No. 109 March, April 2011

Upcoming Retreats with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Photo: G. Horner 2011

Ukraine May 14–20 Crimea retreat May 21–25 Photo: D. Ibragimov SMS Base Level exam May 26–June 6 SMS First Level Training Romania June 10–16 Merigar East Retreat Evolution Is Now Italy Forum in Moscow June 24–30 “The Union of Manamudra and Andrei Besedin Dzogchen” by the great Master Araga July 15–18 Thirtieth Anniversary of Merigar West n 26th–30th of April something tional Affairs, which is one of the leading in the zone master-classes were unique happened in Moscow: the Moscow Universities. explained held. And almost half of the pavilion was August 5–12 Ofi rst Dzogchen Forum “Open tra- the meaning of Evolution, and the way in fi lled with stands of the partners, like in a Initiation and Instructions of Garuda dition – to the Open World” was held. A which all of us can enter this condition. business exposition. The central and the from Rigdzin Changchub Dorje’s Forum is a format that is quite different During the next days, Rinpoche’s semi- biggest was the stand of the Dzogchen August 19–23 from a regular retreat, as it implies the nar on “Essence, Nature and Energy” was community, with bigger zones for Chögyal A special Teaching: “Dzogchen Yangti” possibility to meet and share knowledge the main event of each day. On the 29th he Namkhai Norbu and Khyentse Yeshe, and in an appropriate place, and a good chance particularly presented “Dra thal drel” – his smaller zones for North and South Kun- UK of inner development. As the very word revision of ’s commentary on sangar, Santi Maha , Vajra Dance London Dzogchen means real knowledge (of the the “Dra thal gyur” . This work took and Yantra . It was more like one big September 9 individual and his or her condition), by its 4 years to complete and the result was 6 big open area with living trees and a grass-type Conference at SOAS nature knowledge is open, free and beyond volumes that were printed just before the carpet, where everyone gathered under a September 10 (evening): any borders. The wish to recognize our forum started. For now it is published only big translucent 3-dimensional Longsal Public talk (at Camden Centre) own nature does not unify only Buddhists, in Tibetan, but already some Tibetologists sign high above. but goes beyond and makes all and Buddhist have expressed their The central stand of the Dzogchen September 11–12 the humanitarian sciences and the whole interest to study this important original Community was surrounded by the stands Teaching at Camden Centre of modern society feel an increasing urge text. of our partners, which included Shang France to study, to teach and to have close com- After Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s semi- Shung Institute, the Confucius Institute of September 14–18 munication with each other. nar activities took place in several loca- the Russian State Humanitarian Univer- Visit Laerabling The Forum opened on the 25th with a tions simultaneously. The main stage held sity, the International Eastern-European public talk by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu concerts of musical groups and presen- University, the Yoga Federation of Moscow, Paris at the Moscow State Institute of Interna- tations of partners. On the smaller stage >> continued on page 4 September 23–25 Visit Kagyu-Dzong Spain Teaching Teaching Focus Barcelona Sept. 30–Oct. 6 Barcelona Retreat Chögyal Namkhai Khyentse Dream Yoga Tenerife Norbu Yeshe October 14–23 Revolution From ‘The Tibetan Culture Event and Evolution Upadesha of October 28–30 Introduction to Thodgal Teaching Retreat the State of Ati’

>> continued on page 4 » Page 2 » Page 3 » Pages 10–15 THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

2 Revolution and Evolution Excerpt from a Public Talk, Moscow, April 29, 2011

n general when we refer to Dzogchen Teachings, we say Dzogchen is for people who have more capacity or I high capacity. What does high capacity mean? It does not mean someone is realized. First of all, it means that you are interested and you participate. For example some- one says, “I want to know a little about Dzogchen.” When the teacher says, “Dzogchen is your real condition”, then what should that person do? Then the teacher says, “You need to discover that real condition.” If you are in your real nature, then you don’t have any problems. But if you are ignorant of your real nature and are always concentrating outside, you are living dualistically. If you want to get something, some benefi t, and you are searching outside, you do not know the source of the benefi t is in you. The person searching outside cannot get in that knowledge. So the teaching of Dzogchen is some- thing like that. In a very simple way, we should learn about this very famous thing called limitations. You see, for ex- ample, in the Western world, also in the Tibetan world, we have the words revolution and evolution. Revolution means we are changing the outside, looking outside. We Photo: D. Ibragimov have decided what is good and bad and our idea is that we need to change that bad to good. If we succeed to change way to follow our limitations and we apply that, but we bers. For example, I belong to society, I am one of a big bad to good, of course that is good. But it is not so easy. are not convinced of our limitation, and we know this is society, but if I want society to change, modify and become There are so many considerations, otherwise everybody relative and we are limited. We remain in a free way. This better, you know very well that the solution is not revolu- would have the same way of seeing, but this is not the case. is very important. tion. Already Buddha explained. We learn what the cause I will give you a very simple example. When I arrived in Everybody has one’s own condition. If we want to dis- is and we modify that cause. How can we learn that prin- Italy I did not know a single word of Italian, but I slowly cover our real condition, we should discover our limita- ciple? We learn from our condition. We observe ourselves. learned. In one period I studied in the University of Peru- tions and go beyond them. There is no reason we limit When I followed my teacher of Dzogchen he gave me gia, which is very famous for foreigners. There were many ourselves, it is not necessary, we can be free, and if we are a very important example. You distinguish the difference foreign students there, like singers and actors, who came free, we are aware and we know how to deal with other between the function of eyeglasses and a mirror. Even if to study Italian. In the summer I had a holiday from work people. For example, if someone is asking and discussing you have very strong and powerful eyeglasses, eyeglasses and went there to study. Our teacher did not translate into with me, immediately I understand the limitation of that are looking in front of you, and even if there is something any other language and spoke only in Italian. He was a very person because of the way they are discussing. It doesn’t very tiny, when you have good eyeglasses you can see very clever teacher. Every day he would question two or three mean I accept or follow that person, but I say, “Yes I accept well. But you are looking outside, not inside. students in Italian and the students had to reply. One day that is true”, because there is no reason to spend much If you have a mirror, you are looking at yourself in the he arrived near to where I was sitting and near me was a time discussing. If I know it is not true it is good for me, mirror. If you have some defect on our face, someone Japanese student. He addressed the Japanese student and but I have no duty to condition that person or change that might say, “Oh you have a defect on your face, your nose is said, “In Italy we have many frogs and when Italian frogs person’s idea. not normal.” You don’t like that and you think that person sing, and they sing aqua, aqua, aqua.” Aqua means water For example, when I went back to Tibet and China in thinks you are ugly. But if you are looking in a mirror and in Italian. Then he said, “In England there are also many 1982 for the fi rst time, it was after the Cultural Revolution. you discover the defect and accept it yourself, in the same frogs and they sing water, water, water. In Japan how do When I arrived in Tibet I was very surprised. I had heard way my teacher said that the mirror is an example. First of the frogs sing?” My friend thought a little, was thinking from many people that many things were destroyed and I all do not look outside; you try to look a little at your condi- about the word for water in Japanese and thought maybe it heard a lot of this kind of news, but I never really believed tion - your relative condition, your physical level, your en- would not correspond. In the end he said, “In Japan frogs it. I knew there were many Tibetans against the Chinese ergy level and then your mental level, even if you cannot go do not sing.” Everyone laughed. policy, so I thought maybe they were infl uenced and doing directly into your mental level. The easy way is we observe Then the teacher arrived to me. At that period in Ita- a kind of publicity. It does not mean I was following the the physical and energy level. ly there was a political election. The different parties are Chinese, but I did not accuse them. In general everyone has so many problems. For exam- always saying, “Come to our party and we do the best”, When I arrived in Tibet I was very upset. So many mon- ple, when I am giving teaching of this kind, many people and when the teacher arrived in front of me he said, “In asteries were destroyed. When I left Tibet there were so say to me, “Oh I have so many problems, number one, two Italy how many political parties do we have?” I under- many monasteries and when I returned they were de- and three, what should I do? Then I ask more clearly which stood the question. I had heard in Italy there were maybe stroyed. For example, very near to Lhasa city, there is a kind of problem they have. We can always discover that twelve political parties, so I said twelve parties. He said, very famous and important small monastery called Ralung our problems are related to our tensions. That is related “No you are wrong. In Italy we have fi fty-four parties.” monastery. It was the residence of some very good Nying- to our circumstance. Circumstance is interdependent. In- Do you know what that means? That means fi fty four mil- mapa masters. Before I left Tibet I went to see this monas- terdependence is in the Buddhist tradition, since Buddha lion people have their own ideas and no one agrees. This tery many times. There were many ancient statues and im- said that everything is interdependent. This is very true. is the real sense of how our condition is and how limited portant things. When I arrived this time there was not even If I have some problem with someone, in general I think we are. When you talk with someone, for example, some- one wall remaining; everything was destroyed. Where the I am innocent and that person created a problem for me. times there is nothing important to speak about, but some monastery was, was transformed into a fi eld. I couldn’t I am always innocent, but in the real sense if we observe, people discuss for hours and hours. They are discussing believe it; it seemed like where the monastery had been that person is interdependent with me. If they are not in- for such a long time because two or three people have two a dream. Of course I felt sad and I did not like what hap- terdependent why does that person have a problem with or three different points of view. When you are listening to pened there. But when I am with the Chinese authorities, me? It means there is some interdependence between the that person you do not agree with their opinion, and then particularly when they invited me to lunch, etc., and they problem, the person and me. In this case what should we you insist that your opinion is better and you try to con- ask me how I felt, how Tibet is now, etc., I said, “Oh fan- do? It doesn’t mean we are going to change or eliminate vince that person. That person doesn’t accept that because tastic, very nice, you are developing.” I never said they have that person. But the root of the problem is related to our that person also has his or her limitation. destroyed Tibet and the reason was because I wanted to tensions, and then we observe that the problem is interde- So this is our limitation and this is what we can do. First return to Italy. That is the reason. When we know limita- pendent with me. I need to free these limitations, and then we must understand we have limitations, and the knowl- tions exist we can apply and integrate. There is no reason I am starting to free myself. Then tomorrow, the day after edge that we have limitations is really noble knowledge, to fi ght with that. We must understand and work with that tomorrow, when I see that person, of course that person even if we don’t call it noble knowledge. It is noble be- through our awareness. is not meeting with me if I am angry or manifesting ten- cause if we know we have limitations, it doesn’t matter if This is the starting point of evolution. What us evolu- sion, maybe that person fi nds that I am more relaxed and we need to remain and follow that limitation. There is a tion and how does it start? Evolution starts just like num- >> continued on page 4 THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Khyentse Yeshe

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An Excerpt from the Teaching ‘The Upadesha of Introduction to the State of Ati’ (Ati Gongpa Ngotrod) given at Kunsangar North, Russia, January 15, 2011 (day two of the retreat)

tarting from the last part worshiping the primordial state. of this text, everything that It’s very important that we un- Syou learn related to the derstand the difference. Just like principle of Ati, which means ev- something higher, it enters into erything that has to do with your something lower, like the mind, primordial state, remaining in as a reflection. For example, we this knowledge and applying it can own a thought, because we according to the three series of can create it, we can change it and Dzogchen teachings, applying we can destroy it. But we cannot the key points, going to an even own the primordial state. It’s not higher level in Dzogchen teach- something that we can modify, ing such as applying the four that we can create and destroy. main points of Upadesha, going If we go ahead at this level beyond light and darkness, then it becomes a very intellectual, one is able to liberate one’s own a very complicated explanation state, and it liberates in its own and then we need to refer to Man- real condition. At this point you jushrimitra. So it’s important we are free at all levels. You are free understand that although this re- at the physical level, at the energy flection is mandatory, we have the level, and at the mental level. awareness that it is just a reflec- Many people who are teaching tion. We remember that it’s not today divide the three series ac- the primordial state but its reflec- cording to the principle of vajra- tion, just like the way an object , thinking, for example, that is reflected in front of a mirror. body, speech and mind are con- When there is no object, there is nected with the three series of no reflection. When there is no semde, , menngagde, or upa- reflection, there is no mirror. We desha. But this is not a very mean- should try to remember this prin- ingful explanation and it doesn’t ciple as being the foundation of Photo: L. Gräf relate very much to the principle Dzogchen. of creating a category. It’s impor- When we don’t have a physi- ing from one point to another, cific consciousness. In the Abhi- is often explained like in vajraya- tant instead that we understand cal body, it is only imagination. that we have perception of calm dharmakosa text this is explained na. For example, we can trace and that there are three statements of For example, we say that when and perception of movement, as affliction. It means that we define the qualities of the mirror Guru . This means we have experience it means that that we generate the idea of time become engaged in this rela- and we can say that is has infinite first we introduce directly, then all three aspects are related: there and space, not only externally but tionship and our involvement in potentiality. How do we notice, we gain confidence and we elimi- is a physical aspect, our body and we also feel it internally. this one to one relationship cre- how do we see this potentiality? nate doubt, and this becomes our our senses in contact with some- How does this manifest inter- ates affliction, creates suffering. Because we have the mirror and natural condition. All these three thing. Every time we use the word nally? Through our reflection of This illusion is brought about by the mirror creates reflections – relate to our aspect of under- ‘experience’ we mean that our ego. There are many objects in the aspect of movement because whatever is in front of the mirror standing, not very much to the body is involved. In Dzogchen, reality, there’s an infinite multi- mind doesn’t perceive the static is reflected inside. In this way we aspect of our existence. We need experience doesn’t exist with- tude, but this multitude always aspect. Mind gets involved, inter- can trace all the qualities of the to be introduced because we need out our physical body, otherwise refers to only one self. There is ested in movement. When some- mirror. But what is the effort of to have a clear understanding. A it’s called imagination. We need always a relationship between thing is not moving, sometimes the mirror in this activity? Hav- clear understanding means that to have this connection with our my inner self and many external we don’t see it, but when there is ing the nature of this potentiality it enters into the field of mind. physical body, a kind of external things. But internally, myself can movement, change, transforma- there is no effort. Being in the recognition of one’s factor, and this external factor, also be many. But the ‘many’ al- tion, then it becomes interesting. Why is there a reflection? Be- primordial state or natural state for example, is our life. There is ways relate to this multitude out- For this reason the primordial cause there is a cause for reflec- means that this aspect enters the experience because we are alive. side, just like a reflection. So we state cannot be interesting, be- tion. Even this infinite potential- field of mind. Without being alive there is noth- should always remember that the cause it cannot be transformed, ity of the mirror has a cause. It’s a If we want to define the pri- ing. And if we want to go at the multitude of aspects of reality so it cannot lead to interest. We mirror, not something else, so its mordial state or natural state level of Manjushrimitra’s expla- refers to one ego. Then we even cannot evaluate the primordial own cause is connected with its within a type of hierarchical nation more in the yogacharya tra- compare this ego to others. state as being more interesting own nature. Without this cause structure, it’s at the top. Then dition, if there is no life there is How is it, for example, to be than something else. there is no potentiality of reflec- comes mind. Something that is nothing, but if there is life there in the condition beyond this Entering real knowledge of tion. And what is this cause? Is it higher than mind needs mind is emptiness. This is the principle need of movement? It means the nature of mind is something only the potentiality of reflection? to be seen, because below mind of Dzogchen. We understand that understanding non-movement, beyond the duality of calm and It’s not enough. It needs an ob- there is our perception, our con- we have this perception and this no need of movement. We need movement. It cannot be some- ject in front of it. But even this is sciousness, our senses, and, at presence because we are alive. movement because we have this thing we are interested in, oth- not enough explanation because the bottom, our physical body. If In the text it says therefore by relationship one to many. When erwise mind will have the prior- we are missing the one that is ob- it doesn’t enter the field of mind, applying the key points of meth- there is one, it’s not meaningful ity of following interest. After, serving the mirror. it’s not possible to conceive it. If od, for having experience without and when there are many it’s also this interest becomes efficiency. So we see that Dzogchen we cannot conceive it, we cannot being conditioned by actions, one not meaningful, automatically it After a while we create a better teaching is not so easy. It’s not remember it, and it doesn’t relate must obtain for oneself precise doesn’t have any importance. But idea, a more efficient idea, of na- enough to talk about and intro- to our existence. Our existence is knowledge of the state of , one to one does not exist because ture of mind. As all the aspects of duce the symbol of the mirror. completely related to mind so it and this precise knowledge is the mind is powerful and creates knowledge are just like a reflec- We need a mirror, we need real- becomes important that we have state in which there is no dual- samsara and . It doesn’t tion, so the mind itself in the as- ity and we need someone under- clear understanding. But what ity, what is called , self- create a coffee machine, or a car, pect of its own nature also in this standing the mirror. And even the mind produces is an object, originated wisdom. This means or a single object, but it creates all field becomes a reflection. As a more, as Chögyal Namkhai Nor- just like a reflection of this pri- that applying methods related to samsara and nirvana all the time. It reflection we can have knowl- bu always says, we need a teacher mordial state. It’s not the primor- the teaching of Dzogchen we can even decides what is better. After edge. Reflection just like a mirror that introduces the mirror. So you dial state, but just a reflection. remain in this knowledge. a while it even decides that this doesn’t need any effort. For the see there are four aspects – it’s This is the way it enters the field How is this state called rigpa? creation is not enough, ‘I can do mirror there is no effort or ten- not that simple. If we forget all of mind. What does the real state of rigpa better’. sion in creating a reflection. these aspects that are intercon- So we should not worship the mean? In this text it is defined or So we understand that the one More traditionally when we in- nected it becomes just a sterile idea of the primordial state. We described as the profound depth to one relationship is just an illu- troduce Dzogchen we know that explanation, lacking the aspect of should not worship the idea of of clarity, which means beyond sion. It is called projection. In Ti- we have three types of introduc- knowledge. Only reading a book the natural state. Nowadays there the aspect of movement. Move- betan Buddhism we say project- tion, not only direct introduction or repeating what is written in a are many teachers of Dzogchen ment means that we open our ing one’s own ego onto things, but we also have symbolic intro- tantra is not enough. that are teaching this. They are eyes and we see objects going and usually this is explained duction and oral instruction. But >> continued on the following page not teaching Dzogchen, they are from one state to another, mov- through the development of spe- this aspect related with symbols THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

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>> Revolution continued from page 2 should learn a little. This is something very important in thinking and judging – our teacher said that it should be in this case that person can also diminish tension. So it the Dzogchen teachings. First we know and then we are like this or that. So you see mind is indispensible, but on helps, it does not create problems. When someone thinks not limited. When we are limited immediately we discover the other hand mind is also what makes all problems. someone else is the main person who creates problems, and we free the limitation. There is not any problem when Mind is judging and thinking and all problems come from tensions develop more and more, day after day, and that we free that. We can apply everything in a normal way. the mind. So the mind is useful, but it also creates so many way our energy level is disordered. With these tensions Then we live in a more present way. Present means know- problems. We must understand how the condition of the and the disorder of the function of our energy, we also be- ing what we are doing. For example, in this moment I am mind is and not be conditioned by it or we will always have come passive. When we are passive then everything goes talking with you. It is not necessary I am distracted from problem with the mind. So if we want and are interested to badly. Many people say I have this problem, that problem, that. I am being present and talking with you, also I can learn the teachings and we want to go in the direction of and there are a quantity of problems. But we see that most say what I want to say. That is an example of presence. If evolution, we need to govern our own mind, not be con- problems are related to that kind of tension. It is very im- we are present when there are tensions, we can discover. ditioned or governed by mind. This is a very important portant we eliminate that tension. If there are any kinds of tensions, we should free them, point. So for governing our mind there is a teaching called This is all related to our body, speech and mind. Of otherwise it becomes the cause of problems and suffering. Dzogchen teaching. If you are interested, you should learn course, if we can go directly to our mind, that is perfect. So you can see this is also an important practice. In Dzogchen teaching and then you can discover. ! But it is not so easy. In the mind we have so many differ- general when people do practice they chant some kind of ent kinds of ideas. Sometimes people know very well, , pray, go somewhere, sit in a certain position, etc. Transcribed and edited by Naomi Zeitz “Oh I want to relax, I am very charged and I have so many This all is relative. I told you already, if we want to coordi- tensions, I need to relax. “ Even knowing that we cannot nate our mind, we must understand the condition of our relax. So you see, the mind is thinking and judging but energy level. If we can coordinate and govern our energy does not correspond in a practical way. Mind is related to by ourselves, we need to coordinate our physical level and Chögyal Namkhai Norbu our energy level. Our energy is dependent on our physi- then there is always the possibility to coordinate every- cal body, and for that reason to coordinate our energy we thing. In a yoga teaching they are giving examples, mind Schedule 2011 need movements, positions. You see there are many dif- is like a person who cannot walk, mind is the most impor- >> continued from page 1 ferent kinds of yoga. There are so many different practices tant aspect of our existence, then secondly most impor- of yoga because movement and positions coordinate our tant is voice or energy level. Our energy level is something Spain energy. Finally when we coordinate our energy we can con- like a blind horse. The mind, which is like the person who Tenerife trol and work with our mind. All of this is related to our cannot walk, is on the blind horse, and that person is gov- November 11–17 body, speech and mind. erning that blind horse and going up and down and every- Ati Yoga Retreat In the teachings there are many things related with our where. So that means if we control our physical body, we body and energy level. Therefore it is very important we can control just like that blind horse, and then there is the USA start with ourselves, and that does not mean we are devel- possibility of controlling our mind. So most important is New York oping or doing something in an egoistic way. For example, mind, but it is related with energy and physical level. December 9–14 when we say society, it means something like hundreds For this reason in the practices there are many kinds of 3rd Tibetan Language Congress and thousands of different kinds of numbers. All these levels. Important is knowing our three existences. In the numbers start with number one. If there is not number teachings the three existences are called gates; the three Venezuela one, numbers two and three, etc., do not exist. When we gates. Gates mean going inside and outside, just like Dec. 27–Jan. 2, 2012 are looking at the condition of the individual, that indi- doors. For example, if we want to go and visit a museum, Tashigar Norte Retreat vidual is number one for that person. Then there is a sec- we should go to the gate and buy a ticket. Through the ond and third person, and then many people, and we call gate we enter. When we get inside we can see everything. 2012 that society. So we need to change and develop and dis- Finally we can enjoy. So you see, the gate is very important cover our limitations, ourselves. Teachers teach this kind for entering, the same way for entering into the knowl- Peru of knowledge, but a teacher does not do a kind of work- edge, the understanding, we should go through our three Lima shop and says now you are free. No one can do that for us gates related with body, speech and mind. That is why in January 20–24 if we are not participating ourselves. If we are starting our the teachings we should control our physical body, our en- Peruvian Retreat evolution, even if we have many tensions and problems, ergy and then fi nally we can control mind. In that way we we free our tensions and then we feel much better and our can get in our real nature. Brazil problems disappear. Also for living in society we can feel a But our real nature is not mind. Mind is indispensible Sao Paulo little lighter, not heavy. for getting in our real condition. If there is no mind we February 3–7 So in a teaching like Dzogchen, we are saying every- can never get in our real nature. For example, the teach- Brazilian Retreat thing is relative. Relative means something useful, when er teaches how we can get in our real nature. The teacher we need it we use it, we apply it and we are ready to use is explaining for hours and hours. Also students are lis- Argentina it in that circumstance. But if it is not necessary, we keep tening and learning for hours and hours. So that means Tashigar South it aside and it is not necessary we are dealing with that. we are constructing some way in which we can discover, February 22 But we are living in our real understanding. We observe going through our body, energy and mind levels. We are Tibetan Losar ourselves, and that means we are trying to be a little more present in daily life. We are not always distracted. If we are distracted it means we are not remaining present in daily life. You see, when we are driving a car, we are present. If we are distracted we have an accident. But when we become familiar with driving a car, when we drive we can talk with people, we can see all around, there are all possibilities. But we are not distracted - we are driving the car. So in this case we are present for driving the car, but our life is not driving car, there are so many things in our lives. So we

>> continued from previous page standing for Dzogchen teaching? is already movement, just like When we say the real state of That is simple: that there is no recognising the mirror among rigpa and it is explained in the text doubt, that it is evident, that it is millions of objects. It means to like deep clarity, it means that so simple, so immediate, so fast instantly recall the knowledge of clarity has a function. Clarity is that there is nothing to construct refl ection and how many objects not the image of light and in our with mind. You understand the and infi nite things this simple ob- mind we should not understand simple things and immediately ject can refl ect. It means instantly it as something that is luminous, they are more diffi cult for us to entering into the contemplation but rather that it is the movement accept. Having discovered these of beauty, of infi nity and so on. of making things clearer. In this main points, it means that we It means that we don’t need to case clarity means that we are know ourselves better, we learn engage in research on material making things clearer, so if it is to be without tension, without things but that the pleasant feel- more in style it is like polish- effort, in a condition or dimen- ing of infi nity and beauty already ing. If it’s more in style sion where there is this continu- manifests in any object and this it means more internally, not only ous recognition. It means that beauty and this feeling of infi nity the external aspect but also the now, for example, movement has are something that relate to our internal feeling. But in Dzogchen a different level of interest and knowledge. " it means clearer, it means more we are not caught very much by this function of being simple and the aspect of movement projected Transcribed by Nicki Elliott direct and easy to understand. in an object, but we discover that Editing by Liz Granger What is the highest or the movement is our natural condi- most important aspect of under- tion. Being present in our state THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Dzogchen Forum

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Rinpoche being awarded the title of honourary professor of the International Eastern European University. Photo: P. Fassoli

thing similar, they could use soon be shown in New York and thedra” talk, where he answered the organizers’ experience and other cities. questions from visitors to IEEU’s knowledge – and this would be a On the day before last anoth- website and forum visitors. direction of development for all. er important event happened. Rinpoche was also awarded Another example of such com- The XIII World Dance Olympiad the title of honourary professor munication was a master-class started, organised by the Forum of this University and offered the The Mandala superimposed on a Globe of the World. Photo: P. Fassoli on calligraphy held by the Con- partner – the All-Russian Dance traditional professor’s attire and fucius Institute of the Russian Organization together with the hat. >> continued from page 1 to hold courses on Vajra Dance. State Humanitarian University. the Kundalini Yoga Teachers’ This would help the teaching The Moscow Museum of Callig- Federation, the “Open World” spread and integrate openly into raphy discovered that something development centre, Tibetan society and its normal life, and of interest to them was happen- House in Moscow, the Save Tibet also establish a stable base for ing nearby, attended the Forum foundation and almost all Vajray- the courses and instructors. and then kindly invited Chögyal ana groups presented in Russia. In order to establish this type Namkhai Norbu. Rinpoche went One of the special guests at the of communication, we all tried to see the exposition and drew Forum was Denys from to share knowledge in all aspects three examples of calligraphy – Sangha Rime, who gave a talk on – from the essential meaning to two poems in different Tibetan Dzogchen and . the practical application. All the cursive writing, and one in old The daily program was full organization of the Forum, done Mongolian writing, which is al- and all the partners presented under the direct guidance of most lost now. The Museum was themselves through many dif- Khyentse Yeshe, was fully trans- very happy to receive such a gift ferent activities. Workshops and parent, and the final report, in- from the Master, and Rinpoche’s master-classes were organised cluding the procedure, the list of works have already become part daily into Source and History, suppliers and the budget was pre- of their exposition, which is pre- External teachings and Arts, In- sented to all the partners, so that sented now in Moscow and will ternal teachings and Yoga, Secret if they want to organize some- level and Cooperation projects, Rinpoche with the “Dra thal drel”. Photo: I. Shakov Awareness and Actualization. One could choose something International Dance Council During the Open Cathedra of particular interest: martial arts of UNESCO. Chögyal Namkhai talk, Khyentse Yeshe asked Chö- or a bamboo flute, mantra sing- Norbu was a special guest at this gyal Namkhai Norbu to explain ing or a business management event, and the Dzogchen Com- the way in which the Dzogchen lesson, oriental dancing or a mu- munity was invited to make a pre- Community represents evolu- sic concert. sentation of the Vajra Dance as tion. Rinpoche answered that It is almost impossible to ex- part of the world’s cultural heri- evolution is exactly what he has press the variety of topics in this tage. Adriana Dal Borgo briefly been explaining for over 30 years article, so I suggest you visit the explained the history and mean- – being totally free, discovering English program on the website: ing of the Dance, and then prac- our limitations and going be- http://dzogchenforum.ru/index. titioners performed the Dance of yond them, and that is the root of php/calendar/77-forum/209 as the 6 Spaces of in our Evolution. So if we are trying all the materials available will be costume. This event was webcast to go in this direction, evolution published there for a follow-up. worldwide by ARDO. starts individually for each of us, Most of the website is in Rus- Another important partner it is happening now and this per- sian, but at the bottom of the was the International Eastern fect condition manifests. page you can find links to auto- European University with their mated translation into various project of “Open World Univer- languages so you can get the idea sity”. They have invited Khyentse and feeling of the richness and Yeshe to be the vice chairman of diversity, joined by the common the University and to teach there. interest in knowledge. So he gave a lesson on the appli- One of the tasks of the fo- cation of knowledge in business rum was to help all participants management, using particular establish connections and part- techniques and giving case study nerships, which can continue examples. The booth of the IEEU in later projects. For example, was very crowded for this event, the Dzogchen Community has as visitors found this teaching reached agreements with the very useful for all aspects of life, Yoga Federation to hold cours- not only for business. es on Yantra Yoga, and with the The IEEU also invited Chögyal Open World development center Khyentse Yeshe with his life size figure at his stand. Photo: D. Ibragimov Namkhai Norbu to an “Open Ca- THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 ASIA

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ASIA Onlus Association for International Förderverein ASIA Deutschland e.V. Via San Martino della Battaglia 31 Solidarity in ASIA, Inc. c/o Gisela Auspurg 00185 Rome, Italy ASIA, Post Office Box 124, Königswieser Str. 2 Tel +39.06.44340034 Conway, MA 01341-0124 USA 82131 Gauting Fax +39.06.44702620 Phone: 413.369.4153, 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

costs of materials and labour. The necessity of completely re- building the destroyed city of Yushu increased the demand for labour and material resources. With the present proposal it is intended to complete the dorms and classrooms of the college and equip the buildings in such a way as to improve the conditions of life and study for the new stu- dents.

