No. 89 November, December 2007

upcoming retreats with CHÖGYAL

Photo: Romain Piro

Argentina Cordoba, Tashigar Sur December 27–January 3 ’s Choszhi Rinchen Phrengwa (The Necklace of the Four Precious ) Open Webcast 2008 Photo: Hans Hansen January 7–10 Santi Maha First Level Exam January 11–17 nuggets of gold in barcelona Santi Maha Sangha Second Level Training LONGCHENPA’s thirty pieces of advice from the heart February 1– 6 (snying gtam sum beud pa) Zhine and Lhagthong according to Atiyoga Closed Webcast liz granger February 15–20 Khordas Rangdrol, a of Rigdzin or the third year in a row Chögyal courses at the same time without disturb- daily life. His explanations were full of Janchub Dorje Namkhai Norbu traveled to Barce- ing each other. There is plenty of space personal advice with stories and experi- Flona, Spain to give teach- outside as well with an endless view of ences from his early life in to illus- Peru ings. This year the autumn retreat was a blue sea and sky blending in the distance. trate many points and make this advice February 29 –March 5 little later than usual taking place at the This year, too, the Spanish Gakyil and more concrete and personal. The Master Zer-nga end of November when the air is brisker many of ’s Spanish students also gave extensive clarifi cation on the im- Venezuela and the sun a little lower on the horizon. were extremely busy with the many prepa- portance of and the Song of the Margarita Island, Tashigar Norte The venue, as in previous years was the rations for the retreat that hosted around in a way that made his teachings ac- March 21–26 massive sports complex, La Mar Bella, set 500 participants from a number of differ- cessible to both new and old students. On Dzogchen Teaching retreat along the city’s beautiful coastline and di- ent countries around the world. Barcelona the last day of the retreat he gave detailed Open Webcast vided from the Mediterranean by a wide is an inviting city, easy to get to, easy to instructions for yantig practice and then strip of sandy beach. Once again, his Span- move around and fun to explore which went on to give the of many different April 4–9 ish students transformed the enormous partially explains why people enjoy this practices that are used in the Dzogchen Santi Maha Sangha, Yantra Yoga & space inside into a colorful hall fi tting venue for retreats. community so that students could make Vajra Dance Teachers Training for the teachings with colored drapes and Rinpoche’s fi ve days of teachings cen- use of them whenever necessary. April 25–30 brocades as a background for Rinpoche’s tered on Longchenpa’s Thirty Pieces of Ad- Besides the Master’s teaching, the fi ve Dzogchen Teaching Retreat raised teaching seat, with plants, fl owers vice from the Heart (Snying gtam sum beud days were packed with activities. On the Open Webcast and an altar to fl ank him. pa), written by Longchenpa Drime öser second day of the retreat, Rinpoche inau- The Mar Bella has become unique as a (1303–1363), one of the most impor- gurated the new Spanish ling on the top May 9–14 teaching hall for the Master because the tant Dzogchen masters of the past. Even fl oor of a building in the old part of Barce- Dzogchen Teaching Retreat space is large enough to comfortably set though the text was written centuries ago lona, calling it ‘Kundusling’, the Ling that Open Webcast down seven for the Dance of the Rinpoche explained that the points were unifi es everyone because Barcelona is a Vajra and also provides an area for a large important for understanding how to be focal point for practitioners from all over USA number of people to follow Yantra Yoga present and are useful for our attitude in the world since it is easy to get to and easy New York City >> continued on next page May 23–25 The essential Dzogchen teaching of Sangyas Lingpa according to the Longsal teaching Teaching ASIA Barcelona Tsegyalgar East May 30 –June 6 ASIA projects Kundusling Jigmed Lingpa’s Dzogchen teaching Yeshes Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Longchenpa’s Thirty The Ling that June 13–15 Pieces of Advice from unifi es Santi Maha Sangha III Level Exams the Heart everyone June 16–22 Santi Maha Sangha IV Level Training >> continued on last page » Page 2 » Pages 3–5 » Pages 12, 13 THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007

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oday we start this teaching, the advice of Long- chenpa. I already told you that this teaching is re- T lated to our chöpa, our attitude, and how we inte- grate our attitude with the practice of the teaching. The title of this teaching is Snying gtam sum beud pa. Snying gtam means very close words, like heart words. In general, we do not use heart words with everyone, but we give this kind of advice to someone very close. So, Longchenpa is giving this advice to himself and his stu- dents. Sometimes this explanation is related to someone very much like himself, because he is a monk and a teach- er, so he gave advice more related to that. This advice is also useful for everyone. Sum bued pa means that there are thirty pieces of this advice. This teaching begins with a verse that pays homage to his teacher. Longchenpa says the teacher is like space and in the space there are clouds, and from the clouds there is rain, and the rain is the teaching, and with this rain on the earth the teaching is maturing and growing up. He has met good teachers, the teaching and is on the path because of good fortune and good karma in this life. He says that even though he has this kind of good oppor- tunity, his time is passing always with distraction. Life is just like shadows, always becoming bigger and big- ger shadows until the evening arrives. That means that time is passing and we are always distracted with useless things. Longchenpa has a good idea to do practice for his life, but then it is only intention. In a practical way, when he sees this attitude of distraction, he feels sad because it does not correspond. He wrote down this advice for him- self and those who are just like him for that reason. Longchenpa is not like us. Most of his life he lived on a mountain. When he was young he studied and followed many teachers, so maybe he wrote this when he was quite young. Then he decided to go on the mountain and do practice. This is an example. So now begins the fi rst piece of advice. The fi rst piece of advice is about how with many methods we try and at- tract many people, for example, the monastery needs to have many monks, or a teacher tries to teach and draw Photo: Mike Farmer many students. If we live in a monastery that has all good conditions and we think what a good condition we have, in the real sense that is the basis for discussion and at- longchenpa’s thirty pieces of tachment, so it is better we try to be alone and free. For example, I thought this very often. I have so many students asking me to come here and there. I try to make advice from the heart people happy, but my students do not always listen and practice. Sometimes they fi ght with each other and create (snying gtam sum beud pa) so many problems. I have the consequence for that be- cause I have taught them, and we have a to main- the fi rst two pieces of advice tain. It is not suffi cient that only I keep my samaya with barcelona november 2007 that student; also the students and students are not re- day II specting each other and they create problems. We are in the same boat and traveling very far; if someone creates a problem in the boat, it becomes a problem for everyone. your house and they do it. You become a lama of puja with kind of intention we have and if we have bad intention That is an example, so Longchenpa is giving that advice. this kind of qualifi cation. then we change and we cultivate good intention. That Now we have the second piece of advice. If you are A puja lama can create an attachment with food, mon- way we don’t need any kind of vow, but we can control. In monk or lama, everyone invites you to come and do rites ey and wealth, etc. That can become the reason that you general we receive many vows to control our body, speech or pujas. Many people like to do this, to become a ‘lama do these pujas and your mind becomes dominated by and mind, so as not to create negative karma. So you see, of puja’. When I arrived in India for the fi rst time, in Sik- devils because you are not going in the correct way on if we are present and we check our intention, then we do kim really, I was supposed to live there. I had no money the path. I remember when I was in . I was doing not have this kind of problem. That is the second piece of for living and I could not work. Many people knew I was lama of puja for many months. Later I tried to go back to advice from Longchenpa.  a reincarnation, an educated lama, so they wanted to in- Tibet because my father and brother were in prison. The vite me to do pujas in their houses. So I went to do pujas Chinese said I was in India doing activity against them. I Transcribed and edited by Naomi Zeitz and in the evening when we fi nished the puja, they would was not doing anything, but some other Tibetans were. offer me money and food. I was doing one or two pujas It was for that reason that they put my brother and father a week, and then I could live. When I went to do pujas at in prison. When I received this information I decided to someone’s house, it became more and more developed. go back to Tibet to show them I was not doing anything. I >> continued from page 1 Many other families wanted pujas and they would ask went to the border where I spent more than one week, but to stay. After the ‘offi cial’ opening and prayers to send whom they could invite. People would tell them about me I was not allowed to enter. away negativities, those present enjoyed a merry evening and then I would be invited. I was doing pujas three times There was a family there and they told me to stay at of local entertainment and music Barcelona style. And a week and after some weeks I was going every day. Then least one week and listen to how the situation was in Ti- on the penultimate day a Ganapuja was held in the after- I became Lama of Puja. I had no problem of livelihood bet. They told me to do a puja for me and for them. So I did noon during which pamos and pawos danced the Dance of only doing pujas. a puja of and I spent more than one week there wait- the Song of the Vajra on seven mandalas at the same time! Many monks live in that way in monasteries. For ex- ing. Everyday I received worse and worse news. I also had The retreat program as usual was fi lled with activities ample, if there are sick children or animals, the families very clear dreams showing me that I must not go back. from early morning to the evening with Yantra Yoga and invite someone to do a puja. If someone has no fortune Also the person I was staying with felt it was better I did Vajra Dance courses and practice, explanations of vari- and everything goes badly, they invite someone to come not return. He said that instead of freeing my father and ous practices, a lottery which has by now become almost and do a puja. When someone makes a , or divination, brother, I would end up in prison myself. So I did not go a tradition during retreats as well as an interesting pre- and discovers negative provocations, then they recom- and went back to Sikkim. I thought I did not want to live sentation by ASIA of their project for Ralung monastery mend this or that puja. Maybe the families do not know in Sikkim as a lama of puja and so I asked the government in Tibet. how to do it, so they invite some lama to do a puja. of Sikkim for a job and they gave me one. Then I went to The whole experience of the fi ve days of teachings, For example, when we calculate astrologically for our the offi ce every day like an ordinary person. I worked for explanations and practice was like a rich treasure trove life for the year and there is some kind of manifesta- the Sikkim government until I went to Italy and I studied from which participants could pluck a costly jewel to take tion of negativity, we wonder what we can do. We should and practiced. away with them and integrate into their daily lives. do some puja, or we ask a monastery to do this puja. Of So Longchenpa is saying something like this: It is most Heartfelt thanks to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for his course, you cannot ask for a puja and not offer anything, important to reeducate your mind. This is very impor- ceaseless patience, compassion and dedication to the you need to offer money and everything needed for the tant, very often we must observe what kind of intention teaching and to all his Spanish students who worked so puja. Either the monks do a puja or you invite someone to we have and what we are thinking. Then we discover what hard and so long to make this experience possible. THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 News

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the project of printing textbooks letter from the sengtri monastery to to be used in the mon- CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU asteries. There are around 140 monasteries and 12,700 monks, THUBTEN JAMYANG GENDUN in Central Tibet, Amdo and , who have applied for the use of these textbooks. Once ith great respect of tations of the Amitabha man- the books become available, the the three gates we ad- tra; 13,000,000,000 recitations monks have promised to study Wdress you, Chögyal of ; 1,230,000,000,000 them for 5 to 10 years, depend- Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, Lord recitations of Arapacana; ing on their capacity. We sin- of the kingdom of the Luminous 300,000,000 recitations of the cerely hope that you will be able Vajra Essence (Atiyoga), crown Bhadracarya Pranidhana; re- to support us again and help the ornament of all Vidyadharas. leasing 40000 sheep, buying fi sh dream of the Nyingma monks' for a total amount of 170,000 come true. We are very grateful in these days Yuan to be released, lighting that you, the King of the Defi ni- 130,00,000,000 butter lamps and Moreover, all of our monks, tive , are taking care in more. We sincerely hope that all Teachers and Incarnate , an authentic manner to uphold, these virtuous deeds will benefi t wish to thank you again for your maintain and spread the pre- You, Rinpoche, providing You the intention to visit our monas- cious Teaching of the Buddha with a long life for the benefi t of tery one day in the future. We are A GREAT BIRTHDAY WISH FOR OUR like a luminous diamond with the Teaching and all sentient be- looking forward to meeting you. BELOVED MAESTRO! your Body, Speech and Mind. ings. Rinpoche, we beseech you, who For the benefi t of the Teaching Buddha said, “How can the su- while abiding in the Vajra Man- CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU and all sentient beings, the Khen- preme one who sees gold and sion of Total Bliss, with a human pos and here at Sengtri dirt as the same be affected even strength as stable as the Vajra, DECEMBER 8 2007 monastery have requested that if the riches of the four conti- light the lamp of the Luminous the faithful people of the Domed nents were given to him? Yet, if Dzogpa Chenpo teaching in all area perform the following vir- one adheres to the Dharma that directions: please don’t forsake We wish to you a long and healthy life on the anniversary of tuous actions for a period of is in his Mind, one's wishes will the profound aspiration to ben- your birth with inexpressible gratitude for all you have given us. ten years: 870,000,000,000,000 be fulfi lled.” In the same way, if efi t the Teaching and all sentient May the teachings fl ourish! recitations of the Mani man- this intentional of prac- beings! tra; 1,500,000,000,000 recita- tice we present is good, please tions of the ; fulfi l our wishes and aspira- Written by 35,000,000,000 recitations of the tions. Thubten Jamyang Gendun, The Mirror Staff Tara mantra; 200,000,000,000 One who holds the last seat at The International Dzogchen Community recitations of the Vajrasattva Thanks to Your and ASIA’s sup- Ba Sengtri Monastery mantra; 160,000,000,000 reci- port, we have almost completed On a propitious day

a project to promote the traditional nyingmapa doctrines among the main Background of the Project colleges of the nyingma monasteries The situation of the Tibetan peo- ple is characterized by a serious located in qinghai, and tar, decline of their culture and tra- sangkri monastery, tongde county, all the traditional history and only diffi culties are related to ditions, in a framework of scarce books of the Nyingma doctrine the sustainability of its activi- attention paid by local authori- qinghai province, p.r. china. that had been preserved in the ties. To cover expenses, students ties and lack of economic means andrea dell’angelo monastery were lost. Lamas and have to cope with their daily to cope with major problems. monks took refuge in the Jepur needs and often their families The diffi cult conditions of the Project title: Promotion of the tradi- In 1951, Abbot Regzin opened the Mountains. have to provide them with food. Tibetan cultural and religious tional Nyingmapa doctrines among Monastery in Sangkhri. The Ab- Ten of the sixty rooms have col- heritage is represented by the the main colleges of the Nyingma bot, instead of building temples, In 1986, the political situation lapsed and the monastery tries poverty and the lack of means Monasteries located in Qinghai, Si- statues and assembly halls, fo- improved along with a change of to give accommodation to the of support of the main Buddhist chuan and TAR, Sangkri Monastery, cused his attention on teaching attitude of the local government students coming from far places monasteries, which, in a society Tongde County, Qinghai Province, the doctrines to more than one towards Buddhist practices, and fi rst. Three new classrooms have like the Tibetan one, play an im- P.R. China. This is a project to be im- hundred and sixty new monks Abbot Konchok Rechen, the suc- been built, but considering the portant role as cultural and edu- plemented under the approval of the and started transmitting knowl- cessor of Abbot Rigzin, and oth- high attendance, each classroom cational institutions. department of minority and religion edge of Dharma. er monks, returned to the ruins is used by two different courses. of Tongde County, Hainan prefec- of the destroyed monastery and This situation limits new reg- In this context, the project aims ture. The living conditions in Sang- started to rebuild a new one. At istration of students (In 2004, to promote the cultural identity khri Monastery were hard and the beginning they lived in tents. more than one hundred applica- of the Tibetan people through Sangkhri Monastery diffi cult. The monks were not In the summer of 1987, some old tions had to be rejected). support for the publication of all Sangkhri Monastery is located in allowed to beg for food or col- students returned to the monas- the texts used in the traditional Sangkhri village, Tongde Coun- lect donations from local peo- tery and began to build sixty new At the moment, Sangkhri Mon- monastery colleges for the teach- ty, south of Qinghai Province. ple. During this time, the Abbot rooms, two rooms for the abbot, astery hosts one hundred and ings of the Nyingmapa doctrine, This monastery is one of the added a temporary hall and fi fty three teaching classrooms, two seventy-six students and eigh- one of the fi ve major schools of most important centers for the rooms to the Monastery and the storerooms, two rooms for the teen teachers, with the exception . teaching of Nyingma doctrine living conditions improved. kitchen, and a library. of those involved in meditation and the fi rst one in the region. activities. As a result of a request presented The rules and regulations of Three main classrooms were set to ASIA by the monks of Sang- The 3rd reincarnation of Jigme Sangkhri Monastery are very dif- up and the Abbot used these to In spite of the diffi cult situation, khri Monastery of Tongde and Dechen Dargye decided to set ferent compared with the ones teach the students. Sangkhri Monastery has opened the local population, the project up a center in Qinghai, where no of other Nyingma centers. The new branches in the Provincial intends to implement a program other Nyingma Monastery ex- education of the Nyingma doc- In a short time, the Monastery area: of identifi cation and publication isted, and asked the 6th Dzog- trine was the main activity of the turned into an important cen- • The center of Lhacham with of the main traditional texts of drul Jigdral Changchub to send Monastery and, between 1951 ter for the teaching of Nyingma more than 70 students the Nyingmapa school and to an abbot there every year from and 1958, thirty monks received doctrine and more than forty • The center of Degen, with provide the main Tibetan college . After a degrees as abbots and eighty students began to attend courses more than 70 students libraries with important teach- long period of travel and meet- monks received other high de- there. • The center of Khongik with ing material for their education- ing, Abbot Tsewang Regzin from grees. more than 70 students al activities. Mayawa agreed to start the new From 1993, Sangkhri Monastery • The center of Naran with 30 center in Qinghai. During the years of the so-called became one of the most impor- students The role of Sangkhri Monastery, Cultural Revolution, Sangkhri tant places for teaching Nying- • The center of Karggel with 40 one of the most important teach- Monastery was destroyed and ma doctrine in all of Tibet. The students ing centers of the Nyingmapa THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 ASIA

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uan, Wuspo from Norbu Golok Mingthang Monastery, the abbot of Choegar Monastery, and Jig- med Drophan, Drakpa Oser, the abbot of Sathop Monastery

In this same period, the Abbo, Gendun, the director of the proj- ect, went all over Sichuan, Gan- su, Qinghai and the TAR to visit one hundred and fi fty different monasteries and colleges.

