful repre- that hall, dimension. Here tungkhang means just like the sents emptiness, the calm state, and wrathful manifestation hall of the conch shell. So this is our head, but of course represents movement. In the real sense, that is related to when we are doing shitro and we are doing the visualiza- kadag and lhundrub. tion, we are not visualizing our head and brain, the dirty So how is our real calm state and movement? There are things, but we do a visualization of a luminous conch shell these two manifestations – peaceful we do in the center of hall and in this dimension manifests all wrathful manifes- our body. You remember that when we do Vajrayana prac- tations. So now you can understand the real sense of the tice we always say mandala. What does mandala mean? tungkhang. Mandala means there is a dimension with its principle, its What are we manifesting there that is different from center; any kind of energy level has its dimension. For that the central manifestation? In the center we are visualiz- reason, when we translate mandala into Tibetan, we say ing Five Dhyana Buddhas, sometimes in the center of Vairo- kyilkhor. This is a perfect translation. Kyil means center cana manifests Samantabhadra, and in some shitros there

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Schedule 2013 >> continued from page 1

Peru USA Russia April 19–21 May 17–19 June 28–July 5 Italy Lima Retreat Los Angeles Retreat Kunsangar North Retreat September 6–13 Merigar West Retreat Mexico May 31–June 2 July 19–26 April 26–28 New York City Retreat Kunsangar South September 28–30 Mexico Retreat Retreat Zhitro practice and June 7–12 Jyangchog May 8–12 Tsegyalgar East Retreat August 2–9 Tsegyalgar West Retreat Santi Maha Sangha Training Spain June 13–15 October 9–13 Santi Maha Sangha Romania Barcelona Retreat Level I Exam August 16–23 June 16–23 Merigar East Retreat Santi Maha Sangha Germany Level II Training August 30–September 1 Berlin Retreat THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

The International Gakyil

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that could include all the Gars and munity and about its management As you may know, after the ap- tem by which any member of the New Statute Lings worldwide and that could be has been explained many times proval of the new Statute draft by Dzogchen Community in any part functional to the needs of the in- over the years and it has been Rinpoche, the new International of the world will be automatical- for the ternational Dzogchen Community. summarized in his book about Dzogchen Community was for- ly a member of the International International As you may know the present the Dzogchen Community and mally established in the first days Dzogchen Community. situation in this respect is far from how it should work on the basis of October 2012. We foresee that it At the same time, a proj- Dzogchen being ideal. We have 10 Gars and of the Gakyil. When talking about will become fully operative some- ect for the reorganization of the Community about 60 Lings that in most of the the organization and the manage- time next year. In the meanwhile Dzogchen Community manage- cases are not connected amongst ment of the Community Rinpoche a lot of work will be still needed ment systems will be developed Dear friends, themselves in any formal way. In has repeatedly stressed that the in order to refine the International and discussed with Rinpoche and some countries the Community Dzogchen Community is based Statute. The group of people that Khyentse Yeshe and eventually inpoche has recently has adopted hybrid organizational on the Dzogchen Teaching. The Rinpoche has designated to man- implemented. launched the new impor- structures where the Gakyil and organizational structure and the age this transitional phase will Rtant initiative of the Global the entity in charge of managing management of the organization work with the different Gakyils Thank you in advance for your Gar in Tenerife. This is a meaning- specific assets are not coinciding. should always reflect this. The around the world in order to bet- collaboration. ful development of Rinpoche’s vi- Furthermore, given the absence of Gakyil represents the correspon- ter understand the legal and or- sion and a major project that will a formal coordinated strategy and dence between the organization ganizational situations relevant Best regards, bring along important challenges of standard management systems and the principle of the teach- to the different countries. The The IDC Interim Management for the Dzogchen Community. and procedures, this complex re- ings. The regular turn over of the National Statutes will be eventu- Committee Rinpoche, together with Khy- ality is very difficult to govern. members of the Gakyil also guar- ally modified in order to comply entse Yeshe, has encouraged us to Rinpoche is forced to adopt a level antees that the Community does with the International Statute. The Fabio Andrico develop a new International Stat- of micromanagement that is no not become an authoritarian or- final aim of this project is to have Giovanni Boni ute for the Dzogchen Community longer sustainable. ganization controlled by a limited an integrated and functional orga- Enrico Dell’Angelo with the aim to have a formal le- Rinpoche’s vision about the or- group of individuals. nizational structure based on an Mark Farrington gal and organizational structure ganizational structure of the Com- international membership sys- Karin Koppensteiner

For practitioners who, even complete the establishment of the ber to send notification of all do- IG Members though living and working in International Gakyil Board as soon Global Gar nations made by email to Mark society, have gained a stable as possible, bringing more human Farrington ([email protected]) Wanted Dzogchen view and practice, there resources to the urgent tasks. We Dear Community, so that they can be tracked and is a unique possibility coming are looking forward to receiving confirmed. Dear Gars, Gakyils & Lings, up. You could become part of the many interested applicants. ecently there was an im- new International Gakyil and this The following is a list of pre- portant email sent out to Many thanks to all for your ould you please send this way contribute with practice and requisites for successful candidate Reveryone from Rinpoche attention and collaboration. message out to your email your professional skills to work application: informing them of the new Global Clists as soon as possible (do towards a vision of evolution and Gar project [see The Mirror issue EUR Account: not post on your website). We are mutual collaboration between all · Minimum 9 years membership 117 page 4]. Since this letter was IBAN: hoping to receive many applicants the Sangha and the Master of the with Dzogchen Community published the new International IT22S0103072160000000798242 for the position of International Dzogchen Community. · Excellent written and oral com- Dzogchen Community (IDC) asso- BIC: PASCITM1G99 Dzogchen Community (IDC) Board The task of building-out the munication skills ciation has been created, which SWIFT: PASCITMMXXX of Directors, also known as Inter- full capacities of the IDC will like- · Strong Organizational skills will be the legal entity that owns Name account: Comunita’ national Gakyil (IG). ly take more than a year and will · Ability to work well with other the Global Gar. As a result, we Dzogchen Internazionale The newly formed Interna - require the productive energy of people in a demanding, con- have new bank account details Podere Merigar Nuovo tional Dzogchen Community (IDC) more than just the Start-up Com- stantly changing environment for all Gars, Lings & Community 58031 Arcidosso Gr, Italy association, is requesting that all mittee, and therefore the recruit- · International Experience Members to take note of. All dona- Dzogchen Community members ment of this primary decision · Computer proficient tions toward the new Global Gar USD Account: from around the world that are making Board is the first step in · Fluent in English should be directed to these bank IBAN: IT73V0103072160000000000006 interested in the following leader- the process. With more capable · Confident in a multi-cultural, accounts only. And please remem- ship position please submit their Members joining the process, we multi-lingual environment CVs and letter of intention. We will be able to complete some will present a short list of candi- of the more difficult tasks such · Demonstrated strong leadership Applicants should email their CVs Thank you to all for your kind dates to Rinpoche for approval and as writing the IDC Membership / interpersonal skills and Letters of Intention to the fol- assistance and interest. these successful candidates will Agreement, the IDC – National Gar · Critical thinking with ability to lowing 2 email address: The IDC Interim Management be proposed to the IDC General agreements, IDC-SSI & IDC-ASIA define problems and identify and Mark Farrington, Committee Assembly for official approval/con- agreements, etc. The process of execute timely solutions Executive Director IDC firmation. The IDC IG has a mini - implementing the IDC framework · Project management experience [email protected] Mark Farrington mum requirement of 5 members also implies a lot of training of a plus Enrico Dell’Angelo, Fabio Andrico and a maximum of 9. Gar & Ling Gakyils, and in partic- Board of Directors IDC Giovanni Boni ular, writing procedure manuals. [email protected] Enrico Dell’Angelo Therefore, we very much need to Karin Koppensteiner

>> Tashi Delegs continued from page 1 “nyandrol” moment of their sam- again he gave instructions on the We continued the party with selves, and in the presence of cannot be defeated, unless cheated saric transmigration. Pure joy, in essential practices of Guruyoga, Greek songs and dances, and fin- Rinpoche, with guitars and aca- and persuaded to give in and yield the total presence of the Guru, in and specifically of the simple ver- ished with Tibetan dances (Tashi pella songs, with repeated toasts voluntarily. This is something a place that Rinpoche said in Tibet sion of the purification practice, delegs), with the assistance of for the long life of our precious that also us Greeks as people and would be considered Sacred. which we also practiced together. Egle and Adriana, and surpris- Master, and Greek dances, until country should not forget in the The main event, from Octo- In the meanwhile, Adriana was in- ingly enough, of many of the in- the late afternoon hours. years to come. ber 3rd–7th, Rinpoche’s Teach- structing us on the Vajra Dance of ternational Sangha members that With immense gratitude, and Moreover, Rinpoche unceas- ing at the retreat started, and we the 12A’s, and Laura initiated be- showed a developed familiarity deeply touched again and again ingly and spontaneously teaching found ourselves with more than ginners to Yantra Yoga. with them. In the early afternoon by the vast compassion and im- in every single minute of his pres- an average of 200 participants On the fourth day, after a short of the following day, after the final measurable generosity of Chög- ence here, manifesting his most per day. Luckily, the Hall we had Ganapuja, a lottery with many transmissions and instructions yal Namkhai Norbu, we bid him joyous aspect, shared with us chosen was quite spacious, and it prizes, many of which were of- for daily life, and the short group farewell for his flight to Barcelona, wondrous mornings in a nearby all worked fine. Rinpoche started fered by participants, took place. practice of Guruyoga, Rinpoche, hoping to see him soon again in thermal-water lake, under a warm directly with the essence of the With great joy we witnessed the after seeing the last from the long another retreat, through webcast, summer-like sun, going together teachings, addressing the main is- manifestation of the incredible queue waiting for advice and as- live elsewhere, and in due time in swimming expeditions around sues of life and the need for the energy of our Master, sweeping sistance, left for the party. also again in Greece, whenever it the rocky orifices of the lake, jok- teachings, the 3 main vehicles and up all the important prizes, only Up at Liakos’s cottage and gar- is possible for him. ing, having traditional “Greek cof- the state of self-liberation, clari- to give them back again, den, in the forest of Mount Par- After his departure, we sa- fee readings” in a hilarious atmo- fying everything in a simple and them to the other participants of nitha, with an abundance of food, vor the moments and the days sphere, sunbathing, swimming straightforward way. As always, the lottery, and at the end, offer- drinks, Rinpoche spent with us with the again, and teaching us “Lu Jin” – he conquered the doubts of our ing the top prize he had won, the (And Liakos’s “probiotic secret inspiration firing up, and we are body offering to the tiny dry-skin- dualistic mind and opened up our Statue of his root Master Chang- recipe potion”) offered gener- trying to do our best, continuing peeling fish of the lake, which hearts in recognition of the pres- chub Dorje (donated by the Shang ously by Liakos and Egle, defying as he always instructs us to. worked hard every day, cleaning ence of an authentic Teaching and Shung institute of Austria), to the the crisis, a “Big fat” Greek feast Precious Master, from the the skin of all the swimmers of a True Master. With immense Hellenic Dzogchen Community. took place. Participants from the depths of our hearts, thank you, the lake, unaware of the luckiest patience, step-by-step, again and retreat sang and enjoyed them- >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

ASIA

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ASIA Onlus Association for International Förderverein ASIA Deutschland e.V. Via San Martino della Battaglia 31 Solidarity in ASIA, Inc. c/o Gisela Auspurg 00185 Rome, Italy ASIA, Post Office Box 124, Königswieser Str. 2 Tel +39.06.44340034 Conway, MA 01341-0124 USA 82131 Gauting Fax +39.06.44702620 Phone: 413.369.4153, Tel.: 089 / 127 630 32 [email protected] Fax: 413.369.4473 www.asia-ngo.org [email protected] www.asia-ngo.org/en/

Let’s Get Them to School Campaign for Long Distance Sponsorship of 500 Tibetan Nomadic Girls

ome, October 2 – Drolma wants to become a pianist, Rbut has never seen a piano and does not know how to play one. Padma wants to be a painter because she really likes to draw, while Lhamo Tso wants to be a teacher when she grows up. In a time of serious crisis like the one at present ASIA has decid- ed to invest its energies on educa- tion and, in particular, on educat- ing girls. Educating a girl means to make a woman aware of herself, it means to significantly improve the living conditions of her future children and of their families. In our case, to educate a nomadic girl also means supporting a no- madic civilization in danger of extinction. The Tibetan nomads, who have survived for thousands of years in extreme weather con- ditions, are now at risk of extinc- tion. Their disappearance would permanently destroy the very ori- gin of Tibetan culture. Drolma, Padma and Lhamo Tso study at the school in Golok, built by ASIA to give Tibetan nomadic of Amnie Keto, there was noth- ASIA, for the safeguarding of the For us at ASIA it is undoubtedly children in the Golok prefecture, ing. There were no roads, there Tibetan people. one of the most effective ways to in the Chinese province of Qing- was no electricity, we had to get The goal we want to reach by support the Tibetan people. hai, the possibility to receive good a generator here to start the the end of the year is to “send To start a long distance spon- quality education that respects work.” Today, the school has about to school” 500 Tibetan nomadic sorship of a nomadic girl: their cultural roots. 500 girls, most of them come girls. [email protected] The school answers the need from very poor Tibetan nomadic At this time in the only school www.asia-onlus.org to ensure the right to education families who could not afford to in Golok there are 300 girls who for the girls of this region where send them to school if ASIA’s long are in need of a parent at dis- the rate of female illiteracy is 75%. distance sponsorship project was tance and there are others in the “Educating a girl means to make not operating. schools in Dongche and Tanggan, a woman more attentive to her In September 2011, Giuseppe both built by ASIA. In order to own health and that of her fam- Cederna, actor, writer and moun- distance support a girl and follow ily, it means giving her the tools taineer, accompanied the Director her studies it only costs 25 euro of emancipation with beneficial of ASIA on one of his periodic mis- per month (300 euro per year, effects for the whole community sions to monitor projects that the and guaranteeing your commit- in which she lives. For this rea- organization looks after and man- ment for at least 3 years). son it was important for us to ages in historical Tibet. From that Long distance sponsorship is set up the girls school in Golok” trip a video story of the school not just economic help but allows – says Andrea Dell’Angelo, the Di- was made (http://youtu.be/-zcK- a relationship to be established rector of ASIA. “When we started Q7H-ZSE) and Giuseppe strength- between supporter and beneficia- to build the school in this area at ened his commitment, alongside ry through the exchange of letters the foot of the sacred mountain and often mutual understanding.

>> continued from previous page during those five days of the re- for every single moment you spent treat. Also to the Shang Shung with us and everything that you Institute for all their effort and have done and you are doing for generous sponsorship, to Eduardo us, and mostly for staying with us for his work for the webcast, his and sharing your profound knowl- encouraging and assisting discreet edge of the teaching with us. May presence and to all the presenters your Lotus Feet stay firm upon at the event for their inspiring the earth for many years to come! work and their generosity. We also wish to express our “Tashi Delegs” from all of us to thanks to all karma yogis who all of you. May we see you in Ath- greatly assisted and to all partici- ens soon... pants from Greece, Europe, Italy, “Tashi... Tashi Sho...” Bulgaria, Russia, Germany, etc., who with their participation and presence enriched our experience THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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Shang Shung Institute Italy Shang Shung Institute Austria Shang Shung Institute UK, Shang Shung Institute of America Località Merigar Gschmaier 139 The London School of Tibetan 18 Schoolhouse Rd 58031 Arcidosso (GR, Italy) 8265 Gr. Steinbach, Austria Studies P.O. Box 278 Phone : +39-0564-966940 Office: 0043 3386 83218 The London Centre for the Study Conway, MA 01341, USA [email protected] Fax: 0043 3386 83219 of Traditional Tibetan Culture Phone (main-Anna) 413 369 4928 www.shangshunginstitute.org www.shangshunginstitute.org and Knowledge Fax/Bookstore 413 369 4473 www.shangshungstore.org www.ssi-austria.at www.shangshunguk.org www.shangshung.org

The Latest Additions to Shang Shung Institute Webshop

Public Books

Awakening upon Dying: The Lamp That Enlightens Creative Vision and Inner Reality Healing with Fire The Tibetan Book of the Dead Narrow Minds: By Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Introduction by The Life and Times of a realized Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Tibetan Master, Khyentse Practical instructions of Jamgön Chökyi Wangchug Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye and ex- A new translation of the famous By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu planation of how the state of text describing the process of dy- Dzogchen is the ultimate goal of ing and the after-death state, and The biography of Chögyal Namkhai all Vajrayana practices. offering instructions on how to Norbu’s famous teacher and uncle, achieve liberation. a reincarnation of Jamyang Khy- entse Wangpo.

Restricted e-books

The Longsal Divination of Dorje The Practice and Action Guru Arya and Her Twenty- Mantras and Invocations Yudronma of Dark Garuda One Praises By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu An extensive collection of man- A method of divination related The explanation of the practice A complete explanation of the tras and invocations used in the to Dorje Yudronma using a set of of Dark Garuda, together with its practice of Guru Arya Tara, to- Dzogchen Community, prepared dice. specific action mantras (restricted gether with 21 invocations and by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, to be only to those who have received action mantras, as well as the used with a CD/DVD (download- this particular transmission). practice of Odser Chenma. able MP3 also available) in order to (Downloadable MP3 also available) (Downloadable MP3 also available) learn the correct pronounciation.

