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Home , Chime Rinpoche, Jigdal Dagchen Sakya, Mandala, Palden Lhamo, Prayer wheel, Sakya Monastery

May the radiant flower of Tibetan Tradition be preserved for the benefit o f all beings.

SakyaFall 2009 - Fall 2010 ChroniclSakya 's Annual Newsletter Table of Contents

Prayer Consecration Ceremony 2

HHJDS Trip to MN & NY 3

Long Life Ceremony 4

Crab Release Ceremony 4

Teachings from Ven. Wheel Consecration Ceremony, July 3, 2010 Tashi and Kathog 5 Welcome to the new edition of the Jigdal Dagchen and H.E. Zaya Rinpoche’s Trip to Sakya Chronicles! In this issue, you Dagmo Kusho Sakya's long life; an Dzongar 6 will learn about many notable extensive Long Life Tenshug events and activities of the past year ceremony for the longevity of Vajrapani Fire Puja 7 and a half. Travel with His Holiness H.H.J.D. Sakya; H.H.J.D. Sakya's on a teaching and entourage's visit to Minnesota Interview: Reggie Ray 8 tour of East Asia and South Asia. and New York to pray for the Experience the glorious Golden Tibetans who suffered from the 9 Jubilee event in , , a tragic earthquake in East ; the celebration to honor the 50th elaborate consecration of our new The Golden Jubilee 10 Anniversary of His Holiness Sakya 32 prayer ; HHJDS’s Teachings in Taiwan Trizin's leadership. Learn more and the awesome Vajrapani fire and Hong Kong 12 about the Dzongsar Institute in puja at the Center , through the eyes of His at Earth Sanctuary. Excerpt: Eminence Zaya Rinpoche, who Entryway to the 15 went on his first visit in 2010. You will also find photos of our annual camping trip, a profile on Annual Camping Trip 19 Our has been fortunate to longtime volunteer, member and have many wonderful teachers and current president, David Volunteer Profile 20 come visit, including Sogyal Spiekerman and many other David Spiekerman Rinpoche, Dr. Reggie Ray, Lama features we hope you will enjoy. Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Rinpoche, Int'l Conference on 21 and Lama Tashi Rinpoche to name - Adrienne Chan Why & How to Support 22 a few. Co-Executive Director the Monastery Articles about religious activities include: releasing of crabs for H.H.

108 NW 83rd Street, Seattle, WA 98117 Tel: (206) 789-2573 Website: www.sakya.org Email: monastery @sakya.org

Pater hoc auens non potuit filium arguere ulteus H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya's Trip to Minnesota & New York 2010 Project The immeasurable benefits of the Prayer Wheel are best summed up in the words of A U D I E N S Shakyamuni Buddha who said, “Turning the prayer wheel is better than listening, reflecting, and meditating for eons.” Lama Migmar prepares for the consecration ceremony on July 3, By Mia Juntara, David Spiekerman, and called "Verses for the Groups of 8 Noble 2010. Chuck Pettis Auspicious Ones."

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya saw the The Monastery has been through many The practitioner spins the Prayer Wheel virtuous benefit of expanding the changes over the years, each project thereby increasing the power of Monastery’s prayer wheel assembly to building upon the last, aligning with His concentration on the and allow more people to spin them and Holiness’ ultimate vision for the . increasing the field, which is in turn expand the merit field. Given that the Every aspect of building for the gonpa is a used to dedicate merit to other beings. of the Prayer Wheel is original meritorious activity, involves skill, The Prayer Wheel is used to harness and unbroken, the benefit is enormous. precision, of other sentient meditative focus on compassion. beings, and meditative concentration. The new prayer wheels were made by Some Benefits of Using a Prayer Wheel Tibetan artisans from , Nepal. What is a prayer wheel? They are made of copper with the • The Meditational Deities, mantra, “ Ah Hung Guru Padma A Prayer Wheel is a meditational object , and Dharma Protectors Hung” pressed clearly into the consisting of an enclosed metal cylinder help us when we turn a prayer copper. Inside each prayer wheel, there imprinted with , auspicious wheel. are 100,000 reiterations of symbols and deity images, which turn on • Turning the prayer wheel has the the same Padmasambhava mantra. When an axis. When turned the wheel spins power to quickly bless and the prayer wheels arrived, they were quickly, and it is thought that this action guard you stored in the temple. Knowing that they invokes the intended deity mantra, sends • Turning this wheel with great were there kept the project moving blessings in all directions, and expands remorse and confession will urgently along the sangha anxiously the merit field of the practitioner. If there eliminate the five actions of awaited the moment at which they would are multiple wheels turning at once the immediate retribution, the four finally be unveiled. merit field is increasing in manifold heavy (bad deeds), the eight dimensions and this is why having Prayer wrong views, and the ten non- The new prayer wheels were installed at Wheels at the monastery is of profound virtues. by a crew of volunteers importance. • If you turn the wheel by hand, lead by one of His Holiness’ longtime whoever sees you turning the practitioners, John Vichorek, Lodro Prayer Wheels in Tibet were made in a wheel, touches you or the Zangpo. John is the Monastery’s variety of sizes, styles, and materials. The wheel, remembers you or the construction manager and is responsible larger ones often surround wheel, is struck by the shadow for the craftsmanship and metal work that and . Prayer wheels must be made of you or the wheel, will never has gone into this and many other under the guidance and direction of a go to the three lower realms and projects at the Monastery. Lama and are then blessed and will be established on the stage consecrated. HH Jigdal Dagchen Sakya of . In a ceremony led by H.H. Dagchen has guided this project definitively from • Any man or woman who turns Jigdal Sakya and esteemed lamas, the start to finish. the wheel will obtain whatever glorious 32 Padmasambhava prayer they wish for that is in harmony wheels were consecrated in a ceremony How are prayer wheels used by with the Dharma. on July 3, 2010. In preparation for the practitioners? ceremony, a single strand of red cord (symbolizing power) was strung from His Holiness's throne table in the Shrine Sakya Monastery is seeking donations to help defer the costs of Room, through the far-east window of the Monastery and was carefully placed so the Prayer Wheel Project. Donors will have their name listed on that it touched each of the 32 prayer wheels outside. After the guru was plaques displayed near the and prayer wheels. You may “connected” to the prayer wheels, the also donate on behalf of or in memory of a loved one. Donating initial blessing ceremony began in the Shrine room and lasted for 3 hours. is not only a way to increase merit, but is also a way to help Immediately following the blessing preserve the art, culture, and teachings of Ancient Tibet. ceremony, His Holiness and the lamas moved outside and His Holiness led the actual consecration. The consecration ceremony concluded with the recitation To make a donation, please go to www.sakya.org/donate of the prayer for increasing goodness

