No. 103 March, April 2010

Upcoming Retreats with Chögyal

Photo: G. Baggi 2010 Canaries May 21–23 The Twenty-fi ve Spaces of

UK Photo: R. Fernandez London May 28–June 1 Three Statements of Garab Dorje June 2 The Retreat Presentation of the Light of Kailash Russia June 5–8 Clinic treatment in with Chögyal Namkhai June 11–15 Moscow Retreat: The Statements of Seven Main Points of Shri Singha Norbu Open webcast Tashigar South, Argentina, March 22–31, 2010 June 18–20 Saint Petersburg Retreat: Cristian Cabra The Statements of Four States of Relaxation Translation: Ana García (Tib. bzhag-thabs bzhi) of Janasutra Open webcast arch spread its sails over the hills surrounds what He is and His with our Master. He explained that al- June 28–July 4 of Córdoba, stroking with its in- and where we fi nd ourselves thanks to who though Mandarava is a long life and pros- Crimea Retreat: Mvisible hand the trees of Tashi- knows how much we have accumu- perity practice, its aim is total realization, The Essential Light of Dharmata (Tib. sems- gar, preparing the colors for autumn. On lated in so many past lives. combining it with the methods taught, nyid bsdus-pa’i sgron-ma) of Janasutra the 22nd of March, the Master started a With his very clear manner, they became a straight path to that goal. It Open webcast wonderful retreat, a gift for all the fortu- explained many methods of breathing, is really moving when Rinpoche says liter- Romania nate ones who had the chance of attend- tsalungs, all linked to the practice of Man- ally that he himself is alive thanks to this July 9–16 ing, either in person or by webcast. darava, the Mother of Immortal life. In her teaching in particular and he says, “If it Merigar East Retreat Rinpoche said he had planned to give presence, we are in front of Mandarava is so for me, it is also for you.” As usual, one teaching, but that in two dreams it herself, in front of her illuminated mind he pointed out the need of going to the July 19–22 had been indicated that he had to give that lights the darkness of the ignorance essence of the teachings, the essence of SMS Level I Exam something different from what he had that holds us in this infi nite samsara. practice. July 23–August 1 planned and that was what we fi nally re- The days were passing by, one nicer In this way these teachings were seep- SMS Level II Training ceived. When I think about Rinpoche’s way than the other. We had warm sunny days, ing in the deepest part of all of us, but it Italy of receiving teachings, either in dreams or as if the weather itself would like to help depends on each of us to do our best to get August 13–20 through visions, it is like a mystery that so that we could all enjoy this sacred place >> continued on page 30 Merigar West Retreat August 23–29 Teachers’ Training Teaching Teaching News September 3–10 Personal Retreat Chögyal Namkhai Yeshi Silvano Tashigar Sur September 17–19 Norbu Namkhai purifi cation for all those Entering Knowledge of Russian who have died Knowledge the Mind Speaking Countries France September 24–26 Teaching at Karmaling >> continued on page 4 » Page 2 » Page 3 » Pages 16–17 THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

2

It is not suffi cient to read a book – sometimes people buy style books and apply what they read. That cre- ates so many problems. To follow Vajrayana fi rst you need to receive an initiation, then instruction from a teacher, and then what is practiced becomes something more con- crete.

Energy Level Dzogchen teaching is not transformation like Vajraya- na. The Dzogchen teaching is called self-liberation, so it is different from the beginning. For example, when we think of our three existences, Vajrayana practice is more related with our energy level. In Vajrayana practice we not only transform into the fi gure of or integrate into the mandala to have that realization, but we visualize chakras, channels, and work with the energy of kundalini and pra- na. All this is related with the energy level, and for that reason a teacher and precise instruction are needed.

I will give you a very simple example: Prana energy is cir- culating in our body, but it is not circulating precisely ev- erywhere in the channels, so we do practice and direct the prana to circulate in the channels to have more experience. The experience we have depends on the position of our physical body and the method of the breathing. We can only learn this precisely from a teacher, not with a book. Today you can get many translated books, also books of . Books are necessary for continuing the teaching so it does not disappear, but people who are interested in the teaching do not think a book is enough; they know the teaching is related with transmission.

When you receive transmission like Vajrayana teaching you can use a book to study and learn, but you should not go to a shop and buy a book on Vajrayana, read and apply Photo: E. Gromaches it. Some people apply many practices of prana energy de- scribed in a book and create so many problems for them- selves. If prana energy is circulating where it should not, you become abnormal and have feelings, sensations, vi- Essential Teaching sions, and hearing in a very different way. Then the fi nal realization is that you go crazy, and this is not so easy to correct once you have created that kind of problem. For that reason it is called a secret teaching; secret teaching of Dzogchen means fi rst you need to participate, then you communicate to the teacher, the teacher gives you the teaching, you seri- Excerpt from the teaching of Zhi lam dras, the of Changchub Dorje ously apply it and then you can have realization. Otherwise February 19, 2010, Tashigar South, Argentina you only create problems, so you must be careful. This is true for Vajrayana teaching in general. ood day to everybody everywhere. Today we are know the difference very well. We need to discover that, going into the main teaching for this retreat, the otherwise people say all vehicles are the same. In Dzogchen teaching it is not necessary to receive an ini- Gterma teaching of my teacher Changchub Dor- tiation, but the principle in Dzogchen teaching is going je. The title of this teaching is the base, path and fruit in The vow is indispensable when following , beyond limitation, so we are not limited by saying that you Dzogchen – zhi lam dras. More importantly, there are many you must receive it initially, and if you are following the don’t need to receive initiation. A teacher can also use ini- series of Dzogchen teaching, but the Dzogchen terma of style you must cultivate . When you tiation to introduce the knowledge of Dzogchen, a teacher my teacher Changchub Dorje belongs to the series called are learning the teaching and going ahead, it means that can use Sutra style to explain oral teaching and also intro- Lamed Nyingthig Yangthig, which means supreme and es- when you receive a vow, any kind of vow, you are control- duce knowledge; there are many different ways that de- sential, and the most important point is that this teaching ling your body, speech and mind in order not to commit pend on the student, if the student has good karma – good is the essence of the practice and knowledge of Dzogchen negative actions. If you follow Sutra correctly, you are also karma meaning that in the past life the student somehow teaching. controlling your existence. had some connection with a Dzogchen teacher and teach- ing. Even in this life if the student had not yet met a teacher Three Vehicles When you are using a vehicle like Vajrayana you don’t need or teaching, when he meets a teacher and teaching he can You already know that there are three different kinds of to control your body, speech and mind. The main point easily wake up and can get in the knowledge of Dzogchen. vehicles. Vehicle means something for traveling, and if is that you transform your dualistic or ordinary karmic vi- Some people have this kind of capacity – these kinds of we are traveling a long distance, if we want to go to visit sion; through karmic vision we produce negative karma. people are called kalden (skal ldan) in Tibetan, which means Mt. Kailash, for example, then if possible we should go by Negative karma is a consequence of our karmic vision. In a fortunate one who has good karma. People interested in airplane. How we travel depends on our condition. If we Vajrayana we have that vision and then we transform our Dzogchen teaching, who participate and follow the teach- have positive secondary causes we can go by airplane and emotion, our base of aggregation and everything in a pure ing, are considered fortunate with good karma. For that arrive more quickly, but if we have no money and we have dimension. You see, this is the difference from the Sutra reason in the Dzogchen teaching we don’t make publicity no possibility to take an airplane, then of course we have style of teaching, but it is also complete. It is complete for or use a missionary system. In Sutra, they use a missionary to take a car. If we do not have that possibility, then we try having total realization. It does not mean that Vajrayana is system because they say it is necessary to make people un- to go by bicycle, and if we do not even have that possibility, dependent on Sutra or Sutra dependent on Vajrayana; they derstand the existence of the precious words of Buddha. then we walk. If we walk, it takes so many days or months are all complete paths called vehicles, even if the way of In Dzogchen teaching, even in the Vajrayana system, we to arrive. That is an example of a vehicle used to get some- having realization is different. know very well if someone is interested they have already place somehow. had a connection in a past life, otherwise they would not In Vajrayana, for example, we can have realization in life be interested. We are in samsara, which means transmigration based or in the state of , so you see the vehicles are differ- in our dualistic vision. Samsara is just like an ocean; we ent. Particularly in the Dzogchen teaching, the main point Sometimes it seems someone is not seriously interested in should go beyond that ocean. To realize going beyond, we is that we discover and know how our real condition is. the teachings, but somehow with a good secondary cause need a vehicle like a ship or an airplane. So in the teach- Initiation is indispensable in Vajrayana and in general in they become interested. Someone says, “Oh, I was not in- ing when we say vehicle, it means something complete for Tantrism. If you don’t receive initiation you cannot apply terested to receive Dzogchen teaching but my friend was having total realization. For example, if we have two legs the method, but you don’t need to receive any kind of vow. going to a retreat to receive teaching. I was curious and we can somehow walk and arrive somewhere. Walking There are many monks or nuns who follow vows; this is went with my friend and then I received Dzogchen teach- with our two legs is much better than nothing, but it takes more related to the sutra teaching. In Vajrayana, there are ing.” Some people have this kind of idea, so even if they a long time. Some vehicles, particularly sutra vehicles, are also many monks and nuns who keep the vows of the sutra received the transmission and are not a practitioner them- like that. To have total realization we need many lives, not and do practice of the Vajrayana system internally. They selves, it means they have good karma that is not com- only one lifetime. When we follow the Vajrayana style ve- combine Sutra and Vajrayana, but even if they are com- plete. So they follow the teaching through curiosity, that hicle, we have also the possibility to have realization in a bining Sutra and Vajrayana they need to receive initiation. curiosity is a secondary cause, and maybe one day it will lifetime. So you see, all are called vehicles but they are dif- When there is a possibility to follow instruction they need mature. I have some students who say, “Oh I came to your ferent, a car is a vehicle, an airplane is a vehicle, but we to receive it. >> continued on page 4 THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai

3

This object is still here but my Knowledge of mind has gone somewhere else, and without changing anything the Mind about its own nature my mind from a Teaching on Milam, has already changed something Primordial Experience about the condition of this ob- given in Donetsk, Ukraine on ject. Then I can go a little further April 25, 2010 and imagine it has color, I can evaluate the quality, if it is made of glass or crystal, if it is nice oday I will try to explain crystal what predominant color it something more con- has, blue or red or green, so af- T nected with knowledge of ter a while I can have all possible the mind. At the beginning I will ideas and feelings about this ob- introduce this more with West- ject. Most of all if my friend starts ern language and then try to give to have a different idea from me, some references more connected for example I like something with , and then and he likes something else, I go more deeply into the knowl- have the need to show that what edge of the different states of the I like is better, which creates ten- mind so that we understand more sion. If we observe, the cause of what is meant by mind and what all this talk is still in front of us the different aspects of mind are. and has not changed at all, it has The first aspect that we are try- remained the same, but we have ing to understand is the easiest travelled with our minds. and most obvious one. When we Then it starts to be interesting open our eyes we have a vision of because we can understand that reality, which means that we can mind has some kind of potential- see something that we can talk ity; by using my imagination I can about, something we have some change even the physical aspect perception of, that we can touch, of this object. For example I can that we can feel. For example, imagine something even more when we have an object in front interesting than what it is in real- of us, the way we think about this ity, I can imagine it [the glass] is Photo: Liane Gräf reality means we all understand made of light, or is made of wa- that it is an object. So we can un- ter like clouds or I can imagine So I can have different percep- Without these opposites or con- a mirror. Maybe the first time we derstand this object of reality, we that instead of containing water tions and a different feeling of trasts, mind cannot understand, see ourselves we don’t recognize can analyze it and have more or it contains nice thoughts. Some- fear. I can feel even more fear of so if there is good there should ourselves and it may take some less an idea. how I still recognize it is a glass something I do not know. also be bad, if one day is nice an- time to understand it is our face. The moment that we analyze and what is in front of me is still For example, I can have strong other will be bad, and as we have Generally in Tibetan Buddhism any object of reality, besides what the same, but my perception, my fear that someone will arrive dur- life we also have death. We are when we introduce what mind the object is, we are working with idea or my feeling have changed. ing the night with some terrible not certain about anything in life is, these are typical examples, not our mind. Any object of reality re- So we can easily understand what weapon and break my door while but we are totally certain about traditional but in a more modern quires some effort with our mind, is material and real and what is I am sleeping, just like in the death. Death is an interruption style. What is most important is so if this object is a material ob- unreal, like the mind. movies. If we observe this aspect of life and sooner or later it will to understand this aspect of what ject for example, it will have some The mind has a completely dif- we understand there is nothing arrive, we don’t know precisely is material and immaterial, what kind of qualification: it will have ferent characteristic. The aspect rational or logical in it - defining when, but hopefully when we are is real and unreal. For example, a weight, a form, a shape, some of material things is limited, be- fear with something logical is older. how much do all these immate- way we can describe it and at a cause I have one glass, not many. very difficult. We can understand But how is life – we don’t rial things control or condition general level we can describe and But I can have thousands of these what the cause or source is. For know. Let’s imagine and observe our lives, because if all these as- understand how the object is. glasses in my mind and instant- example fear can be very useful our mind a little. How many pects of the mind are in control, At a certain moment we can ly I can imagine there are mil- to learn how to protect ourselves: times do we think about death we should understand whether also notice that this object ex- lions, so this aspect of qualities through fear we learn not to get and how we will die? How many they have some basis in reality. ists in our mind because we per- and quantities is different for the hurt if, for instance, when we use times do we think about our life For example, if we live in a beau- ceived it and we have created an mind. So this means that mind is a sharp object like knives, scis- and how it will be and what we tiful place on an island where it idea of it. Then we can observe not limited, like material objects, sors and so on because we learn will do today etc.? In how many is summer every day, where it is how the idea is: if it is like a re- but has these characteristics of they can be dangerous. We tell ways do we imagine our death? always a beautiful day, how long flection in the mirror, or if it has being unlimited and unreal. So children not to play with these In how many millions of ways do does it take until we start to get already changed. For example if do I believe or not what is in my objects and in this way they have we think for hours about how our bored? Even though everything we have no need for the object to mind? the opportunity to learn. Maybe life is? In the real sense we know is perfect and we have nothing to change then it remains the same. Let’s give a simple example. sometimes they get hurt but then there will only be death and this is do like a job, we just have to enjoy So I take an obvious object like For example I can have the idea they learn and pay attention. the only thing we are sure of. We ourselves, after how many days a glass and I show it to you and there are streets that are very dan- At a certain point children are know nothing about life, but we do we become tense? We should then you have an idea, because if gerous to walk. The same street afraid of the dark and they don’t imagine millions of things about observe this. I take it away you can remember during the daylight seems nor- want to sleep without light. So it every hour. The only thing we Then, for example, we go on how it was. It means that object mal, but at night I feel fear on the going beyond with this knowl- know about for certain is that we holiday. Perhaps we work all year is in our mind. same street. This feeling of dan- edge we are able to develop our imagine nothing. This means the and then for 3 or 4 weeks we have For example, I can have some ger relates to something concrete, imagination: we started from a unreal aspect of the mind. holidays. During these holidays feelings for this object. First of real, based on statistics that walk- single object and arrived to us, For example if we observe how we should do something fantas- all I can recognize it, I can under- ing on a certain street at a certain how we feel, what we like, what we live, we have many percep- tic because we have worked con- stand it is a glass that it has some time can be dangerous. I can be we don’t like, etc. What children tions and sensations in our life, tinuously for the rest of the year, kind of function, for example, a more or less certain of different fear in the dark is totally unre- but we are most of all in contact and so this month should be full glass I use for drinking, which is situations and then maybe I do al because turning on the light with two aspects. The first aspect of activity. Then we can observe an obvious function. I probably not walk there so often at night. doesn’t change anything in this is air, because we need to breathe. how we relate with this idea, how created this object for this func- But then at a certain moment reality. If there is nothing in this The second is water because we much we project before going on tion. Until this moment there has a shooting star or something like room to begin with, turning the are made of water, we need to these holidays. Holidays should been no need to change this ob- this appears and everyone is very light on or off does not change drink, we also need to eat, but be something nice, some kind of ject, but at a certain moment it stressed because this can be a anything, just like having an ob- first we need to drink. We are not enjoyment, but before choosing becomes the subject of a talk be- bad sign. Statistically if we walk ject such as a glass in front of us, very aware of this because what where to go we are already fight- tween my friend and I. Once we at night something can happen it always remains the same. What we pollute most of all is air and ing because one has one idea and have observed and judged, then and we can read newspapers and changes is our perception and so water, even though it is in front the other another. I prefer to go we may have different ideas – understand that, but shooting fear develops or increases or de- of us twenty-four hours a day. It is to the sea and the other to the perhaps I like to drink water and stars do not fall every day. Mete- creases. This is the unreal aspect not in our mind as awareness. So mountains, so what was sup- my friend likes to drink wine, and ors don’t arrive every day so the of the mind. all these aspects are related with posed to be enjoyment, before this is more a glass for water, it perception of fear can be differ- Mind has the aspects of two knowledge of what mind is, just even leaving, becomes a pain. should be a little different for ent. I walk on the street every day, opposites. Mind can understand like looking at one’s own face. Then we find an agreement, wine, so the main function has but I don’t see meteors every day, day and night, but if only day or We have this face and we look organize everything and go. But already changed. I can feel I like so it means I am less confident only night exists, it is very diffi- outside and do not discover we obviously we are not the only this object or I don’t like it. with this danger, with this idea. cult for the mind to understand. have this face until we discover >> continued on page 5 THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

4

>> Essential Teaching of Dzogchen continued from page 2 don’t worry, you are a pundit of Mahayana, particularly the I remember one of my students was following a traditional retreat ten or twenty years ago but I didn’t follow then.” School, so you explain what you have now un- teaching and at the end he had an illness of paralysis. He Then many years passed and now they are interested and derstood from me in the language of Yogachara. You ex- never fi nished his prostrations for the preliminary prac- come to the teachings. They are also interested because plain that and you can be purifi ed.” Manjushrimitra im- tice. He said he was following that teaching for seven years they are getting old and noticing that they are getting to mediately wrote a book called do la ser zhun (rdo la gser zhun), already. I told him to do the practice of Vajrapani because the end of life; they want to known a little more about what which means a very refi ned gold. That is an example of the he had the illness of paralysis. You need to receive trans- the teaching of Dzogchen is. That is an example of how most essential teaching on the material level. Then Man- mission and the initiation of Vajrapani to do the practice, there is always cause and a reason why people become in- jushrimitra asked Garab Dorje to become his student, so but he did not ask me for the transmission. If you are not terested. Manjushrimitra is Garab Dorje’s fi rst student. - participating, I cannot give the transmission to you if you mitra’s group of pundits became Garab Dorje’s students do not ask, that is not my job. That is the job of the people Garab Dorje as well. Since that time, Garab Dorje taught Dzogchen and who are interested. The next year he came again but his The fi rst teacher of Dzogchen on this globe, in this epoch, later at the moment Garab Dorje manifested the rainbow condition had gotten worse. Firstly he came to me because is Garab Dorje. Garab Dorje is a emanation body, Manjushrimitra received the three statements of Ga- he had discovered that I am also a Tibetan physician and – a realized being. Already from his birth, when he was rab Dorje. These three statements are something like a key he wanted to get some information, so of course I gave child, he chanted the very essential Tantra of Dzogchen for the Dzogchen teaching; how we follow the Dzogchen it to him. The next year when he came, he listened to my and with these words always explains going beyond cause teaching, how we apply the Dzogchen teaching and how teaching a little bit, but he still did not participate. I asked and effect. This happened in the time of the kingdom of we can have realization with the Dzogchen teaching. All him if he received the Vajrapani transmission or initiation . In this time there was a very powerful king of this is included in these three statements. and he said not yet and that he did not do the practice. I Oddiyana who was a follower of the teaching of Buddha. told him that it was really very important to do and that The king had many royal teachers and Buddhist pundits Ngondro he should insist to his teacher to give him that initiation. around him, and when Garab Dorje was around six years The fi rst statement is , which means Then he went away and one year later when I was doing a old he told his mother he wanted to discuss with these the teacher introduces to the student to make the student Dzogchen retreat, he fi nally came to the teaching but now pundits and she said he could not discuss with them be- understand and discover what their real nature is. This is he had become blind. He arrived with a dog. He followed cause he had still not changed his teeth. That means he the fi rst thing we should do. For example, in the Sutra style the teaching, but his physical condition was very weak and was around six years old. Later Garab Dorje spoke many of teaching, we purify the physical body with prostrations. now it was too late. Then I heard that one year later he times with pundits and they were curious and wanted to Combining that system with Vajrayana, a preliminary passed away. listen when he chanted this Tantra that said something practice called ngondro is presented. Ngondro means pre- about going beyond cause and effect. Many pundits were liminary practice with prostrations, the practice of refuge That is an example of how sometimes preliminary practice worried that it was something contrary to the teaching of and bodhicitta, and purifi cation with . Some can create so many problems, particularly for Westerners, Buddha Shakyamuni. Buddha Shakyamuni spoke about teachers say if you do not do preliminary practice you can- because they are not comfortable with doing those things. the rule of the karma, of cause and effect, and that we stop not receive the main practice of Vajrayana. This does not Therefore the teacher must be aware. As the Buddha said: negative cause and develop clarity following the law of correspond to the real sense of the teaching of Vajrayana, “You learn and understand the condition of the student karma. but it is a traditional way. Traditionally each school is try- and then if you have something like nectar to put some- ing to do everything: Hina yana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, where you need a vase, and you should put the nectar in The pundits sent a message to Nalanda University in In- all combined together. If someone new is following the the vase in a perfect way and then the nectar remains per- dia. In that period the university of Nalanda was a very teaching they are considered stupid about Buddhist teach- fectly.” It is the same way with the student; he is trying to large Mahayana style university with so many pundits. All ing, so for that reason they should do ngondro preliminary understand and prepare for receiving that teaching, par- of them were worried that in Oddiyana there was a small practice. This is the traditional way. ticularly the teaching of Dzogchen. child, something like the nephew of the king of Oddiya- na, who was chanting and talking about something be- In our society if you have capacity and you want to study Direct introduction yond cause and effect. They decided to go and argue and at the university, fi rst you should go to the offi ce of the For example, I am giving this teaching so I should give eliminate that idea. They chose Manjushrimitra, who was university and ask permission. At the offi ce they ask for direct introduction as Garab Dorje stated, otherwise the the most famous among them in that period at Nalanda your diploma and how you got a diploma for entering the teaching has no life. Many of my students have received University. Manjushrimitra, together with other pundits, university. You should go to elementary school, middle direct introduction many times, but for a new person it traveled to Oddiyana. At that time the distance between school and then higher. That is how it is done tradition- is indispensable. It is my consideration that people, who Nalanda and Oddiyana was very long. There was no train ally. This does not correspond with the real sense of the are interested to come and listen to my teaching, even if or car, or even roads to pass easily, but they traveled a long teaching, also in the Sutra teaching. In the Sutra teaching they are only curious, are fortunate people and must have time and in the end they arrived at Nalanda. Immediately Buddha said that you should teach the teaching with kham a good connection with the teaching and transmission. Of Manjushrimitra started to discuss and argue with Garab wang sampa (khams dbang bsam pa), by combining what the course then, I should do as Garab Dorje taught. If I Dorje and present some questions. Garab Dorje replied, student desires with the student’s capacity and circum- am doing as Guru Garab Dorje said, it is the perfect way not arguing but only replying, and Manjushrimitra woke stances. and there is no mistake. If someone is only curious and up because already in previous life he had had a connec- wants to know ‘what this Namkhai Norbu is teaching’, tion with and knowledge of this teaching. Manjushrimitra So someone cannot really decide if the student has high if someone has that kind of attitude then it is better they discovered that this teaching is the real essence of teach- capacity or not; for example if you have high capacity but don’t come because they are destroying their possibility to ing of Buddha; he discovered what the teaching prajna you have no diploma you cannot study at the university. It follow Dzogchen teachings in the future. I am doing what paramita really means in Sutra and that the real prajna is the same way with Vajrayana practice and Dzogchen, if Guru Garab Dorje taught and I am innocent; I don’t want paramita is the state of Dzogchen. you have no diploma from elementary school and you are to create any problems for anybody. This you must know not accepted, you are losing time. You need so many years and do your best.  Instead of discussing, Manjushrimita said to Garab Dorje, to get all these diplomas. To complete only the preliminary “I am very sorry, I recognize that you are a real emanation practices perfectly, particularly for a Westerner, how can Transcribed by Andrea Calbucci of Buddha Shakyamuni and your teaching is the essence you fi nish even just the prostrations? First of all you have Edited by Naomi Zeitz of the Buddha. I had the bad intention to argue with you. no time, secondly you don’t have that kind of attitude and How can I purify that bad action?” Garab Dorje said, “You thirdly you need many years to fi nish.