Actually, the project has been completed and 3,000 series of 20 volumes each making a total The arrival of the books the 20th of May to the Monastery of Sangkhri. All the monks came The representatives of the colleges which received the books during the prayer festival held of 60,000 books, have been pub- out from the classroom to welcome the books. in Tongde in July 2007. lished and distributed to 3,000 monks studying at the Nying- School, is to coordinate and or- this reason, many words were have been found, the working to the publication of the books mapa colleges spread all over ganize the editing activity and not legible and it was extremely group is obliged to visit many in detail. For fi fteen days, prob- China. the delivery of these texts to the diffi cult for Abbot Gendun and different colleges where these lems like misspellings and con- selected colleges. the fi ve monks working with texts will be used to discuss the fusion related to interpretation The project is now very well him to understand them. selected meanings of the words of words were discussed and known all over the Tibetan areas In 2003, the monastery of Sang- with different scholars. now all the problems that arose of China and ASIA and has re- khri submitted its fi rst proposal To interpret these old texts, the during the checking of the texts ceived 13,134 requests to receive to ASIA which after two evalua- Singkhri Monastery working Another problem was that many have been solved. the books. tions and several meetings with group has been obliged to com- ancient words and symbols used the counterparts to assess the pare several versions of the same in the old Tantric texts are not The abbots who participated in Pictures and names of the monks feasibility of the project, sub- texts to correct all the words in included in the Tibetan writing this meeting were from Sichuan wanting to receive the books pub- mitted the project proposal to doubt. program used in the computers, (3), from Golog (2) and from lished by the project have been the Embassy of the Kingdom of so an expert able to add special Tongde (4). collected and a new proposal to Netherlands in July 2005. The A few very rare texts are in ex- fonts to the program has to be print 15,000 sets of the books, proposal was approved by the tremely bad condition and it was found. From November till now, four that is 300,000 volumes, is being Embassy in February 2006 and nearly impossible to decide the abbots from Singkhri monastery prepared by ASIA’s team. a contract between the Embassy meaning of the missing words. During September and October and twelve people from the Qin- and ASIA was signed in Beijing The working group was obliged 2006, the editing committee of ghai People’s Nationality Pub- the 10th of February 2006. to go to visit many different Singkhri Monastery completed lishing House have been work- You can download the entire document of monasteries in the Tibetan Au- the sixth and last checking of the ing together to correct the rest of this proposal, including a history of the Since March 2006, ASIA has been tonomous Region, in Amdo and following volumes (4°, 5°, 6°, 8°, the books to be published. Nyingmapa and an extensive list of working with the monks of Sing- Kham to fi nd other versions of 9°, 10°, 11°, 16°, 17°, 18°). the texts collected and enclosed in one set of khri monastery to collect all the these old texts to be able to attri- The main scholars who par- books at www.melong.com. necessary texts. bute the correct meaning to the On December 10, abbots from ticipated in the meetings were: The Mirror missing words. the most important monaster- Chokyi Wangchuk Dawa Sangpo All the original texts are xylo- ies and colleges from all over from Sangkhri Monastery, Tan- graphs and manuscripts, and Moreover, once the different ver- Tibet were invited to Xining to pai Gyaltsen, Norbu Gyamtso many of them are very old. For sions of the old damaged texts discuss all the problems related from Serta Monastery in Sich-

spired to recognize not a single Drug Shabdrung Rinpoche also ralung monastery person but three reincarnations. known as , a project for the reconstruction of a buddhist college In 1907, the ponlops orches- who was the fi rst Dharmaraja of trated the establishment of a . Bhutanese monarchy with Ugyen Concerned about the diffi cult Wangchuk, the ponlop of Trong- situation in which the Monas- History Repa went to Damshod where he tsa, as hereditary king. In tery currently fi nds itself and Ralung is a very ancient Monas- met Phagmo Drupa who became 1931, when the 6th Shabdrung, in which few monks have re- tery and the original seat of the his main teacher. Lingchen Repa Jigmed Dorje made an appeal mained, Rinpoche asked ASIA to Tibetan Drukpa school spent most of his life in solitary to Mahatma Gandhi to oust the build a Study College with the situated in West Tibet. It was retreat. He had many disciples monarchy, the Shabdrung was aim of preserving the ancient founded in 1180 by and Yeshe Dor- assassinated by royalist forces. knowledge of the Drukpa Kagyu Gyare and is set in a valley at an je continued his tradition and school. altitude of around 4000 meters in founded the . The Monastery an area characterized by a series This came about in 1206 when The Monastery of Ralung is sub- What has been done of auspicious natural signs. Tsangpa Gyare saw nine divided into two parts: Since 1997, ASIA has been try- The origins of the monastery fl ying up into the sky from the • the great chapel, the Tsuglag ing to support the rebuilding of go back to a legend which re- land of Namdruk and named the statue of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Khan which includes other small Ralung monastery. Many surveys counts the story of a shepherd lineage that he founded ‘Drukpa’ chapels dedicated to various di- have already been done in order from a nearby village who no- or the ‘lineage of the Dragons’. Land) and where the vinities and almost completely to prepare a feasible project but ticed that every day one of his During his life he discovered Drukpa school has been the of- destroyed during the cultural unfortunately it is extremely dif- goats left the fl ock. He became many termas and he also discov- fi cial religious doctrine up to to- revolution. fi cult to work in this specifi c re- curious and when he followed it, ered Tsari, a famous pilgrimage day. He established a system of • a new part rebuilt in the 80s gion because of the situation in he saw that the goat had traced site in Tibet. When he passed dual government in Bhutan in thanks to contributions from the Tibet. out the syllables “OM AH HUNG” away in 1211, on his cremation which political power was vested people of the village, to the work In 2006, following another on a rock with its milk. Lingchen day a rainbow canopy appeared in an administrative leader, the of the monks and contributions feasibility mission, ASIA, along Repa, a great Karma Kagyudba and showers of fl owers fell. Desi and religious power from ASIA. with the monks and some local master, came to know about the In 1616, Shabdrung Ngawa- was administered by a religious Only ruins are left of the great supporters of Ralung monastery miracle and went into a long re- ng Namgyal (1594–1651), the leader, the Je Khempo. chorten of Ralung about half a ki- prepared a project proposal for treat in a nearby cave. fourth reincarnation of Tsangpa However after the death of lometer from the Monastery. It the construction of Ralung Study Lingchen Repa Pema Dorje, Gyare and the eighteenth abbot Shabdrung Ngawang Namg- was constructed on the model College. also known as Drubthob Naph- of Ralung Monastery, was per- yal in 1651, power passed to the of that of Gyantse and destroyed upa, was born in the village of secuted by the governor of Tsang ministers instead of the Shab- during the cultural revolution by Future Objectives Langpo Na in the Nyang Tod and fl ed from Tibet. He united drung successors. The ponlops the Chinese army. • The construction of the Study district of the Tsang region in the warring regions in Bhutan kept the death of the Shabdrung College complete with a basic in- Central Tibet. At the age of 17, and became the political and re- secret for 54 years. To neutralize When Chögyal Namkhai Nor- frastructure. he began his spiritual education ligious leader there. He founded the power of future Shabdrung bu was three years old, the 16th • accommodation for 30 monks; under Lopon Ling and became a the Kingdom of Bhutan which reincarnations, the , Gyalwa recognized • a house for the ; monk. At the age of 41 Lingchen took the name of Druk-Yul (The Je Khempo and the ponlops con- him as the mind emanation of • a kitchen; THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 ASIA

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• You can order a statue of the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal • As soon as the College is com- pleted, you can start a long dis- tance sponsorship for one monk for three years.

For information: ASIA via S. Martino della Battaglia 31 Roma, Italy Tel: 0039-06-44 34 00 34 Fax: 0039-06-44 70 26 20 [email protected] www.ASIA-onlus.org

Ralung monastery. Ralung monastery.

• bathrooms; Long distance sponsorship for the providing educational material, What you can do • all the necessary equipment. monks food, basic medical assistance, • You can contribute with a do- • The total cost of the project is As soon as the Study College is heating and everything neces- nation for the construction of 300,000 EURO of which 40,000 completed, ASIA will start up the sary for a monk to lead a fi tting the Study College for which fund have already been raised thanks long distance sponsorship proj- life within the Monastery. raising has started. to ASIA-FRANCE. ect for the monks with the aim of

We have received Khamdogar are primary schools. The cost is We’ve done intensive outreach to update on asia america activities brochures from ASIA Italy, which $ 360 USD per year. recruit board members and we’d we will send to each North like to bring our total to seven for 2007 American local Gakyil and prac- Staff and volunteers people who can meet (by phone) tice group to share with people. of ASIA America once a month on a regular basis. Gakyils at other Gars should re- Since November of 2006, Mar- The Khamdogar Project 2) Construction of an aqueduct. quest brochures from ASIA Italy. gherita Pagni (based in Califor- Please spread the word and help Estimated cost $ 51,290 USD. We should also have an update nia) has offered her skills as an us recruit new board members! History 3) Restoration of the old temple on the project from ASIA Italy organizational consultant on Besides monthly phone meet- Khamdogar is an ancient com- where the Chorten of Rigdzin in early 2008. ASIA fi eld offi - a pro bono basis to help us ings, we are asking of board munity of practitioners founded Changchub Dorje is preserved. cers tried to visit in September, strengthen the board, stream- members a commitment of at by Ringdzin Changchub Dorje, Estimated cost $ 58,620 USD. while in , but couldn’t due line documentation, recruit least 5 hours a month to take on the master of Chögyal Namkhai 4) Restoration of the printing to heavy rains. As you know, ac- board members, expand and or- some volunteer activity such as Norbu, in the early 1900s. house and the Chortens built by cess to the region is very diffi - ganize our database of contacts, fundraising, maintaining con- Ringdzin Changcub Dorje, a Rigdzin Changchub Dorje. cult, making this one of ASIA’s raise funds, write proposals, and tact with sponsors and donors, Dzogchen master and a famous Estimated cost $ 51,290 USD. most challenging projects. plan in order to build our capac- organizing events, administra- Terton (discoverer of treasures) ity and sustainability. tive and fi scal oversight, etc. lived in this place with his family The total cost of these works is Sponsorships – Adoption At A Knowledge of non-profi t opera- working as a doctor and trans- $ 227,150 USD. Distance Project We also hired a part time ad- tions is not essential. Dedication mitted his Teachings in a com- This is one of ASIA’s most suc- ministrative support person in to realizing Rinpoche’s goals for pletely informal manner without The objective is to raise these cessful projects. We have raised 2007, Oni McKinstry, to clear the ASIA, common sense and ability creating monasteries or religious funds as soon as possible and a signifi cant amount of support backlog and allow us to func- to work collaboratively and cre- structures. Over the years monks start construction work by for this project, currently facili- tion more effectively. We are very atively are important. and lay people came together spring 2008. tating sponsorship of 70 indi- pleased with her performance around him in order to receive viduals – most are children, the and dedication. Oni moved in Building our capacity his Teachings and practice, cre- Long Distance Sponsorship of the rest are monks and nuns, plus early December and cannot con- We would like to increase our ating a lay community to which Nuns one scholarship for a youth to tinue with administrative servic- effectiveness in contributing to each person contributed his or The project to provide ongoing, study beyond the primary level. es thereafter, however, she will the activities of ASIA, to contin- her work. annual support for the 66 nuns We have a very generous donor consider joining the board once ue to serve those minority popu- Near Khamdogar, in an area who live in retreat at Dedrol who, single-handedly, sponsors she gets settled. lations most in need and to fund called Dedrol, there is a cave in , has begun. 50 children. We would like to in- projects developing infrastruc- which Atha Lhamo, the daugh- crease our sponsors in 2008 to We have identifi ed and engaged ture and services. There is great ter of Master Changchub Dorje, The objective is to contribute to bring the total to at least 100. Can the services of a new Certifi ed potential for ASIA America but it lived and practiced. After a long maintaining support for all 66 you help by fi nding one friend, Public Accountant, after a thor- will take resources (human and period of inactivity due to the nuns in 2008. family member or colleague who ough search. We also hired a fi nancial) we currently don’t pos- Cultural Revolution, the nuns would be interested in becom- Bookkeeper for the fi rst time. sess. We need more people will- have managed to build a small What you can do: ing a sponsor or by becoming a We felt that ASIA has grown to ing to make a commitment! nunnery and take up their spiri- sponsor yourself? a point where these professional tual activities again. At the mo- Donate services are necessary, not only How you can help ment there are 66 nuns who live You can contribute with a dona- So far, we have found only one to ensure proper and continued Consider becoming a volunteer, in retreat for long periods with- tion to the construction work, for sponsor for one nun in Kham- fi nancial management but also a board member, increasing your out contact with the outer world. which fund-raising has already dogar. We need your help to to free up the board member donation, making a donation or begun. reach our goal of sponsoring all who has been responsible for taking on a sponsorship. At present, because of the dif- 66 nuns in 2008. these tasks, to go forward with fi cult situation in Tibet, the en- Become a sponsor and support a fundraising projects. Please contact us if you have any tire complex of Khamdogar is in nun In addition, there are children in questions, would like to make a ruins and the local people live in With only $ 250 USD per year 2 new elementary schools – the Board of ASIA America donation or would like to initiate conditions of extreme poverty. ($ 21/month) you can provide new Shala School for girls who Currently we have four board a sponsorship. We hope you are food, basic medical assistance, are in need of sponsorship. members: Andrea Nasca, Jim all doing very well and have a happy Concerned about this situation, educational materials and every- Casilio, Nathan Janoff, a new new year! Chögyal Namkhai Norbu asked thing necessary for a nun to Upcoming fundraising drives member from New Mexico and Tsegyalgar East to help this have a decent life and meet basic • Khamdogar Project: collabo- Barbara Paparazzo, a new mem- Thank you for your ongoing support, community in order to preserve needs. rating with Tsegyalgar East to ber from Conway, MA. Thank without which nothing would be the Teachings transmitted by his continue fundraising and to fi nd you and welcome Nathan and possible! Master. ASIA America is collab- ASIA America, in collaboration sponsors for the nuns. There are Barbara! orating with Tsegyalgar, doing with Tsegyalgar East, has re- 66 and so far we have only one ASIA America fundraising for this project. ceived $ 30,000 USD in donations sponsor. The cost is $ 250 USD Carol Fields, who served on the Post Offi ce Box 124 during 2006 and 2007 from in- per year. board, stepped down given her Conway, MA 01341-0124 USA Activities dividuals in the Dzogchen Com- • Finding sponsors for the young many other duties on the Baja 413.369.4153 Phone 1) Building a small study and munity and through grants. female students of the new Sha- project. Thank you, Carol, for 413.369.4473 Fax practice college. la School for Girls and the new your service on the board. [email protected] Estimated cost $ 65,945 USD. school in Derge, both of which THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Merigar East; Shang Shung Institute

6 international gakyil update karin eisenegger (red IG)

The new Gakyil of Merigar East is a unique experiment inside the International Dzogchen Community. This experiment includes the Gakyils of differ- ent countries that have sent their deputies to contribute with their time and energy in helping to build up a new Gar in Eastern Europe, Merigar East. tive for the Czech Republic and Joe Imre, Vasil Dabrov, Bulgaria, Since this unique Gakyil has Slovakia could not attend, and is Yeshi Namkhai as representative various countries involved, the also not on the photo. of the International Gakyil, Zoly International Gakyil has tak- Imre, Romania, Sandor Vaszi, en on the coordination of the merigar east gakyil meeting The photo shows the Gakyil of Hungary. Gakyil and its fi rst meetings. A Merigar East and Yeshi Namkhai coordinating person of the Inter- with yeshi namkhai visiting the land of Merigar East In front of the group in a pot is national Gakyil will supervise as part of the activities of the two a little Ginko tree, brought from the Gakyil work of Merigar East n December 8th 2007 the kolova (blue), the representative day Gakyil Meeting: Bulgaria for Merigar East and until the Gonpa at Merigar East new Gakyil of Merigar of the Russian Speaking Gakyil, planted in a symbolic act on the is fi nished and the Gakyil of nine OEast held its fi rst Gakyil is missing on this photo – due From left to right: birthday of Chögyal Namkhai persons has started to work reg- Meeting at Merigar East/Roma- to bad weather her fl ight was de- Gregorz Ladra, Poland, Attila Norbu by the Gakyil at Merigar ularly and well on its own. nia. Representatives from sever- layed and she arrived on the eve- Frugyik, Romania, Gabriella East. We are starting with a expan- al other Eastern countries made ning of the fi rst day of the meet- Schneider, Romania (Germany), sive piece of nearly empty land long journeys to attend. Yana So- ing. Tereza Starkova, representa- Ida Pazman, Romania, Gekoes Photos: Karin Eisenegger (red IG) close to the Black Sea, and there is supposed to be a series of re- treats held by our Teacher Cho- gyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche If you want to get one of these next summer in a Gonpa there. shang shung statues by mid of 2008, please This is a daunting challenge for send your request until the 10th this fi rst big Gakyil of Merigar institute austria of December 2007. Later order East. Dear members and supporters of will be delivered at the end 0f the Shang Shung Institute and the 2008. Dzogchen Community, complete works of As you probably know, the Shang Thank you and very best wishes, CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU Shung Institute has a perfect Oliver Leick connection to get extraordinari- International Shang Shung progress update 2007 ly beautiful, gold plated statues Institute of deities or Dharma protectors, [email protected] s the project manager of to the generous support of many • The booklet “A Dream from which we use in general for our www.shangshunginstitute.org the project “Complete people over the last years, Adria- the Display of the Moon in the practice. You may have seen the AWorks of Chögyal Nam- no receives a small stipend that water”. This Teachings of Chö- statues in the webcast of the re- khai Norbu”, I want to update guarantees him to live a simple gyal Namkhai Norbu has been treat in November in Merigar, as you about the progress of this life. Also a regular payment for printed exclusively for this proj- 9 statues were the main prizes of project in 2007. his retirement fund is arranged, ect and has been distributed the raffl e of the Shang Shung In- Adriano Clemente, the main so that he will receive a small only to donors. All in all, there stitute. translator responsible for this pension when he is 68 years old. are only 100 prints of this book- Now we are going to order new pro ject, has been very busy let, and each one will be signed statues and I would like to in- throughout the whole year and In order to continue with this with its own number. quire if you are interested in get- continuously working on various project we need your collabo- • A round silver pendant with ting one of our statues, so that translations: ration also in the future. Only the Longsal symbol you can get them as soon as pos- through an international col- • A cone-shaped crystal ball sible. • The Longsal Teachings book, laboration it will be guaranteed with an A lasered inside On our website http://www.ssi- Volume 7 that all people of the Dzogchen • The latest “Book of the Tun austria.at/shop/shope45.php • The 21 Tara and completed the Community will be able to fol- and the Ganapuja” you can see the statues which texts for the retreats in Merigar low the Teachings of our pre- • A very beautiful Tibetan shoul- are have on stock. You can get in summer and autumn 2007. cious Master in a written form der bag with an A in a thigle them right away and they could • The “Book of the Tun and the and in a language that we all can • A package of Tibetan incense be a perfect Christmas present. Ganapuja” understand. • A golden Vajra with antique All statues that are currently out • Initial work on the next issue of Just think about the enormous gold plating, 8,6 cm long of stock will be available soon the Longsal Teachings, the Long- treasure that Rinpoche offers us again. sal 8, which will be published in in the Longsal Teachings or the Just go to www.completeworks. Next year there will also be summer 2008. Teachings of Santi Maha Sangha. info and order this “Donation- available statues of: • One of the projects for 2008 is We are all just so lucky to be able to box with 7 gifts” or donate on- Rahula the Complete Translation of the not only listen to the Teachings, line at our web safe site. Odser Chenma Vajra Dance Book but also to read these words of Machig Labdron wisdom in books. Can you imag- Please also visit our updated Garuda Adriano also found time to work ine preparing for a Santi Maha website – you will fi nd a couple Vajrapani with Elio Guarisco and Jim Valby Sangha test without a book? of new photos of Rinpoche from on some Dzogchen and If you also think that the proj- the retreats in 2007. had the possibility to work with ect “Complete Works of Chögyal The prizes of these statues de- Rinpoche to clarify several un- Namkhai Norbu” is important Thank you so much for all your kind- pend on their size – the statues clear points of diffi cult texts. and valuable, please become part ness and support, will be between 8 inch and 12 of it and support this activity. All the best to you, inch high. So you see, a busy year is com- Oliver F. Leick We can guarantee that these ing to its end, but there is still For all sponsors I have a very Project manager of the Complete statues will have the same qual- so much to do, so many texts are special offer, the “Donation-box Works of Chögyal Namkhai ity as the statues we have offered still to be checked and translat- with 7 gifts”. Norbu up to now. ed. For a donation of 430 Euro we offi [email protected] will send you all the following www.completeworks.info Up to now I have received an or- The project “Complete Works of marvelous gifts right away di- der for one statue of Dorje Lepga Chögyal Namkhai Norbu” is en- rectly to your home. and one statue of Green Tara. tirely fi nanced by donations. Due THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Shang Shung Institute