The College of Singkhri monas- tery is part of an aid program in specific objective is to improve pleting a courtyard for the dorms Tibet prepared by ASIA in 1999 the opportunity to have access and classrooms. following a mission by Namkhai to traditional Tibetan education Norbu Rinpoche, President of for the youth of nomad families The project is integrated with ASIA Onlus, to the Tibetan re- in the area of Singkhri, thanks to and completes a previous proj- gions of Amdo (Qinghai), Kham the completion of Singkhri Bud- ect of ASIA which was designed (Sichuan) and central Tibet. In dhist College. to improve the college in terms order to improve the social-cul- of dorm rooms and classrooms tural situation of the Tibetan no- There are 4 main results to be for students. In fact, following mad people in rural areas this completed: an increase in enrollment from mission identified 11 villages to · Completion of dormitories families in the area and from include in a development pro- begun in 2010 with the goal of remote villages who were inter- gram that includes construction increasing residential opportu- ested in giving their children an of primary schools, health clin- nities; education that took into account ics, colleges of traditional study · Completion of the building of Tibetan culture and language, in and practice of meditation, pota- classrooms begun in 2010 to 2009/2010 Singkhri College had ble water systems, and training of guarantee better learning; to add new structures through teachers and health care workers Development of the Tibetan College · Furnishing the necessary the help of ASIA Onlus and fi- in the villages. of Traditional Studies of Singkhri equipment for the dorms and nancial aid from the Dutch em- classrooms; bassy in China. With that help The community of Singkhri was Monastery in Qinghai Province China · Increasing access to traditional construction was begun on a included in this program in con- studies offered at the College new dorm with 30 rooms for 90 sideration of the important his- ith this project ASIA nal teachings of Tibetan culture students and a building of four torical value of the local monas- Onlus intends to pro- to young Tibetan monks in the These results will be reached floors to house classes. tery and the role that it played as W vide better access area. through a series of works to com- a focal point for the followers and to traditional Tibetan learning plete 30 new rooms for 90 stu- As a result of the earthquake that practitioners of the , through strengthening the Col- The general objective of the proj- dents; completion of classrooms struck Yushu County in April one of the 4 principal schools of lege of Singkhri Monastery by of- ect is to support and promote for 300 students; equipping the 2010 the planned enlargement . fering a possibility to learn and instruction in the traditions of dorms and classrooms and com- of the school was not completed practice the traditions and origi- the Tibetan people, while the due to a sudden increase in the

trust the interpretations of oth- English in 1949, in his introduc- a love that would last throughout The Spiritual ers. Accuracy was an absolute val- tion mentions the observations his lifetime, was not established Heritage of Luciano ue for him. He was never satisfied of the young Italian scholar, in those terrible hours. either with himself or with others who had noticed, before every- He returned to Italy in 1947 Petech (1914–2010) and this is what made him great. one else, the jump of a full sixty- to teaching appointments at the His works were meticulous, and year cycle in Tibetan chronology then Eastern University Institute Giacomella Orofino his prose flowed fast, light, co- of the imperial period and that, (now “L’Orientale” University of Professor of Tibetan language herent and yet rich and varied, quite brilliantly, had come to de- Naples) and then from 1955 he and literature at the University of as in the best traditions of Italian duce the cause of this inconsis- held the chair of Eastern Asian Naples “L’Orientale“ humanistic studies. tency on the basis of Mongolian History at the “La Sapienza” Uni- He was born in Trieste in 1914. and Chinese texts. versity of Rome till 1984. There is no-one dedicated to After high school, he moved to In 1938, after finishing his His literary work was extraor- studies on Tibet and Asian histo- the Sapienza in Rome to study time at university in Rome, he be- dinary, not only for the quantity ry in general who does not know Arabic but in 1934, after meet- gan his teaching career as a lec- – he published 14 books and over the works of Luciano Petech. ing with Joseph Tucci, he became turer in Italian at the University of 80 articles on Asian history - but He was a great scholar. His keen on the history of Tibet and Allahabad in India and at the out- especially for his brilliant skills of knowledge was unbounded, al- through his words and left a trace decided to study Tibetan. This in- break of the Second World War, analysis and synthesis contained ways ready to surprise you, per- and a permanent curiosity in our terest continued throughout his was transferred to a prison camp, in each one. His treatises covered haps with a subtle and sly witti- minds. Perhaps this is the most life. As his graduation thesis Tuc- also in India, where he remained wide historical and geographi- cism, and open up new and un- fascinating nature of his stud- ci asked him to do a study on the until 1947 turning this period of cal areas, India, Nepal, China, imaginable possibilities of read- ies: the great uncontrollable cu- Ladakh Chronicles, which was later imprisonment into a period of Mongolia, Central Asia and were ing historical documents. The riosity that transpired from his published in Calcutta in 1939. intense study. Sometimes I find always on issues of great impor- lessons in East Asian History he descriptions. For this reason he Already in this first work, Lu- myself thinking about these cir- tance. Furthermore his work of held at “La Sapienza” University had learned Asian languages, ciano Petech gave proof of his ex- cumstances. I imagine a young collecting the documents of Ital- of Rome were always interesting, Tibetan, of course, but also Chi- traordinary insight, highlighting, Italian scholar, seeking ian Missionaries in Nepal and Ti- full of erudite details, but also nese, , Newari, Arabic, for the first time, some confusion and consolation in those abstruse bet in the eighteenth century was of amusing information, amaz- Urdu, Hindi, and Japanese in or- in the dating in the Tibetan text of texts while he was imprisoned in monumental and published in ing and lively comments about der to read the sources in their the Blue Annals, the main work of a concentration camp, far from seven substantial volumes. the history of peoples faraway original language. He often said Tibetan historiography, written any type of affection and from His reputation as a scholar of in time and space. The intricate that the sources should always be between 1476 and 1477 by ‘Gos his homeland while Europe be- the history of Asia, and Tibet in history of the Mongol, Tibetan checked in person, never to rely Lo tsa ba. George N. Roerich, came the scene of a fierce war. I particular, spread enormously. and Chinese peoples took shape on secondary literature, never to who translated this book into wonder if his love of these texts, >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Shang Shung Institute

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Shang Shung Institute Italy Shang Shung Institute Austria Shang Shung Institute of Tibetan Shang Shung Institute of America Località Merigar Gschmaier 139 Studies 18 Schoolhouse Rd 58031 Arcidosso (GR, Italy) 8265 Gr. Steinbach, Austria The London Centre for the Study P.O. Box 278 Tel & fax: +39-0564-966940 Cell phone: 0043 676 3221365 of Traditional Tibetan Culture and Conway, MA 01341, USA [email protected] Offi ce: 0043 3386 83218 Knowledge Phone (main-Anna) 413 369 4928 www.shangshunginstitute.org Fax: 0043 3386 83219 Kathy Cullen Administrator Fax/Bookstore 413 369 4473 http://shop-it.shangshunginstitute.org www.shangshunginstitute.org ++44 79 5086 2270 www.shangshung.org www.ssi-austria.at [email protected] www.shangshunguk.org

As we try to do our very best to Translation make the Dzogchen and Tibetan Language and Translators Projects Appeal Dzogchen Teachings available Training from Tibetan in western languages also in the future we really need the support Dear worldwide Dzogchen from all of you. ibetan is a sacred lan- the Shang Shung Institute has Community, Thank you for your under- guage. It is a perfect recip- organized a Training for Trans- the crucial aspect of the work of standing and collaboration, T ient to contain and convey lators from Tibetan since 2003. the Shang Shung Institute Aus- very best wishes, all of the and Buddhist teach- Starting from 2010 we have di- tria – the Ka-Ter Translation Proj- Oliver Leick ings. It is used by practitioners of vided the course into three lev- ect and the “Complete Works of Director of the Shang Shung all related paths to establish com- els: beginners, intermediate and Chögyal Namkhai Norbu” – is in Institute munication with subtle beings, to advanced and we will continue need of your collaboration and and audio editors, graphics, etc., and International Institute for evoke the content of their visual- in that way also in the training in your support. also created The Ka-Ter Translation Tibetan Studies izations, to proclaim the attain- summer 2011. Please read the message of Elio Project to complement Rinpoche’s Mobile: +43 676 322 13 65 ment of the fruit of practice and From July 4th until August, 5th Guarisco, Santi Maha Sangha Teachings with the publication of an- Fax: +43 3386 832 19 so on. The sheer beauty of the 2011 the Shang Shung Institute Teachers and the main translator cient Dzogchen Tantras and related www.shangshunginstitute.org is mirrored by the clarity offers it ninth training at Merigar, of the Ka-Ter Translation Project: text of public interest. www.ssi-austria.at and imaginative creativity of the Italy and Dr. Fabian Sanders from Now, all this work is in a criti- www.shangshunguk.com Tibetan language. For these and the University of Venice will again Appeal for Continuation of a cal stage, for its continuity is being many other reasons the study of be the instructor. Precious Heritage endangered by lack of fi nancial sup- Tibetan language represents a The course will be held in a högyal Namkhai Norbu is an port. We therefore need urgent and crucial step towards a closer rela- sequence of three days of work and inexhaustible mine source of substantial support so that the work tion with the teachings and par- one day of relaxation. For example Ccountless exceptional spiritual can continue to fl ourish and ensure the ticularly with their practice. As Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday teachings and experiential methods, implementation of Chögyal Namkhai many people put it, it is a marvel- could be work days for courses that spring forth unceasingly from his Norbu’s Teaching. ous experience to be able to di- on all three levels while Thursday Mind. Rinpoche is also the promulga- Elio Guarisco rectly understand the words you would be free. Friday, Saturday tor of special and rare forms of lay an- are reciting during the practices, and Sunday could be work days cient knowledge, which include Tradi- Please help us to be able to con- it cuts through the distance be- for courses on all three levels tional Medicine, History, Art, Music, tinue that fantastic activity to tween the mind, the sound of the with Monday being free, etc. Poetry, Games and so forth. translate these books of wisdom words and their actual meaning. Till now, the Shang Shung Insti- from Tibetan into English. Even more than that it is certainly A. Beginners’ Course: tute has ensured the presentation of You can send your donation very fulfi lling to be able to follow As this course is open to every- all this spiritual and temporal knowl- by PayPal or by using our web- teachings while reading the text body who is interested in learn- edge, transmitted orally and in writ- safe site. on which they are based. ing Tibetan, no specifi c require- ings, to the members of the Dzogchen Thank you for all your dona- To give the possibility to the ments are necessary for partici- Community and the to the interested tions you have given to us in the practitioners of the Dzogchen pation. people of our world. last years. Without your help we Community and others to begin The course is designed to For this, the Institute has given un- never could have continued with and further their study of Tibetan teach the basics of Tibetan lan- failing support to translators, books our work up to now. language, the Ka-Ter project of >> continued on the following page

>> continued from previous page limitations of research and the loved Tibetan history, culture, art founded the Non-Governmental tion of the College of Buddhist Many of his most important stud- possibility, indeed the necessity, and the hearts of its people. I un- Organisation A.S.I.A. Onlus that Studies of Singkhri, an ancient ies were translated into Chinese of a continuous review of the re- derstood this immediately when I had as one of its objectives the region in Amdo, in north Tibet, and published in various loca- sults achieved. He considered the went to his house in 1983 to read preservation of the Tibetan cul- a very popular college, already at- tions in Beijing, Lhasa and Chen- grand theories, as well as triviali- with him some Tibetan texts of tural heritage, especially through tended by over 200 young Tibet- du. Among these I remember: ties or political exploitations, as my doctoral thesis of which he the construction of schools and ans from ages 14 to 25. China and Tibet in the Early 18th Cen- dangerous ghosts to exorcise. was supervisor. He had a wonder- colleges of study. I remember ASIA started working on this tury: History of the Establishment of In the preface to one of his last ful library that he constantly re- that when I had the opportunity, project in 2009, but works had Chinese Protectorate in Tibet (Leiden, books Central Tibet and the Mon- furbished. In addition to reading I spoke to Prof. Petech about the to be interrupted owing to lack 1950) published in Lhasa by the gols (SOR, LXV, Rome, 1990) he the texts with me, he never forgot work of ASIA, our projects, our of resources and increased costs Tibet People’s Publishing House wrote: “It is my hope that this vol- to show me the latest studies he aspirations, our desire to help the due to the recent earthquake in (1987), Aristocracy and Government ume will offer to the public a bal- had received. I think that there Tibetan people to preserve their the neighbouring region of Yu in Tibet 1728–1959 (SOR, XLV, anced view of the rather compli- was no historian of Asia or Ti- culture. I never failed to keep shu. Now, thanks to this gener- Rome 1973) published by the Bei- cated Central Tibetan polity and bet in the world that did not send him informed and would send ous bequest, we can continue the jing Tibetology Publishing House institutions of the Yüan period, him their publications. He was al- him ASIA’s publications, not work and more than 500 young 2008 (reissue edition 1990) and at the same time exorcizing the ways well informed and the hours only catalogues of exhibitions people will have access to the Central Tibet and the Mongols (SOR, ghosts of non-existing “viceroys spent with him became precious over the years that we have su- study of LXV, Rome, 1990) published in of Tibet” that has been haunting moments of knowledge and ex- pervised, but also our brochures, in what was, before the Cultural 2009 by Lanzhou University Press, our scientifi c landscape for these ploration for me. postcards, calendars. He always Revolution, one of the greatest in Gansu. last years.” One evening after work, he answered promptly by sending centres for the advancement of It was said of him, almost to I fi nd this phrase very enlight- showed me many Tibetan an- his greetings and his encourage- traditional knowledge in Tibet. reduce the importance of his ening. It’s as if the text emits tiques and paintings that he trea- ment. I was sure he appreciated The scientifi c and spiritual work, that he did not love grand a beam of light, visible only to sured with great care. As he was the work, but I must admit that heritage of Luciano Petech is theories, high paradigms. That a few, by means of which his describing their origin and their for us it was a great surprise and immense. He left a strong mark he often merely described events deeper teaching shines through beauty, his face that was always a shock to learn from his daugh- on the history of Asian Studies, and rarely came to striking con- – a sort of word of advice to stu- so severe lit up with a deep light. ter Diana that in his will he had which now acquires a value even clusions. It seems to me, how- dents who have met him and have It was clear that for him Tibet was left a generous bequest of money more particular at the thought ever, that this reticence to theo- learned his method. a strong passion that went far be- to ASIA, to assign to a project of that, thanks to him, an important rize constitutes his greatness as But Luciano Petech was not yond his professional interests Tibetan cultural preservation. college of in Ti- a scholar. A great humility shone only one of the greatest histori- and studies. We submitted some projects bet will be rebuilt, as evidence from his work. He always and ans of Asia that Italy, or rather, In those years together with with the most suitable character- of his deep love for those people intensely tried to get closer to the whole world, has ever had. Namkhai Norbu, who I had as istics and that could correspond and their ancient culture. historical truth, delving rigor- Despite his natural reserve and professor of Tibetan at the Ori- to the will of the professor to his ously into the sources, without his apparent detachment he was entale, and a group of friends, in- wife and his daughter and they ever forgetting the smallest de- a man of deep passions. Tibet cluding Andrea dell’Angelo, who have chosen to dedicate those tail, but he was very aware of the was certainly among them. He later became my husband, we funds to continue the construc- THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Shang Shung Institute

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All this takes place in a relaxed in the process of collecting im- and friendly atmosphere so, in Merigar ages from the photo archives of our opinion, this is a wonder- A Mandala on Community members as well as ful opportunity for all those who cataloging the in the ar- wish to learn or further their un- Mt. Amiata chive in Merigar. If you have im- derstanding of the Tibetan lan- Images from the SSI archive ages that you would like to share guage. for the exhibition please send Course fee: participation in them to: this course is free and available he Shang Shung Institute ISS Photo Archive only to members of the Interna- is preparing a photo- Istituto Shang Shung tional Shang Shung Institute. T graphic exhibition doc- Merigar, Arcidosso All participants are requested umenting the evolution of the or send an email to: a.siedlecki@ to individually book their stay in Community in Merigar over the shangshunginstitute.org the area of Merigar, and are ad- last 30 years. The exhibition will vised to do so early. be held in the new museum space at the Castle in Arcidosso. We are How to participate In order to be able to participate Fabian Sanders and some participants in the 2010 course. in this training one has to be a member of the International >> continued from previous page quired the basics of reading/writ- Shang Shung Institute in 2011. guage, starting from the alpha- ing and grammar. Everybody needs to register bet and pronunciation up to and The main work during this fi rst. Please send your data to including all the basic aspects of course will be focused on trans- offi [email protected]: grammar. lation of a simple text. First Name; Family Name; Ad- The course will take place Participants will work individ- dress; City & ZIP; Country; Date in the morning from 9–10 am ually or in small groups for three of birth; Have you already partici- and will be supported by the au- hours in the morning and for two pated in a Tibetan language train- dio/video materials on pronun- hours in the afternoon session. ing of the SSI: Yes or No. ciation, calligraphy and gram- Further on the students will Without registration we can- mar produced for the Tibetan discuss and explain their trans- not accept students wishing to We are particularly interested in Language Project of the Shang lation with the instructor and participate. images from the 1980s and any Shung Institute. The teacher will the participants in the advanced The course fee for the Begin- images of the various stages of be available for support through- course from 12 am -1pm and ners’ Course and the Intermedi- the construction projects at Mer- out the day. Participants in the 4.30–5.30 pm. ate Course should be sent in ad- igar, like the Gonpa and Beginners’ Course will also be Course fee: € 55.- vance to the account of the SSI and their consecration. welcome to participate when the Food and accommodation are Austria latest until the end of June students of the Intermediate level not included in the course fee. 2011. do their translations. All participants are requested Course fee: € 108.- to individually book their stay in Very best wishes, Food and accommodation are the area of Merigar, and are ad- Oliver Leick not included in the course fee. vised to do so early. Director of the Shang Shung All participants are requested Institute to individually book their stay in C. Advanced Course International Institute for the area of Merigar, and are ad- The participants of the Advanced Tibetan Studies vised to do so early. Course will read a few lines each Mobile: +43 676 322 13 65 in turn and translate them with- Fax: +43 3386 832 19 B. Intermediate Course out having prepared them in ad- www.shangshunginstitute.org The Intermediate level is open to vance. The translation and all www.ssi-austria.at all those who have participated related issues will be discussed www.shangshunguk.com in a beginners’ course, directly with the other participants and or online, or have otherwise ac- the teacher.

This is a follow-up to ‘The Alex Siedlecki will be fi lming as SSI UK Conference Light of Kailash’ presentation part of his forthcoming Khyung- The Root Symbol of the at SOAS held at SOAS in June 2010. On lung project. Longsal Teachings that occasion over the course of The conference will bring Shang Shung Institute UK an evening, Chögyal Namkhai about wider recognition and ap- Directors: Judy Allen and Norbu talked about Shang Shung preciation for Chögyal Namkhai The Vajra Dance Costumes website has been updated and you can now Dominic Kennedy, in front of a packed lecture the- Norbu’s work amongst scholars see the ‘Root symbol of the Longsal Teachings Cycle’ which is on the Administrator: Richard Steven, atre. This year is going to be on working in Tibetology world- costumes. www.shangshunguk.org an even bigger scale. The confer- wide. It will also help to establish The Vajra Dance Costumes are a precious ornament to deeply inte- ence will be held over two-days Shang Shung UK’s The London grate the joy of this transmission into our practice. Wearing them while Dominic Kennedy and will be headlined by Chög- School of Tibetan Studies which dancing is a unique experience that many practitioners have shared yal Namkhai Norbu along with has now been weekend over the years. n September 9–10 Shang Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak and courses as well as midweek lec- We will soon be going into production in India and for this reason it Shung Institute UK is Samten Karmay. We are very tures part-hosted by SOAS since is a good moment to place an order. You simply follow the instructions O holding an international pleased that all have agreed to September 2010. From our expe- on our website and send an email of confi rmation. Please contact us conference at the School of Ori- take part, although it should be rience of running these events, it for any further information. ental African Studies (SOAS), understood that Yongdzin Ten- has been agreed to continue with University of London jointly with zin Namdak’s participation is this current format for another With love and best wishes to our Master and the whole Community. SOAS entitled: ‘Shang Shung, subject to his health; he will be academic year with a view to set- The Vajra Dance Costume team Bon and Early Tibet’. accompanied by Khenpo Tenpa ting up more substantial courses www.the-dance-of-the-vajra.org This conference will be mark- Yungdrung Rinpoche of Triten for the 2012–13 academic year as ing 60 years of Tibetan studies at Norbutse Monastery in Kath- Shang Shung UK’s The London SOAS, 50 years since the Rock- mandu. In addition there will be School of Tibetan Studies strives efeller Foundation sponsored research papers delivered by over to consolidate in its aim to estab- scholarships of Tibetan masters twenty luminaries in this fi eld lish a curriculum based on the to western universities includ- from across the world including: study programme of a traditional as with assistance from Dr Ulrich For further information on ing: Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Tsering Thar a leading expert on Tibetan College within a western Pagel (SOAS), Dr Charles Ramble Shang Shung UK and The Lon- (Rome), Lopon Tenzin Namdak Bon from The Religion Studies style academic setting. This will and the Trust. don School of Tibetan Studies: and Samten Karmay (both SOAS Institute of China Tibetology Re- offer students the opportunity to The cost of the whole event http://ssits.org/v1/ London). It will also cement the search Center, Charles Ramble, train in the ‘Five Great Fields of is £ 30. For further information foundation of Shang Shung Insti- Donatella Rossi, Per Kvaerne to Knowledge’ or ‘Five Sciences’. and to book on-line directly from tute UK’s The London School of mention but a few. There will also We are greatly indebted to the SOAS: www.soas.ac.uk/chinese Tibetan Studies and its develop- be a photographic exhibition of invaluable support provided by studies/events/bon-shangshung- ing partnership with SOAS. images from Khyung-lung and Dr Nathan Hill of SOAS as well and-early-tibet/ THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Shang Shung Institute