We are very pleased to be able to and of the international Dzogchen jurisdiction of Yuchen Namkhai, with their friends and Vajra sis- course enjoy the photos of others introduce to you to the new initia- Community, in order to preserve the Vice-president of the Shang ters and brothers, and there- and share his or her photos with tive of the Shang Shung Institute: them and to protect them for any Shung Institute. In order to follow fore they upload them on social others, and their photos are safe possible damage or misuse. The and respect Rinpoche’s advice we network sites like Facebook. But and protected. Shang Shung collection of photos of Chögyal have built up this new site that is these sites are not really safe and For that reason we invite ev- Namkhai Norbu, His family, and part of the Archive of the Shang actually not the best place to pre- erybody to upload all their photos Institute Photo the worldwide Dzogchen Com- Shung Institute and the Dzogchen serve the images of our Master. on a server owned by the Shang Archive munity is a unique treasure and Community. Yuchen Namkhai Being aware of that situation, Shung Institute, and to enjoy the a testimony of the immense work has approved this new initiative. and also of the risks and traps photos of others. Photo Archive dedicated to that Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has As nowadays it has become of the social network sites, the The only thing that you need Chögyal Namkhai Norbu been doing for all people through- very easy to make high quality Shang Shung Institute has set to do is to register and to upload and the out His life. photos with the new cameras or up this new Photo Archive site your photos. It will be the same Dzogchen Community As you probably know, many mobile phones, there exist thou- as being a single place to which as in Facebook, where you can years ago Rinpoche decided that sands of photos of Rinpoche, His people can upload their photos of also share your photos with oth- he aim of this initiative is to the copyright of all His images family and the Dzogchen Com- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, His fam- er registered people. Note: please collect all images of Chögyal and words that are being pub- munity. People who have taken ily and the Dzogchen Communi- register with your real name, so TNamkhai Norbu, His family, lished in any form, are under the these photos want to share them ty. On that site each user can of >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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Wangpo after the latter’s death in But this book is not primarily ing necessary background about The Lamp That 1892. about politics, intrigue, schemes Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, the Khyentse Chökyi Wangchug and assassination plots. While system of reincarnated , Ti- Enlightens was the second mind incarnation the author candidly reveals the betan society and so on. The book Narrow Minds of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. We flaws of jealously, avarice, pride is fleshed out with detailed foot- learn that Jamyang Chökyi Wang- and hatred that drove the politi- notes that contain additional in - By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu po (1893-1908), the first recognized cal troubles he describes, his pur- formation provided by the author, incarnation who was installed pose in showing these flaws is to a detailed index, transliteration Translation from Tibetan at Dzongsar monastery in 1897, dispel any continuing animosities tables and a bibliography. Nancy to Italian by Enrico passed away in 1908 amid inaus- between the followers of Khyen- Simmons skillfully translated the Dell’Angelo and from picious circumstances. In 1909 his tse Chökyi Wangchug and Jamy- book from Italian into English. Italian to English by incarnation had been located, the ang Chökyi Lodo, proclaiming that Nancy Simmons author’s uncle and teacher, Khyen- these two masters are of one con- tse Chökyi Wangchug. tinuum, one mind. The book de- Malcolm Smith The central political issue scribes in detail the deep affection which lies at the heart of this and devotion the two men had for ne of the remarkable fea- book’s title, The Lamp That En- each other. tures of the Tibetan liter- lightens Narrow Minds, was the The book’s primary focus is on Oary corpus is a species question of which of Jamy- Khyentse Chökyi Wangchug’s life, of literature known as namthar antine politics that permeated the ang Khyentse Wangpo was to be culminating in his death in prison [rnam thar]. The word namthar monasteries and halls of power in installed at the seat of Dzongsar and the recognition of his reincar- literally means “liberation”, thus the kingdom of Derge, which led Monastery in Derge: the elder re- nation, Khyentse, the author’s son. namthars are not biographies in to the sad marginalization of this incarnation, Jamyang Chöki Lödo The bulk of the text is devoted the usual sense of the word but great master during his lifetime. (1896–1959) or his junior, Khyentse to recounting Khyentse Chökyi are more closely related to the Derge, an important kingdom Chökyi Wangchug. Wangchug’s spiritual accomplish- Western notion of a hagiography, nestled amongst the mountains of The stakes were very high. Re- ments and the major events in his writings about a holy person, a Eastern Tibet along the tea trade incarnated lamas often possessed life – from his long years of prac- saint. route to China, had gained fame great wealth, social stature, pow- tice in retreat to his public revela- The saintly qualities of the main in the eighteenth century for its er and influence, and were under tions of treasure teachings. His subject of this namthar, Khyentse printing house. Derge has a long constant pressure to satisfy the travels, retreats and pilgrimages Chökyi Wangchug (1909–1960), are history of monasteries going back needs and wants of myriad sup- are described in detail, as are his certainly evident throughout the to the imperial period and was a porters. Such reincarnations were masters and disciples. Khyentse narrative. He is described by the stronghold of the Sakyapa tradi- also constantly under surveillance Chökyi Wangchug devoted himself author, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, tion. and risk of attack by enemies as with a single mind to the Dharma, as a man free from the eight During the nineteenth centu- we can see from the poisoning in- demonstrating to ordinary people worldly concerns, chiefly interest- ry a remarkable master from the cidents of both Khyentse Chökyi like us the way a true spiritual ed in pursuing spiritual learning, tradition was born there Wangchug and Chögyal Namkhai master conducts his life even in practice and teaching. named Jamyang Khyentse Wang- Norbu at Dzongsar described in the face of unbidden trouble and Despite his pure aspirations po (1820-1892). He is regarded as the book. We gain a window into difficulty. however, Khyentse Chökyi Wang- the mastermind and architect of the intense family and political ri- To enable the reader to under- chug does not remain untouched the now famous Rime tradition. valries that plagued Derge during stand the central themes of the by the vicissitudes of the world. One of the main concerns of this the early 20th century into which book, the Italian translator, Enrico The author describes a tainted at- book is a partial account of the both the author and his uncle Dell’Angelo, wrote an informative mosphere of treacherous and byz- incarnations of Jamyang Khyentse were born. introduction to the book provid-

Friday 02 November 2012 Thursday 31 January 2013 Friday 03 May 2013 Saturday 18 May 2013–Sunday 19 SSI UK Events CTHS Lecture: SOAS Lecture Series: CTHS Lecture May 2013 Indigo, Gold and Human Blood – 18th–20th Century Mongolian The Life of the Buddha in Wall An Introduction to Traditional Friday 26 October 2012 Illuminated Tibetan Manuscripts Buddhist Paintings and Inscriptions of Western Tibet Painting and Tibetan SOAS Lecture Series: with Dr Agnieszka Helman-Wazny Appliques with Dr Kurt Tropper Visionary Art Women Holders in the with Zara Fleming with Timea Tallian Bonpo Tradition Saturday 03 November 2012– Thursday 09 May 2013 with Dmitry Ermakov Sunday 04 November 2012 Friday 08 February 2013 SOAS Lecture Series: Saturday 15 June 2013– Conference: Gateways of the Mind CTHS Lecture: Tantric Arts and Crafts in Bhu- Sunday 16 June 2013 Thursday 01 November 2012 An exploration of the realities The Study of the Ganden Pho- tan Traditional Tibetan Song and CTHS Lecture: of lucid dreaming drang Aristocracy (1895–1959) with Timea Tallian Dance Workshop and Tibet – – New Results through Proso- An Illustrated Lecture Thursday 15 November 2012 pography with Charles Allen The Legends of the 84 Maha- with Dr Alice Travers siddhas of early Indian Bud- dhism Saturday 09 February 2013– with Robert Beer Sunday 10 February 2013 Tibetan Calligraphy Workshop Saturday 26 January 2013– with Tashi Mannox Sunday 27 January 2013 Introduction to Tibetan Thursday 28 February 2013 Ku Nye Massage SOAS Lecture Series with Aldo Oneto Himalayan Ascetics and Mystics with Dr Sondra Hausner

Thursday 07 March 2013 >> continued from previous page http://photoarchive.dzogchen SOAS Lecture Series: that we can know who the pho- community.com/ and register The Origins and True Meaning tographer is. there. of All photos will be categorized with Alex Studholme in the following categories: Thank you very much for your · Who the main person is shown collaboration and very best Friday 15 March 2013 in the photo (Chögyal Namkhai wishes, CTHS Lecture: Norbu, members of the Oliver Leick Archaeology of a Text – Dzogchen Community, etc.), Coordinator of the Photo Archive Creation and Redaction of · Where the photo was taken, of the Shang Shung Institute Tibetan History · When the photo was taken, October 2012 with Dr Michael Willis · At which event the photo was (British Museum) taken, · Who took the photo. Friday 26 April 2013– Please follow this link: Sunday 28 April 2013 The Vajra Dance of the Six Spaces with Cindy Faulkner THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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· Membership, membership fees The International and discounts at the different Gars – a report and work Dzogchen Community in progress that needs the (IDC) collaboration of all the Gars · Shang Shung Institute – n September 3 and 4 a design that represents it, that in embarking on an International meeting was held at the the ordinary world those Gakyils Transformation Program for OMerigar West Gonpa be- that are connected to each other effective management to reach tween the Gakyils of the Gars and will really become so in their legal its objectives the Asian Lings of the Commu- form, organizational structure and · Webcast service – how nity. The two afternoon sessions external image. Rinpoche’s teachings are were long and full of important This follows the guidelines brought to an international presentations. We would like to let of our Community linked to the audience you know about the most salient Dzogchen Teaching and given to · Merigar Library Project – points regarding the International us many years ago by our be- information about the work Dzogchen Community. loved and precious Master Chö- being done and the new We all know the symbol of the gyal Namkhai Norbu – acting ac- online catalogue Dzogchen Community given to us cording to the circumstances of · Tibetan Language Project – by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Meri- the place and time in which we courses for Community people gar West is one of those Gakyils, find ourselves and, at the same and non, future plans for online the first to flower, surrounding time, coordinating and harmoniz- learning and material the center, represented by the ing our energies. In other words, Longsal symbol. Now the Com- trying to move toward a flexible munity has grown, blossomed organizational structure, based and there are several other ac- on the responsibility of individu- share, respond to questions and · Database of the International tive Gars in different parts of the als and groups that are relatively offers of collaboration. Community – presentation of world and the number of mem- small and interconnected. At the moment they are mak- the new software bers has increased significantly. This is why we are promoting ing their own pathways, and our · Logo and brand image in the In addition, Rinpoche has recently some proposals to be implement- hope is that they will intertwine International Community – launched the Global Gar project to ed effectively and really need the more and more and become more presented months ago and really integrate the potentiality of collaboration of all members of useful and effective for the life of currently in distribution the entire Dzogchen Community. the International Community. the Community. · Collaboration Website for As the “old” Gar we realize how They are proposals that will · Statute of the International the Dzogchen Community – important it is that our Commu- really need the collaboration of Community – new proposal a virtual space to share nity resembles more and more the all the Gars in order to inform and approved by the Master information and experiences

countries and the single individuals belonging to them de- · where all members of the Community can study the rive from the different Gars. Dzogchen teachings; Excerpt from Around these, in the different directions, there are Gaky- · where they can meet to study subjects related to the ils of three colours, representing all of the Gakyils of the teachings; countries, regions and cities, found in all directions around · where Vajra brothers and sisters practitioners living in all ‘The Dzogchen the Gars of the Community. These Gakyils are indispensible directions can meet together from time to time. to members of the Community who live scattered in the The three colours, yellow, red and blue, of the Gakyils countryside or in regions or cities far away from a Gar, so symbolize the three doors (body, voice and mind) of those Community’ that they can collaborate together to develop their knowl- on the path; or the three Vajras of body, voice and mind of Published by Shang Shung Edizioni edge and experience of Dzogchen, or to give birth to such the realized beings; or the three dimensions of Dharmakaya, knowledge, and to integrate it with their own three doors Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya. (body, voice and mind) relaxed so that each person really As these three colours are the basis of all colours, they he following excerpt is from Chögyal Namkhai becomes Dzogchen, and to cultivate the enthusiasm and ca- signify also that all of the infinite manifestations of exis- Norbu’s book about the Dzogchen Community first pacity to practise. tence are spontaneously self-perfected. Tpublished on behalf of the International Gakyil in Around these, in the different directions there are eight Around these in the eight directions there are eight 2001 but later abridged due to the reoganization work in triads of yellow, red and blue thigles, representing the or- Gakyils representing all the different possible types of progress. It explains the symbolism of the Mandala of the ganizations of private work co-operatives of the Commu- Gakyil of the countries, large medium or small, which have Dzogchen Community in detail as well as the symbol of nity, and this means that the energy of these co-operatives the function of allowing all those living in a country, region the Dzogchen Community, both of which illustrate the should be indissollubly linked to one of the Gars or Gakyils or city far from a Gar that has the five qualifications, to car- basis for the development of Rinpoche’s vision and proj- of the country. ry on particular activities such as collective practices, the ect for the Global Gar and the new International Statute Around these in the different directions there are six- organization of co-operative work and mutual collaboration. for the Dzogchen Community, a legal structure that will teen little five-coloured thigles, representing the self-per- Again, around these in the different directions there are include all the Gars and Lings around the globe. fected state of Dzogchen of each single member of the Com- small five-coloured thigles, representing all of the single munity, conducting their particular kind of life according to members of the Dzogchen Community who exist in world. 16. The Mandala of the Dzogchen Community their place and time. The fact that the Gakyils decorated with eight points, the This is the diagram which represents all of the Dzogchen The way the single practitioners are linked to the Gakyils simple Gakyils and the five-coloured thigles are all directly Communities in the world. At the centre of the mandala, of the different countries, and the way the work co-oper- joined to each other, represents: inside a thigle of five colours there is the letter ‘the unique atives of the people of the Community are linked to the the relationship between the single members of the golden syllable’, which symbolizes the absolute condi- Gakyils of the different countries or of the Gars, and the Dzogchen Community and the Gakyils of the different tion. It radiates light and represents the Rigdzin master of way the Gakyils of different countries are linked to the Gars countries or of the central places (Gars); Dzogchen of all of the communities of the world, wherever of the Community are represented by lines joining them the relationship between the Gakyils of the different he lives. together. countries and the Gakyils of the Gars of the Community; The eight Gakyils in the eight (compass) directions, each and the relationship between the different Gars, which, decorated with eight points, represent all of the Gars in 17. The Symbol of the Dzogchen Community without being in a relationship of subordination to one an- all of the countries and zones of the world. The fact that In the centre there is a sky-blue basis, representing the other, based on the Dzogchen principle of the presence of there are eight Gakyils decorated with eight points does not primordial base of the condition of original purity. Inside awareness, are all united with the ‘unique golden symbol’, mean that the number of Gars should necessarily be eight; this dimension there is the ‘unique golden syllable’, sym- representing the absolute condition, or that all are integrat- there could be more or less than eight Gars of the Commu- bolizing the absolute condition. It represents the Rigdzins ed in the authentic state of knowledge of Dzogchen. nity, depending on the different times and circumstances of the Longchen Ödsel Nyingthig, the Rigdzins of the direct, The circle of blue light at the border represents the di- in the countries. oral and symbolic transmissions, the master of the whole mension of our universe in the infinite space of Dharmad- Here eight Gars have been drawn to symbolize all of the Dzogchen Community, whoever he may be, the vital spirit hatu. infinite directions, starting with the four main directions of the Ati teaching. All those who trust in me, Namkhai Norbu (Longchen (N.S.E.W.) and the four intermediate directions (NE. NW. SE. In the four main directions (N.S.E.W.) and the four interme- Rolpai Dorje), and who seek to realise the primordial state S W. ). diate directions there are eight Gakyils decorated with eight of Dzogchen, I request to act in this way. The eight precious points that have been added to the points. These represent the Gars, which have the following Gakyil to make a symbol of a Gar, symbolize that a Gar, be- five qualifications. They are places: Dzogchenpa Chögyal Namkhai Norbu ing a centre of the precious Dzogchen teaching, is precious, · where Dzogchen Rigdzins and Masters give teachings and 5th December 1985 and that the basis of the teaching found in a Gar spreads instructions; (revised 1990) into all of the Gakyils of the surrounding places and coun- · where members of the Community can obtain a concrete tries, and that all possible benefits to the Gakyils of the and particular knowledge of Dzogchen; THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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summarized in his book about the viduals. The point of starting this different countries. The National Setting Up a Statute Dzogchen Community and how it International Statute is also to fa- Statutes will eventually be modi- should work on the basis of the cilitate the management of the fied in order to comply with the for the International Gakyil. When talking about the organization, which is difficult at International Statute. The final Dzogchen Community organization and the management the moment with separate legal aim of this project is to have an of the Community Rinpoche has entities. integrated and functional orga- stressed again and again that the After the approval of the new nizational structure based on an inpoche recently launched regulations. However, there is no Dzogchen Community is not an Statute draft by Rinpoche, the international membership sys- the new important initia- formal connection between the organization like other organiza- new International Dzogchen Com- tem by which any member of the Rtive of Zamling Gar, the different Gars. Rinpoche and Khy- tions because its principle is the munity was formally established Dzogchen Community in any part Global Gar. This project that is a entse Yeshe have strongly advised Dzogchen teaching. The organiza- in the first days of October 2012. of the world will automatically further development of Rinpoche’s studying the means for establish- tional structure and the manage- We expect it to become fully op- be a member of the International vision is bringing together new ing a legal structure that could ment of the organization should erative sometime next year. In the Dzogchen Community. important and exciting challenges be functional for the needs of the always reflect this. The Gakyil meanwhile a lot of work will still At the same time, a proj- for the Dzogchen Community. international Dzogchen Commu- represents the correspondence be needed in order to refine the ect for the reorganization of the At the moment the Dzogchen nity and could reflect Rinpoche’s between the organization and the International Statute. The group Dzogchen Community manage- Community is a complex real- vision. principle of the teachings. The of people that Rinpoche will des- ment systems will be developed ity with about 7200 members, 10 Rinpoche’s vision about the regular changing of the members ignate to manage this transitional and discussed with Rinpoche and Gars and more than 60 Lings all organizational structure of the of the Gakyil also guarantees that phase will work with the differ- Khyentse Yeshe and eventually over the world, with each Gar, and Community and about its man- the Community does not become ent Gakyils around the world in implemented. in some cases each Ling, with its agement has been explained many an authoritarian organization con- order to better understand the own statute according to national times over the years and has been trolled by a limited group of indi- legal situations relevant to the