February 18–22 Ukraine Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 2011 Caloundra Retreat May 13–17 Crimea Retreat Schedule 2010–2011 December 27–January 2 March 11–13 Melbourne Retreat Romania >> continued from page 1 Christmas Retreat May 25–29 January 4 March 18–23 Merigar East Retreat Spain Peru Partial Solar Eclipse, we do Namgyalgar Retreat October 1–7 November 26–30 a practice of 25 Spaces of May 30 Singapore Leave for Merigar West Barcelona Retreat: Peruvian Retreat Samantabhadra collectively. March 31–April 4 Ati Dzogchen Tregchod, a Terma of Argentina Singapore Retreat Master Rigdzin Jyangchub Dorje January 14 Tashigar Sur Ganapuja Taiwan Brazil December 8, 10–12 am January 19 April 8–11 October 13–17 Practice of Mandarava collectively Taipei Teaching Retreat The Invocation of Samantabhadra, Mandarava practice with its December 10–16 Ganapuja Japan (Tib. kun-bzang smon-lam) Tashigar Sur Retreat New Zealand April 15–19 Costa Rica Tokyo Teaching Retreat October 29–31 December 21 January 28–30 Total Lunar Eclipse, we do Weekend Teaching Russia Costa Rica Retreat Ganapuja and the Invocation of Australia April 25–May 1 Venezuela Samantabhadra Moscow Retreat November 5–9 February 4–8 Tashigar Norte Retreat Namgyalgar Retreat May 2–6 In Hospital of Moscow THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai

5

>> Knowledge of the Mind continued from page 3 ing this and that, but maybe I think it was not really good be- lem before we win because it is ones going on holiday, not the what we get and we are satisfied want to do something for culture havior because we have the idea the aspect of unreal things of the only ones with the idea that it with this because we understand and religion, then after a while I that we should behave in a par- mind; they are only concepts. We should be something fantastic, what is real and what is unreal, so start to think about my relatives, ticular way, what is right, what is can give a lot of importance to be- just like , but the opposite there is nothing new. But if we are my parents, because then all of wrong, what is correct and incor- ing lucky for a few seconds, a few of heaven is hell and then we ar- surprised and have the idea that them will want something. Then rect, all ideas of ourselves, and we minutes, a few years, but maybe rive at the holiday situation. Ev- we do not deserve this situation, I start to think how I can hide go after all these aspects that are after a few minutes something eryone is going on holiday – the this means that we are traveling this situation and maybe I may not real and then create suffering. else becomes more important. airplanes are full, trains are full, with our mind, that we are not very have to hire a lawyer to pick up But this aspect is just the way Just like when we meet some- streets are full, every place you much in this present moment. My the prize. I only have the ticket of the mind; we can think of the one we like very much. We have go there are thousands of people mind is conditioning my vision in my hand and I already have mind as something that is work- the first date and now we are hap- going there so it becomes some- and everything that is connected a problem with my friends and ing continuously and produc- py and excited while before life thing terrible. such as how I feel, my situation my relatives. If I win it would be ing thoughts. All these thoughts seemed so terrible. Now every- Let’s say we are going to eat. and my mood. In this condition it something positive so I should be arise continuously, so after one thing has become perfect. Then There is already a queue because is very difficult to feel happy. happy, but since I am going after thought there is a pause and then we have the second date, third everyone is on holiday too, so we So in general it is useful to ob- unreal things, mind has already another thought arrives. As soon date, and at that point something get in the queue, and then we serve our condition of reality be- arrived [at the conclusion] that as we look and observe this and goes wrong. The person doesn’t cannot choose where to sit, what- cause we understand where we they are guilty and I have to hide we feel something then we are dress the way we like, doesn’t ever we choose from the menu is are, what we are doing, and how and I already have problems. On entering this thought, just like we like what we like, does some- finished and in the meantime we our situation is. Then we don’t one hand there is a large amount are dreaming. For example if we thing we do not find intelligent, have forgotten we are on holiday. have these kinds of ideas like why of money and idealistically hap- have this lottery ticket in our hand whatever but something goes The principle was to rest, be hap- do these things happen to me, I piness, while on the other hand and we enter into all these ideas wrong. Now we don’t like them py, and enjoy and we were hoping am lucky, I am unlucky, miserable there is no money and idealisti- of how it is to win, we cannot un- anymore. Then we start to feel to have good food and good ser- or very powerful, which means cally a lot of problems, just like derstand that it is just like we are all of our problems are connect- vice but we got something aver- looking outside to understand two opposites. If there is happi- dreaming with open eyes. After a ed with this person. The more age. Now we check – what is the my situation and not focusing on ness on one side there is sorrow while we cannot even see what is time that passes, the more seri- value of what we received, what is myself. I should understand what on the other. in front of us. We lose perception ous the problems become and the price of the meal, I work all would happen if I focus on myself. But we have nothing mate- of reality because we are into the the most beautiful thing in our year to earn this money and now Let’s look at the totally unreal rial in this moment. There is no production of the mind. And then life becomes the worst possible, I don’t want to waste it this way. aspect of the mind. For example ground for this and it is total- we go after these thoughts and it because from love only hate can Then it becomes a hell, so much the mind is very fast in creat- ly unreal. It is an aspect of the is exactly like dreaming. arise. Not something else. Not so that when we come back home ing any kind of project or activ- mind. Mind cannot conceive of In this context we understand like indifference, because the op- it seems very nice. So it means it ity. When we are choosing what only one thing; mind has what is that if we don’t win we are angry. posite of love is hate. Mind can was unreal. It was a nice trip and to study or if we want to change called in Tibetan Buddhism dual- But this anger arises and devel- only perceive these two aspects, a nice place, but we did not feel job for example, we have a lot of istic vision. It can only conceive ops because we have an idea of so it can only jump from love to that way. Our perception was that ideas. Each morning when we of two opposites and it is just a ourselves. If we have an idea of hate or the opposite. it was even worse than ordinary wake up we have different ideas matter of time for it to jump from knowledge that it is very difficult We meet, for example, a col- activities. and according to how we feel we happiness to sorrow. Just like we to win, we don’t get involved with league and find him difficult to Now what is more real – the create a new life. But we should see with our eyes, the idea of how this situation re- deal with, we work in the same glass in front of me or the idea observe how fast we do this; ev- means things change. When we lates to us. We don’t relate this lot- office but we don’t trust him or of the glass? If I don’t see any- ery time something changes we say ‘after 100 years’ not one of tery with ourselves; we only know like him. Then we go a little fur- more that this holiday place is so perceive change in our reality, us will be here, we understand it is very difficult but if we succeed ther with this relation and at a beautiful, and I am fighting all we should observe how fast the this and have this perception of we win. But if I feel this anger it certain moment something hap- the time with my friend, with my mind is able to create a new life, change. This is how we normally means I feel I don’t deserve to lose pens more at the level of action, girlfriend, with my wife, it means a new destiny and so on. Normal- introduce the idea of imperma- in the lottery – I don’t deserve to be and we are face to face and we that reality is not as strong as my ly we go after what we feel more nence. In the same way mind is in unlucky. I can observe it is some- talk, maybe we beat each other mind because I believe in this un- strongly, whether it is something this field, but it is not so limited thing related to the idea of myself, up, and then after an hour we real vision of the holiday. If I had pleasant or unpleasant, a hope, a and conditioned by it and always to my idea of myself. It’s enough drink beer together, get drunk known from the beginning that desire or even a fear. goes to the borders, to this oppo- to observe – if I think I never win and become best friends. This is going on holiday would create But this is very abstract. Let’s site. The mind goes from happi- anything, I am not lucky, just like because if we feel something it tension, most of all I would have give an example of something ness to sorrow very fast, and we winning the lottery changes the means the opposite makes sense, chosen something that everyone more concrete. For example, I buy are already suffering even though understanding of whether I am and we have only two possibili- likes because most of all I want to a lottery ticket because I want to we did not win anything. lucky or not, because if I win a lot- ties, just like day and night, so we do something that is nice. We be- win. Statistically the odds of win- When we find out we did not tery I am lucky. should understand this. lieve very much in collective ideas ning the lottery are very low, but if win the lottery, which is more Where is luck? Maybe we can There isn’t anything else be- and the places to go [on holiday] I do not buy the ticket there is no realistic, then we are angry. But ask someone who is lucky to tween day and night, just like our are not so many and we all go to possibility. This is something ab- what is there to be angry about come here and sit. But this is not emotions that have this aspect. the same places, so obviously we solutely material. Now I have this since we knew from the begin- real, no one will come here be- Normally in Tibetan Buddhism will have this kind of tense situa- ticket and then I start to imagine ning that it was not realistic. We cause it is not something materi- we call this potentiality and it tion. If we know it will be like this what I will do if I win. I haven’t are angry because we worked al. It is something like a concept, means this is the way we show there will be no surprise: we are won anything yet but I’ve already with mind, because we developed not something we can prove with ourselves outside, just the way we relaxed, we get in the queue, we started to develop all possible all these desires and we even a material aspect. We can observe are. So this is our aspect and it al- know how we eat, how we stay. ideas. When I start to think about made our relatives and friends that nothing will change if we ways has this opposite because we This means that we don’t have the biggest prize I understand guilty. And if we have an idea that win. Why does nothing change? perceive everything like this.  the idea that we deserve some- that it is really a lot of money. we made them guilty, not honest, Because we already know that we thing else. But instead we know So first I go into the more ma- we are angry two times. We are will fight with parents and rela- Transcribed by Naomi Zeitz exactly what we are doing and terial level, thinking about buy- judging ourselves and maybe we tives. We already have this prob- Edited by Liz Granger

July 22–August 5 September 25–28 November 7–26 Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai Romania, SMS Level 2 with Bolivia, Dekytling Mexico, Baja California, Schedule 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu October 2–8 Tsegyalgar West August 23–29 UK, London Retreat December 4–6 June 9–15 Italy, Merigar West and Kunselling Italy, Bologna, Desalling May 14–17 Russia, Moscow, Teachers’ Training with UK, London Public talk and Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Retreat Chögyal Namkhai Norbu October 9–11 December 11–13 preparations for retreat with Italy, Zhenphenling Italy, Naples, Namdeling June 16–22 September 7–12 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Russia, St. Petersburg, October 12 December 18–20 Russia, Izhevsk, restricted Italy, Italy May 26–31 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Retreat retreat at Kungaling Public Talk University of , Molise Crimea, weekend teaching Rome La Sapienza 2011 at Kunsangar South and June 24–July 4 September 13–16 Crimea, Mexico, Mexico City, Pelzomling October 20–24 January 14–29 preparation for retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Retreat Canada, Toronto Russia, Moscow, Kunphenling Chögyal Namkhai Norbu September 17–20 July 6–10: Costa Rica, Public talk October 25–29 June 1–8 USA, New York, Kundrolling USA, Portland Russia, Moscow, Clinic September 21–24 July 11–20 Peru, Norbuling Oct. 30–Nov. 6 USA, Conway, Mass, USA, Berkeley California Tsegyalgar East and Khandroling THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 ASIA

6

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, Fax: 413.369.4473 Tel.: 089 / 127 630 32 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.asia-ngo.org www.asia-ngo.org/en/ www.asia-ngo.de

salvage wood and anything use- The Earthquake in ful to build some kind of shelter the Yushu Tibetan from the icy winds and snow. Yushu Prefecture is located at Prefecture an average altitude of 4000 me- ters above sea level and is one of n April 14 a violent earth- the poorest and most remote re- quake struck the Yushu gions in . 90 % of the popu- OTibetan Autonomous lation is made up of Tibetan no- Prefecture killing more that mads from the Khampa ethnic 2,000 people, injuring more than group. 12,000 and leaving about 100,000 The name of the capital of the homeless and without anything. prefecture where the earthquake These are the official statistics took place is Jyekundo in Tibetan, given out by the government, often abbreviated to Jyegu, com- which, however, have not been ing from the short form of “Ky- confirmed by the local popula- elwa gu” and has different mean-

Distribution in Demo village.

of Yushu are famous for being In light of our knowledge of their inspections and meetings beautiful and regal. the territory and our links with with local institutions in order Traditionally Kyekundo has its people, the day after the earth- to understand better the situa- been one of the most important quake ASIA took action to bring tion and the damages caused by cultural and commercial cross- help to the population of Yushu. the earthquake, particularly to roads in since it is at the The response to our appeal to schools and hospitals. The gen- hub of many important roads collect funds was enthusiastic eral situation of the schools is linking Yushu to the largest Ti- and immediate and allowed us to serious. 70 % of the school build- betan cities: , Chamdo, organize the first distribution of ings in the township have col- , Kumbun, Dhartsedo. aid in a short period of time. lapsed and all educational activi- Unfortunately this sacred and The first convoy left Xining on ties have been suspended. The historically rich land has been April 22 with 800 kits of essential only working hospital is the one damaged by the terrible earth- necessities: food, blankets, soap. that has been set up in the tent quake of April 14 that, besides Our staff was directly involved. A city because the old hospital in destroying houses, monasteries, team made up of the ASIA project Jiegu has collapsed and the new schools and hospitals, has also coordinator in Qinghai, Federica one is still under construction. brought the population – already Grassi, an architect, Pierfrances- In the last few days the ASIA one of the poorest in China – to co Donati and the local staff at staff has been preparing a second its knees. The climatic condi- the ASIA office in Xining left for distribution of essential necessi- tions, the harshness of the area Jyegu. As soon as they arrived ties to 1,800 children of the pri- and the distance from the capital they reported from their office/ mary school most seriously dam- ASIA staff meets Jiegu Department of education. all contribute to making Yushu tent how the town had been re- aged by the tremor. Prefecture one of the most re- duced to a pile of rubble and how The fund raising campaign is tion that witnessed the disaster ings. One of them derives from mote and deprived areas in the everything was needed: first of all continuing, as there is a lot to do and speak of many thousands of “Kyelwa gu”, meaning “nine lives” People’s Republic of China where blankets, tents and food. There to help the population of Yushu victims and entire villages razed and means that a life lived in this the population, prevalently no- was no water, no electricity and start to live again. to the ground. After the main wonderful sacred land is equiva- madic, live on an average wage of the conditions of hygiene were Rinpoche has asked all of us earth tremor at 7.1° degrees on lent to nine lives lived elsewhere. 300 dollars per year. disastrous. to help these people by the Richter scale, recorded at Another meaning has to do For these reasons ASIA has During the initial phase the what we can. 7.49 in the morning at Jiegu, an- with the geographical position: operated several times in Yushu ASIA team concentrated on as- “The ocean is very big and full other 700 tremors have literally the suffix “do” indicates that in the past at the request of local sessing the needs of the popula- of water”, he said. “Together we destroyed the town which has the place is situated at the meet- people. The most recent interven- tion in coordination with other can really make a quantity of wa- been reduced to a pile of rubble. ing point of two rivers (just like tion was an emergency project groups who were there. When ter as big as the ocean by offering 70 % of the schools (192 in total) Chamdo, Dhartsedo etc.), the for the struggle against famine this first step had been complet- even just a drop and integrating it cannot be used, the only existing Dza-chu and the Peltang-chu. A and for economic self-sufficiency ed, the distribution was orga- in the water of the ocean … in this hospital has collapsed as have wider geographical term for the of the Tibetan nomadic tribes in nized. way our merits will never finish. 60% of the Buddhist monasteries whole territory is Kham-toe, or 2003/2004 using funds from the Some of the kits were distrib- Please help”. in the area including the Gyanak northern Kham. Italian Presidency of the Council uted to the government distribu- Thank you! Mani, the temple with the largest Yushu, the name of the re- of Ministers. tion centre where a camp hospi- To donate and for updates: collection of mani (stones with gion in which Jyekundo is situ- The project planned to cope tal had been set up. Others were www.ASIA-ngo.org/en prayers carved by hand) in the ated, comes from the Tibetan with the emergency in which the given to families who had dif- world, more than two billion, and “yul shu” which literally means Tibetan nomadic tribes in Yushu ficulty reaching the base camps eight and prayer wheels “vestigial land” from the epic Prefecture found themselves and (with the precious help of Jigme, that are 10 meters high. poem about King Gesar. Yulshul restore economic self-sufficiency a vet who had worked with ASIA Since the day of the earth- was the land where King Gesar’s by means of a complete interven- in Yushu in the past), to nomads quake, the population has been beautiful wife, queen Singcham tion dedicated to re-establishing in the Gyegu resettlement and to digging through the rubble of Drugmo, was born, and where the herds of livestock, to devel- the main primary school where the buildings that have been de- her father, Ga Tempa Gyaltsen, oping family agriculture and to all the teachers and staff of the stroyed (90 % in total) searching ruled. Due to this link with Ge- setting up small sustainable ac- school were camping. for survivors and those living out- sar’s queen, Drungmo, the women tivities that would generate some When distribution was fin- side, in below zero temperatures, income. ished, the ASIA staff continued THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Shang Shung Institute

7

centrate on identifying words, used in our practices. Join our activities and become part Initiatives of the grammatical structures, particles This seminar is a wonderful pos- of it. Ka-Ter Translation and so forth. sibility to correct one’s pronun- Very best wishes, Beginners will receive initial ciation so that it becomes precise Oliver Leick Project guidance on the alphabet, the and correct. Coordinator of the Ka-ter syllables, pronunciation and ba- Translation Project We are pleased to invite you to our sic grammar. Costs of these courses: Shang Shung Institute Austria summer courses at Merigar The daily schedule will be from These courses are free for all or- Gschmaier 139, 9am to 1pm and from 3 pm to 6 dinary, sustaining and meritori- 8265 Gr. Steinbach, Austria Training for Translators from pm. ous members of the Shang Shung Cell phone: 0043 676 3221365 Tibetan Institute. Office: 0043 3386 83218 led by Fabian Sanders Course on Precise Pronounciation If you are not a member yet and Fax: 0043 3386 83219 Merigar, July 5–24, 2010 Especially focused on the correct pro- you want to attend these courses, offi[email protected] nounciation of the texts used by you need to become a member of www.ssi-austria.at In summer 2010 we will offer the Advanced students will con- Rinpoche the Shang Shung Institute. www.shangshunginstitute.org 8th Training for Translators. tinue to translate ’s bka’ led by Fabian Sanders Please visit our webshop in or- Three different levels of train- bab bdun ldan as well as other se- Merigar, July 25–26, 2010 der to become a member or to re- ing will be offered to all interest- lect text sections in order to prac- new your membership. ed people: for advanced students, tice different styles and topics. Recently Rinpoche has often clar- Each member of the Shang for intermediate students and for Intermediate students will ified the importance of correct Shung Institute also gets a free beginners. read simpler texts and will con- pronunciation of the words and copy of the new Merigar calendar.

is good reason to hope that with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Tibetan medicine, and in par- been introduced to a knowledge Healing with Fire the aid of this project, the trea- Healing With Fire: A Practical ticular the major work known as of the properties of herbs by an sures of experience and insight of Manual of Tibetan Moxibustion the Four Medical with Khy- old shepherd whom he met while Dear All, Tibetan masters will not be lost, enrab Öser, his spiritual teacher tending cattle in the mountains. I am very pleased to inform you and, indeed, become accessible Translated from the Tibetan by and a practicing doctor. Changchub Dorje developed into that the next publication in the not only to the present genera- Elio Guarisco Later, while residing as a col- an exceptionally gifted doctor Ka-ter Translation Project of the tions, but also to the children of lege professor in Darzendo at the whose cures had great healing Shang Shung Institute will be our children and to recipients in his precious and unprec- Chinese border, Chögyal Nam- power, a result of the depth of his Healing With Fire: A Practical the distant future. edented book on moxa khai Norbu again studied the spontaneous knowledge. Manual of Tibetan Moxibustion. These translations are not an T is the exceptional result text with the eminent scholar Changchub Dorje assigned A text written by Chögyal easy task. A long time is needed obtained by Chögyal Namkhai and saint Bo Kangkar Shedrup Chögyal Namkhai Norbu the task Namkhai Norbu in 2006, it is en- as each translation is an ongoing Norbu in his delving for years in Chökyi Senge who was the lin- of cooperating with his students titled in the original Tibetan me process of translating, checking, a myriad of ancient manuscripts eage holder of the oral medical in performing various therapies gtsa’i lag len nyung bsdus dwangs editing, correcting, retranslating, of Tibetan moxibustion. This text instructions of the renowned for his patients. Thus Chögyal shel me long (the clear crystal mir- checking again, and so forth. A describes five hundred moxibus- master Kongtrul Lodrö Taye. Namkhai Norbu had the oppor- ror, a concise guide to the prac- translator has to be versed in the tion points, with their precise Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s tunity to learn how to recognize tice of moxibustion). subject matter of the book and location and therapeutic indica- medical studies at the College herbs precisely, how to prepare Rinpoche indicated that its have precise personal experience tions. had been principally of a theoret- and administer them, and also rendering in a western language relating to its content, so that The origin of Tibetan moxi- ical nature. Through his encoun- how to perform external thera- should be part of the Ka-ter the translation avoids the risk of bustion, a complete art of heal- ter in l955 with Rigdzin Chang- pies such as blood-letting and Translation Project, an initiative guesswork and of not being root- ing, is to be found in the ancient chub Dorje, a unique being of moxibustion. With his practical of the Shang Shung Institute Aus- ed in the real meaning of the text. kingdom of Zhang Zhung – the deep inner wisdom, his medical knowledge having increased daily tria to translate the works of Chö- Hundreds of hours of work are cradle of Tibetan civilization – in knowledge also assumed a prac- with this training, Chögyal Nam- gyal Namkhai Norbu and other needed to complete a translation, the pre-Buddhist era. With the tical orientation. khai Norbu became a doctor who great Dzogchen masters from Ti- and in general two to four years growth of Tibetan medicine into Although Changchub Dorje successfully treated many patients betan into English. He entrusted are required to ready the trans- an homogeneous and integral was known for his remarkable with the cures of his master. this collaboration to Elio Guaris- lation for publication. The esti- system, moxibustion became ex- spiritual prowess, he led the life co, his long time student who, for mated costs of the work done on tensively known and widely ap- of a simple country doctor, at- Oliver Leick years having acted as interpreter this book – translation, editing, plied throughout all regions of tending to the needs of a stream Shang Shung Institute Austria for illustrious Tibetan doctors in drawings, layout, and printing – Tibet. of patients that arrived at his door offi[email protected] exile, has a long- standing con- are about €30.000 or US$ 40.000. The unique approach to heal- every day. He had not made a for- www.ssi-austria.at nection with Tibetan medicine Please support the Ka-ter ing of Tibetan medicine consid- mal study of medicine, but had www.shangshunginstitute.org that enables him to be an ideal Translation Project and become ers health as the fine balance be- translator of this subject matter. part of this exceptional initiative tween body and mind, and energy Elio Guarisco began the trans- to help offer Tibetan wisdom to as the crucial link between the lation in 2007 and many ques- the world. We particularly invite two. Unbalanced energy can be tions arose, in particular in iden- the Gars, the Lings, the Gakyils the fissure through which all ill- tifying the precise locations of and the worldwide family nesses enter and evolve. For that the moxa points. He met with to sponsor the publication of this reason maintaining one’s energy Rinpoche on several occasions new book. Your generosity is the in a perfect condition is crucial to to dispel doubts and insure the only way to guarantee the conti- one’s health. accuracy of his translation. In nuity of the Ka-ter Translation One of the best ways to restore OM TH This MP3 CD contains the explanation 2009/2010 the translation was Project and of the publication of the balance of the elements of R E F

E of the practice of Narag Tongtrug based W

edited and the illustrations com- the many other translations of one’s own body and mind is to T

E

U N T on a brief text by Lochen Dharmashri. I pleted. The book, approximately the teachings of Rinpoche into infuse the regenerating power S T H S A This teaching was given by IN 200 pages in length, includes English already programmed. of heat on specific points of the N G G SHUN Chögyal Namkhai Norbu at an introduction, an index and Your donations can be sent body, mapped through centuries Merigar during a retreat in July numerous detailed drawings in- by credit card or via a web-safe of experiential knowledge. The 1996. The tun was compiled and dicating the sites of the moxa site. You can also contribute by application of moxa brings im- edited from a practice retreat at points. purchasing one of our Dona- mediate benefit in a vast range Meriar led by Adriano Clemenete in Shang Shung Publications Ita- tion Packages. For information, of specific illnesses and physical December 1998. Sale of this CD is ly will publish this book in sum- please consult Contact and Do- and emotional complaints. reserved to members of the Dzogchen mer 2010. nations. In an epoch in which health Community and is intended for those As the coordinator of the Ka- care is ever more delegated to who have received transmission of this ter Translation Project since its Thank you so much for your others, the ancient knowledge pratice from the Master. inception in 2003, I have had the understanding and support. of moxibustion offers a unique It can be ordered directly at opportunity at close range to ap- Very best wishes, method of healing which one can http://shop-it.shangshunginstitute.org 1 1 preciate the great importance of Oliver Leick learn to apply to oneself and thus costs 15, with postage in Italy 2, 1 1 the translation of these unique Coordinator of the Ka-ter reappropriate in an important Europe 2.50 and the US 3.00 and extraordinary texts of Tibet- Translation Project measure the responsibility for an wisdom. We are making these one’s own health. texts, originally written in Tibet- Here is a short description of this an, a language that few and high- wonderful new book: The Author ly qualified people are capable As a young man in a college of translating, available in cor- in Eastern Tibet, Chögyal Nam- rect and precise English. There khai Norbu studied traditional THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Shang Shung Institute

8

berg, who came all the way from “Day of the Open Doors” in Ye Sel Ling Carinthia just for the event, the and Shang Shung Institute Austria editor of the local newspaper, and the chairman of the local youth-group. n 16th of April 2010 Ye institution for the preservation of The “Day of the Open Door” Sel Ling, the Ling of the in Styria, for the was a very successful event and O Dzogchen Community local community. everybody returned home happily Austria, in collaboration with Mr. Erich Prem, the mayor of and relaxed. the Shang Shung Institute ex- the community, congratulated Please visit our website and tended an invitation to the “Day the team of the Shang Shung In- see the beautiful photos: of the Open Doors”. About 50 stitute and of Ye Sel Ling for all www.ssi-austria.at/ssi-engl/ssi- people visited our large beauti- their achievements and spoke news-frame-engl.htm ful Gompa and the rooms of the about the importance of open- Shang Shung Institute. ing one‘s mind towards different Very best wishes, In his initial talk Oliver Leick, cultures. Shang Shung Institute Austria the director of the Shang Shung The highlight of this after- for Tibetan Studies Institute Austria, thanked the noon was an introduction to Bud- Ye Sel Ling – Buddhist centre mayor and the local communi- dhism given by Michael Aldrian, From left to right: Mr. Prem – the major of the local community, Oliver Leick; Mr. Schratter – of the Dzogchen Community ty for all their support. He also the official teacher for Buddhist director of the Harrer museum, Michael Aldrian – official school teacher for Buddhism in Styria. Austria spoke about the regional and in- religion in schools for Styria. Mi- Cell phone: 0043 676 3221365 ternational importance of Ye Sel chael is also student of Chögyal Besides guests from the nearer and the catholic priest of the lo- Office: 0043 3386 83218 Ling, the first Buddhist centre Namkhai Norbu and member of and closer neighborhood several cal community, the director of the Fax: 0043 3386 83219 in East Styria, and of the Shang the Dzogchen Community. special guests of honor made this main bank, the former director of www.ssi-austria.at Shung Institute, the only cultural event unforgettable: the mayor the Harrer-museum in Huetten- www.yeselling.at