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Berry, Android smartphones, New from Shang Shung Publications on Moxa by the legendary seven- Shang Shung Windows 7 smartphones. teenth-century doctor Dilmar Publications The first e-book to be released Tenzin Phuntshog, and – is ’s Advice from the Heart Chögyal Namkhai last but not least – in The Continu- New Website! by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu with Norbu ous Rainfall of Nectar That Preserves the next titles to follow. We ex- the Life of Beings, a rediscovered e would like to invite pect that by the end of the year we hidden treasure of Chögyal Nam- you to the new website should publish at least 7 digital Healing with khai Norbu’s root master Chang- Wof Shang Shung Publi- titles, including the upcoming Fire: A Practical chub Dorje. It is a special medical cations: Healing with Fire. text on treating various illnesses www.shangshungpublications. Please note that some other ti- Manual of Tibetan of our era. Moreover, the books org where you can read about tles by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Moxibustion descrives the moxa points as pre- upcoming books like The Marvel- are already available from Ama- sented by the Shang Shung doc- lous Primordial State tantra or Heal- zon to download on the Kindle Translated by Elio Guarisco tor Khyungchen Pungri Khyung- ing with Fire and learn about our – these include The Supreme Source trul Jigme Namkhai Dorje Yung- new digital projects. You can also and The Crystal and The Way of his summer we’ll be able drung Gyaltsan in his text called subscribe to a “weekly quote” Light published by Snow Lion. to read the first ever man- Successful treatment with The Excellent Wish-Fulfilling Tree: An newsletter to get a dose of inspi- For more information about T ual on the Tibetan art of moxa has many benefits: it clears Indispensable Ornament of the Quin- ration from the books published e-books please check regularly moxibustion (or healing apply- obstructions within nerves and tessence of Myriad Treatises on the Art by Shang Shung Publications. the page: www.shangshungpub ing heat on different parts of blood vessels, relieves pain related of Healing. Please spread the news to ev- lications.org/category/digital- the body) published in the West. to illnesses, alleviates wind disor- The value of the book can be erybody interested! projects/e-books/ There are several similar books ders that affect various parts of the summed up by the following available, but they all deal with body, improves poor digestion, words from the Translator’s In- Shang Shung Publications Team Mobile Applications the Chinese variant of moxa, cures illnesses such as epigastric troduction: “Moxa is a relatively Several members of the Dzogchen quite different from the Tibet- disorders and tumors, potentially simple and extremely useful ther- Community have expressed their an one. The books on Tibetan arrests the development of cysts apy. the two milder levels of moxa wish for an electronic version of Medicine available in Western and noxious flesh growths, heals can even be practiced by those E-Books the Merigar Calendar, so that it’s languages only mention moxa, chronic wounds, reduces swell- not trained in the various aspects easily accessible and always at without explaining precisely how ings of various kinds, removes of Tibetan medicine. At a time tarting from June 2011, hand. Shang Shung Institute has the therapeutic methods should and dries up lymph, protects the when health care is increasingly Shang Shung Publications started to develop such an appli- be applied in practice. functioning of the solid and hol- delegated to specialists, moxa is a Swill start to release public cation and it will be released for You shouldn’t be discouraged low organs, increases bodily heat way to reappropriate that respon- titles as e-books. Digital books the most popular mobile phone by the title. There are different and induces mental clarity. sibility and take our health back have several advantages: it’s platforms: iPhone/iPad, An- types of moxa and the milder The book is a result of tremen- into our own hands. Applying easy to travel with them, you can droid, BlackBerry and Symbian. forms, when heat is not directly dous work by Chögyal Namkhai moxa, we can cure many of the quickly find the passage you’re We expect to continually improve applied on the body, can be ap- Norbu who described the moxa minor health problems we face looking for, you can also add and develop this application and plied by everyone – provided that points from different sources from day to day, and with the ac- your notes and share your favou- release a new version each year. you adhere to safety rules de- together with the benefits ensu- quisition of experience in this art rite fragments with others. Several other projects are scribed in the book. ing from applying the moxa on of healing, we can also use it as As for the platform, we chose planned for the future. The first them. Aside from the points de- a supplementary therapy for seri- the most popular one: Amazon is a companion to the breAthe scribed in the Last Tantra, one of ous health issues.” Kindle. The Kindle is a device and DVD released by the Shang the four medical tantras, we will a family of software readers for Shung Institute in April 2011. be available on iPhone/iPad and also find the ones presented in different platforms. This means The DVD features the Yantra Yoga Android smartphones only. The Moon King, a famous medical you can either buy the Kindle from instructor Fabio Andrico and su- To check news about these and text translated from Sanskrit into Amazon, or read the books on permodel Yamila Diaz demon- other mobile phone applications, Tibetan, and also in two medical your mobile phone or computer. strating how to reeducate our- please visit the page: books on moxa found among the Currently the following platforms selves and start to breathe in the www.shangshungpublications. ancient manuscripts from Tun- are supported: iPhone and iPad, correct way. The breAthe app will org/category/digital-projects/ Huang, in The White Crystal Mir- Windows PC, Apple Mac, Black- mobile-applications/ ror: An Extensive Instruction Manual

by Menpa (Dr.) Kelsang Wangyal, Tibetan Kunye Massage Theory current healing practice or to stand as a Shang Shung institute School of Upcoming Intensive an expert in his field. and Practice: Learning the basics general introduction massage practice. Tibetan Medicine Courses in America The final two days will be spent With Menpa (Dr.) Phuntsog It is not a complete certification course. P.O. Box 278 Conway, MA 01341 learning how to process the herbs Wangmo, SSI School Director Cost: $ 450/$ 150 for current SSI P: 413-369-4928 Summer 2011 into powders, pills and decoctions, and Teacher Students F: 413-369-4473 by the strict traditional standards. August 8th–13th, 2011 public: register here [email protected] Tibetan Medicinal Herbs: All levels of interest and expe- 9:30 am–12:30pm and SSI students: register with the Learn, recognize and prepare rience are welcome to attend. 2:30–5:30 pm secretary at (413)369-4473 or With Menpa (Dr.) Kalsang public: register here Tibetan Kunye Massage is an ef- [email protected] Wangyal SSI students: register with the fective, dynamic system of mas- To arrange a stay in our dorm Two New Positions August 1st–6th, 2011 secretary at (413)369-4473 or sage and bodywork therapies. It please contact: Filled at 9:30 am–12:30 pm and [email protected] is an important aspect of Tra- [email protected] 2:30–5:30 pm To arrange a stay in our dorm ditional Tibetan Medicine, one Shang Shung This course is an introduction to please contact: of our world’s most ancient and Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo Institute USA traditional Tibetan herbal rem- [email protected] advanced lineages of the healing Menpa (Dr.) Phuntsog Wangmo edies. We will cover the basic arts. For many centuries, the re- received her advanced degree fter an open search, the principles of the theory, identi- Dr. Kalsang Wangyal nowned physicians and yogis of from the Lhasa University School US branch of the Shang fication, and processing of tra- Dr. Kelsang Wangyal a Buddhist Tibet have relied upon the prac- of Traditional Medicine in 1988 A Shung Institute recently ditional Tibetan herbs, based monk, studied Buddhism at the tice of Kunye Massage for restor- where she also served a two-year filled two part-time positions: on their taste and effects. This Jokhang monastery in Lhasa, Ti- ing health and balance. residency after completing her Matt Schmookler as Operations is a unique opportunity to learn bet. Later on, he was educated Kunye employs a variety of five year training program (1983– Manager and Joey Mella as Assis- about Tibetan herbs in a hands- and graduated in the field of Ti- massage techniques and body- 1990). During that time she stud- tant to Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, to on environment! betan healing and medicine from work therapies, including: mas- ied with the Khenpos Troru Tse- replace Anna Bartenstein as Ad- The first two days of this class the prestigious Tibetan Medi- sage with medicinal oils, deep nam and Gyaltsen, two of Tibet’s ministrative Director. We thank will be spent in the classroom, cal and Astrological Institute tissue massage, pressure points foremost doctors who are credited Anna for all her dedicated work where students will learn the rich in Dharamsala, India. He was therapy, joint mobilization and with the revival of Tibetan Medi- over the years as she pursues fur- theory of how herbs can be used awarded an honorary degree of assisted stretching, heated oils cine within Tibet under the Chi- ther professional development. to heal the body and mind. The Menran-pa (T.M.D). Dr. Wangyal therapy, hot stones therapy, hot nese. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo had Both Matt and Joey are graduates theory of the five elements and was personally trained by Dr. Ten- and cold compresses, herbal the exceptional opportunity of of the 2009 Four-year Tibetan the theory of the taste and post- zin Choedrak, senior physician to poultices and gemstone therapy extensive clinical training under Medicine Class. digestive taste of Tibetan herbs the . 35 % lecture: history, purpose Khenpo Troru Tsenam for four will be covered in depth. and benefits years. Dr. Wangmo remains in Shang Shung Institute USA Board The Second two days will be 65 % practicum: learning the residence at the Shang Shung In- spent outside in nature, recog- techniques of the basic Kunye stitute in America where she is the nizing the local variety of various massage director of the Institute’s Tradi- Tibetan herbs. You will be guided Pending CEU credit approval. This tional Tibetan Medicine Program. is a basic course to meant to enhance a THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 TashigarChögyal NamkhaiSur Norbu

10 The Nature of Life is The Nature and Just Like a Dream Classes of Dreams ometimes we have very nice dreams, fantastic dreams and we enjoy and are very happy. We dream, Excerpt from chapter 1 in ‘Dream Yoga and the Practice of Natural Sfor example, that we have bought a lottery ticket, Light’ by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Edited and Introduced by a lottery ticket for a very big amount of money. We buy Michael Katz, Snow Lion Publications 2002. one, return home and see the television. When we look Published courtesy of Snow Lion Publications. at the television and the number is read, it is our number, the same number! Then we feel very happy! Oh what will we do now with all this money, and we are really happy. n a sutra, Buddha Shakyamuni1 describes the phe- Then we wake up. When we wake up we realize it was all nomenal world that we generally consider to be real a dream, unfortunately. [laughter] We are not happy. Or I through the use of multiple metaphors. He likens our sometimes we have a very, very bad dream, many people reality to a shooting star, an optical illusion, a fl ickering want to kill us, they are arriving at our house and are start- butter lamp, dew drops at dawn, bubbles in water, light- ing to kill us; we feel very afraid and at that moment we ning, a dream, and clouds. According to the Buddha, all wake up and discover, “Oh that is only a dream. I am very aggregated existence, all ,2 and in fact all phe- happy.” You see, good or bad. Good or bad, a dream is a nomena are actually unreal and constantly changing like dream, unreal, so Buddha says our life is like a dream, a these examples. big dream. A dream in the night is a very small dream, but Another sutra employs additional poetic metaphors to our life is a dream that has many days and nights, days and show the essential unreal nature of our condition. These nights, continually. We discover a dream when we wake include the refl ection of the moon in water, a mirage, a city up, but the big dream we discover when we are dying and comprised of sounds, a rainbow, a refl ection in a mirror, we are in the state of the . ! and also a dream. The example of a dream is included in these be- From a Teaching at NYC in 2002 by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu cause we all know that if we examine a dream, we will not Outtake from ‘My Reincarnation’, fi nd anything concrete. Even though the primary and sec- the fi lm by Jennifer Fox ondary causes for its arisal may be discovered, still there is nothing actually concrete or real about the dream itself Although there are many different conditions that may lead to dreaming, the product of the conditions, our dreams, may in general be grouped into two main catego- Dream Yoga ries: the more common types of dreams arising from kar- mic traces3 and other types of dreams arising due to the Excerpt from Michael Katz’s introduction to ‘Dream Yoga and the clarity of mind. Practice of Natural Light’ by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Edited Within the category of dreams that are caused by kar- and Introduced by Michael Katz, Snow Lion Publications 2002. ma, there are dreams that are mainly related to the three Published courtesy of Snow Lion Publications states of existence, i.e., the body, energy, or speech, and Images from Plate 17, Dream Prognosis, and Plate 18, Auspicious Dreams, the tensions of the mind of the individual; and there is an- ountless theories have from the Exegetical Tantra in Book Two of the Blue Beryl Treatise of Sangye other class which is related to karmic traces. The latter has Gyamtso. From ‘Tibetan Medical Paintings’, published by Serindia Publica- been developed to ac- tions, London, 1992. three causes, namely, traces of karma originating in a past C count for the universally These images portray specifi c dreams infl uenced by the Lord of death. life, in youth, and in the recent past of the individual. shared set of experiences we call In the tradition of Tibetan medicine, a physician who is dreaming. Although these theo- als, widespread in early history, their popularity, these Aesclepi- conducting an investigation as to the origin of an illness ries may differ radically regard- are especially well-documented an centers for dream incubation will also consider to which of the three existences the sick ing the origin and signifi cance in Native American societies as numbered in the hundreds. person’s dreams relate. With this information, he or she of dreams, there is widespread well as in Asia, ancient Babylon, Instances of healing through can discover the real condition and situation of the body, agreement that many dreams are Greece, and Rome. Invocation- rituals such as these are also energy, and mind of the sick person. Sometimes an indi- mysterious, powerful, and cre- al, or “incubation,” ceremonies widespread in contemporary vidual who has a serious illness that is diffi cult to cure may ative. would feature rituals guided by shamanic cultures.4 For example, be in that condition due to karmic causes originating in Dreams have held a cen- trained initiates and frequently Richard Grossinger, author of youth or even in a past life. It may also happen that the ill- tral place in many societies. In took place in special temples numerous books on dream eth- ness is the result of a karmic cause due to recent actions. many cultures the importance of built on important and beautiful nography, cites Native American Thus, examining dreams becomes one of the most impor- dreaming was taken for granted, sacred sites. sources from among the Crow, tant means for analyzing and discovering the principal and the ability to remember or After making offerings to the Blackfoot, Kwakiutl, and Win- and secondary causes of the problem. even consciously alter a dream gods or a sacrifi ce for purifi ca- nebago tribes recounting dreams What is meant by dreams related to the individual’s was nurtured. Dreams have fi g- tion, the dream seeker would in which an animal or bird, such three existences? These dreams arise due to any kind of ured prominently – sometimes sometimes drink potions to en- as a snake or loon, appeared and experience of the body, speech, or mind. Thus, experienc- centrally – in religions, assisted hance the experience. Depending taught cures which, when ap- es directly related to the individual’s elements, energy, and on the hunt, inspired sacred pat- on the culture, the ingredients for plied in waking life, were found emotions may become instantaneous causes for manifest- terns for arts and crafts, and pro- these potions might include a va- to have healing power. ing some dream experience, either good, bad, or neutral. vided guidance in times of war, riety of psychotropic drugs.1 The Dreams have also inspired im- For example, a person who is sleeping on a bed in an crisis, or illness. The dreamer of sacred places were often selected portant scientifi c advances. Per- awkward position may be uncomfortable or in pain. The a “big dream” was frequently re- through the esoteric science of haps the most celebrated of these disturbance may become the instant cause for a negative ferred to as a priest or priestess, a geomancy or through a priest’s is the discovery of the molecular dream. Or, if a person is not sleeping well due to obstruct- title earned by virtue of their hav- psychic revelation. The site of structure of benzene by Kekule. ed breathing, dreams of suffocating or of being strangled ing been blessed by the gods. these temples was particularly His account: may arise. Further, it is not diffi cult to understand that Ancient Egyptians and other important to the ancient Greeks, My mind was elsewhere... I turned feelings such as joy or sadness associated with the mind traditional peoples systemati- for example, because their ch- the chair to the fi replace, and fell half may also be the instant secondary cause of having dreams. cally interpreted dreams for the thonic deities2 were believed to asleep. Again the atoms gamboled in These are examples of dreams related to conditions of the purpose of deciphering mes- reside in special locations. front of my eyes. Smaller groups this individual’s three existences. >> continued on the following page sages from the gods. Egyptian All aspects of the temples time kept mostly in the background. My priests called “masters of the se- themselves were designed to mind’s eye, trained by repeated visions cret things” were considered in- mobilize and heighten the work- of the same sort, now distinguished dreaming. Elias Howe completed some popular music composi- termediaries. With the advent of ings of the unconscious mind larger formations of various shapes. his invention of the sewing ma- tions by Billy Joel and Paul Mc- writing, the knowledge of dream as well as spirits. For example, Long chains..., everything in movement, chine while dreaming. Albert Cartney have come in dreams. interpretation was recorded. An in Greece, the cult of the oracle- twisting and turning like snakes. And Einstein’s theory of relativity Such unusual dreams not- early book on dream interpreta- god Aesclepius3 was symbolized look what was that? One snake grabbed came to him partly in a dream. withstanding, our society as a tion, written in Egypt some two by the snake, and dream seek- its own tail, and mockingly the shape Other dream-inspired creations whole has lost touch with the art thousand years before the com- ers would often sleep in a place whirled before my eyes. I awoke as if include literary masterpieces of dreaming. Recently, however, mon era, is contained in what is where snakes moved about free- struck by lightning; this time again I such as Dante’s Divine Comedy, a widespread interest in the cre- now called the Chester Beatty pa- ly. After the elaborate rituals, spent the rest of the night working out Voltaire’s Candide, “The Raven” ative power of dreams has sur- pyrus. Aesclepius frequently appeared its consequences. by Poe, and Ulysses by James faced, emerging from several In many cultures, dreamers to the dreamer as a bearded man The Russian chemist Mende- Joyce. Robert Louis Stevenson divergent disciplines, including preparing to receive an impor- or as an animal, and in many lev discovered the periodic table was able to formulate stories science, western depth psychol- tant or healing dream participate instances the individual would method of classifying elements while dreaming; these he later ogy, the increasing awareness of in elaborate rituals. These ritu- awaken cured. At the height of according to atomic weight while wrote down and published. Even native cultures, and religion. THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 ReviewsChögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus on Dream Yoga

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These images show dreams that foretell death from blood and bile diseases.

>> continued from previous page sions. The state of contemplation, or presence, represents sistance in particular because the emotional attachments, Within the category of dreams that are caused by kar- total relaxation. Consequently, there will be no manifesta- conditioning, and ego enhancement which compose our ma, one type encompasses those whose cause originates tion of tension. In the place of karmic dreams, you have normal life have been strengthened over our many, many in a previous life. In this kind of dream, unfamiliar things more dreams of clarity. years. may appear which the person has not experienced in this Regarding the type of clarity dream related to the three In a real sense, all the visions that we see in our lifetime life, such as visions of another country or strange peoples existences, all human beings have in their nature infi - are like the images of a dream. If we examine them well, who have unfamiliar customs or language. These dreams nite potential and unmanifest qualities. Although the the big dream of life and the smaller dreams of one night may repeat so often that the dreamer becomes knowl- sun shines constantly, sometimes we cannot see it due to are not very different. If we truly see the essential nature of edgeable of the once unfamiliar world. Such experiences cloud covering, while at other times, we can see between both, we will fi nd that there really is no difference between suggest the existence of a very strong habit from a past the clouds for a few moments. Similarly, sometimes the them. If we can fi nally liberate ourselves from the chains life which has left a karmic trace in the individual. Or a individual’s clarity spontaneously appears. One result of of emotions, attachments, and ego by this realization, we dream may appear of an unusual country in which there is this is the appearance of dreams of clarity. have the possibility of ultimately becoming enlightened.! a strange person who wants to trouble or kill the dreamer; People who are practicing Dharma try to relax. Through as a result, the dreamer has a very strong feeling of fear. relaxing the body, energy, and mind, the elements and en- This sometimes means that a similar situation occurred ergies become balanced, and through this instant second- in a previous life – the person’s conditions were affected ary cause different kinds of clarity dreams arise. This is strongly enough to leave a karmic trace. This trace reap- particularly true for one who is doing practices related to pears when the secondary conditions are ripe. As another the chakras4 and the channels, which control the prana example of this type of karmic dream, if someone mur- and energy. dered me in a past life, I may still in this life have dreams For some individuals, these types of clarity dreams arise of being murdered. It is not true that what we dream is through the clarity of their minds even without their ap- always about our experiences from this life. If an event is plying secondary methods to relax the body or control the very weighty, then you may feel it life after life. When you energy. When a practitioner has matured or developed, sleep very deeply, you may create a perfect potential for there is a diminution of the obstacles that obscure the nat- past karma to manifest within your dreams. ural clarity of mind. Following the analogy of the sun, the If you merely have heavy tension, it may also repeat clouds have now largely disappeared and the infi nite rays in your dreams. For example, when you are a child and of sunshine are able to manifest directly. someone makes a problem for you, it could repeat in your When all conditions are correct and the body, speech, dreams. Or, if today I have a problem with someone, it and mind are relaxed due to a developed practice, then may repeat tonight in my dream. The principle is that if there appear many kinds of clarity dreams, some of which you have heavy tension and you sleep deeply, the tension may anticipate a future event. Also, like ordinary dreams tends to repeat. This is one kind of dream, a karmic dream that have karmic causes from past lives, clarity dreams of of pagchag. Pagchag means traces of something left. For previous karma can reawaken. Depending on the dream- example, if there is an empty bottle which once contained er’s capacity, it might be possible to remember a past life perfume, you can still smell the trace of perfume. That is in its entirety. One hundred or even one hundred thousand pagchag. This fi rst type of karmic dream does occur, even lives can be remembered in a dream. We can read about though it is not experienced frequently by all people. these extraordinary dreams appearing due to unobstructed Karmic dreams of the second type are those whose clarity in accounts of the lives of and . causes were developed in the dreamer’s youth. If the An example of the dreams of clarity that a practitioner youthful person was frightened or involved in an accident, might have as a result of the karmic traces accumulated that experience may leave a trace, and thus dreams may during youth would be as follows. Earlier in life, a person occur later in life that relate to the event either literally or may have met many extraordinary teachers, or received thematically. Or if, for example, as a child, someone ex- teachings and empowerments, or learned methods of perienced an earthquake which produced great fear, then practice. Later, that person can have dreams about these later in life there is the potential that the trace might be- things in which he or she goes deeper into this knowledge. come activated with the proper secondary causes such as The person may even acquire within a dream knowledge the experience of another earthquake. or methods for practice that he or she has never heard be- The third type of karmic dream includes dreams origi- fore. One can have many interesting dreams of this type. nating from recent actions that touched the person deeply. Clarity dreams related to recent experiences may arise The person might have been extremely angry recently and, as follows: A person reads something, perhaps a very im- as a consequence, may have fought with someone. That portant Dharma text or has a deep conversation about intense anger leaves a trace. Because of this, a dream aris- practicing Dharma. This may become the cause for dreams es that is similar in situation or theme. having to do with the past, the present, or even the future. The causes of these three types of dreams are princi- These are the types of clarity dreams. They are a con- pally karmic, that is, related to an event that touched the tinuation and development of the ordinary type of dream person deeply and left traces of the tension, fear, or some and arise primarily for practitioners who already have other strong emotion. When traces are left, it is logical some experience working with their dreams or who have that dreams with a corresponding theme arise more fre- experience maintaining lucidity and awareness within the quently. dream. They are the type of dreams that manifest through There are similar varieties of dreams which are related the clarity of one’s state of mind, or rigpa.5 to the clarity of an individual, that is, those related to the Many of the methods of practicing Dharma that are three existences and those related to the karmic traces of learned during waking can, upon development of dream the individual. What is a dream of clarity? A dream of clar- awareness, be applied in the dream condition. In fact, one ity manifests when there are secondary causes; through may develop these practices more easily and speedily with- the secondary causes it manifests as clarity. We can even in the Dream State if one has the capacity to dream lucidly. obtain advice and predictions for the future because there There are even some books that say that if a person applies are secondary causes of future events. A dream of clarity a practice within a dream, the practice is nine times more generally manifests in the early morning. Why? Because effective than when it is applied during the waking hours. when we fi rst fall asleep, we sleep very deeply. Slowly we The dream condition is unreal. When we discover this consume this heaviness and our sleep becomes lighter. As for ourselves within the dream, the immense power of this it becomes lighter, clarity can manifest more easily. If our realization can eliminate obstacles related to conditioned practice of continuous presence succeeds, then karmic vision. For this reason, dream practice is very important dreams diminish. This is because they are linked with ten- for liberating us from habits. We need this powerful as- These images portray specifi c dreams infl uenced by the Lord of death. THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus on Dream Yoga

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realise that it is only a dream your fears disappear. What obstacles on a physical level we can have more experiences Buddha said about everything being unreal means that life and our practice can have more effect. The Practice itself is a big dream. You can understand this concretely Perhaps we know a method of practice, and we know if you have the capacity for awareness in dreams. In this that with that method one can get particular experiences, case the dream can infl uence your life because you man- but if we practice by day it is not easy to get results imme- age to have more concrete understanding of unreality. The diately. In dreams, however, we will be able to have those of the Night more dream practice and night practice become familiar, experiences in a concrete fashion. Having all these experi- the more your tensions and your problems will diminish. ences is very favourable for other experiences that we can Extracted from ‘The Cycle of Day and Night – An Oral Com- For some practitioners, particularly Dzogchen practi- have in the day practice. In reality the day life and night mentary by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’ given during a retreat tioners, the night practice is more important than the day dreams are the fruit of the same mind. For this reason at Merigar West, Italy, July 24-27 1998 and published by Shang practice. During the day, even if we practice and do retreats the night practice is extremely important and is the main Shung Edizioni. This extract is taken from chapter IV The Practice when we can, our existence is too limited by our physi- practice for preparing ourselves for death and the state of of the Night. cal condition. For example if we look at a wall we cannot bardo. In Dzogchen Upadesha teachings there are methods see what is on the other side because our vision is linked for progressing in the capacity for contemplation: for ex- n the Dzogchen teachings the night practice is consid- to the organ of sight and we are totally dependent on the ample the dark retreat practice or the practice of Thödgal ered to be very important, and a Dzogchen practitioner organs of our senses: if we close our eyes we cannot see, that one does with daylight. But in the daytime it is very Imust be able to do it because the night is more or less if we close our ears we cannot hear. But in reality this does diffi cult to have concrete effects, while at night, if we are half our life: if we are able to do it, it means being able to in- not mean that our senses are merely physical organs: there aware in our state of dreaming, we can use these practices tegrate night into our practice. Furthermore with the night are also the consciousnesses of the senses. This is their and have precise experiences. practice we can progress further in experience, using our condition. But the functions of the senses still depend on In general in Tantric traditions one speaks of dream dreams, because our mind is always active and never stops: the organs. practice: in particular there is a tantra entitled Mahama- even when we sleep, at a certain point our mind wakes up In dreams our senses work very differently. First we fall ya of which the main practice is dream practice. But in and starts functioning. So we have lots of dreams but, if we asleep without dreaming. Sleeping is a bit like dying. At Dzogchen there is no particular need for dream practice: can become aware of them, dreams become a very impor- the moment of death, if we are not practitioners there is in fact the root of the dream practice is the night prac- tant tool for progressing in our knowledge. no presence or consciousness, it is like losing the func- tice which means being in instant presence when one In general we have strong tensions and attachment and tions of the mind, a bit like falling in the dark. Then bit by falls asleep. If we have this capacity then it is clear that the root of all our problems is the fact that we believe in bit gradually we wake up again, but what is it that wakes in dreams too we can become aware; if on the other hand all these things and we consider them to be very real and up? The mind. we concentrate on our dreams it is not so easy to acquire important. Buddha said that all is unreal, and in theory The physical body is dead but the mind is not. In sleep the capacity of awareness in dreams. If you know what the we believe this but in practice we believe in our ideas even it is the sense organs that sleep in our bed but in death the source is and work on that then it all becomes much easier. more, so that even if we know that all is unreal, in con- mind, when it does awake, is no longer in the bed. The When you go to bed, once you are lying down you go crete terms everything becomes very real and so we have an mind is in fact associated with consciousness which after to sleep and after a bit you enter into the dream state. In infi nity of problems linked to attachment and to tension. death no longer depends on our organs since our organs order to get there, there is no need for any particular prac- In general most people are scared of dying, of living stay with our bodies: so that which reawakens is the so- tice of sleep, this in itself is a dream practice. Many people and of everything. Why are we so afraid? Because we be- called mental body. In its turn, the mental body depends ask me if in order to do night practice or dream practice, lieve too strongly in things and we take them too seriously; on secondary causes and, on the basis of these secondary there is any need for any particular transmission. The root if we get into the sense of unreality a bit more then the causes, has all its functions. But the physical body is no of all these transmissions is Guruyoga; when you have fears disappear. For example sometimes you can have ter- longer there and so there are no problems of a physical that transmission and you know how to enter the state of rible nightmares. If you are not aware it is a dream then nature. For example, we cannot go through a wall but our Guruyoga then you can do those practices. And not only you feel fear, pain and suffering, just as if it was some- mental body has no such problems. On a physical level our those, but also practices like Rushen, Semdzin, mind thing real. So you wake up with a start and think how for- sense organs have many limitations but the mental body is trainings: the root is always Guruyoga. When you are re- tunate you are that it was just a dream. Why do you think above such constraints. Thus if we practice awareness in ally in Guruyoga, which is linked to transmission, you can this? Because you feel that a dream is unreal, and when you dreams we can gain more clarity. Without any remaining learn and apply all such practices. !

the same situation, conditions, etc. It can also be a karmic the functions of our senses have a function without con- Teaching on Dreams dream of a past life, for example. These kinds of dreams nection to our organs of senses. The organs of senses are Excerpt from Day II Oral Teaching exist. In any case when there is a continuation of your pres- sleeping on our bed. So the functions of the senses are ag- given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Singapore, ence, these kinds of karmic dreams slowly diminish. gregated with our mind. This is called the mental body. April 2, 2011 When you fi rst fall asleep in the nighttime your sleep Then we can do many kinds of practices. is very heavy, because in the daytime we have done many For example, I received this teaching [of the practice of things and we feel tired. Even if you sleep very heavily, kar- the night] concretely from my teacher Changchub Dorje. “When you become more familiar with practice it becomes more mic dreams can manifest. But when you have consumed Of course, I had received these kinds of teachings from familiar with you. This is very important for practitioners.” your sleeping for a longer time, for example, in the early books, etc., before, but I did not know how to apply them. morning, you can have more dreams of clarity. It is rare Also I received many great practices in the Vajrayana sys- he essence of Guruyoga can be applied in the night- at this time of the night or early morning that you have tem. Sometimes I thought I wanted to do these practices… time, not only the daytime. Half of our life is night, dreams of tensions. The characteristic of a dream of clar- but when I received teachings on this later from my teach- T so we have a practice of night. Sometimes there are ity is that we dream about the present, also the future, so er Changchub Dorje, I understood it was also connected complicated methods we learn in the Vajarayana system these characteristic dreams manifest. That means there is with Guruyoga. It is a very simple practice. and even if we have learned them, they are very diffi cult some continuation of presence. You can notice that. When When I did practice, gradually, of course, I became to apply in this kind of society. There is a very simple gu- you do this practice more and more and become more fa- aware in my dreams and after, I discovered there are many ruyoga you can apply in the nighttime. For example, when miliar, slowly your dream also becomes awareness. possibilities to do practice in them. Then by doing these you are in bed, try to remember, “Oh, now it is nighttime, Dream awareness means you understand you are dream- practices in the dream, much knowledge can develop. I am going to sleep and I have a practice.” ing when you dream. It does not mean you wake up, it When we have perfect knowledge in our dreams it also What is the practice of night? Guruyoga is suffi cient. means you are still dreaming and you can continue your infl uences our life in the daytime when we have more at- For example, if you cannot sound A, it is not necessary. dream. This is called awareness of dreams. Some people, tachment, etc. Even without sounding it aloud you can feel that sound. even if they have not done any kind of practice, can have this Buddha said, “ Everything is unreal, just like a dream, You visualize a white A with a thigle at the center of your experience. This is not a surprise because we are already just like an illusion.” Not only do we think this in our body. You relax, and relax means without your judging in our real nature - the self perfected state. When there are minds because Buddha said it must be that way, but when mind, otherwise you cannot sleep, even if in general you some secondary causes we can manifest everything and we have an experience in our dreams, we also feel it con- have no problem of sleeping. You can also create provoca- dreams can manifest that way, but not always. When you cretely in the daytime and this reduces our attachment and tion. ‘Relax’ means you are in that presence and fall asleep. become more familiar with practice it becomes more famil- all our problems. That is an example of what a very impor- When you fall asleep in that way, there will be a continu- iar with you. This is very important for practitioners. tant practice this is. ation of that presence. Maybe you do not notice the pres- You see, practitioners cannot do very much in the day- So try to do guruyoga related to your night practice. ence immediately, but when you apply that practice you can time, but when you have awareness in dreams you can Some people fi nd this practice very diffi cult. Then some- slowly discover how to become present with your dreams. do many practices in dreams. In a dream you have seven times people are not very present and forget to do the prac- We have many dreams called karmic dreams; karmic times more clarity. In the daytime, we see and hear and our tice. But that is ok, because even if you forget for one or dreams mean dreams related with our tensions. If we have senses have contact with objects, which makes us limited two nights, that is not important because we have many had some heavy tensions in our lifetime and we dream of to the physical level. We are dependent on our organs of nights in one year. The important thing is that you know them again and again, that is connected with tensions. senses. For that reason we have less clarity. In the night- it is a very important practice and you should do it. Some Sometimes you have dreams not related to any experience time, in the dream, we have what is called the mental body people try and fi nd it very diffi cult and give up. This is re- you have had in your life and that dream repeats many times, which is just like being in the state of bardo after death. So ally very bad. Try to do that practice, it is very important.! THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Focus on Dream Yoga

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In dream, whoever sees the sun or else the moon will recover from ill- Interpreting Analysis of Dreams ness. If there is no illness one will gain splendor. Dreams In Sanskrit language: Svapna Uhana In Tibetan language: rmi lam brtag pa Whoever dreams clearly of a white snake, clinging to one’s right hand, Elio Guarisco will certainly become rich in ten days.