All Gars and Lings will short- International ly receive an e-mail with a docu- ment explaining how the data- Dzogchen Community base works and the data that Database they will be responsible for keeping up to date. This e-mail will also specify the access data Membership System gle username and password with to the system. his is a new online member- which they will be able to access ship database for the whole all the services within the Inter- Taking responsibility TInternational Dzogchen national Dzogchen Community The software of the basic version Community around the world such as the webcasts, The Mirror, is currently working. The most in which members will be able registration for retreats etc. So important thing is that it needs to access their data 24/7, modify this database will become really New membership system. to be updated in order to make them and have access to a variety central to life in the International it become really functional and of services. This database is one of Dzogchen Community. bility and collaborate. The Interna- at the Country level. Each Coun- for this, responsibility has to be the first steps in collaborating as a tional Gakyil Admin will take care try Admin creates Administrators taken at all levels, from the main single global Community. How it works of the whole database, its backup at the Ling level. The Ling Admins Admin down to the Members. We The first phase in the project The first step in this project is and will have access to all mem- should be responsible for all their need to show people that they is to update the information of implementing a basic version of bers. The Gar Admins have access Ling members and their member- are connected to the International all members of the international the database with basic member- to their Gar members, the Ling ship. If you are the Ling Admin, Dzogchen Community. Community around the world be- ship functions. Once this phase Admins have access to all their you list the members from your The success of the project is cause, up to now, there has been has been completed, the next step Ling members, and individual Ling, check their membership based on shared responsibility. no single database for the whole will be to add international cours- members have access to change and their personal data and put Every Gar and Ling will have their Community but a number of local es and events, while the third step some of their information. In this this into the database so that this own access, limited to their geo- ones belonging to each Gar. will be to link other services (we- way everyone will have access to person will be able to make use graphical area, and will be respon- The responsibility for updat- bcasts, The Mirror, etc.). change some information, accord- of other services that will be con- sible for updating their own mem- ing membership information will ing to his or her level of authori- nected with the database in the bers. By the beginning of 2013, in- be given to the Gars and the Lings The database has been built with zation. future. dividual members will also be able who will be in charge of taking 5 types of users: The person in charge of Admin Some countries, for example to access the database to update care of information about their Admin at various levels doesn’t necessar- Spain and the Czech Republic, have their own data. members and their membership. Gar Admin ily have to be a Gakyil member a single Country Admin rather Each member will have an inter- Country Admin but should be somebody that the than Admin at the Ling level, so [email protected] national number. Once this has Ling Admin Gar or Ling decides is able to man- each Gar Admin should decide http://dzogchen.me been done, in the future, there Members. age the system – it could be the about their Admin structure. Of will be many other services that secretary, a yellow gakyil person, course, some of these things may will be linked to this database This structure with 5 types of us- or a person chosen by the Gakyil. change when we have a definitive and each member will have a sin- ers means they every type of user The Administrator at Gar level version of the Statute of the Inter- will need to take some responsi- can choose other Administrators national Dzogchen Community.

make notes, write a blog in order similar cabin can download the The to have discussions, have group architectural plans and other in- discussions and add other mem- formation to help them build their Collaboration bers to the group. own. This is the idea – to have Website Each group can create all those good collaboration in the interna- projects, activities and discussions tional Dzogchen Community. It is mentioned above and can also not a kind of facebook but a genu- he Collaboration Website is share files with their own group ine tool for working together. a tool that has been created or globally, such as business plans In order to have access to the Tfor the Gakyils of the Gars or architectural plans etc. The Collaboration Website, every Ling and Lings to share information notebook can be used for putting and Gar should send a request to and experiences. up information about things that [email protected] The system includes different need to be done so that every- It is better if an official email groups such as ASIA, Community one in the group can access the Collaboration website. is used so that when there are Books and Publications, the inter- info. If there are some particular changes in the Gakyil, there will national Dzogchen Community documents or some important in- ferent facets of Community life, tribes. Each country has its own not be any problems to change ac- and the Gakyils of different Gars formation that needs to be made but when the Gakyil changes and Community and usually we do cess. and Lings around the world. When available, for example how to in- they leave, this knowledge can not know anything about what is In the request people should a Gakyil receives its membership vite Rinpoche, the Master’s diet disappear with them. going on in other countries. As an specify which Ling or city gakyil to the website, they can subscribe etc, all the Gakyils can have access The website is intended to cre- example, a while ago, the Polish they are so that we can put them to the group they wish to join or to them. In general, the whole idea ate collaboration among the differ- Community planned and built a in the appropriate group. they can create their own group. of the platform is to share knowl- ent parts of the Dzogchen Com- Dark Retreat cabin. Now, through Each group can share calendars, edge. Many people in the various munity so that we can be a single the Collaboration website, other make projects and manage them, Gakyils have knowledge about dif- Community rather than individual Communities wishing to build a THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

Focus on The International Dzogchen Community

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The first table that we drew up though we had not received all yalgar receive a 50% discount on ciding whether the same rules Membership, has information about the num- the data, from the information retreats and courses. should be applied at all the Gars bers of members and their type we received about membership Is it better to have a uniform Fees and of membership at the different fees at Merigar, Tsegyalgar and Discounts for other cost for each membership cate- Discounts at Gars in 2011. There are 6 types of Namgyal gar we could see that the Gar members gory at the different Gars or not? membership – meritorious, sus- cost of different types of member- The last topic taken into consid- Is there any specific reason to the Gars taining, ordinary, reduced, intro- ship was not the same at each Gar, eration was the amount of dis- have different fees? A Report on Work in ductory and others and that table and the proportions between dif- count for external members, for Should the discounts be uni- Progress by the MW broke the membership down into ferent types of membership were example, if you are a member at form for all the members of Gars Yellow Gakyil these different categories. From not consistent. For example, the Namgyalgar, what discount do you at their own Gar? Is there any the information we received you fees at Namgyalgar Gar are con- receive at Merigar or Tsegyalgar specific motivation to maintain e tried to collect infor- can see that in total in the inter- siderably higher than at the other etc..This was an important topic different discounts? mation on membership, national Dzogchen Community we two Gars. for all the Gars but unfortunate- It would be useful to know the Wfees and discounts from are 7486 members although, un- ly we only had information from discounts for external members the different Gars of the Dzogchen fortunately, the data on the new Discounts for own Merigar East and West where Or- at each Gar because we don’t have Community in order to have a Lings in Asia is missing. Gar members dinary members have a 20% dis- all that information. universal view of the different Merigar West had 2733 members The next important issue was to count, sustaining 40% at MW, 80% The Yellow Gakyil at Merigar situations at the various Gars. in total. see the discounts applied at differ- at ME, meritorious 100% and re- West kindly asks all the Gakyils Although we have not received Merigar East had 676. ent Gars for their own members. duced members 50%. of the different Gars around the full information yet from all the Kunsangar North had 1542. We received information from As a result of these statistics, world to contact them for full in- Gars and the new Lings in Asia, Kunsangar South had 1596. Merigar, Tsegyalgar, Namgyal- we asked ourselves if the fees formation about these issues in we have tried to create tables so Namgyalgar had 270. gar and Tashigar North. Here we and discounts applied at one Gar order to have a complete picture that the situation of membership, Tsegyalgar East had 292. could see that although most of should be applied at the other of the situation. Once we have a membership fees and discounts in Tsegyalgar West had 93. the discounts were the same at Gars? Would it be useful to stan- complete idea we will then be the international Dzogchen Com- Tashigar North had 56. all the Gars, some of them for Gar dardize them throughout the in- able to circulate the information munity around the world can be Tashigar South had 228. members at one Gar were not the ternational Dzogchen Commu- to all the Gars which will help us seen. same for members at other Gars. nity? to know each other better and to Membership fees For example, ordinary members Our conclusions to these sta- start a better mutual exchange of Number of Members Another important issue was to at Merigar, Namgyalgar and Tashi- tistics were that some issues information. have an overview of the mem- gar North receive a 20% discount need to be considered when de- [email protected] bership fees at different Gars. Al- while ordinary members at Tseg-

The Evolution of the Shang Shung Institute he Institute today is a mo- tivating and challenging Torganization with 7 world branches and more to come: SSI speaks more than 8 languages, covers the entire global geograph- ical landscape, from Australia to the USA, from Russia to The Unit- ed Kingdom, has more than 60 steady collaborators worldwide, actively involves and participates in a social network s panning some of the most re-known world uni- versities, like Oxford, La Sapienza, SOAS, just to name a few, to scien- tific and medical institutions of in- ternational relevance such as The Meridian Trust and the Russian Yoga Federation. The activities of the Insti- tute have also greatly expanded in the years: the Publications in- SSI in the world. clude Public and Restricted edi- torial lines and encyclopedic en- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Khyentse and objectives need to be refined ing the needs and requirements able through exchange and com- deavors of immense benefit to Yeshe and several other Dzogchen and re-emerge to awareness as a specific to our time and circum- munication to contribute to the humankind such as the KA-TER masters in a rich Archive of text, call to our true direction. stances and our capacity to meet improvement of the life and evo- and the OPERA OMNIA projects; audio, video and photographic doc- The Institute evolves in its them. This will result in new pro- lution of individuals in a contem- the Institute is heavily involved uments and in the Merigar West moves to ensure that mission and grammatic lines and intense orga- porary global society where the in the field of culture and educa- Library; its activities of preserva- vision are constantly refreshed nizational activities to allow their different cultures coexist in har- tion, with seminars, public talks, tion, presentation and divulgation and accomplished and for this implementation. There is a lot of mony and enrich each other”. lectures and courses in each of of the Tibetan culture and tradi- reason this year we have em- work to be done and lots of pro- On this note, in a recent speech the 5 Great Fields of Tibetan tradi- tion and, very importantly, of the barked on an International Trans- fessionals will be needed to bring which was released in a video on tional knowledge (Spiritual Path or gem at its heart, the Dzogchen formation Program that will seek expertise to very specific areas of Dzogchen TV, Rinpoche clarified , Art, Medicine, teachings, also extend to lectures to provide the adequate structure, strategic direction and organiza- the relevance of Tibetan Culture Language & Grammar and Logic), on , Tibetan History, Tibet- governance, policies, processes tion, with competences ranging for the prosperity of the Dzogchen training doctors and therapists, an Performing Arts (song making, and tools required for the effec- from financial to marketing, in- Teachings and the reasons why translators, practitioners and art- music and dances), Tibetan Medi- tive management of a growing in- formation technology and public maintaining and developing the ists all over the world in Tibetan cine, Massage, Language, Astrol- ternational Institute, ensuring its relations, fundraising and event activities of the Institute through Buddhism, Sciences and Arts; it ogy, Thangka Painting. Just this ability to reach its objectives and organization, business training personal collaboration and indi- runs several core services for the year the Institute launched Tibet- accomplish its mission. We have and human resources manage- vidual interest is a very important Dzogchen Community, bringing an Medicine Courses online and a started with an All Hands Meet- ment. We call everyone interest- aspect of the activity of each of the webcast to more than 2000 new School of Tibetan Medicine ing which saw the participation of ed to participate in this journey us in this life. I invite everyone to users worldwide, publishing The will see its opening in Russia in Community representatives and of collaboration which will bring listen and open their minds, their Mirror for the entire Community 2013. of the collaborators of SSI in the new prosperity and development hearts and their life circumstanc- of members, coordinating the pro- Such an open embrace of the world; we have already compiled for Tibetan Culture and Human es to this awe inspiring vision! cesses and guidelines for the Santi world’s opportunities demands, of a new Statute, with a refreshed Knowledge in its whole. www.youtube.com/watch?v=w Maha Sangha examination and course, clear organization and gov- set of objectives supported by in- As our Vision statement re- WZCPgGD1Pw&feature=youtube Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga dem- ernance. And very often with such spiring values and a global gover- minds us, at the Institute “we _gdata onstrations and courses and main- fast development, vision needs to nance model. We will continue in strive for a vital Tibetan culture, taining the treasure teachings of be made sharper and priorities the coming months with assess- rooted in its own tradition and THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

Focus on The International Dzogchen Community

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How it works System Capacity providers of similar services, and · New flash-based replay system Dzogchen An audio-video stream is sent The estimated maximum capac- we create partnerships to receive with large free online archive of over the Internet from the loca- ity of the actual Flash system is the best possible conditions. This past webcasts (November 2012) Community tion of the event (source stream) around 4000 connections, Icecast way we could vastly increase the · Online on-demand video courses Webcast and is received by the streaming and Teamspeak** servers could service availability and still reduce (Fall 2012) servers. The servers will multiply sustain other 600 users. costs! Migrate more services to UK Bringing Rinpoche’s the stream to all the clients. The data provided in this chart servers to save on costs and cover Teachings Live Worldwide This setup relies on the Inter- 2010 is provided from official quotes the servers’ enhancement (Winter Introduction, Status and net connection of the source (la- Average users per webcast ses- (July 2012) of the mentioned com- 2012) Development tency and bandwidth in particu- sion: Peak users: over 800 (simul- panies, considering the same ser- The Webcast service brings lar) and the capacity of the CDN taneous live users) over 1800 (si- vice requirements. Rinpoche’s teachings to a con- What is it? (Content Delivery Network) where multaneous live users) stantly increasing international he webcast is an online the servers are located. How is it supported? audience. For the future it is im- streaming service provided 2012 Donation from Gars (mostly Eu- portant that we are able to aug- Tby the International Shang Technology Average users per webcast ses- rope and Russia), donations from ment the economic resources of Shung Institute. It was created fol- Flash streaming (standard world- sion: Peak users: over 1500 (simul- private DC members, and other the service by greater contribu- lowing Rinpoche’s desire to trans- wide) Icecast streaming (previous taneous live users) over 2200 (si- donations. tions from all the Gars of the In- mit the Teaching to all practitio- standard de facto for streaming) multaneous live users) Support your Gar and SSI to ternational Dzogchen Community ners worldwide. Teamspeak streaming (v.2) support the Webcast! as well as private donations. Webcast’s users Who is the Webcast Team? Our infrastructure Over 7300 users registered in Future developments * YLON is a US based corporation The webcast team is composed Live Flash servers: Live and on the system · Double servers’ hardware and owned by Luigi Ottaviani and Yuchen Namkhai. This service is provided with- of several volunteers inside the demand Flash server: Icecast and Growth trend: +87.5% usage, in peak bandwidth capacity (Sep- out profit and all the staff/volunteers Dzogchen Community, staff of the Teamspeak servers: USA ENG- two years tember 2012) involved in the webcast do not receive Shang Shung Institute and staff/ LAND HOLLAND · New portal system with new any compensation. infrastructure provided by YLON Comparison chart database of webcast users ** Icecast and Teamspeak server just Consulting.* In our continuous process of im- ( October/November 2012) 8% of our users and they are becoming obsolete. Their use will be reduced or provement we checked the major eliminated in future.

students learn how to read and The Tibetan Language Project The Tibetan write Tibetan, how to spell and will shortly have complete online basic grammar. We are also doing audio/video material for down- Language this with a set of videos which loading which will include the Project people can consult online. I have alphabet, spelling and grammar. It tried them with my students will help people who have already Fabian Sanders both here and at the university done a course to refresh their using colors identifying the func- knowledge or those who would ibetan language is impor- tion a word has within a sentence like to take a course to take the tant for those interested in so that people can upgrade their first steps into the language. TBuddhism but particularly basic understanding into seeing There will also be online support for those doing the practices of how the structure of the sentence for translators. We can send them the Dzogchen Community since works in Tibetan. a page, they translate it, we correct the practice texts are in Tibetan In the Intermediate course par- it and send it back. We also have a or . In these texts in fact, yal Namkhai Norbu. These courses the meaning you are pronouncing. ticipants apply the knowledge that rotation system in which different while the Sanskrit part is mostly have an introductory part on the At the basic level this can be done they have acquired to reading and translators translate different pages, made up of mantras and thus does sacredness, the importance and in a two or three day course or starting to translate Tibetan texts. rotate them and correct each other’s not necessarily have a relevant the structure of the classical Ti- even in a single day. They are also at the point where work. In addition, our online mate- meaning, the Tibetan text is in- betan language and then go on We are also trying to enable they can start to enjoy the beauty rial includes interviews with knowl- tended to convey content as well. to show how the various syllables people to self learn Drajyor by of the language. edgeable people and mostly West- The Tibetan language courses of- are pronounced. As a practical re- means of a video course that will Participants in the Advanced ern translators of Tibetan language. fered by the Shang Shung Institute hearsal, we find that it is very use- be available online soon. course are able to translate We have had a recent idea to can be divided into two types – for ful to focus on one practice text, in texts from Tibetan with increas- form an online collaborative dic- those within the Dzogchen Com- general the medium ganapuja, as Public Courses ing competence and collaborate tionary of quotations and I would munity and for the general public. well as other texts on request like The Ka ter courses are directed as a group to prepare a text for like to invite all the translators the Mandarava or Chöd practices. more towards the general public publication. We also work on the who are interested to participate. Drajyor courses for the DC In the experience of many stu- who may be interested in the Ti- cultural base that people need to It is a dictionary of quotations and The Drajyor courses are mostly in- dents, this is very useful since the betan language but not necessar- have before they start translating. can be accessed with a username tended for the Community in or- quality of the practice increases ily in Dzogchen Teaching. We have been doing these and password. This will become a der to enable people to pronounce very much if you know what you The Tibetan Language Project courses for the last six years and growing repository of translated the Tibetan texts in the practices are saying when you are saying it, has three levels of Tibetan lan- both the participants and myself examples from the Tibetan lan- correctly using the phonetic tran- if you don’t have too many mental guage courses: Basic, Intermediate have been satisfied with our work. guage. So if anyone has any con- scription system devised by Chög- processes between your voice and and Advanced. In the Basic course, tribution to give, it is welcome.