7

For more information go to the To apply please email your cover a request from shang shung institute in america website letter and resume at www.shangshung.org [email protected] the shang shung update or contact us directly at Or fax it at 413-369-4473. institute archives [email protected] Position will be fi lled as soon as to gakyil representatives ime continues to pass creased over the year. In the past a qualifi ed candidate is found. and dzogchen community and the seasons prog- Fall semester, the Institute had Job Posting In you cover letter, please refer members Tress here in New England three separate teachers working Administrative Assistant, Shang to your date of availability and with the arrival of winter and with students inside the Insti- Shung Institute of America, your pertinent skills. Also colder weather. By the time this tute and outside, to those inter- Conway, MA please include the contact in- Dear All, Mirror reaches your fi ngertips ested in learning Tibetan. The Shang Shung Institute of formation of references that Since 1976, when Rinpoche start- and gaze, another semester will America is looking for an ad- can attest to your professional ed giving his precious teachings, have come to a close for the Ti- Upcoming Courses ministrative assistant to support skills and experience. the Dzogchen Community has betan Medicine program’s two The Institute continues to of- its offi ce expansion as a non- Applicants must provide their grown larger and larger. Gars enrolled classes, several month- fer intensive courses in Tibetan profi t operating in the area of Ti- own lodging and be able to work and Lings have been founded all ly public talks will have taken Medicine to interested partici- betan culture preservation. We legally in the United States. over the world. We would like to place at the SSI Healing Center, pants. are looking for an independent, collect and preserve the memory Tibetan language classes contin- self-motivated person com- Shang Shung Institute in America of this long and valuable pro- ue to be offered, a new class will January 2008: mitted to build a strong future PO Box 278 cess. be embarking on their studies Tibetan Kunye Massage Level I for the Shang Shung Institute 18 Schoolhouse Road in Tibetan Medicine at the start with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo and the Traditional Tibetan Conway, MA 01341 We ask your collaboration in of the winter semester, and an Medicine program on the na- Telephone: 413-369-4928 providing us with the following intensive course in Kunye I will Summer Intensives 2008: tional and international level. Fax: 413-369-4473 information about your area: be happening. The quiet ripple Tibetan Kunye Massage Level I www.shangshung.org of activities with the powerful with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo Qualifi cations: 1) When and where Rinpoche vision and mission of Namkhai • Administrative background as came for the fi rst time to give Norbu Rinpoche, for the pres- Tibetan Kunye Massage Level II offi ce manager with experience the shang shung teachings, public talks or con- ervation of , con- with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo in general offi ce operation, pro- ferences; tinues to span out. fi ciency in word, excel, fi le mak- institute is happy to 2) When and where people start- Check the SSI blog for more de- er pro [or other equivalent data- announce: ed to meet to practice together, Shang Shung Institute’s activi- tails and specifi c dates or email base]; whether in a private house, Gar ties in America continue to grow, us: http://www.shangshung.blog • Ability to work with web and tibetan moxa or Ling; with the Institute establishing spot.com or graphic applications welcomed; 3) When and where Rinpoche itself and becoming known do- [email protected] • Ability to both work indepen- courses held the fi rst Teaching Retreat. mestically and internationally. dently and interact with the Shang Please make a list of all retreats As many of you already know, Public Talk Shung USA Board of Directors; 1st Level course on the Moxa- held in your country until 1998, the Institute is situated in rural Shang Shung’s Healing Center • Excellent communication skills, bustion from February 15–16–17 if possible; Conway, Massachusetts on the in Northampton, Massachusetts facility in multi-tasking and com- 2008 led by Elio Guarisco. 4) When and where Yantra Yoga East coast of America and shares hosts monthly talks on Tibetan municate with a diverse popula- The cost is 150 Euros and/or Vajra Dance courses were space with Tsegyalgar. Many Medicine, the fi rst Friday of the tion. Strong writing skills a plus. held; people are still becoming aware month. 2nd Level course on the Moxa- 5) When and where a of the quiet ripple of amazing February 1st, 7–9 pm Tasks will include, but may not bustion from February 29 to for the dance was built, if any. activities that are happening Understanding & Treating be limited to: March 1–2 2008 led by Elio in their local area and the rare Menopause in Tibetan Medicine 1. Implement an annual mar- Guarisco. The cost is 150 Euros. Because personal memories are opportunity that Dr. Phuntsog In the ancient texts of Tibetan keting plan in a timely manner so important and so subject to Wangmo, as Director of the Four Medicine menopause is included coordinating the design and 3rd Level course on the Moxa- , we also ask you Year Tibetan Medicine program, in the chapters on gynecology. production of publications (bro- bustion from March 15–16–17 to interview, using a video cam- started some years ago. With There are many types of female chures, posters, fl yers, on-line 2008 led by Elio Guarisco. era, the people who participated dedication and an emphasis on disease, but most are connected announcements, & newsletter); The cost is 150 Euros. in the birth of your local commu- Tibetan Medicine, the Institute with the menstrual cycle. In this direct mailings to local, regional nity. The Australian Community, has been offering public talks, system they are divided in two: and national venues promoting Elio Guarisco for example, has already done intensive courses for those in- trag tsab – early stage menstrua- SSI programs and mission; de- Elio was born in Italy in 1954 quite a lot of work in this direc- terested in studying more on Ti- tion problems and lung tsab – that sign and placement of ads; writ- and grew up in Como, Italy. He tion. betan Medicine and its branches, includes chronic problems. Dr. ing and sending press releases; received a Master of Arts degree It would be great if you could and a committed and thorough Wangmo will be discussing the and traveled to India to study also gather pictures, brochures, four-year program mirrored af- view of gynecology and treat- 2. Participation in the recruit- Buddhism where he learned Ti- audio and videotapes related to ter traditional training that Ti- ment of menopause according to ment of students for the 4-year betan language and Buddhist Rinpoche’s teachings and to the betan Doctors receive. Tibetan Medicine in this course. Tibetan Medicine course: send- philosophy under one of the Da- life of the Community in gener- ing out information to pro- lai Lama’s philosophical advi- al. Places relevant to the history At the end of January, the win- The suggested donation for the spective students answering sors. Elio joined the Dzogchen of the Community should be ter semester will be starting and talks is $ 15. Please RSVP at 413 inquiries, processing applica- Community in 1986. Invited by fi lmed as well. the Tibetan Medicine Program 585 1081. Talks are offered at tions and maintaining the per- , Elio spent almost will have its third enrolling class the Shang Shung Tibetan Heal- tinent records on fi le; liaison twenty years in India working on We suggest that a person be ap- starting their studies. The other ing Center 16 Center St. Suite 323 between students and faculty; the large Encyclopedia on Indo pointed by each Gakyil to be two classes; graduating classes Northampton, MA. Tibetan Knowledge known as shes in charge. We are aware of the 2011 and 2009 will be continuing Shang Shung Healing Center in 3. Revision, development and bya kun khyab authored by Kong- fact that this project will require their studies. The class of 2009 Northampton, MA: consolidation of offi ce proce- trul the Great, which has been quite a lot of time and energy but that started in the Fall of 2005 The Healing Center offers in ad- dures and protocols fi nalized published by Snow Lion Publica- should you be interested in par- continues its studies in herbal dition to the monthly talk series, to the maintenance of the Insti- tions. During this time Elio kept ticipating in it we will be avail- preparations, Sman Sbyor ba. The Tibetan Medicine Consultations, tute’s records and documents, up an active collaboration with able for further practical and class of 2011, which began in the and Tibetan Kunye Massage. It as well as the donors and SSI the Dzogchen Community and technical support. winter of 2007 has completed its will also be home to a display of members database, including especially with the Shang Shung fi rst full year and in December Tibetan Medicine in the future. any related correspondence; Institute in Italy, of which he is Any suggestions would be great- were studying Phel Grib Nad, in- The Healing Center is beauti- one of the founding members. ly appreciated. crease and decrease of disease. fully decorated in Tibetan style 4. Processing and fi lling of He worked on translations for the Thanking you in advance for your The enthusiasm and dedication with artisan pieces including the orders from the SSI on- Shang Shung Institute in Italy, in- collaboration we send you all our of the students is palpable, and thankas, appliqué artwork, and line store keeping the perti- cluding books by Chögyal Nam- warmest regards. the presence of the students has furniture. nent documentation on fi le; khai Norbu related to Tibetan enlivened the Schoolhouse. Medicine. Elio has also actively Carla Caponi Tibetan Medicine Program 5. Attending and keeping track followed the Santi Maha Sangha Shang Shung Institute – In December, the Institute was Applications for the Four Year of all board meeting minutes training, and became an autho- Archives and multimedia working to have two new Tibet- Tibetan Medicine Program can and distribution of formal rized teacher of the Base and First c.caponi@istitutoshangshung. an Doctors join the faculty of the be found online or by contacting board communications and in level. Since 2003, Elio has been org Tibetan Medicine Four Year Pro- us. Applications are received on general being the point person engaged in the Ka-ter project of gram. Look for the formal an- an on-going basis. Applications for Students, faculty, and BOD. the Shang Shung Institute of Aus- nouncement in January of these for the semester beginning Janu- tria, as well as an instructor of two distinguished teachers join- ary 30th will still be considered. 6. Special Projects: as requested. the Training for Translators from ing the School. Additionally, Ti- Tibetan and the Dzogchen betan language teachers have in- Translation Project. THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Stories of the Masters

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about Mahamaya, we couldn’t understand. meeting with a After a quarter of hour of talk- ing, he stopped and he looked with his strange eyes at my uncle, and gesturing with his fi nger he said: “Go there!” We understood nalung nyonpa, that he had indicated that my un- the crazy man of nalung cle should go that direction, but we stayed put. We didn’t know why we should go there. He repeated, and again transcription of a teaching by master we didn’t move, so he said, “It’s chögyal namkhai norbu better you go!” We felt afraid! I said to my uncle, “It’s better we (merigar june 9, 2006) go!” Slowly we went away, but we didn’t go in the same direction ome people say that Maha- People said this place was from which we had come, be- means “crazy,” mad, called Nalung, originally Nalung cause he had directed us in a dif- Sbut the signifi cance is ac- Tsampa, Tsampa means retreat, ferent direction with his fi nger, tually a little different because or people who do retreat. Later therefore we went that way, go- are beings who they said Nalung Nyonpa – ing in that direction as much as are beyond ordinary limitations. Nyonpa means “crazy,” thus the possible. After a while we had to These beings no longer have du- crazy man of Nalung. go onto a slightly lower path, and alistic vision; we are the ones I heard this story when I was proceeding on that lower path we with dualistic vision. They are in college because there was arrived at a rock and a small for- not in dualism because for them a student there who had come Shantinopa. est of trees, and at that point we everything is normal. From our from his monastery telling this couldn’t go on in that direction viewpoint everything is differ- story of Nalung Nyonpa, and af- almost gotten there, this man the bowl, and there was every- anymore. We didn’t know what ent, if a person does something ter two or three years they said, said, “Now you go up here on to thing, even some cigarettes, I to do. My uncle was very tired; fantastic, we say, “Oh, he is a ma- “This is a great mahasiddha.” the top of this place from which don’t know who offered them, he decided to rest there, and I hasiddha!” If we do not consider One day my uncle was going you can see the top of the moun- but everything was in there. I agreed that we would rest there what he does fantastic, then we to visit this mahasiddha, and tain where my brother is stay- didn’t think everything was ed- for a while. say that he is mad. he asked me if I want to go with ing,” and he went away. ible, but he was putting it all in. After that I went down with When I was in college in my him, so I asked my teacher at the Then we went, slowly, resting Then he was looking to the left the other monks, checking the country I heard there was a mad college for permission to go, and sometimes, and we arrived at the and right, and there was a small path, and there was another practitioner, but two or three he said yes. place he had indicated, and then piece of wool that it seemed he rock, so we kept going down years later people said that he I went with my uncle to see on the top of this mountain we used to clean his nose, and he slowly and then we heard some- was a mahasiddha. He had been this great mahasiddha; we trav- saw, not really a house, but just gave to me. one crying. We went back to my an ordinary monk of the - eled many days by horse, it was stones placed around, and holes I was sitting still, just a little, uncle to tell him what we had pa tradition, but when he was in wintertime, very cold, very dif- covered with dry bushes. At then he said, “It is better you go,” heard. My uncle told the other the monastery he didn’t do ev- fi cult, and fi nally we arrived in that point we looked inside and and he was looking with very monks to go down quickly and erything in a correct way; he did that country. Many people said, we saw someone moving and strange eyes. I felt afraid, so I check what was going on. I went something wrong, and the mon- “It is better you don’t go there we could hear talking; we went went out and I looked again in slowly down with my uncle and astery expelled him. Later he said because this Nalung mahasid- slowly ahead. through that hole. My uncle went when we arrived there, there was that even though the monastery dha (now he was called a maha- Also they said there were very inside again, bringing back the a hunter who had fallen down had expelled him, he wanted to siddha) is living on the moun- dangerous dogs, but they didn’t vase for the urine. He put it back between rocks and had broken be in a place where he could see tain. One year ago some hunters attack us. and he stood near the door. his leg. He couldn’t move. We the monastery, which showed a discovered him; before nobody As we were approaching the The mahasiddha was talking, asked, “Where is your family?” kind of attachment. knew he was living there. A few mahasiddha saw us through a saying many words, but we didn’t and then we sent some young He was living there with a lady weeks ago a very important Ka- hole, and immediately he went understand what he was saying. monks to search for his family. friend, and this was the original gyupa reincarnation went to see to sleep and covered himself I was listening very attentively My uncle and I continued reason he had been expelled, but this mahasiddha, and when he with a big blanket. We kept com- and the only thing I understood slowly down, and meanwhile he was not living in an ordinary arrived there the mahasiddha ing closer very slowly, and when was, “There is a big mountain,” the other monks found the fam- way. He was doing a personal threw stones at him, and he had we arrived at this hole, we wait- then he said many other words, ily of the hunter and they went to retreat. The lady was also doing to run away. Also it is very dan- ed there, and after a while he something like, “Halfway, there help him and brought him back service and practices; she had gerous and very diffi cult to get to opened the blanket just a little is a big volume of a book.” He home. some animals producing milk the top of the mountain because and he got up, came out from said many other things, but I So that is the story how we and yogurt, providing them with there is no real road.” under the blanket and sat there didn’t hear; sometimes he said: visited the mahasiddha.  food. For many years they lived Then we said, “What we looking at us. I felt very afraid “Mahamaya.” Mahamaya is also there. should do?” We discovered that because he had very strange hair, a tantra but what he was saying Engl. Transcription: Michela Martello He was very interested in do- there were some relatives of this red eyes, and was a very dark Reprinted with permission from The ing a practice of Vajrayogini mahasiddha around, and people color because he was living in a Merigar Letter, Number 5 Year II, in the Sakyapa tradition, par- said we should contact them, very windy place at the top of the October 2006 ticularly the one called Tsarpa, that there was a brother who mountain. which is a very nice practice of could perhaps help us to fi gure So then we sat there looking, Vajrayogini. When I received this out how to proceed, how to get because there was nothing to do. practice I also was very interested there, and so we contacted him. After a little while my uncle went in doing it! He did this practice My uncle was a very famous inside through a nearby hole that for many years there, and one lama and many people were com- was bigger, and he offered some day he became crazy. Everybody ing to pay their respects to him. sweet seeds that he brought with thought that he had gone crazy. When they met us, these people him, and the mahasiddha took He said to this lady, “You can said, “You cannot understand some and then he gave them live here or you can go away to what this mahasiddha is saying back. live your life, but I don’t want to because of the dialect; it is very And then my uncle still stayed stay here.” diffi cult to understand because there. The mahasiddha had a In that place where he had he speaks a very diffi cult lan- vase for his urine, and he gave done many years in retreat, there guage.” His brother didn’t want this vase to my uncle. So my un- was also a very nice statue of to come with us because he was cle went outside with this vase, Vajrayogini, and he threw it out very afraid, but he agreed to take and our monks were preparing of the window. The statue was us on the road that gets one close this urine that we wanted to car- made of clay and herbal medi- by. ry away, and then my uncle said House for Sale cines, so of course when he We went that way very slowly to me, “Now you enter!” I went in Charming house for sale, 20 minutes from Merigar. threw it, it broke. After that he and each day we walked for many and I had some biscuits to offer. Stone house, 95 sqm, facing Southwest, completely ran away. hours. My uncle was very fat; he He took two or three biscuits. restored with traditional materials and biological He had no contact anymore couldn’t walk very much, so we Near where he was sitting, there products + methods. Ready to live in. More info at with this lady, and nobody knew would walk just a little, then rest, was a bowl where he put the bis- [email protected] where he was for many years. etc. After midday, when we had cuits, and I gradually looked into THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Tibet

9

In the 7th century, Padma- The most antique thog.chag thog chag (thogs.lcags) sambhava subjugated negative come from the pre-Buddhist era ancient amulets from tibet powers and local spirits trans- and represent an animal-shaped forming them into protectors of form that was typical of the an- the Dharma. Dorje Legpa was one cient art of the Central Asian giorgio dallorto of these spirits who, once he had Steppes, with a symbolism ex- translated by liz granger been transformed into damchen plicitly shamanic. With the and had become a protector of fi rst spread of Buddhism, forms reprinted with additional material the Dharma, had a specifi c duty to and images appeared that were from merigar letter, october 2005 re-forge objects of supernatural strongly infl uenced by the Indi- power from pure sky metal that an style with fi gures or symbols n the summer of 1988 at would conceal typically Buddhist: Vajrapani, Khyung Lung, not far from as Terma. Chenresig, , , IMount Kailash in Eastern Most thog.chag, just like many , shells, infi nite knots, etc. ly lost along with all his luggage Tibet, Master Chögyal Namkhai Today thog.chag are diffused statues of divinities forged in The main animal-shaped during his return trip. Today all Norbu had a dream of clarity in innumerable copies since they icons are the eagle (khyung) and that remains of that garuda is an about the remains of a Chorten can be produced on a large scale the lion, regal symbols par ex- image in the fi lm that was shot from the time of Trenpa Nam- by means of moulds. These ‘neg- cellence in all traditions. Khyung during those days at Khyung kha. ative’ moulds are created from is also the ancient Tibetan name Lung. The following day, while they hard wax moulds into which for the garuda, which is called were fi lming the ruins of an an- a metal object has been im- Shung in the language of Shang Bibliography cient Bonpo monastery called pressed. Shung. Since the time of Giuseppe Tucci and Shang Shung, he identifi ed the Positive moulds are then At Khyung Lung or the Valley remains of the Chorten he had formed from pressing soft wax of the Garuda, near Lake Mana- dreamt about in a mound of into the negative mould: these sarovar, in the midst of a surreal positive moulds ared then used lunar landscape, lies the main to make a lost-wax casting. The residence of Ligmigya, the last “master” negative mould can king of Shang Shung. It is called last many years thus explaining Khyunglung Ngulkar, the silver the great number of identical castle of the Khyung eagle. In copies of many thog.chag found Tibet, are in brass or an alloy both the ancient and Bud- today. mainly composed of copper with dhist traditions, the garuda is one This easy method of manu- zinc added. To be considered of the most important divinities facturing thog.chag gives the real brass the proportion of zinc which, in brief, symbolizes the modern industry the possibility should be more than 7% even power of the energy represented of supplying reproductions cast if the proportion of zinc usu- from moulds of authentic pieces ally found in thog.chag is about and fi lling the market with mod- 20–30%. Zinc is used because it the appearance of the fi rst written ern duplicates. makes copper alloy harder and data on thog.chag in “Transhima- The Tibetans have always as- at the same time gives it a more laya” (Nagel Publishers 1973 Switzer- sociated the realization of their golden colour. land), many books and articles on earth. Just as in the dream, he desires with these small bronze In Tibet, thog.chag are clas- thog.chag have been published. How- found a hole in which he found a ornaments. There is a legend that sifi ed in eight categories on the ever, two of the most outstanding metallic object: an ancient metal tells how the divinities trans- basis of their colour, which is the texts are “Antique Tibetan Thogchags garuda, a splendid thog.chag. mitted their magical power into result of their metallic contents and Seals” (Lin Tung-Kuang, Taiwan Thog.chag are small metallic thunder, which they hurled with and varies according to the per- 2003) and “Tibetische Amulette aus ornaments which have been all their might into the bowels centage of the different alloys. Himmels-Eisen” (Gudrun John, VML cast in brass, in bronze or in of the Earth, where this energy For example, the more gold there 2006). The latter is the most complete meteoritic metal by the tradi- was transformed into metallic is in the alloy, the brighter the work on thog.chag to have appeared tional method of “the lost wax objects. According to the legend, amulet will shine. internationally up to now and is lav- process”. In this method the in successive eras, these objects The eight categories, howev- by the fi re element. ishly illustrated and full of technical shape of the thog.chag is mod- would emerge from the earth er, can be subdivided into three And it was in the area of this information. We very much look for- eled in wax which is then given a and those who wore them would classes according to the preva- ancient castle that Master Chö- ward to seeing an English translation coating of clay all over. After dis- be protected from thunder and lence of bronze, brass or baitong. gyal Namkhai Norbu found the of this book in the near future. solving the wax away by heating, the provocations of evil spirits. Baitong is an alloy composed of thog.chag in the form of a garuda molten metal is poured into the In Tibetan the term ‘thog.chag’ copper, nickel and zinc which which, however, was mysterious- cavity and when the metal is suf- is made up of two syllables (‘thog’ gives a silvery hue due also due fi ciently cooled, the clay mould and ‘chag’); ‘thog’ stands for ‘sky’ to the continuous rubbing on the is broken off in order to reveal or ‘thunder’, while ‘chag’ means skin of the amulet’s owner. the cast image. ‘metal’ or something metallic. The Tibetan terms which in- There are a great variety of This explains the widespread dicate copper alloys are: li-mar models from different periods, belief among the Tibetans that (composed of ‘li’ for ‘copper’ starting with the Neolithic in the these objects are linked to thun- and ‘mar’ for ‘red’) and li-kar (‘li’ Bronze Age and going up to the der and lightning. Most prob- for ‘copper’ and ‘kar’ for ‘clear’). Middle Ages. Once can fi nd sim- ably the word ‘thog.chag’ actually In li-kar, the alloy contains a good ilarities between thog.chag and means ‘original metal’, a theory quantity of zinc for which reason ornaments of various manufac- which is supported by the fact it is similar to baitong. tures throughout the ancient that various implements from Examining the three above- cultures of the Central Asian the stone age were called ‘thog. mentioned classes closely, we Steppes. di’ or ‘thog.de’ which means ‘pri- should consider that in order to Thog.chag are small objects mordial stone’. Hence thog.chag be defi ned as such the bronze whose size varies from about 1 were considered as ‘primordial’ class must contain up to 20% tin. to 10 cm. Originally almost all or prehistoric metal. Tin is also used in an essential of them were designed as amu- Evidently the Tibetans readily way in the fusion of bells and lets even if, in the course of time, accept as thog.chag certain small cymbals. Thus a great quantity as ancient metal handmade ob- amulets that have been cast in of thog.chag were created with jects were found such as spoons, copper alloys using prehistoric the same metal as bells whose small mirrors, melongs, arrow bronze. These should be distin- distinctive characteristics were heads, pieces of antique armour, guished from those in meteoritic a white hue and a ringing sound etc., they also came to be consid- iron called nam.chag (gnam.lcags) when they are left to fall on the ered as thog.chag. which literally means ‘iron fallen ground. This sound is still often The old thog.chag were distinc- from the sky’. Iron fallen from considered by Tibetans as an im- tive for their simplicity, unique- the sky or nam.chag is a ferrous portant criterion in verifying au- ness and great originality, fruit type of metal which has been thenticity. The metal also gives of the splendid culture of an- produced in the atmosphere by the thog.chag a therapeutic value cient Tibet; they were made of the power of wind and fi re and because the skin absorbs the a porous metal that was soft to is therefore a solid substance not minerals that are necessary for the touch while being oily at the extracted from the earth. the body’s requirements. same time. THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Adventures