Information about Vibhutichan- Vibhutichandra If one awakens at the moment of [dreaming] of obtaining a mare, a dra is scarce. We do know that he domestic fowl, or a mountain crane, one will meet a sweetheart. was a Buddhist teacher from east- I pay homage to the Enlightened One! ern India who lived in the XIIIth One who dreams of capturing and tying the wife and relatives as they century. The Blue Annals mention ere I shall explain [how to] analyze the occurrance of various are talking or of tying their hands with a noose, will have sons or else that he Vibhutichandra was invit- kinds of dreams. will obtain a high position. ed to Dingri in Tibet from Nepal, HDreams that occur in the first watch [of the night] will yield by Khotrakpa (ko brag pa) (1181– results in a year. Dreams that occur in the second watch will yield re- [If you dream of ] a black brahmin, black cattle, a black elephant, or a 1261), a non-sectarian teacher sults in eight months. black god or other black things, this is a very bad [sign]. counted among the main masters Dreams that occur in the third watch will yield results in three months. of Gyalwa Yangonpa. From Vib- Dreams that occur in the fourth watch will yield results in a fortnight. [Dreaming] of a skull, cotton, ashes, bones, and other white things hutichandra, Kotragpa received You will undoubtedly witness this. [Dreams occurring] at the very mo- will bring joy. the transmission of the Sadan- ment of dawn will yield results in ten days. gayoga, that Vibhutichandra had It is said that dreaming of grasping a centipede, snake, or aquatic crea- received from the siddha Shavari. I shall explain it clearly, thus. ture [forecasts] victory, the obtainment of material wealth, or that sons Vibhutichandra also heard some Listen! Among the good and bad dreams, will be born. teachings from Khotrakpa. This may be the same Vib- Mounting on an ox or on an elephant, [being in] a palace, on the top of Whoever [dreams] of drinking blood or else of drinking a lot of alco- hutichandra mentioned by - a mountain, in forest’s grove, inside a boat, holding a lute, eating, or holic beverage, if he is a Brahmin, one will attain knowledge. Others natha in his Seven Instruction Lin- crying, [means that] one will always obtain material wealth. (not Brahmin) will become wealthy. eages (bka’ babs bdun ldan) in the of the Instructions of the Being struck by a weapon, having one’s body covered by small insects If [in dream] one drinks milk or milks a cow and drinks the milk, one Luminous Clarity (’od gsal). and similarly, having one’s bodily filth completely cleansed, coming will have occasion to drink cow’s milk, or will perform a fire-offering In the Tengyur (bstan ’gyur), into contact with feces, losing blood from the body, or entering a for- rite. the commentaries to on the Bud- bidden place in one’s dream, these are auspicious [dreams]. dha’s Words in the Tibetan lan- Seeing yogurt one will become happy and joyful. guage, Vibhutichandra figures The one who sees kings, elephants, stallions, shells, oxen or cows at Seeing a village, one will come to possess wealth. as the translator of more than the end of his sleep, will have numerous friends and relatives. twenty-five works, most of which It is known that the fire-offering rite is done with barley; [but] one who are tantric in nature. For ex- Whoever dreams of climbing alone up a tree with milky fruits and [dreams] of [using] muster seeds will have obtainments. ample he is the author of a Com- awakens from sleep while still in that tree, will quickly obtain wealth. mentary on the Difficult Points of the If one holds a flower, one [will become as beautiful as] a flower. Brief Sadhana (of Guhyasamaja), Whoever [dreams] of eating in a palace or likewise crossing over the Dg.T, Vol.Ci (Toh.1832) and of a ocean, even if born into a lower family, will become a king. If one holds a fruit, one [will gain] supreme intelligence. commentary on the Bodhicarya- vatara, Dg.T. dBu ma, vol Sha Whoever [dreams] of eating curd or milk porridge on the great lotus If one sees a smoky fire, the blazing fire is said to be [a sign of com- 192b–285a (Toh.3880). There petals in the center of a pond will doubtlessly become a ruler. ing] fear. is also a commentary (the Arm- rita kanikoddtyota, that has not Whoever [dreams], at the end of his sleeps of an oil lamp, a victory ban- If one awakens dreaming that mat, bed, body, mount, body, chariot or been translated into Tibetan) on ner, a chariot, a parasol, a girl, a tree, tree leaves, fruits, or of cooked household are on fire then one’s splendor will increase. Ravishrijnana’s (XIIIth century) food, will obtain unsurpassable splendor. commentary to the Chanting the If, in a dream, one see [someone] doing worship, one’s wishes will be Names of (Manjushrina- Whoever dreams of eating human flesh, whether it be cooked or un- granted. masangiti). This commentary, the cooked, listen, [will] obtain these qualities: In particular, if one sees a statue his tradition will be victorious. Amrtakanika, is said to be related if one eats the foot, one will obtain five hundred qualities; to the Kalachakra tantra. if one eats the hand, one will obtain one thousand qualities, It is said that whatever supreme thing it is uttered in dreams by deities Vibhutichandra translations if one eats the head one will obtain a hundred thousand qualities or a with Brahmins, range from sutra to tantra, from small king. by one’s father, by a girl possessing special signs this will actualize. Guhyasamaja to the Cakrasam- If one encircles a village with [human] intestines one will obtain a king, vara, and from the Yamari to the if one encircles a town, one will become a king. It is said that whoever [sees] divinities dancing or gracefully running Kalachakra tantra. One of his will pass through the world/travel the world. translations is a short treatise on If one awakens after having [dreamt] of obtaining a pair of shoes, a dream interpretation found in parasol, a flawless sharp sword, it is said that one will have success. Doing a fire offering, with red sandalwood anointed with butter, and the tantric (rgyud) section of the reciting a thousand times the Gayatri [mantra], will obtain peace. Derge Tengyur, vol. Sha, 133b– If one [dreams] that the boat one is riding in damaged, but one reaches This [mantra] is the state of knowledge of Manjushri, whoever reads it 135a (Toh.1749). Altough this the destination one will have success and one will soon return [home]. in the morning will advert bad dreams. treatise may have been written by Vibhutichandra himself, the Whoever [dreams] of the earth breaking, or of an earthquake, will suf- This completes the treatise called Analysis of Dreams. It was translated Derge Tengyur mentions him fer the destruction of his or her wealth, or otherwise his or her body into Tibetan by the scholar Vibuthichandra from eastern India. only as the translator and do not will become ill. indicate its author. Translated from Tibetan into English by Elio Guarisco One who [dreams] of harmful horned or fanged animals, a monkey or Merigar, July 2006 a pig, will have reason to fear his or her lord. Left page: These images portray fortunate dreams foretelling longevity and health It is said that the one who [dreams] of applying sesame oil, or smear- without disease. ing milk or butter onto the body and or anything similar to that, will become ill.

Whoever dreams of climes alone atop a chariot, a donkey, or a camel and awakens while mounted on them, will quickly meet death.

Whoever has dreams of embracing a girl wearing red clothes, a red necklace and a red anointment will not live past the night. 2 Whoever dreams of embracing a girl wearing white clothes, a white necklace or a similar anointment, will obtain all prosperity.

Whoever dreams of embracing a girl wearing black clothes, a black necklace or a similar anointment, will increase in prosperity.

Whoever dreams of embracing a woman wearing yellow clothes or a yellow necklace or a similar anointment will obtain a kingdom. THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Focus on Dream Yoga

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“It was in the middle of the latter The Earth Frog and part of the fi fth month of the water- the Space Frog snake year, 1953. I was on retreat in Derge in Dokham. It was the twenty- Michael Katz fi fth day of the initiation and instruc- tions of Dzogchen Nyingthig Yazhi that I had requested from my Uncle “I am open to the guidance of syn- Khyentrul Rinpoche. At dawn on the chronicity, and do not let expectations morning after Master and disciples hinder my path.” together had offered the long Gana- His Holiness the Dalai Lama puja of Khandro Nyingthig, I had a dream. I was in the great cave of Gya- wo Ritröd, and suddenly fi ve dakinis he idea of “synchronic- appeared in front of the cave entrance. ity” is that there is a rela- At that time, there was a lovely T tionship or linkage at the girl who I thought was the green daki- level of mind. Perhaps it might be ni on the right side of Pal Lhamo. She understood as a relationship be- was adorned with jewel ornaments. tween pure ideas, an association Entering the cave, she gave me a very which subsequently may give rise small, yellow scroll. With a subtle, to events that do not appear to be sweet voice she said: “Pal Lhamo gives causal in nature but seem mean- this to you.” Very curious, I quickly ingfully related. The eminent Psy- accepted the yellow scroll with my left chologist Carl Jung coined the hand, and I asked, “Who are you?” word synchronicity to describe But the girl disappeared. I immedi- what he called “temporally co- ately opened the little, yellow scroll incident occurrences of acausal and looked at it carefully. On the scroll events.” Jung variously described were the Tibetan uchen letters ah hum synchronicity as an “acausal con- ah as if written with red blood. There necting principle”, “meaningful was nothing other than these three let- coincidence” and “acausal paral- ters written there. lelism”. At that time, I was thinking about In his book Synchronicity what tertön Nyima Pal told me when (1952), Jung tells the following I met him in a dream when I was in story as an example of a synchro- Sengchen Namdrag. He had explained nistic event: “A young woman I that I should understand how letters was treating had, at a critical mo- more or less manifest from the pure ment, a dream in which she was symbols. Immediately after invoking given a golden scarab. While she Ekajati, I looked at the three letters on was telling me this dream, I sat the yellow scroll. Infi nite light rays The origination of dreams when consciousness is carried in the directional movement of the energy channels and wind during sleep. with my back to the closed win- emanated from the three letters. In the dow. Suddenly I heard a noise dust of the light rays was something that he give me the cycle of teachings The location was Dejamling, a surprised as the roof was quite behind me, like a gentle tapping. like clusters of very small letters. I rec- of Lhalung Sangdag, and I received Dzogchen Community retreat high. There also was no obvious I turned round and saw a fl y- ognized them to be letters, but some his promise that he would give them center located in a mountainous way for the frog to have gotten up ing insect knocking against the disappeared before I could read them. to me.” region of Southern France near there. My fi rst thought after its windowpane from the outside. I I was afraid of losing the scroll, so I Montpelier. The actual program unexpected appearance was con- opened the window and caught held it in my left hand, and I tightly Chögyal Rinpoche has often was held within a yurt like struc- cern for its well being. the creature in the air as it fl ew held my left hand with my right hand taught that as clarity increases ture on the property from which The frog was still for a few in. It was the nearest analogy to because I felt it was necessary to offer these experiences also increase. there are beautiful views of the moments but then began to a golden scarab one fi nds in our this to Uncle Rinpoche. And I woke up Clarity type dreams and syn- valley below. slowly creep towards us across latitudes, a scarabaeid beetle, in that condition. chronicity experiences do not A Tibetan Nomadic infl uence the Mandala. Although we were the common rose-chafer (Ceto- As soon as I woke up, I very clearly only occur to Buddhists. They are has informed the design of this Buddhists developing and play- nia aurata), which, contrary to remembered the dream. Opening my frequent enough to have spawned building. Although the tent like ing with the view that the fabric its usual habits, had evidently felt left hand, I looked and directly per- websites, which record fi rsthand structure has a fi xed roof it also of reality is no other than a dream the urge to get into a dark room ceived the existence of that little scroll. accounts such as this one posted has collapsible canvas walls that or magical display it seemed bi- at this particular moment. I must But since it was not yet dawn, I again by a dreamer named Andrew: are easily removed. The roof of zarre. My logical mind grasped admit that nothing like it ever held it tightly in my left hand, and I the circular structure is approxi- at explanations. Despite the con- happened to me before or since.” stayed still like this waiting for dawn. This happened to me when I was seven mately 12 feet off the fl oor at siderable logistical challenges, I As Buddhists we are well aware After about a half-hour, it was dawn, years old (I’m 22 now), and my par- the center. It tapers to approxi- reasoned that the frog must have that a web of karmic relation- so I got up from my bed. When the ents still talk about it. My mother had mately 8 feet high nearer to the climbed the canvas walls and for ships and secondary causes infl u- light of dawn shone at the entrance of died two years before, my Dad had walls. The colorful fl oor below some unknown reason made its ence events, often in ways that do the cave, I looked carefully at the yel- just remarried, and we’d moved to a had been painted with the Vajra way to the apex of the roof. After not seem to be related to obvious low scroll in my hand, which was one new house. I was a little shaken by all dance Mandala design as speci- a few moments I dismissed this causes and effects. Synchronistic half the width of a fi nger and had an this, and for a long time was having fi ed by the Dakini Goma Devi in intellectual discourse and relaxed events suggest that there may be outer and inner luminosity. Its length nightmares. Then one night I dreamt dreams recorded by Namkhai in the moment, as the near phos- an order that encompasses, but was about four inches and the three let- that I was in a dark house with some Norbu Rinpoche. phorescent green frog continued is far larger than, any obvious ters ah hum ah, were written in blood- other kids, and a white koala with On this morning the canvas to slowly make its way to the pe- ordering system. Perhaps the Ti- like red. wings was leading us to safety. At the walls were three quarters drawn so riphery of the Mandala where we betan word lhan skyes (lhen kye – Immediately, I put on my clothes, very end, he said “Everything’s going as to offer some protection from were seated. meaning spontaneously arising walked to the door of Uncle Rinpoche’s to be alright.” the wind. We had been participat- The frog proceeded to go slow- with, co emergent, born togeth- cave, and knocked on his door. Rinpoche I woke up with a smile and told my ing in meditation exercises and ly around the Vajra Mandala in a er, simultaneous, coming togeth- said: “I haven’t completed my morning step-mom about it, and we went to go other exercises for some hours, clock wise direction. It proceeded er, spontaneous co-emergence, practice yet. Why have you come to me tell my Dad. He looked at us like he’d which assist in the development as if it were making a circumam- innate, inherent, best describes. so early like this?” After telling the sto- seen a ghost. As it happened, he’d just of lucid dreams. One of these ex- bulation. We remained still as the Frequently synchronistic ry, I put the yellow scroll into his hand. read in the newspaper that a baby al- ercises was to purposely become frog more or less visited us one events are related to clarity type He examined it carefully and said, “Ah, bino koala had died at the Los Ange- aware and amplify incongruous or by one. It even climbed onto the dreams and many of us within what an auspicious occasion! One year les Zoo the night before. I don’t know strange events. The intent of this back of the chair where one man the Dzogchen Community, are I saw these three pure symbols on a ter- whether it was a coincidence or not; exercise is to enhance both the sat, necessitating him to move as familiar with Dzogchen master ma list of a Vajrapani statue from the what I do know is that I didn’t have likelihood having a dream related it emerged onto the seat. Slowly Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s ex- place of Lhalung Paldor. I have been any more nightmares after that. to the event and then of becoming the frog made its way around the traordinary dreams. He has often waiting for this yellow scroll to arrive lucid during the dream. Mandala in this fashion. It pro- related these dreams orally and for a long time. And now it is very good As in the previous example of We were all seated around the ceeded a full two thirds around many have also been recorded in that it arrives in your hand.” Taking Jung’s scarab, synchronicity is periphery of the Mandala when a the periphery of the Mandala. books such as “Dream Yoga and a text from the bookshelf behind him, not only related to dream experi- small luminous green tree frog Then, upon reaching the open- the Practice of Natural Light”. he explained to me that there existed a ence. For another example, this suddenly fell from the apex of ing in the canvas, it shifted gears For example the following dream very clear indication of how the cause past July, a group of Dzogchen the tent into the very center of and hopped away so quickly that Rinpoche had when he was 15 would appear for these pure symbols of practitioners had gathered to the Mandala. We recognized this one might easily doubt that it was years old: Lhalung Sangdag. I offered those pure participate in a conscious dream- to be an incongruous dream- ever there. symbols to Uncle Rinpoche, requesting ing or “Dream Yoga” retreat. like occurrence. We were all very >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Focus on Dream Yoga

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What will be obtained by grasping after a mirage? The Quintessential Instructions of Mind: What is the purpose of following after these varied dreams? The Buddha No Farther Than One’s Palm What benefi t is grasping onto space? By various concepts one turns one’s own head around. The following is a previously untranslated text on the Dzogchen path. Put aside this exhausting meaninglessness and relax into the primordial sphere. The author, the great Nyingma meditation master Mipham Rinpoche (1846–1914), The real sky is (knowing) that samsara and nirvana are merely an illusory display. has attempted to point out the “true nature of mind.” Although there are multifarious displays, view them with one taste. (By being) intimate with meditation, one can immediately recollect sky-like awareness, Which is naked, self-settled, vivid awareness free from conception. I. (The natural mind) is without knowing or not knowing, happiness or anguish. I bow to , Bliss arises from (this) totally relaxed state. And to the glorious Lama who is the emanation of the wisdom-being Manjushri1 (and like) all the Bud- At this time whether going or staying, eating or sleeping, one is continuously familiar with the state and dhas and their sons. all is the path. To those desiring (to learn) the meditation (of ) recognizing the profound meaning of the mind, (Thus) the meaning of is awareness similar to the sky. (And even) in the period after I will explain in brief, the beginning path of the pith instructions. ( formal) meditation, one’s conceptions are greatly reduced. It is initially necessary to rely on the quintessential instructions of a Lama who (has) the experience of realization. III. If one does not enter (into the experience of ) the Lama’s instructions, At the fortunate time of the fi nal state, Then all perseverance and effort in meditation is like shooting an arrow in the dark. With regards to the four occasions (of going, staying, eating, and sleeping), For this reason, renounce all corrupt and artifi cial views of meditation. The habitual imprints, from which all conceptions arise, and the karmic winds of the mind are The (pith) point is placing (one’s awareness) in the unfabricated, self-settled state; the face of naked transformed. wisdom which is separate from the shell of the mind (i. e. that which identifi es). (One) possesses the capacity of resting back into the city of unmoving, innate wisdom. (By) recognizing (this wisdom), one reaches the essential point. That which is called samsara7 is mere conceptualization. The meaning of “abiding from the beginning” is the natural, unfabricated state The great wisdom is free from all conceptualization. Having developed an inner conviction that all appearances are the essence of the Dharmakaya, do not At this time, whatever arises manifests as completely perfect. reject (this knowledge). The state of great clear light is continuous – day and night. (Indulging) in discursive explanations (about the path) is similar to chasing after a rainbow. It is separate from the delineation of recollection and non-recollection, When meditative experiences arise as (the product) of awareness of the great unfabricated state, it is not And from deviating from its own place through recollection of the all-pervading, basic ground. through external focus, (but rather) through maintaining non-activity. At this time, one does not make accomplishment through effort. Amazing, (how) one reaches this knowledge. Without exception, the qualities of the paths and grounds: clairvoyance, compassion, etc., are self-arising, II. Increasing like the ripening grass in summer. At the fortunate time of (reaching) the intermediate state, Free from apprehension and conceit, liberated from hope and fear, (One) maintains the unwavering state continuously by recollection of the self-settled state of It is unborn, unending great happiness, expansive as the sky. “ mind-itself!” This great yoga is (like) the playful garuda in the sky of the impartial Great Perfection. Just placing in that state is enough. Wonderful! The unfabricated mind is no other than this. Having relied on the quintessential instructions of a teacher, (If obstructed) by the arising clouds of mental analysis (which create) a distinction between the subject The way to manifest this heart-essence wisdom, and object of meditation, Is to accomplish the two accumulations (of and wisdom) in a vast way like the ocean. At that time (recall) the nature of mind which from the beginning is unfabricated – “mind-itself,” vast And then, without diffi culty, (realization) will be placed in one’s hand. as the sky. Amazing! (By) relaxing, free tightness and dispel grasping to (these conceptions). Accordingly, may all sentient beings by the virtue of this explanation come to see the youthful Self-settled knowledge is not thoughts which fl ow in various directions. Manjushri, who is the compassionate activity of one’s own awareness, the supreme teacher, and It is clear, radiant emptiness that is separate from all mental grasping diamond-essence (the clear-light Dzogpa Chenpo). Example, symbol, or words cannot describe (this state). Having seen this, in this very life, may we attain perfect enlightenment. One directly perceives (ultimate) awareness through discriminating wisdom. The state of great, impartial, empty awareness has not moved, is not moving, and will not move. (It is) one’s own face which is obscured by the stains of sudden conceptions: various delusory meanderings. Composed by Mipham Jamyang Dorje Rinpoche. How sad! Translation by Khempo Palden Sherab, Khempo Tsewong Dongyal, Deborah Lockwood, Michael Katz

These images portray fortunate dreams foretelling longevity and health without disease.

>> continued from previous page liar patter, unlike that of rain or In 1995, reports Fortean Times cid and decided that he should hear a metaphor for Dzogchen Although the event seemed hail. When the storm abated the Online, Nellie Straw of Sheffi eld, attempt to do something inten- Awareness that I had never heard unusual at the moment, I later people found, three inches deep England, was driving through tional. In his dream he resolved before. Lopon Rinpoche shared discovered that many far more and covering an area of more Scotland on holiday with her to meet with Chögyal Namkhai a metaphor in which a “space” unusual other incidents of falling than four blocks, a collection of family when they encountered Norbu. At that moment, an Orien- frog falls from the sky and cov- frogs have been recorded. Per- a most striking variety of frogs... a severe storm. Along with the tal man with long dark hair arrived ers the “earth” frog. He went on haps the most famous chronicled so thick in some places [that] heavy rain, however, hundreds of wearing a red shirt. The man also to explain that “emptiness” rep- in the Biblical book of Exodus, travel was impossible.” frogs suddenly pelted her car. gave the dreamer a red shirt and in- resented by the space frog is the lists raining frogs as one of the More recently, the citizens In any case I reminded the vited him to play football (soccer) real state of all objects without plagues sent by God to encourage of Naphlion, a city in south- group that the event should be using meditation pillows as a ball. exception, within perceptual ex- the Pharaoh to release the slaves ern Greece, were surprised one viewed as no other than a dream, They proceeded to kick the medi- perience. of Egypt. Also, in 1873, Scientifi c morning in May, 1981, when they and that we should resolve to tation pillows back and forth ever American reported that Kansas awoke to fi nd small green frogs dream of a green frog and become more vigorously until he awoke. Michael Katz, author of the introduc- City, Missouri was blanketed with falling from the sky. Weighing lucid at our next opportunity. A A few days later after, our tion to Dream Yoga and the Practice of frogs that dropped from the sky just a few ounces each, the frogs short time later I led the group in Dream Yoga retreat concluded, I Natural Light and dream yoga instruc- during a storm. Another city Min- landed in trees and plopped into an induction for lucidity a sort of took the opportunity to travel a tor, will be leading a pilgrimage to sa- neapolis, Minnesota was pelted the streets. The Greek Meteoro- “guided siesta.” Upon awakening short distance to another area of cred spots in central Tibet this summer. with frogs and toads in July, 1901. logical Institute surmised they a participant reported that dur- France to take teachings and visit The preceding is excerpted from his A news item stated: “When the were picked up by a strong wind. ing his nap he indeed had a dream with the Bon Dzogchen master forthcoming book Dreams the Royal storm was at its highest... there It must have been a very strong of frogs. In his dream there were Lopon Tenzin Namdak. I relat- Road to Enlightenment full informa- appeared as if descending di- wind. The species of frog was na- many frogs singing and dancing ed the story of the falling frog tion on the Tibet trip is available at rectly from the sky a huge green tive to North Africa! on the Mandala. As he observed to a few people and then during http://www.sacredjourneys.org/ mass. Then followed a pecu- them frolicking he became lu- the teachings I was delighted to schedule/a_lhasa2010 THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Singapore

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sciousness that should just ac- When the Dadar of knowledge all thoughts, visions Waves and objects of the mind, without following after them, and by not into Singapore being disrupted by them, achiev- ing real knowledge of self. You should learn to integrate with Kym Teo ordinary life with all its pure and impure visions. We see and enjoy t was with great excitement with clarity and are not domi- that all retreatants in Singa- nated by the mind. Thoughts and I pore rose hastily to our feet, movements keep coming but we with abated breath, at Tai Pei have no problem with them. Just Buddhist Centre on the morning watching thoughts that come of 31st March 2011, when smart and go, without being affected staccato claps of hands suddenly by them and getting into action heralded the arrival of our beloved because of them. In Dzogchen, master, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu there is no restriction on the to the Singapore’s Manda rava path when necessary. There is no Tsalung Initiation and Teachings obligation for a forced ritualis- Retreat. tic way to practice a text. All we Clad in an orange long sleeved need to know is to understand polo jersey and brown jeans, our the main points and principles beloved Master arrived with a of the teachings. We should con- broad smile on his ruddy face and Photo: P. Fassoli (also below) centrate and go directly with the cheerily called out to us in the re- method and practice. Manda- treat hall,” Good Morning every- swung in webcast collectivity, pire to be a teacher, there is no “…Dzogchen teachings teach rava practice is Dzogchen prac- one! ”, as all of us bowed respect- for the good health of our great need to hanker after accumulat- us to recognize our real nature tice and with this practice we can fully, with both palms joined and master, and here he was, smil- ing hundreds of such initiations, and self liberate from dualism by have total realization. We should held up to our thumping hearts, ing benevolently at us from the for there are many many systems recognizing the clear mirror con- >> continued on page 16 to warmly welcome him into the large emerald green stage where of transformative practices, in- retreat hall. We were unanimous- a huge statue of Buddha Sakya- cluding the Kalachakra System, ly delighted to see that he was able muni sat. Chakrasambhava system and to energetically walk in almost Hence it was with deep grati- Sakyapa initiations. unassisted, as our vajra brothers tude that we paid rapt attention Dzogchen introduces one di- escorted him down the aisle and to the dear Master and held on to rectly to one’s real nature, and we up the four steps of stairs to the every word he spoke. Our Master are to see and enjoy with clarity our mind, and not be dominated by the mind, which is muddied with six senses consciousness. The Master gave the example of seeing a beautiful rose that we can enjoy. Enjoy its radiance and fragrance and not be distracted into wanting to own the rose which would give rise to attach- ments and karmic consequences.