English and Italian but there are material covers). They will con- transcription. Then you have a de- is funding because the acquisi- The Merigar also books in French, German, tain the title, the number in the scription of the contents, mostly tion of books has been suspended Russian, Chinese as well as a few series, a general description, etc., based, in the case of the ‘Bonpo for the last 10 to 15 years. In the Library in Mongolian. The premises were and, sometimes, the index of the ’, on the catalogue, the meantime a lot of publication has Fabian Sanders fully renovated this year and now text. For example, at the moment different volumes, their numbers, been going on, academic as well include a spacious beautifully dec- we are working on the ‘Bonpo and from anywhere in the world as public Buddhist translations, he library at Merigar West orated reading room. Kangyur’, of which we have 2 edi- you can know where this book is which would be really useful to is an important Tibetologi- A couple of months ago when tions in 150 and 192 volumes, some on the shelves of the Merigar li- have in our library both in Tibet- Tcal library that has been we started to work in this library of which contain up to 95 texts, brary. If you need that book and an as well as Western languages. mostly collected by Chögyal Nam- the situation was not very good so it is quite a long job to write have the opportunity to come I have heard that there is inter- khai Norbu. It contains around because there was an inventory down the titles. here, you will be able to locate it. esting translation work going on 9,000 texts of which more than but not a proper catalogue so Then we are putting them into If you are not able to come, we are in Chinese and we would be very 5,500 are in Tibetan and includes while you could know more or an online catalogue which can planning to provide a scanning happy to host all of Rinpoche’s the most important canonic col- less which books were contained be consulted from anywhere in service for those books which books that are available in differ- lections, works of the most im- in the library, you had no idea the world and, in addition, can be cannot be found elsewhere so that ent languages. portant teachers of the Tibetan where they were positioned. worked on or edited if you have we will be able to send the scans Another thing is to have per- tradition especially the Dzogchen What we are doing at the access to it, from any device you in exchange for a fee or donation. manent staff so that when people tradition, medicine texts and oth- moment is creating the shelves may be using, for example an Of course the catalogue is come here they will be able to ac- ers. The library also contains the where the books will be collocat- iphone or ipad etc. The catalogue searchable. It complies with inter- cess the library. complete works of Rigzin Chang- ed according to categories, which is an online record in which you national standards and all infor- The address of the online cata- chub Dorje, the root Master of means dividing them according to have the usual library entry with mation will shortly be available on logue is: http://opac.libraryworld. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. The rest topic. We are preparing highly de- a title, also written in Tibetan, the Shang Shung Institute website. com/opac/signin?libraryname= of the books are Tibetological scriptive labels, which will be in- which is useful for those who are To carry this project ahead in MERIGAR%20LIBRARY texts in various languages, mostly serted into the pecha folders (the not used to the Wylie standard the future what we basically need THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

The Dance of the Vajra

12 Being in the Presence of the Dance of Khalong Dorjeikar Prima Mai

ince 1991 we have been prac- Dorjeikar is not only part of the ticing the Dance of the Vajra 3rd Level Teacher Training, which Sin the Dzogchen Community, is reserved for the Dance of Space. based on a Longsal terma by our These Dances are still to be devel- Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. oped. In the first years of existence The brand new webcast sys- of the Vajra Dance, I accompanied tem was launched on this occa- Rinpoche on his intensive travels sion and even our precious web- around the World following the cast team was working with great many requests for teaching the dedication and time behind the Dance of the Vajra in between and scenes as usual, even though we during retreats. In 1993 Fabio An- still had some little troubles due drico and I accompanied Rinpoche to the unfamiliar set-up and some on some months of pilgrimage minutes did not get transmitted mainly in North India and, before properly. In any case a few days Dancing on the external Mandala at Merigar East. Photo: R. Kogel continuing to Australia, we passed later we also prepared a sponta- some time to rest in Goa in South neous video with a more detailed Adriano Clemente, one of the easily possible for everyone to not in the first TUN, where the India, where Rinpoche taught me explanation and demonstration main translators of Rinpoche’s learn the Vajra Dances. It creates Pawo already has to turn, facing a little about the movements of of the movements again and the Longsal Teachings and Books no harm to make first experienc- the external Mandala. Both, Pawo the Dance of 12 A or Khalong Dor- videos are available on the Web- has recently been given the Root es this way, being aware that in and Pamo, always start facing the jeikar. cast website/Files in the “Restrict- text of this Terma Khalong Dor- order to learn Khalong Dorjeikar, internal imaginary Mandala with When we arrived in Moscow, receiving Dzogchen transmission the Base of the Sound of A. We Russia in 1994 for a big retreat, is indispensable. Although it is can find detailed explanation in there was a great interest among easy to learn its technical points, the updated text file to download practitioners to learn the Dance of this practice is the spiritual prop- from the webcast restricted files the 3 Vajra and they had prepared erty of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu site. some , but not enough and under the protection of the Pamo and Pawo are the Tibetan for such large interest and, as Guardians of the Dzogchen Trans- terms meaning Heroine and Hero well, time to study the Vajra mission. or a practitioner being on the Path Dance during retreats is limited. Khalong Dorjeikar is practiced of Ati, so not being an ordinary Rinpoche asked me to teach in- with the natural Sound of 12 A or being distracted by worldly ac- stead the movements of the Dance breaths, which is best produced tions. of Khalong Dorjeikar for the first through one’s voice and can also As Rinpoche recently explained time and since it is not necessar- be integrated with one’s voice again: “Sound and Energy, its real ily practiced on a visible Mandala, in the presence of the natural condition is movement.” The Vajra this way everyone interested was Sounds of A of whatever origin, dances are a method and essen- able to study the Vajra Dance to- integrating in the movement and tial symbol integrating movement gether. state of contemplation. and are a key to the essence of We did not continue to study In 1994 Rinpoche said to me Dzogchen Teachings. this Dance, because from time to that we could, for example, apply Regarding Rinpoche’s teach- time when we asked Rinpoche to repeatedly the melody of the first ings, the Song of Vajra Dance and teach this practice, he said it was 2 Lines of the Dance of 6 Libera- the syllables mainly function in not necessary. tions. But I think it is not limited coordinating our existence with Then last year in 2011 when to these 2 Lines of melody, but an energy points or Chakras and we asked him again in Tenerife, example to use when, for exam- sub or secondary Chakras. The Rinpoche gave permission to start ple, we do it in a collective way. many main and secondary energy teaching and studying this dance Prima Mai. When I was in Argentina, on a points in our internal physical ex- with the comments that our sleepless maybe jetlagged night, I istence resonate and interconnect movements had improved and the ed Texts of Retreats” area where jeikar, which consists basically tried to create some music to ac- inseparably with our outer exis- time might be right. Login and password is required. In of 4 pages. Before the webcast company my practice of 12 A and tence or vision and the sacred en- The first time we learnt togeth- addition I have updated the Text we met with Adriano, who trans- offered it to our Master. After it ergy points on Planet Earth. er this Dance again was in Khan- file with more detailed informa- lated orally to us and also prom- was approved by Rinpoche, since The Dance of 6 Liberations, on droling in the USA in the nearly tion regarding collective practice. ised to translate it when he finds all Mantra sounds are our Mas- the absolute level with the same finished enormous Vajra Hall in We hope to make a more profes- time in between all the other pre- ter’s spiritual property, we then functions, is more the essence July 2012. sional DVD available soon. cious works he hopes to complete. used it in collective practice to of the Song of Vajra and reso- There is now a large interest to Please give your support and Through this work we discovered help keep correct timing. In any nates more with the principle of practice this method and, in addi- consider making a donation to the some more in-depth aspects case, I want to point out that this our physical existence and main tion, with this Upadesha method, webcast so that you can connect of some particular movements, is not the official Music for this chakra system. It emphasizes our we have to respect Rinpoche’s to the abundance of this precious which I then tried my best to ex- Practice and not absolutely neces- material manifestations in connec- vision of correct development teaching. plain in the webcast and apologize sary to use. This would be condi- tion to conditioned emotional ac- through teaching it by authorized The Title “Khalong Dorjeikar” for any mistakes connected to my tioning or even limiting and does tions and purifies them into the 5 Instructors only. Through a closed translated means “The Vajra Dance many limitations. not comply with the real sense of Wisdoms. It creates a cause to en- webcast it was possible to serve of Space” and in its deep mean- It might be important to know this method. ter the path of Liberation through the wider interest and also reach ing it is all to be discovered and that Rinpoche first pointed out to This method can be done alone a maturation of awareness in con- out to all our authorized Vajra specifically connected with our us to only teach the Dance of 12 A and without a Mandala. We imag- sciousness with sacred Sounds Dance Instructors, so they can Master’s essential teachings of to practitioners who already know ine a Mandala and imagine in integrating movement. If one is in practice it before meeting soon in Dzogchen given tirelessly for over one or all of the other 3 Vajra the center a support of practice, the state of non-dual contempla- Tenerife, where we can confirm 30 Years. Dances, since a specific consider- which can be an image of a Statue, tion or instant presence, he or she our correct understanding of this Kha stands for Space or Sky ation of movement is required. You Ganapuja, , Crystal, a sacred realizes the supreme Purification. precious method and, if approved Long means Dimension or have probably already read about image. In case we are naturally in The 3 Vajra Dance, even more by Rinpoche, all Vajra Dance in- Space this in the prepared document on the presence of this, we can also essential, corresponds mainly to structors can assist in our inter- Dorjei is the Tibetan term for the webcast website under the 3 apply it as a center of support. our three main inseparable exis- est to learn this method in the the Sanskrit Term Vajra or mean- important Considerations which A Tun of 12 A is done in one tences of Body, Energy and Mind, correct way. ing Diamond or thunderbolt suggests the possible reason why time. We can of course also repeat of which the state of Mind is most Practitioners of the Vajra Dance Kar is translated into Dance this Dance was not taught again it as many times as our circum- important and integrated into the are familiar with Rinpoche’s vi- All Vajra Dances start or evolve for many years. stances permit. sounds of the most important sion of properly developing the from the integration into the un- The news of a Dance that can Based on instructions by Rin- Mantra in Dzogchen, symbolizing Vajra Dance through Instructors born state with the Sound of A, be practiced without the Mandala poche from 1994 and reconfirmed the state of all enlightened beings. following Teacher Training pro- symbolic essence of the state of has aroused great interest in all of recently, if we do this practice The total essence beyond body, grams. It consists of 3 Levels and all enlightened beings. To my un- us, feeling simply overjoyed to be collectively more times, also the energy and mind, also called the I want to inform people that, re- derstanding, this Dance of 12 A is also able to finally join with this Pamo turns facing the imagi- unborn state, is the Sound of A, garding a communication from the complete Symbol. precious and important teaching nary outer circumference, but also symbolizing Sound, Rays and our Master, the Dance of Khalong of our Master, because it is not only starting in the second TUN, >> continued on page 16 THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

The Dance of the Vajra

13 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Speaks About the Vajra Hall Atop Khandroling July 3, 2012 Khandroling

am very happy for the big effort to build this Vajra Hall and I want to say thank you very much to everybody Iwho did this work and made this effort, and also to those who gave support – that is very important. This Vajra Hall is not only for only Tsegyalgar, but it is important for all people who are interested in the Dance of the Vajra because all originated in this place. I was here on this land doing a retreat in my cabin. Sometimes in the nighttime I would also come here [on this spot], to sleep and I had a small tent here. All the teach- ing of the Dance of Vajra came through my dreams. So I couldn’t have all knowledge only in one night’s dreaming, so for continuing I waited and then went ahead. I came to sleep here on the top of the land in the night- time, and immediately before I went back in my cabin I wrote quickly in order not to forget. The mosquitoes fol- lowed me and I had nothing to cover myself with. In that way I went ahead and wrote down the dreams, more or less completely, during the retreat here. You remember I also drew a small mandala down [by the pond] for training, to understand. It was very difficult because I am not a dancer. In Tibet we have also many dif- ferent dances: dances of the monastery and popular dances. Also, I am a scholar, and I studied and know many things of Tibet, but I don’t know how to write down movements. I never studied that. So sometimes I found this difficult. Then I made the mandala and tried to see if the movements cor- responded or not. And some dreams I had again, correcting what I wrote down. For example saying, “Oh, what you did is not perfect”. I wanted to finish [the dance] and then I had to leave for Italy. Also at Merigar I continued to have these dreams and wrote them down. Some are not complete. But then later I discovered the reason I had these dreams of the continua- countries, between political parties, group and group. Ev- ciety? Society means the aggregation of many people. Many tion of the Dance of Vajra at Merigar. At the beginning I had erybody says, “Oh, we need peace, peace of the world”. Some people have their individual condition. For that reason they no idea but I thought it was interesting, and later something places have meetings and these meetings are fantastic. I don’t agree, they fight, discuss, always going after mental I had not finished writing came to me here. took part in many of these meetings. In that moment I am concepts. So the teaching makes you understand not to be I understood later that it is because the small mandala happy, everybody is saying: “Oh, we need to make peace”. dominated by your mind - you dominate your mind, you represents our globe. This place, [Khandroling], and where But after the meeting is finished nothing remains. It doesn’t govern your mind and you use your mind. Merigar is, are all in this red line, this circle. Later I also dis- help very much. How you can use that? You should be in real your nature. covered why we start dancing in the red color, the red line; If you really need peace, you need to have evolution. Start This is the principle of the Dzogchen teaching. If you are in it is because the Dance of Vajra started in Tsegyalgar East, from you, from each person. We say society, but who is so- >> continued on the following page in this place - and also Merigar is connected in the same Mirror Print Ad_Layout 1 7/12/12 1:59 PM Page 1 line. These are interesting things particularly for the future. In this moment I am here. I am also happy to be in this place and to see something concrete. In my dreams there was also a place, a hall, a mandala, and also outside, just like from this mandala hall; it was a very big hall with many people. Wisdom Publications So that is something concrete that we now have. For that reason I am happy – it is very good. Journey to Certainty And also I think people who are interested in the Dance The Quintessence of the Dzogchen View: of Vajra know that the Dance of Vajra is related with Song An Exploration of Mipham's Beacon of Certainty of Vajra and Song of Vajra is the essence of the Dzogchen Anyen Rinpoche teaching. So the people all over the world who are interested Translated and edited by Allison Choying Zangmo in the Dzogchen teaching for this epoch must be interested 248 pages | $17.95 in this Vajra Hall. For the future we need something for remembering; “A must-read for philosophers and practitioners. Anyen Rinpoche flaw- when I have disappeared and I am no more here on this lessly presents the reader with the unique perspective that belongs to a globe. When people are dancing they will ask where this true scholar-yogi.”—Erik Pema Kunsang, author of Wellsprings of the dance comes from. “Oh, there is a place called Tsegyalgar Great Perfection and on the top of Khandroling there is a place for the man- dala – you can visit.” That is not so bad. We must think not only of our lives, not only this moment, but also for future To dispel the misery of the world generations. It is very important for Dzogchen practitioners to re- Whispered Teachings of the member that, because we are still in our dimension, which Ga Rabjampa is a very dualistic condition. We are in the condition where Foreword by Khenpo Appey everything is limited. The principle of the Dzogchen teach- Translated by Translations ing is contrary – being in the real nature of the individual. 224 pages | $16.95 Instead of doing something outside, concentrating outside, you concentrate a little more inside yourself, and you can “Here, in a remarkably lucid and accessible translation, we are given radi- understand which is our problem, our limitation. If there is cal and timeless instructions for discovering and developing the wisdom a problem, we can discover it ourselves. and compassion that our world needs so very, very urgently today.” This is called evolution, not revolution. Revolution means —Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying we are fighting outside. We should evolve. This is very im- portant for the future. You see how many problems we have, not only practi- Wisdom Publications • wisdompubs.org tioners, but all over the world, between religions, between THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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Merigar Under the Stars

Winners of Merigar West Tashigar North, Tashigar South, Nam- The third round will take place Under the Stars! gyalgar and Samtenling. in 2014 at Tsegyalgar East between The final result was reached by Tsegyalgar East, Tsegyalgar West, he winning team of the first adding together the votes of the Gars Namgyalgar North and Namgyalgar round of MW Under the Stars with the same name (Kunsangar South. Twas Kunsangar. Many con- South and Kunsangar North, Merigar gratulations to the team! The group East and Merigar West) with the re- were presented with colorful katags sult that Kunsangar was the winner from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in the of this first round of MW Under the Merigar West Gonpa after their win. Stars with 68 votes. Merigar received The dance competition took place 65 votes. in the Merigar West Gonpa on Sep- The second round will take place tember 2nd, 2012 between four teams: in 2013 at Tashigar South between Kunsangar South, Kunsangar North, Tashigar South and Tashigar North Merigar East and Merigar West. The and the winners of the first round of

Jury was made up of four judges from the competition – Kunsangar South The winning Kunsangar dance team and Kunsangar North. on the steps of the Gonpa.