2 "On the first day following our arrival (in New York), H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche gave a transmission of to 140 eager Tibetan children. Chenrezi and dedication of merit followed in the afternoon. As an to Dagchen Rinpoche, the children sang some Tibetan songs including that of the Tibetan National Anthem. Dagchen Rinpoche in turn blessed each child. Many were moved to tears."

Teachings in Minnesota prayers for over 1000 people. Following the initiation, Rinpoche gave a lecture on and New York, 2010 the importance of preserving Tibetan dharma and . Dagmo Kusho then gave a talk in Tibetan and By Venerable Yeshi Gyatso English, expressing her sympathy for Transcribed and Edited by Cynthia Lim those who are suffering from the earthquake in Yushu and the benefit that Upon invitation, H.H. Jigdal Dagchen will come from prayers by people of all Rinpoche, accompanied by H.E. Dagmo religions around the world. Kusho, Venerable Jampa, Venerable Lama Migmar and I visited It is to be noted as well, that nearly every Sakya Thupten Dargye Ling in Minnesota free moment Rinpoche gave private on June 4, 2010. When our party arrived, audiences and advised many people who Khenpo Kalsang Gyaltsen and the local visited the hotel. At last, on June 14, Tibetan community gave warm greetings Dagchen Rinpoche, along with his monk and presented us all with white khatas . attendants, consecrated the dharma We had beautiful accommodations in the center of the lama, Tsewang downtown area of Minneapolis. Rinpoche, in the Fleshing area of New York. The consecration was followed by On June 6, Dagchen Rinpoche gave a a dharma lecture for members. Buddha Amitayus and Hayagriva long life initiation. On the evening of June 14, Rinpoche was interviewed on Manhattan Cable There was much preparation and H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Television, speaking of the tragedies of excitement in the air on the morning of the earthquake victims in Tibet as well as June 7, when Rinpoche performed the performed a fire puja for those relaying events of his personal life in consecration of the new Sakya Dharma who died in the Tibetan earthquake. Tibet. center. That afternoon, many people Victims of the earthquake received received Rinpoche’s blessings through blessings when their names, written on All of us departed New York City on the individual audiences. pieces of paper, were burned at the evening of June 15 with fond memories conclusion of the puja. of our whirlwind trip to both Minnesota We then made our way to New York. and New York. We landed at Sea-Tac The Nagchen Nyennga Society had On June 13, Dagchen Rinpoche airport a few hours later and together invited Dagchen Rinpoche to perform performed prayers followed by returned to Sakya Monastery. special prayers for the earthquake victims dedication of merit and Kunrik/Monlam of Yushu, Tibet. Our group was greeted at the airport by Paltul Rinpoche and many Tibetans offering khatas.

On June 11, our group met at ‘Tibet House’ (founded by ). The Tibet House displays an array of Tibetan artifacts, some of which are quite ancient. We were all happy to meet our old friends in New York City and although New York is busy, we found it quite interesting. Khenpo Pema requested a Chenrezi initiation on behalf of his center and the Tibetan community. Dagchen Rinpoche, attended by Sakya Monastery monks, performed the initiation.

Dagchen Rinpoche, on June 12, Minnesota Tibetan Buddhist Community 3 Crab Release Ceremony, Tenshug, Long Life Ceremony April 20, 2010 for H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya By Teresa Lamb The sun was brilliant, the sky crystal By Venerable Khenpo Jampa Tenphel Rinpoche that he may live long. Offerings clear and there was only a slight chill Translated by Tsering Gaga and Laura Ellis were made first by the Sakya family, in the air. What an absolutely perfect followed by Kathog Rinpoche, Lama Tashi day for an animal release ceremony in On Saturday June 20th, and Sunday, June Rinpoche , Taiwan Sakya Center honor of His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen 21st, a Tenshug Puja (ceremony) was held President, Sonam Yangkyi, Sakya Sakya's and Her Eminence Dagmo for H.H. Sakya Gongma Dagchen Monastery board members, Tibetan Kusho’s long lives. Rinpoche's long life was held at Sakya Association of Washington members, and Monastery. Sakya Monastery members. The event was organized by Venerable Tulku Yeshe, with help and assistance Prayers began on Saturday with lamas from Kristine Honda. Sangha and monks performing White Tara prayers members were invited to join in this (Drolkar Yishin Norbu). Those in wonderful event, whether in person, or attendance included: H.E. Dagmo with a donation toward the purchase Jamyang, Kathog Rigzin Chenpo of crabs for release by the Monastery. Rinpoche, Ven. Tulku Yeshi, Ven. Khenpo And boy, did the donations come in! Jampa Tenphel, Lama Tashi (Dagchen We were able to set 185 crabs free that Rinpoche's representative at his center in day!!!! Taiwan; Taiwan Dechen Choling Gi Filius ergo cum magna solennitate eam in Gutsa), Lama Migmar and Lama Tenzin. The event began early Saturday uxorem duxit et in pace vitam finivit Venerable Khenpo Jampa was the main morning. H.H.J.D. Sakya Rinpoche, chant leader, Dorje . Sadu Rinpoche and his family, H.E. Dagmo Kusho, Venerable Tulku Yeshi, Prayers continued on Sunday, Father's Larry Lamb, Allan Crouch, Valerie Venerable Khenpo Jampa, Venerable Day. Again, lamas and monks performed Crouch, Virginia Hassinger Lama Migmar, Chime Tenzin, along the long life practice and with music and with sangha members and volunteers, incense, "invited" H.H. Dagchen Venerable Tulku Yeshi then read a passage joined together on a lovely beach in Rinpoche, "Turner of the Dharma Wheel," from Dagchen Rinpoche's autobiography. the vicinity of Anacortes to release the to enter the shrine room with music and This was followed by the formal request captive crabs. These beings received incense. The Sakya Dhungseys, Jetsunmas for Rinpoche to live long, performed by not only a second chance to live but and all Sakya Dagmos were also invited Venerable Khenpo Jampa. Rinpoche many, many wonderful auspicious to enter the shrine room. Together with replied that because of the pure blessings! patrons, Larry and Teresa Lamb, and intentions of disciples' request, and Sakya Monastery members and friends, because of their prayers and devotion, by Dagchen Rinpoche's and Dagmo Dagchen Rinpoche was welcomed to his that power he said that he will live long. Kusho’s long life prayers were recited, lion throne. as well as the Aspiration of The Tenshug overall went very well and Samanthabadra prayer. As we went With purity of body, speech and mind, was blessed with auspicious signs and down to the edge of the water to offerings were made to Dagchen good fortune. release these very fortunate little beings, we could hear mantras being chanted by Dagchen Rinpoche from the embankment. It was truly an auspicious blessing for all creatures in the area.