10 the return of the cuckoo or morels in tibet daniel winkler mushroaming.com

ne early morning in of a cuckoo to hear it. Surely it is Riwoche, I was awo- not the voice of the cuckoo that Oken out of deep sleep serves the medical purpose. ” As by a very intense and insistent a messenger of spring the cuck- call: coo-coooo, coo-coooo, oo is also regarded as a bringer coo-coooo. Right outside of my of amorous yearnings, as in this room, a mildewy government- famous poem by to the Sixth Da- guestroom for visiting offi cials lai Lama: tucked into some former storage facility, a cuckoo was perched in The cuckoo returns a poplar tree. I recognized the From the land of Mon2 Bonpo. Photo: Daniel Winkler call of the cuckoo right away, Bringing rains for the dry as does every person that has fi elds. to mention railways or airports, heard it once in his lifetime. It Having now met my beloved morel buyers had shown up the transported me right away back I relax in bliss and tranquility. fi rst time in 1999, after morels into my childhood and my be- where ”discovered” in neighbor- loved Bavarian mountain for- The cuckoo is in high esteem ing County, “only” ests. I was completely surprised in Tibetan songs and literature, a 10 hour dirt road drive away. to hear the cuckoo in Tibet, but as it was also in ancient Indian The discoverers were mushroom then I remembered that there poetry, where it was known as buyers from Yunnan Province is the famous Dzogchen teach- Kokila. It is regarded as a di- looking for new sources for mo- ing “The Cuckoo Call of the State of vine and royal bird and magical rels. Once they had confi rmed Awareness”. However, it is not just powers were attributed to it. In their assumption about morel the cuckoo’s call that makes this a famous Tibetan parable, the presence, they talked to local bird unique. The cuckoo has de- cuckoo appears as a manifesta- mushroom dealers and encour- veloped a very interesting repro- tion of Avalokiteshvara, the Bud- aged them to spread the word ductive strategy: outsourcing dha of compassion, expounding that there was a precious fungus. the raising of its offspring. The the Dharma to an assembly of They taught some of the dealers mother lays her eggs in the nests all birds of Tibet.3 All this clearly when and where to fi nd morels of other singing birds, often a demonstrates that Vairochana and guaranteed them a price, so fraction of this pigeon-sized did probably not think of suc- that they could offer collectors bird. I would not wish any bird culent morels fl oating in thukpa Morchella, March 2007. Photo: Daniel Winkler good money for their fi rst har- a cuckoo’s egg in its nest. Once soup when he composed Rig- vest. hatched, the cuckoo chick kicks pai Khujug, The Cuckoo Call of the the same time in April or May or that morels were traditionally Everything seemed going out all other eggs or chicks, and State of Awareness, which is also early June, just as the morel. In consumed. It seems that in the great until some cunning or up- within weeks outgrows his ad- known as the Six Vajra Verses. In addition, the collection of culi- past, morels and Khampas hard- set collectors fi gured out how opted parental unit that must feel Vairochana’s text the cuckoo is nary mushrooms like the golden ly mixed but by accident in the to insert stones into the hollow really confused about the look of referred to as kujug (khu byug), “sersha” (Floccularia luteovirens), woods. When I returned eight morels and thus increase their their murderous ugly duckling. while the “morel’s cuckoo” is “shadro” (hawk wing, Sarcodon years later for mushroom mar- weight substantially – in other The tiny parents hardly manage known as “gugu” (from Tibetan imbricatus), “karsha” (button ket research to Riwoche, several words, low moral values made to keep the little monster fed; its bya gu gu, “gugu bird”), however mushroom, Agaricus campes- Chinese and Muslim run stores high morel value. This did not fl y open beak is much bigger than both names are onomatopoetic, tris), and “shi gong” (a Caesar’s bought morels from local Tibet- well with the buyers – the mar- their whole head. a vocal imitation of the unique mushroom, Amanita hemibapha) ans collectors. ket take-off came to abrupt crash The night before, I came call of the cuckoo, as its name have a long history. For export I was able to observe fi rst late in the 2000 season and nasty across heaps of fresh morels on is in most languages. As Chög- to China, the caterpillar fungus hand how the morel trade es- scenes followed. The Nyarong- bamboo mats and strings of mo- yal Namkhai Norbu points out and wood ears (Auricularia spp.) tablished itself in the early years pas had lost many buyers and rels that were hung for drying on Vairochana, a contemporary of had great traditional impor- of this millennia in the Tibetan the result was much lower pric- Riwoche’s main street. The call Padmasambhava, and who is re- tance. The whole culinary fun- areas of Sichuan. I fi rst came to es. When I returned in 2002, the of the cuckoo beautifully illus- garded by many as the fi rst Tibet- gal trade mushroomed like crazy Nyarong in 2001 to look for ways events of 2000 were still in every- trated why Tibetans call morels born Dzogchen master, invoked once Japanese dealers realized to help the forest bureau to inte- body’s mind, but the 2001 season gugu shamo, ‘the cuckoo mush- the cuckoo because of its sym- that their beloved matsutake grate local Tibetans into refor- went well enough that Nyarong- room’. I had known for years bolic meaning. Thus, just as the (Tricholoma matsutake, known estation work and to introduce pas kept collecting and were the name gugu shamo, but I had cuckoo “invokes” spring, the in Tibet as “beshing shamo” or fruit tree growing, since logging hoping for more dealers to come no clue where it came from. Just long desired resurgence of light short “besha”, which means “oak was prohibited in 1998. The log- by to drive prices back up. Col- two days earlier I had learned and life, the dawning of , mushroom”) was being traded ging industry was in the hands lectors received ¥ 35 per metric its meaning from a forester who our innate pure awareness, in- for cheap on markets in East of lowland Chinese who were pound (¥ 7.5 = US$ 1, ¥ 10= € 1, no knew his mushrooms. The morel vokes the enlightened state, the Tibet. Within a few years in the brought in by the thousands € equivalents are given for Yuan is named after the cuckoo since return to our mind’s luminosity. early 1990s, matsutake collec- and lived in their “China towns” since the rate of 1:10 is easy) of both appear in spring. tion increased dramatically and somewhere in the middle of ru- fresh black morels (Morchella ela- The cuckoo as a messenger of For centuries Tibetans have col- an export industry was created ral Tibet. Now, many of these ta group and M. conica), but I was spring is common knowledge in lected and traded culinary and that managed to supply fresh Chinese workers were sent back told that premium whitish mo- Tibet. As Chögyal Namkhai Nor- medicinal mushrooms. Howev- mushrooms from absolutely re- home and the forest bureaus re- rels (Morchella esculenta and rela- bu writes1, “When the cuckoo er, during the 1960s to the mid mote rugged mountain valleys alized that they better cooperate tives) would fetch ¥ 60–70 (US$ sings everybody is happy because 1980s the Chinese government to urban Japanese consumers. with locals, because the Tibetans 6.50–8) per pound. fi nally the ice and snow of winter imposed quotas, which forced This trade even brought electric- could be hired seasonally and Morel export industries have are beginning to melt. Spring ar- locals to collect prescribed ity to remote villages in order to for much less. In addition, the developed in the western Hima- rives and plants begin to grow. amounts, and often paid ridicu- produce ice for cooling the mat- Tibetans loved the new grazing layas (Pakistan & India) since Poor thin animals like yaks and lously low prices taking away in- sutake on their way to the next grounds that clearcuts offered the 1950s, and Bhutan fol- horses which had very little to eat centives to engage in the trade. airport. their livestock, which was the lowed suite much later and fi - in the snow are now certain that In the late 1980s, the mushroom Morels do not need any so- major threat to reforestation. nally morel export mushroomed they will not die. Tibetans who trade was fully back in the hands phisticated cooling, since they To my complete surprise, I in the 1990, now accessing also have not heard the cuckoo will of rural people and the export to are traded dried. The morel trade came upon bags of dried mo- fungal resources in China and go to the mountains to look for the Chinese lowlands increased. just hopped the running mat- rels at the forest department in Tibet. Morels grow in temperate one. It has to do with the Tibetan In the 1990s, the global market sutake express, using its estab- Nyarong town, apparently some forests that overall do not look psychology. There is even a name found its way up to the Tibetan lished lines of communication. unoffi cial sideline business. At much different from conifer- for a person who has not heard Plateau offering lucrative prices In 1997 and 1998, I saw no trace this point, I had already collect- dominated mountain forests in the cuckoo for a long time, called for a few selected species. of morel trade in Riwoche. Most ed data on the caterpillar fun- North America or temperate Eur- chawön (bya ‘on), given to those Now a very vital mushroom Tibetans were not yet aware of gus and matsutake trade, but asia. In Tibet and the Himalayas who are ‘deaf to the cuckoo’, trade thrives in Tibet. Foremost the value of morels, let alone had not heard anything about these forests are dominated by who have illnesses such as low to mention is yartsa gunbu, the delicacy of morels. In Riwoche morels in Tibet. I learned that spruce, fi r and juniper species; blood pressure. Such a person caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps si- as in most areas of Kham, I have in this remote county, back then but broad-leaved trees such as is actually asked to go in search nensis), which is collected about not found a Tibetan who stated far off from any paved road, not THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Adventures

11

most of the Tibetan morels have morel initiating the new year’s been exported to, a kilogram can morel hunting craze. fetch ¥ 1200–1500 (US$ 160– 200). At the vegetable market in Kunming, Yunnan’s capital, Daniel Winkler works as researcher small amounts were sold for a and NGO consultant on environ- kilogram equivalent of ¥ 2500 mental issues of the Tibetan Plateau (US$ 330) in July 2007. Overall, and Himalayas for nearly 20 years. the price for morels seems to be He has published on forest ecology, relative stable in Tibet through traditional land-use practices, me- the years. Although the prize is dicinal plants and in recent years dictated by a global market, mo- mostly on mushrooms, especially rels are appreciated by Chinese Cordyceps sinensis. Daniel’s articles consumers as well. In China, and photo essays are also published morels are not only regarded as on his webpages. Daniel is also lead- food, but also as a myco-medici- ing mushroom trips to Tibet (www. nal. Recent western research in- MushRoaming.com) including a dicates that morels have immu- hunt for caterpillar fungus and morels no-modulating compounds. One in late May 2008. buyer told me that the annual export from Yunnan to Europe 1 Namkhai Norbu 1990. Rigbai Kujug, The Six is about 30 t, but so far I could Vajra Verse. An Oral Commentary by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, edited by Cheh-Ngee Goh, not verify that. Figures and es- Singapore. Republished in: The Supreme Source timates I collected from several – The Kunjed Gyalpo, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu & counties in Kongpo report local Adriano Clemente, Snow Lion, Ithaca NY, 1999. production of 500–2000 kg per 2 The land of Mon, Monyul, are the tribal lands season, which would indicate south of Tibet across the high Himalayas. How- ever, the 6th was born in Tawang, old a Tibetan Plateau harvest any- Tibet’s boarder town to Mon. English translation where from 25 t–100 t but these quoted from “Flight at the Cuckoo’s Behest” by are very rough guesstimates. Kunga Samten Dewatshang, New Delhi 1997. The translation seems to be taken from K. Dhondup, Most of the morels are des- Songs of the Sixth Dalai Lama, LTWA, New Delhi, tined for Germany and France, 1981. where for centuries morels have 3 See Conze, E. Buddhist Scriptures, Penguin, been collected and enjoyed as London, 1959. a delicacy. In Germany and France, so far no one has heard about the Tibetan name for the morel “gugu shamo”, but every- one has heard about the cuckoo. In Germany, little kids call “coo- cooock” when hiding to attract Riwoche Forest Pasture. Photo: Daniel Winkler the searcher, just as American kids play peek-a-boo. How help- aspen or poplars, willow, birch locally grown and collected deli- Out here in the densely for- ful it would be if the “cuckoo and evergreen oaks also occur. cacies. I was just facing such a ested countryside, Dorje’s year is mushroom” would issue a simi- Having been told by Khampa delight in form of black-skinned structured by the collection sea- lar call alerting the pothunter to Tibetans that morels were tradi- chicken feet fl oating atop the sons. In May and June Dorje and its hiding place! In French as in tionally not known to be edible, I chicken-orchid root soup. I had his wife collect mostly mush- English “coucou” is commonly was quite surprised when Bonpo, heard about the orchid root for rooms, “gugu shamo” (morels) used to denote a person as crazy. a father of nine children in Kadak a week now. Luorong, a Tibetan and “yartsa gunbu” (caterpillar Hobby linguists with severe village, Pome County in Kongpo co-researcher, was fascinated by fungus), which provide most of myco-vision, a condition fungo- (currently Nyingchi Prefecture, the restaurant business that de- their income. In July, “besha” fanatics are too often suscep- Tibet AR), told me that already veloped around the “palm-mush- (matsutake) and boletes follow tible to, would suggest that the his great grandparents knew room” as it was called by the and at the same time “wangla” term “coucou” surely originates of the delicacy of cooked mo- newly settled Sichuan Chinese. (Gymnadenia) collection com- from the coincidental return of rels and collected them way be- I was quite disappointed to fi nd mences. Wangla is the hand- the cuckoo from its African win- fore the Chinese take over in the out that in reality it was a bogus shaped root of an orchid com- ter quarters and the return of the 1950s. Looking back, I realize I fungus, since this starchy root mon in wet alpine meadows. It should not have been that sur- belonged to an orchid. Although is used as a medicinal in Tibet, prised to fi nd out that tradition- these well-clawed, black-skinned but Dorje collects it as a special al mushroom knowledge has a feet did not trigger m y appetite, ingredient to the famous lo- distinct local character. Since I knew I had morel and king bo- cal chicken soup. He also digs Kongpo has some of the warmest lete dishes coming my way, so I “dungpo”, the tubers of another and lowest-laying valleys in Ti- was able to indulge in my cultur- much more precious medici- bet locals collect gugu shamo in ally acquired food limitations. nal orchid (Gastrodia elata) for March and April. Bonpo collects Mr. He, the Sichuanese innkeep- the Chinese market, where it his morels in grassy sites around er, had seen the glow in my eyes is known as tianma, “heavenly a range of different trees. Dur- and the afterglow of the camera hemp”. At the end of summer, ing a normal day he fi nds about a fl ash when he had brought the “kanla metok”, the snow lotus pound a day, but some days up to big strand of morels from stor- (Saussurea medusa), a compositae fi ve or six pounds of fresh gugu age to the kitchen. Once I had displaying a fractal-like struc- shamo. All in all Bonpo might worn him out with my insatiable tured downy infl orescence, is fi nd with the help of one or two fungal curiosity he introduced collected high up in the alpine of his kids 50–200 pounds per me to Dorje, a Tibetan from im- zone. In late fall, Dorje works at www.jcrows.com season, which shrivel down to poverished rural Shigatse, who a lumber yard where he makes 5 to 20 pounds when dried out, spends most of his year here in ¥ 12 (US $ 1.50) per day loading netting his household ¥ 1750– Kongpo, making a slim but free timber trucks, the same amount J. Crow’s ® ¥ 7000 a year. The cash made living by hunting mushrooms he fetches for one excellent spec- from morel hunting in addition and medicinals while avoiding imen of yartsa gunbu he collects Mulling Spice to money made from matsutake close encounters with compet- in May [which ads up to a kilo- Folk Medicine hunting enabled Bonpo to buy a ing Himalayan black bears. He gram price of ¥ 30,000 – ¥ 80,000 Tibetan Medicine truck, he now uses for all kinds had tried his luck as a rickshaw (US$ 3,750–10,000)]. of transport jobs, when he is not driver for some years, but said Morels do not fetch money SpicedCider.com collecting mushrooms. the meager earnings from cy- anywhere near the elusive cat- fax or phone: Another time I ran into mo- cling around Chinese, Tibetans erpillar fungus: about ¥ 600– 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 rels was in Nulang, Nyingchi and tourists through the exhaust ¥ 800 (US$ 80 –112) per kilogram County, a tiny roadside stop that in Lhasa left him literally hungry for dried whole specimens in [email protected] had mushroomed due to its res- and sick. the Tibetan hinterland. Down in taurants specialized in serving Yunnan Province, where so far THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Kundusling