Fabio’s Tour

Notes on Fabio Andrico’s out, with pathways, bridges, lawns, time helping with the gardens that tour to North America’s and artistic installations in between. were asking for some mulch with ur- Yoga Centers Tara Mandala, Tsultrim Allione’s gency, as the powerful Colorado sun retreat center in Colorado was our was cooking the soil. For everybody by Carolina Mingolla 2nd stop. The environment felt very there, the power of Yantra Yoga and familiar. There, the Tibetan atmo- the link with the lineage was evident, he end of this summer, Fabio sphere was everywhere – the impres- and their diligent interest to learn was Andrico furthered his commit- sive three-story temple decorated in the seal of the group. Tment to spreading Yantra Yoga the traditional way, the 21 Tara statues, The Kripalu center is definitively in North America – as he has done the monk, two nuns, and small group focused on yoga practice and has all around the world for the last 30 of practitioners living on the land more of the tone of a mega corporate years. On this tour, the hosting ven- running the daily practices. The cooks yoga center. The welcoming process ues for the open level Yantra courses were preparing delicious food for the is very careful – after the check in, in the United States were the Esalen 20 people who were sharing the time somebody in front a huge map of Institute on the ocean in Big Sur, Cali- Yantra Yoga at Esalen. there those days. I had a very nice >> continued on the following page fornia; Tara Mandala in the mountains of Southern Colorado; and the Kripalu Esalen, on the Pacific Ocean in the from one series to the next, he orga- Yoga Center in hills of Massachusetts. wonderful Big Sur area, was the first nized the course so they had a lot of These three places had some very stop. I heard about it not many years breathing practices in between. We interesting common organization pro- ago, when I first came to the States. always practiced the nine-purification cedures, and some strong differences Esalen is globally renowned for the breathing together with rhythmic in terms of the profile of the students, development and practice of transper- breathing outside the yurt (the tra- the possibilities of outdoor activities, sonal psychology, the classical mas- ditional Mongolian tent-like structure the infrastructure, and more. sage system they developed, the hot that was designated as our practice Esalen and Kripalu are huge re- springs with sea-wide viewing, and space), in front of the Pacific Ocean. treat centers, with impeccable organi- the permacultural vegetable gardens In this way, it was easier for them to zation developed after 40 or 50 years that captured my attention from the get engaged with Yantra and under- respectively of receiving students, very beginning. As you see, not too stand the deepness of the practice in volunteers, workers, and instructors much yoga. . . This was one of the a soft way, enjoying the hot springs from many different traditions, from challenges that Fabio discovered right and the fantastic food in between the all over the world. Tara Mandala was after the first encounter with the classes. Because of the design of the a more familiar experience for me, students. Many of them come to Es- site, everybody had to walk through since it is a Dharma Center. It radi- alen for having a nice relaxing week. the gorgeous gardens to arrive to the ates a soft feminine energy, a kind of That was the motivation for running practice place, to the dining room, and pastel color in the wider spectrum of the course in a different way than we to our rooms, as everything is spread retreat centers. normally do. So, instead of teaching >> continued on the following page Tara Mandala.

>> Khalong Dorjeikar continued from page 14 >> Chögyal Namkhai Norbu continued from previous page ahead and develop through evolution in the future. Light, the state of Guru Yoga. In Since this year all over the your real nature, it doesn’t mean problems with the The future is long, so if we have something bad, that the complete version of the 12 A world we are pointed towards the mind; you can dominate your mind, you can use your is what develops. If we have something good and we now, to my understanding, famous date of 21 December 2012, mind. It is necessary because we are living in a du- someone is developing a little, day after day, there is also practice and dance its sym- it has become like a concentrated alistic vision. We couldn’t live without mind, without development. bolic manifestation. energy collected by the whole of judgment, without these kinds of limitations. I am always saying that when I arrived in It- Transmission and introduction Humanity, as if entering a Man- But we are dominated by mind and we are igno- aly, there was no one talking of or interested in into the State and having devel- dala. We could consider including rant of our real nature. We think that this and that Dzogchen teaching. But today, not only Italy but ev- oped Knowledge of the state of these 3 days from 20–22 Decem- are important and then we fight with each other. erywhere, you see there is a Dzogchen Master teach- Contemplation is essential in order ber in our established World Vajra Even the countries say, “Oh there is political party, ing Dzogchen. People are asking for that teaching and for practitioners to receive all the Dance Days, integrating as well right and left, right and left” and they are fighting for they try to understand. Not for many centuries, only functions and absolute benefits. the Dance of Khalong Dorjeikar years and years. Someone wins and they have a little for some years in our life. The future is much longer, Please treat this method and according to our circumstances, revolution, another wins and makes a little a revolu- and therefore it is really very important that we do all related published materials either in collective or personal tion, but nothing changes. This is samsara and trans- our best to do something concrete: base, knowledge, with the utmost respect, as if we practice. migration. etc. have found by chance a secret As Rinpoche points out, singing So we need to go a little in the essence. This is the That is why I’m making effort and going every- treasure of incalculable awaken- and also dancing the Song of Vajra principle of the Dzogchen Teaching. We are following where. Some people say: “Oh, you like traveling very ing value on a magical walk, as if in collective practice, being in the the Dzogchen teaching and the Dzogchen teaching is much.” Not really. I see it is necessary, we have a very it is falling at our feet from the state of contemplation, enforces for discovering our real nature, being in our real con- short time, a short life, and nobody knows how long vast spaces of the sky or glitter- the benefits to all sentient beings dition. This is the root of the evolution, so we should we still have that possibility, but with what we have, ing in rainbow colors under a half beyond our imagination. Modern go in this direction. Even if we cannot succeed to do we do our best. This is very important. buried rock or holy tree or as if science is, to my understanding, great things immediately, it doesn’t matter. For that reason I am happy and I say thank every- shining up to us from the depths also confirming the benefit of col- All are conditioned by dualistic vision. Even if you one very much for doing this gigantic work. That is of a deep blue sea. lective states of consciousness and succeed today to have a revolution – you have condi- good. Then it never can be lost and its benefit for conditions on our tioned, convinced or dominated people and then there will naturally expand in and from planet and sentient beings. is no benefit. Instead of that, we liberate ourselves Transcribed by Stoffelina Verdonk and Bodhi Krause us in joyful waves beyond space Thank you dear Master from from our limitations, and we have this presence, and Edited by Naomi Zeitz and time. our Hearts this a kind of example for other people. Then we go THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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Fabio’s Tour

>> continued from previous page the building describes all the areas we can enjoy, the locations to sleep, eat, as well as practice. Someone explained how the activities are organized so both instructors and students can participate in some of the regular classes. While the course was an open level Yantra course, 80% of the participants had already received Rinpoche’s Transmission or were somehow linked with Tibetan Buddhist practices. This qualification always brings a greater understand- ing of the value of Yantra Yoga as Fabio and Carolina at Kripalu. Amherst College. a discipline related to the profound path of the Dzogchen Teachings. My trip ended with a presenta- both being a spectator and part of the Fabio was assisted by Naomi Zeitz tion of Yantra in Tibet House in New initial spreading of its seeds in these and by myself here, so the students York, where around 35 people arrived big North American centers. Fabio’s had the privilege of receiving a lot to listen and experience the flavor of capacity, a resilience and flexibility personal attention for each of them. Yantra. We found that they became born of over thirty years of teaching In Kripalu, everything was going aware of Yantra in various ways-- around the world, enabled him to ap- on mostly inside the building, 4 floors from seeing the videos on you tube, proach all kind of circumstances in plus the downstairs floor, where the web pages, even facebook. Some were front a of these very different groups hot tubs were located. There were five made aware of Yantra from practitio- of people in these classes. All of this or six big workshops running at the ners around the globe, or some even was very inspiring for me, feeling same time, about 300 people eating bought the complete set of Yantra there is so much to give and receive, in the dining room everyday, though videos. while the task seems to be huge, as they have the capacity for hosting The experience of bringing Yantra more centers start asking for Yantra around 650. There is a beautiful lake to a wider public is challenging, with Yoga courses. This will take a lot of ten minutes walking distance from so many different conditions, inter- concentration and sacrifice along the the building and a gigantic lawn that ests, and expectations, requiring so way, all just a single spark, an echo of my mind’s permaculture sensibility many ways to approach teaching it Rinpoche’s inexhaustible example of was envisioning as a rich food forest due to the conditions of the people dedication and service. Tibet House, NYC. a couple of years ahead. in the class. I had the experience of

Merigar West West Arcidosso 58031 phone: 39 0564 966837 [email protected] Merigar GR Italy fax: 39 0564 968110 www.dzogchen.it

Exhibition At The Castle by Matteo Maglietti

n September 22, within the stone walls of the castle of Ar- Ocidosso, the museum of Tibet- an Art and Culture was inaugurated. An encounter between the cultures of the Far East and the West, that, al- though they developed independently of each other, were finally were able to meet in an era such as ours, where communication has reached a higher level than in the past. During the opening ceremony of the exhibition Chögyal Namkhai Nor- bu presented the biography he wrote Photo: C. Gnecchi Photo: R. Kogel of Kyentse Chokyi Wangchug, a very important teacher for the Dzogchen the different conception of body and become even closer thanks to the where Chögyal Namkhai Norbu had jects and tools of various kinds, neces- lineage, and his own uncle. The book mind which exists between the two project of the Museum of spent several periods of time in his sary for survival in the Himalayas. also focused its attention on the con- cultures, two things that are clearly and Culture for which even funding youth. Inside the museum a room The opening ceremony ended with dition in which Tibet finds itself today, seen as separate by us in the West, had been obtained . had been painted with typically Ti- a hearty portion of momos, tradi- a condition that arose more than half but not by the Tibetans. After the conference, the Master betan colors and at the entrance, a tional Tibetan dumplings, for everyone a century ago, resulting in the disap- The mayor of Arcidosso spoke visited the exhibition with its display door had been mounted with beauti- to try including the local inhabitants pearance of large parts of the Tibetan thanking the Master and expressing of beautiful photos of Tibet, of Zhang ful traditional designs. Outside at the who were present in large numbers tradition, as well as putting an end to his satisfaction with the cooperation Zhung and many places connected back of the building you could see a at the opening. the lives of many important masters, between the municipality of Ar- with the Master himself, such as Ky- Tibetan nomad tent, filled with ob- including the same Kyentse Chokyi cidosso and the Community that has entse Chokyi Wangchug’s monastery Wangchug. All of this was brought to light by the words of the Master who, after thanking the local authorities Merigar West New Gakyil Yellow Gakyil that were present, spoke about the Claudio Maritano, Giovanni Totino moments of the capture and death of During the AGM held at Merigar Valeria Piperno Kyentse Chokyi Wangchug during the West on September 26, the new Cultural Revolution. But the book is Gakyil was nominated. Red Gakyil not just about this, but above all about Ignazio Bernardoni, Dimitri Fieri the incredible life of a great master of Blue Gakyil Claudio Donadio the Dzogchen lineage, who lived in the Giovanna Natalini, Giovanni Boni century that has just passed. Camilla Capuccini Geko Fabio Risolo, headmaster of sev- Alessandro Ambrosio and eral schools on Mount Amiata and a Maren Artkämper member of the Dzogchen Community, made some interesting observations on the meeting of Tibetan and West- ern culture, pointing out, for example, THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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Merigar West

Zhitro Retreat around the world joined Merigar West in webcast for the Donwang, essential By Nicki Elliott initiation of the Zhitro. Amazing that so many could join for the initiation gentle mist descended on of Vajrasattva which is the initiation Merigar West for many days of all. Aof the September Zhitro Practitioners listed their friends retreat. It was a mysterious and lu- and family amongst the dead for the minous atmosphere filled with pres- Changchog practice led by Rinpoche ences. Sometimes, as I walked from on the second last day of the retreat. Merigar 2 to the gonpa for the morn- The gonpa sizzled with the energy ing teachings, I was not quite sure of many beings as Rinpoche and the which Bardo I was in. In the gonpa sangha practiced for the deceased. Our however, our Maestro shone like the minds and hearts came close to those sun, guiding us through forgetfulness of the dead in the light of our Master’s into presence. wisdom, making a good cause for so Over seven days Rinpoche explained many existing just beyond our senses. the lineage, the function and the prac- After our brush with the dead it tice of the Zhitro which consisted should be mentioned that, aside from mainly of the practice of Namcho Min- our morning sessions of teachings, gyur Dorje’s terma with an important we were fortunate to have Our Sing- part from the terma teaching of Rig- ing Master lead us in singing Tibetan dzin Jyangchub Dorje’s “Zhitro Khordas pop songs. It was a joyful experience, Rangdrol”. Rinpoche reminded us that especially when Rinpoche encouraged Zhitro represents our real nature. It is everyone to dance; the young, the old a very powerful practice for purifica- and the uncoordinated, like me. What tion because the mandala of Zhitro a unique teaching, to sing and dance represents our entire dimension. with our Master and our sangha, On the third day of the retreat which at the very least reminds us 3098 or more practitioners from Photo: R. Kogel we are alive!

Longsal Retreat muni did in his historical era in India. place, a wonderful opportunity to see The importance of the guardians was practitioners and the inhabitants of by Matteo Maglietti underlined by incredible stories about Mount Amiata together once again, his travels in his youth with his fam- with the Master and the mayor of he teaching transmitted by ily. The following days he introduced Arcidosso enjoying the dances of the the Master during the Septem- the condition of the teaching in this four European Gars in an incredible Tber retreat at Merigar West degenerate era and the Practice of Lib- demonstration from the warmth of belongs – as you could see from the eration of the Six Lokas based on the the Kunsangar South dancers, to golden symbol on the retreat badges principle of reversing samsara. the bright colors of the two Merigar attached to clothes and bags – to Those were rainy days during the teams and then the detailed dances the Longsal cycle. A special teaching first week of September, with only a of Kunsangar North. And the songs from Padmasambhava, received and few rays of sunshine appearing occa- and dances continued in the Gonpa, put into writing by Chögyal Namkhai sionally between the gray clouds. But where everyone took part in the Ti- Norbu. the rain did not affect the depth of the betan dances. A well-deserved praise During the first hours of teaching teaching of the Master, nor the won- to the traditions and culture of Tibet, the Master explained the essence of derful atmosphere that every retreat which for so long has preserved and Atiyoga, trying to make his students creates at the Gar, and perhaps, after cultivated the teachings of many understand the main points, pausing all is said and done, rather than a hin- traditions, making it possible to us to at times to talk about episodes in his drance the water was something more. follow and experience them. The Mas- life, explaining through metaphors, But during the retreat there was ter pointed out the importance of this as he often does, the meaning of his not only the valuable opportunity to more than once, trying to make prac- words. During one of these episodes listen to the teachings. There were titioners understand that we must try he expressed the fact that the teach- also days full of learning Tibetan to preserve the spirit of Tibet both for ing must be adapted to the particu- songs and dances. On September the richness of its culture and for the larities of the various cultures within Photo: R. Kogel 1, in Arcidosso, the Merigar Under deep connection that this country has which it spreads, as Buddha Sakya- Photo: R. Kogel the Stars dance competition took with the teaching.

Italy, Rome >> Zhenpenling Israel

2012 / 2013 Gakyil of New Israeli Gakyil Zhenphenling, Rome Gi Gordon – Blue Gakyil Blue Gakyil Dany Moskovitch – Yellow Gakyil Gabriella D’Alesio, Mirella D’Angelo Sorek – Red Gakyil For lodging nearby Merigar West and Yellow Gakyil for general information Edith Casadei, Giorgio Horn (Director)

contact Christina at Red Gakyil accomodationservice@gmail. Gemma Di Santo, Annamaria Moscatelli com phone: +39 0564957542 Zhenphenling www.jcrows.com mobile: +39 3391370739 Ass. Comunità Dzogchen (English, French, German) Via G. Miani 5 – 00154 Roma tel. 06-57 30 03 46 fax 06-86 90 58 85 J. Crow’s® cell. 334.588 58 24 Mulling Spice Folk Medicine www.zhenphenling.it Tibetan Medicine SpicedCider.com fax or phone: 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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Kunsangar South South [email protected] Kunsangar http://kunsangar.org

Autumn Lectures and of mind makes the spiritual evolution by Victor Krachkovsky and Alexandr Retreats in the Crimea. of human beings possible. Gomonov. All participants had some It was rather an intensive pro- knowledge about the base of medita- eptember – it is the kind of sea- cess. There were 3–4 lectures a day. tion and Yantra Yoga. Then there was son when hot summer weather Instructors spoke at Yoga centers, a closed course “Practical application Sbecomes soft and gentle. This fitness clubs, bookshops, universities of Dzogchen knowledge: prana and time the South Kunsangar Gakyil for students and local esoteric centers. mind” from October 1–7. Practitioners and the Yantra Yoga and Santi Maha The lectures received keen and lively who wished to have deeper under- Sangha instructors had planned class- interest and some Yoga centers invited standing took part. es and courses devoted to Dzogchen the lecturers for additional public talks This autumn the South Kunsangar Teaching. Inspired by the words of our first time) develop their interest more and corresponded to the place and devoted to Yantra Yoga. retreat (which has already become a Precious Teacher Chögyal Namkhai easily. As we all know, it is not so easy the interest of the public. They cov- There is no doubt that the organiz- tradition) brought together 30 par- Norbu about lectures, seminars and to understand new information during ered topics such as relaxing the mind ers met some problems and decisions ticipants. The amazing kind weather, retreat organization, they decided to our daily life and to go from interest with breathing techniques, about came with time. It was about intro- healthy mountain air and peaceful au- do things in another way. to something concrete. the history and value of Yantra Yoga, ducing instructors for universities, tumn created favorable circumstances It was decided to make these Yantra Yoga and Santi Maha about Kumar-Kumari yantra yoga for yoga centers and so on in the right for maximum relaxation and receiv- events according to the “ascending” Sangha instructors Victor Krach- children and Vajra Dance. Different way. And it was about right adver- ing knowledge. principle. It meant organizing open kovsky and Alexandr Gomonov sup- people listened very carefully to the tisements and right places for such It has been a beautiful voyage of lectures and seminars in towns first ported this idea and collaborated with talks about the traditional culture events. But now we have different knowledge and realization working and then all those who were inter- the Gakyil and the project supervisors of Tibet and recognized that ancient contacts and relationships that will with circumstances. The new ap- ested could join other practitioners to very actively. Tibetan knowledge about the Universe allow us to collaborate in organizing proach for organizing a whole series come to Gar and take part in closed As a result there were a series and human beings is an example of such public lectures. of open lectures and seminars has Yantra Yoga and Santi Maha Sangha of brilliant open lectures from Sep- an ecological mentality since it does The open seminar for Yantra Yoga brought particular results. And we retreats. tember 24 to 29 held in Sevastopol, not make a division between the per- and Santi Maha Sangha started im- hope to develop this experience in This approach would let new peo- Semfiropol and Yalta. The lectures son and the external world; ancient mediately after the open lectures took other cities. ple (who had met The Teaching for the and workshop topics were different Tibetan knowledge about the nature place (September 29–30). It was led See you in Crimea!