At first, the crabs were very slow to move, but the supplier had let us know in advance that they would need time to get used to the water. Once they did, they began to move quite quickly. When I approached one crab in particular he actually raised his claws up at me like fists, in self-defense, but after I told him I would not hurt him, he paused for a minute, dropped his claws down and scooted sideways into the water.

On behalf of Sakya, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this wonderful Dharma activity!!

Sakya Phuntsok Phodrang Jetsunmas and Dagmos 4 Prayer Wheel Consecration Ceremony, July 3, 2010. From Left to Right: Ven. Chime Tenzin, Ven. Lama Migmar, Ven. Lama Tashi, Ven. Khenpo Jampa, Ven. Tulku Yeshi, and Kathog Rinpoche and ritual master of the Sakya , to Venerable Lama Tashi create 15 exquisitely designed butter Sakya Monastery deeply appreciates the sculptures () for the main and kind teachings of Kathog Rigzin Chenpo and Kathog Rigzin the shrine. This year H.H.J.D. Rinpoche and Venerable Lama Tashi. Sakya requested Lama Tashi to replace the Furthermore, we were blessed with their Chenpo Rinpoche incredibly blessed and well-preserved 12- presence as they were able to join our year-old tormas with new tormas. Lama lamas in three very auspicious Visit Sakya Monastery Tashi graciously agreed and artfully celebrations: the June 20th and 21st created not only the original 15 tormas, Tenshug Ceremony for H.H.J.D. Sakya’s By Adrienne Chan but also an additional 30 tormas. The 35 Long Life; the July 3rd consecration new tormas were placed on the main ceremony for our 32 new prayer wheels; From June 15th to July 21st, 2010,the altar, the Mahakala, , and and the July 11th Celebration of His Monastery was honored to host two White Mahakala shrines. The tormas Holiness the ’s 74th Birthday. lamas from Taiwan: Venerable Lama ranged in heights from a “fist high” to Tashi (Lama Tashi) and Kathog Rigzin “elbow to finger tip high." Each Chenpo Rinpoche (Kathog Rinpoche). was intricately decorated; some had Lama Tashi is HH Jigdal Dagchen Sakya’s rosette flora designs, eyes, representations representative at Tsechen Thupten Dekyi of jewels (norbu) etc. Lama Tashi is Choling, Taipei, Taiwan. Accompanying indeed a superb sculptor. Additionally, he Lama Tashi was Chen Shih-fang, is an accomplished Sakya ritual master. President of Tsechen Thupten Dekyi On July 2nd, he gave an excellent Choling. teaching on the White Mahakala practice (puja). Kathog Rinpoche is the head master of Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Dharma In July, the Monastery members also Association in Taiwan, with branches in received profound Dharma teachings From left to right: Kathog Rinpoche, France and Singapore. Elisa Chi, from Kathog Rinpoche, master lama of President of Kathog Rigzin Chenpo the sect. He bestowed a Ven. Lama Tashi, Ven. Khenpo Jampa, Dharma Association, joined the visit at Padmasambhava Initiation and also taught and Ven. Tulku Yeshi. Seattle, June the beginning of July. the following: "How to Prepare for the 2010. Moment of Death and the ", Dana Twelve years ago, Sakya Monastery Kosha (Tsok Kor) and (the invited Lama Tashi, accomplished lama central teachings of the Nyingma Sect). 5 My First Trip To the Dzongsar Institute