12 the ling that unifi es everyone kundusling, barcelona liz granger

uring the November Ling – Kundusling. The Master 2007 retreat given by explained that kun means every- DChögyal Namkhai Norbu thing or everyone and dus means in Barcelona, he visited and in- unifi ed. He went on to say that augurated the new Spanish Ling from the time of the fi rst big re- in the city. In the past Rinpoche treat in Barcelona in 2005, peo- spoke about the Spanish Com- ple had participated from all over munity fi nding a place and last the world because they found it year he donated a thanka to the easy to come there so it was easy group. After viewing and consid- to unify people here. He added ering at length different places that for this reason there would and possibilities for the Ling, continue to be retreats here in the Community fi nally decided the future and that he had al- on renting a bright spacious area ready included Barcelona in his at the top of a building in the old program for 2008. Gothic center of the city. The second card that he gave Getting to the Ling meant a the Gakyil had the date of the Photo: Romain Piro long slow climb up several fl ights ‘birth’ of Kundusling on it – of stairs (with pauses at each 3924, the year of the mewa. He ditions of the place should be landing and a welcoming chair) said that it was important to re- looking for the ling – whether it should be on the and on his way up Rinpoche was member the date of the inaugu- ground fl oor or not, whether we entertained by a classical guitar- ration for the future, if; for ex- in spain could have the worldwide trans- ist who played pieces specially ample, they want to celebrate the barcelona, tuesday november 27th, 2007 mission at 4 o’clock in the morn- written for the occasion. On anniversary of the Ling or make ing without being thrown out of reaching the top fl oor, the Ling a for it. Peter Guest and Adela Moragas from to get to and to organize proper- the building. And we put all that is a very enjoyable surprise open- During the event Lama Wang- the Spanish Gakyil talk to The Mir- ly. Even so, he said, it would be information on the Communi- ing into a large wood-fl oored chen from Tibet House arrived ror about the story of locating Kun- diffi cult at the beginning. ty collaboration website. Then room – wide enough for a Vajra to greet Rinpoche and speak to dusling, the new Spanish Ling in Bar- So when we came back to Bar- we decided which people would Dance Mandala – surrounded by those present saying how fortu- celona celona we sent out e-mails ask- check out which area and after a enormous high windows giving nate they were to have Rinpoche ing people to start looking for a bit of a search we found a couple a wide view over the Barcelona present and how important it The Mirror: Where did the idea place that could serve as a Ling. of places that looked interesting. skyline and a wonderful oppor- was to practice. come from to have a Ling in At our Gakyil meetings we de- We had look at them but fi nally tunity to enjoy sky and sun with- After the ‘offi cial’ moments Spain? cided to look for a place in Barce- decided that they weren’t entirely out interruption. were concluded, the evening Peter & Adela: The original idea lona because about 80% of Span- suitable. The main room was fl anked by went ahead merrily with snacks, came from Rinpoche. For some ish practitioners live in Barcelo- And then it turned out that a two other smaller rooms, which drinks and plenty of music pro- time we had been practicing at na or nearby. practitioner had a place that had will serve as an offi ce space and a vided by the Barcelona students. different people’s houses and About half a dozen people been empty for some time, await- kitchen area for preparing Gana- also at people’s work places. trailed around town looking at ing renovation. The only problem puja. Then after the fi rst big retreat places after the Gakyil discussed was that we couldn’t fi t the man- Rinpoche’s Barcelona stu- was held in Spain in 2005, mem- what kind of place we should dala in it although we might have dents had decked out the hall bership went up from 40 people have, what the ideal place was, been able to make some modi- beautifully for the occasion with in all of Spain to about 170 so the how much we thought we would fi cations. So, because we hadn’t strings of colored prayer fl ags, need to have a space to meet be- be able to pay and what the con- found a more suitable place, we thankas and a small altar and came apparent immediately. a large number of participants Last summer we went to see from the Barcelona retreat, both Rinpoche during a retreat at Spanish and from abroad, fi lled it Merigar West and told him that to capacity to welcome Rinpoche we had a lot more members now there. and that we were thinking of get- The Master opened the inau- ting a place to meet and practice guration by reciting prayers to and have webcasts because it send away negativities and then would better for everyone. Also, did a short tun together with at the Barcelona retreats a lot of those gathered. Then he pre- new people would ask where we sented two handwritten cards were located. Rinpoche suggest- to the Barcelona Gakyil, one of ed that if we could fi nd a place in them with the name for the new town it would be easier for people

House for Sale House for Sale Glen Eddy’s former residence in Argentina is for sale to 5 minutes from Tashigar Norte a qualifi ed member of any of Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche’s Isla Margarita, Venezuela Communities. The home is in the Tashigar South Dzogchen Community. It sits in a spacious landscape within the Com- Wonderful new quality-house 100 munity and is surrounded by beautiful views. m from ZARAGOSA BEACH. Two The family hopes someone that knew Glen’s work and his separate houses about 240 m2. love for Dharma would have an interest in buying the From the upper house you have a house. It has an open living room, one bedroom and a bath. beautiful view over the sea and the It is being sold in its present condition and may require beach and the mountains around work to complete the interior according to your needs and the small and quiet fi shermen’s personal taste. village. You will love the small The price is 36K US. garden in the center with fl ow- Price USD 180.000 For details on the requirements of the Community please ers and palm trees. 3 bedrooms, contact [email protected]. 3 bathrooms, equipped and fur- Contact Jorn Strufe: [email protected] For completing the cash transfer and any questions related nished. Air-conditioning in two Mobil e telephone to pricing please contact Terri Parkin at bedrooms. in Denmark: 0045 2370 4608 [email protected] or call at 831 227 76 31. THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Kundusling

13

Dancing in the hall at la Mar Bella. decided to take this one and rent other not entirely suitable com- sible to those who have physi- nary rent, it doesn’t really cor- ing the retreat days was a new a gym or somewhere like that mercial property in the centre cal problems. Finally the Gakyil respond to the space because it blip on the radar for us. Because to put down the mandala 2 or 3 of town, she said, “Oh, I’ve been spoke to Rinpoche and showed is so unique. There are no col- this was our third big retreat a times a week. But in the end, thinking, we can have the place him some photos and he said umns, no dividing walls. You can lot of things were reasonably – I the contract fell through and we where we did the Vajra Dance”. “Va bene” and, in fact, when he fi nd places of this size in square wouldn’t say totally – under con- couldn’t take it. And so we start- So we cancelled the provisional visited the Ling for the inaugura- meters on the ground fl oor but trol or at least they were familiar. ed to look for places again. We arrangement we had to rent the tion walked all the way up very they are only 4 or 5 meters wide, But opening the Ling was a new found another space, which we commercial property and set easily. More easily than a good which means we would never element. So despite the mini-lo- thought to take but the mandala about organizing the rental of many of us! be able to put a mandala down gistic complication, it has come didn’t fi t there, either. We looked what is now Kundusling. At that or do Yantra Yoga. The kind of exactly at the right time because at all kinds of places – some had time it was still in the process of The Mirror: The place is quite big places we were looking at were it is in the middle of another re- a lot of light, others little, some being renovated. There were no and bright for the old city center more industrial places, old fac- treat and lots of people are here didn’t have any light at all, some windows and it was either very of Barcelona. tories, warehouses, workshops, from all over Spain and the rest places were in basements, others hot or really windy. Sometimes it Peter and Adela: The thing about that kind of thing. In fact, Kun- of the world and they can be here in industrial buildings, some in was really cold. Barcelona is that if you look well dusling was actually a painter’s for this really special moment. residential buildings, but none There was a lot of discussing at the buildings, you will see that studio. We’d like to say the Spanish Com- of them were really suitable. among us about the stairs before the houses, shops and what-not munity is really great. Whenever Then the same practitioner we actually decided to take the are long and narrow and to fi nd a The Mirror: The Ling looks great there’s something like this to do, who, by the way, loves doing the place because it’s on the roof and place like ours which is very wide and the inauguration went off they throw themselves at the job Vajra Dance, also had another there are several fl ights of stairs is very unusual. It’s on the roof very well with plenty of participa- with enthusiasm and energy. If space which we had used to do to get up there. All the discus- and has been added to the origi- tion from people at the retreat. the retreat seems well organized a Vajra Dance Course and prac- sion about whether to take the nal building. To get a place this Peter and Adela: The contract- and the inauguration too, it’s all tice, and this, we think, was the place or not was centered on the big with no walls and columns ing, decoration and inaugura- due their magnifi cent dedication turning point because just when stairs because people were afraid is very unusual. So although the tion of the Ling coincided with and devotion to Rinpoche. we had decided to take yet an- that the place would be inacces- rent per square meter is an ordi- the retreat so organizing it dur- The new Ling is another really important stage in the develop- ment of the Community because now we are 40 –50 people regu- larly when there are the webcasts and it would be very diffi cult to do that in a person’s house. It’s signifi cant of the growth of the Spanish Community that it has happened when it has happened and in the way that it has hap- pened as well and so it is the ide- al place for us. We have a Kumbakha and two Yantra Yoga courses orga- nized for the days following the retreat and we’ve just added an Advanced Vajra Dance Course for the long weekend of 6 –9 De- cember. We are arranging an- other course with Nina Robin- son at Easter as well as another Santi Maha Sangha course. We are preparing a new program of Santi Maha Sangha practices, Dance and Yoga sessions and our usual practice sessions. We would like to invite all the mem- bers of the Dzogchen Commu- nity to attend the courses here in Barcelona and enjoy the wonder- ful Ling that we are so grateful to Rinpoche for and to enjoy our beautiful city. THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007

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

January February March January 3–6 February 1–6 February 16–17 March 1–2 calendar Yantra Yoga course with Laura Evange- Webcast with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Moxa Course with Elio Guarisco World Dance day, practice with Prima listi, 1st Series Yantra Yoga course with Tiziana Gottar- Mai, Rita Renzi, Maurizio Mingotti February 21 di (3rd series) and Giovanna Conti (4th of events January 12–13 World Transmission of Garab Dorje March 7–8 Series) supervised by Laura Evangelisti. Course of the Dance of 3 Vajras, with Yantra Yoga course with Laura Evange- February 23–24 Prima Mai (advanced focussing on February 7 listi, 2nd Series 2007 Practice of Garab Dorje time) Six Lokas practice March 15–16 February 29–March 1 January 26–27 February 8 Moxa Course with Elio Guarisco Course of the Dance of the Song of Vajra Dorje Kotrab Explanation and Practice Long Life practice of with Prima Mai (advanced focussing on March 21–26 Easter with Elio Guarisco February 8/10 time) Webcast with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Course of the Dance of the Six Spaces Explanation and practise of the 5th and of with Prima Mai (ad- 6th Paramitas with Costantino Albini vanced focussing on time)

Upcoming Upcoming to a maximum of 20 participants; mini- Advanced Course of the Dance of the Prima highlighted some of our con- Beginners Course of the Dance of the Yantra Yoga course on Deepening mum enrollment is 9. Vajra ditioned refl ections and managed to Song of the Vajra Second part the Practice of the Eight Movements with Prima Mai help us harmonize our steps to cadence, Schedule: The course starts on led by Maurizio Mingotti and the First Series of Yantras and September 7–11, 2007 and our movements to make dancing Saturday 12th January at 4 p.m with the supervision of Adriana Dal Pranayamas musicality swoosh by in the iridescent Sept 7th to 11th, 2007 at Merigar, wit- Borgo Led by Laura Evangelisti The cost is 80 euros with discounts for practice of presence in movement. nessed an advanced course of the Dance December 27 to January 3, 2008 January 3–6, 2008 members We thank the Master. of the Song of the Vajra led by Prima The whole of Merigar is now dancing Who can attend? This course is for Who can attend? This course is for Important! for organizational purposes Mai in which 12 pamos and 11 pawos with more appropriate good hearted- those who have already received the those who already have knowledge of we ask you to please register before the participated, including 5 of the newly ness rich in joy and sacred presence transmission of Dzogchen and the Lung the Eight Movements of Yantra Yoga. course starts, by e-mail or phone. elected 9 person Gakyil. Meanwhile Mario and Marie of the Song of the Vajra from Chögyal Emy Namkhai Ottaviani was born... on The course starts on Thursday January Phone:+39 0564-96 68 37 Namkhai Norbu. the fi rst day of the retreat. They were * 3rd at 10.00 merigaroffi [email protected] The course is limited to 20 participants; wonderful days made of simple instruc- The cost is 160 Euros with discounts for www.dzogchen.it minimum enrollment is 9. tions and sincere advances. members. The course will start on Thursday * December 27 at 16.00. Important: for organizational purposes The cost is 200 euro with discounts for we ask you to please register before the members. course starts, by e-mail or phone. Important! For organizational pur- Phone: +39 0564-96 68 37 poses, we ask that you please register merigaroffi [email protected] before the course starts, by e-mail or www.dzogchen.it phone. It will also be possible to regis- * ter on the fi rst day of the course with Upcoming the secretary of Merigar. Advanced course of the regular and irregular form of the Dance of the phone:+39 0564-96 68 37 merigaroffi [email protected] Led by Prima Mai passages * January 12–13, 2008 Born: Emy Namkhai Ottaviani, born Who can attend? This course is for on 7/11/2007 and weighing in at 3.450 those who have already received the kg and 50 cm long. Emy was born in transmission of Dzogchen from Chögyal Italy near Merigar West. She is Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Each course is limited Namkhai Norbu and Rosa Namkhai’s 4th grandchild, Yuchen Namkhai and Luigi Ottaviani’s 2nd child and Maya’s 1st sister.

Accommodation Service at Merigar Accommodation Service Information for people who intend to (Information available in English, German, We cooperate with local hotels, family come to Merigar for retreats or to follow French and Italian) pensions, residences, agriturismo, courses Information service and reservation of Community members who have rooms or If you are looking for accommodation, accommodation during retreats, local houses to rent or sublet. Also we can advise airport transfer, local car hire or only transport, & logistic solutions: on car rental (at airports or locally), on logistic assistance, you can contact the the best itinerary and time tables of trains following information and reservation Christina von Geispitzheim and buses, and we have now a circuit of service: Email: [email protected] residents who offer various useful services Phone: 0039 0564 957542 like transfer from the airports, local taxi Mobile phone: 0039 339 1370739 service, translations, baby sitting, etc.

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

Merigar East is looking urgently for an by next summer. Experience with con- We kindly ask all Gars and Lings to merigar east asks architect in our Dzogchen Community. struction of wood would be useful. translate this message in the country The task is to make the project/plans language and make it urgently acces- for help for the construction of the Gonpa and If you are interested please send ur- sible to all practitioners belonging to offi ces at Merigar East (Romania), gently a CV to offi [email protected]. this Gars and Lings. according Rinpoche’s drawings and With best wishes advice. The buildings have to be ready Romanian Gakyil for Merigar East THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007

15 merigareast

intention is to make the Lungta acces- According to tradition, by having Lungta http://www.buddism.ru//yagpo/Yagpo the manufacture of sible to purchase by all the members of and activating them, you help to create tibetan ocr program OCRProgram.zip resume of progect the Dzogchen Community. the good cause for liberation and suc- http://www.buddism.ru//yagpo/ lungta in russia The Lungta are printed with the autho- cess. The sale of these Lungta also pro- Dear Friends, We can distribute this program and In Moscow, we have organized the rization of the Shang Shung Institute, motes the development of the Tibetan Our group few years has developed an will be happy about any ideas people manufacture of Lungta with tagdrol and approved by the Gakyil of the Rus- culture; all the profi t from these sales OpenSource program for computer may have. In Russia we prepared a 5000 images in the tradition of our Dzogchen sian speaking countries. The cost of the goes to Shang Shung Institute to use optical recognition of Tibetan text, with page Tibetan-English dictionary with Teaching. We have already printed a Lungta will be determined together for the preservation and development the blessing of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu this program, so it could be of benefi t Lungta with the image of the tagdrol of with the Shang Shung Institute and we Tibetan culture through Shang Shung Rinpoche. for the Dzogchen Teaching. Avalokiteshvara Corva Tongtrug, and will inform everyone. Institute (Italy) and the realization Now we have a stable beta version for are preparing to manufacture Lungta To order them contact: of projects of the international fund With best regards, WinXP. This program also contains the with a tagdrol image of the Song of the [email protected] or “A.S.I.A.”. YagpoOCR team Tibetan dictionary (130.000 entry), con- Vajra. The manufacture of these Lungta [email protected] Alex Stroganov Yours Vajra brothers and sisters in Russia verter for old text and speech training. was authorized our precious Teacher or [email protected] Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche’s

participants were local, the rest came worked together on each movement and from other parts of the country and also Prima patiently clarifi ed for us many Europe from Slovakia. During the retreat we details which were not clear before. communicated in Czech. It is Margit’s Prima shared with us her understand- native language which she still fl u- ing of the Dance and of the movement Czech Republic ently speaks, although after many years and we had the possibility to really Santi Maha Sangha Base Practice and spent in Italy sometimes with charming appreciate the depth of her knowledge Explanation Retreat foreign accent. and the loving and smooth way in which with Igor Berkhin The retreat proceeded in vivid, she manifest it. Prague, Oct 13–21 friendly and tender atmosphere, both During those fi ve days we mainly concentrated and relaxed. The local focused on the position of hands and by Jan Vávra organizers did good job and welcomed correct timing with further emphasis The Czech Community invited Igor everyone with care and hospitality. on the moments of Pawo and Pamo Berkhin for a Santi Maha Sangha We would like to kindly thank Margit meeting or passing by on the Mandala. Base explanation and practice retreat and appreciate her participation despite It has helped to each of us to discover in Prague. Our fi rst idea was to do a she had some health problems and to that we are not alone on the Mandala, longer retreat for 10 days outside of the Photo: Michal Janda express our gratitude to Rinpoche for but we are related very much to each city, but due to the circumstances and this precious possibility to practice the other in space and time. We danced on the fact that the retreat was originally November Retreat of the Dance of the Vajra Dance. two Mandalas in the gymnastic hall with scheduled before Chögyal Namkhai Six Spaces of Samtabhadra * one wall made of mirrors so we also had Norbu announced his program for with Margit Martinu Dancing with Prima Mai in Prague the chance to see our own dancing style 2007, we did another version of the re- Brno, November 16–18, 2007 Advanced Course of the Dance of the and to correct many details. treat in our Prague Gönpa. The average by Petr Lis Song of the Vajra The course proceeded in very friendly number or participants was 20 during December 1–5, 2007 and involved atmosphere. It was a the sessions. We also organized a public talk at- Margit Martinu often visits the Czech by Tereza Stárková strong and intensive meeting with We spent two weekends with expla- tended by 50 people. The talk took place Republic to teach us the Vajra Dance. Vajra brothers and sisters and I would nation and practice and we added three at Vysehrad castle, which is a very in- In November she came to lead a basic In the very beginning of December, like to express our deep gratitude to evenings on working days. We also did a teresting historical part of Prague. This course of the Dance of the Six Spaces of Prima Mai came fi rst time to Prague to Rinpoche for this precious and direct Ganapuja together with Igor. The pro- part of the Prague with its old cathedral Samantabhadra. lead the Advanced Course of the Dance method. Now we have to work with all gram was mostly theory and practice of is sometimes considered to be one of The retreat for more than thirty prac- of the Song of the Vajra. Twenty-fi ve this precious advice and practice to fully rushens and semdzins, explanations of the most spiritual place in the Czech titioners was located for the fi rst time participants from Czech Republic, integrate all the details to our dance. the view based on 5th chapter of Pre- Republic. in Brno, South Moravia. Most of the Hungary, Austria, Poland and Slovakia cious Vase, Chöd principle and other Thanks once again to Igor Berkhin topics from the SMS base. We found for coming and studying with us. And this retreat to be very useful, especially many thanks to our precious Master when we heard that there will be an for possibility to study these profound exam of SMS in the summer in Merigar teachings. East. *

Place in Paris: Cost: 280 Euros (usual reductions), Béatrix Leoz France Forum 104, 104 rue de Vaugirard, Ordinary membership: 224 Euros, 52 av. Jean Jaures Dance of Song of Vajra Course, 1st part 75006 Paris, France Sustaining membership: 56 Euros 75019 Paris with Stoffelina Verdonk (near Montparnasse area) Reduced membership: 140 Euros [email protected] February 23–28, 2008 in Paris Metro station (underground, subway) Registration: Early registration is wel- The French Gakyil Saint Placide on line 4, The participants are required to be come. For additional information and Dzogchen Community of Paris members of Dzogchen Community and Hours: 10 am–18 pm registration please contact: Web site of French Dzogchen Community: have transmission from Chögyal Nam- http://association.dzogchen.free.fr khai Norbu. * >> France continued on next page THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007

16

Europe (continued)

Ku Nye in France The fi rst course organized by the Shang Shung Institute and Rimay Institute was recently held at Karma Ling in France. 13 participants took part in the fi rst course and passed the exam and received a diploma.