As Chögyal Namhai Norbu re- iterated during the recent April Taiwan webcast retreat, the Vajra Dance is a unique practice to ac- knowledge and experience the energy fields of our three exis- tences, corresponding to the physical body’s energy field, each chakra from the head to the throat, to the heart and the navel, and finally to the secret chakras, correspond to each ring on the global mandala. Whilst the global mandala is physically a flat circu- lar piece of mat on the floor, its Photo: J. Lui energy field once consecrated and activated is a huge mass of global mandala, the mind sort maybe more than 3D vibrations. The Amazing Vajra of goes blank and becomes sus- It is an amazing practice to ex- Dance Of The Six pended in time, as you glide with perience emptiness, clarity and the flow of wonderful energy that sensations one at a time or all Liberations comes with the lovely soulful mu- in one go. This is the insightful 5–7 April 2011, Singapore sic with that moving chant of six practice that our compassionate Photo: P. Fassoli spaces. Then as you are guided to master learnt in his dreams and form the of the three jewels was able to finally develop it into stage, where he would deliver the started the retreat by explaining Kym Teo at the end of each set, releasing a complete practice, for fortunate teachings for the next five days. the main differences between the the tension of each loka, a gush of practitioners like us today. His radiance belied the trauma vehicles of , , ave you ever experienced blissful energy rushes up to your After Rinpoche completed his that all of us thought he must have Vajrayana and our Dzogchen sys- dancing in mid air or head. When you let yourself go, Singapore Mandarava Tsalung undergone in December 2010 last tem, with the common goal of Hhaving the elevated feel- and just soak yourself into the Initiation and Teachings Retreat year in Brazil when he was sud- achieving realizations. As practi- ing of moving amongst clouds? bliss of the sambhogakaya state of held on 31st March to 4 April, denly taken ill. It was only three tioners, we have to integrate the The Dance of Six Liberations is music and experience little bursts he travelled to Taiwan where he months ago, when Dzogchen knowledge of the common final a complete twirl of energy move- of energy all over... you are in a also gave the initiation of Man- vajra brothers and sisters world- goal of realization and know that ments that lifts and shifts you as transition of some state. This is darava Tsalung and continued to wide congregated online with we- there is no need to go for hun- you move your feet from one ring a journey of discovery of your real speak on the wonderful practice bcast links, to practice Mandarava dreds of initiations for the many of yellow to the red, green and then nature and recognition of your of Vajra Dance. and dedicate merits for his early different kinds of practices and into the blue, then white and back condition that Rinpoche prom- On the Sunday morning of the recovery from the sudden sur- systems, as we do not need a to the yellow ring of the mandala… ises for those who practice this 10th April Taiwanese webcast, so geries. Across the world, waves mixture of systems and practices, As you step from one brilliant- beautiful Vajra Dance. many of us in Singapore tuned in of Mandarava dadars frantically to have realization. Unless we as- ly coloured ring to another of the >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Taiwan

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Rinpoche followed the teach- Chögyal Namkhai ings of Garab Dorjie, a most Norbu in Taiwan important historical Dzogchen Master. He gave us direct trans- Peter from Gephelling mission all the time during his teaching in a unique, wise and fter a long wait of 11 years, humorous way. Every word hit Rinpoche visited Taiwan the point precisely and came di- A once again! rectly to our hearts, showing us At the beginning, we were the way a Dzogchen practitioner worried about Rinpoche’s health. 7 9 should11 integrate the12 teaching He had just undergone surgery into his condition at every mo- three times at the end of last year ment. Although I had attended and his physical condition was Rinpoche’s retreats many times, still recovering. We were serious- this time, it was still brand new ly considering asking Rinpoche for me. to cancel the retreat at that time. Rinpoche was so kind to his But it was a very hard decision in- disciples. He never refused the deed so the only thing we could requests of participants, no mat- do was practice Mandarava long ter what they needed, from his life practice again and again and signature to photo pictures. He hope that Rinpoche would recov- always did those things tire- er soon. lessly and with smiles after fin- It is really true that taking re- Photo: H. Mao ishing the retreat every day, in sponsibility is the best way to spite of his weakness and need- practice the teachings. We had to Asia-Pacific journey this Febru- every moment selflessly to satisfy By the bliss of the Guardians, ing a rest immediately. The only try and reach a consensus between ary. I was moved by and admired people’s requirements, no matter the participants were over 400 thing we could do was to try to the different mindsets of the Rinpoche’s hard work respond- how big or small they are. and filled all the space of the re- remind people that it was time Gakyil, different ways of thinking ing to the requests of his disci- Finally Rinpoche visited Tai- treat center before the teaching for Rinpoche’s rest. We knew from project preparation, DM de- ples. It is really a very good teach- wan on April 5! We met him at started. We had asked Rinpoche that Rinpoche just could not stop himself, but we had to stop the people from lining up to speak to him. Again I learned a lot from Rinpoche about his selflessness to share himself with the people who need him. The retreat came to an end successfully. Rinpoche was very happy and satisfied. He finished his visit to Taiwan and departed for Russia on April 19 with the sincere bliss of Gephelling. Al- though he left Taiwan half a month ago, I miss him and still have a feeling that Rinpoche stays with me all the time. I recall every- thing with a smile when I imag- Photo: H. Mao Photo: H. Mao ine Rinpoche’s every movement during the Taiwan retreat. I was signing, mission distribution to ing for us! He teaches us how to the airport after a long wait! We to give us teachings on “The Song very fortunate to help Rinpoche financing and sponsoring. Every behave like a , with- were very excited just like a boat of the Vajra” at an earlier time, to spread the Dzogchen teach- process was a practice for us. And out thinking about himself in that had got lost at sea and found but he decided to bestow on us ings in Taiwan. It gave me a very fortunately, we had the same goal, order to help people. He teaches a lighthouse standing in front of the teachings of “Ati Dzogchen good chance to observe and learn which was that the retreat must be us how to be Dzogchen practitio- the seashore! Rinpoche looked a with Mandarava’s Tshewang and closely from a Dzogchen Master. successful to benefit more people ners, to stay in instant presence little tired but with high spirits Tshedrup”. He also gave us the And it is really much better than in Taiwan. in our daily lives. Rinpoche’s when he saw us. And my tired- Mandarava Long Life initiation. I reading hundreds of books and An elderly gentleman like health has not recovered com- ness was swept away instantly the understood that it was a very spe- will be beneficial for me for my Rinpoche, 73 years old, who has pletely, but instead of taking moment I saw Rinpoche. I knew cial occasion because Rinpoche entire life! had 3 operations one after the the long rest he really needs, he that all of our efforts, everything seldom confers an initiation on Thank you Rinpoche!! other and just rests no more than chooses another way. We can see we had done was all justified! his disciples. 2 months ……. He started his how a great Master spends his

>> continued from previous page ni Goma Devi, where he learnt just completed a lovely ecstatic Six teachers! It has to be the magic sion and willingness to impart to listen to him at the centre, and the Vajra Dance. In this dream Liberations Vajra Dance course of Singapore’s close link with Dzogchen knowledge during the we were greatly delighted when also, he had gone to Kongkar conducted between 5–7 April by Goma Devi, doesn’t it? Vajra Dance course. The path of he again mentioned the close Rinpoche’s temple in Singapore a remarkable international Vajra 2011 has been an amazing year realization is ever more fantas- association between Jnana Da- where he saw a beautiful Goma Dance teacher, Adriana Dal Bor- for Singapore. Our cups have tru- tic now, with Mandarava practice kini Goma devi and our country, Devi statue too. There must in- go, who happened to be in Singa- ly “runneth over and ever over”, and the beautiful Vajra Dance, Singapore. It was in the eighties deed be a close link between pore with Rinpoche. with Rinpoche’s precious initia- to discover our real state and to when our master visited Singa- Goma Devi Jnana Dakini Vajra It so happens too, that these tion and enlightening teachings, continue integration with con- pore and had a dream where he Dance and Singaporeans. days she rarely conducts Six Lib- and fully complemented with stant presence in our condition was led by two beings who could At this moment, you can only erations Vajra Dance to new peo- Adriana’s unreserved devotion in our modern society. May our fly but one of them had walked guess how glad and blissful 16 ple, as she is now usually busy to impart the ecstatic practice of lives become a constant practice with Rinpoche up a conch shell Singaporean fortunate practitio- with Song of Vajra Advanced the Vajra Dance. We thank her for in every instant, always! Long live like path to meet Jnana Daki- ners felt. The 16 of us had also courses and training Vajra Dance her amazing depth of compas- our dearest Rinpoche!

Fabio Andrico teaching Yantra Yoga. Photo: P. Fassoli THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News

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

edge and traditions, new tech- They will give solo performances niques and approaches live side or will join together to give group by side with ancient methods, performances. On Friday evening each of them aiming at bringing groups of folk dancers from dif- about a state of well-being and ferent countries in which the happiness. Community is established will “The Joy of Being Here” 30th Anniversary of Merigar July 15–18, 2011 Several subjects will be dis- present some of their typical folk cussed such as diet, massage and dances. relaxation techniques, martial Musicians living in the Amiata arts, yoga and art therapy. It will area will be joining in the festivi- Program be an opportunity to compare ties and there will be an interest- and share experiences based on ing exchange between the local Art Exhibitions different principles, schools and situation and that of the interna- From the 9th to the 24 of July traditions tional Community. three visual arts exhibitions will Chairman: Luigi Vitiello, Na- be organized, each one very dif- ples – Medical Doctor and Psy- Delicious Culinary Tasting from ferent to the other: chotherapist, authorized instruc- around the World tor of Yantra Yoga. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from “Tibetan Art between modernity 7.30 to 11 pm there will be a food and tradition” organized by ASIA “The Path of Kindness” is the title stand in the main square in Ar- Onlus in the prestigious halls of of the meetings that will be held cidosso. Palazzo Nerucci in Castel del Pi- in Arcidosso. These meetings Monica Patiño, a member of ano. There will be exquisite an- will deal with the relationship of the Dzogchen Community and cient and contemporary Tibetan the individual with other people, a World Cookbook Gourmand paintings by artists of world-wide not only interpersonal relation- prize-winner and famous Mexi- fame. ships but also the ones we may can chef will be preparing dishes establish with people who are from all over the world. People “First Centre” under the care of fragile or in need; so in this case will be able to sample cooking Alessandra Bonomo in collabo- it is indispensable to “recognize” from Russia, Spain, Tibet, Japan ration with the Arcidosso Muni- the other, to see his dimension and from all those places where ci pality inside the fascinating and be aware of the “empathy” the Community is located. Aldo brandesco Castle. There will which makes everybody equal Each evening there will be a be an exhibition of works of- in our human nature. Showing different menu! fered by the best artists in the kindness towards other human Dzogchen Community from all beings, no matter whether they Presentation of the Community over the world as a homage to the are children, young people, se- In the three villages around Meri- place which gave rise to the fi rst niors or disabled, is the best an- gar, Arcidosso, Castel del Piano Dzogchen Centre in Europe. swer in our search for happiness. and Santa Fiora, the International Chairman: Pia Barilli, Florence Dzogchen Community will pres- “Photo Exhibition” by the Shang people and Community practitio- and Philosophy, headmaster of a – Medical Doctor, specialized in ent a short video showing the his- Shung Institute. The pictures ners living on various continents local school, Santi Maha Sangha Homeopathy and Psychosomat- tory of Merigar. Demonstrations will illustrate the story of these around the world. authorized Instructor (a study ic medicine, founding member of Yantra Yoga and Dance of the incredible 30 years and will re- and practice system related to the of the Lycopodium Association, Vajra will also be organized and mind us or show us how Merigar “The path of equilibrium” is the Dzogchen teaching) professor of the Mario Garlasco presented on these occasions. and the Community have devel- title of the meetings or lectures Homeopathy School, authorized oped up to today starting from that will be held in Santa Fiora. “The Path of Well-being” is the instructor of Yantra Yoga. Info Presentation Points in the a small group of young people They will be mainly focused on title of the meetings that will be Square of Arcidosso who bought an abandoned farm- man and his relationship with held in Castel del Piano. Nowa- Performances A stand for Merigar house. the natural environment, a rela- days well-being has become al- Friday July 15th, Saturday 16th A stand for the Shang Shung tionship which since the very be- most a “must”, an antidote to the and Sunday 17th there will be Institute Friendship Meetings ginning has challenged man to stress of modern life which often three evenings fi lled with music, A stand for ASIA On July 15th and 16th in the establish a dynamic equilibrium drives man away from his inner dances and performances. morning there will be three dif- with the world he lives in, a world self and his physical, energetic Musicians, dancers, and per- Visit: ferent “Friendship Meetings”: to which he is connected through and mental needs. formers, all professionals from www.merigar30blog.com three paths, three topics meant a sort of umbilical cord. In a time when it is extremely the International Community www.merigaranniversary.it to encourage the sharing of dif- Chairman: Fabio Maria Riso- easy to have almost unlimited ac- will present their best acts to the ferent experiences between local lo, Arcidosso – degree in Arts cess to various types of knowl- public in the square in Arcidosso.

>> Mandarava continued from page 14 method of how we can coordi- tialities that everyone of us has. tions and practice text, to achieve ties to discover his real nature, know our condition, for living in nate our energy level, so that we When you have this secondary the emanation and manifestation potentialities and precious sid- dualism vision gives rise to prob- can have long life. It is a very im- cause of manifesting the deity in of the mandala of the deity, Man- dhis and knowledge, with the fi - lems. For example the fi ve ele- portant practice and it is relative front of you, in your real nature, darava. With the Master’s grace, nal goal of achieving realization. ments and energy levels are our to total realization of the state of no problems arise no matter what we purifi ed with this initiation Hence by receiving just one sys- real condition. We should know Jnana Dakini, of the dharmakaya object is in front of you, good or and learned the method of prac- tem of Dzogchen teachings, of and work with the energy level. state. For learning this practice, bad. In this way, we have self lib- tice, for the precious knowledge integration with our real nature So if the fi ve elements are unbal- we need to receive transmission. eration. In our practice, we learn of purifi cation into the dharmaka- with its pure and impure aspects, anced or are damaged, we will In Dzogchen, we need to receive this knowledge and practice, ya using the sambhogakaya meth- one practice that we fully partici- have problems physically and direct transmission, to learn this using , connected with od of transformation. pate in is all that we need… if we mentally. Hence, we may not be transformation method, using sound, our potentialities always Our Master also spoke about dedicate ourselves fully to prac- able to apply some methods of initiation. Hence it is very impor- connected with sound, during the power of initiation that he ex- tice… this practice is enough for practices. We need to understand tant to receive initiation with in- practice.” perienced many years back when achieving total realization. our relative condition, the physi- structions on practice and how to “We only need to receive one he had received twenty days’ ini- All of us here at this retreat hall cal body. From the beginning, I apply methods the precise way.” initiation, understand one sys- tiation for purifi cation with the must have wondered… we must planned my program of retreat “With the knowledge of being tem and participate diligently in fi ve elements mantra initiation. have accumulated vast amount of and travels for 2011 but when I in our real nature, we create the one practice to achieve realiza- After receiving the initiation, he merits in our previous lives, to be arrived in Brazil, I couldn’t get secondary cause of manifesting tion in just one life time. “ had surprised himself at his sud- able to sit this physically close to up. On the physical level, I had a the realized being of Mandarava At this point, we at the retreat den increased capacity to absorb our dear Master and receive such problem and I had no way to help with Guru Rinpoche, and the es- hall in Singapore were amazingly twelve pages of root text which he precious teachings from him. myself with the knowledge of sence of the fi ve elements and blessed to receive this precious could understand and commit to Long live our compassionate Dzogchen. Till my physical level we can have knowledge of self Mandarava initiation and root memory within a day. So, like a Master. We will diligently work on was perfect, I couldn’t travel. We liberation after diligent practice, text transmission. With this ini- vessel, with initiation, the prac- our practice and realize his prom- have to be aware of our physical using sound, light and rays and tiation and practice that purifi es, titioner will be opened up and ise to return to Singapore for more level. Long Life practice is one working with the three poten- we learn the mantras, visualisa- empowered with greater capaci- precious teachings next year. THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News MerigarWest 19

The Joy of Collaborating

Pancho Company Project Manager for MerigarW30

s time goes by, working tion and the joy this event is able and devotion with joy in the effort couple of paintings or to sing 2 or last summer in Merigar during a for the thirty year an- to convey to all of us. First of all to to go beyond their own limita- 3 songs or, as in the case of the talk (as you can see in the video A niversary of Merigar is the people more closely involved tions: this is what Collaboration folk dances, to join a group with- posted in the Thirty years an- day by day becoming a more and as team leaders whose task is to means in my opinion out having had any previous ex- niversary blog www.merigar30 more challenging and surprising carry out the complex and elabo- Then there are the practitio- perience, organizing rehearsals, blog.com). In this video he clear- experience. It is giving me the rate project aimed at presenting ners, a constant source of sur- learning the steps, searching for ly talks about the anniversary, opportunity to get in touch with our Community to the outside prise for me: in fact practitioners suitable costumes to perform on explaining over and over again practitioners from all over the world. They are working hard from all over the world who will stage just for few minutes. All of that this event is not simply a cel- world, to share ideas and opin- and enthusiastically to overcome be leaving their usual jobs for them are aware of the importance ebration of Merigar but also an ions with them and above all to inevitable obstacles while at the a while and come here to give a of their contribution which, no opportunity open to all practitio- feel the commitment, the devo- same time offering their capacity 15 minute lecture or to exhibit a matter how small it might be, ners to participate, help and col- will surely help in the success of laborate. On the grounds of the the whole celebration. They offer experience accumulated so far it with joy and here again this is a in the organization, I discovered living example of Collaboration. that at the outer level it is a joy to Then all the gakyils are collab- meet together and join in the dif- orating providing the anniversary ferent events of the programme, information, looking for practi- bringing one’s own experience tioners endowed with particular and commitment to the celebra- skills and capacities, organizing tion. At the inner level, the joy dance groups to represent their motivating practitioners to parte- country, meeting some expenses cipate is the wish to ‘make a gift’ of the event. to Rinpoche by offering their par- I live in Spain and I work at ticipation as a display of gratitude home thanks to the computer and appreciation for all the untir- and to internet. Sometimes I go ing work our dearest Master has to Merigar where we hold meet- been doing all these years. ings with team leaders, gakyil What gift we can offer? At the members, municipality represen- most secret level it is the joy of tatives and little by little I’m dis- understanding and manifesting covering the deep meaning of the the deep meaning of Collabora- whole event. At fi rst I had under- tion, as Rinpoche has directly stood that Rinpoche wished to asked us to do. take the opportunity of this thir- Once again Rinpoche is giving tieth anniversary to present the us a teaching: the most important international Dzogchen Com- thing is not so much to show the munity with all its artistic, cul- general public our skills, quali- tural and human richness and va- ties and the capacity to organize riety to local people to share with and present a rich and colourful them THE JOY OF BEING HERE, programme as the possibility to the joy already mentioned in one understand and put into practice of my previous articles published the authentic meaning of what in The Mirror. Because of my usu- Collaboration really means. al lack of clarity, it took me quite a while to realize something that Ripoche had clearly emphasized

have had to be removed because they Merigar West Update created a lot of humidity for the building from the Gakyil and so the circular walkway has been extended to cover them right up to the reparations for the thirtieth an- walls. In addition, a border has been cre- niversary celebrations of Meri- ated along the outer edge of the walkway P gar West to be held in July this that surrounds the stupa. year are in full swing thanks to the coor- The old disused path that joined the dination work of a team of hardworking Temple of Great Liberation to the Stupa helpers. The project is proceeding in the and which had become quite overgrown best possible way and even the differ- with bushes and trees is gradually being ent local municipalities of Arcidosso, cleared and will be called the Path of Castel del Piano and Santa Fiora are Presence. The Path will permit people to actively collaborating in the project. walk across the land to reach the Chang- The “Monument to Peace”, a statue chub Stupa rather than having to follow designed and sculpted in stone by Piero the main road up past Serkhang and Bonacina has been completed and will down again. This job is being assisted by after such a short time we have arrived joining fl at so that the dormitory will be donated to the citizens of Arcidosso the use of Merigar’s mini-escavator and at 5840 euro! now have access to kitchen facilities as on July 15 during the celebrations. More with the help of many karmayogis and A new water tank for storing water well as giving more space to the dormi- Dakini Mandarava Practice details about the 30th anniversary event yoginis and has involved cutting down has been installed for the Master’s tory, which now has around thirty beds. Retreat with Tsalung can be found on this page. and clearing away a great quantity of residence, Gadeling, because the old The boiler for the heating system has following Chögyal Namkhai At Serkhang (the Golden House), bushes and undergrowth and burning one wasn’t working very well which also been changed. Norbu’s latest instructions work was carried out over the winter them. When the area of the path has sometimes meant that his residence There is now a new and fast way led by Nina Robinson months to create an apartment for been completely cleared, an electric was without water during the summer. to contact the Gakyil at Merigar: the June 1–5 Khyentse Yeshe and his family and is cable will be laid underneath it that will The new tank will contain 5000 litres, Merigar West gakyil has recently set up cost: 200 € with discounts for members now ready for use when they are visit- bring electricity to the Great Stupa and has a new system of fi ltration, and does a page on facebook. You can write to us timetable: starts Wednesday June 1 at ing the Gar. the path will fi nally be covered in gravel. not require an electrical pump to work. about your thoughts and ideas and we 7 pm; the following days: 10–12 am Restoration work at the big Chang- If you would like to donate to this project, In addition the water pipes have now will reply. Anna and Giorgio for the blue 4–6 pm chub Stupa (the Stupa of Enlighten- you can do so through the website: www. been laid underground so that they do gakyil, Patrice and Ignazio for the red Sunday June 5 explanation and practice ment) is in its fi nal stages. The building thepathofpresence.com. We would like not freeze during the winter. and Daniela and Anna for the yellow. of the Mandarava Ganapuja is being completely re-plastered and to thank all those people who have al- Some improvements have been We are looking forward to hearing from will be repainted. The fl owerbeds that ready contributed with donations. Even made at the dormitory at Merigar Two you all! had previously surrounded the stupa uniting the old dormitory with the ad- THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News MerigarWest 20

Retreat on the Upadesha on the Total Behaviour of Equal Taste with Khyentse Yeshe at Merigar April 21–24, 2011

Andrea Bucaioni

Having been introduced to the knowledge of one’s real state, the vajra of the original dimension, One has the certainty of the contemplation of the spontane- ously perfect state, the real nature of original dimension, And the capacity of self liberation of all phenomena into the actual state of the original dimension, As well as being capable of integrating theory, practice and behaviour into the original dimension.

From the poem “Santi Maha Sangha”, fourteenth stanza Photo: L. Gräf

he long awaited April re- belonging to the Longsal cycle “Upadesha of Equal Taste” and wished to hear the explanation to participate in the expression of treat with Khyentse Ye- and important for the whole of the behaviour (chopa) that is once again. that wonderful collective energy T she started on Thursday Dzogchen Community because it appropriate for a Dzogchen prac- The clarity and energy of the that is the Sangha. The Gakyil, the 21st in a Merigar West that is extensively quoted in the Base titioner. Master’s explanations were so the Geko and the team in charge was warm and fi lled with the of the Santi Maha Sangha, which Among the different activities thorough as to cut through any of organizing the Thirtieth Anni- abundant light of an unexpect- is so important to our Master, that were organized during the wrong convictions and leave us versary of Merigar were, as usual, edly strong sun and a limpid in- Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. retreat, in the afternoon of the in a state of enjoyment of empti- quite busy with their duties just tensely luminous sky above and First of all Khyentse Yeshe pre- second day there was a presen- ness. The patience and the com- like all those who were involved inside the Gonpa. It was certainly sented the teaching topic to us by tation of the Dance of the Vajra passion with which he dedicat- in the organization that allowed a pleasant setting for the hundred opening our frame of mind be- in the Mandala Hall with Adri- ed himself to us – staying after the event to take place. and more Vajra brothers and sis- yond the heavy yet non-existent ana Dal Borgo so that new peo- teachings to speak at length with Just as every other time I can- ters – in constantly increasing cage of judgments in which our ple and interested practitioners those who wished to ask him not describe in words the feelings numbers each day even though dualistic vision is enclosed and could watch and get to know this something, even after the teach- that one experiences at Khyentse the retreat was being webcast – leading us directly to knowledge wonderful practice transmitted ing and the Ganapuja of the last Yeshe’s retreats. Listening to his who had come to Merigar from of Dzogchen explaining to us to us by our Master. Shortly after, day – was infi nite. profound and vibrant instruc- the Gars and Lings of the whole of with infi nite clarity and gener- a presentation on Community As Vajra brothers and sisters tions the atmosphere is always Europe, to meet our Master once ously giving to us fortunate be- activities in Tenerife, Spain was we had the opportunity to see transformed and the Gonpa is more. There were also several ings, no less that twice in two held in the Gonpa while on the our Master and receive wonder- fi lled with awareness and happi- new arrivals who did not delay in days, direct introduction accord- last day before the teachings Fa- ful teachings. We shared pleas- ness, just like the hearts of us all. making friends with many of us. ing to the ye shes zang thal meth- bio Risolo gave an explanation on ant moments of coming togeth- Thank you precious Master! Our Master introduced and od. At the same time he contin- the Ganapuja for those who had er, collaborating and having fun. May we meet again soon! kindly explained to us a terma ued with the explanation of the never done this practice or who Ideas arose and all of us were able

France 1st Course Yantra Yoga Workshop (Beginners – Open Course) conducted by Jesus Martinez in Paris, February 12–13, 2011.

implicity and good mood char- acterized the fi rst workshop con- S ducted by Jesus Martinez in Paris. It had been announced in various media and in the new blog http://yantrayoga. france.over-blog.com, freshly created to promote Yantra Yoga in France. Sixteen open-minded and strongly interested people had the chance to discover or deepen their practice. Jesus made a very clear presentation of Yantra Yoga, its background, its particularities and how it is intertwined with the Dzogchen teachings. Then he taught the practice, always going to the essential points, and carefully cor- recting a posture here and there, with a kind, concise word to anyone who needed it. He patiently led the group into deep relaxation through Lung Ro Salwa (9-breathings, exhaling the stale >> continued on the following page

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. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News MerigarWest 21

>> continued from previous page air), Tsigjong (loosening the joints), Lungsang (the 8 Movements, purifying the prana), and Dorjei Lab (the Vajra Wave, overcoming hindrances). A little get-together at the end of the weekend was an opportunity for every- body to express their feelings. All were very satisfi ed and motivated to further explore this wonderful practice. Two participants felt like sharing their experiences with the Community…

M. L. S. (beginner) – May you discover Yantra Yoga “I encourage you to take Yantra Yoga courses and to practice regularly. L. N. C. (one-year practice) – the practice I felt that I entered the lin- Meditation and contemplation ing the merits to all sentient beings. The fi rst day is quite intensive but the Enter into Yantra Yoga eage, and being sustained by it, I could: in Paris Costantino emphasized the importance second day appears much more re- “It was the second course of Yantra Yoga · Enter into the rhythm of the move- By Bich Le Thuy-Feroui of doing Guruyoga in order to always laxed with time enough to integrate I have attended since I had the chance ment as if I was one with it, be connected with Chögyal Namkhai the movements. I recommend this to encounter this yoga last year. Jesus’ · Enter into the relaxation to be three day teaching on medita- Norbu. sequence to those who live at a furious concise, clear and precise instructions present, tion and contemplation led by We learned from Costantino how to rhythm in Paris or anywhere else, but were highly benefi cial to me. · Enter into the breath to closely A Costantino Albini took place sing and why we must listen to the voice also to those who want to maintain or The intensive practice allowed me observe it, from April 1st to April 3rd in Paris of the person who guides the practice renew both their calm and their energy. to let tensions go, correct some pos- · Enter into the sensation and see how France. Thanks to his kindness and because the sound should be a single Points to be considered in case you tures, review the breathing and train it disappears, patience, Costantino taught us how to and unique voice so we can feel the are still hesitating: myself with the correct rhythm. Above · Enter into the experience to greet it practice meditation and contemplation energy that arises. · It takes something like 20 minutes all, I passed through a stage, the one but not hold on to it. starting with triangular concentra- I enjoyed this three-day retreat as it per day (up to the 8 movements), and which liberates from the form. When Once the doors have been stepped tion and then without concentration, reminded me of my true nature and to not necessarily daily; indeed the tedious time of learning the through, limitless space is available. I just being present and aware. He try my best to be aware at any moment · It helps to relieve back problems and sequence has gone, then come the fi rst got an idea about the potential of this reminded us not to forget to observe of the day. delicately stretch your body if you fruits; I mean I could enjoy the freedom beautiful Union of the Sun and Moon ourselves and to practice as often as Thank you Costantino for your pre- don’t force; to practice without thinking, with no Yantra, as an endless treasure acces- possible. We should always start with cious teachings, advice and for giving · It calms things down; effort of remembering what movement sible to me. Little by little and with no Guruyoga and the nine breathings, us your precious time. We hope to see · It makes you more supple; would come next, as if it occurred natu- doubt, next courses and practices will be careful to keep our backs straight you very soon for another teaching. · It helps to be in great shape for the day. rally. This makes the practice lighter give new keys at the right place at the and to end the practice by dedicat- Thank you to the Master’s lineage and more joyful. right time. and teachers for keeping this teaching Today the word that comes sponta- May this participate in increasing alive and spreading it.” neously to my mind is ENTER. During the wisdom of all sentient beings.”