By Dhungsey Zaya Sakya

On the 26th of February 2010 at 7:00 am, Their Eminences Dhungsey Avikrita Rinpoche, Dhungsey Abhaya Rinpoche, Jetsun Chime-la, Dagmo Kusho, Dagmo Lhanze, Mangtho-la,Yangsik, his students Edward Wong and Mrs. Lam from Hong Kong, and teachers, attendants and Dzongsar College myself departed from the New Delhi Phodrang in a four car caravan. Our caravan in awe. We encountered what along with a variety of other modern destination was Dzongsar Institute, where seemed to be a zoo parade with all types appliances and grounds. Right after lunch H.E. Dhungsey Avikrita Rinpoche will be of animals such as camels, elephants and we all went to pay respect to Jamyang studying under the instruction of H.E. flocks of sheep.As we neared Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro's memorial stupa Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Khenpo along the road to Chauntra, we were at Khyentse Rinpoche's residence in Bir, Jamyang Losal, Khenpo Choying Dorjee received with a grand reception of about about 3 kms from Dzongsar College. and all of the Dzongsar . 75 people offering the traditional Khatas Dagmo Kusho made a special trip to be and lit incense. Our caravan now swelled On 02/28/2010 at 9:00 am we attended to about 30 miscellaneous vehicles and the welcome ceremony at the several motorcycles, many in the lead magnificent prayer hall of the Dzongsar waving colored khatas announcing our Main Temple, also attended by Khentse arrival and paving a path through the Rinpoche, many Khenpos and around miscellaneous traffic of vehicles and 500 monks. Here, H.E. Dhungsey assorted animals for our ever-growing Avikrita Rinpoche, H.E. Dhungsey group. Abhaya Rinpoche and myself were honored by Dzongsar Khentse Rinpoche, This reminded me of the tales my parents, each of us recieving Mandala offerings Dagchen Rinpoche and Dagmo-la, often per Tibetan tradition. told me as a youngster about the Bir Tibetan Resettlement Communities. Only H.E. Dhungsey Abhaya Rinpoche now the horses and hand carried represented our Phuntsok Phodrang and palanquins were replaced by modern made the Mandala offering to H.E. H.E. Avi Rinpoche, H.E. Zaya SUV's and motorcycles. We arrived Dhungsey Avikrita Rinpoche. Jetsun Rinpoche, H.E. Abhaya Rinpoche, and amidst all the pomp and splendor Chime-la and Mangtho-la, and Lama Dagmo Lhanze afforded royalty and I was humbled by Kantsao Yangsik and his members also the fact Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche was made Mandala offerings to H.E. able to represent H.H. Dagchen the first to greet us once we entered the Dhungsey Avikrita Rinpoche. My mother, Rinpoche and the Sakya family in seeing Grand Dzongsar College Campus main Dagmo Kusho made the Mandala Avikrita Rinpoche, her grandson, off to gates. This brought to mind the Late offering to Khyentse Rinpoche. It was college for higher . Jetsun Venerable Khenpo Kunga Wangchuk, the quite humbling and exciting at the same Chime-la, my Aunt, and Mangtho-la also College founder and a highly revered time. I had the honor of handing out came all the way from Seattle to attend Sakya master. It was his vision to build the certificates to those students who had Avikrita Rinpoche’s welcome at magnificent Dzongsar Institute for Higher excelled at their respective studies for the Dzongsar. Our caravan drove along Studies, a legacy he wanted to continue year 2009. mostly safe roads for about nine hours from Dzongsar, Tibet, in honor of his staying one night at the Suvhida Palace lama Chokyi Lodro Rinpoche. He passed I also was fortunate to be the first to open Hotel in Una where we were recieved by away in May 2008 during the 2008 the latest edition of the annual magazine Dzongsar College Khenpo Sonam and teachings by H. H. , book which has many commentaries and Lama Wangchug. perfectly timing his passing into poems written by the students who reside right after the teachings. My only regret is here, as well as details of the events of On 02/27/2010 at 6:00 am, we left for not having had the chance to meet such a the past year. Dzongsar Khyentse Dzongsar Chokyi Lodro’s College, driving great Master. However, I am happy Rinpoche bid us all well as he left to give for about four hours, occasionally having knowing that my own son, Dhungsey afternoon teachings, leaving us all to beautiful snow capped Himalayan Avikritar Rinpoche is partaking in that finally rest and recoup. mountains reveal themselves as we vision by studying here. entered the richest state in India - the On 03/01/2010 at 6:00 am we had a Punjab. Known for its colorful head garb, We had lunch with Dzongsar Khyentse three vehicle caravan trek three hours (a immense land and harvested crops that Rinpoche and rested, amazed by the short time compared to others) to a very feed . We were fortunate to have enormity of the grounds and beautiful Holy Site called Tso Pema where Guru scenic peaks at the everyday lifestyles of landscaping. They have solar panels atop Padmasambhava was born and the locals who often gazed at our vehicle the roofs and filtered water everywhere performed many miracles. We went first Continued on page 8... 6 Vajrapani Fire Puja The Vajrapani Fire Puja, presided over by His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinpoche, was held on February 7th, 2010 at the Tara Retreat Center on Whidbey Island.