The Longsal Books Donation The Tibetan Culture Donation is plenty of upgrade possible! SSI Donation Package Package SSI Digital Archives We have already filled the first Packages For your order you receive 2 For your order you receive the lat- Project 14 TB of space with video mate- books of the Longsal cycle of est and most precise information rial we acquired during previous your choice and a wonderful sil- about Tibetan Culture, and at the e are happy to share years. For all practitioners I have ar- ver pendant with the Longsal same time you also support the the news about the For this reason please contin- ranged very special Donation Pack- symbol. At the same time you activities of the Translation Projects WDigital Archives Proj- ue to support this project so that ages: also support the activities of the (Ka-ter and Complete Works). ect with you. the archiving work can continue When you order one of these Translation Projects (Ka-ter and This donation package will be Recently we have concen- without interruptions. Donation Packages you will get Complete Works). This donation sent to you without any mailing trated on the acquisition of ma- various important and very use- package will be sent to you with- costs. terial related to the beginning Project Summary ful material like books, CDs, out any mailing costs. of the Dzogchen Community of With your help and support we DVDs, etc., and at the same time For your donation you receive: Italy (1983-1985) and Argentina can continue with the digital you also support all the activities For your donation you receive: · the book: Chögyal Namkhai (1990-2005), research into and preservation of all our video ma- of the Ka-ter Translation Project · 2 books of your choice from the Norbu – The Light of Kailash: expeditions to the Khyung Lung terials and make them available and the Translation Project Com- Longsal cycle: Chögyal Nam- A History of Zhang Zhung and Valley (1988, 2001), the Shang for the future generations! plete Works of Chögyal Namkhai khai Norbu – Longsal Teach- Tibet. Volume One: The Early Shung Kingdom (1988, 2001), As previously announced, we Norbu. Only due to the tireless ings Vol. 2–8; Period; expeditions to Kailash (1988), Ti- are looking for 20 donors who work of the translators work- · a round silver pendant with the · the book: Chögyal Namkhai bet (1988) and many other events can give 5000 euro each. We are ing on translations from Tibetan Longsal symbol. Norbu – The Necklace of Zi; related to the life and Teachings organizing a raffle for the do- into English, are we all able to Important: In order to get this · the booklet: Chögyal Namkhai of our Precious Master Chögyal nors, each of who will get a spe- read, understand and follow the Donation Package one must have Norbu – The Origins of Tibetan Namkhai Norbu. If you go online cial edition of new publications written Teachings of our precious received the transmission of the Culture and Thought. to Youtube, on the Shang Shung from Shang Shung Edizioni. master. Master. Price: Euro 150.00 Institute page, you can find two The luckiest one will also receive Join our activities and get one of Price: Euro 150.00 videos entitled ‘Early Years of the the laptop that our Master Chö- these donation packages. Thank you The Yantra Yoga Donation Package Dzogchen Community’ that we gyal Namkhai Norbu used every for your collaboration. The Mandarava Donation Package For your order you receive all the have prepared from the Digital day for three years. You can get all these things in For your order you receive all necessary practice material that Archives 2009. The Digital Archives of the the shop of our website. the necessary practice material you need for your Yantra Yoga It is important to men- Shang Shung Institute are dedi- that you need for your Long Life practice, and at the same time tion that thanks to the help of cated to ensuring that all infor- The Donation Package Practice of the immortal you also support the activities of seven donations we were able mation related to the life and For your order you receive im- Mandarava, and at the same time the Translation Projects (Ka-ter and to buy the second module of teachings of Chögyal Namkhai portant books of the famous you also support the activities of Complete Works). This donation the new archive and continue Norbu, as well as all manu- Dzogchen Master Longchenpa the Translation Projects (Ka-ter and package will be sent to you with- the work we started in 2009! scripts, books and documents on delivered to your house with- Complete Works). This donation out any mailing costs. We would really like to thank all Tibetan culture currently in our out any mailing costs, and at the package will be sent to you with- the donors and supporters for Library, are digitally preserved so same time you also support the out any mailing costs. For your donation you receive: this great result! as to remain available and acces- activities of the Translation Projects · the book: Chögyal Namkhai The actual net storage avail- sible for generations to come. (Ka-ter and Complete Works). For your donation you receive: Norbu – Yantra Yoga – The Ti- able in the present configu- The SSI office premises located · the book: Chögyal Namkhai betan Yoga of Movement; ration is 20 TB, with a high at Merigar (Arcidosso, Italy) have For your donation you receive: Norbu – Mandarava Tsalung · the book: Chögyal Namkhai security level of redundan- been restructured to host techni- · the book: Chögyal Namkhai Practices; Norbu – Kumar Kumari Yantra cy and hot spare disks ready. cally advanced installation. A cli- Norbu – Longchenpa’s Advice · the booklet: Chögyal Namkhai Yoga for Children; The total space that this machine matized room has been designed from the Heart; Norbu – Cedrub Dorje Sogtig · the DVD: Chögyal Namkhai can keep is a maximum of about and built specifically for the data · the book: Chögyal Namkhai Gya practice booklet Norbu – The 8 Movements of 30 TB (net of security) so there storage system. Some years ago Norbu – Longchenpa’s Precious · the book: Chögyal Namkhai Yantra Yoga; we started the project of indexing Ship; Norbu – The Practice of Long · the DVD: Chögyal Namkhai contents of video material and we · the book: The Great History of Life and Chüdlen of Mandarava Norbu – Yantra Yoga The Tibetan created a new database. Garab Dorje, Manjushrimitra, – An Oral Commentary; Yoga of Movements: First Level Now, we are entering into a Shrisingha, Jnanasutra and Vi- · the book: Chögyal Namkhai Demonstration by Laura Evan- Thank you so much for your sup- new phase of digitizing all the malamitra. Norbu – The Practice of Long gelisti. port!!! video material in our archive and · 3 different picture cards of: Ga- Life of the Immortal Dakini Important: In order to get this Very best wishes, the data storage we have is not rab Dorje, Guru Padmasamb- Mandarava, (Terma Texts and Donation Package one must have Oliver Leick enough for this. We need 2 twin hava, and a precious gem; Their Origins); received the transmission of the Director of the Shang Shung storages for maximum security · a crystal with the Tibetan A in · the DVD: Chögyal Namkhai Master. Institute Austria with a size of 85 TB each to in- its centre. Norbu – Mandarava. Explana- Price: Euro 200.00 Gschmaier 139, clude all the video material we Important: In order to get this tion and Practice (new). 8265 Gr. Steinbach, Austria have (around 7000 hours). To Donation Package one must have Important: In order to get this Cell phone: 0043 676 3221365 start this project, your support is received the transmission of the Donation Package one must have Office: 0043 3386 83218 indispensable! Master. received the transmission of the Fax: 0043 3386 83219 For any information, please, Price: Euro 150.00 Master. offi[email protected] contact Shang Shung Institute Price: Euro 170.00 www.ssi-austria.at [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Shang Shung Institute

9

Interview with Igor Legati about Shang Shung Edizioni January 2010 Tashigar North, Margarita Island, Venezuela

The Mirror: Shang Shung Ed- Rinpoche and we also published known in the world, so we need ing to do a good job. In this way izioni, the publishing house of some public books. new books for the general pub- we have many people working the Dzogchen Community, is in In 1993 we tried to develop lic. Now we are in the process of for free. But the rough transcrip- charge of translating, editing, more the aspect of public books bettering this new trend of Shang tions we receive at Shang Shung producing and making the lay- but we didn’t succeed, so after Shung Edizioni but we are still Edizioni need to be worked on out of all of the books produced a while we reverted to our old not finished implementing this extensively and so we need very by the Dzogchen Community, trend. At that moment Tiziana new branch. skilled editors. That is what we primarily written by Chögyal Gottardi and myself were ap- Recently we have found some are really lacking. Namkhai Norbu but also other pointed as the coordinators of good English editors. With the teachings related to Rinpoche’s the publishing house. We went newly published books for the M: You do have some paid staff ? teachings. Can you tell us a little on for about ten years in this way, worldwide audience we are try- IG: We do have four paid edito- to start with about the history and developing more and more the ing to better the aspect of Eng- rial staff: Tiziana Gottardi, Nancy origins of Shang ShungEdizioni? aspect of internal books – the lish style. This requires a lot of Simmons, Maurizio Mingotti and Igor Legati: Shang Shung Edi- practices and Rinpoche’s teach- lish because in the beginning new editors; the main problem myself. Now things are a little zioni was founded in 1983, two ings for practitioners. We did not Rinpoche taught in Italian. Then we have now is to train new edi- better but the work we need to do years after Merigar West was have the possibility to work on a Rinpoche started to teach in Eng- tors for the books. We have a lot has increased a lot, so we are still founded in Italy, and Rinpoche wider range of books, especially lish and little by little the first of people working as karma yoga trying to train the new editors appointed Giovanni Arca as the public books that require a lot of edition of our books was made for the basic jobs as transcrib- because editing is a very crucial main manager. I was not working time and many editors. in English. But in a certain sense, ing and doing the first editing point in the publishing. Of course there in that moment, but I came the English style was not very well of the transcriptions and we also we can count on the general man- to help two years later. Shang M: Were all the books published developed. More recently, about have some new Tibetan transla- agement of the Shang Shung In- Shung Edizioni started in the be- in Italian in the beginning? six or seven years ago, it was de- tors who are still not as expert as stitute and the support of Luigi ginning with some simple books IG: Yes. Many of them were in cided to publish public books Adriano Clemente, Jim Valby or Ottaviani who cares about new of the practices transmitted by Italian and translated into Eng- since Rinpoche is now very well Elio Guarisco, but they are try- >> continued on page 30

Price: $225 for the General Public Shang Shung Institute Medical Shang Shung Institute USA $75 for Students and Seniors. School Now Accepting Applicants Intensives 10% discount for Meritorious Members of the Shang Shung In- for the Fall of 2010! stitute. Ka-Ter Beginning Tibetan Language and sounds; basic reading skills he American branch of Students in the Shang Shung In- Intensive with reference to texts of practice Prerequisites: Tibetan Astrology I the International Shang stitute School of Tibetan medi- Instructor: Fabian Sanders, if the course is restricted to prac- Offered for SSI Medicine Pro- TShung Institute is now ac- cine can expect to receive train- professor, University of Venice titioners, otherwise reference is gram Students and previous As- cepting applicants for the Fall, ing that thoroughly covers all the August 6–12, 2010 to more general texts; notes on trology course attendees. 2010 class of our four-year School traditional topics, presented in 10:00 am–12:30 pm, 3 pm–5:30 pm letters and pronuncia- of Tibetan Medicine. English. For those students who Price: $375 for the General Public tion. 5. Presentation of available Tibetan Astrology is a tradition- complete the first eight semes- $280 for Students and Seniors materials for the study of Tibetan al practice used by Tibetan doc- With a history going back over ters onsite, an optional intern- $250 to attend by webcast language. B. The second four tors and . The study of the 2,500 years, traditional Tibet- ship at the Northeast Tradition- 10% discount for Meritorious days of the course help the stu- Five Elements, combined with an medicine is one of the old- al Tibetan Hospital in Qinghai, Members of the Shang Shung In- dent establish a firm basis for trigrams, numbers, and animal est continuously practiced heal- China will be available at the con- stitute. further study of the language signs, form the basis for astro- ing systems on Earth. Regarded clusion of their studies. This course will be webcasted! You and perform actual translation. logical calculations. Participants as science, art and philosophy, The Shang Shung program can register for the password-protected After completing this course, will learn how to accurately read it is an ancient form of holistic offers eight consecutive semes- live internet webcast on our online students are now qualified take and create Tibetan astrological heath care indigenous to the Ti- ters, each consisting of 300 total store! part in future Shang Shung In- calendars for their personal use. betan people that integrates the hours. Each week, students will stitute Tibetan Translation Train- core Buddhist principles of al- participate in 20 hours of classes. Prerequisites: This course is open ings. The following material will Menpa (Dr.) Lobsang truism, karma and ethics. Over Among these 20 hours per week; to the Public. It is advisable, al- be covered: 1. Translation: his- was born in Amdo to a nomadic thousands of years, Traditional 16 hours are used for lecture, 2 though not necessary, for stu- tory, principles, techniques and yak-herding family. At a young Tibetan medicine evolved from hours for Tibetan language and dents to know the Tibetan alpha- problems. 2. The question of age he entered Tharchul Mon- accumulated empirical knowl- culture studies, and 2 hours for bet before attending the course. technical language. 3. astery where he studied Tibetan edge from China, Persia, , a clinical practicum. There are This exciting new initiative is Syllables, words, sentences and Buddhism, , and Greece. It has been practiced no electives or part/time study aimed to give an intensive intro- discourse. 4. Names (ming tshig) and Tibetan Astrology. Later, at continuously in Tibet and is still options in the Tibetan Medicine duction to the Tibetan language and Connectors or Particles (tshig , Lobsang practiced today wherever Tibet- four-year program and students as part of the Ka-ter Translation phrad). 5. The eight cases of Ti- continued his studies in Astrol- ans live in exile. are expected to participate in all Program. For a number of years, betan grammar. 6. Connectors or ogy and Astronomy as well as aspects covering each semester’s similar courses have been held at Particles not related with case. 7. in Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan In the Fall of 2005, the Ameri- topics. Classes meet for 2.5 con- the Shang Shung Institute – Italy. Examples and exercises. Grammar, Sanskrit Grammar, can branch of the Shang Shung secutive days a week. This way, As it is not always easy to travel to and Poetry. In 1994, he went to Institute initiated the four-year students have time during the Italy, this program was devised so Tibetan Astrology I India where he taught Tibetan program in Tibetan Medicine un- week for study, work, and time that interested students can study Instructor: Menpa (Dr.) Lobsang Astronomy, Astrology, and San- der the direction of Dr. Phuntsog for other obligations. Tibetan Language in their own Namkha skrit Grammar to instructors at Wangmo. This program closely More details, and an online ap- country under the guidance of a August 27–31, 2010 Kirti Monastic College for one parallels the training of a tradi- plication are available on our web- qualified visiting teacher. 8:30 am–12:30 pm, 2 pm–4 pm year. He also served as a teach- tional Tibetan physician culmi- site at www.shangshung.org. The Curriculum: A. The first three days Price: $375 for the General Public; er at Tsechokling Monastery in nating in a supervised internship secretary of the American branch of this course are designed to en- $125 for Students and Seniors Dharamsala. He has published a and final exams. of the Shang Shung Institute can able reading and correct pronun- 10% discount for Meritorious history of his home village, and also be contacted at secretary@ ciation and also to give an over- Members of the Shang Shung also writes poetry in Tibetan and Each semester of the four-year shangshung.org or by phone at view of the language. The follow- Institute. English. Lobsang currently re- curriculum combines a tripar- +1 (413) 369-4928. ing material will be covered: 1. Prerequisites: This course is open sides in New York City. tite approach to the study of the The importance and beauty of to the Public. For more information on any Tibetan medical tradition that Shang Shung Institute – USA the Tibetan language. 2. The of these summer intensive cours- includes foundation core stud- structure of the language; gram- Tibetan Astrology II es, please contact the Shang ies based on the topics of the mar as a sacred science; Dharma Instructor: Menpa (Dr.) Lobsang Shung Institute secretary at sec- Four Tantras, complimentary Language (chos skad). 3. Sanskrit Namkha [email protected] or (413) studies in Tibetan language and and Tibetan. 4. The alphabet; September 1–3, 2010 369-4928. culture, and clinical practicum. the relationship between signs 8:30 am–12:30 pm, 2 pm–4 pm THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus on Tibetan Medicine

10 The Clear Crystal Mirror Forthcoming Book on Moxibustion Therapy by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Elio Guarisco’s translation of Rinpoche’s book on moxa will be pub- lished by Shang Shung Edizioni in the near future. This article, a discussion of moxibustion in the context of Tibetan medicine, was adapted by Elio Guarisco and edited by Lauri Marder and Su- san Schwarz from introductory talks given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu during the moxa courses held in Merigar (Italy) in 2005, Crimea (Ukraine) in 2005, and Margarita (Venezuela) in 2006.

The Origins of Tibetan Medicine ibetan traditional medicine, including moxibustion (moxa), is a very ancient system of healing that al- T ready existed in the pre-Buddhist era in Tibet. This can be substantiated by two ancient books found among the Tun-Huang documents discovered in the Gansu prov- ince of China. One deals with traditional medicine and the other with moxa. In the period of the early Tibetan Kings, when Bud- dhism was widely prevalent in Central Asia, Tun-Huang was a fl ourishing Buddhist center with a library hous- ing a huge collection of Tibetan and Chinese . Later, Tun-Huang (like other ancient sites on the Silk Road) was buried in desert sand, and for many cen- turies its temples, statues, and books remained lost and forgotten. When the site was rediscovered and unearthed in early 1900, thousands of original Tibetan and Chinese texts came to light. Many of these documents were taken by English and French academics, but some texts, espe- cially Chinese books, have been preserved in Beijing. A great deal of importance is given to the Tun-Huang docu- ments when researching Tibetan history nowadays, and the colophons of the books on medicine and moxa found at Tun-Huang say that these texts originally came from The Moxa points. Shang Shung. This confi rms that the Tibetan medical sys- tem was already in existence at the time of Shang Shung. sen Gampo (562–650), many doctors were invited to Ti- Medical Tantras is controversial and has been the subject The practice of medicine in Tibet evolved considerably bet from China and tribal countries such as Uyghur1 and of much discussion. Many doctors and scholars claim they over the centuries. The integration of the Indian Ayurvedic Champa.2 Later, too, at the time of King Trisong Deutsen were fi rst taught by the Buddha Shakyamuni in the form of system of medicine is documented by the multitude of (742–797), various doctors from different countries were a healing buddha and were translated from Sanskrit into texts on medicine translated from Sanskrit into Tibetan invited to exchange ideas and further the development of Tibetan. However, other doctors and scholars disagree, and included in the commentaries to the Tibetan Buddhist medical knowledge. Altogether, the work, experience, and asserting instead that they were composed by the eminent canon called the . There is no question that Ayur- writings of these various physicians contributed to the Tibetan doctor Yutog Yönten Gönpo3 as a compilation of veda fi gured prominently in Tibetan medicine and that the emergence of a very homogenous and complete system all the different types of Tibetan medical knowledge. This Tibetan system assimilated many of its principles. of medicine, the unifi cation of many traditions that forms second hypothesis is more likely as there are several pieces Tibetan medicine was also strongly infl uenced by Chi- the traditional Tibetan medicine we know today. of evidence that support it. For instance, the Four Medi- nese medical practices, and other traditions left their The most famous root text of Tibetan medicine is cal Tantras cite the names of certain medicines written mark as well. During the reign of the Tibetan King Songt- known as the Four Medical Tantras. The origin of the Four in the ancient Shang Shung language, and they also in-

Introduction useful aspects of Tibetan culture the ancient Bön understanding discovering it through authentic to establish the fi rst full-fl edged The Great Healer: that can be exported to benefi t of the relationship between hu- spiritual teaching and practice. school of traditional Tibetan Discovering the whole world. Its origin dates man beings and nature and the Thus, when properly un- medicine in the Western world. back some 4,000 years to the an- understanding of an individual’s derstood and applied, Tibetan All those who are interest- Tibetan Medicine cient kingdom of Shang Shung, energetic level found in the myri- medicine is not just a science of ed in learning the ancient art the cradle of Tibetan civilization. ad tantric systems that are based healing, but a way to uplift indi- of Tibetan healing now have Elio Guarisco Over the course of many cen- on Buddhist psychology. viduals to a higher level of con- the opportunity to study at the turies, Tibetan medicine ab- When a physical remedy is sciousness that empowers them school, located in Conway, Mas- n this issue of The Mirror we sorbed various elements of medi- needed, Tibetan medicine takes through their own awareness to sachusetts, in the United States. focus on Tibetan medicine cal knowledge from neighboring recourse to the healing proper- relate in a proper way to their For centuries, Tibetan medical Iand are pleased to present an countries such as Persia, , ties of plants, minerals and oth- body, energy and mind. This knowledge has been hidden by a excerpt from Chögyal Namkhai India and China. Yet it distin- er natural substances. There are awareness, as shown by the ex- diffi cult language. At the School Norbu’s book Birth, Life and guishes itself in that it retained also a number of external thera- cerpt from Birth, Life and Death, of Tibetan Medicine, Dr. Wang- Death, published in English in a unique fl avor as a holistic ap- pies, including massage, moxa is the basis for both physical and her staff provide access 2009 by Shang Shung Edizioni. proach to health that takes into and acupuncture. When the ill- health and the quest for the true to this knowledge in the English In addition, there is an unpub- account all three central aspects ness involves an imbalance of meaning of life. language. lished transcription excerpted of a person: the physical, ener- energies, a good Tibetan physi- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has In an age where health care is from introductory talks given by getic and psychological level. cian not only prescribes pills, dedicated much of his life to the delegated to specialists, learn- Rinpoche during the moxa cours- The common thread that but also directs the patient to the preservation of Tibetan medi- ing an ancient art of healing is es he held at Merigar West, Tashi- makes up the fabric of Tibetan appropriate form of breathing cine, by fi rst of all providing tra- a way to reappropriate the right gar Norte and Crimea, as well as a medicine is a deeper knowledge exercises and yogas to restore ditional medical advice to people and the ability to take our health transcribed lecture on mental ill- of the microcosm – the individ- balance. And when the problem who approached him, and sec- back into our own hands and ness by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo of ual – and the individual’s rela- is connected to the person’s psy- ondly by promoting congresses cure our ailments at the root. It Shang Shung Institute’s School tionship with the environment chological makeup, a Tibetan on this subject. Moreover, by also gives us the ability to bene- of Tibetan Medicine. in which he or she lives – the doctor knows that the best way founding the Shang Shung In- fi t others by sharing this knowl- Traditional Tibetan medicine macrocosm. This knowledge is for him or her to regain a fun- stitute, he created the condi- edge with them. is one of the most valuable and integrated within a synthesis of damental ground of sanity is by tions for Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus on Tibetan Medicine

11 clude many explanations that are specifi c to the sociocul- But many illnesses, especially illnesses related to our blood runs its normal red color. Then it is necessary to do tural context of Tibet. Moreover, the Tengyur, a collection energy and our mind, cannot be detected using only stan- a moxa treatment to ensure that the illness does not re- of writings translated from Sanskrit to Tibetan, contains dard diagnostic methods. Such illnesses can be the con- surface. Through this kind of bloodletting it is possible to many different texts on medicine, some of which are Ay- sequence of negative provocations or dön.5 There are dif- eradicate illnesses that have persisted for many years and urvedic texts translated from Sanskrit, but we will not fi nd ferent methods to discover whether an illness is related to resisted other types of treatment. these four tantras among them. provocations. Medical baths, called lum, are prepared with herbs. This Some claim that the Four Medical Tantras are a trans- Once it is understood that an illness is related to provo- therapy can be effective for some forms of chronic illness. position of the so-called Membum4 of the Bön tradition into cations, it is necessary to control the negative force that Yet another treatment is tug, or stone and compress the Buddhist context. This claim is not so easy to substan- has caused it. If the doctor does not have the capacity to therapy, which can be applied hot or cold. In stone ther- tiate, however, because the original Bön Membum is not do that, he or she will not be able to cure that illness with apy, cold stones or are applied for illnesses of a hot na- very old. It is considered to be ancient because it is a re- medicines or therapy alone. On the other hand, if the neg- ture, such as a fever. In Tibet we would use stones that had discovered treasure or terma, but its discovery is fairly re- ativity can be controlled, any medicines or therapies used been placed outdoors at night in the cold winter weather. cent. will also be more effective. Hot stones are used for illnesses of a cold nature. Tradi- When we ponder the origins of Tibetan medicine, we When an ordinary Tibetan doctor discovers that a pa- tionally they would be heated in the sun or placed next might suppose that this system of medicine developed di- tient is experiencing problems related to some form of to a fi re. Sometimes other materials are used, including rectly and exclusively from the life experiences and activi- provocation, the patient will commonly be advised to con- bricks, for example, but most commonly the heating or ties of the Tibetan people. But in ancient times, before sci- sult a spiritual teacher with expertise in treating that type cooling effect is achieved with stones. Tibetan medicine entifi c methods of discovery and research were available, of problem. At times, the doctor himself or herself might distinguishes seventy-fi ve or seventy-six different kinds of most aspects of human knowledge (including medicine) be a spiritual practitioner and have expertise in such prob- stones and minerals, each with specifi c qualities for given came from the clarity of certain individuals who had at- lems, as was the case with my teacher Changchub Dorje. indications. tained inner realization. Hence, it is correct to consider Of course, this kind of doctor would know which method Another therapy is kunye, or Tibetan massage, which is that Tibetan medicine and the spiritual teachings of Tibet to use and would have the capacity to identify what kind performed in conjunction with the application of medici- are strongly linked. Moreover, Buddha Shakyamuni gave of provocation is involved. But to fi nd such a doctor is not nal oils or creams. A very long chapter in the Four Medi- many teachings on medicine that we can fi nd in the Ti- easy. cal Tantras deals with the various therapeutic properties betan medical texts. In fact, both the and the Various kinds of spiritual practices are used to cure of oils and creams. For kunye practitioners, it is important contain various medical discussions as well as advice on conditions caused by provocations and illnesses related to to learn the properties of the individual creams and oils. how to cure certain ailments. our energy and mind, above all mantras. is sound Kunye is particularly effective in treating Wind disorders Of course, the Tibetan medical system did not solely de- and sound is related to the breathing. Breathing, in turn, caused by stress and fatigue. velop or arise in the minds of realized beings and emerge is related to energy. So sound and breathing can be used Finally, among these fi ve main external therapies, from the wisdom of Buddha Shakyamuni: people have also to coordinate or control a person’s energy. Knowing this known as che,6 moxibustion is considered to be one of the learned a lot from their daily experiences. For example, if a principle, realized beings conferred specifi c functions to most important, since many illnesses that cannot be oth- person has had a certain illness and has suffered a lot from the sound of certain mantras and transmitted them. erwise treated or cured can be remedied with moxa. it, he or she will understand a great deal about the specifi c Illnesses related to the mind and the emotions are far All of these therapies are generally applied in conjunc- qualities of that illness, the conditions that produced it, more problematic than any physical illness. In these types tion with internal Tibetan medicine. Altogether, there are its symptoms, etc. In this way, the diverse experiences of of cases, the medical practitioner must work at the level some twenty or twenty-one specifi c therapies which are people from ancient times to the present day have become of the condition of the mind, and the only way to do this very useful for curing various illnesses, and which are all part of medical knowledge, and Tibetan medicine also de- is through the methods found in spiritual teachings. So effective and easy to apply. veloped in this manner. we can see how the discipline of Tibetan medicine is very closely related to spirituality. Moxa Tibetan Medicine’s Specifi c Approach to Healing Moxa is a form of therapy that we fi nd in the Tibetan, Chi- Tibetan medicine, like the system of Ayurveda, considers External Therapies in Tibetan Medicine nese, and Japanese medical traditions, as well as in the the three humors to be the underlying cause of all illness- The most widely used external therapies in Tibetan medi- traditions of other countries. Nowadays it is known in all es: Wind or lung (equivalent to vata), Bile or tripa (equiva- cine are bloodletting, medical baths, stone and compress parts of the world. In Tibet, moxa was practiced very ex- lent to pitta), and Phlegm or peken (equivalent to kapha). therapy, massage, and moxa. tensively, and enjoyed a level of popularity comparable to The three humors sustain the formation, maintenance, and destruction of the human body and therefore consti- tute the basis of each individual. The wind humor has the mobile quality of the air element, the bile humor the hot, burning quality of the fi re element, and the phlegm humor the solid and stable qualities of the earth element and the moist and wet qualities of the water element. From the moment the body originates, forms, and reaches its full development, and for the entire span of its life, the three humors in their diverse potentialities can be factors that, concomitant with various adverse accidental factors, disturb the organism. This does not mean that the three humors are three kinds of illness. When the three humors are in perfect condition and are in accord, they ensure the health of the person. It is only when their con- dition is altered or out of harmony that they become the cause of illness. The roots of the three humors are the three emotions of ignorance, attachment, and anger. If we observe ourselves well, we can discover that the fundamental cause of all our illnesses lies in our emotions, especially these three. Igno- rance produces Phlegm; attachment, Wind; and Bile, an- ger. The emotions are linked to and infl uence the humors, and when the humors become unbalanced, illnesses arise. To deal with our emotions, we need medicine that reaches a higher level, and this is what is transmitted through the Buddha’s teachings. This is why Buddha Application of Moxa. Shakyamuni is sometimes called Menpa Chenpo, meaning great doctor or universal doctor. Bloodletting, called tarka in Tibetan, does not simply acupuncture in China. Moxa is particularly effective when Tibetan medicine offers a unique approach, if correct- mean extracting blood. I also had that idea at one time. A performed in a cold climate. This is probably the reason ly applied. First it is necessary to determine the level on year before I met my teacher Changchub Dorje, when I was why its practice developed to such a degree in Tibet. which the patient’s illness is manifesting, whether it is in in China, I learned how to do injections, and I thought that Moxa is applied both to general and specifi c points on the body, the energy, or the mind. It is very important to might be a good way to bleed a patient. But later, when the body. The general or localized points are those located ascertain this, because not all illnesses are physical. If they I practiced bloodletting with the students of Changchub where there is a problem that can treated with this meth- were, it would not be that diffi cult to treat them. Dorje, I discovered that to perform it with a syringe would od. The specifi c points are those explained in moxa manu- The nature of an illness can be investigated and dis- not have been the same. There are several reasons. First, als, and have to be measured and identifi ed according to covered using various diagnostic methods, such as taking in bloodletting through incision, one lets out the so-called instructions. Although many moxa points are also used the pulse, analyzing the urine, observing the patient’s ap- “vapor” of the illness. Second, there is a precise procedure for acupuncture, moxa points and acupuncture points do pearance, asking about his or her diet, fi nding out how to follow. Before bloodletting, an oral medicine must be not always correspond. In acupuncture, the needles are he or she feels, or analyzing his or her dreams. Often, the administered to the patient for two or three days, some- placed along the meridians, while in moxa the points do medical practitioner will be able to provide some standard times two or three times a day. The function of the medi- not specifi cally follow the system of the meridians. form of treatment, for instance by recommending a suit- cine is to separate the impure blood from the pure blood, In Tibetan moxibustion practice, a distinction is made able diet, offering advice on the patient’s behavior, and and to gather the impure blood at the prescribed extrac- between four different degrees of heating. The most ex- prescribing medicines or external therapies. tion veins. The blood that is extracted is not normal blood, treme form is called “cooking,” or tsowa. It is a direct moxa but impure, dark blood. The impure blood is let until the >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus on Tibetan Medicine