Public talk Dream Yoga Garab Dorje, Guru Yoga with Germany with Michael Katz white A Italy July 21 in Dargyäling, Cologne with Alexander Sasha Pubants Naples, Namdeling The way of dealing with the Dream Yoga retreat Nov. 4–6 in Höfen fi ve emotions from the Longsal with Michael Katz Registration Viktoria Gershevskaya with Elio Guarisco July 22–24 in Höfen [email protected] May 20–22 in Dargyäling, Cologne Registration Jil Self Registration Jil Self [email protected] ‘Dzogchen Without Buddhism’ [email protected] with Jim Valby Gomadevi retreat Nov. 23–24 in Dargyäling, Cologne Jnana Dakini and Vajra Dance with Enzo Terzano SMS Base Level Study & Practice practice retreat Sept. 9–11 in Dargyäling, Cologne with Jim Valby with Karin Heinemann Registration Jil Self Nov. 25–29 in Dargyäling, Cologne June 17–22 in Höfen [email protected] Registration Jil Self Registration Viktoria Gershevskaya [email protected] [email protected]

Participants at the retreat on ‘Meditation and Contemplation in Buddhism and in Dzogchen’ led by Fabio Risolo at Namdeling March 18–20.

www.jcrows.com Passages Died: Marie Krupp, our Vajra sister of Yantra Yoga beginners course with Saadet Arslan in Dargyäling, Cologne, March 25–27, 2011. J. Crow’s® many years, died in Bad Soden, Germa- Photo: B. van Leuven ny on Monday evening, March 28, 2011. Mulling Spice Folk Medicine She hadn’t recovered from a stroke. She Tibetan Medicine was 84. the German newsletter Dzogchen Brief as well as the German Dzogchen com- For many years she had offered for 10 years. munity. SpicedCider.com her home for weekly meetings of the By means of her great engagement Please include her in your practice fax or phone: 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 Frankfurt practice group as well as for she crucially supported and infl uenced and dedications! [email protected] several Gakyil meetings. She had edited the development of the Frankfurt group THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News

22 MerigarWest

offer a space for meditation and physi- It is necessary to be a member of Since I started to teach Dzogchen until Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands. It is Spain cal and spiritual well-being. the Dzogchen Community to make a today we did always that. a fantastic island. Really. Meriling will be a holiday resort open reservation, which is made by paying We are not only preparing a kind of I have never found on this globe any New Gakyil all year round with Teaching Retreats the total amount. Dharma center, but we should continue and place as nice as Tenerife. Everything, any Blue: Olaya Martínez with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Khyen- After this two month period, and develop that. This is the principle of the aspect, for me it is a paradise. A wonderful [email protected] tse Yeshe, Yantra Yoga, Vajra Dance, having sold all weeks available, the Dzogchen Community... place. Of course with many tourists but not Núria Moreno personal retreats and collective practice Meriling Society, whose owner is It is very important to collaborate. concentrated. The weather always maintains [email protected] courses of the Dzogchen Community. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, will buy the Nobody should remain isolated but should the same level. It is not hot, it is fresh and Yellow: Luz García Meriling will be a holiday resort for Aparthotel. collaborate with others, communicate as in very nice. Very good food, very good people. [email protected] everyone wishing to spend time in the This will be a place for teaching the same family, for maintaining that family I saw that this place is very important Sol Cañero land of everlasting Spring. retreats but also an investment for the and its continuation. and we must prepare something in this [email protected] This Project will be self-fi nanced, future of the Community. Therefore you How do you do that? Daily with the place, because when I have time, I would Red: Carles Jáñez thanks to its timeshare property formu- can buy all weeks of the year and not community, daily with practitioners to- like to stay a little longer there. I am sure [email protected] la and the contribution that every single only those weeks when there are teach- gether, collaborating. I am saying this to all 100 per cent that here in the future there will Javier Ruíz Dzogchen practitioner (it is necessary to ing retreats, which can happen any time practitioners on this globe. Collaboration of be something more concrete. [email protected] be a member of the Dzogchen Commu- in the year. everybody, everywhere. We found a very nice hotel with 80 nity) will make by buying one or more We invite you to buy a piece of Para- We must maintain that for generation small apartments. So we said “Somehow we weeks per year for 50 years (maximum). dise. and generation, not only in our life. For should try to buy this hotel, if we collaborate This Project will be an investment for example, I am getting old. How can we have all the Dzogchen Community”. If you go to Meriling all participants. The price of a week per Dzogchen Community in Spain continuation? We have not to behave in an Tenerife, you will want to live a little longer An Investment for the Future year for 50 years costs 3,000/5,000 euro, Here below you can fi nd the words – egoistic way. there, I am sure because it is a special coun- of the Community which is to be paid in one payment. summarized – that Rinpoche addressed We should do benefi t for all beings. This try, very very different. By means of this notice we inform to all practitioners from Namgyalgar on is really much more important than every- So, there is the possibility to buy weeks he Dzogchen Community in you that as from now and for less than the 23rd March: thing else. in small fl ats, and it is not very expensive. Spain, at Chögyal Namkhai Nor- two months the period to book and re- Dear practitioners, I would like to ask every Dzogchen The information is already on the Internet in T bu Rinpoche’s request, is man- serve your weeks in Meriling starts. We are doing practice together, we are doing practitioners to please try to do that col- the web page www.meriling.org aging the acquisition of an Aparthotel You can make your bookings at collaboration together... this is the principle laboration. So you know that and you look. There based on a timeshare property, in Te- www.meriling.org of the Dzogchen Community. We have many projects everywhere. Last is a possibility to buy full, limited time...If nerife, the Canary Islands (Spain). On the site you will also fi nd all “Dzogchen” means real nature of all beings. year for the fi rst time I went to Tenerife, in you are interested, please, contact and you This is where Meriling will be set up. detailed information on how this “Community” means people that have Spain, a very interesting Island. In the past can have also some benefi t. This is a kind of Meriling will become a new Dzogchen timeshare property works and further that knowledge, that are collaborating and we were looking for a place. Somebody told collaboration for the future. We need to see centre which will specialize in Tibetan information on the place, contract and working together. This is the Dzogchen com- me about the Canary Islands and I thought a little for the future... Medicine and Therapies, and will also terms. munity. that it could be a good place for Europe. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

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

oasis also for those that love tea. There Merigar East Update will be a nice little zone in the shade, Merigar East Summer by Lune Jazudekova offering a tea ceremony a few times a Retreat day – another kind of meditative expe- he land of Merigar is covered rience. Dear Vajra Family, with freshly grown grass and Most of all we would like to invite We would like to invite you to the sum- T new blossoming trees that were you for the opening of our new Gonpa, mer retreat with Chögyal Namkhai planted only last year. They will slowly which will take place during the fi rst Norbu at Merigar East June 10–16, grow into protectors which will offer days of the retreat. We will open the 2011. For the fi rst time in the history of shade to people coming to participate festivities with the Vajra Dance on the Merigar East the retreat will not be held in various retreats. with musicians giving a live in a tent, but in the newly built Gonpa. Everything grows with time and we performance of the Song of the Vajra The fi rst day of the retreat we will also have worked hard to develop a new and then we will be serving you some have a small unoffi cial opening. You are welcoming place where people can Romanian delicacies to celebrate its all very welcome to join us for such a come to seek silence and discover their birth. great event. own nature. We are busy creating and working, This year for the fi rst time we have always looking forward to getting more Price: organized not only the summer retreat help and inspiration. · on the spot 260 Euro with usual with our dear Master, but also a Manda- Working as part of the gakyil in discounts rava retreat with Nina Robinson, which Merigar East and living the working ex- · with preregistration and payment will be the fi rst offi cial retreat in our perience that we are normally part of in before June 1st 220 Euro New Gonpa. our everyday life from a totally different · 160 Euro for participants in the Since the local area is known for perspective, has been a pretty enriching Mandarava retreat at ME May 15–22, plenty of places where you can get experience for me. Learning to keep 2011. Total package price is 300 Euro. amazing treatments especially healing presence and develop it right into action Accommodation: mud treatments, we have organised while collaborating with people that are · camping at the Gar (3 euro per night the retreat so that it also offers healing on the same path is Guru yoga in action. or karmayoga) packages at the local spas for those in- I would love to invite all those who · in private houses in the village T.%/!)0# R.1+.%1 )0 M.+)#%+ E%21 3)1! terested. May is already a warm month feel like participating in this amazing 23 August and the local beach near the Gar can project, this manifestation of the vision · in hotels C!"#$%& N%'(!%) N*+,- also be enjoyed. All these gifts offer a of our Masters, to bring the teaching You can fi nd more information about 45th–46th J-0. 7544 www.dzogchen.ro special experience while people partici- right into the creative process. accommodation at: Photo © Romain Piro pate in the teachings. We are all looking forward to meet http://dzogchen.ro/accomodation The summer retreat with Chögyal you this summer and invite you to be- If you need any help or advice please IBAN Cod: RO50BACX0000000267513001 Namkai Norbu is the highlight of this come part of the team. contact: offi [email protected] The preregistration will be valid and in Lei year and all our forces are right now Food: preregistration discount will be applied UniCredit Tiriac Bank SA focused on the organisation. We are · at the Gar: during the retreat we will only together with payment which 30, Constantei Str., bl. H1a preparing the Gar for visitors. There will provide lunches at the Gar and the should be done before June 1st 2011 to RO-905500, Mangalia, Romania be a camping area, a camping kitchen, Meribarn will also be open with its the following account: Swift Cod: BACXROBU where we will cook great lunches for specialities. in Euro Asociatia Culturala Comunitatea Dzog-Chen everybody, offering one vegetarian and · in local restaurants UniCredit Tiriac Bank SA IBAN Cod: RO77BACX0000000267513000 one meat meal. For preregistration for the retreat please 30, Constantei Str., bl. H1a There will not be any discount for This year the bar will be equipped click here: http://dzogchen.ro/summer- RO-905500, Mangalia, Romania the Mandarava package or preregistra- with a great coffee machine for all the 2011-retreat-preregistration Swift Cod: BACXROBU tion if people only want to pay for a few coffee lovers and we will have special Asociatia Culturala Comunitatea Dzog-Chen days instead of the whole price. THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News

23 MerigarEast

On the cultural program we pre- The whole event was attended by more Czech Republic sented Cham dance, disputations and than 800 visitors and various nice prayers performed by monks from the articles, radio interviews and TV docu- Losar Event in Prague for ASIA exiled Ganden monastery, rock opera ments about the event were published Fundraising for Yushu Bardo Thodol, a wedding blessing done afterwards. By Tereza Starkova by Bon Gese (for Czech couples having The fundraising profi t for ASIA was on behalf of the Losar team that day as their wedding day), com- 2000 euro which will be sent for the mon simple meditation for all groups, people affected by the earthquake in he Czech Community is happy various workshops for children, Tibetan Yushu. to inform everyone that a very cooking, a tearoom, a rich raffl e, dance T successful Losar celebration was music, after-party and much more. organized at Prague New Town Hall. All There was also a huge space for specifi c the Tibetan Buddhist groups collabo- workshops and presentations of various rated and also organizations support- traditions, where the Dzogchen Com- ing Tibetan culture and human rights munity presented Yantra Yoga. ASIA were present. Onlus was presented by Linda Fidanzia.

Poland The Dzogchen Community in Poland is happy to announce and warmly invites you to take part in 2 Santi Maha Sangha Retreats with Jim Valby at Paldeling.

Santi Maha Sangha, Base Level May 29–June 2 2011 requirements: Guru Yoga transmission from Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche

Santi Maha Sangha, Level One June 3–7 2011 Yantra Yoga for beginners with Fijalka in Brno, Feb. 19–20. Yantra Yoga 3rd and 4th series with Zsolt in Prague, Feb. 25–27. requirements: passed Base Level exam of Santi Maha Sangha

Cost: · Santi Maha Sangha, Base Level: 480 PLN (120 Euro) – with usual dis- counts for members Reduced members: 240 PLN Ordinary members: 390 PLN Sustaining members: 100 PLN · Santi Maha Sangha, Level One: 480 PLN (120 Euro) – with usual dis- counts for members Reduced members: 240 PLN Ordinary members: 390 PLN Sustaining members: 100 PLN Food and accommodation: The reservation of sleeping places will be done according to the rule fi rst paid fi rst served. We have couple of 4–8 Yantra Yoga for beginners with Fijalka in Prague, March 1–3. Kunye with Aldo in Prague, March 20–26. people rooms, the gonpa for 12 PLN (3 Euro), there is also a possibility to sleep in the attic: 10 PLN (2,5 Euro). Food: depending on our collaboration, we will help in organising common shopping and cooking. Registration, payments: Jaga Z·ebrowska, +48 793 339 777, Estonia [email protected] Help, karma yoga, organisation: New Gakyil Krzysztof Walczak (PM), The new Gakyil of Estonia was elected +48 696772787, on March 19, 2011, on the Anniversary [email protected] or of Garab Dorje. Monika Walczak, +48 793 301 397, Alar Kukk [email protected] [email protected] Tarmo Lass [email protected] Mart Viires [email protected] Information about Paldeling you can [email protected] fi nd on www.dzogczen.pl/menu- Dance of the Six Spaces with Margit for beginners in Phendeling from April 9–11,2011. www.dzogchen.ee paldenling.html

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 * Skype: lizmirror * [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 * * Design & Layout: Thomas Eifl er * * Printer: Turley Publications, Palmer, MA, USA * * Distribution: Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA, USA * * Subscription Rate/6 Issues: $35 US available through Tsegyalgar; 27 " through SSI * * Visa and Master card welcome * * Online Mirror: www.melong.com * * All material © 2011 by The Mirror * * Reprint by permission only * * We reserve the right to edit all submissions. THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News

24 KunsangarSouth

his May we will be celebrating connection times are inconvenient and You can contact us beforehand, he may forget and take you further Cold water showers are available in One Year of the existence of Kun- require staying overnight. write the time of your arrival and we away. If you come for the fi rst time, the gar. If in the daytime it’s hot, the T sangar South. Many of you would It operates from a small airport, will organize a taxi driver to meet you. maybe taking a taxi is easier, but once water can get warmish. like to come and join us for Chögyal Kiev Zhulyany, which is located in the If you didn’t do that, the strategy you’ve learned the routine, using public In May in the daytime it’s pretty Namkhai Norbu’s retreat, Santi Maha city and has regular urban transporta- is ignoring the most bold and naughty transport is not hard at all. warm or even hot in Crimea, but the Sangha Base examination and 1st Level tion. drivers in the front row and bargain So, you have reached the village. You nights can still be quite cold, so if you training. Also in July we expect to have Most other companies operate from with some back row driver until you get are standing at a bus stop or the taxi plan to stay in the camping, take some Khyentse Yeshe’s retreat at the Gar, and the bigger Kiev Boryspil airport, which a good price. driver asks you “where now?” warm clothes with you. the SMS Base retreat in September. is half an hour drive from the city. In Sevastopol airport this probably is The Gonpa can be seen from the bus Catering will be available at the Gar, Shuttle buses depart from the entrance the only way because getting from this stop on the highway, it’s on the right also you can cook on gas or bonfi re. So, where is the Kunsangar South to terminal B and go directly to Kyiv airport to the Gar by urban transporta- from the village. Wood for the bonfi res is provided in the located? railway terminal in the city center. tion without speaking Russian can be To get to it, you take the road down camping. You can buy camping gas or It is on the south-western part of the Taxi to the city costs 12–20 euros. It tricky. Price from Sebastopol airport to to the center of the village. On your right other gear at the market in Sevastopol. Crimean Peninsula, in Ukraine. It is is cheaper if you call the taxi company the gar can be about 15 euro. you will see a two-storey administrative Electricity is available in the Gar next to Goncharnoye village 17 km from by phone than if you get a taxi at the Also, in the airport as usual please building behind a fence, it’s a forest during the daytime, you can recharge Sevastopol city. airport. mind your pockets and never leave your patrol offi ce (“lesnichestvo”). When your mobile or laptop there. The Black Sea is just a few kilome- If you need to stay overnight to con- bags unattended. It is not a dangerous its fence fi nishes, take a fi rst right turn ters away ... but behind a mountain. nect to Simferopol, a single room in a place, but as in most tourist places, (you will see a small well behind a metal Mobile and Internet You have to take a 15–30 minute drive hostel not so very far from Zhulyany air- there are plenty of pickpockets. fence on your left) and follow the road Ukraine has several GSM operators. Get to get directly to the seaside. port is about 35 euros. A room for three If you are on a tight budget, you can straight ahead, it will take you directly MTS or Kyivstar simcard. MTS reception Usually you can bathe in the sea is about 45 euros. www.kozatskiy. get from Simferopol airport by mini- to the Gar. is a bit better. The gar is not in the 3G from June to October. kiev.ua/eng/antonova.aspx It is just buses. coverage area. the closest to Zhulyany airport, but First you have to take a local minibus Accommodation There is a wifi connection at the gar, How to get there? there are a lot of other places to stay in to get to the bus station at Simferopol Goncharne is the closest village to the and you can use it in the daytime after 1) Simferopol is the capital of Crimea Kiev, like hotels, apartments or hostels, railway terminal. Gar. Rezervne is another close village, the webcast is fi nished. and its biggest airport. Most probably which you can fi nd on the Internet. Feel Upon exiting Simferopol airport, go 2 km away from the Gar. There are no For now there is no wifi in the gar this would be your initial destination on free to write us if you need some as- straight, and across the parking lot, hotels there, but sometimes you can at night until we will have permanent your way to Sevastopol. sistance. behind a few trees, on your right there rent a room or a simple house. It’s hard electricity installed, so if you need to It is also possible to stay overnight is a bus stop. Find a minibus which has to fi nd something luxurious, but at least be online in the evening, get a GSM- Airplane at other practitioners’ apartments, but No. 98 or 115 written on it. You need it’s very close and convenient if you modem. There are two airports in Crimea: the number of such places is limited, so to get off at the railway station (it is don’t have a car. There is a small shop in Simferopol airport – 2 hours drive please write us and fi nd out. “Vokzal” in Russian, asking this from the village, and for now no cafes, except Currency from the Gar, it’s bigger and has daily time to time from fellow passengers catering in Kunsangar South. Ukrainian currency is named “hryvnia” connections to Kiev Boryspil (KBP), Kiev Train and the driver you can make sure you You can rent a hotel or hostel in one or “grivna”, and the approximate rate Zhylyany (IEV), Moscow, Istanbul, and If you don’t like staying overnight in get off at the right stop). At the railway/ of the towns of Sevastopol, Balaklava, is 11 UAH/EUR and 8 UAH/USD. occasionally Tel-Aviv (Tuesdays only) a hotel or hostel, you can get a decent bus terminal next to the entrance to Orlinoye village or in Laspi and Foros The nearest exchange place for the and Frankfurt (Saturdays only). sleeper train to Sevastopol (16 euros McDonalds restaurant there is a bus seaside resorts. Gar is Sevastopol. The nearest ATM There is “Belbek” Sevastopol airport sleeper, 17 hours travel, departs at ticket booth. You can get the list of available hotel is there as well, so make sure to have (UKS) – 1 hour drive from the gar. It’s 20:20). Ask for a ticket to “Sevastopol”, and apartments at http://kunsangar. some local currency. quite small and has fl ights to Kiev Bo- There is also a sleeper train from they depart quite often. Find a minibus org/en/accommodation/ Feel free to ryspil (KBP) and Moscow Vnukovo air- Warsaw to Simferopol which goes twice with your departure time and get in. write us if you need assistance. Contacts ports. In summertime fl ights to other a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays... Your place is marked somewhere on During the retreat we will organise Feel free to write directions, like Lviv or Istanbul can be but travels for 36 hours. the ticket. In about 1,5 hours you reach minibuses to transfer you to and from [email protected] scheduled also. You can get a train ticket delivered Sevastopol bus station. There once the gar the main locations, like Sevas- You can try to get a connecting fl ight to you via www.russiantrains.com/ again you go to the ticket offi ce inside topol, Laspi, Foros. Also there are public via Kiev with one of the two biggest en or http://travel-2-ukraine.com/ the main building and take a ticket minibuses passing Goncharne. Ukrainian airlines aerosvit.ua or fl yuia. transportation/train-tickets.htm, or to “Goncharnoye” (this is Russian If you want to rent a car, there are com. You can try turkish.com airlines to at the railway station, or at terminal B pronunciation of the village, typical in Herz, Avis and other rent-a-car brands check if there is a convenient connection of Kyiv Boryspil Airport. Crimea. On Google Maps you can fi nd in Simferopol airport and in Sevastopol. from your country via Istanbul. Ukrainian pronunciation Honcharne, There is one low-cost company fl y- How to get from Sevastopol or it is the same). You get a ticket for a Camping ing to Ukraine, wizzair.com Simferopol to the gar? specifi c time, and your place number is There is the possibility to camp in a des- It has lots of international fl ights to The golden rule is don’t take a taxi at marked on the ticket as well. ignated area near the forest 500 meters Kiev from Venice, Katowice, Cologne, the exit of the airport in Simferopol un- Your bus goes to Yalta or Foros pass- from the Gar. Dortmund, London and other European less you are willing to pay 5–10 times ing through Goncharne. Make sure in We do not provide tents or sleeping cities, and fl ights from Kiev to Sim- more of the normal price, which is about 15 minutes to remind the driver bags or cooking pots, please bring all feropol. It is the cheapest, but usually about 20 euros. to make a stop in Goncharne, otherwise your gear with you.