to the misty rain coming down, reflective moment for all those some not so traditional tarps were participating. Even for those who set up for participants. were not able to attend in person, they were also able to experience Dagchen Rinpoche arrived, taking the transformative effects of this Fire his place inside the Tibetan tent with puja. H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Dhungsey Sadu Rinpoche at his side. Dagchen Rinpoche’s By Teresa Lamb wonderfully powerful presence was felt throughout the entire area. This traditional Fire Puja is Dagchen Rinpoche, Sadu Rinpoche, beneficial on many levels; for and Her Eminence Dagmo Kusho, fulfilling wishes, removing along with the monks began the obstacles, improving health and recitation of the prayers, including increasing merit and wealth. The prayers to clear the rain! By the blessings of the Puja can also beginning of the Fire Puja the rain stabilize one’s meditative had, indeed, stopped! concentration and improve one’s spiritual practice. The smoke from As Dagchen Rinpoche, now Ven. Tulku Yeshi the fire itself is charged with emanating as and wearing vibrations that travel for miles the Heruka crown, began the creating peace and harmony in the prayers, the space we occupied world. began to change. As we continued to make offerings to the fire deities, For the deceased it is a wonderful the area became charged with way to purify negative karma and energy from the power of attain higher . Participants Rinpoche’s prayers. were asked to bring either a photo or the written name of the deceased. Auspicious signs abounded. Within Those who were unable to attend the flames, many saw Dagchen were still able to participate by Rinpoche’s face appear, others saw giving offerings and names and Vajrapani waving his arms. Time Lama Lodru, Lama Migmar, Ven. photos of deceased loved ones to seemed to stand still suspended in Khenpo Jampa, Ven. Tulku Yeshi the Monastery before the event. this circle, and a deep connection between the participants was On behalf of Monastery friends and The morning of the fire puja, the created there. members who attended the puja, Sakya Monastery monks, Tulku we are immensely grateful to His Yeshi, Khenpo Jampa, and Lama The offerings of dried fruits, honey, Holiness Dagchen Rinpoche for this Migmar began preparations for H.H. barley, rice, oil, kusha grass, black great and wonderful gift and for his Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinpoche’s and white sesame seeds, noodles, infinite kindness and blessings. We arrival at Earth Sanctuary fresh and dried flowers, continued would also like to thank Dhungsey (www.earthsanctuary.org). The sand until there were no more to offer. Sadu Rinpoche, Her Eminence mandala was constructed, which With prayers continuing, the names Dagmo Kusho, Ven. Tulku Yeshi, serves as the foundation for the fire, and photos of the deceased were Ven. Khenpo Jampa, Lama Migmar as well as a space for the fire deities placed into the fire. and Lama Lodro, Adrienne Chan, to reside during the puja. A Chuck Pettis, Celia Sullivan, Heidi beautiful traditional Tibetan tent was This was a very personal moment, Oman, and all who assisted and set up for Dagchen Rinpoche. Due and a very transformative and participated in any way. 7 ...My First Trip to Dzongsar, continued Excerpt: Interview with Reggie Rae from page 6 Dr. Reginald Ray, writer and Buddhist scholar, presented a lecture at Sakya to the cave where Guru Rinpoche Monastery on “” on January 27th, 2010. We are meditated and were amazed and pleased very thankful to Reginald Ray for generously sharing with us his time, his to meet around sixty kind Nuns who knowledge and wisdom. Below are excerpts from his interview with opened their hearts to us once atop one Michael Schwagler. For the full text, please go to our online edition of the of the many arduous hilltops we climbed. Chronicles and download the pdf. We performed a Tsok offering in one of the caves Guru Padmasambhava stayed in for many years and left photos of my MS. The main thing I gathered from your later you can do some of these other parents, H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche and talk last night is that in order to be things and their enhancements of formless Dagmo-la. Once word of the Sakya Buddhist you have to practice. What practice, but not in the beginning. Dhungseys’ arrival became known, further comments can you add to this? droves of Tibetan pilgrims came out of The other thing I was told is to practice an nowhere to be blessed. RR. I’m an historian; that’s my training. hour a day and if you do that you will My academic training is the history of make the journey. You will change. You On 03/02/2010 we were in a swirl of religions and one of my special areas is will transform. activity as the Dolma Phodrang's very . And what we learn Gyalyum Kusho arrived for lunch. Back at from the study of the earliest Buddhist MS. Last night you were discussing the Dzongsar College we took a tour of the tradition is what Buddhism first was and benefits that Buddhism could bring to the beautiful College Campus Grounds, the most essentially was: the practice of masses. How it can bring more love to huge libraries, the traditional class rooms, meditation and what it leads to. And it’s people. How we can develop the hollow the luscious gardens and we also saw that simple. self – and fill that with love and those sorts where H.E. Dhungsey Avikrita Rinpoche of things? would reside. His quarters are in the Over time Buddhism became much, much building that houses all of the khenpos. more complicated and it has a lot of other RR. Those are more advanced practices, things going on. And oftentimes in the though. The base line is just the practice Dagmo Kusho left the next day to visit West people become distracted from the of following the breath. Mindfulness and his family and to essence of Buddhism which is practice practice – it’s the beginning and it’s also offer a manja to Kamtrul Rinpoche’s new and they may not practice very much at the highest practice of Buddhism which is monastery in Norbu linka.We also all. They may do other things: study, and interesting. You find that at the very departed Dzongsar College the following go to church and hang around teachers beginning and you find that at the very day. Dolma Phodrang Gyalyum Kusho but that’s not really the essence of end… Working with the breath and just along with H.E. Dhungsey Avikrita Buddhism. So from my point of it’s opening your awareness. Rinpoche and all the Khenpos drove kind of a shame if we become distracted along the roadside a few miles out to from the essence because then we don't MS. How do we bring this to the Western wish us goodbye. Saying goodbye to H.E. change. You don’t really change by mind? I think one Western fear may be Dhungsey Avikrita Rinpoche on that rainy studying, you don’t change by going to that if we meditate the way that a lot of afternoon, many emotions crept inside church, you don’t change by hanging gurus and masters say that we should, my head and heart, all the pressure and around teachers. The one and only way we’re just going to be a bunch of smiling stress from the last few days abated only you change is by meditation practice, so in zombies walking around. We’ll be in love to be replaced with a longing to be with Dharma Ocean that’s what we do. That’s with the world but nothing will happen. my sons. I am reminded to be as poised what we emphasize. There will be no MRIs, no airplanes….no and seemingly insensitive to all this, creativity, no (technological or scientific) although it never is easy and as humans MS. One thing I notice at the Sakya advancements. Everything will just stop. in this world. Without the support and Monastery, especially as a relatively new compassion from H.H. Dagchen member, is all the emphasis on tantric RR. That isn’t what meditation does. Rinpoche, Yab-la and Mama-la, our practice. Visualizations. Special mantras Meditation – when you practice the way family members and most importantly, and so on. What do you recommend for I’m suggesting – actually opens up your my extremely patient and compassionate for someone like me…a lay person? And creativity. It opens up your interest in the wife, none of this would have been how much should I meditate every day… world. It makes you more available to the possible. I am comforted by the fact that or how should I practice? world and more engaged with the world. many people have confided to me personally of all the good we are doing RR. I can tell you what I was told when I MS. How does that work? and that the future is bright. As I began practicing in 1970. I was told by conclude my vacation, now that all of us one of Chogyam Trungpa’s students that— RR. Well, you’re not so preoccupied with have safely returned to the Phuntsok number one—do formless practice. Doing yourself all the time. I mean…most of us Phodrang in New Delhi, Dagmo Lhanze- formless means sitting and working with may be running around… but we la and I both look to be simultaneously your breath… and being. The practice of constantly have this little tape loop positive and humble while steering our being. You’re not doing anything. You’re running in our mind about ourselves and children toward a Dharma World just paying attention to your breath, our own life and there’s no real openness hopefully as receptive and kind-loving as following your breath in and out and there. You may be engaged in life and you you have all been to us - thank you! opening your awareness. That’s it. That’s may have a family and you may have a job Hope to see you all soon. the practice of meditation. If you don’t do but it’s very narcissistic and the whole that, and you’re just doing mantras and point of meditation is to dismantle Respectfully, Zaya Vajra you’re just doing visualizations, it doesn’t narcissism so you’re actually available to really have any impact. You’re not going to the world and you see the world on its change that way…so the basic practice terms, not just on your terms. needs to be formless practice and then 8 Sogyal Rinpoche Captivates Audience