12

>> continued from previous page covered several hidden teachings on medicines, but he did medicines for curing them. These hidden teachings are method and is indispensable for some types of illness, es- not write any texts on medicine taken from other books. intended for the time in which they are discovered. They pecially those that cannot be cured with medicines. In tso- These rediscovered hidden teachings on medicine are of a explain the nature of new kinds of illnesses and which wa, the Artemisia cone is placed directly on the point and particular importance. medicines and therapies are needed to treat them. Many burned all the way down until the skin is “cooked” and I did not go to Changchub Dorje to learn medicine; I of the fi ve hundred points I have described in this book are cracks. However, to perform this type of moxa, the thera- went to receive Dzogchen teachings, after an interest in found exclusively in the hidden teachings rediscovered by pist should have a level of medical knowledge equivalent meeting him arose in me through one of my dreams. Changchub Dorje. These points are not less important be- to a qualifi ed Tibetan doctor; it is not suffi cient to just have Changchub Dorje was not a common Dzogchen or cause they are not mentioned in the Four Medical Tantras; a little experience with moxa. Tantric master who spent all his time teaching. Every day on the contrary, they are more important because they are The second is called “burning,” or segpa. In this form of he would sit outside his room, in an open place, and stay particularly relevant to our time. moxa, the skin is actually slightly burned. Once the appli- there till sunset, receiving hundreds of people. More peo- Cancer is one example of a disease that has appeared in cation is completed, only a small and inconsequential red ple came to visit him for his qualities as a doctor or to seek more recent times. In the Four Medical Tantras, the word burn mark remains. This form of moxa is very effective. some general advice than came to seek his spiritual guid- “cancer” is not even mentioned, because that illness did The third is called “warming,” or sowa. In this form of ance. Of course, some people knew that Changchub Dorje not exist in the period in which they were compiled. Dreten, moxa, the prescribed point is warmed deeply by applying was an important realized being and they went requesting the Tibetan word for cancer, is a newly-coined term. But in heat in a slow and steady fashion. teachings or seeking his advice on meditation, etc. Every our times cancer is a widespread problem. Adzom Drugpa The fourth is called “threatening,” or digpa. The burn- day he would interact with people in this way. When I told was a well-known master who discovered many teachings ing Artemisia produces a strong heat and the patient feels him my background, I also mentioned that I had studied whose purpose is to counteract new diseases like cancer. the “threat” of getting burned although no burning actu- the Four Medical Tantras twice, and then my teacher said: Sometimes traditional Tibetan doctors, thinking about ally occurs. In this case, the heat is applied more superfi - “It is good. Now you should practice. You have learned all modern illnesses, invent some new medicine. But even cially than in the previous type of moxa. these subjects intellectually, so now you can actually apply though they may be good doctors, their knowledge is Although these four forms of moxa are explained in Ti- them. You should work with my students.” He asked me to always theoretical, whereas the hidden teachings were betan medical texts, most people do not have a clear idea perform therapies such as bloodletting and moxa for the originally taught by realized beings such as Padmasamb- about them. Traditional doctors in Tibet or in Mongolia many patients who were coming to see him. hava. They are not simply an invention, or new creation invariably apply moxa directly, so as to “cook” the skin. At the beginning I did not have much experience, and based on theoretical knowledge. These beings clearly un- They intentionally burn the skin around the point, and I was even afraid of applying these treatments since I had derstand the cause, the nature, and the effect of various when the fi re of the Artemisia is about to go out and a lit- only theoretical knowledge of them. But two or three of illnesses, and on that basis they indicate the appropriate tle glowing ember remains, the doctor blows on it slowly Changchub Dorje’s very good students were experts in remedy. The rediscovered hidden teachings are of tremen- to intensify the heat until a small piece of the burned skin moxa, bloodletting, and other therapies, and by practic- dous signifi cance for the medical fi eld. pops up with a cracking sound. I also thought that moxa should always be like that, and used to do it that way. The Purpose of the Clear Crystal Mirror However, some years ago when I was in China, one Medicine and astrology are among the ancient disciplines night I had a dream. At the time, I had been searching for of Tibet, and for this reason they are very important as- some different moxa books in the Beijing library. In my pects of Tibetan culture and history. Moxa in particular is dream, a doctor explained very clearly to me that it is not one of the most essential and useful therapies we fi nd in always necessary to apply moxa directly so as to cook the Tibetan medicine. Even without training in all aspects of skin, and that there are other ways of applying moxa that Tibetan medicine, knowledge of moxa can give a person can still be very effective, such as using Japanese stick-on the ability to cure many problems. moxa or the Chinese moxa rolls. With this in mind, I began to collect Tibetan moxa From that dream I understood that moxa does not al- texts. I then chose seven of them, including documents ways need to be applied as it is traditionally done in Tibet from Tun-Huang and a hidden teaching rediscovered by and that moxa could therefore be taught and applied more my master Changchub Dorje, and by comparing them be- freely, without the need to be a doctor or an experienced gan to make a compilation of moxa practices. This is an practitioner. ongoing project, and I hope one day it will be complet- ed. Even though my research is not complete, I thought My Experience with Tibetan Medicine it would be useful to prepare a book as a sort of summary Khyenrab Öser, my teacher when I was very young and of my research that interested people can study and use studying Buddhism in college, was also a physician. At now. For this reason I have made a shorter version of what a certain point, he gave medical classes to two Tibetan in the future will be a larger text. It is written in a simple monks who had come from some other place especially to style rather than a scientifi c manner. The Clear Crystal Mirror learn Tibetan medicine. He taught them the Four Medical covers fi ve hundred moxa points, selected from the enor- Tantras. Seizing the opportunity, I asked my teacher’s per- mous number of total points, and explains their therapeu- mission to attend the medical classes and so I was able to tic benefi ts. study medicine together with the two monks. By reading this book, people who are interested can After the completion of my studies at the college I went learn the many applications of moxa and deepen their to Khamding, also known as Dartsendo, a town on the bor- knowledge on this subject. Anyone who is acquainted with der between China and Eastern Tibet. There I spent more the principles of Tibetan medicine, not only doctors, can than two years as a teacher at the school. At that time, a practice moxa to treat themselves and others on the ba- very good master called Kangkar Rinpoche was also a resi- sis of the points and therapeutic benefi ts explained here. dent teacher there. I came to know that Kangkar Rinpoche This can be accomplished by applying the simple methods held a of transmission of the Four Medical Tantras Application of Moxa. of performing moxa, such as warming and threatening, that came through the famous master Jamgön Kongtrul.7 which do not pose any problems and yet are very effec- I was very interested and requested him to teach me those ing moxa and bloodletting with them day after day, I soon tive.  texts again. So while working at the school, every morning learned these methods quite well, together with their ther- I was able to see Kangkar Rinpoche and receive lessons on apeutic benefi ts. Later, I began to apply these therapies on medicine. I received the complete explanation from Kang- the patients on my own. 1 The Uyghur are a Turkic tribe that dominated the areas to north of Tibet. kar Rinpoche of the fi rst three texts, but because of a lack On many occasions we would go to the mountains, for- 2 Champa or Cyampa, a kingdom in Indochina visited by Marco Polo, now part of of time, he was not able to teach the fourth of the Four ests, and isolated villages to pick medicinal herbs. Before Vietnam. 8 Medical Tantras, called the Last Tantra or Chime gyü. that, I had had only one experience of gathering herbs, 3 Yutog Yönten Gönpo (Gyu thog yon tan mgon po): Two outstanding doctors with the So although I studied the Four Medical Tantras thor- when I was in a college. One of my teacher’s students went same name appeared in Tibet. The one referred to here is Yutog Yöntan Gönpo the oughly, twice, and gained general theoretical knowledge for two or three days to pick herbs, and I had gone with Elder, who lived in the eighth century. Yutog Yöntan Gönpo the Younger (1126–1202) is said to have revised and expanded The Four Medical Tantras on the basis of their existing of Tibetan medicine, I still lacked practical experience. him. But when I stayed with my master Changchub Dorje, transmission lineages. Later, I met my teacher Changchub Dorje, an important I had the chance to really learn about herbs. I discovered 4 Tib. sMan ’bum. Dzogchen master who was also a very good doctor. During that the herbs I had learned before were identifi ed differ- his life, he received the revelation of special hidden trea- ently by Changchub Dorje, and were explained differently 5 Tib. gdon. sure teachings on medicine, but he still practiced ordinary in his hidden teachings on medicine. Changchub Dorje’s 6 Tib. dpyad or dpyad lnga. medicine as well and was an expert in that fi eld. Many of students knew how to recognize these herbs, and by going 7 Jamgön Kongtrul (’Jam mgon kong strul, 1813–1899) was a very infl uential and re- his students were also knowledgeable in medicine. with them I also learned how to recognize them as well as alized master protagonist of the non-sectarian approach in Eastern Tibet. Changchub Dorje did not acquire his medical knowl- the precise ways to collect and detoxify them. 8 Phyi ma’i rgyud. edge in an ordinary way, by studying at a college. His bi- ography says that when he was very young he went to tend Rediscovered Treasures of the Medicine animals on a mountain, and there he met an old man who We are living in time, and in time things are always chang- introduced him to the knowledge of medicinal plants. He ing, day after day. Illnesses that we now have did not exist started to collect and use these herbs and found them very at the time when Yutog Yönten Gönpo compiled the Four effective for curing illnesses. His mother was worried that Medical Tantras. Thus, the traditional medical texts do not by giving out all these different medicines, he could kill include any methods for curing some of our modern ill- someone and get the family into trouble. But then some nesses. But the rediscovered treasures or hidden teachings traditional doctors observed his work and understood on medicine mention and explain the different kinds of that he had a wonderful talent as a healer. Later he dis- illnesses that have manifested in our time and prescribe THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus on Tibetan Medicine

13 Good Health through Correct Presence and Awareness

The passage that follows is an excerpt from the book Birth, Life and Death, According to Tibetan Medicine and the Dzogchen Teaching by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. The text was based on the Italian Nascere e Vivere, (published in English as On Birth and Life), in conjunction with the International Congress of Tibetan Medicine held in Venice, Italy, in 1983. Taking this text as a base, Rinpoche added another section on death and enlarged the two pre- ceding sections, completing the revised edition in 2001. The book has four sections. In the fi rst part the author introduces the principles of Tibetan Medicine. The Birth section touches on numerous related topics ranging from conception to the behavior the pregnant woman should follow. In the Life section, from which this excerpt is taken, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu explains how each Rinpoche and Tibetan doctors on the opening day of the Conference on Tibetan Medicine held in Venice in April 1983. Left to right: Carlos Ramos, Chögyal Namkhai individual by cultivating a profound understanding of the three Norbu, Jigme Tsarong, Director of the Institute of Traditional Tibetan Medicine at Dharamsala, Dr. Trogawa Rinpoche, Dr. Ama Lobsang from Dharamsala and the general secretary of the Conference, Paolo Rosa Salva. doors of the human organism can realize physical, mental and spir- Photo: A. M. Humeres itual health. The last section, Death, considers the nature of death and is a kind of guide on the passage through the four intermediate anyone who has entered the Buddhist path, particularly manifest. Since the body is the base of the other doors, it states experienced after leaving the human body. the Dzogchen teaching, and has put it into practice must follows that initially we must try to solve the problems by necessarily possess genuine and constant presence and working on the door of the body. It is necessary to under- o have constant continuity of presence and aware- awareness. In any case authentic presence and awareness stand clearly that various problems can arise which are not ness in every moment of life is the most impor- are highly important requirements in the life of each hu- strictly physical and that the problems of the voice, besides Ttant requisite concerning the behavior of the three man being independently of the practice of Dzogchen. In those of the body, are in turn connected with the door of doors (body, voice and mind) and all the factors which fact, beyond experiencing the suffering of birth, old age, the mind. If we lack a solid comprehension of this fact, provoke an imbalance of the humours and organic com- illness and death that are natural aspects of our life, we it will prove diffi cult to succeed in freeing ourselves from ponents – lacks, excesses and confl icts – connected with continuously turn our back on awareness and, driven by such problems, and often the very absence of this under- them, which we have discussed so far. the primary causes of attachment, anger and ignorance, standing causes a negligible problem to become serious. In general the Tibetan term trenpa refers simply to we devote ourselves only to egotistic activities. Thus, For these reasons, we need to comprehend in depth the the recollection of something that has not been forgot- through temporary secondary causes, the miserable situ- nature of the doors of the voice and of the mind so that we ten and that is recalled when certain circumstances bring ation occurs in which we make both ourselves and others can come to acquire a stable and continuous awareness it to mind. In the same way the Tibetan term shezhin re- unhappy and are compelled to undergo suffering, unable capable of creating the necessary conditions for their well- fers simply to the awareness of something we already to remedy anything. being. To gain possession of this awareness is extremely know. These aspects are certainly part of ‘presence’ and In these times most people are far from maintaining important and necessary for each one of us. For example, of ‘awareness’, but they do not represent the complete the continuity of presence and awareness in their behav- who suffers from a mental problem needs to know that the meaning of the expression the ‘continuity of presence and ior of body, voice and mind. We are used to considering principal origin of this condition is a disturbance of the awareness’ as intended here. a human being as a simple aggregate of fl esh and blood Wind humour. To eliminate the disturbance it is necessary The true meaning of ‘presence’ is not only the memory and the environment as a simple object that appears to our above all to rely on the techniques of breath control1 that of an important issue as an object of the mind but rather a individual senses; consequently we use most of our energy are linked to the door of the voice and then to have recourse vivid mental presence that does not let us forget matters of to satisfy our various material needs, and we consider this to the pertinent diet, behavior, medicine and external ther- fundamental importance in any circumstance. For exam- suffi cient. This situation is before everybody’s eyes. On the apies. This is the way to resolve a Wind disturbance. To en- ple, to have present in a vivid and constant manner that we contrary, human beings should be regarded as the totality sure that our breath control is effective, we should train in live in time, without ever forgetting this, can bring many of the ‘three doors’. It is not possible to consider only the the body postures and Yantra Yoga exercises that are linked benefi ts such as ease in adapting to changes. As every as- door of the body; otherwise, no difference would exist be- to the door of the body. Thus it is necessary to be aware pect of the world in which we live is subject to time, all the tween us and the imitations of a human being, the ‘robots’ that the effi cacy of breath control does not depend only on world and its inhabitants will spontaneously reveal their created by modern technology. the voice but is also connected with the door of the body. impermanent nature to our perception. Consequently we The human body begins as an aggregate of humours Applying the various methods of breath control allows us can avoid futile waste of our brief life. and organic components based on the energy of the el- to resolve temporarily the problems caused by the imbal- Similarly, true awareness is not limited to keeping in ements, while the ‘door’ of the voice, not having been ances of this kind of disturbance. However, if we do not mind only some important issue, but rather refers to the formed by the humours and organic components, exists apply these methods regularly we may resolve the problem awareness that knows precisely what is positive and what directly on the base of the energy of the elements. When once or twice but we will have no guarantee that it will not is negative, and is always present vivid and clear in mind the elements of the body are disturbed by temporary causes recur. We live in circumstances always subject to time and above and beyond temporary factors or mental judgement. our condition becomes unhealthy and we have direct expe- environment and, besides this, we are so bound with the This awareness can develop a nature which immediately rience of the sufferings of illness, and so forth. An illness fetters of dualism that our life is completely conditioned. recognizes in any negative circumstance what to accept or some other problem that depends solely on the body is Hence, adverse circumstances, minor or severe, always oc- and what to avoid, without the need to enter into a mental a condition that can be perceived directly by our senses; in cur, from which problems linked to disturbances of the judgement of the situation. this case it is easy to understand how the problem can be energy of the elements continuously arise. Any project conceived through mental judgement is resolved and just as easy to fi nd a method to resolve the If we really want to free ourselves from these kinds of based on various factors linked to the particular circum- problem immediately. problems we must fi nally understand that the door of the stances of the moment. Since circumstances change, it is However, if we have a problem connected with the door mind is always dominated by dualism. This dualism is the diffi cult that these projects will always be in accord with of the voice, that is, with the condition of the elements or fruit of strong selfi shness, which manifests on one side daily developments—a situation which, in the course of of energy, or also in particular with the door of the mind, as fi xation on and attachment to ourselves, and on the time, compels us to continually modify our plans. All of the extremely hidden nature of the problem is such that other, as hatred and aggressivity towards others. At the us understand clearly that this is how things are, on the it is diffi cult to understand how to confront the problem same time, the door of the mind completely ignores the basis of direct experience. A stable continuity of presence and even more diffi cult to fi nd the appropriate manner to authentic nature of its own condition and therefore never and awareness that does not depend necessarily on men- resolve it. dwells in that state. Since the mind is dominated solely by tal judgement would bring us many benefi ts: our projects Examining the three doors of body, voice and mind, we dualism, we experience, much to our regret, infi nite prob- would not be hindered by circumstances and we would al- see that the body is an aggregation of humours and organ- lems and endless illnesses tied to our three doors. Thus ways be able to modify our plans easily and obtain what is ic components and is the physical support for the other we must understand this situation thoroughly and, on the required in various situations without too much diffi culty. two doors of voice and of mind which depend upon it; the basis of this understanding, ensure that we are guided by The expression ‘continuity of presence and awareness’ three doors of body, voice and mind exist in a relationship awareness always and in every circumstance.  refers to a state of permanent knowledge in which pres- of reciprocal dependence. In general, during human life ence and awareness are indivisible in the mind of every in- problems linked to the door of the body can arise, but also dividual, man or woman, young or old. Needless to say, problems connected with the doors of voice and mind can THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Focus on Tibetan Medicine

14

Mental Illness in Tibetan Medicine

Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo Transcribed and Edited from a Public Webcast March 5, 2010

onight our topic is men- the digestive heat and the wind tal illness called semkam element by our breathing and Tin Tibetan medicine. Sem physical and mental activity. Con- means mind and kam means na- sciousness is not really formed by ture, so ‘the nature of the mind’. these elements but supported by In Tibetan medicine we have a them because mind needs to be chapter on mental disturbances active, calm and working with called jungbu ngoshi, which basi- circumstances, so the five ele- cally concerns people who be- ments are also present there. come insane. But other than When these 5 elements are bal- that, Tibetan medicine does not anced, we are healthy and happy, really clinically separate mental but when they are imbalanced, and physical diseases because it we are not. This is what Tibetan considers that the physical body medicine calls namba gyurwa and and the mind work together as ma gyur ba, the ‘changed’ or ‘un- a team. There is an example of changed’ condition. ‘Changed this from Buddhist philosophy condition’ means there is change in which the physical body is in the measure, nature, qual- presented as a hotel and the con- ity or quantity of the 5 elements sciousness is considered to be the and when they are unbalanced, hotel guest. This is called namshe we are ill. When these aspects of their personality types. In Tibet- sider winter which is normally go to the mental level or it may Gudrun kam, ‘the guest house of the 5 elements do not change, we an medicine when we talk about cold, an excessive season would be vice versa because these two the consciousness’. Once they are in a healthy state. These two food, there are six tastes called be an extremely cold winter; de- levels have an interdependent are separated, they do not func- conditions are also presented as ro drug which are: sweet, sour, ficient means winter is not so relationship. Once the physical tion well and for this reason we water and ice: water will turn to salty, hot, bitter and astringent. cold; and reversed means that in- body no longer moves, breathing do not divide them clinically. ice if the temperature goes down All types of food and drink have stead of being snowy and cold it stops, then the mind goes. Once Since your physical body and but, at the same time, the nature these 6 tastes. Some food and is rainy or very hot. Each of these the mind is gone, the doctor pro- mind work together as a team, of ice is water so for this reason a drink have one taste, others two three conditions is naturally not nounces death. So these two lev- if one of them has a problem the healthy or unhealthy person can or three, although it is not easy healthy and can cause illness. els are related – if one is missing other is affected. For example, if be compared to water and ice. to find food with only one taste It is the same when you eat. If then the other doesn’t work any you have a small amount of pain These are general concepts of our or all six. The sweet taste is com- you eat too much of one of the six more. even in your little finger, your health. posed of earth and water, sour by tastes or totally avoid a taste, it For physical or mental ill- mind will not be happy because fire and earth, salty by water and is not good. Or if you eat an ex- ness to arise, it needs the con- you feel that pain. In the same The Seven Types of Personalities fire, hot by fire and wind, bitter cess of a food with the opposite dition. Once we have the condi- way, if you feel stressful or un- Once we leave our mother’s by water and earth and astringent element to your humor – for ex- tion, we already have the cause happy, that gradually affects the womb we automatically enter by earth and wind. Each of these ample, if you are a tripa person- in our physical body: the five el- body. These are examples of how into samsara, this world, and we tastes has 2 elements and for that ality with a fire problem and you ements and the three humors of the physical body and the mind have to integrate with it. Since we reason certain food may be good eat too many things with a hot our material body. When we eat, work together. are composed of the 5 elements for one type of personality but not nature such as alcohol, chili pep- drink, do actions, we receive the and the world is as well, when we for another. An example of this is per, lamb, oily food – then that secondary cause or conditions, The Five Elements enter it we adopt certain types of wine, which has a sour taste, a is harmful for you. Once diet, which means we can manifest When we talk about how the body actions, which we call behavior. sweet one and a bitter one, with behavior, season or provocation disease, either at the physical lev- is conceived or formed, in Tibet- There is no particular type of diet the sour predominant which has caused harm, then one be- el or mental level. Once we have an medicine we call it trupulu: or behavior that is good or bad means it has more of the fire ele- comes ill. the cause and the condition it trupa means form and lu means according to Tibetan medicine, ment. For this reason, for exam- But in order for disease to means that we become ill. body, so when and how the body however these factors of diet and ple, wine is not good for the tripa manifest, two things must hap- is formed. When the three factors behavior affect individuals in dif- personality that is already fire, pen: either your physical body Symptoms of Disease of the father’s sperm, the moth- ferent ways. In order to discover while it may be a little better for such as heart organ becomes Once we are ill then there are er’s egg and consciousness come whether certain actions are good a person with a peken personality. weak or the conditions of disease many different symptoms, espe- together, at that time there is con- or bad for a person, we need to So eating food with 6 tastes, attack very strongly. These two cially for mental disturbances. ception and the body is formed. know your type of personality. interacting with the circumstanc- factors are always present. For Today in mental institutions, How is it formed? The body is According to Tibetan medi- es of the five elements, it is very example, physically your heart many people end up taking the formed by the father’s sperm and cine there are 7 types of person- easy to aggravate our original is very weak and in addition you same medicine, but if you ob- the mother’s egg, which are both alities or constitutions: 3 single, elements causing an imbalance. are grieving the loss of someone serve them individually, one may composed of the five elements. 3 double and a single combina- Once we become imbalanced, or something you are attached be continuously laughing, an- Consciousness is supported by tion. When we consider the 5 we may show physical and also to, or you have been unhappy other crying, or talking or silent; the five elements, so for this rea- elements and the 3 humors, the mental disturbances. Tonight for a long time. Also you have they all have a mental problem, son, from the moment of concep- water and earth element repre- our topic is mental disturbances been eating unsuitable food for but with differences. Why are tion, our body is made up of the sent the peken or phlegm humor, so we will discuss how diet, be- a long time, for example, you are there these differences in symp- five elements. This is called the the fire element the tripa or bile havior or our life circumstances a wind personality eating food toms? In Tibetan medicine we ‘five element theory’ in Tibetan humor, and the wind element the can cause mental disease. creating wind deficiency or ex- consider that there are two fac- medicine. Whether we consider lung or wind humor. These 7 per- cess. Those three factors are the tors: one is the more dominant Tibetan medicine or Buddhism, sonalities depend on which ele- Causes of Mental Disturbances main causes for mental illness. humor (lung, tripa or peken), and they both agree that both the ment is predominant. It doesn’t There are many causes of men- secondly, provocations or don, outer nature and inner being are mean that a person is missing a tal illness but in Tibetan medi- Another cause of mental illness which show the characteristics of composed of the five elements particular element because every cine, they generally consider that is provocation, which is more the provocation. and there is no subject or object individual is composed of five el- there are four: diet, behavior, common. In Tibetan medicine it When we work with mentally without the five elements. ements, but they are not present season and provocation, which is called don which refers to the disturbed people, it is very impor- The five elements are earth, in the same measure. Someone are called dus don zas chod kyen provocation and means ‘show- tant to ‘read’ their actions. This water, fire, wind and space. The may have more fire, or more earth zhi, or the four conditions. These ing’ the characteristics of that is the main point. Today, unfor- first four are material substances or more wind. For this reason we four are the original cause of dis- provocation. When a doctor ob- tunately, many people take medi- while the last one, space, is emp- have the 7 different personalities. turbance of our elements. Diet serves a patient, he cannot see the cine. While the medicine keeps ty, and gives the possibility for and behavior are easy to under- provocation, but by observing the them safe, it means that we can- the others to develop. The earth Food – the Six Tastes stand, but season and provoca- changes in the patient’s actions, not treat the root of the illness element is represented by all the When a person eats certain food, tion are a little more difficult to in complexion, etc., he can iden- because, under the continuous heavy, solid aspects of our body one personality type may be more understand. Whether we talk tify the type of provocation and effect of the medicine, the per- like muscle and bone, the water aggravated by it than another about diet, behavior or season, understand how to deal with it. son is always quiet and calm and element by our body’s fluids and type. For example, if ten people we consider there are three as- So all of these factors or even does not really behave according soft and smooth aspects, the fire drink alcohol together, some pects called lagba, memba, and one of them can be the cause of to the nature of their disease. So element by our determination, of them may be fine while oth- logba or excessive, deficient and mental problems. First it may af- we don’t know how they would our bodies ability to mature and ers will be quite ill according to reversed. For example, if we con- fect the physical level and then behave without this medicine. THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Focus on Tibetan Medicine