Kunsangar North North [email protected] Kunsangar http://kunsangar.org

Preparing for the Dance they celebrated the event in Ukraine, tators watching in silence our out- contest with national rites and many guests, stretched bodies and the curtain with which required a lot of preparations! the image of Yarilo approaching us… By Elena Fokina Another participant discussed his Something we had spent so much doctoral thesis, a very serious task! time and effort for, was actually hap- hat was at the beginning? Many of us had to work intensively to pening. First, it was May, a few be able to ask our bosses permission to It is impossible not to write Wpeople from Moscow and go to retreats and the competition in about the Tibetan dances that oc- Ryazan gathered and thought about Italy. And everyone had to earn money! cupied such a large part of our the genre of the future dance and the It was very interesting to create a time. Under the guidance of Adriana kind of music to use for it. This was a dance for a round stage, where the au- we started to study them in July, preliminary meeting, just a prepara- dience would sit on the four wings. It during the supervision course of tion for the brainstorming. Most of was a bit like dancing on the mandala. the dance of the Song of the Vajra. us preferred the Art Nouveau style. We all discussed what the cos- Some of us danced with Adriana at Then we created a group on face book, tumes should be like. Dresses, shirts, Kunsangar North during the teacher and a special newsletter to announce pants were designed and mock-ups training in summer. It was an extraor- the recruitment of choreographers, were made by Valeria Fokina. Lira dinary joy! One day, Rinpoche asked designers and dancers. Suddenly it made the drawings on the dresses. us to sing Tibetan songs and to dance became clear that we could not dis- Irina Potaeva, mother of our 7-years- from 3 to 9 pm, without a break. On tinguish who should belong to which old soloist Lola, made her the dress of other days, we sang and danced from 3 team: where does Kunsangar North a shaman. and a half to 4 hours, while Rinpoche end and Kunsangar South begin? At the end of August, the week be- was watching us and also sang. Psychologically we still see ourselves Photo: P. Fassoli fore departure, dancers from Moscow, All this really inspired partici- as one country, as at the time of the St. Petersburg, Izhevsk and Samara pants. Irina Potaeva choreographed Soviet Union: even the representative new ideas were not better or worse Besides the desire to follow retreats, started rehearsing together again. the Tibetan dance, based on the clips of Kunsangar South, Vita Adamenko, than the old ones, just the change of there were other obstacles to rehears- Meanwhile fatigue and stress be- shown us by Rinpoche. She sewed lives in Moscow. In the end we let ev- the people also caused changes in the ing. For many dancers it was difficult gan to accumulate. For me, being the the costumes. We did not know eryone decide which team he or she dance. If a participant left the team, to take time from work for more than coordinator, it was difficult enough, yet whether this dance would be wanted to belong to, without impos- the changes they brought in went for a week. for every day brought new surprises. a part of our competition program ing any conditions. with them, and the dance went back Maria Danko, unanimously recog- People, which it seemed you could or if we should dance it separately. The next meeting took place in to the original choreography. nized as our main artistic director, rely on, could not withstand the pres- Due to some misunderstanding, June with about 10–15 dancers. We Gathering together from the differ- said about this situation: “our prepa- sure of circumstances. Unexpectedly we were given the opportunity to arranged a brainstorming: everyone ent cities was not an easy task, there- ration and the future performance are the problem of money for costumes dance our Tibetan dance in front of expressed their view, we summed fore we needed to create the dance a practice too! After all, Rinpoche said vanished, but earlier it had caused Rinpoche at the time when we were up all the brainchildren, and then the and rehearse it very quickly. We were that participation in the competition stress for us. Rehearsals were often not prepared for it. We hadn’t even best ideas were selected. The chore- busy from morning till night. Physi- is very important!” so we rehearsed. ineffective because of the constant brought our costumes with long ographer decided the dance would cally, we were very tired. Personally, Professional groups need a year to debates. Participant turnover was like sleeves. We danced somehow, though consist of three parts – the “waking Yantra Yoga saved me. Every free mo- choreograph a new dance. In extreme in McDonald’s. Just before leaving two if we had been warned in advance, we up after the long winter”, “the exuber- ment I sat down on my heels or lay in cases it could take six months, but we members did not get their visa and would have performed better. ance of samsaric life”, and the “tri- a turtle position. As a result, despite had only a few weeks. We had to get could not come with us! In Italy, one In Merigar all of us learned Tibet- umph of spirituality”. The music was my age (I’m 55), I often felt better than together somehow, renouncing re- of the dancers injured his leg. an dances with Adriana or with Tser- selected. In the first two dances it was younger participants. treats, jobs and summer vacations. At When I complained about troubles ing and Topgyal. Both methods were an ensemble Daha Braha, in the third In the summer many retreats were that time it was very hot in Moscow to Maria Danko, she would say: “We great! It was very nice to dance after a modern adaptation of G. F. Handel. organized, it was almost a cascade of and everybody wanted to go to the have to work with what we have. the ganapuja, the entire gonpa sang All the time there was a turnover retreats! All of them very welcome, im- countryside, to swim, to sunbathe. There are 15 of us and not 20? It and danced! This is what our commu- of people – someone came, someone portant, and not to be missed! Two of We rehearsed. means we will dance with 15 people! nities in Russia have to learn; our local went or refused to dance for different them with Rinpoche, three with Adri- After ten intense days in June, Rinpoche always taught us to work people in Russia can be taught how to reasons. This greatly hampered the ana Dal Borgo, in Moscow, in Kunsangar it was decided to continue to re- with circumstances!” dance too. creating of the dance because every North and in Kunsangar South. Two re- hearse at least once a week, then And I suddenly found myself lay- One day Rinpoche invited all day the participants were a bit differ- treats with Laura Evangelisti, one with get together again on August 21st in ing in a relaxed position on the floor participants of Merigar under the ent. It happened at every new meet- Igor Berkhin and Victor Krachkovsky, a Moscow, to refine the dance. It was of Merigar’s gonpa, before my eyes Stars to a restaurant. We were able to ing! Each time new members joined retreat on the first level of SMS with so difficult to get together even for the very ceiling we see so often in talk with other teams without haste, in, they brought new ideas. These Igor, a retreat with Fabio Andrico... Muscovites! Two of us got married: pictures. Rinpoche and all the spec- >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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Kunsangar North Russia, Izhevsk >> Kungaling

>> continued from previous page told: “Vacationed and rested? Now do Kungaling completes could listen to their stories about the the work you missed!” 1st Longsal Stupa preparation for the show. It was so joy- At the beginning of September ful to be part of a large team because a new Moscow Gakyil was chosen. he first Longsal Stupa con- a competition is just an excuse for Khyentse Yeshe told them that they nected to the terma of our Pre- cooperating and getting to know each would have moments of triumph and Tcious Teacher Chögyal Namkhai other better. We are a family, brothers moments of shame, someone would Norbu, has been built in Izhevsk, Rus- and sisters. applaud them, and someone would sia, completed on October 12, 2012!. It is important to say something be angry. But all of this is not very Kungaling, in Izhevsk in Russia, about the hospitality at Merigar. The important: it’s like a comedy. Not a warmly thanks all who took part in food for the dancers was at a reduced tragedy, but a comedy, it should be this project: price, and it was delicious! Accom- perceived this way. · Our precious Teacher Chögyal modation was free and a special bus I think the same can be said about Namkhai Norbu, who made all the was rented to bring us to Merigar and the work of the coordinator. Dur- arrangements about this Stupa. back. A spacious room for rehearsals ing the preparation of the program, · Khyentse Yeshe – we couldn’t have was given to us. Communication with events interspersed with such speed realized this project without his local practitioners and others from that there was no time to stop for participation. all over the world was pleasant and each one; we had to do what needed · Giovanni Boni – the architect of the joyful. Luna Mitchell and Anastasia to be done in any case. It was like project. Ermilova took very good care of us. running over breaking ice, moving · Migmar – the artist and ritual master. When we returned to Moscow we forward very quickly, regardless of the · all those who gave gifts of work, were met at the airport by a group of water opening up under your feet, just time and material objects for the practitioners carrying flowers. remembering what we are here for. Longsal Stupa. The 2nd stage of this project will start ning to plant flowers and lay out stone Well, work had been waiting Homage to our Master. In April, 2013. We will improve the blocks in the area around the Stupa. almost each of us. Many of us were area round the Stupa. We are plan-

Namgyalgar PO Box 214 Central Tilba [email protected] South Dzogchen Community NSW 2546 www.dzogchen.org.au Namgyalgar in Australia Phone/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668

Gekö Vacancy familiar with Namgyalgar South, all Gekö Allowance: If you are interested and would like Some Information about Namgyal- applications will be considered. The Gekö receives AUS$150/week, plus to receive information about the Gekö gar South is available at: Namgyalgar South is seeking a new free accommodation, some use of responsibilities, conditions of service www.dzogchen.org.au Gekö to commence early December. Gekö Responsibilities: phone and internet and use of the Gar and an application form or discuss be- A vimeo of Rinpoche’s retreat at The Gekö appointment is usu- In general the Gekö is responsible for car (subject to conditions). The Gekö is ing a temporary Gekö please contact: NSth in April 2012 is available on You- ally for one year (with a possibility of the day-to-day smooth, warm and responsible for their own ambulance Barbara Robertson, Tel: 02.6493 5851 tube at: http://www.youtube.com/ extending longer), however until the friendly running of the Gar, with the cover, and medical insurance if from [email protected] watch?v=k9wGLKerZio position can be filled expressions of support of the local land management overseas. The Namgyalgar South Gakyil interest are welcome from members team and Red gakyil. Full details of the would like to thank retiring Gekö, Namgyalgar South Gakyil in the international Dzogchen Com- Gekö role and duties are available. Applications: Jakub Augustinsky, for the wonderful munity to be the Gekö on a tempo- Applicants may be invited to meet via contribution he has made to the Gar rary basis for 3 months. Whilst ideally skype with Gakyil members and the Nam- during his time here and wishes him applicants will have visited and be gyalgar South land management team. all the best in his future endeavours!

Tashigar North/Finca Tashigar Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar Tel: 0058 0295 2580332 Norte Valle de Pedro González [email protected] Tashigar Isla de Margarita www.tashigarnorte.org

The Longsal Paradise ita Island to your devoted students, when we make this title shorter, we real meaning of Longsal and we has all the qualities and capacities to before any other teaching Longsal.3 say Longsal. This is short version of should understand that way. (…) The receive these precious teachings, it by Carlos García Rinpoche asked her: How are the the title.5 first aspect that was useful in Long- is the time and it is the place with t is very difficult to write about conditions for the diffusion of the The Longsal cycle of teachings sal is not worshipping on the text, the perfect conditions. Because of Tashigar Norte without mention- Samantabhadra’s Teachings in Mar- was received through dreams of clar- but opening the collaboration and that, the Venezuelan Gar is specially Iing the Longsal teachings and garita Island? ity and visions, called terma, by Chö- communication in this opportunity connected with the Longsal, and Khy- vice versa. In Tashigar Norte Chögyal The Mentsün replies: Oh yes! The gyal Namkhai Norbu, since Rinpoche of understanding. Just like when entse Yeshe said the last time when Namkhai Norbu gave in 2002, like a conditions are totally perfect! 4 was seven years old, and still now you turn on a light and you can see he gave teachings in Margarita Island: birthmark of the place, for first time It was the “official opening” of the the dreams and visions continue. It a little better, now you can discuss Tashigar Norte is the Gar of Goma in the human dimension The Longsal Longsal Cycle and Tashigar Norte. means we are the first and fortunate this aspect and this aspect is just Devi. Root Initiation of the Jñanadakini in But, what are the Longsal teach- human beings who received that like the pure dimension of Ati.7 Here is the list of the main ac- a complete way, and of the six times ings? Longsal Initiation of the Jñanadakini, Khyentse is the guarantee of tivities connected with the Longsal that Rinpoche has given these teach- Rinpoche explains: the transmission, explanations or just continuation of the Longsal Lineage; teachings by Chögyal Namkai Norbu ings, four were in Venezuela. Only the Longsal teachings are called: Long- the lung of a specific teaching part of further the people who received these in Margarita Island:11 fortunate students who participated chen Ösel Khandro Nyinthig, Long- the cycle, so, it means we are also the precious and deep teachings should 1 The Upadesha of Introduction to in one of these six opportunities can sal Cycle or The Innermost Essence people who have the commitment to collaborate somehow doing our best. the State of Ati. read and practice the volumes of of the Dakinis of Luminous Clarity continue that knowledge alive and the Like our Teacher said: Sometimes 2001 (Hotel Miragua). Longsal teachings reveled and propa- of Universe. Long means longchen, lineage to benefit to all the sentient there are very good students who 2 The Transmission of the Longsal gated by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and universe in all its dimensions (Three beings. Happily we have Khyentse have some knowledge of the teach- Root Initiation of Jñanadakini. published by Shang Shung Institute.1 kayas, pure and impure vision, etc) Yeshe who will be the main holder, ings, like an imprint, all the teach- 2002 At the moment eight volumes of Chen means “total”. Ösel: stands of who is also receiving teachings from ing is very precise and they do 3 The Main Points of the View To- these teachings are published in west- lights, which means that all sentient dreams.6 not invent, add, change or modify tally Beyond the Conceptual Mind. ern languages by the work of Adriano beings have that original potential- Khyentse Yeshe said about the anything. These kinds of students 2002. Clemente. These teachings are con- ity represented by light, and so the meaning of Longsal Cycle: Longsal are like chödag or terdag 8 and the 4 The Purification of the Six Lokas nected with and Atiyoga light represents all the dimensions is the perfect representation – syn- teachings continue.9 as Preliminaries Path of Ati. 2002 and comprising the essence of the of the universe. Khandro Nyinthig: thetic, essential, direct without the Rinpoche call the Longsal also 5 The Upadesha on All-Penetrating three series of Dzogchen in their fun- means knowledge is related with to principle of method and prajna, the “teachings of Samantabhadra”,10 Wisdom. 2002 damental aspects related to the view, energy and energy is the principle revealing all kinds of knowledge. it means the root of the lineage is 6 The Upadesha on the Thögal of meditation, and behavior. of functioning. Khandro means Da- For example, we have a Longsal Samanthabhadra, what is the same Self-Perfected Luminous Clarity. In a dream that our Teacher kini and the Dakini are the sign of teaching of Kalachakra; through to say our real and naked nature. In 2002. Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche had in Mar- the energy of the entire universe. the cause of receiving the informa- our dimension, in the Nirmanakaya, 7 The Transmission of the Longsal garita in 2002 the Mentsün2 Padma Nyingthig means the essence of tion of Kalachakra; Father received the root is Guru Garab Dorje, just two Root Initiation of Jñanadakini. Pal dzinma, said: This time, once you knowledge, nying means center the the disclosure of this knowledge. generations in the lineage after him 2004. have written properly the full text of center of our knowledge, thig means Just this way everything manifests is Goma Devi who transmitted his 8 The Actions of the Guru Jñana- The Main Points of the View Totally something like thigle, potentiality and this is more connected spon- teachings to our Precious Teacher, un- dakini. 2004. Beyond the Conceptual Mind, it is and is really the potentiality of all taneously, when there is need the der the protection of Ekajati through important to teach it in the Margar- the existence of the teachings. So knowledge it manifests. This is the dreams and visions, because Rinpoche >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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Tashigar Norte

>> continued from previous page 21 The Yoga of Prana for Clarity and this case about the complete initiation Longsal teachings to us so that we 6 Khyentse Yeshe Namkhai, Part II 9 The Profound Essential Upadesha Emptiness. 2006. and instructions of that practice. Af- may truly discover Paradise.13 Longsal Interview with Khyentse Yeshe Namkhai. The Mirror No. 106. of the Long Life Practice “The 22 Transmission of the Longsal Root ter that Rinpoche finally received the Every true paradise has its 7 (Idem) Thigle of the Vajra Life”. 2004. Initiation of Jñanadakini. 2007. complete form the outer, inner and serpent, and does not cease to be 8 Chödag and terdag: mean that 10 The Bardo Instructions Sealed 23 The Outer, Inner and Secret secret practices of Guru Jñanadakini.12 Paradise, but maybe the poet Cavafy 14 there is a student closely related with Hum. 2004. Practices of Guru Wisdom Dakini All these things, and others, hap- was right when he wrote: The Lestry- to the person who has received the terma and the teaching, and that stu- 11 The Upadesha of the Twenty-Five (Drubchen). 2007. pened in Tashigar Norte and we hope gonians and the Cyclops, the fierce dent becomes the terdag or chödag, Spaces. 2004. 24 The Root Upadesha on the Vajra it will continue happening. Tashigar Poseidon you will never encounter, wich means they spread or become 12 The Way of Practices of Kala chakra. Bridge of Longde. 2009. North is definitely the place where be- if you do not carry them within your the upholder of that teaching and transmission. This is related with the 2004 25 The Profound Essential Upadesha gan to spin the wheel of Longsal, the soul, if your soul does not set them lineage. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 13 The Upadesha on the Tregchö of of the Long Life Practice “The Gar of Goma Devi as Khyentse Yeshe up before you.15 9 Look note 5. Primordial Purity. 2004. Thigle of the Vajra Life”. 2010. said, but this wheel has no geographic We are waiting for you here in the 10 Look note 3. 14 The Direct Introduction to the limitations and moves around the world. Longsal Paradise! 11 Look note 1. Principle of the Mirror of Vajrasat- The main teaching of these Longsal We know that the teachings are not 12 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Longsal Teachings, Vol. 8. tva. 2004. teachings was given for first time limited by a place, but still the people * I would like to thank Adriano Clem- 13 Paula Barry. An Experience in 15 The Upadesha on All-Penetrating in Margarita Island. The last time make pilgrimages to or - ente for his kind collaboration. the Paradise, The Longsal Retreat Wisdom. 2004. Rinpoche gave the Transmission of tika, for those who feel intimately con- Notes, Bibliography And Hemerography Bardoi Dampa Hum Gi Gyachen and 1 Shang Shung Edizioni, Merigar. Longchen Nyishu Tsa-Ngal Men- 16 The Upadesha on the Total the Longsal Root Initiation of Jñana- nected with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche November 2011. On Longsal Teachings nag. Instructions to the Bardo with Behavior of Equal Taste. 2004. dakini in Tashigar Norte was in 2007. and particularly with the Longsal Cycle, Books. The Mirror, No. 112. Septiembre the seal HUM and Upadesha on the 17 Transmission of the Longsal Root It was also the first Drubchen of the Tashigar Norte is a sacred place, a place –Octubre 2011. twenty-five Spaces. Septiembre 3–12 2 Mentsün: it means she is a Dakini Margarita Island, Venezuela. The Initiation of Jñanadakini. 2005. Dzogchen Community, The Outer, of pilgrimage and practices. who is dominating the Nirmanakaya Mirror Oct/Nov. 2004 Issue No. 70. 18 The Upadesha on the Tregchö of Inner and Secret Practices of Guru A few years ago, Paula Barry wrote dimension. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. 14 Constantino Petrou Cavafis (1863– Primordial Purity. 2005. Wisdom Dakini. Before the Drubchen tan article for The Mirror referring the 3 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Longsal 1933) Greek poet. Teachings, Vol. 4. 19 The Upadesha on the Profound started, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu had Longsal teachings and Tashigar Norte, 15 The name of the poem is “Ítaca”. 4 (Idem) Path of the Illusory Body. 2005. a conversation again in a dream with and this was the last sentence: We 5 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. (Interview) 20 The Purifications of the Six Lokas the Mentsü Pramoha Padma Paldz- cannot thank enough Chögyal Nam- The Meaning of Longsal, Tashigar as Preliminaries Path of Ati. 2006. inma mentioning Tashigar Norte, in khai Norbu for transmitting these South March 5, 2010. The Mirror No. 102.