Great Britain Yantra Yoga Course for Beginners Sat. January 12 + Sun. January 13, 2008 morning sessions and two afternoon The full price for this 2-day course is 60 £ London NW6 sessions). with the usual discounts for the members of the Dzogchen Community ie: This is a supervision course lead by Em- Venue: Chevening Road, Kilburn area 20 % discount f. ordinary members = 48 £ Paldenling: The Longde Cabin. manuel Jouan under the supervision of (London NW6). 50 % discount f. reduced members = 30 £ Laura Evangelisti. The course will be di- You will have to bring your mat or a 80 % discount f. sustaining members = 12 £ vided in two sessions each day and will comfortable non-slippery blanket; it is Meritorious members don’t pay. focus on the First Level of Yantra Yoga. wooden fl oor throughout. Anyone having received the trans- Everyone is welcome, so please let me mission (and ideally some previous This is a fantastic opportunity to come know if you are interested: exposure to Yantra even basic) is wel- together in a very nice setting (a Mon- Emmanuel Jouan come. tessori school) in Central London for a Cell phone: 00 44 7942 024 021 (cell) It will be divided in four sessions focused weekend in which we will cover [email protected] of approximately two hours each (two the basis of Yantra Yoga.

Poland Cabin in Paldenling We are preparing to build a Dark Re- treat Cabin in Paldenling next spring. The Cabin will be serving the whole Paldenling: The place for the Mandala. Dzogchen Community of the region, also as part of the whole membership Another thing to accomplish for the People interested to contribute can send system meritorious and sustaining project for the place of Mandala is to money to Polish Dzogchen Community members can do retreats for free and make a roof over that platform. So the account (with note “for the Mandala in others get appropriate reductions. quickest and easiest solution for the Paldenling”): time being is to buy a big tent. It will Our plan is to build the cabin in as good Community address: enable us to dance during all seasons a fashion as possible, but also quickly. Wspolnota Dzogczen w Polsce (except extreme winter). The success depends on your help. We ul J. Bruna 2 m 86 The estimated cost is about 5500 EUR. would like to ask you to translate this 02-594 Warszawa, Poland information in your local language so Of these two projects, the most im- Bank name and address: that people know about this possibil- portant in the moment is the fi rst one: Bank Slaski o/Warszawa ity. If someone has fi nancial means, covering the foundation of the Mandala Paldenling: The Center. ul. Nowowiejska 5/7 please support the project. If someone with the gum-like material, which cost 00-643 Warszawa, Poland can do Karma Yoga (in April 2008), about 4000 EUR. Vajra Dance Mandala We have also already painted the IBAN: PL60 1050 1038 1000 0012 0001 5855 please contact the project team at Mandala on Tyvek material, but it is We are kindly asking everybody of the SWIFT: INGBPLPW [email protected] for informa- Dear Vajra Brothers and Sisters! too delicate to put it on the raw con- International Dzogchen Community for EUR account: tion about how you can help. If you can We are collecting money to fi nish the crete, therefore we need to cover this contributions to these projects. We also 37 1050 1038 1000 0023 1298 9128 contribute in any way, please do. You place for the Mandala of The Dance of foundation made of concrete with some invite everybody from the Dzogchen USD account: can fi nd all information on the website: the Vajra in the Polish Dzogchen Center, gum-like material (as is done for tennis Community to come to Paldenling in 64 1050 1038 1000 0022 4638 5047 http://dzogczen.pl/darkretreat/ Paldenling, located in a beautiful place courts), which can resist all the seasons Poland. As a special occasion in this on the top of a mountain. We hope many of you will visit us in for many years. We think this is the best time, every person who will contribute www.dzogczen.pl Paldenling and have a fantastic time solution with the circumstances we for one of these projects with minimum practicing here! Until now we have done the base – the have in Paldenling. 250 EUR can do one-week retreat for With Best Wishes, foundation for the Mandala made of The estimated cost of this work proj- free in the Center. Polish Gakyil and the Project Team concrete (9m/9m). ect is about 4000 EUR. *

STILL PHOTOS NEEDED FOR DOCUMENTARY ABOUT CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU RINPOCHE by Filmmaker Jennifer Fox

Dharma sister and documentary fi lmmaker, another Vajra-sister – Soledad Suarez – who during his earlier years – before 1988. Jennifer Fox, is asking for kind assistance spent many months managing a small team All photos will be given proper credit and on her long-term biographical fi lm about Chö- to log and digitize the footage. those who contribute will also be given credit gyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche for the Bud- in the fi nal fi lm. dhist Television Channel of the Netherlands Editing of Learning to Swim began this (BOS). month with an esteemed documentary editor, For more information about the fi lm and sub- Mary Lampston (Harlan County USA, Lion In missions please contact us at: Tentatively entitled, Learning to Swim: the House, Rain in a Dry Land to name just shelly@zohefi lms.com Travels with a Dzogchen Master, the fi lm a few). will be a portrait, fi lmed over many years, As the editing progresses, Jennifer is looking of our Teacher’s life as he travels around the to fi ll in some important gaps in the footage. world. Primarily shot, the fi lm has been in Particularly, she is searching for still photo- post-production in New York with the help of graphs or fi lm or video footage of our Master THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007

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

cabins on Khandroling, 100 % discount the Mountain or Pacifi c timezones of donation, as always, will be tax- new membership for 2008! on any new publications from Edizioni the US or Canada, we suggest you sign deductible. You don’t need to tell us Shang Shung for the current year, plus a up for your membership with Tsegyal- how much you earn; just tell us what Dear Sangha, Ordinary membership costs $ 180 per year, free subscription to the Video Journal. It gar West. If you live in the Central or monthly withdrawal you would like. We are very happy to announce our gives a 20 % off of retreats and courses* will also include a special gift from the Eastern timezones then we suggest you This system of support will allow us to at Tsegyalgar East, 20 % off personal sign up with Tsegyalgar East. manage our annual budget better than brand new membership types, rates Tsegyalgar East Gakyil. and benefi ts. This year we are offering a retreat cabins at Khandroling, our one-off, miscellaneous donations. It Reduced membership costs of $ 70 for If you would like to donate above and nearly 50 % cheaper basic membership, online newsletter and a free online will help build the fabric of our vajra community members who can show beyond membership we ask you this much greater benefi ts for sustain- subscription to the Mirror (upgrade to community. As an expression of sup- an income which is lower than $ 1000 year to join our “1 % Campaign”. ing and meritorious members and include paper subscription for $ 25). port, our Gakyil has voted to kick-start per month or in their fi rst year of mem- In the 1 % Campaign, we suggest that increased accessibility for low-income this campaign with their own dona- Sustaining membership costs $ 684, gives bership and gives a 50 % discount on you donate 1 % of your gross income to members. tions. 80 % off discount on retreats and cours- courses and retreats* at Tsegyalgar East Tsegyalgar East in the form of a recur- We hope you will begin your 2008 mem- For other payment options includ- es* at Tsegyalgar East, a free online and retreats, a free online subscription ring monthly withdrawal from your bership by January 1st so that you can ing monthly credit card, check or and paper subscription to the Mirror, to the mirror, our online newsletter checking account or credit card. This is take advantage of the many benefi ts of money order payments please call our free use of the personal retreat cabins and 50 % off use of the personal retreat just a suggested amount; you are free, being a member throughout the year. new secretary Asruh Warner at (413) at Khadnroling for up to one week, our cabins at Khandroling. of course, to donate more or less. But 369-41 53 or to sign up or renew online New Membership Types, Rates, & online newslsetter as well as a 50 % dis- we suggest it as a guideline because * Except courses organised by the Shang go to www.tsegyalgareast.org Benefi ts: count on the Video Journal and a special Shung Institute, SMS exams and SMS, YY and VD it means that every Sangha member We look forward to the coming year of All members receive access to restricted gift from the Tsegyalgar East Gakyil. teachers’ training. can donate according to their fi nancial the Earth Rat and sharing it with you in webcast retreats, a basic membership capacity. Meritorious membership costs $ 2040 free the practice. with Shang Shung Institute, and our This year, we are also suggesting that For instance, if you earn $ 3,000 per courses and retreats* at Tsegyalgar With much love and respect, online newsletter. people develop a relationship with their month before taxes, you would donate East, a free online and paper subscrip- Tsegyalgar Gakyil and Staff “local” gar. If you live in Mexico, or in $ 30 monthly to Tsegyalgar East. Your tion to the Mirror, free use of retreat

Incense at Tsegyalgar East Bookstore! Related items also available: Please remember that at this time only email list for khandroling, The long awaited and much loved “Wrathful” Red Kang Dru unrestricted items are available in the “Peaceful” Yellow Kang Dru Incense 80 sticks – $ 18.00 online store. To buy restricted items you buckland mass just got back to the Tsegyalgar Book- Kang Dru Small Sticks must place the order directly with the store fresh from Tibet! 40 Sticks – $ 6.00 bookstore via phone or email. The sacred land in Buckland, Mas- cabins, a , and a bathhouse for Tara Healing Incense Best wishes, For more than seven centuries, Kang sachusetts, known as Khandroling retreatants and campers. The land Approx 20 sticks – $ 3.00 Matthew Schmookler Dru Tibetan Incense has been known as (meaning “the land of ”), was also hosts the world’s fi rst Universal 5 boxes – $ 14.00 Tsegyalgar Bookstore the highest quality incense, presented purchased by the Dzogchen Commu- Mandala for Vajra Dance. A small farm- Juniper Herbal Mix 413-369-4473 (Ph/Fax) to holy temples and noble families in nity in 1989. Through the clarity of his house is home to the Khandroling land $ 7.00 per bag P.O. Box 479, Conway, MA 01341 Tibet, Kang Dru Incense is made of dreams, our master Chögyal Namkhai Gekös. Riwo Sang Cho Mix more than 30 kinds of precious herbs * Norbu Rinpoche received many teach- $ 12.00 per bag upcoming We have started an email list for those and minerals and prepared with skills ings there, including the Dance of the Gugul Jun 8–12, 2008 interested in keeping current with the and techniques that others have lost or Vajra. According to Rinpoche, in six $ 7.00 per bag Fabio Andrico will teach breathing & Development of Khandroling. We would forgotten. The magical scent of Kang days of practice on this powerful land it Charcoal Jim Valby will teach refuge & the four like to invite the members of our Com- Dru Incense relaxes the mind and body, is possible to realize what would take six $ 3.00 for 10 applications of . munity interested in the development induces a sense of peace and well – be- months elsewhere. Contact: [email protected] process to join this list. You can join ing and disperses negative emotions. To place orders call us at The development of Khandroling is the list by sending an email to Matt at It also protects against the cold. The (413) 369 – 4473 or send an email to ongoing. Comprised of 220 acres of [email protected] with your main ingredients include white and [email protected] with your hills, streams, a pond, meadows, name and email address you would like purple sandalwood and bla rtsi (musk). shipping and billing information and fi elds and forest, Khandroling offers emails sent. Each box has 80 sticks that burn for the items you would like or you can visit members several personal retreat * about 1.5 hours. Price: $ 18.00 our online store at: www.tsegyalgareast.org/bookstore

Canada and in our individual and collective Chögyal Namkhai Norbu visits Toronto June 13–15 SMS III Examinations New Toronto Gakyil practice. Canada in 2008! June 16–22 SMS IV Training In the summer of 2006, Deepak Ram- Revised schedule of Our Toronto Gakyil will be under the July 4–6 achandran who was informally heading Chögyal Namkhai Norbu umbrella, protection and guidance of Toronto weekend Dzogchen Teaching up our small Toronto Dzogchen group, 2008 Tsegyalgar East, who have welcomed us Retreat: suggested we form a “proto-Gakyil” May 23–25 most enthusiastically, joyously and af- July 4, 4–6pm; July 5, 10–12 am + and organize ourselves informally New York weekend teaching: fectionately into the fold. We feel really 4–6 pm, Teaching and Ganapuja; around the Activities of Red, yellow and The essential Dzogchen teaching of Sangyas warmed and nourished by this welcome July 6, 10–12 am blue. At that time our “proto-chief” Lingpa according to the Longsal teaching and look forward to increasing our ac- became de facto Yulia Jitkova who ar- July 14–20 tivities and our membership with their May 30–June 6 Beginner’s Yantra Yoga in Toronto rived in Toronto four years ago having We have Merigar East Teaching Retreat excellent help. Tsegyalgar East Retreat: with Oni McKinstry been a member of Kunsangar in Russia. Open Webcast Jigmed Lingpa’s Dzogchen teaching “Yeshes November 9–11, 2007 We began to organize activities and The new Gakyil is comprised of Yulia * Lama” invited Jim Valby (Santi Maha Sangha), Jitkova (yellow), Vitaly Gritsenko (red) Michael Katz () and just and Jacquie Hanley (blue) with the gen- recently Oni McKinstry (Yantra Yoga). erous support and help of Andy Wai and Mysteriously these activities seemed to Margherita. generate more energy and brought in So, with gratitude for the great bless- new members. ings of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and We decided it was time to form a true for the gift of his vast and profound Gakyil and during Oni’s Yantra Yoga teachings, we consider ourselves, at retreat, on Friday November 9th (New last, launched! Moon), we held an election and subse- E ma ho! quently asked Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Warm wishes, to approve and to give us his blessing. Jacquie Hanley We heard back from him almost im- www.dzogchentoronto.org mediately and he gave us a resounding yes with his congratulations. Naturally we are thrilled and excited about con- tinuing to grow and develop as a group THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007

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west Tsegyalgar West/Baja Mexico 755 Euclid Ave. [email protected] tsegyalgar Dzogchen Community West Coast Berkeley, CA 94708 carolfi [email protected] www.bahasangha.org upcoming Feel free to contact me. Transmission. We’ll be spending some More details on this will be forthcom- ceive lung at the next retreat or webcast Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Retreat Julia Deisler (Blue Gakyil, Tsegyalgar months learning about, practicing and ing. In short, we’ll be on the schedule are welcome to attend these sessions: with Jim Valby and Bodhi Krause West) collaborating on the following topics: as individuals and groups to do one Green Tara – DVD w/ explanation and February 19–24, 2008 jmdeis@yahoo. com The General Introduction to Dzogchen: hour of the corresponding mantras practice Baja California, Mexico or jmdeisler@aol. com Open to anyone who is curious about for specifi c days. This is an offering to Shitro – DVD w/ explanation and the teachings. We’ll show it once now remove obstacles for the International practice Tsegyalgar West is pleased to announce * upcoming and once again prior to the next World- Dzogchen Community and the Master. Chod – DVD w/ explanation and that Jim Valby will be joining us in Baja SMS Base wide Transmission. It will also of course benefi t individuals practice California Sur, Mexico, to lead a Base with Jim Valby Worldwide Transmissions of Guru Yoga who participate and probably counts Mandarava – DVD w/ explanation and Level Santi Maha Sangha Retreat and Mar 21–31, 2008 The WWTs will always be preceded by as Karma Yoga for those interested in practice to give public talks in towns/cities near Dondrub Ling, Berkeley, California the corresponding Guru Yoga Trans- SMS. Practice for the Dead – DVD w/expla- the Gar. mission DVD viewings. Experienced nation and practice Contact: Regular practices: The approximate dates for the Base- practitioners are encouraged to show [email protected] Short Tun, Medium Tun, Long Tun at We can add to the calendar any other level retreat are February 19–24. (In support for these, answer questions, * some point. practices that people are interested the middle of this, February 20, will be etc. Only those who are serious about Portland Oregon Community Update Ganapuja – both the older video and in. As the Community develops and the Anniversary of Garab Dorje World- the Transmission and who have viewed the new fi ner point video, with prac- grows we will add some retreat days to wide Transmission of Guruyoga.) http://www.google.com/calendar/ the General Introduction will be able to tices of the Short and then the Medium the schedule as well. If anyone has any embed?src=220d32hdhqicnpsc4lfqm4 attend the WWT preparation session. Also joining us will be Vajra Dance Ganapuja. We’ll also be doing Ganapuja questions or comments, please feel free v6qg%4... Only those who have attended both the instructor Bodhi Krause, who will be four times per month on all of the cor- to contribute. We set this up so we can If that link is too long you can get to it Introduction DVD and the WWT prepa- teaching the Dance of the Three Vajras. rect days. We’ll alternate Medium and all have a good foundation in the main from the front page of ration session will be able to attend the Short Ganapujas, depending on the and secondary practices, as well as col- We will be sending out more specifi cs http://portlanddzogchencommunity. Worldwide Transmissions. auspiciousness of the days. laborate with each other and ourselves. soon ... just wanted to let anyone know, com In addition to regular Ganapuja, we will Additionally it’s important to make sure who might be interested, to save these also be hosting the Worldwide Collec- Collective Secondary Practices: Those We’ve set up a weekly group again, now that new people have access to warm dates (Feb. 19–24 2008). tive 24 Hour Chains of Guru Dragpur with the lung or serious intention to re- that we have more practitioners with and friendly practitioners. and Sinhamuka, beginning in January.