15

takes time to eat, rest, care for ingly feel lonelier, more insecure. themselves, or if he/she eats un- So this is an interdependent rela- healthy food. tionship and these two aspects are automatically combined and Excess Lung Disturbances you feel more and more insecure All these aspects, for example, and fearful. are conditions of an exess lung Mental disturbances some- (wind) disorder. Why? When we times seem like a very distant look at the lung humor, it has 6 problem, but they are quite close: characteristics: rough, light, mo- a mistake in diet, in behavior and bile, cool, hard and subtle. If a then in our actions cause a men- person predominantly consumes tal disturbance to occur. food/drink of a nature that in- When these kinds of symp- creases any of these characteris- toms appear, the doctor who is tics, it creates an excess of lung. observing a patient with these For example, if you drink a lot of symptoms and listening to the coffee to keep awake, coffee has conditions of his/her disease, a bitter taste, which is the water begins to think that it may be a and wind element, which is less mental disturbance caused by an nutritious but it has a cool na- excess of lung. Then he checks the ture. If you drink it long term, it pulse, urine, tongue, eyes, com- increases your lung, which is not plexion, hair, nails – in Tibetan beneficial. medicine we have thirty-eight What are the symptoms of ex- methods of diagnostics that can cess lung (wind)? The first symp- be summed up in three methods: tom is insomnia, the second is checking the pulse, observing difficulty in concentrating, then the urine and question/answer. loss of appetite, difficulty to di- When the doctor examines the gest, moving pain, gradual loss pulse, urine, tongue and eyes, he of weight and unhappiness, gets a better idea of the problem. which then leads to other mental For example if the pulse is float- disturbances. This case started ing, empty and irregular he can from bad diet or behavior that confirm that it is a wind problem. aggravated the lung (wind) hu- If the doctor still doesn’t know mor, causing your body to show whether depression is based on symptoms not only of physical lung, tripa or peken, then he ob- but mental disturbance. Along serves the effect of the patient’s with mental disturbances you habits. He can, for example, give may have anxiety, depression that medicine, or suggest a change of comes and goes, fear and a sen- diet since wind has certain quali- sation of insecurity. You may feel ties and prescribe an antidote to everyone is attacking you and no- them, like warm heavy medicine body is helping you. In this case to help with the wind problem. it sometimes seems to be true be- If that doesn’t help it means that cause once you have excess lung the disturbance does not belong We don’t use heavy medicine by food, but also by provocations. symptoms better or worse. These (wind) your personality becomes to the wind variety and he will like this in Tibetan medicine,. Ba- So these are our main treatments. are four ways we can observe the more difficult. You already have a have to conduct further investi- sically we use herbs and some rit- But before treating the disease disease. If, for example, we are difficult type of personality, like a gation. ual practice. Herbs are prescribed we need to know which category dealing with a patient with men- monkey, never sitting down, al- because the disease is created by it belongs to. There are different tal illness, firstly we observe the ways active and since your char- Edited by L. Granger, M. Schmookler the five elements that are dis- ways to determine this: observa- person’s condition: for example, acter is already like this it is not and N. Zeitz turbed in the material body, and tion of the patient’s condition, their physical aspect, recent his- so easy for you to deal with people the elements are brought into observation of their symptoms, tory such any serious long term and you become more disturbed balance by the herbs. We use rit- observation based on diagnos- sadness or loss of job, life cir- – it is easier for you to get angry ual practices because the five el- tics such as pulse diagnosis and cumstances that are very stress- which then causes people to dis- ements are not only unbalanced observation of what makes the ful mentally, whether the person tance themselves and you accord-

The Shang Shung Institute at months in between. The first pe- tion, consisting in theoretical Merigar West organizes a riod is dedicated to the practice and practical tests. of massage, namely KU (applica- Metal Tiger Course of Ku Nye tion of oil, joints movement and Daily schedule: three hours in (2010 –2011) giving heat) and NYE (using sev- the morning and three in the af- Shang Shung Edizioni with Aldo Oneto, qualified in- eral techniques on skin, muscles, ternoon, with a ten-minute break 12 euro structor of Ku Nye tendons and channels), while the in the middle. At times students October 26 to November 1, 2010 second seminar is more focused may be requested to stay one Pocket diary for the At Merigar West, Arcidosso, Italy on digitopressure points and ex- hour longer to revise what has Metal Tiger year, start- ternal channels. After 4/5 months been explained during the day ing February 14, 2010 Ku Nye Courses Structure there will be a further seminar of and to practice together. up to May 3, 2011, The Shang Shung Institute or- 5 days during which, after review- containing concise indi- ganizes traditional Tibetan mas- ing and deepening both theory Students who have attained the cations of the practices sage (Ku-Nye) courses according and practice, students aspiring to Shang Shung Institute diploma, recommended by Chög- to two different types of sched- become operators will have the will have the possibility to attend yal Namkhai Norbu for ules: opportunity to take theoretical further revision courses either special days, positive A) Intensive residential courses and practical tests. with an instructor or with Ti- and negative days for B) Courses based on week-end betan doctors to learn additional the Naga Practice, seminars. The course based on week-end techniques to increase and deep- astrological data of the Tibetan Calendar and the After attending all the semi- seminars (B) consists of nine en their knowledge. individual aspects for those born between 1918 and nars and passing the final ex- week-ends on a monthly basis. 2010. Indispensable for finding out favourable and amination, students will have Intervals in between seminars For any information, please unfavourable days for daily activities and to remem- the possibility to become Ku Nye may be planned in order to give contact: ber special practice days. operators. No further levels are students the possibility to assim- Tel.: +39 0564 966940 This year’s diary has a hard cover, a handy page contemplated but there is the ilate what they have been learn- [email protected] saver band for finding the current week quickly possibility to follow various spe- ing and time to practice it. In this and a new layout with more space for your notes. cialization courses. case as well, there will be two fur- ther week-ends, one to revise and You can order it online at: The intensive residential course deepen what has been learnt and http://shop-it.shangshunginstitute.org (A) includes two periods of seven one dedicated to students who days each, with an interval of 4/5 intend to take the final examina- THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Tashigar Sur

16 Words of Advice from Rinpoche At the Election of the New Gakyil of Tashigar South April 2010

t is important that the but in the Dzogchen Community position on the Gakyil the Community is number one “Idoes not become some- and we should not be interested thing personal. The Gakyil is just in positions and hierarchies. like the aspects of body, speech What is Dzogchen? Dzogchen and mind so if you are not col- is our real nature and how we can laborating problems arise later. discover this transmission. We You do not need to stay in your must not forget that, otherwise assigned color; you should al- we become like any other politi- ways communicate. Sometimes cal organization. For example, in we are missing communication Merigar they have the most expe- and then problems arise. It is also rience, but even there those kinds very important that everyone on of political problems arise. the Gakyil knows they are doing I am always saying we need to a service for Dzogchen Commu- respect the local laws and rules nity and the people of the Com- of society, but as Dzogchen prac- Rinpoche with the new Gakyil of Tashigar South – Blue: Soledad Suarez, Ramiro Fernandez, Claudio Bruno; Yellow: Paula De Raedemaeker, Marisa munity. titioners not to be conditioned Alonso, Griselda Olivera; Red: Ricky Sued, Sergio Oliva, Luis Olivera; Geko: Luis Alberto Leon Bacigalupo. The Gakyil is a service for the by society and work inside the teaching, for the Community Community in that way – not be- not with politics. You must know tally realized they cannot please portant is to always check how and for everybody. Some people coming established in positions, that political systems and rules and make everyone happy. So we things correspond to the teach- serve on the Gakyil and imme- titles or hierarchies. Rules exist, are always secondary. The main do our best with awareness. We ing. Even when I give advice, I al- diately feel they have a position. nations exist, and we must work point is that we are going to the don’t cultivate dualism, even if ways check how this advice corre- We must know that this is very with society. That is part of our final goal of Dzogchen. Everyone we are discussing we feel a deep- sponds to the teaching, and even bad for a Dzogchen practitioner. awareness. is working for that. er connection. We must cultivate then people still criticize, but it is It is important that we seriously When you have a Gakyil meet- It is very good to work and do patience, one of the six paramitas not important. Slowly, after some collaborate. It is important not to ing you are remembering Gu- service in the Gakyil. Sometimes of Buddha. It is very important time in the Community, people become identified with a title like ruyoga, but also it is good to sing people are very critical inside and that the people of the Gakyil are learn that is not the correct way. Director or Vice Director like in a the Song of the Vajra, it is not so from outside, of the Gakyil. That communicating with patience. We should work with circum- hierarchy; we need to use these difficult. This helps to be more is not good. You cannot satisfy People get stuck in discussing stances. Then everything goes titles because we live in society, connected with the teaching and everyone. Even if someone is to- and dualistic vision. Most im- well. You do your best.” 

The authorized candidates with Rinpoche after their authorization presentations. Carolina Min- Santi Maha Level 1 Training with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Tashigar South, Argentina from April 12–22, 2010. Photo: N. Zeitz golla for 2nd level Yantra Yoga, Jimena Piedra Miranda for 1st Level Yantra Yoga and Rosa Alta- mirano for First Level Vajra Dance with presenters Fabio Andrico for Yantra Yoga and Adriana dal Borgo for Vajra Dance. Photo: N. Zeitz

Kurukulle Dakini by Glen Eddy Glen Eddy painted Kurukulle Dakini in 1974 and Sky Walker Publications printed a poster of it year that same year. It is 18" x 22" with text on the back as well as mention of Glen Eddy as the Art- ist. The prints are being offered for sale at $ 100.00 each to stu- dents and practitioners of Chög- yal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. It is being offered as a representa- tive work of art by someone much loved in the Dzogchen Community. Please contact Terri Parkin at terripar [email protected] for pictures and more information. THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Russian Speaking Countries

17

The idea to create a ling in the The New Ling near Ural region came in 2009, during the Ural Mountains the Igor Berkhin’s visit to Perm, where he was leading a retreat on the Base level of Santi Maha Igor Kopanev Sangha. We thought that a Ling was needed here to unite prac- n March 30 Rinpoche titioners from such a big cities gave the name Sher- as Ekaterinburg, Perm, Chely- Oabling to the land situat- abinsk, Ufa. Also it would create ed in the European part of Russia, a possibility to do retreats in the close to the foothills of the Ural countryside not only on “days Mountains. “Sherabling” (Tib. off”, but also for a few days or shes rab gling) means the Ling of even weeks. Supreme Understanding. The place for the ling was cho- This land is an open, very pic- sen almost spontaneously by Igor turesque place in the Suksun area Berkhin, during a trip from Perm of the Perm region. It is located to Ekaterinburg on the federal directly on the Sylva River, near highway. The terrain in the Suk- pine forests and hills, which are sun area (next to the land of the chains of the Ural Mountains. ling) is outstanding for its beauty Special attractions here are the and special landscape. stream that is never covered by We prepared a short descrip- Photo: S. Averyanov ice in the winter because of the tion of the place with pictures, a hot underground springs, and a link to a satellite map, and our vi- tion. The next day the Master Recently, we won an auction We have also invited Yeshi to beautiful hanging wooden bridge sion of building and funding. We kindly replied that it was a good for the purchase of the land and Sherabling, and hope that he will over the river (the only similar also described the situation in idea. He wished us a speedy car- signed a sales contract, which include this new place in his busy one we’ve seen was in Nepal). the Communities in surrounding rying out of the project, and gave is now being registered. We will schedule if not this, then next In the future there will be a regions. Then in Singapore, dur- us a small with the words: receive the documents of owner- year. Gonpa with a Vajra Dance Man- ing the retreat, this description “This is for your Ling”. That same ship in one month, and then we For any questions you may dala, a house for dark retreats was presented to Rinpoche. He evening, after the Ganapuja, Fa- will coordinate all building proj- contact the Dzogchen Commu- with two cabins, and also living looked at the project for a short bio came and gave another gift ects with Chögyal Namkhai Nor- nity of Perm, which also received space for practitioners and in- period and said that he needed for the future ling from Rinpoche bu and Yeshi Silvano Namkhai. the name Sherabling: dzogchen structors. time to examine all the informa- – a beautiful Tibetan curtain. [email protected]

what they meant, Rinpoche re- now Dnepropetrovsk has a stable For further information about Making the Mandala, We plied “It is something very very place. We also wrote a letter with Palphelling contact: Learned to Collaborate sweet”. photo of the place and our Teach- [email protected] In November 2009 we found a er replied to that letter saying that Palphelling, the New Ling in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine very suitable place to rent in the now we are Palphelling! Gakyil of Palphelling: center of the city. It was an of- So, now the new-founded ling Yellow: Elena Stanishevskaya Alexander Balyura fice on the 3rd floor in a build- has more then 40 members, 8 of [email protected] ing where we can be present for them live in Kriviy Rog, a big city, Red: Alexander Balyura ne more new ling has ap- Regular and Irregular. For a few 24 hours a day and also has in- 150 km from us. Also 6 practitio- [email protected] peared, also in Ukraine. months we only knew the Dance ternet for webcasts and world- ners practice the 1st level of Santi Blue: Nataliya Romashchenko O On 24th of February of the Three , which we wide transmissions. We rented Maha Sangha, and the majority of [email protected] Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gave the would dance for three hours, en- this apartment, made all that was them participate in karma-yoga name Palphelling to the Dnepro- joying these experiences. needed: shelves, a library – it be- including “making the Mandala petrovsk Dzogchen Community. In May 2009 during the Mos- came alive very quickly with the of the Vajra Dance”. It means “increasing auspicious- cow Retreat our community met participation of all practitioners. ness”. with Yeshi Silvano Namkhai who The first retreat we had there Dnepropetrovsk is one of the gave us very key and clear ad- was Santi Maha Sangha with Igor biggest cities in Ukraine. It is vice about how we could all be Berkhin, then a Yantra Yoga re- situated on 7 hills, in the cen- one family. Then we renewed treat for beginners and 1st level ter of the country. Some of our practitioners have been follow- ing Dzogchen Teaching since Books by 1999. After Rinpoche’s retreat in Crimea in 2005 many new people Chögyal manifested, and we organized a Community and started follow- ing webcasts and retreats of Chö- Namkhai Norbu gyal Namkhai Norbu together. During those retreats some of us learned the Vajra Dance, but we had no Mandala so, in 2008, ◆ Yantra Yoga after studying all the necessary ◆ and the technology, we made a Mandala Practice of Natural Light with our own hands. The major- ity of practitioners took part in its ◆ Dzogchen Teachings creation with happiness and de- ◆ The Supreme Source votion. During those two weeks we had a wonderful possibility ◆ Dzogchen: The Self- to discover what collaboration Santi Maha Sangha retreat with Igor Berkhin, November 2009. Perfected State means. It was something con- ◆ The Crystal and the Way crete in which almost everybody our gakyil, which now consists with Victor Krachkovskiy. Each was involved. After making the of 3 members. The new Gakyil of those teachers held a public of Light Mandala, we continued to meet planned to find a stable apart- talk in a big hall in the center of together. Every Sunday we had ment for group practices and to the city. After those retreats many regular Vajra Dance practice, and organize retreats on Santi Maha new people came to our Gon- besides that enjoyed communica- Sangha and Yantra Yoga. For pa. We also organized webcasts tion and tea-time together. many months we looked for a there. Of course, now we had a During the following year place. We also came to Rinpoche space to enjoy time together – we we had four retreats on Vajra and expressed our intention to celebrated New Year, dancing, www.SnowLionPub.com Dance with teachers Ruslan Kim find a stable Gonpa to rent and to making divination and so on… Tibetan Buddhist news and thousands of items online. and Uliana Sokolova to learn become a ling. Our Master wrote During the Drubchen of Man- FREE quarterly newsletter 800-950-0313 the Dance of the Six Spaces and some Tibetan words for our fu- darava and Vajrapani we came and catalog on request. [email protected] the Dance of the , ture Gonpa. When we asked him to Rinpoche and told him that THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News

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

June 28–July 4 July 20–25 August 21–22 Calendar June Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Residential course of Yantra Yoga Training course for teachers of June 11–13 Dzogchen Teaching Retreat With Laura Evangelisti Kumar Kumari SMS First Level Webcast from Crimea With Laura Evangelisti of Events With Jakob Winkler July 24–25 July Namkha course – weekend 2 August 23–29 2010 June 11–15 July 3–4 With Liane Gräf Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Course of Dance of the Three Vajras Teachers Training May Dzogchen Teaching Retreat With Maurizio Mingotti July 31–August 5 May 21–23 Webcast from Moscow Explanation and practice of Guru SMS Base & 1st Levels Chögyal Namkhai Norbu July 9–16 Jnanadakini Gomadevi Vajra Dance & Yantra Yoga 25 Spaces of Samantabhadra Retreat June 18–20 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu With Enzo Terzano 1st & 2nd Levels Webcast from the Canaries Yantra Yoga course for advanced students Dzogchen Teaching Retreat With Laura Evangelisti Webcast from Merigar East July 25 11 am September May 22–23 Kumar Kumari for children September 5–6 Review of the steps of the Dance of the June 18–20 July 9–11 With Jacobella Gaetani & Tiziana Gottardi Course on natural complete breathing Song of the Vajra Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Intensive Practice of Jnana Dakini Open to everyone With Rita Renzi Dzogchen Teaching Retreat With Rita Renzi August With Fabio Andrico Webcast from St. Petersburg August 4–12 May 29–30 July 16–18 Vajra Dance Teacher Training 2nd Level September 14–16 Conclusion of the SMS meetings June 18–20 Namkha course – weekend 1 With Adriana Dal Borgo and Prima Mai Course on Kumbhaka With Costantino Albini Om A Hum Dance for Children With Liane Gräf With Fabio Andrico With Prima Mai and Rita Renzi August 13–20 May 29–June 1 July 18 11 am Chögyal Namkhai Norbu September 17–19 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu June 26–27 Kumar Kumari for children Dzogchen Teaching Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Dzogchen Teaching Retreat Dance of the Six Spaces With Jacobella Gaetani and Retreat Xitro Retreat Webcast from London With Maurizio Mingotti Tiziana Gottardi

and harmony, without getting into try- this year, depending on the availability fi les (hence the name). They feed on the Yellow Gakyil What’s Going On ing to convert people. of the teachers. trees and dry them out and several trees The Gakyil has recently bought a mini In April we are starting courses of in these two areas will have to be cut in excavator that will be used for different pringtime seems to have fi nally Kumar Kumari (Yantra Yoga for chil- Red Gakyil order not to become a danger. types of work at Merigar: gardening, arrived at Merigar. With the more dren) in some of the schools, which At the moment construction work One of the fi rst jobs planned with clearing the ditches, the roads and in Sclement weather, some of the have been favourably received by the on enlarging Gadeling, the Master’s the new mini excavator will be the re- conjunction with different building building projects have been able to Head Teacher, the teachers and the par- residence, is still in full swing. When creation of walking paths from the large projects. This machinery will also mean start up and work on caring for the ents. On May 22 there will be a public this is fi nished Migmar plans to create a stupa to the Gonpa and from the large considerable savings (in the past we had green spaces is also beginning under presentation at the Arcidosso Castle by garden just outside the fence surround- stupa to Serkhang. These will be paths to rent one every time we needed it) and the care of the Red Gakyil. The Blue the Community on the activities that we ing the swimming pool. Because of the for pedestrians and will be bordered by will be continually at our disposal. Gakyil is laying the foundations for the do at Merigar. There will also be space damage from wild boars digging up local fruit trees and bushes, such as dog- We have also been considering the Community to come into closer contact for some local associations to introduce plants and roots in the winter months, roses, wild cherry, laurel, lavender, etc. problem of how to guarantee a continual with the local population with a number themselves and let people know about there will be red strips throughout the Our resident Tibetan, Migmar, and effi cient service for the kitchen and of incentives, while the Yellow Gakyil is them. After this, everyone will be in- garden that are meant to discourage the brought back a quantity of Tibetan orzo the gardening. With no additional costs, going ahead with its work of improving vited to Merigar to visit the whole area hungry boars from entering. seeds from his recent trip to Tibet. He the kitchen will remain open all year fi nancial administration. and there will also be a demonstration The Gonpa is also another focal point has planted these at Merigar West and round for courses, karma yoga and those In this issue of The Mirror, the Gakyil of Kumar Kumari on the part of the for the work of the red gakyil. On the hopes to be able to harvest the resulting working at Merigar and will contribute would like to report on their activities children who have participated in the stone wall leading up to the Gonpa there seeds at the end of the growing season. to making Merigar more operational over the last few months in order to course. Finally there will be other activi- are several large clay vases which are usu- If his experiment works out, in the fu- and pleasant. The gardening work has let members know how the situation at ties that the associations would like to ally full of fl owers in the summer months. ture he plans to replant the seeds the been entrusted to a person for the whole Merigar West is evolving. present on this occasion. However, the severe winters of the last following season with the idea of pos- year thus guaranteeing the continuity In this way we hope to be able to years have cracked and broken several sibly producing tsampa and even Tibetan that is required to have the gardens Blue Gakyil introduce ourselves to local people not of these vases, so in their place, the red chang when production gets going. more attractive and well tended. This year the Gakyil has considered it so much as a foreign group on their ter- gakyil plans to construct their own fl ower important for the Dzogchen Community ritory but as a cultural reference point vases of local stone, just like the fl ower to integrate into the local social situa- and, if the causes are favourable for vases that have been created at Gadeling. tion through contact with local associa- someone, also a spiritual one. Another important ongoing job at tions. The associations operating in the Over the last few weeks many dif- the Gonpa is an investigation to fi nd the Amiata area represent the most lively ferent courses have been organized at most effi cient way to create ventilation and active part of the local population Merigar West including Dance of the inside the building in order to preserve as they organize courses and events. Vajra, Yantra Yoga, Chod, SMS Base and the paintings there in the best possible Together with the associations, the First Level, Gomadevi, Kumar Kumari, way. At the moment the gakyil is consid- Merigar Community and its organiza- Mandarava and Sang and Serkyem. ering either a ventilation system or the tions could share spaces and, most im- Then there will be a new course of- creation of small windows. portantly, interact with local people so fered for children – June 18–20 there Around the large stupa and in the that they could get closer to the ancient will a Vajra Dance course of the OM wood at Gadeling, the red gakyil has wisdom of the teaching through activi- A HUM Dance for children on a Man- found an abundance of a species called ties that are open to all, with a view to dala that has been specially adapted the ‘pine processionary’ which is a receiving benefi ts in terms of well-being for them. There will also be another major forest pest living communally in similar course held in July or August of pine trees and which march in single Construction at Gadeling. Photo: R. Piro

Accommodations near Merigar West Christina von Geispitzheim Information for people who intend to come to Merigar for Email: [email protected] retreats or to follow courses Phone: 0039 0564 957542 If you are looking for accommodation, airport transfer, local car Mobile phone: 0039 339 1370739 hire or only logistic assistance, you can contact the following information and reservation service: We cooperate with local hotels, family pensions, residences, agriturismo, Community members who have rooms or houses to rent or sublet. Also we can advise on car rental (at airports Accommodation Service or locally), on the best itinerary and time tables of trains and (Information available in English, German, French and Italian) buses, and we have now a circuit of residents who offer various Information service and reservation of accommodation during useful services like transfer from the airports, local taxi service, retreats, local transport, & logistic solutions: translations, baby sitting, etc. THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News MerigarWest 19

essentially the same: as in a wa- Narag Tongtrug terfall we always experience an Austria Teachings with equal essence of light, a manifes- Yeselling tation of our potentiality, of our Khyentse Yeshi clarity; the last day after having Silvano Namkhai explained the different phases of the practice of Narag Tongtrug Giada Villahermosa he again likens the last phase of the practice, the dissolving of the visions and syllables, to a water- hursday the fi rst of April fall that we integrate in ourselves at four in the afternoon being aware of every single drop: Tin the gompa of Merigar a second is suffi cient for every- West the adventure starts: follow- thing and if we are not carried ing the teachings of Khyentse Ye- away by mind constructions and shi Silvano Namkhai is quite an details, looking into ourselves we experience. We think we know can discover wisdom. We have to what refuge, bodhicitta, the accu- get out of time sequences and mulation of merit and wisdom, ordinary concepts of space. He visualization, radiation and re- prompts us to open a commu- absorption, kyerim and dzogrim nication with a vastness like the Yantra – Coordination of Energy the breath, performed controlled and yet and all the parts of the practices sky above and around the limited Precise instructions on breathing as a relaxed movements in unifi cation with in- we usually do in the community vision we usually dwell in, to feel preparation for the practice of Yantra Yoga halation and exhalation, and experienced are: but no, we are in for a sur- Photo: L. Gräf its existence and to discover it for Seminar with Oliver Leick, April 17–18 the state of relaxation of their mind. prise. Yeshi opens up knowledge ourselves. This kind of seminar is a special intro- like hitting an atom of hydrogen We realise that under every aspect “It is evident, it is simple, it is fortunate people took the op- duction and preparation for the practice (our narrow understanding) and of the teaching there is a world clear…” he keeps on telling us: portunity and participated in of Yantra Yoga and everybody interested creating an atomic reaction giving of meaning and that everything once he has stated it, it becomes 12 the fi rst course ever held on in Yoga, breathing, health, Tibetan wis- us new and multiple understand- is related in ways we have never such, but nothing was evident Yantra – Coordination of energy. dom, and Tibetan culture can participate. ings. He tells us that our imagina- thought of. Our Master Chögyal before we heard it through his Based on the teachings of Chögyal During the three sessions, in which tion has infi nite potentialities so Namkhai Norbu has warned us voice. He likens the practice to an Namkhai Norbu, the authorized instruc- Oliver explained the Base, Path and Fruit why just imagine a divinity with not to become ‘seasoned’ prac- equation and his teaching feels tor of Yantra Yoga in Austria and student of the practice, people could deepen their three arms when we can imagine titioners but listening to Yeshi’s just like that: an elegant opening of Rinpoche since 1977, Oliver Leick, understanding, gain new perspectives millions of arms and that is what waterfall of teachings one feels of parenthesis, that are fi nally explained precisely and in detail the ben- about the function of the breathing and he does with understanding. just like that: dry and seasoned and orderly closed one by one. efi ts of controlled and relaxed breathing. its infl uence on the body and mind, and Every aspect is rigorously con- and needing just that fl ow of wis- The adventure is fi nished. It’s up All participants gained direct experi- directly experience the fruit of the practice sidered according to sutra, outer dom. And indeed he tells us that to us now to experience it, again ence of the different kinds of inhalation – that state of presence and relaxation. and inner tantra, anu and ati yoga. in every practice, the process is and again. Thank you Yeshi. and exhalation and some forms of holding

France Santi Maha Sangha in Paris n Friday February 26 in the af- ternoon we went to the North Ostation in Paris to welcome Jakob Winkler from Germany who had come to help a small group in the French community have more understanding of the precious teaching from our Master, the Santi Maha Sangha, a teaching full of guidelines and clarity to lead practi- tioners to understand their own condi- tion in the most precious way. Jakob Winkler is well known prac- SMS Base with Jakob Winkler in Paris from February 26 to March 1, 2010. titioner in the Community, an expert Tibetologist and an offi cial teacher for opportunity to listen to a precise, com- he reminded us again about our samaya. Santi Maha Sangha. plete explanation from Jakob about the During the days of his visit there was As his train was delayed we rushed transmission and Guru Yoga. Then Jakob a strong storm on France – the wind Final course of Ku-nye at Karmaling with Aldo Oneto in which 10 people received their diplomas. from the station to the seminar place invited all of them to join the seminar roared under the roofs but we were safe but arrived exactly on time. Jakob the following day; actually, most of them and had a dynamic happy week-end, was welcomed by a group of nearly 20 came with pleasure the next morning. thanks to our good teacher, the partici- students. Each one was then invited to This day then was mainly dedicated to the pation of the students and also the kind Germany present and explain his motivations, his practices: the practices of the semzins in and effi cient collaboration of all. Passages different experiences: some being very the morning that we did together; and in We are looking forward to repeating new in the study of Santi Maha Sangha, the afternoon Jakob seriously reviewed the experience soon at a new seminar Died: Helmut Smrcek passed away on and several having more experiences in all the practices for the base level, ex- with Jakob in May at Dejamling. the afternoon of March 30 at his home different traditions. plaining how to realise them in a profi t- Long Life and Homage to the Master in Schwaig, Nürnberg in Germany. His Then Jakob presented ‘The Precious able way and not to get lost. At the end wife and his three younger children Vase’, giving some advice and keys to go were with him. through the book and be able to under- Passages Helmut had been a student of Chö- stand the teaching from Rinpoche. He gyal Namkhai Norbu since the early 90s introduced the general structure of the Died: We announce, deeply touched, and was studying the 3rd level of Santi book and its topics, the different quota- the passing away of Jean-François Maha Sangha. He was much loved by tions and their sources etc. Daireaux, on the morning of March 24, his Vajra brothers and sisters who re- We were supposed to study chapter at 6 o’clock in hospital. member his natural amicability towards 5, according to the program although We will always remember Jean-Fran- everybody, his quiet behaviour and we never felt that we were doing limited çois in all his ways: as a dedicated, pas- his German “Gemuetlichkeit”, warm intellectual study since the different sionate Pawo committed to the teaching friendliness. nate his movements, to walk, to move at points of view always brought us back of the Dance of the Vajra and contribut- His 60th birthday at the end of all, apparently to think complex things to our experience and to understand- ing in any way possible to our Dzogchen February was also the occasion for a and in the end to speak. Never com- ing better our condition as the view of Community, out of his devotion to our farewell party with him, and many plaining about his situation, he used Dzogchen: our real state. Teacher. In France he helped manifest- practitioners, family, neighbours and every single moment, appreciating also On the 27th, in the afternoon, new ing our Vajra Dance Tent and many old friends came to celebrate with him, the unpleasant ones as an opportunity practitioners interested in receiving the other works at Dejamling. knowing without doubt that it would be in his life to deepen his understanding, transmission from Rinpoche the fol- We wish him all presence in the light the last time for him. applying the teachings on any occasion. lowing night on the occasion of the an- of the Dzogchen Mandala He had been gradually letting go for Everyday friends came, even from niversary of Garab Dorje came to join the On behalf of all the Pamo and Pawo Photo by Ines Dosen taken on the Mandala more than a year due to a brain tumour: far away, to express their feelings, to group, so these fortunate people had the in the Dzogchen Community. in Reillanne. he slowly lost his capacities to coordi- >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News MerigarWest 20