China

Yantra Yoga course led by Tracy Ni, March 2011, Zhuhai, China. Vajra Dance course led by Wes Guo, March 2011, Zhuhai, China. Vajra Dance teaching led by Wes Guo, April 2011, during Singapore Retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News

25

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

and auction with Rinpoche lead- Namgyalgar Retreat ing us and joining in the fun. March 18-23, 2011 The lottery raises a generous $ 28,702 for Namgyalgar North’s Narelle Scotford new Gonpa as well as for a much needed upgrade of the road into e are at Namgyal- Namgyalgar South. Some of the gar again, imperma- items auctioned include statues W nence and change is of and White Tara all around us. The last time our as well as a beautiful necklace precious Master was here in 2009 strung by Rinpoche. we were in a period of severe Again and again during the drought in most of the Eastern teachings and throughout this part of Australia and there were retreat we see from all sorts of bushfi res raging on the other different perspectives how privi- side of the mountain within 40ks leged we are to be in the presence of us. And in August of that same of our Master in this era, this year year severe winds and a mountain and in this place. so dry that its crevasses had be- Thank you to Rinpoche and come lethal conduits for the ap- to all the people who made this proaching fi re in the direct line retreat possible as well as all of a powerful bushfi re fuelled the of those who participated and Gar. All people and valuables in- helped in its co-ordination. cluding the entire contents of the Library and Gonpa were evacu- ated as practitioners all over Aus- New Gakyils and Gekös tralia and the world practised for The new Gakyils and Gekös were con- the Gar’s survival. Rinpoche in- Photo: G. Horner fi rmed in Rinpoche’s presence at the structed that no lives were to be end of the last Namgyalgar retreat. put in danger since the mountain burning leaves in a large bin to before thought; ego is the root the Three Vajras. There is dance Thank you Rinpoche for your Teachings retreat appeared to be indefen- release the smoke and the smell devil; we are present-we do our instruction every morning and and spending this time with us here in sible. of sweet eucalyptus into the air. best; we can integrate the Sound practice every evening including Australia! Now in March 2011 the con- That day, miraculously, the of A even when inside an aero- the Dances of the Three Varjas, trast is remarkable. Rinpoche is rain eases and for the fi rst time plane; Dzogchen is not a book regular and irregular, the Dance Namgyalgar Gakyil March 2011 with us healthy again, a spring we see the sun! But by the next or school it is the real nature of of the Six Spaces of Samantab- Blue: to his step and a glow to his face. day the rain returns with a ven- mind; we use mind, it doesn’t use hadra, and the Dance of the Song Ben Pearsall (vice president) – (retiring The rains that saved the Gar at the geance. Rinpoche, with charac- us; the importance of the three of Vajra. end May) very last minute continued and teristic equanimity, laughs and Statements of Garab Dorje in dis- Participation in all these danc- Alathea Vavasour the whole area is now bathed in shakes his head at the same time tinguishing Dzogchen from all es is intense encouraged by the Lydia Nelson a beautiful green hue decorated expressing concern for wet and other traditions; you don’t need a fact that often in the evening Red: with the red, yellow and purple sodden campers, most of who re- passport when you get to the fi - the Gonpa is one of the few dry Jullian King-Salter (president) of native fl owers. Fire has done main in good humour. nal state and no-one will ask you places! Watching the dancing on Barbara Robertson its work well and trees are burst- For me the transmission for how you got there. And so much the beautiful wooden fl oor Man- Nicki Elliott ing with growth waiting for the the Guru Yoga related to this re- more..... dala is a meditative experience Yellow: next cycle of drought and fi re to treat’s teaching as well as the In- As we listen to Rinpoche trans- for us all. At the end of the week, Catherine Horner (treasurer) return. structions and Teaching of The late and comment on each of the the two visiting dance teachers Matthew Smith My fi rst look at the Gar after 25 Spaces of Samantabhadra 25 mantras I am struck by the el- Cosimo Di Maggio and Rosa Al- nearly two years away is an emo- have a profound effect, which egance of this ancient terma, its tamirano are examined and are Namgyalgar North Gakyil March 2011 tional experience, a mixture of still resonates with me today. Be- simplicity and its intricacy, its successful in gaining their level 2 Blue: nostalgia, joy and gratitude for ing in the presence of our Master deeply signifi cant messages told Vajra Dance instructor authorisa- James Bailey being here again. New structures with his unique wisdom and in- in so many different but inter- tion while Nicki Elliot gains the Red: greet me, the Yurt, caravans, imitable down to earth manner is related ways. And how beautiful equivalent for Level 1 Vajra Dance Rick Albert sheds, paths and gardens some for all of us here an incomparable the mantras sound when sung and Lindy Pulsford is supervised Yellow: of which have a direct relation- opportunity. I am also grateful and what a powerful and highly by Fabio Andrico after the retreat Maree Ploetz ship to the changes in my own for the help of my teacher Elise specifi c purifi cation practice they as part of her level 1 Yantra Yoga life. as well as other members of the make. They are truly the quantum instructor authorisation. New Gekö for Namgyalgar from June The Retreat promises so much Sangha to prepare me for these physics of mantras! Besides all this activity there 2011: Ben Pearsall and it delivers so much more. The wonderful teachings. This is a very busy retreat with are Chöd practices, sometimes Wrathful Deities are all around us We are receiving a terma that people having to meet all sorts of quite late at night, as well as a Gekö for Namgyalgar North (from May carrying the rain that threatens has taken our Master up to seven challenges with the weather and busy noisy and enjoyable lottery 2011): Jorrit Ijpenberg to wash us off the mountain. By years to retrieve, collate, correct accommodation. Journeying up the fourth day this is a possibil- and translate for us. And as he the increasingly soggy and mud- ity for some of those camping in teaches us each of its 25 lines he dy mountain road come 196 peo- the bush as the rain relentlessly explains its history and his own ple, of whom 26 are new and 13 pounds down. Rinpoche leads us experience of these teachings. are visitors from overseas. In ad- in a Sang Offering and Serkyem He is masterful in showing us the dition to the teachings, we have warning us that our intentions difference between Dzogchen two Ganapujas, a World Wide are important as this practice and all the other traditions that it Transmission for the Anniversa- can be also used to encourage the encompasses and still honours. ry of Guru Garab Dorje, power- rain! With humour he demonstrates ful transmissions of lung for all I meet our teacher Elise the dangers of self-importance, our main tuns and practices, as- Stutch bury as she quickly tries blind attachment to emptiness sociated instructions and teach- to get together the offerings for and going after concepts and ings from both our local teachers the unscheduled practice- beer, words. I like the story about the Elise Stutchbury and Angie Gil- milk and water as well as local gold under the ground, saying ‘I bert, Yantra Yoga Classes taught leaves to burn. With three other am so valuable under the earth, by our own teacher Emily Coleing practitioners we stand outside come and get me!’ And the prac- as well as Dance Dance Dance! the Gonpa from which Rinpoche titioner who says, ‘Oh good, I’ve Besides Adriana Dal Borgo leads the practice. I am trying to found a nice cave I think I’ll stay there are fi ve other dance teach- hold an umbrella steady over the here awhile and be happy’. ers at the retreat including our practice book and somehow keep Some of the precepts and local teachers Jean Mackintosh, New Vajra Dance Instructors authorized by Rinpoche at Namgyalgar South Second from left turning its pages while the others ideas that remain with me are: Lynne Geary and Nicki Elliot standing: Level One, Nicki Elliot Far left and second from right both in dance costumes: Level Two, Cosimo di Maggio and Rosa Altamirano. Dance Instructors Jean Mackintosh and Lynn are throwing the offerings in the when we are dying we are not in whom Adriana supervises in her Geary seated in the center. Photo: G. Horner four directions and mixing the mind; clarity is pure perception teaching of the irregular dance of THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News Namgyalgar 26

a great event for the Community An Extraordinary and inspiring to some people of Screening Event the audience an interest for the Dzogchen teachings. After just a “My Reincarnation” in few days, they could have had the Melbourne opportunity to attend to the Pub- lic Talk and the Seminar. Bruno Irmici In the fi rst instance it seemed simply impossible. Moving met Jennifer Fox, ingenious through the fi rst stage of its director of My Reincarnation distribution, the fi lm had just I more than 20 years ago, in premiered at some Film Festi- 1989, more or less when the epic vals and only later in the year journey of the fi lm began. I met was made available for theatri- her in Naples, Italy, when she cal release. In the same time my came to fi lm Chögyal Namkhai idea was also matching Jennifer Complete Breathing with Fabio Andrico at Namgyalgar, Australia, March 2011. Norbu, then professor of Tibetan desire to have a public screen- Language at University ‘Orien- ing in which she and Rinpoche tale’. In those times my home, were both attending. That was relieved that Rinpoche had recov- portance of GuruYoga. Then on very close to the University was an important authentication for Melbourne with ered from a recent illness. Saturday afternoon International the place where Rinpoche, then the fi lm in making its way in the Chögyal Namkhai The weekend teachings were Vajra Dance Teacher Adriana Dal living in Formia, a small town world but there had not been held at the Brunswick Town Hall Borgo, who was also in Australia half way between Rome and Na- any occasion for that. Also she Norbu and a special atmosphere was at the time, explained the Song of ples, was staying when in Naples was anxious to generate interest created through the engaging the Vajra Dance and demonstrat- and where the community of his on a fundraising campaign she Oceania Reile discussions and the refl ecting of ed the Vajra Dance and the Six students was gathering. Those was going to launch to support individuals experiences with the Spaces dance with our local Vajra years were an incredibly fortu- the distribution of the fi lm. But, t has been two years since teachings. The hall was beauti- Dance Teacher Lynne Geary and nate time of my life. above all, I think we both felt that Rinpoche’s last visit to Mel- fully decorated, especially around other ten practioners. I was amazed then by the ca- the fact she wanted to contact I bourne and while the latest Rinpoche’s seat – Jane painted This was followed by a ques- pacity and courage of this young me because her choice of the clip tour on March 11–13, 2011 had a luminous Longsal Symbol, tion and answer time for new- woman who, back then, had just from Naples, and my proposal of some simlilarities to the last, many fl owers and lamps made comers with our local SMS won the best cinematography a screening when Rinpoche was there was an added twist – in the this a warm space. While enjoy- Teacher Angie Gilbert. After the and best documentary at the Sun- coming to Melbourne, was more form of a fundraising movie night ing lunch people were brows- Sunday morning teachings, qual- dance Film Festival in the US with than a coincidence. We were on this tour. The Melbourne tour ing through the bookshop stall ifi ed Yantra Yoga teacher Emily the fi lm ‘Beirut, last Home Mov- reaching each other, and started unoffi cially began on Tuesday where many purchases were Coeling demonstrated the Eight ie’. The video camera was always to feel something was calling this night with a sneak preview of the made. There were A.S.I.A dis- Movements and Angie Gilbert not far from her, always ready for event to happen, and was already her to grab for shooting, I was in- making its own way. At the end of troduced to the image of Jennifer our conversation she pronounced with her camera, like an exten- a magic word , “keep talking’’….. sion of her. And so we kept open the possi- I then remembered to have bility for new circumstances to had a clear sense that from those come….. initial shootings something im- And In fact we kept talking… portant was beginning. And that not long after a miracle hap- somehow Jennifer was the person pened: the fi lm was accepted at with the capacity to bring a fea- a Major Australian Film Festi- ture fi lm about Rinpoche into ex- val in June and the organizers istence. I am sure that Rinpoche agreed for us to have a sneak pre- then had already a vision of this view in Melbourne in March in fi lm that now, twenty years later, exchange of a press conference come to the public fruition and with Rinpoche, that later became will be of benefi t for millions of an exclusive interview. people in years to come. Even if we could see that the When a few months ago I read screening of the fi lm was now that she had completed the doc- a possibility served on a silver umentary, and I went to visit the plate, there was a mix of excite- fi lm website, I was immediately ment and resistance in the gakyil enrolled as one of the thousands because of the short time left to that couldn’t wait to see the fi lm. work on it, and the worry that Photo: G. Horner I felt also a strong sense of grati- could impact on the ongoing tude for Jennifer and I wanted to preparation for the Rinpoche’s fi lm, My Reincarnation, with fi lm plays and information about the followed with an explanation of congratulate her, but before I did three-day teachings that was in maker Jennifer Fox and Rinpoche International and the Namgyal- the simple Ganapuja. Following it, unexpectedly, she contacted its fi nal rushes, not to speak of in attendance. gar Dzogchen Community and this we were privileged to have me to let me know she was go- the budget issue. But as soon as The night was nearly sold out Shang Shung Institute. I felt par- Rinpoche turn to the hall to join ing to publish a small clip from we stopped playing small, a fi - and the fi lm was brilliant and ticularly touched as I had been all for a simple Ganapuja practice the outtakes of the fi lm, a small nal decision was made to go for reached many non Dzogchen in this same location, to hear together. gem she said, of one of those it. A clear shift happened and Practioners. The night fi nished Rinpoche speak two years earlier. Both afternoons were highly early shootings in my house in energies from being scattered in with drinks and the ensuing en- My name is Oceania Reile and attended with many interested Naples. In the clip Rinpoche was various directions felt naturally ergy, and enthusisasm highlight- my parents Nene and Helmut new comers. relaxing after his work and show- converging in one focused point. ed the importance of collabora- Reile who are old practioners It was an intense and invalu- ing how to sing the Merigar Song And things began rapidly to fall tion and set the tone for the rest from Merigar in the early 80’s. able experience to get to know melody to two of his students. I in place. of the tour. While growing up, every family some amazing people and to was delighted. It felts as if she re- We lost the booking of the The teachings began on Friday holiday was spent in Merigar sur- see the Dzogchen Communities opened a small window on those most prestigious state of the art night with a public talk at North- rounded by magnifi cent nature operational workings. But most days, and for me those years, and cutting edge cinema to take what cote Town Hall where Rinpoche and sounds of the Gonpa. important was to share these suddenly the fi lm and Jennifer revealed to be a better option. We talked about the different Bud- Throughout my 24 years I precious teachings and expand were strangely coming closer to booked the only day left in March dhist paths. While his teachings was profoundly impacted by the the Melbourne Community. My me again. in the art house Cinema Nova, on were simple and as ever direct values and beliefs of Dzogchen appreciation goes to my mentor I was then involved in design- the 8th of March, and that was ac- and clear, newcomers and older teachings and found myself fol- Madeleine Fogarty who guided ing the image for the CNN 2011 tually the day after Rinpoche ar- practioners shared the inspira- lowing this path. Having had the me throughout this time. Thank Australian Tour and also, as Mel- rival in Melbourne. It seemed just tion from this Friday night and wonderful opportunity to orga- you to the many Vajra Brothers bourne red gakyil, involved in the waiting for us to fi ll. That was for were excited about the weekend nize the Melbourne Tour, upon and Sisters for the collaboration publicity of Rinpoche’s three-day me a sign that Rinpoche was go- teachings to come. refl ection it was magical and I felt to create such a magical week- teachings. Immediately in my re- ing to attend the night. It was an atmosphere of blessed by Rinpoche’s presence. end. ply I proposed to Jennifer my cra- A possibility to purchase tick- warmth and appreciation that During the weekend teach- My profound gratitude to our zy dream: to have a screening of ets online was organized through Rinpoche had chosen to specifi - ings Rinpoche talked about the precious teacher. Long life & the fi lm before Rinpoche’s teach- the pay system of the bookshop cally visit Melbourne and we were essence of Dzogchen and the im- health to our beloved Master! ings in Melbourne. That could be >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News Namgyalgar 27

in 2009, said, by watching the fi lm, they fi nally ‘got it’ and they were going to register to the com- ing Seminar. Two other people, parents of school friends of my son, who never had experience of spiritual teachings before, said they were very impressed from what is a masterpiece of clarity in the fi lm. This is the Dzogchen at- titude in which Rinpoche left his son growing free without forcing on him the traditional education for a , a recognized reincar- nate master. Instead he was also supportive of his son’s career and we all know how Yeshi’s skills and expertise has been a funda- mental contribution to the reor- Photo: S. McEvoy Photo: S. McEvoy ganization of the International Dzogchen Community. And all >> continued from previous page ment the cinema was fi lled, this work that has been spent in the the aim to make a good use of the this responds to what Rinpoche on Namgyalgar website. Flyers time with silence, leaving just a last two years to develop a Ling momentum of their visit, we pre- always expressed of Dzogchen, and cards were designed and spotlight on the stage. Just a few in Melbourne, and enriching pared the start of a Ling in Mel- our real nature, to be beyond spe- distributed, a producer helped moments for me to stand there our offering to our Master and to bourne. Looking at the Mandala cifi c culture, and times, a natural with a press release and spread and taste the accomplished task Melbournians in the occasion of of the International Dzogchen condition that once discovered the word through Facebook, to and take in a deep breath. A few Rinpoche 2011 visit. Community in my small under- and cultivated with practice en- inform fi lm schools and fi lm go- minutes to gather the attention The fi lm went beyond my ex- standing it seems that, after Chö- ables us to integrate and relax ers that the latest documentary of of the audience on what a special pectations. It could have been gyal Namkhai Norbu has spent all with all circumstances, not just in Jennifer Fox was in town for a one event this one was, the preview of much longer without making me his life to establish Gars, Khyen- the remote Tibet of the past but off viewing. a fi lm made by the multi awarded tired. tse Yeshe is particularly connected also in our modern and critical Meantime Jennifer and I con- fi lmmaker Jennifer Fox, which all It is very impressive how timely with the next stage of the creation age of globalization. tinued “to skype”, she kept talk- the Dzogchen Community world- this fi lm has been. It is still a re- of the Lings. Maybe this powerful From this ground shines, like ing to me each time from a dif- wide was awaiting to see and that cent story that Khyentse Yeshe, event of the screening of My Rein- the blossoming of a beautiful ferent place, Zurich, Amsterdam, only in the coming June was go- following the steps of his father, canation in Melbourne is an indi- fl ower, the Khyentse Yeshe direct New York, Philadelphia, and I ing to be nationally premiered in chose to fully embrace the respon- cation of the Ling moving ahead. style of teaching Dzogchen. We was astonished, almost tired for Australia at a major Film Festi- sibility of the continuation of the At the end of the screening, de- all are truly blessed from Khyen- her, how she could manage that val. And if that was not enough, Dzogchen Transmission. Now spite his need for rest, Rinpoche tse Yeshe’s new style of teaching. rhythm. But if you are in the fl ow of we acknowledged the presence this fi lm is going around in the generously joined Jennifer on It is kind of shock at fi rst a for what you are passionate, you don’t of the fi lm director Jennifer Fox, world telling this story whilst fa- stage to answer questions from some of us, used for decades to feel tired. Finally, like a modern who was going to hold a Q&A ses- ther and son separately are attend- the public. He seemed very happy Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s teach- ‘fl ying’ dakini, she landed in Mel- sion after the fi lm, and we were ing to their intense schedules of about the fi lm and the event. He ing style. But both styles will bourne. The next day Rinpoche especially blessed by the presence public retreats. It will contribute especially emphasised that, “The work synergistically and bring arrived from Namgyalgar North, of the Dzogchen Master Chögyal to rapidly establishing the fame of fi lm is a wonderful way for people to new vitality to our evolution. the new gar in Queensland, and Namkhai Norbu, protagonist of Khyentse Yeshe around the world. be introduced to the Dzogchen Teach- A big thank you to Jennifer he looked in a good health. the fi lm, who was in Melbourne Only at the end of watching it ings. The fi lm shows the real method Fox and to her art of fi lmmaking Finally the magical night of the to soon give three-day teachings. I realized that the fi lm has been a of practice integrated in ordinary life, to produce such an important screening came with the excite- Invited on stage Jennifer gave way in which, through the story, not just in a ritual way.” fi lm, and for the enormous ener- ment of a premiere and with the a heartfelt brief talk on how privi- Khyentse Yeshe has been with Small refreshments at the new gies she is dedicating to bring it extraordinary participation on leged she has been to have access us also on this occasion of 2011 lounge bar of the cinema allowed everywhere in the world. And, to our red carpet of Chögyal Nam- to the Master and his son’s pri- Rinpoche visit to Melbourne . In people of the community and the have been a supporter of the Ling khai Norbu and Jennifer Fox. vate life during the twenty years the previous visit, in 2009, Yeshi public to exchange further more in Melbourne, making available Many people of the Commu- epic journey of fi lming them came unexpectedly to help Chö- their understanding and emo- here, fi rst in the world, a preview nity came early to help in various around the world. That was mak- gyal Namkhai Norbu during an- tions after the viewing. of My Reincarnation and believing tasks, selling tickets at door, be ing this fi lm so unique. The spot- other critical time for his health. Just from hearing a few peo- we could make it happen. ushers, fi lming the event, giving light went down and we relaxed That indirectly revealed to be a ple’s feedback, it made clear to We wish that all people every- brochures for the coming teach- enjoying the magic of My Rein- fortunate circumstance for us be- me that the fi lm will go a long where, will contribute to the on- ings The cinema of 240 seats was carnation’s storytelling and cin- cause once he was here I asked way in the world to inspire and going fundraising online (www. rapidly fi lled. The excited chatter- ematography. Yeshi if he could give teachings at open up new ways to connect myreincarnationfilm.com) to ing of people, anxious to be soon I felt indeed very happy to have the seminar and so he made this with the deep spirit of Dzogchen support the worldly distribution touched from a very meaningful made possible this special event fi rst contact with the Dzogchen and with our Masters. of this very important and magi- story, a universal story, settled for the Melbourne Community. Community in Melbourne. That A couple of people who had cal fi lm. as the lights dimmed. In a mo- It felt like a GIFT, a prize for the also was the time in which, with came to the Melbourne seminars

From Plateau to Pavement: whether in a correction of detail or a In class Emily drew our attention to Yantra Yoga in Sydney new physical awareness. the lineage of our practice and through- Flexibility and awareness in or- out the weekend our conversations of- n a series of six sessions over four ganisation also played a part. While the ten turned to the power of transmission days, practitioners gathered in in- common Friday afternoon salutation of and the remarkable lineage of Yantra I ner urban Sydney for an weekend “have a good weekend” is suggestive of Yoga. Emily has recently been autho- Yantra Yoga course (First, Second and two days of recreation and relaxation, rised by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu at a Third Series) with authorised Second for many Sydneysiders this ideal of an Second Level Diploma level and this was Level Yantra Yoga teacher Emily Cole- Australian weekend has now passed. the fi rst time she had taught the Breath- ing. For those attending, the opportu- Work commitments mean coordinating ing of the Third Series. Many of us had nity was there to experience and learn participation in a full weekend course is read the recent biography of Rinpoche’s from a living tradition stretching over not always an option. With this in mind uncle, ‘: the life and re- vast distances of time and space; in rel- the weekend was structured to allow alisation of Togden Ugyen Tendzin’ and ative terms from the Himalayan plateau people to come in at various points, and as the fi nal class unfolded the vitality of to the asphalt and concrete pavements Emily was always responsive and adapt- the teaching was palpable. of Sydney. able to the composition of the group. Our group, freshly enthused, are Rinpoche often reminds us that In between sessions we had to time meeting regularly and we look forward participation is a primary element of to eat outdoors and enjoy the autumn to Emily’s return to further develop, capacity. Though some participants sunshine. Thanks to the valued advice consolidate and deepen our practice. could stretch, coordinate and achieve of Sydney blue Gakyil Jan Cornall, some elegance in movement more fully than of us also enjoyed a massage from one others, it was in participation and a of the many masseurs operating in the spirit of collaboration that all present area. Next time you’re in Sydney Jan can were able to gain value from the course, point you in the right direction! THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News

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Kyoto gathered in Sendai City where In the afternoon of the same day, like to express our heartfelt gratitude Japan more than 1,000 people were found two practitioners from Sendai and To- to those who have helped our work by dead due to the calamity. In a beauti- kyo are to do puja. giving generous donations through First Collective Practice in the ful tea ceremony house not affected by Between sessions, we shared our ASIA and sending kind e-mails. We will Devastated Area of 3.11 Japan tsunami in the city, we practiced the idea about the disaster and our future. continue our activity. We are planning Earthquake Shitro and puja. At night we enjoyed a lot of food and to concentrate more on children who On May 3rd, and 4th, we continued sake. Two practitioners from Sendai lost their home and parents. Dear Vajra Brothers and Sisters, to practice Sang and Sur for purifying and Minamisouma are still working in May happiness, both temporary and and helping the mind consciousness of the area where there are many after- spiritual, prevail on our planet! I am very happy to inform you that we the dead in Sendai and Onagawa, one shocks and also the danger of radioac- did the fi rst collective practice in the of the cities where the worst tsunami tivity. I hope our grand banquets helped Love, Tetsu Nagasawa devastated area of 3.11 Japan earth- struck and destroyed everything. We loosening their stress. quake and tsunami this week. concluded our series of practice by On behalf of the ASIA’s activities in On May 2nd, four practitioners from performing chod on the early morning Japan to help the people who are suf- Sendai, Minamisouma, Kamakura, and of May 5th. fering in the devastated area, I would

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

dala four years ago Rinpoche said “Now the project forward. The devotion is to or Marit Cranmer at maritcr@gmail. Participation in the Vajra Hall we build a Vajra Hall”. From that point Rinpoche’s vision. com. Building Project to now groups of community members Now Rinpoche has asked that ev- Construction resumes on Khandro- Like swimming in a sea of devotion with skills in project planning, design, eryone in the International Dzogchen ling in early May and will continue engineering, construction, project Community, Gars, Lings and individu- through October of this year. Then in sn’t it amazing! Only 22 years ago, management and fundraising have als, be given an opportunity to partici- 2012 during the same building season in the summer of 1989, during his worked together to make Rinpoche’s pate in this project. A website has been construction must be completed in Ipersonal retreat on Khandroling, vision a reality. Each step of the way created to allow members from around preparation for Rinpoche to inaugurate Rinpoche received the Vajra Dance Rinpoche has given his advice, support the globe to make donations which will the building in 2013. This can only hap- teachings in various dreams bound and guidance. bring color to the Universal Mandala pen with your help! in the clarity of natural light. Now, As with any project of this magni- and provide support for the completion because of his vision and energy, there tude various obstacles have emerged of the building. The website is are more than 130 mandalas around which could have impeded the project http://tsegyalgar.org/localcenters/ New Gekö the world on which thousands of his from going forward. However, as each tsegyalgareast/vajrahall/. students are practicing and benefi t- obstacle or diffi culty arose community Please visit the site and determine Tsegyalgar East is very happy to an- ting from this wonderful transmission. Roof of the Vajra Hall. members continued working together, how you can participate and join in nounce the new gekö, Soledad Suarez Amazing! listening to each other and fi nding swimming is this sea of devotion. For from Buenos Aires Argentina. The fl ow of positive energy from the Vajra Hall for the Universal Man- solutions. The whole collaborative further information please contact John the Vajra Dance transmission has also dala on the site of Rinpoche’s dreams. experience feels like swimming in a LaFrance at [email protected] Warm wishes, manifested in the process of building When he dedicated the Universal Man- sea of devotion with each wave moving Tsegyalgar East Gakyil

Introduction to Yantra Yoga Intensive Chöd Retreat Dzogchen without Buddhism Jim Valby’s Program 2011 Sep 24–25, 2011, Tsegyalgar East, with Paula Barry with Costantino Albini Secret Refuge and the Four Rushen May 21 & 22, 2011 June 1–7. 2011 Understandings May 18–22, 2011, Kundusling in Oct 22–23, 2011, Tsegyalgar East, Venue: 2 sessions daily: 10 am–noon, with Jim Valby Barcelona, SMS Level One Parlung First Churches, 129 Main St, Rm 11, 6:30 pm–8:30 pm August 20–26, 2011 May 27–31, 2011, Paldenling in Nov 3, 2011, London UK SSI, Northampton, MA Cost of retreat: $ 250 (membership Khandroling, Buckland, Massachusetts Poland, SMS Base Public Talk Times: discounts apply) $300 with membership discounts. June 1–5, 2011, Paldenling in Poland, Nov 4–6, 2011, London UK SSI, Saturday: 9 am–noon and 3–6 pm Cost per session: $ 20 (no membership Contact: 413 369 4253 SMS Level One Dzogchen without Buddhism Sunday: 9 am–noon discounts) [email protected] Jun 12, 2011, Zurich Public Talk Nov 9–10, 2011, Kunselling, Wales, Free by Donation! Contact the secretary to preregister: June 13–19, 2011, Switzerland, SMS Level One All are welcome. 413 369 4253 SMS Base Nov 12–13, 2011, London, Wear loose clothing, bring a yoga mat [email protected] Jul 21, 2011, Pittsfi eld, MA, SMS Base, Fruit and cushion. Public Talk: CompaSSIon Nov 16–20, 2011, Budapest, SMS Base For more information contact: Jul 30–31, 2011, Tsegyalgar East, Nov 23–27, 2011, Germany, SMS Base [email protected] Semdzin Dec 3–4, 2011, Tsegyalgar East, or call 413 369 4153 Aug 20–26, 2011, Tsegyalgar East, Six Paramitas Dzogchen without Buddhism

Passages Born: Laila Reiss & Joey Mella welcome Goma Devi Mella-Reiss. On February 24 of the Iron Tiger Year, at sunrise 6:36 am (EST), our daughter was safely born in our home near Khandroling. She is healthy and a joy to all. We look forward for her to meet the great Vajra family.