"How do thoughts and emotions settle? If you leave a glass of muddy water quite still, without moving it, the dirt will settle to the bottom, and the clarity of the water will shine through. In the same way, in meditation we allow our thoughts and emotions to settle H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya and Venerable Sogyal Rinpoche naturally, and in a state of By Chuck Pettis natural ease."

On Sunday, December 13, 2009, Sogyal Rinpoche, author of "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying", kept a sold-out audience - Sogyal Rinpoche captivated, entertained, and entranced with his teaching on the significance of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and the Tso Kor Feast Offering Ritual. us. Sogyal Rinpoche was invited by Sakya Monastery to give this The Tso Kor practice is one of teaching. H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya requested specifically that he the central practices of teach the Padmasambhava Tso Kor practice. H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche Tibetan Buddhism. and Sogyal Rinpoche have a long time dharma connection as they On the 10th lunar day of each share the same teacher, H.E. Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro month, a special feast offering Rinpoche and received teachings from him at Dzongsar Monastery in (Tso-Kor) is made to Guru East Tibet in the early 1950’s. Rinpoche at Sakya Monastery. Sogyal Rinpoche said that the Guru Rinpoche was an Indian tantric master who brought Buddhism to Tso Kor Feast Offering is a Tibet and is considered by many to be the Second Buddha. Here are a powerful method for few of the key points that Sogyal Rinpoche made about Guru Rinpoche: accumulating merit and wisdom, purifying • Guru Rinpoche is the embodiment of the compassion, the obscurations, and healing our blessings, and the enlightened activity, of all the buddhas – all in link with the master, one. the practice and our fellow • Guru Rinpoche is the active manifestation of enlightenment, practitioners. Everyone who whose powerful energy is invoked as a source of and has taken Refuge is invited to protection amidst the confusion and turmoil of this difficult age. the monthly Padmasambhava • If we have devotion and if we pray to Guru Rinpoche, the Tso Kor practice at Sakya blessings of his compassion will immediately and certainly enter Monastery. Please check the calendar for actual dates and 9 Golden Jubilee Celebration for H.H. Sakya Trizin Sakya Monlam 2009 (Compiled by Sakya staff from excerpts of the documentary film, ‘Golden Jubilee’, produced by the Golden Jubilee Organizing Committee)

“In Lumbini’s misty dawn it seemed as if all the symbolic beings of a mandala offering had come to life in a magnificent procession. Precious excellent horses with their splendid riders and precious elephants topped by maidens scattering flower petals inspired cheers from the enthusiastic crowds, jostling for the best vantage points to catch a glimpse of their revered Guru.” His Holiness Sakya Trizin

The Golden Jubilee (50 year the Eminent Dhungseys of both celebrations H.H. Sakya Trizin anniversary) of His Holiness palaces, and leaders of the gave a speech on the Sakya Trizin’s enthronement as Sakya, Ngorpa, and Tsarpa preservation and protection of a leader of the Sakya sect of schools. Lamas, , monks, our environment. His speech coincided nuns and lay practitioners came outlined our interdependence with the Great Sakya Monlam from all over the world to with all inhabitants of our

Mandala Offering Tashi Rabten Ling Monastery, Lumbini, Sakya Monks Nepal Festival. The Golden Jubiliee celebrations spanned the first express their devotion to His planet. This was followed by a three days of this 18th annual Holiness, the Sakya throne tree planting event. H.H. Sakya Monlam Festival held in holder, and pray for his long Trizin and H.H. Dagchen Lumbini, Nepal, the birth place life. Rinpoche, participated in the of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni. tree planting ceremony in the The celebration was attended In the afternoon of this first day spacious Lumbini Park. by H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya, of the Golden Jubilee

10 ...2009 Sakya Monlam, continued

On November 24th H.H. Sakya mandala offerings began. Sakya entertainment and cultural Trizin gave a special teaching family members of both palaces presentations, all offered to His on the subject of World Peace. made mandala offerings to His Holiness.” His Holiness imparted a Holiness, followed by Sakya message concerning our deep masters. Next to make offerings On November 26th, H.H. Sakya responsibility to cultivate our were prominent royal Trizin recommended that a long own qualities of inner peace, dignitaries, heads of noble life mandala be offered for the “Everyone is longing for families, Sakya leaders, the eldest Sakya lineage holder, happiness… For the sake of administrators, ordained and lay H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya. “It happiness so much progress practitioners. Over 10,000 was a day long mandala has been made in the last devotees in all; each requesting offering ceremony and tenshug, century in science and and a moving tribute to technology. Due to these the revered leader of the developments a lot of Phuntsok Phodrang.” In benefits for humanity have response to disciples’ resulted but it is quite request for H.H. Dagchen clear that the real peace Rinpoche to live long, and happiness is only Rinpoche replied in achieved by transforming Tibetan that he is healthy one’s mind stream.” The and soon will be 100 teaching was followed by years old. This brought an event involving the tears of joy to the eyes of lighting of one hundred hundreds of his devotees. thousand butter lamps, dedicated to World Peace. After these initial days of special Golden Jubilee On the third day of the celebrations, Monlam celebrations, on returned to its normal November 25th, H.H. schedule of prayers until Sakya Trizin arrived at the 5pm every day. Many monastery amidst a grand offerings were made by procession. “In Lumbini’s both palaces. The misty dawn it seemed as if ordained received H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya all the symbolic beings of offerings from their a mandala offering had come to His Holiness “to manifest beloved gurus of money, life in a magnificent procession. abundant long life for the sake blessed photos, tea and many Precious excellent horses with of his disciples. H.H. Sakya other cherished offerings. There their splendid riders and Trizin graciously received all of was a large donation made by precious elephants topped by them in a seeming unending both palaces to ensure the maidens scattering flower stream that lasted for most of future of the Monlam Festival. petals inspired cheers from the the day.” enthusiastic crowds, jostling for May His Holiness Sakya Trizin the best vantage points to catch The afternoon celebration of live long, and may the glorious a glimpse of their revered this third day took place in an Sakya teachings long endure! Guru.” enormous, specially constructed pavilion near to the Buddha’s Once all of the lamas were birth place. “It was a delightful seated inside the temple, the evening of wholesome 11 His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya's 2009 Teachings in Taiwan and Hong Kong