Registration: Christian Pogoda Germany continued phone 0208-376 29 10 >> continued from previous page [email protected] say goodbye and to assist and to help * the family with jobs around the house. Summer in Germany Although the reason for these gather- Jnana-Dakini Practice and Vajra-Dance ings were very sad for everybody, thanks with Karin Heinemann to the generosity of Nane, his wife, Hel- June 4–9 in Höfen mut’s last months turned out to be the Info and Registration: Evelyne Kleinmayer occasion of many people meeting, having Tel.: +49 170-4321170 dinner together and spending time cheer- [email protected] fully and harmoniously around him. * He never lost his presence com- Annual general membership meeting pletely. We could all feel it every now of the German Dzogchen Community and then and also non-practitioners felt June 12–13 in Dargyäling Cologne how special it was to be around him. * Passages He died quietly: he exhaled and Introduction to the Practice of didn’t inhale anymore. Contemplation Born: David Ruiz Loridan, Sarah Theiss with Costatino Albini and Theiss are happy to announce July 9–11 in Cologne, Dargyäling Participants at the “The Seven Lojongs with Focus on the 7th Lojong” course with Jakob Winkler the birth of their son and brother, Kiran Upcoming YY courses Info and Registration: Jil Self, in Dargyaeling/Cologne April 9–11. Dawa on February 22. Yantra Yoga Tsandul Course Tel. +49 221-4210911 with Elke Glander [email protected] May 28–30 in Munich * Introduction to Ku Nye, Greece * Beginners Course Vajra Dance of the Traditional Tibetan massage New Gakyil of the Hellenic Dzogchen Community Yantra Yoga – Introductory Course three Vajras (OM AH HUM) with Aldo Oneto Yellow Gakyil Ram Paridis – [email protected] with Saadet Arslan with Karin Heinemann October 16–17 in Cologne, Dargyäling Red Gakyil Liakos Evangelopoulos – [email protected] September 3–5 in Cologne, Dargyäling July 9–11 in Munich Info and Registration: Jil Self Blue Gakyil Panagiotis Stambolis – [email protected] * Info and Registration: Evelyne Kleinmayer Tel. +49 221-4210911 Repeating and Refreshing the 1st Level Tel.: +49 170-4321170 [email protected] Yantra Yoga Intensive-Weekend [email protected] * Italy with Saadet Arslan * Santi Maha Sangha Base October 8–10 in Cologne, Dargyäling 25 Thigles of Samanthabadra-practice with Alexander (Sasha) Pubants * with Alexander (Sasha) Pubants November 12–14 in Höfen Yantra Yoga: 3. & 4. Series October 8–10 in Höfen Info and Registration: Jil Self with Laura Evangelisti Info and Registration: Christian Pogoda, Tel. +49 221-4210911 Oct. 29–Nov. 1 in Cologne, Dargyäling Tel. 0208/3762910 [email protected] * [email protected] Yantra Yoga and Kumbaka course * with Laura Evangelisti November 5–7 in Hamburg

Naples We had a great weekend spent with charts, little wood saws and Namdeling Namkha balls of thread, some of it spent Course sitting in the sun in the yard of the Ling, or on the cushions on the Mandala concentrating in Irene Forza, Red Gakyil order to do our best to construct our Namkhas perfectly and with- he new lunar cycle arrived out mistakes according to Liane’s with the waxing moon! instructions. She has been doing T We were waiting for this these types of courses for years so that we could start making following the indications of our a Namkha for Luca who wasn’t Master. The course concluded able to take part in the course with an authentication during that Aurora and I had followed the Ganapuja on the full moon of at Namdeling at the end of last March 30 with the Master in we- month. bcast. On April 26 Liane Gräf came The beautiful sunny days in to Naples and guided a small Naples gave us an opportunity group of practitioners in making to enjoy the city and its different – some people for themselves, pizzas and cream puffs. some people for others – a Nam- kha. The work began with some calculations, proportions and Community, situated in the ences to the traditional explana- cutting the wooden rods. You Chöd Weekend mountains, in a wild looking tion of the Chod were not lacking start from the point where the at Kunsalling place, where the perception of which as Yeshi Namkhai pointed two main rods meet which repre- other beings that populate our out, in the practice text that we sents the Life element and is the Emanuela Citton dimension is more alive. So over use contains the principles of all centre from which the elements this weekend at the end of Febru- the paths, from Sutra to Ati. At of the Body, the Fortune and the ith “An old teach- ary, Yeshi Silvano Namkhai chose the end of his precious instruc- Capacity develop. The Namkha ing for an old place,” to explain this teaching, ancient tions, Yeshi Namkhai clarifi ed is made using fi ve colours of W Khyentse Yeshi Silva- from the historical point of view, with examples the way in which thread that represent the energy no Namkhai started the intro- since traces can be found even karmic debts arise in daily life of the fi ve elements. The threads ductory session to the weekend in the original teaching. He and what we can do to pay them are tied together and harmonized of teachings given at Kunsalling, presented it in his own personal using awareness. and represent the continuity of a retreat place in Valvestina in the style free from the constraints of On Sunday evening, with a the energy of the different ele- Alto Garda Nature Park in the the traditional descriptive norms great feeling of thankfulness, the ments. north of Italy. and according to the most el- group of practitioners disbanded Liane guided us in the practi- An “old teaching”, the Chod, evated point of view of Ati Yoga, in many different directions. Our cal part with patience and deter- Passages one of the fi rst that Master Chö- explaining the four demons as re- gratitude to the Masters, but also mination – a bit ‘German’ style – gyal Namkhai Norbu transmitted curring ideas that fi ll our minds, to the practitioners of Brescia for introducing the theoretical part On April 13 Catia Ciccone and Paolo Fer- in 1981 at the retreat in Subiaco. like the deep convictions in having given us this opportunity on Friday and then integrating it raro adopted little Vinh, a Vietnamese An “old place”, Kunsalling, which we believe, that are rooted and for their capacity to make into the weekend course with fur- boy born on February 27, 2009 who fi lls one of the fi rst sites found and within us and which govern our things comfortable and cozy in a ther explanations as we gradually each day with joy and happiness for offered by practitioners of the behavior. At the same time refer- tough place. went ahead. them. THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News

21

Yantra Yoga for beginners Karma Yoga with Shitro practice Karma Yoga with Guru Yoga practice Open period (including families) for UK with John Renshaw July 17–23, Kunselling September 20–26, Kunselling Christmas and new year celebrations Kunselling Dzogchen Community June 12–13, London to book, please contact Mike Beddard to book, please contact Mike Beddard December 24–January 2, Kunselling Program of events 2010–11 Kailash Centre, 7 Newport Street, NW8 tel: 078 1529 9976, mike.beddard@ tel: 078 1529 9976, mike.beddard@ to book, please contact Nick Segust Khyentse Yeshi to book, please contact John Renshaw dzogchencommunity.org dzogchencommunity.org tel: 02920 652 866, Silvano Namkhai tel: 07939 090412, * * [email protected] ‘Dzogchen Today’ [email protected] Retreat of the Dance of Song of the Khyentse Yeshi nuitable for beginners & members of the Vajra public Public Talk * Silvano Namkhai Garab Dorje and contemplation July 24–31, Kunselling May 15, London, 5.30–7.30 pm Dzogchen Teachings * practice to book, please contact rowan wylie Personal retreat time Soas, Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, October 2–3, London with Des Barry tel: 01223 473 528, January 3–23, Kunselling London, WC1 At Hampstead Town Hall, Haverstock June 18–20, Kunselling [email protected] to book, please contact Nick Segust to book: www.dzogchencommunity.org Hill, London, NW3 to book, please contact Mike Beddard tel: 02920 652 866, * to book: www.dzogchencommunity.org * tel: 078 1529 9976, mike.beddard@ Bank holiday – Kunselling [email protected] Chögyal Namkhai Norbu dzogchencommunity.org dance practice weekend * * Dzogchen Teachings * 27th–30th august Dance of the Six Spaces of Chod practice combined with Rushen May 28–June 1, London Namkha making weekend (open to all dancers) Samantabhadra with Judy Allan at Camden Centre, Euston Road, with Sally Field to book, please contact Rowan Wylie with Cindy Faulkner February 25–March 3, Kunselling London, WC1 June 26–27, Kunselling tel: 01223 473 528, October 22–24, London to book, please contact Judy Allan to book: www.dzogchencommunity.org to book, please contact Mike Beddard [email protected] at the Buddhist Arts Centre, Bullards tel: 020 586 7372, tel: 078 1529 9976, mike.beddard@ * Place, London, E2 OPT [email protected] * dzogchencommunity.org Benefi t for Troru Monastary to book, please contact Rowan Wylie Chögyal Namkhai Norbu * * Writing workshop with Des Barry tel: 01223 473 528, weekend celebration Book Presentation: Dance of the Three Vajra September 11–12, London [email protected] of the Tibetan new year ‘Light of Kailash’ with Cindy Faulkner at Aja, 7 Eton Avenue, London NW3 * including Sang practice and June 2 6–8 pm, London July 2–4, London to book, please contact Helen Williams Long Life Practice of Mandarava authentication of prayer fl ags at SOAS, Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, at the Buddhist Arts Centre, Bullards tel: 02920 378566, with Judy Allan March 4–6, Kunselling London, WC1 Place, London E2 OPT [email protected] November 13–21, Kunselling to book, please contact Mike Beddard to book: www.dzogchencommunity.org to book, please contact Rowan Wylie * to book, please contact Mike Beddard tel: 078 1529 9976, mike.beddard@ * tel: 01223 473 528, AGM tel: 078 1529 9976, mike.beddard@ dzogchencommunity.org Personal Retreat Time [email protected] September 18, London dzogchencommunity.org June 4–17, Kunselling * Vajra Dance 2–4 pm, AGM 4–6 pm * Find out all the latest news about activities to book, please contact Nick Segust, Yantra Yoga for Beginners at St Saviours Church Hall, Eton Road, Tara practice to celebrate across the UK at: tel: 029 2065 2866, with John Renshaw London, NW3 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s birthday www.dzogchencommunity.org [email protected] July 3–4, London * with Julia Lawless * Kailash Centre, 7 Newport Street, NW8 December 4–5, London to book, please contact John Renshaw to book, please contact Mike Beddard tel: 07939 090412, tel: 078 1529 9976, mike.beddard@ [email protected] dzogchencommunity.org * *

East Merigar East 23 August 907005 phone: 0040 746 26 08 61 Merigar Asociatia Culturala Comunitatea Dzog- Constanta offi [email protected] Chen Romania wwww.dzogchen.ro

Sustaining members One Gar, One Love (non Merigar) – 150 euro New Gakyil and Gekö Let’s come together and do it all right!!! Reduced members – 130 euro If you want us to assist you with Time is passing by quickly and in July of Dear Everyone Everywhere, anything contact the ME Offi ce: 2010 a new Gakyil for Merigar East has e are more than happy to cor- offi [email protected] to be elected again. The present Gakyil dially invite you for the retreat We need your cooperation in order has established the legal, human and Wwith our precious Master to plan the organisation of our retreat material base of the Gar, therefore the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, “The Base, infrastructure well. Merigar East is still duty of the next Gakyil will be to con- the Path and the Fruit of Ati Dzogchen” a “baby” Gar therefore our facilities tinue this process. – the terma of Rigdzin Changchub Dorje are still quite limited. When we know The main tasks of the next Gakyil which will take place from 9th to 16th of how many of you are coming it will would be as follows: July 2010. make it easier for us to plan it well and · to continue construction works on the We would be very happy to cooper- more comfortably for you. Please, pre- land (such as Gonpa, stupas, Vajra ate with all of you who are eager to take registation will really help us to ...get Dance ) according to the vi- part in preparations as well as organi- together and do it all right... sion of Yeshi Namkhai; zation of this special and unique event In order to make your registration · to run the local offi ce and supervise at our new developing Gar. There is for the retreat easier, please follow the membership tasks; still a chance for you to become a team the links: · to plan and organize events promoting leader – a person who is responsible in English www.dzogchen.cz/retreat/ the aims of the International Dzogchen for organizing his or her team, starting in Romanian Community in Romania and Bulgaria; from long distance preparation and act- www.dzogchen.cz/retreat/index/ro · to keep close contact and collaborate ing directly on the spot. Karmayogis are in Russian with the Gakyil of Merigar West. more than welcome. We would appreci- www.dzogchen.cz/retreat/index/ru It is a big job and consequently great ate your presence at the July retreat as Your Gakyil of Merigar East devotion and sacrifi ce are required. The well. Any form of participation will be conditions are special, but the chances very valuable for us – all according to are as well. your capacities and possibilities. The ME Those members of the International Gakyil are your Vajra sisters and broth- Dzogchen Community who meet the ers who really want to cooperate with criteria listed below are kindly invited you in order to create and develop the to consider the possibility of voluntary Gar, where everyone feels at home. Let’s work for the sake of our Precious Mas- come together and do it all right. Let’s ter. The 9 candidates (3 for each colour) come together to feel all right. for the position of new Gakyil members, Sustaining members (non Merigar) – This year we have got a special offer should meet the following general cri- Below we present the actual prices for 130 euro for frequent retreat goers. If you take teria: the priceless retreat with our precious Reduced members – 110 euro part in two retreats – one of the Russian · have been a member of DC for mini- Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu: Pensioners and students that are non- retreats (in Moscow or Crimea) and the mum of 3 years with an up-to-date (if Non-members – 220 euro members of DC – 110 euro Merigar East retreat you are offered a it is possible Merigar East) member- Ordinary members – 175 euro Per day – 30 euro with usual discounts package price: ship; Sustaining members (Merigar) – 45 euro for members Non-members – 270 euro Ordinary members – 220 euro >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News MerigarEast 22

>> continued from previous page Vajra Dance 1st Level Teacher’s · be willing and able to offer their spare- Training time for the Community and to bear July 17–22, 2010 hardships such as long distance travel As you know, it is very important for the on a regular basis; continuation of the Teaching that more · be present in Merigar East for the and more local instructors appear in the Gakyil meetings at least once a month Dzogchen Community. For this purpose and during the summer retreats; Merigar East is organizing a Vajra Dance · be able to work either individually or 1st Level Teacher’s Training that will take in a team; place in the period July 17–22, 2010. · have internet access and PC operating Practitioners who know well the skills; Pawo and Pamo parts of the two dances · speak, read and write English. ‘The Dance of the Three Vajras’ and the ‘Six Spaces of Samantabhadra’ and who In the meanwhile the position of Gekö are thinking of becoming an instructor has to be fi lled as well. are very welcome. It is rare opportu- Due to the specifi c circumstances of nity to participate in such a training, so the location (Merigar East is situated don’t miss it. in the southern part of Rumania, at the Participation fee is 250 euro, for in- Black Sea shore, where there is no other structors and people who are repeating signifi cant Community activity yet) and the training the fee is 200 euro. based on the past years experience it To register please contact: would be practical if the Gekö activities offi [email protected] The construction of the Gonpa at Merigar East started on May 3. Photo: G. Ladra could be covered by a couple. In addition, * since the Gakyil members do not live per- Merigar East SMS 1st Level including the admission request and a from the webpage: www.dzogchen.it/ form completed in this way should be manently on the spot, the Gekö might fi ll Examinations record of his/her Karma Yoga collabo- dzogchen/teachings/santi-maha-sangha sent to the SMS Co-ordinating Center: in at the same time the position of a Gakyil 17–22 of July 2010 (more precise dates ration. The candidate cannot consider Instructions for the Local Gakyils [email protected] member as well, in order to facilitate the will be announced later). him/herself enrolled in the examination As soon as the form fi lled out by a Santi Maha Sangha Co-Ordinators process of decisions and administration. Enrollment Procedure for SMS Examinations until he/she receives the written confi r- candidate is received, the local Gakyil Merigar: Igor Legati [email protected] To register for a Santi Maha Sangha mation that his/her admission request should validate the Karma Yoga claim Tsegyalgar: Jim Valby All the positions above are to be fi lled at exam, you must be a member of the has been approved by the examiners. (if the Karma Yoga was offered to the [email protected] the beginning of August 2010. Dzogchen Community. For the 1st level, The Karma Yoga service to the Com- local Gakyil itself), and should add a Tashigar: Ricardo Sued We are looking forward for your ap- your membership fee should have been munity is obligatory for entrance to all brief evaluation of the candidate’s con- [email protected] plications and kindly invite those who paid continuously since the year of the SMS examinations and should always be duct, participation and activity within Namgyalgar: Elise Stutchbury are interested to send them to us. Base examination. arranged through the Gakyils, Shang the context of the Community. The [email protected] With warm greetings, Instructions for the Candidate Shung Institute/Edizioni and A.S.I.A. evaluation of the candidate’s conduct Russian-speaking Countries: Igor Berkhin Gakyil of Merigar East Three months before the examination The completed form should be sent should be approved by at least three [email protected] offi [email protected] date (in this case till July 10), the can- by the candidate to his/her local Gakyil. Gakyil members after consulting with With warm wishes from Merigar East didate must complete the offi cial form, The necessary form can be downloaded the SMS co-ordinator of the Gar. The

SMS Base retreat Czech Republic with Jim Valby Upcoming retreats and courses September 29–October 5, Phendeling Course of Om A Hum Vajra Dance * (regular and irregular) Contact: [email protected] with Margit Martinu Karmayoga in Phendeling: June 5–8, Dobrichovice [email protected] *

Yantra Yoga Level 1 Supervision of Fijalka Yurzikova and Jiri Mravec with Laura Evangelisti in Prague February 16–21. Photo: B. Tomasova

The Ling.

Mandarava Retreat in Phendeling, Czech Republic

uring the last weekend in March, a Mandarava retreat with 22 participants was organized at Phendeling. This was another important step forward in Dthe project of developing the Czech Ling. After a lot of reconstruction it is now possible to use the downstairs Gonpa again (capacity for 40 people) where retreats can be organized and which also serves as a base for karma yogis. More info www.phendeling.cz/en Looking forward to welcome you at our Ling Map position of Phendeling. Czech Community THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News

23

The colourful stand of the Dzogchen Romania Community attracted people who Body Mind Spirit Festival in Bucharest wanted to know where they could learn by Greg Ladra how to work with their 3 existences. Many of them were surprised to learn preading information and letting that Merigar East is in Romania, that people know that we are here is our Precious Master has been coming Sone of the most important tasks here every year for the last 3 years and of the Gakyil of Merigar East, the sec- will come this year as well! ond European Gar, situated in Romania, People had the possibility to buy where besides the geko couple and some books (The Crystal and the Way of “long travellers” as the Gakyil is called, Light, Dream Yoga) or DVDs of “General there are only a few practitioners. introduction to Dzogchen”, and could Nevertheless, it certainly doesn’t also watch a Vajra Dance presentation mean that people are not interested by DVD on the screen. Over 60 people in our activities! The evidence of this took a part in the Yantra Yoga presenta- was plenty of visitors at the “Invata- tion prepared by authorized instructor tura Dzogchen” stand (in Romanian – Zsolt Somogyvri from Hungary. Many Dzogchen Teaching) during the Body of them took our retreat fl yers home. Mind Spirit Festival in Bucharest this For all questions, cheerful staff, Bea, spring at the end of March. The aim of Juliana, Mira and Greg, were always on this event was to promote a wide range the spot, ready to give information. of activities connected with healthy All in all, we turned this presentation living, food and certainly with spiritual for “deepening interest in” into “con- aspects of our existence (meditation, necting with”! yoga and relaxation techniques). The Merigar East retreat is coming soon! Juliana, Bea, Mira, Greg on the Dzogchen Community stand. Photo: G. Ladra

Oradea, Romania towns of Romania and even from Hun- Six Spaces of Samantabhadra gary – due to the devoted work of our in- Vajra Dance structor, we were all able to perform this By Beatrix Csete beautiful dance at the end of the course. Ever since then, thanks to the constant n the period February 19–21, the help of the Merigar East Gakyil, a small Gakyil of Merigar East organised group of six practitioners from Oradea Ithe fi rst Vajra Dance Course for have managed to rent a place and to beginners in Oradea, Romania. The practice this dance weekly. We are very course on the Vajra Dance of the Six happy about this priceless opportunity. Spaces of Samantabadra was guided We express our gratitude towards our by the instructor Rita Renzi from precious Master, our wonderful instruc- Italy. tor and the ME Gakyil for their support. For the fi rst two days the venue May our practice be fortunate for all for the course was a beautiful sentient beings. catholic chapel in a cultural centre called Posticum, while the last day of the course was held at the Cultural Palace of Trade Unions in Oradea. Despite the wide range of the course participants – local community members, newcomers from other Photo: A. Paizs

Russian Speaking Countries

N Upcoming courses: Basics of Tibetan Medicine and Sangyeling Ku Nye Massage ESTONIA With Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo June 1–10, 2010, Moscow Sherabling Pre-registration is required, the dates Padmaling are approximate, for registration and LATVIA information contact Kungaling [email protected] LITHUANIA * Rinchenling Six Spaces of Samantabhadra Vajra Dance, Open Supervision Jigdrelling The course is led by Anna Neyman

POLAND BELARUS under kind supervision of the international Vajra Dance instructor Adriana Dal Borgo May 29 to June 1, St. Petersburg You don’t need transmission to take part in this event, everybody is welcome! SLOVAKIA Tashiling Address: Drugoi Mir Center, Bumazhnaya str. 17, (Narvskaya metro station), Karmaling St. Petersburg. UKRAINE Schedule: On weekend (May 29) 15.30– Palphelling 18.00, 19.30–21.30; (May 30) 16.00– MOLDOVA 18.00, 19.30–21.30; on weekdays (May Phuntsokling 31, June 1) 19.00–21.30 ROMANIA Price: Non-members R 3000; Ordinary members R 2500; Sustaining and reduced members R 1500 Merigar East Register at: Kunsangar South Irina Ivanova irinafi [email protected] Elena Proshina [email protected] The map depicting the Russian-speaking Lings in Europe. Unfortunately we couldn’t fi t all the Russian-speaking Lings on the map (the distance from Tashiling in Kiev to Kunsanling in Vladivostok is over 7200 km). The Asia part will be covered in the next issues of The Mirror. THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News

24

Complete Breathing and 8 Move- Russian Speaking Countries continued Chögyal Namkhai Norbu: ments of Yantra Yoga open course Russian-speaking countries gakyil is happy to announce the upcoming Dzogchen: The Statements of Seven Main Points with the international instructor Fabio retreats in Russia and Ukraine (Tib. zhal-chems gzer-bu bdun-pa) of Shri Sengha. Open webcast Andrico Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai June 11–16 in Moscow June 4–8, St. Petersburg teaching Chod This unique course is aimed at a broad May 28–30 in Kunsangar South, Crimea, Ukraine Dzogchen: The Statements of the spectrum of people including those who Four States of Relaxation can’t do Yantra Yoga in full measure Yantra Yoga Teacher’s Training (Tib. bzhag-thabs bzhi) of Janasutra. Open webcast due to lack of physical training or other June 22–28 in Kunsangar South, Crimea, Ukraine June 18–20 in Saint Petersburg conditions, but who are interested in complete breathing which serves as the Contact emails are: Ati Yoga teaching of : base for kumbhaka. This unique course [email protected] for Moscow The Essential Light of Dharmata is also useful for those who wish to har- [email protected] for Petersburg (Tib. sems-nyid bsdus-pa’I sgron-ma) of Janasutra. Open webcast monize their energy, improve health or kunsangar.assistance for Crimea June 28–July 4 in Kunsangar South, Crimea, Ukraine discover a calm, relaxed and conscious More details you can get on http://en.2010.dzogchencommunity.ru/ state of mind which is the base for This website would be dedicated to the three retreats with Rinpoche and you will fi nd all info on travel, lodging and accomodation and all the other details. deeper self-understanding. Welcome! RSCG You don’t need transmission for participating in this event, everybody regardless of age and level of physical training is welcome! Breaking Through the Dust Cloud: Address: Drugoi Mir Center, Bumazhnaya Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai str, 17, (Narvskaya metro station), St. Petersburg Teaching in Ukraine Schedule: On weekdays (June 4, 7, 8) 19.00–21.30; on weekend (June 5, 6) Igor Berkhin 10.00–12.30, 15.00–17.00 Price: Non-members R 3000; Ordinary hen a volcano erupted also with the classic twelve links members R 2500; Sustaining and in Iceland, our main of interdependence, so it became Reduced member R 1500 Wconcern was if Yeshi very clear that the way we enter Register at: could fl y out of France. It looked samsara is exactly the way we lib- Marina Kuznetsova [email protected] like an obstacle for the Teach- erate; provided that we remain in Elena Proshina [email protected] ing coming from where no one the knowledge of our real condi- would have expected. But accord- tion, of course. ing to the Teaching, problems are The retreat was over but not the just visions of problems, so when Then we arrived in Donetsk. Teaching. Many people left for European air companies dis- Spring fi nally came after a long their homes happy and inspired. covered that the cloud was not a time of cold; the city was all in Then in the evening we returned problem, it became clear that the green with a lot of space every- to the Gonpa where everything panic about fl ying was just vision where. We had our retreat in the started and after the Ganapuja but nothing concrete. We could conference hall of a modern ho- Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai in Kiev. Photo: E. Zatolokina with fi fty people (now we know just relax and let things happen. tel where Yeshi was also staying, precisely how many can fi t into So the very fi rst fl ight allowed next to the brand new football there was a public talk for almost with commentary by Chögyal the Gonpa) Yeshi answered ques- from Charles de Gaulle to Kiev arena, which already became one two hundred people. Yeshi gave a Namkhai Norbu as Primordial tions. And since all the questions was exactly the fl ight we were of the most visited places in the general introduction to what the Experience. It was surprising related to practical experiences, waiting for. city. One day we went to see this mind is and then answered some that even though the text was ex- as a fi nal bonus we received ex- wonder of high-tech engineer- questions from the audience. tremely complicated, during ev- tremely precise and deep instruc- Yeshi taught for two days in Kiev. ing, joking how nice it would be ery session the whole audience tions on how to work with pres- First he visited the Gonpa of to have a retreat in such a place In the following three days we listened for two hours without ence, dreams, prana, and visions. Tashiling and met the Kiev Com- that looks like a giant UFO glow- had four sessions of retreat moving, reaching in the end a munity. About one hundred and ing with blue light at night. where about one hundred forty state similar to rushen when the During the whole retreat we fi fty people gathered in the eve- people were present, not only mind is no longer able to dual- never had a single problem with ning for the public talk and about The morning after his arrival, Ye- from Donetsk and neighboring istically grasp the meaning and people, organization, or weather. eighty attended the two sessions shi started by visiting the Gon- cities but also from quite remote has nothing to do but rest in its Everything manifested perfect- the next day on . Ye- pa of Phuntsokling (a Place of regions of Ukraine and Russia. natural presence and clarity. By ly. We came to the airport to say shi went step by step fi rst accord- Perfect Conditions) where we First he taught dream yoga and the end of each session the de- farewell to Yeshi who was leaving ing to the traditional approach of planned an informal meeting natural light according to a fa- mon of intellectual mind would to go back home for just a couple the lineage, with the Four with the Donetsk Community, mous book by Chögyal Namkhai be completely satisfi ed with this of days to see his family before Yogas and then connected it not tea and cakes, but unexpectedly Norbu and then commented on exquisite offering, eventually giv- leaving on another journey. The only with the Four Contempla- Yeshi gave a teaching for almost Do-la Ser-zhun, a famous text by ing space for the primordial ex- sky over Europe was clear and ra- tions of Dzogchen Semde, but two hours. Then in the afternoon Manjushrimitra translated and perience to manifest. diant blue.