Ecofairs at Tashigar Norte September 22, 2012

n September 22 Tashigar orga- nized the first EcoFair aimed Oto show the projects where the Community has worked locally in Margarita. Mainly we show Tashipark project initiatives to generate greater interest of parents to send their chil- dren to participate in the workshops that we offer to schools. We also take this opportunity to introduce our project Tortuga Dorada (Golden Tur- tle), which seeks to improve our rela- Important local artist showing their works at Tashigar North Comedor. Local art sale and exhibition around Churuata. tionship with the local people around Tashigar Norte, working together a In this first fair, about 400 people will be a series of lectures related to proposal to provide services related to visited, enjoying a pleasant moment environmental conservation and per- agro and eco tourism. Some farmers of relaxation in Tashigar. The program maculture. The idea is to establish the from El Salado sector participated as included free workshops on permac- Ecoferias as monthly events that will guests, over 15 artisans from Muni- ulture and yoga for children, guided leave to us an income to contribute to cipio Gomez and more than a dozen tours of the Gonpa, local art exhibi- sustainability of Gar through the sales different local proposals that feed tion, sale of handicrafts, trails wildlife of the restaurant, the Tashishop and with the idea of the Ecofair also were contact and the end of the evening all services we are able to incorporate here. Many organized groups around offered a sample of the Dance of the in it. It also constitutes an important ecology helped us with the diffusion Six spaces of Samantabhadra. showcase for all the benefits that and we assembled an interesting This November 17 will offer the Tashigar could provide to local society. network of people to help develop and second fair, and the central focus disseminate our projects. Participants of the Ecofair enjoying a meal at Tashigar North Comedor.

Tashigar South Tanti 5155 Phone & Fax: 0054 - 3541 - 498 356 Sur Comunidad Dzogchen Tashigar Pcia. de Córdoba [email protected] Tashigar Calle pública S/N Argentina www.tashigarsur.com

Fundraising with an This Fundraising Project has the How to get the numbers: Important Prize following two-fold purpose: From ABROAD: 1. To make the necessary infrastruc- I. Pay with Paypal e are happy to announce ture improvements at Tashigar Sur 1- Enter www.paypal.com that TASHIGAR SUR has such as: Increase the resources 2- The email for payment is: Worganized a very special available to host practitioners, The [email protected] Fundraising Event: a Raffle for all the construction of kitchen and bath- 3- Address: Loc. Merigar 58031 members of the DZOGCHEN COMMU- room facilities at camping site, The Arcidosso GR (Grosseto) NITY worldwide. The lucky winner will renovation of all rooms such as receive as a prize a piece of land with bathrooms in need of repair, The II. Send an email to: a MARVELOUS HOUSE at the Mandala construction of the Gakyil Meeting [email protected]; and to of the Gar. There are 500 tickets at 200 room, The purchase of a car for the [email protected], informing: USD each so don’t delay. Gar Community Name and Family Name You have to be in it, to win it!!!! 2. The funding of the establishment of Transfer Number The house is located on the most el- the future GLOBAL GAR in Tenerife Amount evated part of the Gar and surrounded (will receive 20% of total funds raised.) Concept (Fundraising) by beautiful enormous rocks. It has a Your active PARTICIPATION in this spectacular panoramic view over the Property Specifications: NB: The Winner is totally in charge very rewarding project not only sup- THEN, you have to write to: valley below. The house includes: A Approx. land area: 1200 m2, House of: Indoor Paintwork, Light Fittings, ports the development and mainte- [email protected] spacious living room with large win- area: 80 m2, Brick and timber con- Final Floor (ceramics, wood, etc.) nance of the Practice Centers, but also Informing Name and Family Name dows, an upstairs room, on the second struction, Potable water, Electricity, FACEBOOK: Loteria Casa Tashigar revitalizes and makes our precious Gar you belong to floor, Full kitchen and bathroom. All Option to add third storey, Usufruct Sur. teachings a reality. with splendid views! and water rights >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

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Tashigar Sur Argentina >> Delegling

>> continued from previous page Dzogchen Community at the mo- rules stipulated for the usufructuar- New Ling Buenos Aires, You can see our official Facebook Information of the paypal transaction: ment of the raffle. ies of Tashigar Mandala. Argentina page here: www.facebook.com/ (date, amount, transaction number) · If the person doesn’t have this mini- · The person must also pay his/her dzogchen.ba and soon we will have The gar will confirm you the num- mum amount of time as a member, membership as *supportive* mem- Hello Vajra Family, our own official website. ber you have selected, otherwise, it it will be necessary to wait until this ber of Tashigar Sur (320 US a year) Soon also we will host a very will give you other options for you to period is fulfilled. from the moment that he/she turns ere in Buenos Aires we are interesting event: a workshop led by choose. · From the very moment in which out to be the winner. very pleased to announce Michael Katz on the person becomes the winner, the Hthat FINALLY, after several (www.facebook.com/suenios.ba). Conditions yearly expenses should be paid to the Tashi Deleks! And Good Luck!!!!! years, a Ling has been officially cre- · It is necessary to have a minimum Administration of Tashigar Mandala. Gakyil of TASHIGAR SUR ated: DELEGLING, was the name given Tashi Delegs to everybody!! of three years as a member of the · The winner must sign out the usu- by our Master and the official date of The Gakyil of Buenos Aires fruct contract, and respect all the birth: September 29th, 2012. [email protected] Courses

Merigar West Italy

Participants in the SMS Level 2 training. Breathing and Kumbhaka with Fabio Andrico in Venice, Italy, October 20, 2012.

Italy Slovakia

September in Venice Asia Concert and Vajra Dance by Sabina Ragaini his year September was a magic month in Venice. For the weath- Ter, with splendid days, reminis- cent of spring and rather than autumn, that seemed to want to remain. For the light that illuminated the canals and the lagoon with shades of gold and crystal. And magic for the activities of our Ling. Returning from the sum- mer holidays is tiring for everyone. It generosity, for a concert and a small of Giudecca in Venice. Artists from Mandarava retreat with son very much on behalf of the Slovak means returning to busy working life, market in favor of ASIA. An ancient everywhere were able to exhibit their explanation of Tsalungs Gakyil for her explanations, correcting for those who are fortunate enough Filanda beautifully restored in the works in different rooms distributed led by Nina Robinson mistakes and updating these precious to have a job. To family commitments, middle of the Venetian countryside, throughout the island and various in Slovakia, October 3–7 methods which our precious Master perhaps having to convince children with brick buildings used as studios associations were offered a space to has been transmitting for years. The that school is useful for learning for artists, architects, photographers show the public their activities. So Fri- By Ludovit Mianovsky (Red Gakyil) retreat was also accompanied with something or, if nothing else, at least and a beautiful room surrounded by day afternoon our Venetian instructor e had a very intensive re- listening to the webcast and two learning how to interact with others. windows with the original terracotta Marco Baseggio gave a free Yantra treat of Mandarava prac- gana pujas. We will be glad to see Mrs. A return to a pace of life dictated by a floors where the Daedalus Trio, with Yoga lesson in the cloister of St. W tice with Chudlen and Robinson in Slovakia again. society in which carrying out unpaid the precious and unique voice of Cosmo and Damian. A first overview Tsalungs. I want to thank Mrs. Robin- activities and even lazing about, even Elvira Cadorin, gave a concert of a for the public, followed on Saturday for those who can afford it, is always thousand flavors. Interpretations that afternoon by a very special event for a bit out of place. In short, everything ranged from Vivaldi to De Andre, from our Community: a demonstration of lagoon, a skyline of beautiful historic Adriana gave a concise, detailed and starts up again in September and the the sweet singing of northern Europe Yantra Yoga and the Dance of Libera- buildings illuminated by clear sun- clear explanation of its meaning and rest of the hot summer past seems to to fairy tales set to music in the oral tion of the Six Spaces at the Basilica of light with the reflections of the water its importance as a practice, helping soon be a thing of the distant past. For tradition of storytelling. Elvira gave the Most Holy Redeemer. It is difficult on which the ‘Most Serene Republic our Community to be known among this reason it was particularly impor- her voice to ASIA for an afternoon of to explain the uniqueness of the place of Venice’ is located. Adriana Dal the people of Venice. Dancing in such tant for the Venetian Ling to immedi- a sunny Sunday to the immense plea- to someone who is not accustomed to Borgo very kindly came especially to an environment was an exciting and ately resume Community life with two sure of the spectators. The market, the sights of this ancient city: a space Venice to dance with us on the Man- unforgettable experience for all of us. major events. five stands and several racks of used at the foot of one of the most beauti- dala spread out in front of the Basilica And among the grains of rice lying in On September 9, the Filanda Motta clothes were very fruitful. ful churches of Venice, located on the over the grains of rice thrown after the churchyard we trust a precious at Campocroce di Mogliano Venice On 14 and 15 September the Fes- opposite bank to San Marco, offering a wedding that preceded the dem- seed of Dzogchen practice remains. opened its doors to us, with great tival of Arts took place on the island the viewer a marvelous view of the onstration. Before the demonstration

Main Office: PO Box 479, Conway, MA 01341, USA * Tel: 413 369 4208 * Fax: 413 369 44 73 * [email protected] * * European Office: The Mirror, Istituto Shang Shung, Merigar 1, GR 58031 Arcidosso, Italy * Tel: 39 32 98 86 52 92 * Skype: lizmirror * [email protected] * * Editorial Staff: Naomi Zeitz, Tsegyalgar, Conway, MA, USA * Liz Granger, Istituto Shang Shung, Arcidosso, Italy * * Literary Editor: John Shane * * Advisors: Adriano Clemente, Jim Valby * * International Blue Gakyil Advisor: Fabio Andrico, International Publications Committee * * English Language Advisor: Liz Granger * * DC Brand Design: Paolo Fassoli * Design & Layout: Thomas Eifler * * Printer: Turley Publications, Palmer, MA, USA * * Distribution: Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA, USA * * Subscription Rate/6 Issues: 25 printed, 15 online. Available at melong.com * * Visa and Master card welcome * * Online Mirror: www.melong.com * * All material © 2012 by The Mirror * * Reprint by permission only * * We reserve the right to edit all submissions. THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

International Community News

21

Kunsangar South

to put into words and sentences. Com- once again showed that only personal munication with them was inspiring, involvement and diligence has value. and on the Mandala transformed into After the training and warm and the bliss of wisdom. hearty farewell, Prima Mai in private At the end of the course three conversation underlined the fact that Dances of the Song of Vajra were Dance is not how we do movements, recorded on video. Participants could it is the state. These words didn’t need demonstrate how they could integrate any commentary: the state that our with the knowledge they had received. precious Vajra Dance teachers transmit- Although there were enough places ted to us tirelessly despite hot summer on the other Mandalas, many people weather left no doubt. We are incredibly preferred to remain near the Mandala fortunate that Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche where the international instructors prepared such amicable teachers for us. were dancing – to enjoy a few more May the benefits of this practice minutes. Some of the observers were spread through all dimensions for also invited on this Mandala. This benefit of all.

Fortunate ones on the for direct collaboration with each par- tors to concentrate their attention on Mandalas ticipant, discovering each individual’s active participants, those who had Russia particular qualities as far as each per- already decided to demonstrate their by Andrea Bogevichus son is a different universe, the whole capacities to transmit Vajra Dance. ight after the big retreat with world with its own opportunities and The atmosphere of the training precious Master Namkhai potential. was very friendly. Prima Mai and Adri- RNorbu Rinpoche at Kunsangar Thanks to the organizers of the ana Dal Borgo listened attentively to South one more joyful event took course three Mandalas were pro- the explanations of each participant. place – the Teachers’ Training 2nd vided, two for participants and one Then, without making any comments Level on the Dance of the Song of for observers. In these circumstances or judgments they gave full informa- Vajra, led by wonderful dakinis Prima observers could also train on the tion about this fragment. Deeper and Mai and Adriana Dal Borgo. Mandala, sharpen details and improve deeper these fragile women brought I was fortunate to be on this their understanding and performance us into the awareness that this is not course, attended by 36 people, 25 of of the Dance of the Song of Vajra. It just a kind of test or examination but which were active participants. At the was an unique opportunity for all the way to continue, to bring the pre- beginning of the course Adriana Dal the participants – enough places for cious Upadesha of our Master into the Borgo underlined that such courses everyone. At the same time it gave future. And what they presented to us are not for bureaucratic reasons but possibilities for international instruc- directly from the heart is impossible Kunye Massage Course with Aldo Oneto, October 15–21 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

China Japan Namgyalgar South

Song of Vajra Dance Course with Wes and Tracy Guo in Samtenling China, Sept. 8–19, 2012. Vajra Dance of 6 Spaces in Tokyo, September 2012 with Kyu. Spring Retreat at Namgyalgar South, 2012. Practicing the Essence of Ati Yoga: The Seven Semdzins – Meditative Stability through Simultane- Namgyalgar North ous Shine and Lhagthong. Led by Elise Stutchbury, authorised SMS Base Level teacher. Saturday 29th September – Friday 5th October.

to develop understanding and insight Australia, Sydney into our internal, external and IT pro- cesses. And so what of our experience of Chöd? How is it possible to describe such perfection? With the basis of , Tantra, Dzogchen and honor- ing Jigme Lingpa, Machig Labdrön, Buddha Shakyamuni’s words, we commit ourselves, fill our vision with purity, remember our is our real nature, rest in that unified state of our Masters primordial mind as the incomparable Machig, offer ourselves vastly and universally until every being is established as our invited Chöd retreat with Angie Gilbert in Namgyalgar North Sept. 2012. guests and all are completely satis- Santi Maha Sangha Base Teaching & Practice Weekend Retreat led by Angie Gilbert in Sydney, fied in every possible aspect of our Australia Sept 8–9, 2012. Behaviour of Dzogchen – enteen hundred kilometres between imagination. Chöd Brisbane and deep south Melbourne The intimacy of our experience can seem like a long distance to travel together, of the teaching – discussion abandon our need for protection, of- ot, balmy climes pervaded for such a brief experience… however – understanding – knowledge – prac- fer our bodies by our tears of com- the Glasshouse Gar on the with the spontaneity of keen chödpas, tice led expertly by Angie, assisted us passion if that is what is required in Hfirst day of our springtime we are increasingly experiencing a to deeply reflect on those challenging, the circumstance and relax into our exploration into the profound gift of confidence in relinquishing concepts vital, precious relationships which, unwavering empty blissful nature of Machig Labdrön over the recent three of distance, division and isolation. Not due to our ego and attachment, are nondual presence. day holiday weekend. We were once surprisingly, musings of overcoming repetitively destined towards tension again delightfully refreshed by the distance have been a theme of our and conflict. We remind ourselves of arrival of friends from near and far. Gakyil's newly developing commu- Maestro’s story of the danger of the Even in this vast country of seven nity – communication – collaboration pride of great clarity that is lacking million square kilometres, the sev- project and are integral as we begin compassion… and we immediately THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

International Community News

22

Namgyalgar North Tsegyalgar East

to greater awareness and relaxation begins to facilitate a soft sensation of empty pleasure in our bodies – minds. We move between two hour Yantra sessions to practicing the Dance of Space together, to collaborating in the kitchen, preparing food and cleaning, to watching the new Yantra 108 Move- ments DVD, to sitting in the Gonpa as Maestro transmits the donwang of Avalokiteshvara Khorwa Tontrug from Barcelona. Wonderful – Marvellous – Aho Maha Sukha Ho. Yantra Yoga course with Amare in Namgyalgar North Oct 13, 14, 2012. Vajra Dance Refresher Weekend with Margit Martinu at Tsegyalgar East Gonpa October 19–21, 2012.