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.dzogchenvenezuela.org

Birthday Celebration for Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Tashigar North, Margarita Island December 8, 2007

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

Registration for Retreat of Zhine and Lhagthong according Upcoming Vajra Dance courses Dance of the Song of the Vajra Upcoming Tashigar South Retreats in Argentina to Atiyoga Dance of the Song of the Vajra course Second Level – Advanced course Authorization Training for the with our Master is Open. February 1–6, 2008 First Part With Adriana Dal Borgo breathing courses Closed Webcast With Nelida Saporiti February 10–14, 2008 with Fabio Andrico Retreats with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Cost: 160 USD January 22–26, 2008 January 23–26, 2008 Tashigar Sur – Summer 2008 Cost: 120 dollars Open to fi ve people only Retreat of Zhitro Khordas Rangdrol, a terma Cost: 70 dollars Retreat of Teaching on Longchenpa’s YY instructors will have priority. of Rigdzin Janchub Dorje Registration & Info Choszhi Rinchen Phrengwa February 15–20, 2008 Dance of the Six Spaces of [email protected] Cost: 200 dollars – No discounts Dec. 27–Jan. 3, 2008 Cost: 160 USD Samantabhadra & Three Vajras Open Webcast * Info and inscription: Advanced course Cost: 180 USD With the usual discount for members: [email protected] With Adriana Dal Borgo Meritorius 100 %, Supporter 50 % Santi Maha Sangha I Level Exam January 27–31, 2008 Ordinary 20 %, Reduced 20 % January 07–10, 2008 Cost: 120 dollars Santi Maha Sangha II Level Training Registration and information:

January 11–17, 2008 [email protected] Cost: 100 USD – 50 USD if you repeat it. www.tashigar-sur.com.ar * THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007

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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

I have never used the dark cabin. I had So come to use our dark retreat cabin. new namgyalgar thought I wouldn’t be able to use the If you have a busy schedule it’s only an cabin for sometime because of not hav- hour fl ight from Melbourne or less from website!!! ing any semblance of continual instant Sydney to the nearest airport. Our Gekö presence, a requirement to be able to do happily provides the 50-minute ride to The Dzogchen Community of Nam- Yantig and not having had the transmis- the Gar from the airport. gyal gar has a beautiful new dynamic sion and teaching of that practice. If you have more time and less cash website with lots of information includ- However I was pleased to be re- there are daily buses from both capital ing events in the Australia and Asia- minded by Rinpoche on the fi nal day of cities. Pacifi c region with registration details, his webcast from Barcelona, that there which can be downloaded. are different types of dark retreat. Namgyalgar Dark Retreat Package Please visit the website at: There is the Yantig practice, a very high The design of the Namgyalgar cabin www.dzogchen.org.au level of Dzogchen practice, and then has given particular attention to cir- Graeme Horner there is a 24-hour dark retreat that is culation of air. It is well appointed with Namgyalgar Blue Gakyil very helpful to stabilize one’s practice built in anteroom for services, carpeted of the night. The practice of the night is dark room with comfortable mattress * very important to connect our presence and a light retreat room and verandah of Guruyoga of the night and presence looking out to the sea that can be used with Airfare: Please contact Jean Mackintosh dark retreat cabin of Guruyoga in the morning. Anyone for preparation before entering into Sydney to Moruya Airport $ 348* [email protected] to that has transmission of Guruyoga can the dark retreat. We have estimated Melbourne to Merimbula $ 388 reserve your retreat dates. Living just 5 km from Namgyalgar I do the 24 hour dark retreat practice. So the price for a 24 hour Dark Retreat Book fl ights online with Regional Ex- with Coach: am very fortunate to be able to use I can do it too, and plan to – soon. package that includes return fl ights press, www.rex.com.au or coach with Sydney Central to Central Tilba $ 150 the Dance Mandala and practice in Several practitioners have found the or coach tickets, return airport or bus Premier Motor Service, Southern Cross to Central Tilba $ 146 the Gonpa when the mood takes me. dark retreat cabin at Namgylgar to be stop transfers (ie $ 15 donation for fuel www.premierms.com.au Namgyalgar also has a secluded, well- an excellent facility and have benefi ted to Gekö), one night’s use of the dark Extra nights $ 30 per night. Prices may vary according to the season. crafted straw bale dark retreat cabin greatly by their retreat experience. We retreat cabin, and a lovingly prepared (* Australian dollars) See you in Namgyalgar! with a lighted room and verandah look- encourage everyone to come and par- organic vegetarian or meaty meal. Best wishes ing out to the sea. ticipate! Joanna Tyshing

Namgyalgar 07–08 Summer Retreat Trivia Night Fun(d) raiser for Members of the Dzogchen Community Program Namgylgar also generously donated prizes for the silent auction. 27 December–4 January On a balmy evening at the end of Octo- Webcast Retreat from Argentina and ber, a trivia night was organized by the We raised over $ 4,000 on the night, Santi Maha Sangha practice retreat fundraising committee of Namgylgar. had a wonderful time and generated led by Angie Gilbert It was held at the community room in out-reach for the Community. A very Angie Gilbert is a senior student of the center of the gardens in Fitzroy, successful event. Thanks to all who Chögyal Namkai Norbu and teacher Melbourne. Almost a hundred people participated and special thanks to those of the Santi Maha Sangha Base level. came, many of whom are not prac- who made it happen. The retreat will also include instruction titioners, and who really enjoyed the Madeleine Fogarty on the ‘Dance of the 3 Vajras’ by Jean opportunity to connect with the spirit Fund raising committee, Mackintosh and Yantra Yoga taught by of our community: fun, generous, open- Namgylgar Emily Coleing. hearted. By the end of the evening not a pamphlet about Namgylgar and the 5 January–12 January Community was left to distribute! Vajra Dance Practice Retreat led by Lynne Geary Quinn, our quiz master, is new to the This retreat is suitable only for those Community, and he generously gave who have already been instructed in his time and professional skills to rustle any or all of the 3 Vajra Dances. up a great bunch of questions that kept everyone guessing and feeling intermit- 13 January–20 January tently stupid and genius. Much laughter Yantra Yoga Practice Retreat and debate hummed around the tables led by Emily Coleing as we fi lled in our quiz sheets. Emily will revise all the warm-ups, breathing and movement practices in- The members of the Community pro- cluding up to group 2 yantras. vided delicious food, and a bar was run for the evening, generating dollars and Further Information and Registration drinks. Form available at: http://dzogchen .org.au/new/registration.php

Subscribe to The Mirror The New Year is upon us and if you have made You can subscribe through your local a New Years resolution to stay in closer contact Community or by contacting us directly at: with the Dzogchen Community, what better way than with a subscription to The Mirror. In USA many Gars and Lings and even some smaller Naomi Zeitz: [email protected] Communities, The Mirror is included in mem- 413 369 4208 bership in some form. Membership is the best Tsegyalgar offi ce and bookstore: overall way to maintain contact with Chögyal 413 369 41 53, 413 369 44 73 Namkhai Norbu and the Vajra Family, and of- ten you will receive access to the Mirror in Italy that way. Liz Granger: [email protected] The Mirror The Mirror c/o Merigar PO Box 479 Arcidosso 58031 If you would like to subscribe to The Mirror: You can purchase subscriptions on line at Conway, MA 01341 GR Italy www.melong.com USA $ 35 US or 35 Euro in Europe for paper only. $ 25 US or 25 Euro in Europe for on line only. For South America and Mexico we Happy Holidays! $ 50 US or 50 Euro in Europe for both paper have reduced rates, so please contact The Mirror Staff and on line subscriptions. [email protected] for more information. Liz Granger, Naomi Zeitz and Thomas Eifl er THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007

20 Malaysia Norway Tham Wye Min Gordon Cranmer international community 8669C Klebang Kechil 75200 Dysjaland Melaka 4156 Mosteroy Tel: 60 35 61 62 Tel.: (47) 51 72 46 64 contacts [email protected] Kwok Kee Chang Community Web site: 11-A Jalan Jujor, 1/5 http://go.to/dzogchen.no Argentina Czech Republic Hungary Taman, Bakti Ampang Tashigar Dzogchen, o. s. Hungarian Dzogchen Community Selangor, W. Malaysia Peru Comunidad Dzogchen Tashigar Nad úpadem 420/31 H-1062 Budapest, Aradi u. 42 Tel: 60 3 984 71 67 Paul Sablich Calle pública S/N Praha 11, 149 00 Czech Republic [email protected] Galeano 117, Urb. Los Rosales Tanti 5155 Tel: +420 603 529 784 www.dzogchen.hu Mexico Lima 33, Perú Pcia. de Córdoba [email protected] Tsegyalgar West/Baja Gar [email protected] Gakyil Tel & Fax: 0054-3541-498 356 [email protected] Contact person: Daniel Kuzma Blue: Erzsi Kubat [email protected] [email protected] offi [email protected] and [email protected] Poland www.tashigar-sur.com.ar/ www.dzogchen.cz [email protected] Wspolnota Dzogczen Red: Moni Lakatos Urzad Pocztowy nr 141 [email protected] Gakyil ul. Lanciego 13 Australia Denmark Yellow: Iren Gedeon Yellow: Carol Fields Namgyalgar Lisbeth Agersnap Skrytka Pocztowa 33 [email protected] Carolmfi [email protected] Dzogchen Community in Australia Copenhagen 02-794 Warszawa John LaFrance Treasurer Vicki Forscutt – Secretary Tel: +0045-35 35 20 60 [email protected] [email protected] PO Box 14 Central Tilba, [email protected] www.dzogczen.pl Israel Andres Orvañanos NSW 2546 Alex Polak [email protected] Paldenling Tel & Fax: 61 (0)2 44 73 76 68 Tel: 00972-52-602 03 74 Estonia Lysa Gora 168 [email protected] Svetlana Kollyakova [email protected] Blue: Carolyn Bass 38-230 Nowy Zmigrod www.dzogchen.org.au [email protected] [email protected] Yael Rotbard Tel: 48 887 95 79 44 Julia Deisler Director Gekös of Namgyalgar Mobile tel: 972-54-992-8888 [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 61(0)2 44 73 77 70 Finland Home tel: 972-3-6491147 www.dzogczen.pl/Paldenling Mika Sillanpaa Michael Hass Vice director [email protected] Kuhankeittajankatu 22 [email protected] Cezary Wozniak 50190 Mikkeli Yellow Gakyil: Sorek Ul. Emaus 33 Austria Red: Daniel Kuzma www.dzogchen.at Mika.Sillanpaa@uku.fi [email protected] 30-213 Krakow [email protected] Tel: 012-425 27 00, mobile 609 22 22 11 Dzogchen Community of Vienna Dzogchen Community of Israel Doug Lingard [email protected] Elisha Koppensteiner France www.ati.org.il [email protected] Association Dzogchen Tel: 0043 1 208-22-32 or Vincent Moore Dejam Ling, Le Deves 0660/817-13-28 [email protected] Portugal F30570 St Andre de Majencoules Lydia Ferreiera [email protected] Italy Tel: 33-(0)467 82 44 90 (Info line) Merigar Comunita Dzogchen Mexico City Ling Pedro Paiva Dzogchen Community Austria, www.association-dzogchen.org Secretary: Anna De Sole Tabasco #67 Rua Fernando Assis Pacheco Regions Helene Lafage [email protected] Arcidosso, 58031 GR, Italy (between Merida and Frontera streets) 2765-120 S. Joao de Estoril Oliver F. Leick Tel: 39 0564 96 68 37 Colonia Roma [email protected] Gschmaier 139, A-8265 Gr. Steinbach Germany Fax: 39 0564 96 81 10 Mexico City Tel & Fax: 03386-85 71 or 0676-322 13 65 Dzogchen Gemeinschaft Deutschland e.V. merigaroffi [email protected] Tel: (011 52 55) 5511 0550 Romania offi [email protected] c/o Helga Betz Merigar East Zhenphenling Yellow Gakyil: Carolyn Bass [email protected] Lindemannstr. 12 Merigar East Gakyil Dzogchen Community of Rome [email protected] D-40237 Düsseldorf [email protected] Via G. Miani 5 Red Gakyil: Angela Mijares Tel & fax 49 (0)211 68 26 57 Brazil 00154 Rome [email protected] Yellow: Ida Pazman Dzogchen Community of Brazil offi [email protected] Tel. 0039 06 57 30 03 46 Blue Gakyil: Monica Patiño [email protected] Lhundrubling www.dzogchen.de [email protected] [email protected] Red: Attila Frugyik Rua José Maria Lisboa, 860 – 9th fl oor Red gakyil: [email protected] Tel: 011 52 55 581 30315 [email protected] cj. 96 -Jardim Paulista Kunsalling Yellow gakyil: [email protected] 3A Cerrada de Juarez #33-1 Blue: Gabriella Schneider São Paulo – Capital – BRASIL Magasa – Parco Alto Garda Blue gakyil: [email protected] Colonia Tinajas Contadero [email protected] CEP: 01423-001 (Prov.Brescia) Mexico City 05370 [email protected] Shang Shung Edition: Fulvio Ferrari Ida Pazman [email protected] www.dzogchen.com.br [email protected] Tel: (+39) 0365 82 51 65 [email protected] Blue Gakyil: Otavio Lilla Montenegro Russian Federation Dubravka Velasevic Kunphenling – [email protected] Great Britain Amely Becker [email protected] 142500 Russia, Moscow region, Red Gakyil: Regina Marques Japan 15A Langdon Park Road Ms. Tsugiko Kiyohashi Pavlovskiy Posad, RUPS, a/ya 13, – [email protected] London N6 5PS 5-11-22-301 Shimomeguro BF Dostoyanie Yellow Gakyil: Heloísa Paternostro Nepal Tel: 020 8348 6253 Meguroku, Tokyo 153-0064 Vikki Floyd Secretary – [email protected] [email protected] Tel & fax (home): +81 3 3712 75 07 G.P.O. Box 8974 Tel: 7 096 43 211 56 www.redsandstonehill.net/dzogchen/ CPC 069 Tel: 7 095 740 79 98 Canada Latvia Thamel, [email protected] Peter Dimitrov, Vancouver Padmaling Res. Tel: 00977-1-427 01 06 Greece Rinchenling [email protected] Garabling Gertrudes 5a, Riga, LV-1010 (after 8.00 p.m.) Moscow Hellenic Dzogchen Community [email protected] vikkifl [email protected] Eve-Marie Breglia [email protected] Postal address: 7 Chryssopiliotissis st., 107 Armadale Ave. 10560 Athens, Greece Sangeling Toronto, ONT M65-3X3 Lithuania New Caledonia [email protected] Dorjeling As.Dzogchen NC St. Petersburg Tel: 416 767 5252 www.dzogchen.gr Lithuanian Community Dorjeling 63 rue Gervolino [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Nouméa Namseling www.dzogcenas.lt BP 13829 Nouméa 98803 Holland Baikal Dzogchen Community the Tel: (687) 24 16 69 Chile Algis Lukosevicius Contact person: Lorena Hume Netherlands [email protected] Architektu 176-44 Alexander Vyaznetskovtsev Marchant Pereira 1775 Postbox 11119 LT-04206 Vilnius [email protected] A-22-Providencia. Santiago 1001 GC Amsterdam Tel: +370-614-180 56 New Zealand Tel: 056-2-474-47 82 [email protected] New Zealand Dzogchen Community Samara DC. Mob: 56-9-91 38 14 30 www.dzogchen.nl PO Box 18-183 Contact person: Viktor Krecker [email protected] Luxembourg Glen Innes Auckland 1743 [email protected] Katia Lytridou [email protected] Hong Kong 5, rue Joseph Probst Tim Leung Cyprus L-6148 Junglinster Paora Joseph Serbia George S. Hadjipanayiotou [email protected] /ex Yugoslavia Tel. +352 366591 [email protected] Eleftherias Ave. 18, Chlorakas, 8220, Jelena Zagorcic [email protected] Pafos Gabrielle Kearney Vojvode Stepe 280 Tel: 0035 799 16 04 46, 0035 799 46 53 12, [email protected] 11000 Beograd 0035 7999 245 02 381 11 46 25 55 [email protected] [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007

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Ivana Radicevic Karaman Switzerland Dondrup Ling North Tashigar Gakyil: Elias Capriles Otona Zupancica 36 Swiss German Region Dzogchen Community West Coast [email protected] Apartado Postal 483 11070 Belgrade Peter Eisenegger 2748 Adeline St. Suite D Merida 5101 Pablo Lau Rivera Tel: 381 11 604115 Tel: 0041(0)419 17 02 45 Berkeley, CA 94703 Tel & Fax: +58 274 244 00 26 Lhundrubgar Pba. Res. Pedermales Av. @EUnet.yu [email protected] Tel: 510 644 2260 [email protected] or Paez Montalban II [email protected] [email protected] Swiss French Region 1021 Caracas www.dzogchencommunitywest.org Singapore Fabienne Rey-Duc Tel: 58 2 442 14 34 Merida Dzogchen Community Blue Gakyil: Shelley Han Tel: 0041(0)273 23 23 93 Dzogchen Community in Miami Fax: 58 2 34 06 43 Apartado Postal 483 [email protected] [email protected] Miami, Florida [email protected] Merida 5101 Red Gakyil: Chue Kum Kee [email protected] Fax: +58 274 244 00 26 [email protected] Swiss Italian Region www.dzogchenmiami.org Yellow Gakyil: Ringo Boon Julie Breukel Michel [email protected] Tel: 0041(0)917 30 99 91 Dominik Niceva [email protected] Tel: (1) 305-726-90 35 Slovenia [email protected] Peter Novak Canic start the Transmission Video at Taiwan Dzogchen Community of worldwide [email protected] Taipei (North Taiwan) the starting point of the part of New Mexico Frances Hsu transmission days the Anniversary of Garab Dorje. Josefa Candelaria Cell phone: 886-910 07 75 86 about the worldwide At that moment – worldwide – South Africa PO Box 90698 Darryl van Blerk [email protected] transmission students and newcomers start to Albuquerque, New Mexico 104 Park road practice this session of the Thun Kaohsiung (South Taiwan) Tel: (505) 440-41 12 Walmer Estate Newcomers who want to partici- together, which ends with the Peter Pan [email protected] 9725 Cape Town pate in the worldwide transmis- dedication of merits. [email protected] Tel: 27-21-447 01 29 Colorado sion must be truly interested in We wish you all a successful practice. Fax: 27-21-422 05 65 Lidian King the Teachings transmitted by Please contact your local Community [email protected] Thailand PO Box 1014 our Teacher, Chögyal Namkhai for details. Geoffrey Blake & Lynne Klapecki Crestone, CO 81131 Norbu Rinpoche, and practiced Spain 33 Soi Lang Suan – Ploenchit Rd Tel: 719 256 52 63 in our world wide Dzogchen Global Timetable Dzogchen Community, Spain Bangkok 10330 [email protected] Community. Participants in this Anniversary of Garab Dorje Apt. Postal 46220 Tel: 66 (0)2255-51 50 Transmission should try to re- Kundrolling 28028 Madrid Tel: 66 (0)2254-90 61 ceive Teachings from Rinpoche Wednesday February 20, 2008 New York City [email protected] in the future. After having re- 17:00 (-10) Hawaii Asociación Cultural de la 151 W. 30th St., #403, NYC ceived the Transmission, they 18:00 (-9) Fairbanks Comunidad Dzogchen de España Alex Souter Tel: 212-564 10 24 should also try to train and col- 19:00 (-8) San Francisco, Los Angeles, www.dzogchen.es Bangkok [email protected] laborate with the Sangha of the Vancouver Tel: 09 039 39 92 or 02 742 19 65 Yellow Gakyil: New York City Dzogchen Community International Dzogchen Com- 20:00 (-7) Denver, Salt Lake City, Yolanda Ferrándiz c/o Jane Fulton munity of Chögyal Namkhai Pagosa Springs, Edmonton [email protected] or Ukraine 220 East 72nd Street #20B Norbu Rinpoche. Originally, 21:00 (-6) Chicago, Mexico City [email protected] Kiev New York, NY 10021 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu had 22:00 (-5) New York, Conway, Rosa Forn [email protected] [email protected] the idea of a ‘Transmission at a Montreal, Atlanta, Detroit, Havana, [email protected] or Distance’ because he wanted to Kingston, Indiana polis, Ottawa, Donetsk Hawaii [email protected] help people in different situa- Lima, Quito, [email protected] Jerene Trinidad Ortega tions, who could not travel at that 23:00 (-4) Caracas, San Juan, 81-1081 Keopuka Mauka Rd. [email protected] or Karmaling time to meet the Teacher. The Bermuda Kealakekua Hi. 96750 [email protected] Kharkov Transmission will enable them 00:00 (-3) Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Tel: 808 323-9714 [email protected] to practice the Dzogchen Teach- Rio de Janeiro, Santiago [email protected] Red Gakyil: ings transmitted by Rinpoche Antonio Gómez USA Melinda Sacarob without needing direct contact Thursday February 21 2008 [email protected] or Tsegyalgar East 87-3139 Mamalahoa Hwy. with the Teacher at that time. 03:00 (0) GMT, London, Dublin, Lisbon [email protected] Oni McKinstry – Secretary Capt Cook Hawaii 96704 04:00 (+1) Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Carlos Jáñez P.O. Box 277 Tel: 808-328-94 73 Here is a summary of how the Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Copen- [email protected] or Conway, MA 01341 Live-Video-Empowerment works: hagen, Brussels, Geneva, Prague, Seattle Dzogchen Community [email protected] Tel: 413 369 41 53 To receive the World Wide Trans- Salzburg, Stockholm, Budapest, Tel: 425 822 50 80 Adela Moragas Fax: 413 369 44 73 mission, new students need to Vienna, Warsaw www.DzogchenSeattle.org [email protected] or [email protected] participate with an experienced 05:00 (+2) Helsinki, Athens, [email protected] Gakyil: [email protected] Portland, Oregon Dzogchen student who will host both the Ankara, Beirut, Jerusalem, Vilnius, www.tsegyalgar.org Community preliminary explanation as well Johannesburg Blue Gakyil: 4768 N. Girard St. as the actual practice well in ad- 06:00 (+3) Moscow, Murmansk, Anna Diogène Dzogchen Community of Alaska Portland, OR 97203 vance of the event. Baghdad, Kuwait City, Riyadh, [email protected] or Peggy Leslie [email protected] Hosts of Empowerments with Tashkent [email protected] PO Box 240063 http://portlanddzogchencommunity. the videotape should be members 08:00 (+5) Oddiyana, Islamabad Peter Guest Douglas, AK 99824 com of the International Dzogchen 08:30 (+5.5) Delhi, Bombay peterguest@fi lnet.es or Tel: 907-364-27 33 Community. 08:45 (+5.45) Kathmandu [email protected] Salem Oregon Dzogchen Community Pat Martin For new and interested per- 09:00 (+6) Dhaka Lella Guidotti [email protected] [email protected] PO Box 35805 sons, it is important to have 09:30 (+6.5) Rangoon or [email protected] Juneau, AK 99803 seen the explanation by Chögyal 10:00 (+7) Bangkok, Jakarta, Saigon Tel: 907-780-66 43 Venezuela Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche that 11:00 (+8) Singapore, Beijing, Lhasa, Tashigar Norte is also on the videotape, in ad- Manila, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Sweden Chicago Dzogchen Community Domenico Battista Rosa Altamarino – Secretary vance. They should also have the Taipei, Perth Gakyil: [email protected] Gillmarsvagen 130 Finca Tashigar possibility to clarify any doubts 12:00 (+9) Tokyo, Seoul Secretary: 12039 Arstva Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar about the practice on the video- 13:00 (+10) Brisbane, Vladivostok [email protected] Tel: 0046-8-604 94 78 Sector El Salado tape with some serious, dedi- 13:30 (+10.5) Adelaide Tel: 773 784 4168 Cell: 0046-70-721 52 76 Valle de Pedro González cated older students of Chögyal 14:00 (+11) Kamchatka, Melbourne, [email protected] [email protected] Isla de Margarita Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche be- Sydney www.dzogchenchicago.org Tel: 0058 295 258 03 32 fore the Empowerment. 15:00 (+12) Fiji Gakyil: [email protected] [email protected] Exactly at the given time (see 16:00 (+13) Wellington, Auckland www.tashigarnorte.org timetable) at your place, you