By Adrienne Chan

Adrienne Chan is the personal assistant to H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche and Co- Executive Director of Sakya Monastery.

After a 13 hour plane ride, HH Jigdal Dagchen Sakya, HE Dagmo Kusho, Lama Migmar and I touched down at Taipei, Taiwan airport at about 5:30 am. Although we were exhausted, the arrival was beautiful and heart warming; colors of golden silk, maroon robes, flowing white katags and flowers engulfed us. Dagchen Rinpoche was immediately sheltered by a traditional golden parasol three feet in diameter (reserved for high lamas). Lama Tashi of Sakya Tsechen Thupten Dekyi Choling, led the welcome party. Tulkus, lamas, nuns and students of all of Buddhism offered katags to Dagchen Rinpoche H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya being carried in a sedan chair to the retreat site. and Dagmo Kusho. At one point, Dagchen Rinpoche was interviewed by The Tai Chung teachings began and to put on mosquito repellent. We a news reporter. auspiciously on October 20, 2009 at were headed towards the mountains Kathog Rinpoche’s monastery with HE where Kathog Rinpoche had requested Once the luggage arrived, students Dagmo Kusho bestowing the Green Dagchen Rinpoche consecrate a picked up our bags and we were Tara initiation to many devoted retreat site. When we arrived at the whisked off to Tai Chung, Taiwan, students. Because students worked bottom of the mountain side, an where Dagchen Rinpoche was invited during the week, it was arranged that elaborately constructed sedan chair to teach at four Centers. He Dagchen Rinpoche would bestow the was awaiting Dagchen Rinpoche. The consecrated Pewa Tulku’s new center esoteric Dharma teaching to the students had taken a bamboo rocker and gave a teaching on “Parting from ordained in the morning and in the and securely fastened metal poles to the Four Attachments”. He also gave a evening he would give teachings to all the sides of it. Dagchen Rinpoche sat teaching on Chenrezi at a Chinese students. Thus, Dagchen Rinpoche in the rocker and 8 strong men carried Temple as well as teachings at the started a week and a half of morning him up to the retreat site. The sedan Kagyu center led by HE Chime initiations for monks which included chair even had a petite golden parasol Rinpoche. The bulk of Dagchen initiations/teachings like Kurukulle, (12’’ diameter) suspended over Rinpoche’s Tai Chung teachings were , and Mahakala. To all students Dagchen Rinpoche’s head. Seeing at the Nyingma Kathog Rigzin Chenpo he bestowed initiations like Red Tara, eight devoted men carrying Dagchen Dharma Association Monastery, which Hayagriva and Red Zambala. Rinpoche up the side of a mountain is directed by HE Kathog Rinpoche. and the little parasol swaying to and One day, we were told to dress warmly fro above his head was awesome.