Moxibustion in Kunpenling, Moscow with Elio Guarisco March 2–10, 2010

Song Park

rom March 2nd through eral theory of Tibetan Medicine March 11th Tibetan Moxi- and Medical astrology. He had Fbustion course was held in also shared with us many stories Kunpenling – Dzogchen Commu- and case studies that he had expe- nity Center in Moscow, Russia. rienced through his many years There were forty-two participants of study and assistance in medi- from different parts of Russia. cal practice of Tibetan doctors. This was very special and precious Elio also shared with us his deep opportunity for us, as we had the knowledge in various points of ties and their applications and cones and how to apply them on legendary technique. All of us felt possibility to study a comprehen- Tibetan medicine, as well as dif- indications. Beside this study, different points in accordance very blessed with this wonderful sive course of Tibetan Moxibus- ferent recipes and recommenda- Elio taught us how to do cup- with personal indications of par- teaching of our precious Master tion along with excerpts of the tions that were suitable to stud- ping and Mongolian Horme ticipants. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, who terma teaching of Changchub ied materials. compresses. Every day was fi lled On the last day Elio kindly like the kindest parent gives us – Dorje in regards to moxibustion. In nine days we succeeded in with both theory and practice, agreed to demonstrate the golden his students – not only the high- Elio Guarisco very gracefully learning about the locations of accompanied with a lot of smoke needle technique, and two of par- est teachings for total realization, introduced us to the points of fi ve hundred moxibustion points from moxa cones. Everybody got ticipants had an exclusive oppor- but also such practical and useful moxibustion, along with the gen- of the trunk, head and extremi- to learn how to hand-roll moxa tunity to experience directly this knowledge for everyday needs. THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News

25

Otherwise you can rent a cottage in the Ukraine village of Orlinoye (10 km, bus every half hour). If you want to stay at the seaside, Kunsangar South Starts then Laspi is the magic word – there Building Gonpa! are hotels and camping sites at the sea, but one might need a car to get to the Gakyil of Russian Gar. And there is always the possibil- Speaking Countries ity to camp near the Gar – we have the agreement with the forest patrol. EU, e are glad to tell you that This Gar is named Kunsangar South, USA and many other citizens don’t need we have started building the which implies that there are going to be visas to come to Ukraine, you can fl y W gompa of Kunsangar South. other Kunsangars – North or maybe cheaply from many cities in Europe via During recent years we had this also East... in 2008 Rinpoche told us Kiev by wizzair.com, so you are welcome project of buying some land in Crimea. that we should have at least two Gars to come. We had several possible locations, but for such a big territory as we have. somehow because of various reasons So, when we bought the land we The model of the future gonpa of Kunsangar South (by Tanya Maksimenkova). Also June 22–28 we are having the Yan- we couldn’t buy any until last Decem- didn’t have any understanding about tra Yoga Teacher’s Training with Fabio ber, when we found and bought a piece how it should be developed. But later, possibility to provide the appropriate Andrico and Laura Evangelisti for about of land near Sevastopol. It was impor- with the help of Yeshi Namkhai we were heating). The fi rst ever retreat at the new Gar will 30 participants who may later become tant to fi nd some land so that we would able to clarify that if we wanted to have By the time of the retreat in June we take place in May, when Yeshi Namkhai teachers. So you see, the schedule is be able to have a retreat with Rinpoche our home, we must start building it, expect to have built the concrete foun- comes May 28–30 to teach “Chod”. The quite intense. in June–July 2010 at the new Gar. so that by the time Chögyal Namkhai dation and columns, which will be used gompa will still be under construction, The Dzogchen communities of Rus- Norbu comes to us, we would already to support a big tent resembling the but we will set up another tent that we Certainly this is only the beginning. sia, Ukraine, Belarus and Latvia cover a have some material foundation. shape of the future roof of the gompa. can use later as a canteen. The condi- A little has been done and a lot more large territory and in total have around As a base we took the original project Later when the roof is fi nished, we will tions at this retreat will be very simple, needs to be done. So any kind help – 1500 members. A lot of retreats are or- of the Merigar East gompa by Giovanni still be able to use this tent around as a lot of things still need to be ex- know-how, karma-yoga, fi nancial – is ganized here, but always renting hotels Boni and Romanian architects. So this the gompa for big retreats in summer. plored. If you want to come, as accom- surely welcome. We don’t have a gecko and halls is not easy, which is why it was would be a 200 sq.m. octagonal build- So this is our primary task. Then after modation you can rent an apartment yet, so if by chance you can speak at very important for us to have a Gar, so ing with local sandstone walls, though the retreat we are going to proceed in Sevastopol somewhere near the bus least basic Russian or Ukrainian and that we had grounds and conditions for in the future we will be able to change with the roof and maybe start building stations “Avtovokzal” or “Pyatyi kilo- can dedicate your time to this work- growth and for maintaining the teach- the walls into glass ones (if we have the offi ce-gecko’s house-canteen and metr” – two places where you can get a welcome! ings. Rinpoche’s house. bus to the Gar (distance is about 20 km).

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

Upcoming Programs Namgyalgar 2010 the Anniversary of Nyagla Padma Dun- Blue: Slavica Voglar; Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Santi Maha Sangha Program dul so a time for doing the practices of New Gaykil Annette Facer: International contact; Australia & Asia Pacifi c with Elise Stutchbury, U.P.E. and Guru Yoga of the White A. Gabrielle Kearney Tour authorized SMS Base teacher For information contact the Namgyalgar Red: Dean Wickenden; Anna Marsich Further information about the program of secretary: [email protected] Yellow: Kattia Wong New Zealand SMS teaching on the Base and a Level * Supported by Richard Clarke Weekend Teaching: January 28–30 One Study group is available from con- The Essence of Practice: Taking For further Information go to tact the Namgyalgar: Refuge & Developing Buddha Mind NZ Dzogchen Community Website: [email protected] A Weekend Retreat with www.dzogchen.org.nz * Elise Stutchbury Karma Yoga Weekend in Sydney May 15/16, 2010 Australia June 12–14 Registrations: [email protected] Namgyalgar Retreat: February 4–8 Traditionally the long weekend in June * Caloundra Retreat: February 21–25 is dedicated to Karma Yoga so that Course in the Dance of the Melbourne Teaching: March 11–13 Vajra Sangha can come together and Six Spaces of Samantabhadra Namgyalgar Retreat: March 18–23 share in the care and maintenance of with Cosimo Dimaggio For further Information go to Namgyalgar. in Brisbane, Qld. Namgyalgar Website: Help is needed with weeding, collect- May 29/30, 2010 www.dzogchen.org.au ing stick litter, cleaning, repairs, road up- Inquiries: Joanna Giblin keep, preparing meals, and so on. There Tel: 07.37160340-0409 809 196 Asia will also be time to do some collective [email protected] Singapore Retreat: March 31–April 4 practice, catch up with Vajra brothers Taipei Teaching Retreat: April 8–11 and sisters and generally enjoy the Gar. Tokyo Teaching Retreat: April 15–19 As Saturday is New Moon there will be a Ganapuja in the evening. It is also Chöd Retreat at Namgyalgar pet, actively utilising sound and energy April 2010 as part of the method for overcoming dualism and detaching from the demon he Chöd retreat held at Nam- of the ego. gyalgar over the Easter holiday Throughout the duration of the T period was attended by around retreat, those seeking further clarifi ca- 40 people who enjoyed a stirring and tions about aspects of the Chöd practice powerful experience. were most grateful for Angie’s patient The retreat was led by SMS Base and thorough answers to their ques- teacher, Angie Gilbert, who gave clear tions. and concise instructions on each nu- During the retreat the Annual Gen- ance of the Chöd verses, the detail eral Meeting of the Dzogchen Commu- taking nothing away from the huge nity of Namgyalgar was held which was energy of this practice. Each teaching followed by a large Ganapuja attended session included an explanation about by those at the retreat as well as local the practice as well as its application, practitioners. enabling retreatants to familiarise Overall it was a most benefi cial themselves well with the Chöd, which retreat enjoyed by all who attended in- was practised several times over the 5 cluding a number of new people. Many days of the retreat. thanks to Angie for her great effort Angie also demonstrated how to and guidance, and to all who helped use the Chöd drum and vajra bell which facilitate the organisation and running many practitioners used during the of the retreat, including Rabgyi, Lisa, Yantra Yoga course at Wellpark Campus in Auckland, New Zealand from April 2–5, 2010 with Emily Coleing. practice, along with a thigh bone trum- Viki, Catherine, Barbara and Chris. THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News

26 East DCA Tsegyalgar East Tsegyalgar PO Box 479 Phone: 413 369 4153 [email protected] Conway, MA 01341 USA Fax & Bookstore: 413 369 4473 www.www.tsegyalgareast.org

June 11–13 July 24–25 Irregular Dance of the Three Vajras 3rd series of Yantra Yoga with Calendar with Anastasia McGhee Pranayama Tsegyalgar East, Conway MA with Paula Barry of Events To be confi rmed June 26–27 SMS 7th Mind Training August 20–26 2010 with Jim Valby Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Retreat Rinpoche’s cabin, Khandroling, & Yantra Yoga May 29–30 Buckland MA with Jim Valby & Lynn Sutherland Short Chöd Retreat with Jim Valby July 16–18 Contact: 413 369 4153 or secretary@ Rinpoche’s cabin, Khandroling, Khyentse Yeshi tsegyalgar.org Buckland MA Silvano Namkhai Visit and Teaching Retreat Tsegyalgar East, Conway MA

on lower Khandroling to be a home Additionally, we are looking for people Karma Yoga Help for Rinpoche. To fi nish this project in who are interested to help with various Needed time for Yeshi’s visit, we need your tasks for putting on the retreat. We will help!!! Karma Yoga jobs can include: provide free accommodations to per- · construction sons who are coming to Tsegyalgar East e are very excited by the visit · landscaping and gardening to help prepare for this retreat. of the Vajra Master, Khyentse · painting WYeshi Silvano Namkhai this · decorating and beautifi cation of the Interested persons can contact Gekö, July to North America (www.tseg- house David Hayes, at geko@tsegyalgar. yalgar.org/tsegyalgar/YSN_2010. · cleaning and beautifi cation of upper org or 413-230-8305 or DCA secretary, html). The retreats are only 10 weeks Khandroling Asruh Warner at 413-369-4153 or away!!! · preparation of campsites [email protected] To prepare for this visit, we are very much in need of Karma Yoga help. We We thank you very much for all of your help are very much hoping to fi nish the in putting on these retreats!!!! project of renovating the farmhouse The Gakyil of Tsegyalgar East

Phase 2 Construction of Khandroling’s Vajra Hall Begins A Permanent Place for the Universal Mandala

s part of its larger Khan- designed to house the Universal droling Development Mandala that has a diameter of Aplans, Tsegyalgar East is 72 feet (23 meters). The structure beginning Phase 2 of the project will be an open pavilion with a di- to build a Vajra Hall to house the ameter of 108 feet (35.5 meters) Universal Mandala on the site and an exterior dome height of where Chogyal Namkhai Norbu 35 feet (11.5 meters). Phase 1 of received many teachings through the project, which was completed the clarity of his dreams, includ- in the 2009 building season, in- ing the Dance of the Vajra. Phase volved excavating the area down 2 construction will last for the to the bedrock, creating 12 pole entire 2010-building season in holding bases in concrete and a Western Massachusetts that ex- circular wall all below ground. tends from April to November. Phase 2 of the construction The Vajra Hall will be situat- involves anchoring 12 large steel

ture. Next will be a series of renovation of the old farmhouse Tsegyalgar East is asking peo- wooden trusses, which hold the will also be completed on lower ple from communities all over building together, then construc- Khandroling. It will function pri- the world, to come and help us tion, and covering of the roof and marily as the private housing for make the precious Khandroling, the addition of a circle of sky light the founder and teacher Chög- Land of the , a beautiful windows to bring light into the yal Namkhai Norbu, and his son and well serving place for doing structure from above. All of the Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai practice and personal retreats. steel fabrication and installation and their families when they are At Tsegyalgar East we have sev- will be done by outside contrac- visiting the Gar. eral cabins and a tors while the wooden trusses; The Community will need to cabin available for personal use, the Tsegyalgar community de- do a lot of work in relation to the as well as offering many courses pending on the availability of clearing of the land and creating and collective practice retreats skilled volunteers and available good landscape solutions for the throughout the year. Community funds might do skylights and areas around all of our new and members wishing to participate roof. The total estimated cost old building projects. We will in karma yoga on Khandroling of Phase 2 is between $ 400,000 need to do extensive site plan- should contact Tsegyalgar East’s and $ 450,000 most of which ning for areas like parking, po- secretary or gekö, secretary@ Several months ago a transformation started in the lower part of Khandroling. A handful of has been generously given to the tential new housing, recreational tsgeyalgar.org or gekö@tsegyal hardcore Community workers started transforming the old farmhouse in lower Khandroling community by a single donor. areas, paths and walkways. The gar.org. For additional informa- into a new residential space with a small Gonpa for the Community to practice. This accom- plishment is setting the pace at Tsegyalgar East and this summer we are honored to start the Additional fundraising will be last years of severe snowstorms tion about the Vajra Hall proj- manifestation of the second phase of the Vajra Hall. As the weather continues to show it’s needed to complete Phases 2 & 3. had a very devastating effect ect and fundraising possibilities spring splendor, we would like to invite everyone to join us in this marvelous process, as we The Khandroling property, and broke many of our trees and please contact John LaFrance at gain momentum in the development of the Sacred Land of the Dakinis. with a total of 360 acres, has much work is needed to trans- [email protected]. ed on the second highest eleva- beams to the concrete bases and upper and lower portions. The form some areas into attractive tion at 454 feet (138 meters), on attaching them to a circular ten- Vajra Hall is on the upper por- looking gardens. the Khandroling property and is sion ring at the top of the struc- tion. This summer the over-all THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News

27 TsegyalgarEast

Yantra Yoga Advanced and Teacher Training at Tsegyalgar East with Laura Evangelisti and Fabio Andrico, April 1–10, 2010. Photo: A. Wai 30 Words of Advice of Longchenpa from April 16–17, 2010 with Elio Guarisco in Toronto, Canada.

West Tsegyalgar West [email protected] Tsegyalgar Baja California Sur, Mexico http://tsegyalgarwest.org

etable garden so that we can provide a Dondrub Ling News signifi cant portion of our own food. The (www.dzogchencommunitywest.org), casitas are very close to being fi nished, Seattle (www.dzogchenseattle.org), hings have been blooming in the with electricity being installed as we Portland (www.oregondzogchen.com), West. The Dream Yoga/External speak. San Diego (www.tsegyalgarwest.org/ T Rushen Practice retreat with One of the most wonderful develop- San Diego). Michael Katz at the Gar in April was ments at Tsegyalgar West is the kind You can access them all through warm, friendly and heavy on practice. collaboration of our friends from Pel- tsegyalgar.org (See photo) zom Ling in Mexico City (pelzomling@ Joel Crisp, Blue Gakyil This is always one of our most popu- hotmail.com) who have offered to lar and well-attended retreats – year af- spearhead an upgrade to our kitchen ter year. As we look forward to summer, facilities. If you would like to donate to Dondrubling, Berkeley our focus shifts to personal retreats (for this very important project, just contact Yantra Yoga those who can handle the heat). Please our new Secretary Marina de Paula with Paula Barry contact us to book yours. We have the ([email protected]) Open course for Beginners most wonderful staff at the Gar right and specify exactly what you would like June 11–13 now: Tania, Igor, and the “little Bud- your gift to go toward – refrigerator, * dha” Max from Russia, Vanessa from solar panels, etc. Intermediate course for those with transmission Mexico who lived for many years in The many Lings and groups associ- 1st and 2nd group with pranayamas Dream Yoga and Japanese monasteries, and Inbal – a ated with Tsegyalgar West are busy June 18–20 External Rushen joyous lady from Israel (twestoffi ce@ with activity. Please contact them or see Contact : Retreat with Mi- chael Katz in Baja gmail.com). Many hours of karma yoga their websites to see what’s happening [email protected] March 30–April 3, are being put into developing the veg- right now! or [email protected] 2010.

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

photo]. They also presented her with of starting small vegetable gardens and Great News a thanka of Goma Devi and a one-year an increase in the number of fruit trees. meritorious membership. The Gar will be looking for people inter- he great news from Tashigar Under the rules governing the ested in spending at least one year here North is that the local authori- new project, our activities as retreat to develop these small scale-farming T ties accepted the new status of center for the teachings of Rinpoche is projects that could produce fruits and the land. After three years of very hard recognized. Furthermore, the govern- vegetables such as watermelon and to- work, Maria Angelica Gomez succeeded ment acknowledges the positive effect matoes for the Community and the sur- in arranging the new conditions of that Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has had rounding villages. People responsible Tashigar North, which will allow much upon Isla Margarita in attracting many for this could probably make a living more fl exibility to develop as a proper people from around the world and this way; and it is likely the Gar could Gar. this infl ux of tourists reaps monetary make an initial loan to cover the start up Three years ago Rinpoche held a benefi ts to a socially and economically costs. Other options include starting a meeting at his house in Tashigar North depressed part of the island. Also, in nursery and labeling the existing botani- and explained that he wished to see the new project, the village and the Gar cal plants that are already established that the three aspects that make up the will be able to double the number of throughout the Gar. whole project (the village, the Gar, and people staying here. In fact, eight new Everyone is very pleased with this the farm) be unifi ed and that the activi- lots have been added to the project, project and the future activities that it ties of the Gar legalized. As the land at along with the possibility for a large will provide. Tashigar is located in an agricultural dormitory, therapy center, a home for Tashigar North Gakyil valley, the initial project was developed the aged, retreat cabins, the universal under the umbrella of a farming com- mandala and three churatas. pany (Agricola Tashigar) activity, which and as a result the Gar felt pressured tural umbrella and open the possibilities Although it is still required that we consisted mainly in growing aloe vera to maintain the aloe. In order to resolve for using the land in other ways. Ulti- continue with some agricultural activi- and producing aloe vera gel. this issue, Rinpoche asked Maria An- mately, she succeeded and the Gakyil of ties, the scale is much smaller and we will But the main activity of the Gar, cen- gelica to meet with the local authorities Tashigar North celebrated her success be able to include existing fruit trees and tered on the retreats of Rinpoche, was to see what could be done to make our here recently with French Champagne, other plants already planted. The future not fully recognized by the authorities Gar less dependent upon the agricul- caviar, and raw smoked salmon [see projects at TN will include the possibility THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News

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

the world for the practice of the Vajra in a very real way. People do not take Winter on the Gar Dance. The mandala in the Gonpa is offense easily, and things go well. smooth and almost liquid, the colors The houses are full. It is a living Lauri Denyer softening with each year and the im- thing, our gar, that wants to go on liv- print of feet marking the rounds of the ing. That is the spirit of the people that he sea is calm and blue and the dance step by step. Practice continues are there, who want to continue in this sky is too. under the canopy of the decorated place, despite any obstacles. T The palm trees toss and the birds Gonpa, the delicate bracts of the bou- In early April we heard that Rinpoche twitter on in Tashigar North. Rinpoche gainvillea blowing across the mandala, will come back for two weeks in Novem- is not here, but he will come back soon. in the same space where so many mar- ber. Also that projects long in the works It is beautiful. Many practitioners velous teachings have been given for the have born fruit. And so our wishes have come, from all over the world, and fi rst time. come true, and it rains a little, and the are attending webcasts, doing prac- Early in the morning, even before it plants are a little less thirsty now, in the tices, formal and informal, organizing is light, the gardeners are watering the light of the sun that always shines so courses, doing karma yoga, and going plants, and taking care of the grounds. brightly. to the beach. It’s a perfect place in so There is good will between people, many ways. Maybe it’s the best place in maybe because impermanence is felt Alix de Fermor works in the garden at Tashigar North.

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

Advanced Level 1 Vajra Dance Course in April with Adriana dal Borgo. Rinpoche, Rosa and friends on a tour of Tashigar South to decide future projects. Photo: D. Simonelli

Passages Born: Gabriel was born on December 29, 2009 at 10:35 am in São Paulo, Brazil to Otavio Lilla and Marta Zaidan Lilla. He is very healthy and active and already quite bossy for his age. One of the very fi rst things he heard when he was born was the Song of the Vajra! Complete Breathing Course with Fabio Andrico from April 24–27, 2010 at Norbuling, Lima, Peru.

Main Offi ce: PO Box 479, Conway, MA 01341, USA * Tel: 413 369 4208 * Fax: 413 369 44 73 * [email protected] * * European Offi ce: The Mirror, Istituto Shang Shung, Podere Nuovissimo, GR 58031 Arcidosso, Italy * Tel: 39 32 98 86 52 92 * [email protected] * * Editorial Staff: Naomi Zeitz, Tsegyalgar, Conway, MA, USA * Liz Granger, Istituto Shang Shung, Arcidosso, Italy * * Literary Editor: John Shane * * Advisors: Des Barry, Adriano Clemente, Anna Eid, Barbara Paparazzo, Jim Valby * * International Blue Gakyil Advisor: Fabio Andrico, International Publications Committee * * English Language Advisor: Liz Granger * * Layout & Design: Thom- as Eifl er * * Web Site Managers: Thomas Eifl er, Malcolm Smith * * Printer: Turley Publications, Palmer, MA, USA * * Distribution: Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA, USA * * Subscription Rate/6 Issues: $35 US available through Tsegyalgar; 30  through Merigar * * Visa and Master card welcome * * Online Mirror: www..com * * All material © 2009 by The Mirror * * Reprint by permission only * * We reserve the right to edit all submissions. THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Review

29

principles of presence; the need compromising Dzogchen teach- Ornament of the State of for secrecy (and non-secrecy) of ings, always getting back to what Samantabhadra – Commentary on atiyoga; a long chapter on direct is fundamental and most fruitful: manifestations (with important presence, presence, presence. the All-Creating King Pure Perfect explanations of how to teach Certainly in terms of ongoing Presence Great Perfection of All others, the principle of non- translation projects into English, striving, mistakes of the eight alongside Adriano Clemente’s Phenomena lower vehicles, how presence in translation of the Santi Maha Written by Khenpo Zhenphen Oser Dzogchen supersedes the views Sangha and longsal teachings of and translated by Jim Valby of the eight lower vehicles; the Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, Rich- real condition; a chapter on rel- ard Barron’s translation of the ics; all is just-that-ness; self-per- seven treasures of Longchen- Andy Lukianowicz fected qualifications; presence pa, Elio Guarisco and the Kalu as the birthplace of everything Rinpoche Translation Group’s n the late 70s and early 80s at lated, analysed and commented (and how the perfections, kayas, translation of the universal Bud- teachings Chögyal Namkhai by D. T. Suzuki in the third series teachers and retinues all arise dhist encyclopaedia of Jamgon I Norbu Rinpoche would of- of his Essays in Buddhism), from presence). Chapter 21–29 Kongtrul, John Reynolds’ trans- ten mention an important Tantra that was the most important tan- achievement). The text of the tan- treat the transcendence of cause lations from the Zhang Zhung for the Dzogchen Semde series of tra of the Dzogchn Semde series tra is enriched with an interlineal and effect, in particular the prin- Nyan Gyud, and Robert Svobo- teachings, the Kunjed Gyalpo. In- of teachings. early twentieth century commen- ciples of explanation; objectless da’s extraordinary trilogy on terested scholarly types found out Then in 1999 Rinpoche and tary (started by Khenpo Thubten non-abiding; presence is beyond the teachings of Aghori Vimala- from an Eva Dargye article that it Adriano Clemente compiled, ed- Pema Rabgye and completed af- struggle and achievement and be- nanda, Jim’s work stands an im- expressed a version of ited, annotated and translated ter his death by his student Khen- yond cause and effect; phenom- portant and comprehensive addi- the god creator myth (!) and from into Italian selected passages po Zhenphen O˘ ser, both of ). The ena are just-that-ness (with a de- tion to the presentation of major Samten Karmay that according to from the Kunjyed Gyalpo (which total translation will comprise tailed explanation on the way the works pertaining to teachings tenth century rulers of Guge (West I translated into English for pub- five volumes, and a further two five elements are presence); an of individual masters or textual Tibet) that it was a dangerous text lication by Snow Lion); the first volumes will contain Jim’s trans- important chapter on perfection cycles. This is essential read- that should be banned. Rinpoche half of the book consisted in an lation of Longchenpa’s impor- beyond action in terms of path, ing for all those interested in would often teach the six vajra historical and contextual over- tant special commentary Kunjed meditation, action and fruit; nat- the view, theory and philosophy lines of the Cuckoo of Presence view of the text and its place in Düdön and a critical edition of urally presence is naturally pure of Dzogchen and especially stu- (Rigpai Khujug) that epitomised the Dzogchen teachings. the Tibetan text. space with no path or enlighten- dents of Santi Maha Sangha (of the Dzogchen teachings, ex- At the time Jim made available Just the contents of Vol. 2 ment and samsara is not be re- which Jim is a base course teach- plaining that all five early trans- some passages he had translated (chapters 11–29) – which I am re- jected; presence is unchanging er). Thank you, Jim, for all your lations done by the great Tibetan of the text, which only whetted viewing – are amazing in scope. essence, with explanation of the work. Dzogchen master and translator the appetite for the whole trans- Chapters 11–20 treat of the de- defects of the views of the eight Vairocana, were subsumed in the lation, and at last we have it in finitive state, in particular the lower vehicles; total relaxation The book costs $30 and is avail- Kunjyed Gyalpo (rather as the last our hands! And, the final result essence of the all-creator as the and the natural state. Through- able at the bookstore of the chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra is greater and better. A glance at root of all phenomena; the way out the text rings Jim’s direct, un- Shang Shung Institute USA, and is the self-standing Gandavyuha the table of contents shows the presence is the root of all; the complicated and sonorous trans- can purchased at the SSI website Sutra, so clearly partially trans- scope of Jim’s labour (and great purposes and definitions of the lation of the poetic, clear and un- www.shangshung.org/store.