Yantra Yoga Emerging Spring the focus be Yantra Yoga, Vajra Dance, Canada, Toronto Tsegyalgar West October 13–14, 2012 Anuyoga or Santi Maha Sangha prac- tices? Well, the fact is that something by Rosemary Friend extraordinary happens when practi- t is quite something to set aside a tioners come together and while the weekend out of our busy lives, es- experience is beyond words and ex- Ipecially as we have the advice on planation, like the precious transmis- daily life from our Master at the end sion, it is somehow worth attempting of every webcast, an event increasing to create the picture. and luxuriously frequent these days. Among our small and intimate So when we have received the pre- group, some of us experienced Fabio cious transmission, have understand- teaching Yantra Yoga in 1991 and some ing of the view and recognition of our are experiencing Yantra Yoga for the real nature, then we simply have the first time with Amare Pearl teaching limitless opportunities of developing the Eight Movements. Some are here our knowledge by integrating every for the weekend, some for a day or half vision that manifests to our senses, a day. And the freshness and rejuvena- YY Toronto Lynn. First Level Yantra Yoga Supervision with ornaments for integration, every mo- tion we all experience together as we Fabio Andrico in Mexico City, from left to right standing Martina Kacurova, Nataly ment of our day and night. So what of realise the form of the movements, via Nitsche Di Gaetano, Josefina Robles Ocampo, the weekend practice retreat, whether the pranayama, is leading our minds and in front Loybáá Perea Monroy.

Tashigar Sur

A 7 day retreat: Pranayama of the practice (the only real way) with could escape it sounding the song of the 3rd Series of Yantras with the steps of the master Humkara. freedom, echoing continuously, albeit Carolina Mingolla May 2012 Overcoming the gross veils of ig- in a limited way and which is the sup- norance, our group traveled a stretch port of all manifestations. by Michel Hanono of this path of vitality, luminosity and I encourage the Vajra brothers to prostrate with respect and vener- essence leading to liberation. do this practice in order to find the ation in front of the masters who Recognizing one´s own conscious- embodiment of all this live potential- I through their realization remind ness as the illuminated base of endless ity that contains our experience of us of our illuminated origin and offer energy of which we are made in the uninterrupted clarity, always there to us countless methods for recovering three aspects of body, voice and mind is be recognized and developed. our true nature. an experience that brings enthusiasm Thank you our master Chögyal It was an immense joy to train the and confidence to the path of establish- Namkhai Norbu for laying out these rider with yantra yoga in order to ride ing our mind in the primordial state. diving boards for us to immerse in the horse of the mind time and again We waste a lot of time in the net the ocean of liberation! Pranayama of the 3rd Series of Yantras with Carolina Mingolla May 2012. during 7 days and to connect through of confusion and suffering, while we

Tashigar Sur

Steven Landsberg – 7th Lojong in Lima Peru, October 2012. Part I of the Song of the Vajra Dance with Nelida Saporiti at Tashigar South, Argentina Oct. 4–8, 2012.

Passages Died

Tsegyalgar West

arin Reesa, from Oregon, passed on September 29th af- Kter a return of cancer. She will be greatly missed by her Community, family and many friends.

Nina Donnelly THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

International Community News

23 Programs

Germany Italy, Milano >>Dribselling Kunsangar South

Vajradance, Song of the Vajra Birthday of The Gakyil of Dribselling For organizational reasons, we kindly SMS Base Exam and Part 2 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, in Milano, Italy ask you to confirm your participation 1st Level Training with Karin Heinemann Vajradance, practice weekend, Review course of the Vajra as soon as possible. Dec. 01–03, 14–16 at Dargyäling, Cologne Webcast Dance of the Song of the [email protected] Yantra Yoga inpoche has confirmed that Registration: Lea Pabst, with Karin Heinemann, Vajra [email protected] Vajra Dance the SMS Base exam and the Tel.: 0049 22 41-958 86 37, Dec. 07–09 at Dargyäling, Cologne with Maurizio Mingotti R1st level training are sched- [email protected] Registration: Lea Pabst, January 19 & 20, 2013 uled for July 27 to August 9, 2013 Tel.: 0049 22 41-958 86 37, at Kunsangar South. You can find [email protected] the information on the SMS exam at http://www.kunsangar.org/ru/sms/. See you in Kunsangar South! Singapore >>Namdrolling KS Gakyil

Beginners and Series 1 & 2 Dates: January 29–February 01, 2013 it should have at least been practising Teacher’s Biography Yantra Yoga Workshops Time: 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm the Preliminaries regularly for some Emily Coleing is a Yantra Yoga teacher with Emily Coleing Workshop Fees: S$ 330/ time and are ready to move into Se- from Australia. She was authorised in General information & Registration Early Bird (before 30 Oct. 2012): S$ 310 ries 1 and 2. 2003 to teach by the Tibetan master Please bring along your yoga mats Workshop 1 – Yantra Yoga for Dzogchen Community members: S$290/ Chögyal Namkhai Norbu who first and kindly do not eat a meal at least 2 Beginners Dates: Saturday February 02–03, 2013 taught it in the West in the 1970’s. hours before the sessions. This workshop is open to all. It is suit- Workshop 2 – Deepening Time: 10 am–12.30 pm & 3–5 pm Since then she has taught Yantra Yoga Due to the limited spaces, please able for absolute beginners to yoga, the Understanding of the Workshop Fees: S$330/ in Australia, Noumea and New Zealand submit your registration and work- for those who already have a regular Preliminaries and Yantra Early Bird (before 30 Oct. 2012): S$ 310/ as well as Slovakia and France. shop fees early for a confirmed place. practice in any style of yoga as well Series 1 and 2 Dzogchen Community members: S$ 290 She was authorised as a Level II as an ideal refresher course for those This workshop is open to those who instructor in 2010. She also teaches For general enquiries & registra- who may have been practising it but already have some experience in this Venue for both Workshops: Namdrolling adults and children’s Yantra Yoga. tion: please contact Ying at need some reminding of the breath practice. In order to benefit most from at Hui Ann Association, No. 7 Lorong Emily currently lives and teaches in [email protected] and movements. this workshop, those who register for 29 Geylang #03–08 Singapore 388063 Melbourne.

Australia Namgyalgar South & North

Program for Namgyalgar Namgyalgar South Summer Program Melbourne – Samyasling Elio Guarisco Australian Tour Namgyalgar South Oceanic Region Family Friendly Practice Monthly program available at: March–May 2013 Jñanadakini Gomadevi Retreat Retreat www.dzogchen.org.au 29 March–3 April (Easter) Namgyalgar North December 27, 2012–January 2, 2013 lio Guarisco is an authorized Dance of Song of Vajra Part 1 Collective Practice of the 25 Spaces of Sydney – Adelaide – Brisbane – 2nd level Santi Maha Sangha SMS Level One Teaching / with Cosimo Di Maggio Samantabhadra Cairns – Central Australia EInstructor. He has a relaxed Practice retreat December 7–12, 2012 Plus access to webcast, Karma Yoga, Practice schedules and contacts and engaging style of teaching and 6–10 April Vajra Dance, Yantra Yoga available at: www.dzogchen.org.au has led a number of retreats in the Yantra Yoga presentation International Dzogchen Community. Namgyalgar North @ Woodford Festival Vajra Dance Practice Retreat New Zealand Since 2003 he has been actively Longsal Saltong Tsalung December 27, 2012–January 2, 2013 with Lynne Geary Dzogchen Teaching Retreat engaged in the Ka-ter project of the Retreat January 3–10, 2013 with Angie Gilbert Shang Shung Institute of Austria. He 18–23 April Dance of Song of Vajra Part 2 October 19–22, 2012 is also the instructor of the Training with Cosimo Di Maggio Yantra Yoga Camp Further information available at: for Translators from Tibetan language SMS Level Two Teaching / January 11–16, 2013 with Emily Coleing and Amare Pearl www.dzogchen.org.nz and also works for the Dzogchen Tan- Practice retreat January 13–19, 2013 tra Translation Project. 27–30 April Further information available at: Fiji www.dzogchen.org.au Mandarava Practice Retreat Yantra Yoga SSIA Tibetan Public Cultural with Elise Stutchbury with Oni Mckinstry and Emily Coleing events January 21–27 March 5–16, 2013 3 & 4 May Further information available at: Further information available at: www.dzogchen.org.au www.dzogchen.org.nz Further details will soon be available on the Namgyalgar website Fiji Tsegyalgar East Tsegyalgar West www.dzogchen.org.au

Yantra Yoga and Writer’s Chöd Practice Retreat Tashigar Norte Retreat in Fiji March 9–16, 2013 höd Practice retreat at the Gon- Permaculture Course Come learn, practice, and enjoy in the pa from December 7–13, 2012, at with Saviana Parodi beautiful paradise of Fiji. Cthe same time as Rinpoche’s Nov. 19–30 Webcast from Tenerife. amgyalgar Dzogchen Com- More information: Purification in Sutra, Tantra munity members Jan Cornall [email protected] and Dzogchen Nand Second Level Yantra Yoga with Jim Valby Instructors Oni McKinstry and Emily Jan. 03–07 Coleing will be teaching a Yantra Yoga retreat in tandem with a Writer’s Re- SMS 1st Level Course treat in Fiji, March 9–16, 2013. with Jim Valby You can attend the Yoga Retreat Jan. 11–15 and join in Writing/Reading sessions or attend the Writer’s retreat and join in for Breathing and Yoga sessions. Relax, play and revel in the com- pany of the talented Jan Cornall. Rejuvenate, breathe and coordinate your Prana with Oni and Emily. All levels welcome – Individual at- tention offered. THE MIRROR · No. 118 · September, October 2012

explanations of practices. Even though ev- erything seemed very new and some what How I Met confusing, I had complete confidence in Rinpoche as my new teacher and in follow- ing the Dzogchen teachings. I realised I was Chögyal Namkhai Norbu studying something fundamental, the most important thing I’d been taught in my life Candida Wright even if I was only just beginning to under- stand some of it. On the second day I was drinking tea t seemed to me that I had stumbled he’d found helpful including The Crystal near the gonpa when I heard a voice say “Hi across the Dzogchen teachings and the And The Way Of Light by Chögyal Namkhai Candida, you’re here!” I looked up surprised Iteacher, but when I look back at my in- Norbu. I found the stories in it amazing and to see my Chi Gung teacher Andrew Popo- terests and healing, it was all leading me to was filled with wonder at the path of the Ti- vich – I thought Andrew must be far away a time when I was ready and the teacher betan Yogis but I missed the fact that these in his new life in Los Angeles. It was good would appear. teachings were available as near as a centre to catch up and benefit from his advice. I In 2003 I was living and working in the in Italy. also met for the first time Judy Allan and centre of London, enjoying all the city had Then Andrew started to talk about his Julia Lawless both from London, who have to offer in culture and entertainment. A teachers including his Tibetan Dzogchen been an ongoing help with explanations of listing in Time Out Magazine for a quantum teacher, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. In 2006 I practice. physics lecture at University College Lon- moved to Folkestone in Kent on the south the bus time symbols and wondering how I’m a nervous type at what seem to me don called Beam Me Up Scotty captured my coast, attracted by cheaper accommodation, was I ever going to reach the mountains? like big occasions but I finally got through imagination. This talk rekindled my interest artists’ studios and beautiful seascapes and Then a lady was dropped by car, she spoke this and decided to see Rinpoche in person, I in science from my school days and initiated hills. I continued with my healing some of good English and was from Castel Del Piano! had brought with me a crystal ball that had my investigation into contemporary science. which brought to the surface lots of fear. She helpfully explained the timetable and become a symbol for me during my time I attended many interesting science Suddenly I had a strong urge in 2008 to confirmed a bus was due soon which she healing and I’d learned it was also used in lectures at universities and institutes and meet Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and receive duly ensured I boarded. After some beauti- Dzogchen teaching. I decided to get it blessed found the modern scientific approach to transmission. ful mountain sight seeing, the bus rounded thinking at the time of wanting a sacred ob- have a narrow focus, each scientist only During the year I took steps towards a square in Castel Del Piano and Germaine ject that would link me to the Master, still concerned with a small area of research. going to Merigar, searching for Dzogchen who was letting a room to me was waiting not fully understanding the connection I’d I concluded that polymaths were much practitioners close by, becoming a mem- with her car. Relieved, finally I’d reached my already made with him that week. needed. ber of the Dzogchen community, finding destination! After returning from Merigar I started to I was intrigued by a quantum physics Arcidosso on maps and checking accom- When I arrived for the first evening of attend explanations and group practice with theory where particles are said to have a modation in Castel Del Piano with Chris- the teachings at Merigar I felt transported Richard Stevens and Julia Lawless in Lon- state of quantum entanglement, even if tine Von Geispitzheim’s booking service. to the Tibet I had read about in The Crys- don and Kunselling in Wales, making con- they are at a great distance apart. This con- The Journey it seemed had already begun. tal And The Way Of Light. Mountain mists, nections with many UK practitioners. I also cept of interconnectedness led me to attend An unexpected call from my bank secured the largest incense burner I’d ever seen started to learn the Vajra Dance at courses more esoteric lectures from the margins of a loan. Then my parents offered me some as well as painted and carved symbols on taught in London by Cindy Faulkner and science to spiritual ideas of a mainly New money for a trip to India! When I told them stones and rock all added to this impres- practice regularly. I’ve learnt all three Vajra Age type. A notable one for me was Hid- it wasn’t India but Italy the said they were sion. I listened intently to the teacher, Chö- dances, just completed my first dance prac- den Messages In Water by Masaru Emoto happy for me to have it anyway. gyal Namkhai Norbu, and tried to follow and tise retreat at Kunselling and have found it about our interaction with water molecules Whilst working in a stationery and art take notes. I felt immersed in a centre of a very useful method. through thoughts, words, emotions and shop I helped a man who was printing tick- wisdom and that the Master and the sacred I feel very fortunate to have met healing through love, gratitude and music. ets for an event and needed card. I asked place were trying to communicate with me. Rinpoche and grateful to have received his He showed slides of water crystals grow- what kind of event and he said it was for a As the week progressed, although I had teachings and ongoing guidance. I am also ing, which had been exposed to particular Buddhist teacher who was teaching in Lon- beginner’s nerves, I had the feeling that I’d very happy to have attended teachings by words or music. don. He also told me his wife held regular arrived at a home I didn’t realise I had. I Rinpoche and his son Khyentse Yeshi Nam- I was also reading many books, including, meditation sessions at their house. I sub - was made very welcome by long term stu- khai in London in the last two years. The Sense Of Being Stared At And Other sequently met Chantal Delli Paoli-Knowles dents of Rinpoche and also found camara- Since that first retreat many concepts Aspects Of The Extended Mind by Rupert who introduced me to Shinay meditation. derie with the new students. There were I’ve held have began to dissolve, I’m more Sheldrake in which the author investigates I later attended teachings by their teacher, many discussions which helped my un- aware how unruly my mind can be and my what he calls the seventh sense – the ex- Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, holder of Ripa lin- derstanding of this new study. I tried the understanding of the Dzogchen teachings is tended mind – which includes telepathy, eage and head of Pema Lingpa Lineage. Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga and attended slowly growing. premonitions, the power of attention – sens- Among Chantal’s books I found one ing the gaze of another and mental fields. by Chögyal Namkai Norbu called Dream Another significant talk I went to was Yoga. Since I’d started Chi Gung I had some by a Tibetan , Bino Tulku, a yogic dis- dreams that seemed instructional about ciple of Kunzang Dechen Lingpa. I remem- healing. I found the book very helpful and ber hearing about dakinis and healing with following the practices it in I had some Chod practice. My investigations seemed to dreams where I became lucid. be taking me beyond my world view to wid- During that summer I had a significant er possibilities. dream in which I dropped a toy boat with a At a Mind, Body and Spirit festival in red sail from a bridge into a river. I watched 2005 I met a lady on a stall talking about it and became concerned that it was speed- prayer and healing. She agreed that sci- ing off uncontrollably and tossed about. As ence was interesting although she thought my concern grew it turned to panic and it was missing the heart and love. She rec- then a crow picked up the little boat in ommended a book called Autobiography of its beak and brought it back to the bank. I a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda, which looked to the bridge where I launched the she said I’d find on a book stall opposite. I boat and saw a wolf that scared me at first, spent many days reading it cover to cover before I somehow realised it was actually enthralled by the mystical tales of yogis and benevolent and I relaxed. In dream and ani- saints in India and Europe in the first half of mal omen books I have, the crow is seen the twentieth century. as having wisdom, bringing change and un- During this time a friend who was a derstanding and is in contact with the gods keen Chi Gung practitioner, Adrian Hope or Otherworld. The wolf is described as a Lewis – AJ for short, recommended Chi Native American symbol, thought of as a Gung to help my neck and spine which have teacher, guide and source of sacred wisdom. been misaligned since birth. Also on an ac- Well, finally the day arrived for me to set commodation search, I met a landlady who off on my pilgrimage. I travelled by ferry said yoga could help my spine. from Dover to Calais and overnight train I began Chi Gung workshops with AJ’s from Paris to Milan. Then onward to Flor- teacher Andrew Popovich and started to ence and by coach to a motorway coach learn about my own energy and energy exchange for Castel Del Piano where I was blockages. For the next few years I had a due to stay. I missed the exchange and the period of intense healing with Chi Gung and coach sped on towards the coast. After con- other methods including shamanic healing. veying this to the driver, I understood at the I became more interested in spiritual sub- next stop I could get a return coach. Safely jects and AJ gave me a reading list of books back at the exchange stop I was baffled by