Dream Yoga Benefi t for Tsegyalgar East with Michael Katz in Northamtpon Mass, April 7–9 2011. Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen Retreat Retreat with Jim Valby April 22–24 (with a public talk April 21), 2011 in Atlanta Georgia. THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 International Community News TsegyalgarEast 29

we need to get the word out in the Featured Ling, right way – really big. When Khy- entse was here he mentioned that Kundrolling NYC we should act with confi dence and realize what we have to of- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu taught for fer; each of us. Khyen tse said we the fi rst time in New York City in the should just go for it. Just do it! fall of 1979 in a loft on East 13th SK: The model we had in the street. Over the years, the NYC Com- past, and it certainly worked, was munity used rented spaces for practices that Rinpoche would come and and Vajra Dance in Tribeca, Union give retreats and things would Square, and elsewhere in Manhattan. fl ourish. Everyone says that what Kundrolling, the Ling of New York we need – like for example for City and the Place of Total Liberation, Yantra Yoga – is a teacher who is was founded in July of 2005. here all the time and people can Below is an interview with 4 begin to rely on that. We don’t of the 5 current Gakyil members: have that luxury at this point. We Stephen Korns, Tashi Kaiser, do hope Rinpoche and Khyentse Tara Keegan and Katya Pember- will come to NYC again, and we ton, (Ed Goldberg is missing), are trying to cultivate and devel- about the life of Kundrolling. From left to right Stephen Korns, Katya Pemberton, Tara Keegan and Tashi Kaiser at Kundrolling. Photo: N. Zeitz op programs with leaders and in- structors within the Community, The Mirror: Can you give a little and someone has to sign for that lobby, and it has a superb loca- of spaces like ours now in New which is good for everyone. history and background about and be responsible to the land- tion. York, and many teachers have TK: The teachings in our Com- Kundrolling and the NYC Com- lord. From the fi rst gathering Katya Pemberton: We are also a presence here. Our goal as a munity are presented in a very di- munity? with Rinpoche in Jennifer Fox’s looking to have more donors. gakyil is to do this for another rect way and it is refreshing and Stephen Korns: I was living in loft that proposed a permanent Tashi Kaiser: In general it feels year, and further stabilize with they are presented in a way peo- Amherst Massachusetts in the NY space and Gakyil, there was like by generating more opportu- a new treasurer; work on these ple are not accustomed to. Most early days but I know that in the a pledge from the original mem- nity for practitioners to connect rentals and if we could do what people are habituated in the way beginning the Community did bers that they would give $ 50 with the teachings by having con- we were doing renting to Rigpa, they participate in dharma events not have a permanent place and a month each, and this contin- sistent varied instructors coming retreat income, and even some of and I think there is a prelimi- would do Ganapujas at people’s ues until today. We have lost and to the ling, we are able to widen our donor income could be extra. nary or “getting-used-to” phase houses and they eventually rent- gained some donors, and now our scope and provide an oppor- Doubling sponsorship is a pro- where people are getting used to ed spaces to do the Vajra Dance, the amount has gone to $ 60 a tunity for people to collaborate gram in itself and that is where the Dzogchen Community, where which was a big step for this month. There are also some together and in doing so we can we would like to get to. We have a they don’t realize that their col- Community, and using a tyvek people who represent founda- generate a collective energy that lot of affi liated people who used laboration with the Community Mandala, which we still have tions who can contribute great- helps manifest the abundance to be active, and others who come and its activities are exactly the here in the closet. In the early er amounts. We do need more that this place needs to be viable. to Ganapujas regularly who are teachings and there is nothing days Rinpoche mostly traveled sponsors at this point, as our rent The retreats are a source of col- not active now or on committees, else to be looking for. But get to back and forth to Conway on the and expenses have increased over laboration and growing the Com- etc. As a gakyil, we recognize that that level of understanding re- East Coast and then Rinpoche the years. munity. we need to ask people individual- quires some real dedication to was willing to do more retreats The other thing that has TaraK: And people feel inspired ly, and that it is good for people Rinpoche’s teachings, and time. in NYC, so that meant big energy helped us survive is that we have and experience directly the value to take on leadership positions as TaraK: I can talk about how it is and that would happen every 2 or been able to sublease the space. of having a space here. part of the transmission and inte- for someone who has had had 3 years. These are details that are For some time we rented to Rig- SK: There is a feature of NYC and gration of their practice. Asking no experience with dharma to ar- probably true for many lings and pa until they got their own space. the current internet trend that is people for help is part of our ser- rive in the Dzogchen Communi- centers in the world. We have always paid our rent illusive to me that maybe is not vice to the transmission. ty. I was raised Irish Catholic so I Several of the people involved and expenses from our income so rare. We presently have around In my darker moments, I fear did not know anything about the at the time I am referring to came of pledges, rentals and retreats, 450 people on our local mailing our gakyil is like a house of cards. Dzogchen teachings and I had to the Community through Mi- plus the rebates we receive from list, and every week new people If one of us stops working, maybe been introduced to some other chael Katz and Tsultrim Allione. our memberships in Tsegyalgar. sign up to receive our email an- building up the ling will collapse. eastern spiritual groups, and that When it came time to form a This year our retreats are more or nouncements and we have little Certainly, part of our task is to de- was all the contact I had, so when ling, many people were active in less monthly and we are receiv- idea of who they are. We have a velop experienced administrators I came here for the fi rst time for the work, but Johanna Bennett ing $ 500–$ 1000 per retreat, plus core of about 50–100 people who to take our places and continue the Worldwide Transmission, it stands out as someone who very teachers’ fees and expenses. New we do know by name and have what we have started. We need was kind of frustrating and over- actively pursued a physical space York City has a big advantage be- been active in the past, or have the insight and energy of Com- whelming. I am also a bit of a and is the one who found the cause people like to come here been on the Gakyil or come to munity members who want to perfectionist and extremist, so space we now occupy. Also Mark from Europe and other places, Ganapujas and teachings on a actively participate and support for me not to understand what and Jane Fulton were unique par- so it is often a stop included on regular basis. Our Ganapujas av- the ling and the Community, and these words and pictures were ticipants in establishing the ling. instructors’ tours. New York is erage about 10–15 people. we all need to see that serving the was diffi cult, but I dove right in They offered to sign and guaran- expensive and apartments are TK: Around 25 for the ‘high Community is part of Rinpoche’s and somehow it became familiar tee our lease, and basically helped small, but we have managed to holidays’… Losar, full moon Ga- transmission. for me. to nurture Kundrolling and kept fi nd places for people to stay in napujas in general and with visit- TK: When you have a nest full of At that time I did not really it alive and fl ourishing. Of course members’ homes. ing teachers. Our energy changes beautiful eggs, one always fears know the internal workings of the one of the requirements for the Tara Keegan: The big push for us with the cycle of the moon, more how the eggs will hatch and Community, like who do I talk to ling was that it be large enough right now is to get people to rent people arrive when the moon is grow. The idea is that you just go about this or that question, and to hold a Mandala and it turns out the space either on an hourly, full. everyday, you keep the eggs warm that was frustrating. So it was just the space is 2 or 3 feet too narrow daily or weekend basis. We need SK: Khyentse asked how many and once they hatch you make because I just kept coming to Ga- for one, so a number of us de- more donors and renters in order members of the Dzogchen Com- sure they are fed and watered. napujas, slowly things started to signed a Mandala with slightly to break even since we lost the munity we have in New York and How they go is up to them. In the make a little more sense. That is narrower bands. The center is the regular income from Rigpa. We I think we have like 33–35 mem- end everyone has to learn how to why, for me, having this space is same as a normal Mandala, but are looking into fi nding renters bers. He said there is a formula fl y on his or her own. so incredibly valuable and that is each thigle is about two inches who are like-minded. they have come up with and I for- TaraK: It is a challenge getting the why I am really deeply committed narrower. SK: When Khyentse was here last get what it is but we should be word out, advertising, and com- to helping however I can. With- So in July, 2005 we started to summer, he recommended that up to around a 100 for a city of 9 municating. We have an incredi- out this space I could not learn all rent the ling, which is a very nice we collaborate with other groups million. Probably we should have ble schedule. When I fi rst became the things I learn, I am not that space in a great location in the so we are exploring that. We more than 100 because the New a part of the Community there disciplined and would not do it heart of the city, near Penn Sta- would like to preserve the space York Region has about 15 million. was not a schedule like we have on my own. I learn so much just tion. This year we have a fi ve per- as it is for our own use, and we To increase membership and now. I felt kind of lost, in a new by the experience of being here, son Gakyil plus a treasurer, and it are approaching other NY dhar- participation, we have pushed to place where I didn’t really know having the different teachers seems that is not enough for all ma groups especially. There are a have an expanded program with anybody. But to have this beauti- come and even just doing karma the work. number of people from our Com- activities most weeknights, and ful space and such a busy sched- yoga of cleaning the space, orga- munity who have rented the ling a six-month calendar so people ule, you start seeing the same fac- nizing the books, whatever it is TM: How do you support and pay for psychology and other kinds can plan ahead. We’re doing bet- es, it really creates a whole other for that day, getting renters, it is for Kundrolling? of workshops and this is another ter with advertising and that’s opportunity for people to emerge kind of a beautiful opportunity. It SK: There are some interesting type of renter we might fi nd. You critical – there are many places and participate. So I think a lot keeps me close to the teachings features about New York. Leases can fi t 40–50 people in here, the to advertise in NYC – and to in- of it is getting the word out and and aware, so I am grateful. for the sort of space we have rent is reasonable, it is a very nice crease our visibility in the NY providing different opportunities >> continued on the following page now cost about $3000 a month space with a good elevator and dharma scene. There are dozens for people to get involved. Maybe THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 InternationalRefl ections Community News

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

Vajra Dance of The Six Spaces of Samatabhadra Retreat with Anya Neyman, Chöd Retreat with Nina Robinson in Wangdusling (all dominating), Tepoztlan, Mandarava Retreat with Nina Robinson in Pelzomling (place of victory and Tsegyalgar West, March 25–27, 2011. Mexico, February 25–27, 2011. prosperity), Mexico DF, March 2–5, 2011.

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

Part II of the Song of the Vajra Dance Course with Bodhi Krause, April 22 to Mountain Retreat with Elías Capriles in Cacute/Merida, Venezuela. At Dekitling in Costa Rica, Steven Landsberg gave a course on the 7 Lojong May 2, 2011 at Tashigar North, Margarita. from the Santi Maha Sangha Base with from March 30 to April 3. After expla- nations of the various trainings, the group practised intensively the three aspects of the seventh lojong. The Gakyil of Costa Rica organized the course very well at their beautiful location and everyone enjoyed the time spent to- gether. Puro Vida!!!!!

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

New Gakyil and Gekö

Yellow Gakyil Blue Gakyil Griselda Olivera Ruben Garcia [email protected] [email protected] Luisa Duri Raul Barattini [email protected] [email protected]

Red Gakyil Gekö Alejandro Acuña Luis Olivera [email protected] [email protected] Emanuel Lopez [email protected]

Retreat of the Training on the Seventh Lojong with Ricky Sued and Marisa Alonso, The Song of Vajra – Part II April 20 to 24, 2011 with Nélida Saporiti. April 30–May 1, 2011.

>> continued from previous page how we could download webcast tention that we have to participate It was a very moving moment ness, so when I heard the place SK: Our new program was devel- retreats with Rinpoche and show fi nancially and secure the place. for us and for me then to put in was under the danger of going oped as a doorway for newcom- them at times when people could Rinpoche was there and he was $ 50 a month made me feel like because there are not enough ers, and this was Ed Goldberg’s watch them here at the ling. just waiting for us to step forward I was participating and then lat- people participating, I felt en- initiative. Every Monday night we and initiate whether it is going to er on when I started using the dangered personally. For me this have what we call a Practice Ex- TM: Katya, do you want to talk a happen or not. It was an open space, I was like Tara in that I place is sacred. ploration, focusing on a different little about your experience? question. I remember him sitting learned a lot from being here, I I do not participate as much as collective practice each month. KP: It is going to be 10 years since in the chair and everyone else sit- used the ling for my own person- the others on the Gakyil and I am Each month, we do four Mon- I met Rinpoche. I remember that ting on the fl oor and we didn’t al practice because I had no space very impressed with and proud of days on a practice, led by an expe- night that Rinpoche was here know if it was going to happen or at home to practice, and for me all the work they do. They are so rienced local practitioner, some- in NYC and after the retreat we not. It was a matter of voting how it became a true essence of New devoted and dedicated in work- one we invite from Tsegyalgar, had a meeting of the Commu- many could participate in that York. If not for this ling I would ing for the Teacher, the teach- or possibly a video or CD or DVD. nity where Johanna Bennett pre- moment in order for it to happen. have no reason to live near NYC. ings, the future students, and for This month we are following sented the idea to Rinpoche that Enough people raised their hands It was the core of my location for themselves. They carry the hope Adriano Clemente’s recent re- she had found a place where we and it looked like we could pull it years. I was not active socially in that more people will come. It is treat on how to lead the Ganapu- could have our own space, a ling. together and he looked at us very the Community for a long time really beautiful, a beautiful experi- ja. We would like to investigate It was brought to everyone’s at- slowly and he said, “Good!” because I had kids and a busi- ence. THE MIRROR · No. 109 · March, April 2011 Reflections

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available for sale in Tibet, where Tibetan Porcini these beautiful boletes are very Kongpo Kings Remain Unrecognized common. Anyway, our boletes were Daniel Winkler clearly porcini, but there was no www.Mushroaming.com point in loftily ignoring the well- meaning advice of our kind hosts e kept running into So maybe it was not Boletus edulis, and cook some “poisonous” one after another Ti- but at least a Boletus very closely mushrooms in their colorfully W betan who was also related in the edulis group. And painted kitchen then delightful- searching the dense oak for- we kept finding more and more ly indulge while Karma and her est for matsutake mushrooms. “kingly” boletes, especially along grandfather watch in an agony of I am not used to meet a dozen the edges of the oak forest, what suspense. people looking for mushrooms. a delight! So I told Karma that I have The scene kept reminding me We took them back to the seen these boletes on the mar- of a school play my daughters farmhouse and proudly present- kets in many parts of Tibet and participated in some years ago. ed them to Karma. Karma looked I have been eating king boletes Somehow all the characters of at them and told us with wide all my life. And these boletes Grimm’s fairy tales were swarm- open eyes, these mushrooms from Tashigang look, smell and ing the Black Forest for whatev- are poisonous! I was completely taste just exactly the same. How- er reason and kept running into incredulous and showed Karma ever, we will heed your grandfa- each other. All I understood was the pictures in our Chinese and ther’s and your warning, maybe that the director wanted to make Japanese mushroom books that your local variety has a strange sure every school kid gets one of were a complete match. Then her toxic component. We will cook these cherished roles like Snow grandfather chimed in a cracking up this batch and eat only a tiny White, beautiful princess, evil voice, “In my ninety years no one bite for dinner and then wait and witch, Little Red Riding Hood, ever ate these mushrooms here – see what happens. That eating Wolf and so forth. And going the they are poisonous!” a tiny bite was not so easy, they other way, I can imagine that the What to do? Being told these were just so delicious fried up in scene of oddly costumed West- beautiful boletes were poisonous A Tibetan showing his porcini in Chatreng. © Daniel Winkler – MushRoaming fresh yak butter and deglazed in erners swarming their lichen was neither what I expected nor a Great Wall cabernet. However, draped oak forests could seem what I wanted to hear! I love king exception: “kang chen”, mean- tectable very bitter boletes and since we were in the family kitch- like a fairy tale-like encounter for boletes and these were king bo- ing “big foot”. This seems to be some beautiful red-pored bo- en that doubled as living room, the Tibetans. Karma, our gener- letes! Then I recalled, the year be- a literal translation of a Chinese letes, which can cause pretty un- we stuck to our promise and Kar- ous host, who had taken us along fore I encountered the same atti- common name, “da jiao gu”. pleasant digestive problems. But ma and her grandfather seemed on her daily matsutake search, tude towards kingly boletes, list- I have actually eaten Tibetan still, these are nothing like the fa- relieved. Needless to say that explained to the other villagers ed in a good Yunnan mushroom king boletes many times be- tal liver or kidney failure that the the night in our farmhouse beds that these foreigners were also book as Boletus edulis sensu lato, fore in restaurants in Tibet and deadly amanitas cause. was uneventful and what actually interested in mushrooms. And meaning a king bolete in a broad never had any problems. In fact, It’s hard to really know what woke us up in the wee hours was she assured them that we were sense. Already the previous year I the most common calamity has we’re eating, of course, as the the call of a confused rooster and not picking mushrooms to sell was perplexed by the local lack of been serious disappointment! diversity of boletes in general is not a wicked call of nature. as all the locals do, whose daily knowledge about this tasty and Many Chinese cooks only serve quite impressive. Keying them For breakfast, Karma brewed harvest is sold to middle men to easy-to-recognize mushroom king boletes in a broth; sautéing out with European or North some tea for us and baked some be exported fresh to Japan. The when I was in Nyarong, Kham, them is unheard of, and to get forests above the village were nowadays western Sichuan prov- them prepared this way is a real patrolled so intensely for fresh ince. Nyarong was the home of struggle. Another classic pitfall is matsutake buds – picked as soon the famous lama Nyala Pema ordering “niu gan jun”, or “cow as their small caps peek through Duddul who realized rainbow liver mushroom”, the common the moss and fallen oak leaves – body in the 19th Century, and was name in trade for boletes, when that we did not see a single ma- the teacher of Ayu Khandro and one is often served a slimy Suillus ture mushroom. In the end we Changchub Dorje. In 1998, Khen- dish. One has to be careful to or- encountered less matsutake buds po Achö realized rainbow body in der “mei niu gan jun”, the “beau- than mushroom collectors. Nyarong as well. Back to the king tiful bolete”, which specifies the After we had spent the morn- bolete; to clarify the situation, king bolete. ing picking matsutake with Kar- I took a specimen of this sup- Now what should we do with ma, we took a break on a rock posedly poisonous mushroom our beautiful boletes? Throw cliff that protruded out of the with me to Dartsedo (Kangding), them out just like the Himala- young oaks and enjoyed the view which has a huge mushroom yan Caesar mushrooms (Amanita over the lush valley. The fields and market and compared it to the hemibapha) that we had dumped pastures were dotted with farm- other king boletes in trade. It in a similar situation a few days houses, surrounded by moun- turned out that the same species earlier, when we searched a for- Karma in her kitchen with her 90 year old father in Kongpo. © Daniel Winkler – MushRoaming tains glad in olive-green live oak was traded commercially! Some est adjacent to Lama Ling? By the and dark spruce-fir forests. Be- of these boletes might even end way, Lama Ling is a beautiful tem- American keys can work well, tortilla-like flat breads. We re- yond the lower mountain ridges up on the global market sold as ple built in Zangdok Pelri-style, and indeed many Chinese mycol- heated the king boletes and en- loomed snow covered peaks and “Italian Porcini”, a label applied fashioned after Guru Rinpoche’s ogists have applied European and joyed them rolled in the fresh, once in a while the clouds parted to several similar species of bo- Copper-colored mountain pal- North American names to the Ti- still steaming bread. Interest- and allowed a glimpse of the ma- letes – since many Italian porcini ace and functioned as the main betan funga. Now, on the one ingly, Karma and Grandpa were jestic 24,000 ft peak of Gyala Pel- are now imported from China. seat of the late Dudjom Rinpoche hand many of those names prob- still not interested in joining us ri. What good fortune! We split The main region they are har- whose inspiring life-size stat- ably won’t stand up to a more in the delightful meal. Hope- off from Karma and searched vested in is Yunnan, which also ue is still sitting there on the detailed scrutiny (such as DNA fully next year Karma will join the woods for flowers and fungi contains Dechen Tibetan Auton- throne. Already I had noted how analysis); but on the other hand, us and discover the joys of these ourselves. Besides matsutake and omous Prefecture. Futhermore, a mushroom that is not known such taxonomic niceties aren’t delicious mushrooms. After all, orchids, we were most excited Yunnanese mushroom brokers to be edible quickly gets labeled too relevant in the commerce of Karma and her family could pick to find beautiful king boletes in import lots of mushrooms from as poisonous in traditional clas- mushrooms along a country road plenty of kings without the in- prime condition. And they really all over Kham including Cham- sifications. However, boletes are or in a small-town market. tense competition from other looked just like kings, displaying do (Qamdo) in TAR and Kandze truly no amanitas. With amani- The boletes for sale in Tibet villagers collecting matsutake all the major regalia, a smooth (Garzi) Prefecture in Sichuan. tas the stakes are extremely high, are pretty much the same ones in the dark oak forests around brownish cap, white pores when At least the disregard for the since there are several deadly, like you would find in Europe: mostly Tashigang. But for now, the por- young and turning yellowish- king bolete explains why I have Amanita phalloides, the Death cap king boletes or porcini (Boletus cini we offered seemed less en- green with age, stems with a wide not been able to find local com- and plenty of poisonous ones. edulis and closely related species) ticing to them than the poisoned base and clear reticulation. Also mon names for it. I asked in So there is really no point in eat- and red-capped boletes (Leccinum apple that the jealous queen once they smelled and tasted totally many places, but most of the peo- ing any Amanita without being at close to versipelle and aurantia- handed to Snow White. their king bolete part. They had ple just reply “shamo” – “mush- least 110% sure! And even then cum). And similarly, although be- that rich nutty taste I cherish! I room” – or would not give a name many people rightly just abstain, ginners are often trained to avoid More pictures from Tashigang had a hard time stopping myself at all. In fact, the few times when since we have usually access too red-pored blue-staining boletes, and Mushrooms in Tibet can be from tasting it, since eating raw I was lucky to meet Tibetans who plenty of other good food sourc- some of these (close to Boletus found at: www.MushRoaming. bolete was a habit I had devel- used a specific name for king bo- es. However, most members of luridiformis and B. erythropus) are com, follow link “Photo Report oped as a kid in the woods when- letes, they were unable to explain the genus Boletus are edible, with considered choice edibles for the Fungal & Floral Foray in Tibet ever I found a nice firm Steinpilz. its meaning. There was just one the exception of some easily de- cognoscenti, and are likewise 2010”. 32

I graduated from the Tibetan Medi- cal School in Conway 2009. I had met Dr How I Met Phuntsog Wangmo at the Kalachakra re- treat in Margarita and had wanted to invite Chögyal Namkhai Norbu her to Berkeley to teach massage. Then in Los Angeles at the retreat with Rinpoche, >> continued on the following page I discovered the 4-year Medical School Matt Schmookler from a flyer at The Mirror table. I thought Operations Manager of Shang Shung Institute, USA it sounded interesting but I thought there is no way I am going to school for four more years. I was finishing up my bach- elor’s degree and I thought it was way too had never had much contact with any is Tibetan yoga?” I remember the moment much. When I arrived at Tsegyalgar East, Tibetan teachings or teachers before very clearly. I really felt something in me, people were still talking about the 4-year I I met Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. I had this interest, like a spark. Normally when I program and Rinpoche made it clear and a Native American teacher for many years, was younger and I would hear about yoga spoke strongly that people who are inter- and I was into ceremonies and things con- classes I was kind of hesitant. I did not ested in the Community and Shang Shung nected to the Dakota-Sioux people; sweat like going to classes because when I was Institute should really support the Insti- lodges, sundances, vision quests and younger because my parents always made tute’s growth. He said that Dr Phuntsog things like that. I had studied with a full- me go to marshal arts classes. So when I had been in Conway for many years and is blooded Native American ceremonial lead- heard about this Tibetan yoga I had this an expert on Tibetan culture and we should er called Durwin White Lightning. This inner intrigue, it was like an energetic in- In 2004 I heard they were going to do a work with her and help develop something was my first spiritual experience. Before I trigue, that is the best way to describe it, second level Yantra Yoga training in Ven- there. So that was the moment when I de- met Durwin I had a different kind of life… and then my mind started kicking in and I ezuela. I was so into Yantra I really wanted cided I would come for the 4-year program. I grew up in a very liberal place, Berkeley, thought, “Oh I don’t know, I’m not sure.” to go for that. I was still getting used to My logical mind had said no way, it’s four California, where there is a lot of new age Durwin was there and he said, “You should the idea of teachings, I had never really re- years, out here in the middle of nowhere, stuff. I had been exposed to all kinds of go! Maybe you can learn something you ceived teachings in that way – it was more and when I went home I thought, am I seri- new age spirituality, and a little bit of Ti- can teach us along the way.” That is specif- like rituals I was doing. I wanted to go to ously about to move to that place? betan Buddhism through my family – my ically what he said to me. And so I agreed Margarita for the Yantra Yoga course and So I studied Tibetan Medicine from father had studied some but he never re- to go. the teacher training, and Rinpoche was 2005 to 2009, I was in the first class to ally talked to me about it. Some of my earli- So my dad and I went up to this center, giving the Kalachakra retreat right after it. complete a parallel study like what exists est memories of spirituality are my parents Dondrubling, in Berkeley, and Jey Clark I had no idea what Kalachakra was so I de- in Tibet or India. We went to Tibet and got taking me to ashrams and also to church was there and we did a weekend introduc- cided to go for the Yantra Yoga courses and our certification from the Xinghai College for holidays like Easter, Christmas, etc. tion to Yantra Yoga. I loved every minute of stay for Kalachakra retreat. By the time the as menpas and we did our clinical train- Both my parents identify as Christians. it. It was amazing. I knew nothing about Kalachakra retreat was finished it was clear ing at that hospital. I came back and I have I had all these contacts but nothing Dzogchen, I didn’t even know the word. I that I was going to stay for the next retreat been practicing primarily massage, but really appealed to me until I met Durwin didn’t know anything about Tibetan Bud- and I changed my ticket even though I was now I am developing more of a complete and got very focused in Native American dhism, about Vajrayana, I knew nothing, completely sick with amoebic dysentery – practice of Tibetan Medicine. I am inter- ceremonies when I was around 20 or 21. I All I knew was and I more sick than I had ever been in my life. ested in working with people with ner- met Durwin through my friend Adam who had just learned it. So then I learned Yan- Even though I was so sick I wanted to stay vousness, insomnia and different mental was doing these ceremonies, and I asked tra Yoga, I loved it and spent about the next for the next retreat, the Vajrapani retreat. disorders. I have been on the Tsegyalgar him to take me to one. I was immediately eight months practicing it on my own. I From then on I went to every retreat I pos- East Blue Gakyil for some years and re- magnetized. I spent some years very fo- went a few times to the weekly practices sibly could. cently became the Operations Manager of cused in this. Durwin had organized this but I was traveling and doing a lot of things In 2005 Rinpoche was coming to North the Shang Shung Institute, USA. So I really peace walk with a Tibetan Buddhist monk and I didn’t have a lot of consistency in my America for a whole retreat tour and he took Rinpoche’s words to heart and I have called Monk Krishnaman, who came from life at that time. I was more like a nomad. went to Los Angeles, Baja and Tsegyalgar not forgotten to this day what he said – it Chokyi Nyima’s monastery. They would do At the same time when I would go to East. Somehow, magically, a faulty sprin- was like the iron hook. peace walks together across the country. the Yantra practices I would hear about kler shut down the yoga studio where I was On the West Coast we would do these things going on like Rinpoche’s teachings working and I was able to go to every re- walks, stop and give talks on peace. This and then Jey told my father and me about treat without missing any work. The studio was the first time I had ever met a Tibetan this Long life practice retreat. Then he ex- was shut down for the same time period as Buddhist monk and Durwin was organiz- plained to us how a person could disperse Rinpoche was teaching in the US. ing these meditations for Krishnaman, their energy and different things can cause because he wanted to introduce people to that and Rinpoche was going to give this meditation. The monk would sit down in webcast teaching on this Longlife practice. front of everyone and say, “First you light The Yantra course was October 2003 and the candle, and then you put a little pic- then in July 2004, Adam, my Dad and I at- ture of Buddha.” We would chant when we tended the 13 or 14-day webcast. We did Books by were walking and the monk would chant chulen and sogthig breathing, everything; om mani padme hum, and I felt a very strong it was the most complicated first retreat ()*+,-./ connection to that chanting. anyone could ever do. As soon as Rinpoche In the middle of the peace walk, one day started teaching I was just in awe. It was we stopped at my house to rest and recov- like all the questions I had ever asked were 0-12)-3/04567 er. While we were there my father came to being answered. That’s how it felt. So we me and said, “Hey Matt, do you want to go did the whole retreat, Ganapuja and all. and try Tibetan yoga?” I said, “What? What U Yantra Yoga U Dream Yoga and the Practice of Natural Light U Dzogchen Teachings U The Supreme Source U Dzogchen: The Self- Perfected State U The Crystal and the Way of Light !

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