Master, I have known you for so Something is happening, some- Drinking Sogtig, inhaling heav- Glowing Lotus, A Poem for many years, and I have never seen thing in us is liberating, and it en, infinite space, we are trans- Rinpoche you so beautiful, so strong, like happens so fast. forming our bodies, prolonging Light of Dharma, an oak or, as you say:” I am like a life, we are preparing to travel Charo Veràstegui pine, always green”. Jewel of Heaven, please I beg you, with you, to travel all together to At your feet we bow, see us always with compassion, the Land of Kechara, the pure di- Charo Veràstegui from Peru read this How many surprises you bring, clean our mind from ignorance, mension of . Dharmaraja Namkhai Norbu, poem to Rinpoche at the opening of how you take care of us, your dispel hindrances, open the force the Mandarava Retreat recently held tribe, your creation! within us, with your inconceiv- Marvelous Vajra Mandarava! in Tashigar South. able generosity, your free Mandarava is the secret of the laughter, your light in the dark- he miracle has begun. The secrets, heart essence of hun- ness. sky roars, the Queen of dred of thousands of Dakinis, T the Single Eye observes, she brought you back to us from The sacred chudlen pills open and allows. sickness. How can we thank her? unknown spaces, clean channels, How can we be so fortunate? dispel suffering, melt our mind We are all gathered again, around with yours. our beloved Master, in his small Maestro, my small understand- crystal cave, that shelters thou- ing cannot conceive this unique What are you preparing us for, sands of practitioners all over the alchemy. Master? world at the same time like the miracle of the horn of .

What gathers us now?

Gifts from heaven... treasures of your precious mind... a princess of Zahor, perfect beauty, fresh laughter. Mandarava is her name. How is it that you know her? How does she come to you? Aren’t you Manda- rava yourself ?

From your immense smile emerg- es thousands of Mandaravas, ar- www.jcrows.com riving floating like mist, like pet- als, like fine rain, and each one of them, opens in us, the miracle of J. Crow’s ® the awakening. Mulling Spice Folk Medicine “If it is good for me, then it is Tibetan Medicine good for you,” told us in Margar- ita. “Look how I was; look how I SpicedCider.com am now.” fax or phone: 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 Shang Shung Institute

30

>> Interview continued from page 7 very generously for long time. In don’t print a lot of copies because books about each of Rinpoche’s book containing a more in depth resources, accounting, secretari- general it is hard to find some- sometimes the books are chang- uncles, Togden Ugyen Tendzin explanation of Gomadevi. al staff, logistics etc. one with the right skill, time and ing over time, Rinpoche is saying and Khyentse Chökyi Wangchug, Some works in process are There are three crucial points availability for little money or for new things, we have to update that are in process and have draw- based on retreats that Rinpoche that we have to face. One is good free. This is a long process that and add new practices, so usually ings and illustrations, and these gave recently like the Nyingthig editing, the second is the graph- we are following now, we already we print five hundred copies of books are quite expensive to pro- Yangti teachings, a terma by ics which have developed a lot have about four or five new edi- one internal book and then later duce. There is the Moxibustion Changchub Dorje he transmit- both for external and internal tors working, but it is difficult to we do a new edition, and in this book that Rinpoche wrote and ted in Namgyalgar, and we have books (like the new Thun Book find someone who has the same case professional printers are very has many drawings for the moxa to publish the Lhalung Sang- for example), and the third point style and skill as Nancy Simmons, expensive because the less num- points, etc. There is one called dag, a terma teaching of his uncle is marketing, how to sell the for example. Nancy has a particu- bers you print the more it costs. The Temple of Great Liberation re- Khyentse he gave in Margarita, product, which is not very well lar capacity that we cannot dupli- garding the Merigar Gonpa, then then the original text of Kumar developed at this point. We are cate. But we would like to go in M: Can you tell us about the pro- the second and third volumes of Kumari that is the Yantra Yoga for trying to do many things in this this direction: to find people who cess of a book, from its inception The Light of Kailash, then there is a children, there will be new edi- direction but it requires a lot of have a deep knowledge of the to completion? new book of Yantra Yoga for the tions of Santi Maha Sangha 2nd work, especially for public books. teachings, who have been follow- IG: The first step is that in the be- general public, this should be a and 3rd Levels, and for most of We do not have our own distribu- ing for many years, who are avail- ginning the editorial staff tries to book and DVD; the DVD, edited these books we have to do both tion so we have contacted distrib- able and can work for not a lot of choose the books that should be by Fabio Andrico, is ready now Italian and English editions and utors like Amazon, Snow Lion, money. These are the conditions published. The decision is based but there are a lot of expenses then we have to oversee the trans- Wisdom Books and these kinds that we have to respect for finding on the advice of the Tibetan trans- linked to it for printing all the lation of the books in other lan- of publishers and distributors. new collaborators. lators, along with the staff that movements through pictures, guages. All the books of SSE are Now we are in the process of we already have, and we decide and writing a new text from the made in both Italian and English. developing a publishing house M: So you need more sponsor- which retreat and teaching we beginning is a big job. We also Presently 90 % of the first editions that can cope with all these as- ship? are interested to publish. We do have the idea to publish a book are in English. We had two excep- pects and with the new projects, IG: For sure we need sponsor- a kind of list of possible books. that Rinpoche wrote on astrol- tions of recent books written first especially public books, and we ship for certain books because Of course we always submit our ogy – Rinpoche has many books in Italian and one was the biogra- are also working together with the public books require a lot of proposals to Rinpoche to get his that still need to be translated – phy of Rinpoche’s uncle Khyentse the Ka Ter project for this. The Ka care. Also we need money for bet- approval. then a very great work is Dorje translated into Italian by Enrico Ter, managed by Oliver Leick, is a tering the quality by hiring more Then the real work starts of Sempa Namkha Che, The Total Space Dell’Angelo, and the other is the project of Shang Shung Institute editors. Usually in the Communi- the transcribers and translators. of Vajrasattva. There will be a new book on the practice of Gomadevi that is devoted to translating the ty we have a good response when Sometimes both, because re- edition with the original text and edited by Enzo Terzano. These original tantras of the Dzogchen we ask for help, so we just have to cently Rinpoche is giving many a commentary by Vairochana. are very rare until now. teaching. continue to explain what we are teachings based on Tibetan texts. Some other projects of Adria- Shang Shung Edizioni and There are some books that doing and why we need money: So there is a new trend of books no Clemente are the publication Shang Shung Institute also have need particular care and are very to better the condition of Shang where there is a transcription but of Rinpoche’s poems, advice to the responsibility of the copy- expensive. They are also not Shung Edizioni in order to pub- also a Tibetan text. Transcriptions students, and these are very in- right of all this texts, so we have books for a big market, but ap- lish better and more books. are not difficult because many teresting books. to make contracts with people peal to a limited market. For ex- people are ready to transcribe, Then there are some public who want to translate the books ample we recently have published M: Is it true that sometimes cer- but rough transcriptions are very books, like the famous Dzogchen in different languages. the first volume of the The Light of tain groups within the Dzogchen far from the final text. Adriano tantra Mejung, which is almost Kailash. It is a fantastic book writ- Community sponsor particular Clemente, Elio Guarisco and Jim complete. M: Are you finding that there are ten by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu books? Valby are doing most of the trans- The internal books are: A any other big distributing houses about the , but it is IG: It does happen, but not so lation work from the Tibetan. As book on Namkha by Rinpoche besides Dharma houses that are a very specialized book. This text, much. We have an example of a I already said, now other trans- that should be translated because interested to distribute our books? translated by Donatella Rossi, book from a retreat done in Aus- lators are collaborating, but the now we have published the oral IG: Amazon is interested be- required a lot of editing, graph- tria, in this case the Austrian main translators must review all teaching on Namkha, then the cause they distribute everything, ics and also a good presentation, Community paid for the publi- the work of the new translators. original text on Vajra Dance and whatever we propose they accept. printing and binding, etc. In cases cation and the printing. In gen- Then after the final transla- we probably need one year more Other than that, no. As I said in like this we need sponsorship. We eral there is not so much group tion and/or transcription arrives to finish it, there are more things the beginning, one of our weak are also working on a book about sponsorship, it is more like indi- at SSE, we have to edit the books, to clarify with the Dance teachers points is the marketing. We do a the Merigar West Gonpa, very rich vidual sponsorship, donors. But again, design the style, and then and with Rinpoche, then there lot of the publishing and prepara- with photos and drawings, etc. of course the group sponsorship there are the graphics, how the are several commentaries writ- tion of the books, so up until now We are looking for qualified can be greatly developed and we books should be, the layout, the ten by Rinpoche on his Longsal we did not have enough possibil- editors but in general the prin- are moving in this direction. cover, etc. Now with the help of teachings, on the Tregchö, on ity to also work on the marketing ciple when working for the Com- Dan Zegunis we are trying to have the Ati Gongpa Ngotrö, a com- aspect. It is a huge field. Not only munity is not money. We cannot M: Are we still printing books ‘in good layouts with public books, mentary on the Longsal Longde, external books, but also our inter- pay professional people a lot of house’? and have some new editions that the Vajra Bridge. nal books can be distributed in a money – it is not only that we don’t IG: We are still printing many have a better presentation. Then we worked for many better way when Rinpoche is go- have the money, but also that is internal books by ourselves, but It is very difficult to predict years on the explanation of our ing somewhere to do retreats all not the style of the Community. some of them and all the public how long each book takes be- Thuns because until now there over the world, etc. We had some As practitioners we have to sup- books are printed by an external cause we are depending on the is not one complete explana- improvement in time but this is port the Dzogchen Community printer. We are doing more and translators and transcribers. But tion or book on the Thuns. Elio still a challenge for us. This is a not vice versa. We should always more printing outside the Com- when the manuscript arrives at Guarisco is working on it and lot of work and it is difficult to remember this basic principle. munity and this increases costs SSE it is more or less one year be- we are trying to publish it soon, find people who are expert in this For example, most of our graph- considerably. We also considered fore the books can be printed. but it is also very demanding re- field and ready to dedicate their ics until now, as in the case of the but we did not decide yet about garding the graphics for , time to it. So we need to find a so- new Thun Book, were done for free printing on demand, because M: Does Rinpoche ever ask for deity images, layout of practices lution to this kind of marketing, by Fulvio Ferrari and Paolo Fas- this is also something that is an something to be printed? etc. We already did the Gomadevi but anyway all of our books are soli. They are very professional interesting new trend. Especial- IG: In general Rinpoche is pro- book in Italian and now there available on our web site http:// people but they offered their work ly for internal books, usually we moting all our publications giv- will be the English version, also shop-it.shangshunginstitute.org/. ing the Tibetan texts to the trans- it’s almost ready a book on Jñana- lators, helping the editors, giving dhakini Thugthig, different from M: In closing, can you sum up the >> continued from page 1 not a long lineage where we could advice and directions, backing Gomadevi. There is a book on most important needs of Shang at least a small attainment. As find any break in the samaya. all the projects. For books like the Three Paths of Liberation, a Shung Edizioni? Rinpoche has said many times, Always, in each retreat, I go The Light of Kailash, for example, teaching that Rinpoche transmit- IG: Finally, the truth is that we our whole life is not enough to to our Master to thank him for he was very involved and cared ted in Margarita, already on the have a lot of people willing to realize what we receive in just one being with us and giving us his very much. Usually we have many way to be finished, there is a new work, to do karma yoga, and of his retreats. teachings, but each time I think ideas regarding his oral teachings book on the practice of Green sponsorship sometimes. It is The Master explained that about it, there is nothing, no and we present our proposals to Tara including the twenty-one important that people buy our these practices of tsalung are words or acts that we in our hu- Rinpoche and ask if we can do praises transmitted by Rinpoche books and sponsor our activity aimed at developing inner heat, man condition could do, that them, and then if he agrees, the in Merigar and different places, offering their time and money. and that this is very important would be enough to thank him. I issue is producing them. there is a transcription of a retreat to attain bliss. He is the terton hope Mandarava gives him many on Green Tara given by Yuchen M: Thank you Igor for your work of these teachings. That is to more years for us to enjoy his M: Are there any particular titles Namkhai and Costantino Albini and for your time to do this inter- say, Rinpoche is the one who re- presence and in this presence, that Shang Shung Edizioni would coupled with a CD containing a view. ceived them for the first time in the one of all enlightened beings, like to produce in the future and very precise explanation of the this world and from him straight will continue to teach for the ben- for which you need sponsorship? right melodies for mantras and to us, that is why this practice be- efit of all sentient beings without IG: I have a list of external project- invocations, and there is also a comes so powerful, since there is exception. ed books for 2010. There are two THE MIRROR · No. 103 · March, April 2010 International Community News

31

The Story of Gyamtsholing, The New Ling in Venice, Italy

he fi rst practitioners in the sister of the Dalai and Venice and the Veneto Re- her husband participated. At the T gion participated in the time he was the director of the retreat at Monte Faito, one of Medical Institute of Dharamsala. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s fi rst The well-known doctor, Trogawa retreats in Italy, in April of 1980 Rinpoche, also participated and and afterwards met at the retreat a great number of other Tibetan in Volpago near Montebelluna, doctors. the fi rst teaching that the Master In 1985 the Master came back gave on Venetian soil, in July of to Venice and gave a cycle of the same year. Teachings at the Ateneo S. Bas- Luciano Rizzeto, one of so in Saint Mark’s Square and, Rinpoche’s fi rst students in the once again, at the Fondazione area, said that at one of the earli- Querini Stampalia. At that time er retreats, Rinpoche had said he Adriana Dal Borgo who is one of would like to do a retreat near Yu- the teachers of the Vajra Dance goslavia and so Guido Innocente today and Venetian by birth, was (who has since passed away), Lu- already active in the community. ciano and Ivan Bonesso who lived Between 1990 and 1992 a group Group photo at the Montebelluna retreat in 1980. Photo: Oliver Leick in Montebelluna, the area closest of practitioners from the main- to there, got together with other land found a place in Treviso gio set up weekly courses of Yan- tion to the study of Santi Maha The Gyamtsholing Community practitioners to organize the re- called ‘The Circle of Gold’ where tra Yoga open both to people Sangha in which about 30 people Gyamtsholing is located on the treat. we could do practices and Yantra outside the Community and to participated, including several upper fl oor of the Sant’Alvise The retreat had been planned Yoga and sometimes the group practitioners only. Nina Robin- new people and in May we will Sports Centre situated right on for the summer of 1979 but the from Venice also went there. It son has visited twice to teach and have Adriana Dal Borgo with us the lagoon in the S. Alvise area Master got ill and so the retreat seemed that this was defi nitely go into many aspects of the Man- again for a new course on the and easy to get to on foot or by was postponed until the follow- going to be ‘the place’ and we darava long-life practice more Dance of the Six Spaces. ferry. There is space there for Yan- ing summer. The teaching at the even asked the Master to give it a deeply. Adriana Dal Borgo has We have many ideas for the tra Yoga and collective practices retreat was on the Bardo. People name, but then everything fi zzled held courses on the Dance of the future: courses in Tibetan with and when there is need for more said that during the retreat it out – perhaps the time hadn’t Six Spaces and the Dance of the Fabian Sanders (who lives and space for bigger retreats and for rained the whole time and fol- matured yet. Song of the Vajra for new danc- teaches in Venice), greater collab- practicing the Vajra Dance, it lowing Rinpoche’s advice they lit In 1998 the Associazione ers who have come to the Man- oration with the Shang Shung In- is possible to rent rooms in the incense and practiced Serkyem to Culturale Comunita Dzogchen, dala. With an introductive course stitute for presentation of books Sports Centre on the lower fl oor. ward off the bad weather, and got Venice branch, was founded. At to contemplation in May 2009 in and sponsoring their publica- There is a beautiful park close some improvement, although the that time Ana Maria was teach- which many participated both old tion (as we have already done for to the Centre with a playground water element was always pres- ing Yantra Yoga to a lot of new and new, Fabio Risolo opened the the biography of Togden Ugyen for children and a small theatre ent. young practitioners and also for door to weekly meetings to prac- Tendzin), for Tibetan medicine and when the weather is good we tice shiné. (Dr. Namdol Lhamo will be back have great picnics under the trees Finally in September 2009, as in Venice September 14–18), a there. If you would like to come if to authenticate this new rhythm Kunye massage course with Aldo to Venice to participate in some of the Venetian Dzogchen Com- Oneto and a SMS study group. of our events, we have some spe- munity, Yeshi Silvano Namkhai There are many new practi- cial deals with the small hotels in came to give teachings on the tioners who come to listen to the city. Tibetan Book of the Dead. A the webcasts or to participate in We hope to have our website hundred or so participants fol- the practices. We hope that all up and running soon and in the lowed his teachings over a few the practitioners of the area will meantime, our contact person is days that were made crisp and become more and more active Lorenza Citton, email: clear by the cold north-east wind along with the gakyil to make [email protected] that welcomed him to Venice. Gyamtsholing a strong and sol- And thanks to Yeshi Namkhai id place of practice that will be and his suggestions, the gakyil, able to welcome those who are which had grown from three to truly interested in the precious six members, was able to make Dzogchen Teaching. We are sure the possibility of a Ling become that with the help of our precious concrete, right at the Sant’Alvise and compassionate Masters that Sports Centre where Yeshi had this wish will be fulfi lled well and A ganapuja at Anna Lessana’s house with practitioners from the whole area. given his teachings and where, soon. at his suggestion, the Venice In the autumn of 1981 Chögyal a certain period there were collec- Dzogchen Community has orga- Namkhai Norbu came to Venice tive retreats and practices for the nized its main activities. for the fi rst time, hosted by Ana Santi Maha Sangha Base level at This year’s Losar was celebrat- Maria Humeres and Carlos Ra- Carlos and Ana Maria’s. ed at this Centre together with mos and gave Teachings at the From that time on the Vene- the participation of associations Fondazione Querini Stampalia, a tian Dzogchen Community has of different spiritual traditions, well-known cultural centre with a undertaken a lot of activities. In including non-Buddhist, to the large library and museum in the particular in the early years of great joy of all. Shortly after, on heart of Venice, thanks to Gior- 2000 the Vajra Dance was devel- March 13 of this year, our pre- gio Busetto who was the director oped through courses with both cious master, Chögyal Namkhai at that time. Prima Mai and Adriana Dal Borgo Norbu, gave the place the name Ana Maria and Carlos opened and we bought a Dance Mandala “Gyamtsholing”, the “Ling of up their home to the practitioners that was made in Lithuania. Ga- the Ocean”. The new Ling in- in Venice and we started to prac- napujas were held for at least ten cludes not only the area of Venice tice Yantra Yoga and do collective years at the home of Anna Les- and Veneto but also Friuli and the practices there for several years sana, a dedicated eighty–year-old city of Trieste. We celebrated our and many people were able to practitioner and our senior mem- new name with a Naggon prac- meet the Master thanks to them. ber. tice and an invocation to Rahula, In 1983 on the initiative of Car- In the last three years, the which Rinpoche was fortunately los and Ana Maria, the Venetian number of courses and retreats transmitting by webcast at the community managed to organize organized by the local gakyil with same time. the fi rst international Conference the participation of old and new More recently, over the week- on Tibetan Medicine on S. Gior- practitioners has grown and, in end of April 25–26 of this year, gio Island in Venice in which, be- addition, the group has been ad- Fabio once again led a course on sides Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, vantaged by having Marco Baseg- contemplation and an introduc- 32

I was doing research on the poetic aspect of language and the meaning of sound, How I Met in close contact with a research group in Italy headed by Umberto Eco. I convinced myself that I had to talk to this Professor Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Namkhai Norbu to find out whether he would be willing to participate in a con- Dorothea Franck ference and talk about the special quality of . When I approached Rinpoche with this question at the be- Black A – White A ist ideals. When the most extreme ones ginning of this retreat, he smiled and an- hat I found my way to the Teach- among the students, the German RAF, swered with one word: dopo (later). This ings of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu I turned to terror and violence, the dream was my first conversation with him. At the T owe to a large extent to my father, of changing the world by political activism end of the retreat I was hooked and knew even though my father never met a Tibetan ended too. that I needed to be with this Teacher for teacher. I threw myself into academic studies, other reasons than academic projects. I was an anxiety ridden oversensitive linguistics, literature and communication, Nevertheless, the connection between child with delicate health, sometimes see- got a wonderful scholarship, studied with language, poetry and the Dzogchen path ing beings that others did not see, not hap- pleasure, and after getting my masters de- remained intriguing for me. There was py to be born into this confusing world, yet gree I found a charming husband in Hol- the language of the dakinis, the mysteri- overly eager to learn and understand the land and a bit later a job at the university but what struck me most was the sound of ous power of mantra and the beauty of mysterious ways of the adults around me. of Amsterdam. Life seemed to steer into a the “Ah“ when he hesitated or got stuck their sound, seed-syllables at the core of It was post-war Germany and most people cheerful future, but just when I had reached in his story. It was as if he communicated manifestations, the natural sound of the were deeply traumatized and mentally bro- all the conditions that should guarantee some secret meaning with this spontane- universe in the Song of the Vajra and the ken with loss, guilt or denial. It seemed ob- a good life: a loving husband, a PhD and ous meaningless sound. poetic power of the language of the root vious: life was doomed to be a tragedy. tenure university job, travels throughout Amsterdam had a hot cultural scene in texts. But I got also a new appreciation I was a child philosopher, not running the world and a house at a beautiful Am- the seventies and eighties, featuring beat of my own heritage. The Dzogchen view but thinking for my life. And I was fas- sterdam canal – my life took a radical turn. poets, underground musicians, new the- turned out to be far from exotic. So many cinated by language and its secrets. The My father died of cancer. He waited to atre and improvised dance – and plenty things I had read and pondered about all most beautiful and consoling moments die for my arrival from the other side of of drugs. Amsterdam was also a new-age of a sudden made complete sense. Certain of my childhood I experienced in the stu- the globe, and just before rushing to the pioneering scene opening up to all kinds lines of the German romantic poets and dio of my father, a pensive, sensitive and hospital where I would see him for the last of spiritual ventures. In the middle of this idealist philosophers, in particular my fa- melancholic artist. I think he was secretly time a strange thing happened. It was early artistic and spiritual laboratory and the vorite Hölderlin, and mystics like Eckhart, a bit of a mystic. When I was able to sneak summer, a beautiful day, and the large gar- now legendary One-World-Poetry scene I Böhme and many others, opened up with in (we children had strict orders not to den in full bloom. Looking into the garden befriended Louise, Babeth and Christie, a a new kind of evidence, including parts of disturb) we got involved in deep conver- where he had spent so many hours paint- poet, a film-maker and a dancer, who all the Bible and Christian ritual. Moments sations. Sadly enough I remember hardly ing, for a moment a kind of pure vision happened to be students of some Tibet- of oneness with the world around me, in- any of these dialogues except for one, be- was shown to me: everything was a beauti- an teacher Norbu, living in Italy. By then stants of integration with sound or space, cause we had an unusual and thorough ful translucent display of colors and lights. I knew I needed a teacher but I was hesi- birds flying through me... things I had se- disagreement. We had been talking about Somehow I knew that I saw it through his tant: following some eastern guru still cretly experienced, assuming that this was the correspondences between vowels and eyes. From then on I sensed another real- was a bridge too far. Yet, one day Louise just my personal spleen, now seemed to be colors, a normal theme for children and ity behind the solid surface of things, and showed me a black and white picture of a view to share and a practice to develop! I poets but obviously also for my father. the connection of the experience of beauty this man, and I knew: I have to see him. was not crazy but actually on a path which While we agreed more or less on most of and of transcendence was engraved in my Although there was not the least physical was not a deviation but a path to complete the vowels and their colors, to my great heart. resemblance, I had a feeling of meeting my realization! The white A was the anchor surprise we disagreed totally on the letter I was totally broken by this loss, but in father. And there it was: the central symbol that Rinpoche had thrown me in a mo- A (pronounced like Italian or Tibetan A). the first weeks after his death I was often in his teachings was the white A! It dawned ment of complete despair. And eventually It seemed more than obvious to me that taken by surprise because instead of pain on me: my father was right! I understood: the white A is more than an A was black, - A was also the vowel of the and despair I felt such a strong comforting It was only through a series of mira- outer symbol: the white A is me! German word for black: schwarz. I was re- and loving presence around me that made cles and moments of complete surrender ally shocked to hear that my father asso- me feel closer to my father than I ever felt that I managed to get to and through the ciated A with white! What surprised me during his life. It completely shook up my first retreats, in Italy, France and Argen- even more was that my father did not, as rationalistic assumptions about death and tina. The very first retreat in 1989 I had to he often did in other conversations, give life after death. From that moment on my trick and cheat myself into. In that period in good-humoredly to my arguments but life was turned upside down. 100-140 4-03-2010 18:18 Pagina 1 in all seriousness stuck to the whiteness All of a sudden I felt claustrophobic in of the A. I was profoundly puzzled that the my comfortable and predictable life, I got same sound could be experienced in such into a deep crisis, got a divorce, quit part different ways. of my job, left most of my possessions be- We were brought up Catholic. Initially hind, stayed abroad for a while and, back I was a religious child, enjoying the songs in Amsterdam, started a new life. Poetry, and even the sermons in church, but when music, art, new circles of friends came into I was getting a bit older I became deeply my life – and I started to live the creative disappointed by the dogmatic rigidity of part of me that I had rather neglected un- the priest of our parish. I remember how til now. I lived and worked with a perfor- sad I was on the festive day of first com- mance artist, started to write poetry and munion. I had taken the preparatory in- participate with my texts in a band. Wild structions so seriously that I was really ex- and confusing years followed, living in pecting miracles and ecstatic experiences the middle of artistic experiment and as- when I was eating the sacred host. For a piration, but also constantly on the edge moment indeed I was filled with an in- of exhaustion, depression and profound tense sense of presence and union, which confusion – the old structures and limita- I tried to intensify by holding my breath tions having loosened up with no new pro- in a particular way, something that I rec- tection and orientation in place yet. I also ognized some forty years later as an intui- started studying religions and mythologies tive attempt of kumbhaka. But I could not from all around the globe; many of them help noticing that the other girls minded feeling surprisingly familiar and inspiring, mainly their pretty white dresses and the but it remained book-knowledge. expected gifts, and for the priest it seemed At some point I went on a trip to Egypt, a formal act where a perfect choreography which overwhelmed me with many strange mattered most. I felt cheated somehow, experiences, one of them in a Coptic mon- For more than 20 years, ASIA has been working in Tibet side by side with but could not explain to anybody why and astery in the middle of the desert. It felt like the Tibetan people. With only 25 euro a month you can support the what exactly I found missing. a special place where a residue of true spir- Tibetan people and their ancient culture. As a gift you will receive a free “Adopt Tibet” T-shirt to show your participation. As soon as I came of age I left the church itual life was tangible. We were received by TO START UP A DISTANCE SPONSORSHIP YOU CAN CALL US AT (0039) in anger and disappointment. As a student, a monk with tea and biscuits in the visi- 06 44340034 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.ASIA-ONLUS.ORG I was part of the revolting student genera- tor’s room with plush sofas and a smell tion, smart but ignorant, full of good will of camphor. The velvet voice of the monk HELP ASIA GET CLOSER TO TIBET. DON’T WAIT. HELP TO PUT A SMILE ON THE FACE OF THE TIBETAN PEOPLE. and enthusiasm, expecting to better the who introduced us to the history of the world by substituting tradition by left- desert monks, stirred me in a strange way,