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, Merigar, Arcidosso, 58031 GR, Italy * Tel: 39 32 98 86 52 92 * Fax: 39 05 64-96 81 10 * [email protected] * * Editorial Staff: Naomi Zeitz, Tsegyalgar, Conway, MA, USA * Liz Granger, Merigar, Arcidosso, Italy * * Literary Editor: John Shane * * Advisors: Des Barry, Adriano Clemente, Anna Eid, Barbara Paparazzo, Jim Valby * * International Blue Gakyil Advisor: Fabio Andrico, International Publications Committee * * English Language Advisor: Liz Granger * * Layout & Design: Thomas Eifl er * * Web Site Managers: Thomas Eifl er, Malcolm Smith * * Printer: Turley Publications, Palmer, MA, USA * * Distribution: Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA, USA * * Subscription Rate/6 Issues: $35 US available through Tsegyalgar; 35 € through Merigar * * Visa and Master card welcome * * Online Mirror: www.melong.com * * All material © 2007 by The Mirror * * Reprint by permission only * * We reserve the right to edit all submissions. THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Review

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of pivotal retreats and visions, gods, he would sometimes send book review transcriptions of specifi c prayers disciples out to formally deliver and , as well these edicts with iron links and the compassionate work of as auspicious connections and blessed relics as gifts while so- TANGTONG GYALPO amusing mishaps when teaching liciting donations towards new his students. construction jobs. Imagine a carol cooper As in the best namthars* this civil servant and itinerant priest liberated saint is presented to cum philanthropist who sent us in all his human glory, with philosophical and sociological King of the Empty Plain: The glimpsed while going to work or a life full of situational ups and tracts like business proposals Tibetan Iron-Bridge Builder play. downs just as in the life stories to solicit funding and good will Tangtong Gyalpo Similarly, the religious (and of or . from the trust-fund set!! Translated & edited by Cyrus Stearns career!) biography of the Tibetan But because Tangtong Gyalpo Maverick promotional tech- for the Tsadra Foundation Series, tantric saint Tangtong Gyalpo is considered a “crazy wisdom” niques aside, contemporary ad- Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, N.Y. (1385–1464) exists as an inspira- adapt, his tale is a bit less sober vocates of right livelihood could 700 pages. Fall 2007. $ 49.95 tional reminder that work, social than those of his less antic peers. learn a lot from contemplating clothbound. service, and dharma practice nev- Here readers quickly discover the example of Tangtong Gyalpo. er have to be mutually exclusive. that what is truly great and hero- Most famously associated with e may not automati- Newly translated into English by truly impressed. Although nec- ic about any “great” or “heroic” his devotional practices towards cally equate engineers scholar/practitioner Cyrus Stea- essarily repaired periodically person, is that they always strive Avalokiteshvara, he prospered by Wand architects with rns, this book details the life of a through the centuries, many of towards perfection even while in dedicating everything he did to dharma practice, but the very meditation master who not only the original chain-link bridges imperfect circumstances. Expe- the welfare of others. Early in his nature of architecture and engi- performed miracles and taught still exist, spanning steep moun- riential knowledge of primordial career he recorded the ’s neering might logically require the dharma, but also designed tain ravines and fast-fl owing riv- truths won’t make the rest of the response to an aspiration prayer a contemplative turn of mind. and built many monasteries, stu- ers. Modern construction meth- dualistic world go away…it just he’d offered to the Lord of Com- It only makes sense to sit and pas, and iron-link suspension ods can barely improve upon his makes our attitude towards the passion: think awhile about constructing bridges throughout Tibet and templates, due to the inaccessi- dualistic world (and those still “Firmly build ferries and useful things that don’t easily neighboring lands. bility of many con struction sites. deluded by it) more workable and precious iron bridges on the fall apart – be it a tall building, Legend has it that Tangtong Described as a dark-skinned more compassionate. great rivers of the Land of a waterwheel, or a binding social Gyalpo’s dedication to public bearded with long white Stearns provides locations Snows, contract for the greater good of works projects began as a prac- hair whose rustic appearance and assessments of Tangtong and construct representations all sentient beings. tical consideration when a ferry- and unorthodox behavior often Gyalpo’s design portfolio as if of the enlightened body, History tells us that Jesus was boat operator – blinded by dual- provoked fear or derision among he were Frank Lloyd Wright or speech, and mind of the a carpenter. America’s found- istic perception – refused to carry the laypeople he tried to help, Richard Neutra. But on top of Conquerer, increasing the ing fathers were reputedly ini- the scruffy-looking yogi across a the adept’s unfl appable com- this material assessment, he of sentient beings tiated Masons (much like the fl ooded river. He began building passion in the face of ridicule also includes associated bits of of the degenerate age. master craftsmen who erected bridges the better to walk (for or even outright hostility can be myth, poetry, theological para- European cathedrals) and pre- free!!) to wherever he traveled seen as an even more remarkable bles, liturgical instructions, and “Fill all the vast country sumably applied metaphysical and taught; thereby improving achievement than his bridges. the complete text of a formal with the sound of the royal principals of cosmic geometry the transportation and commu- The current book is divided religious bio written in 1609 by six- syllable mantra of pure to the task of designing a new re- nication infrastructure of his into multiple sections including the master’s descendant Lochen awareness, public. In the West as well as the corner of the world. Labor and the translator’s introduction, Gyurmé. And yet Stearns admits the mere seeing, hearing, East, humans have long aspired money (including his own) had to give full consideration to the that his book comprises only a memory, to elevate their spirits through to be donated for these projects, diverse sources and aspects of portion of what has been writ- and touch of which shuts the elevating the physical and social and it is both a tribute to his per- the collected material. The fi rst ten by and about Tangtong Gyal- doors infrastructure of their commu- sonal charisma and the faith of half examines and compares po. Another volume could and to lower realms and shows nities. Thus the symbolic beauty regional monks, lay chieftains, biographical data, including the should be done collecting the the path to higher realms.” of the Empire State building and his own children (and legions issue of Gyalpo’s extended lifes- saint’s “edicts” or offi cial notes the harmonious symmetry of of invisible dharma protectors), pan. There are anecdotal chap- and declarations. the Brooklyn Bridge were always that so many were completed. ters detailing his encounters Originally written by the saint * A namthar is a life story of someone who meant to inspire New York resi- I saw a couple of these arti- with important teachers, daki- as memos to various monks, has attained enlightenment. dents to live better lives whether facts while in Bhutan, and was nis, and , descriptions kings, patrons, ministers and

Salvation Just in The rock at the place where the rivers meet at the Tsegyalgar is bigger than a big house, Bookstore! the colour of the earth and plants grow on it

And prayer fl ags cascade from its crown.

It begin as a pimple on a mud bank and then it was a momo, then a child’s head grew older and bigger as the rivers sank: Gawala: How Happy a gong, a sitting yak, a nomad tent, a house, a temple. Music by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Tenzing Tsewang Time is full now and it’s waiting, This fantastic CD includes live recordings of Chögyal an egg gathered round its germ. Namkhai Norbu playing fl ute melodies and singing suddenly it will crack and burst, in ancient traditional Tibetan folk songs along with Tenzin Tsewang’s wonderful singing and playing of wings will unfold from inside it, traditional Tibetan instruments. Highlight songs in- shimmering in the astonished air, clude the Namgyalgar Song and the Merigar Song! and a prince of light will soar Now available for $ 20 at the Tsegyalgar bookstore. raining jewels on the valleys. To get your copy email [email protected] or call (413) 369 – 4473. Rowena Hill

This poem is from a series of poems Rowena Hill wrote on a trip to Tibet in 2006. She is a poet and retired Professor of Literature at the University in Merida and lives between Merida and Margarita Island, Venezuela. THE MIRROR · No. 89 · November, December 2007 Memories and games

23 it all started in 1976 in subiaco aldo oneto translated by l. granger

Christine. Tomorrow “Look, he talked to me about we’re off to Rome!” words like tregchod, rigpa, etc., “Why Rome? We only opened and I didn’t understand a thing “the restaurant two days ago! but I’m sure that Namkhai What’s happening there?” Norbu’s going to transmit some- “Costantino called me today. thing special to us. Look, we’ve Namkhai Norbu’s decided to been having teachings and ini- give Dzogchen teachings and tiations from different lamas Laura’s rented a villa in Subiaco from various schools but I really on the outskirts of Rome for the think that for the little I know of occasion!” it that Dzogchen is a direct path, “I see. But have you thought it means ‘Great Perfection’. about what we’re going to do There are some Buddhist practi- with the restaurant?” tioners who’ve been in India and “We could ask one of our friends Nepal and found out that he is who does alternative cooking to considered to be a great Master. take over. Someone with a bit of They’ve asked him several times experience. After all, it’s only for to give teachings here in Italy.” a few days.” “ Yes, I think it is going to be namic Laura, smiling and wel- a lovely little girl who was a bit throne, picked a single cushion “So what shall we do?” something important, too.” coming us like a mother. We more timid. and sat down! He started to teach “Listen, I think it’s really worth “Of course it is. I had the good got settled and looked around. I After we’d all had lunch to- the nine breathings, the impor- making the effort. It’s impor- luck to see him in Rome about think that in total there were 20– gether and chatted a bit, we tried tance of Guru Yoga, the inter- tant to go to Subiaco – I have the six months ago at a meeting be- 25 people from different places to arrange a small throne with dependence between prana and feeling that Namkhai Norbu is tween H.H. the 16th Karmapa but mostly Milan, Rome and Na- cushions for him, like those for the mind, the nature of the mind an essential Master, someone and Pope Paul 6th when he was ples. Around one o’clock we saw Tibetan lamas. etc., and while he was talking a for us, who goes straight to the their interpreter. After that we a car arrive and a lanky athletic For this fi rst meeting most thought arose from my heart, heart of problems.” made a trip to Fiumicino airport man got out wearing jeans and a of the people came from differ- perhaps it was an intuition – we “Alright. I’ll see if I can fi nd in Rome together with Laura casual shirt. He came towards us ent Buddhist traditions such as have found an authentic Guide, a someone to take over the restau- Albini, Costantino and another gazing at us with magnetic eyes Karma-Kagyu, Drugpa-Kagyu, Root Master! And so for all of us rant.” person that I don’t remember. I and said hello. It was he! Nam- Gelugpa, Vipassana the greatest adventure, the only “Great! If we take a train this was so excited and had a strong khai Norbu Rinpoche! Then etc., and were very formal and adventure worth experiencing evening, as soon as we arrive feeling that sooner or later we his wife Rosa got out of the car conditioned by rituals. But when began. It was 24th June 1976 … tomorrow morning we’ll call we’d meet again!” and their two children, a little Namkhai Norbu came into the OM A HUM. someone in Rome and get a lift “OK. Let’s get organized.” boy with a mischievous air and small room, he moved the small to Subiaco. I know, I’ll call Ma- “You know, we really shouldn’t rio Cumbat, right away. Come miss this. Thanks Christina!” Share your old photos and memories of the early days with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. on. Let’s get our bags packed!” And so the day after, in the Please send photos and stories to [email protected] or [email protected] “But what did Costantino tell late morning, freshly arrived at Thank you, you?” the villa, we were met by the dy- The Mirror Staff

hare. The person who is the hunt- his two counters to move, al- The aim of the game: the wins if he manages to take one ‘yakra’ or er uses the two counters that are ways and only in one section at a hunter wins when he manages to of the hunter’s two starting posi- the same and places them at the time. For example, he can move a catch the hare on the point of the tions (A or B) (fi g. 5). ‘the yak’s horn’ corners of the base of the horn counter from A to point C or D, if horn, blocking any other move adriana dal borgo (fi g. 1, white counters). The hare the hare does not take the place. by the hare (fi g. 4). The hare puts his/her counter as in fi g. 1 Or he can move from position B Here is another entertain- (black counter). up to C (fi g. 3). The hunter can ing game that Rinpoche taught In turn, the hare and the us that we can enjoy and, at the hunter move a counter one seg- same time, test our fl exibility ment at a time, in any direction, and ability to modify our game backwards and forwards, along strategies according to the cir- the inner and outer parts of the cumstances. horn. You need: the outline of a The hare makes the fi rst move horn drawn on a piece of paper, of the game and has to ‘run away’ as in fi g. 1. Two similar counters from the hunters. The hare has and another of a different color two possibilities: he can move or form (you can use coins, dif- from his initial position (C) up ferent colored counters, etc.). to point D or E (fi g. 2). At this At the beginning of the game the two players choose who will be the hunter and who will be the The rhythm of the game should be fast and non-stop. At the end of each game the players can change roles and play again, only move one counter at a time. trying out different strategies. Then it is the hare’s turn to Try not to think too much run away, moving one section at about each move and to learn a time. And they take turns like from the experience; if you have this. been the hunter or hare and have lost the game, try some different moves and perhaps things will change …

point it is the hunter’s turn. First of all he has to choose which of 24 how i met chögyal namkhai norbu gino vitiello

n 1974 and I was 24 years old and of sulphur. Near the entrance there was a studying medicine with Pino, Adriano small statue of St. Gennaro in a niche in IClemente’s older brother. We had the wall. known each other for seven years because When we went inside I was amazed: it we’d lived near the same police station in was the most simple house I had ever seen, Naples. almost poor. An oriental-looking man of Adriano was sixteen and went to high an undefi ned age – perhaps very young, school. He was interested in Eastern phi- perhaps not – was explaining something I losophy, I was interested in Western, and didn’t understand to some young people. kindness, this was how I came to sample That summer there was also the fi rst every so often we would compare the dif- Later on I recognized it as the practice of tsampa and momos. offi cial retreat in Prata, about 60 km from ferent points of view. Vajrasattva. I would go back home with a strange Naples. Once again I had to face all my re- Even if people say that those are the When he fi nished his explanation he feeling of lightness or of agitation. Every- sistances. I waited for the last days of the best years of one’s life, for me they were gently turned towards me – who was there thing seemed to be so simple when I was retreat before deciding to go. I arrived in the worst. Besides the loss of those close without really knowing why – and he said near him. The rest of my life, however, the afternoon but didn’t see anyone. In to me, I was searching for a path to fol- something to me that I don’t remember. was not. Something attracted me strongly the distance there was a beautiful song low but didn’t fi nd one. I wasn’t cheerful However, I do remember that I started but I tried to resist. Why should I follow a accompanied by a harmonium – it was the or happy. to talk to him about the truth, quoting teaching so distant from everything that Song of the Vajra and up to that moment I One day Adriano told me that he had St. Augustine, while he listened patiently I knew; couldn’t philosophy, Christian- had never heard it. I felt a sort of twinge of met a Tibetan lama who taught at the Ori- to me. When I had fi nished my lesson, he ity, psychology give me the answers I was sadness for having lost something so im- ental Institute in Naples and who lived in said simply, “The truth is that now we are looking for? portant. Pozzuoli. An interesting person, he said, going to have a cup of tea” and he got up In 1977 I fi nished university and fi nally The days that followed were extremely and he wanted me to meet him. and went to the kitchen to make it. had more free time. I started to practice intense. I started to enter another dimen- I knew very little about Tibet. In my I remember that moment perfectly, it Yantra Yoga and Rinpoche started to give sion of reality, which I had not known up imagination it was a mysterious land that was a bit of a shock: I was there reciting his fi rst teachings at the center where we to that time. It was diffi cult but for the aroused my curiosity and attracted me. We what I had learned from books and he was met. The fi rst time I heard him speak in fi rst time it was really mine. knew practically nothing of the culture of bringing me back to the here and now, to public about Dzogchen he said that it is Today I do not know how my life would Tibet and the tragedy of its people. the unique concrete reality of the moment. not a religion, nor a philosophy but rather have been without that meeting and I’m Pozzuoli is about 15 km from Naples While I was waiting for the tea I thought, knowledge of one’s real nature; it is not not even interested in knowing. Contin- and we needed a car to get there. I had a “This is a really interesting person and it’s necessary to accept or reject anything in ually facing the limits of my ego, of my Fiat 500, it was a small car but a car any- worth getting to know him better”. order to follow it and when we understand distraction and mental obscuration I am way. And it all started like this. For a couple the essence of it, we also understand the trying to realize something and to collab- We went to meet the lama one after- of years I went to see him from time to meaning of all the other teachings. And orate as best I can. I have faith in the com- noon – I don’t remember the month but time. Sometimes I stayed for dinner with once again I had another little shock but passion of the Master because this meet- perhaps it was in the springtime or at the him, Rosa and their two children who this time all the pieces of the puzzle were ing has no end. beginning of the summer. His house was were just old enough to go to school. Al- magically in their places – I had found close to Solfatara and there was the smell most stupefi ed for so much spontaneous what I was looking for. upcoming retreats Italy October 31–November 3 with CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU Merigar West Practice and Teaching dedicated >> continued from page 1 August 11–18 to those who have died Canada Teaching Retreat Spain Toronto Open Webcast November 14–20 desde el sur July 4–6 Kalmykia Barcelona Retreat fi ne jewelry and Dzogchen Teaching Retreat vajra dance shoes September 8–15 Brazil Romania Dzogchen Teaching Retreat November 26–30 Merigar East Open Webcast Brazil Retreat July 14–20 Italy Teaching Retreat Merigar West Argentina December 5–8 tel: Open Webcast September 26–October 3 0054 351 488 09 94 Dzogchen Teaching Retreat Buenos Aires Weekend Retreat July 21–24 email: Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Exam October 6–9 Tashigar Sur [email protected] July 25–31 Santi Maha Sangha III Level Exam December 26–January 1 cordoba, argentina Dzogchen Teaching Retreat Santi Maha Sangha Level I Training October 10–17 adriana battisti designer Santi Maha Sangha IV Level Training Open Webcast

Shang Shung Edizioni New Video Journal available! The Book of the Tun and Issue 14 the Ganapuja The 14th issue of the Video Journal is out. This new edition of the Tun This issue covers the period from March to Book contains the Tibetan the end of June 2007 and it was fi lmed in and English text of the dif- Margarita, Merigar West and Merigar East. ferent Tuns (Short, Medium, There are many interesting stories told Long), Ganapujas (Simple, by our Master and a detailed description Short, Medium, Long), the In- of the work done in Tashigar Norte for the vocation of the Lamp, and the Drubchen Retreat. Namkha and Lungta practices. Moreover it contains many color il- lustrations regarding the different visualizations, , Masters, We would like to remind you that the yearly Deities and Guardians of these practices and fi nally contains the subscription costs 100 Euro for 4 issues. instructions for playing the bell and the drum, including the posi- tion of the drum according to the required action. For information on how to subscribe please write to: [email protected] Available in the webshop http://shop-it.shangshunginstitute.org from December 3rd. We thank you and wish you all a wonderful holiday season.