Each wore colorful brocade garments and crowns. Then they were assigned to chant offering prayers. At the conclusion of the prayers, tsok (food) items piled at least three feet high were distributed to everyone. Our visit at Kathog Rinpoche’s monastery was magnificent and memorable. We left with visions of dakinis dancing in our heads. 12 for the continuation of his teachings Once they reached the retreat site a After the welcome, Dagchen is indeed thrilling! We were able to beautiful ground breaking ceremony Rinpoche led , other accomplish that four more times—in began. A delicious assortment of lamas and monks, including our Taipei, New Delhi, Lumbini and food offerings were made to the Lama Migmar, in prayers for the site recently in Seattle! “Ku Tse local deities, prayers were chanted, consecration of Chime Rinpoche’s Ring” (long life) to our beloved gyaling horns and drums played. new retreat center. The prayer Dagchen Rinpoche! The ceremony concluded with ceremony also included a huge fire Dagchen Rinpoche breaking the puja offering, releasing of 100 birds Next on November 2nd, we arrived ground (digging) in a location (assisted by Dagmo Kusho) and tree at Sakya Tsechen Thupten Dekyi designated by placement of planting ritual performed by both Choling located in Taipei, capitol of Padmasambhava’s brass Taiwan. Since November iron staff. 2nd is Dagchen Rinpoche’s actual passport birthday, Our final day at Kathog Lama Tashi requested that Rinpoche’s monastery was Dagchen Rinpoche lead the an all day event. Dagchen lamas, monks and students Rinpoche, wearing a very in a Mahakala puja, which precious and elaborate was followed by a mandala Padmasambhava hat, led a offering, more gifts and a Jetsun Nynigdik Wang Druk delicious birthday cake. puja/tsok and initiation. At Our reception in Taipei was the tsok, 12 special people, “regal” and that is no which included our understatement. Dagchen beloved Dagmo Kusho, Rinpoche and Dagmo were chosen to represent Kusho were given the “dakinis”. Each dakini “Presidential Suite” in the wore colorful brocade Hyatt Grand Hotel. The garments and crowns. Then suite had an audience room Chime Rinpoche presents a birthday cake to H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya. they were assigned to chant with an emperor like throne/ offering prayers. At the chair and six other rooms conclusion of the prayers, tsok (food) Dagchen Rinpoche and Dagmo which included a kitchenette and items piled at least three feet high Kusho. piano room. were distributed to everyone. Our visit at Kathog Rinpoche’s monastery For the next four days, Dagchen In Taipei, Dagchen Rinpoche’s was magnificent and memorable. Rinpoche bestowed to Chime schedule was quite busy. He taught We left with visions of dakinis Rinpoche, his students and other at four Sakya Centers. At those dancing in our heads. Buddhist practitioners the three centers he gave Hayagriva, Yamataka wealth deities initiations (The Three and Vajrakilaya initiations. Could anything top that? No, but Red Ones: Kurukulle, Kamarja, Additionally, under Lama Tashi’s could something equal that? The Ganapati), which are from the guidance Sakya Tsechen Thupten next day Dagchen Rinpoche and renown “Sakya Thirteen Golden Dekyi Choling requested that Dagmo Kusho received a grand ” teachings. He also Dagchen Rinpoche bestow to 400 welcome from HE Chime Rinpoche bestowed a Medicine Buddha students the major mandala and his students. The welcome empowerment and led Long Life, empowerment, . Those ceremony began with loud Guru and Medicine Buddha students also received from him the explosions of fire crackers and pujas. Additionally, Dagmo Kusho six armed White Mahakala Dragon and Lion Dances. Two gave a public talk to eager students empowerment and from Dagmo golden lions, six feet long with on the evening of the third day. On Kusho the White Tara initiation. snapping mouths and adorable our last day in Tai Chung, November wagging tails danced about greeting 1, 2009, Chime Rinpoche surprised While in Taipei, Dagchen Rinpoche Dagchen Rinpoche and Dagmo us all. He presented Dagchen made a presentation at a conference Kusho. One lion acrobatically Rinpoche with a mandala offering sponsored by the International danced and skipped on the top of a followed by gifts and an eight layered Tibetan Buddhism Study Institute. row of eight poles which were about birthday cake. The birthday cake was Leaders of the conference were 12 feet high off the ground. It was a least five feet high (it looked like a Kathog Rinpoche, Tulku Thupten incredible—it was like watching a wedding cake). To be able to Norbu, Khenpo Tsultrim Namdag circus act—a little scary but fun. celebrate one’s lama’s long life and and Cho Nyi Dontog.

13 Including the Honorable Dawa compact high rise bee hives. It is a Dagchen Rinpoche bestowed to the Tsering representative from His dense place but the Buddhist students the Padmasambhava Holiness the Dalai Lama’s students are very devoted to their initiation, which was followed by a government in Taiwan, four hundred Lamas and the Dharma. That first tsok. other Buddhist leaders attended the evening in Hong Kong was emotional conference. and heart warming. Waiting The second consecration ceremony patiently to greet Dagchen Rinpoche was the grand opening of the Maha Our visit to Taipei was incredible. and Dagmo Kusho were about ten Sandhi Yoga Center. Many years ago Taipei is a thriving modern young people from Gaba, Kham, the Maha Sandhi Yoga Center was metropolis—taxis are every where. Dagmo Kusho and Migmar’s home established by the late Lama Kan Tso, Exquisitely designed high rises dot town. One of the visitors was named who was a Dharma brother to and the cityscape. Designer shops Pechen. She is the daughter of Tulku dedicated disciple of Dagchen abound. And Taipei even has three Sepa, a high Sakya lama in Kham. Rinpoche. Before Lama Kan Tso’s Cosco stores! She and her fellow Khampas wore paranirvana, he requested that only traditional eastern Tibetan garments. Dagchen Rinpoche should search for In Taiwan, Dagchen Rinpoche and They respectfully prostrated before his . Twelve years ago, entourage were treated to numerous Dagchen Rinpoche and then humbly Yangsi Lama Kan Tso was identified 8-10 course banquet meals. Most on their knees belted out in Tibetan, by Dagchen Rinpoche. While Yangsi often the meals took 2-3 hours to beautiful guru devotional songs. It Lama Kan Tso has been receiving complete. At one banquet, we heard was as if we were in Tibet! At the religious training with Dhungsey a familiar tune which I suddenly end, one singer could not stop crying Avikrita Rinpoche at the Sakya recognized was our own “Magical —it was overwhelming! Heritage Foundation, New Delhi, his Chants” CD produced by Chuck students have been faithfully Pettis. It was beautiful to hear The next day, Dhungsey Avikrita maintaining the Maha Sandi Yoga Dagchen Rinpoche and Celia’s Rinpoche (grandson of HH JD Sakya) Center and their practices. On chants played in a Buddhist and Yangsi Lama Kan Tso and their November 15th Dagchen Rinpoche restaurant in far away Asia. teachers, Gen Tashi Nyima and Gen led Dhungsey Avikrita Rinpoche, Kunsang joined our entourage. Yangsi Lama Kan Tso, many lamas, Dagchen Rinpoche’s next destination Together with Dagchen Rinpoche monks, nuns and students in the was Hong Kong. As Lama Migmar they participated in the consecrations elaborate grand opening ceremony of described, Hong Kong is an island of and Grand Openings of two centers. the newly located and renovated tall and thin high rise apartments The first was the consecration of Maha Sandhi Yoga Center. with tall and thin double-decker Dagchen Rinpoche’s new Hong Kong buses slithering between buildings. Center, Sakya Tsechen Phunstog Both consecration ceremonies were To me, I saw Hong Kong as rows of Choling. After that blessing ritual, colorful and full of rich tradition, prayers and ritual music. Overflowing crowds attended both events.

After Hong Kong, we boarded India’s 21st century Jet Airways airline to New Delhi. Dagchen Rinpoche’s first class seat resembled an egg or pod. It was amazing, when one lays back to sleep, one is cradled comfortably like being in a cocoon. Can you imagine emerging from a night’s sleep to the sights and sounds and smells of ancient India?

Front Row Center: Ven. Lama Tashi

14 An Excerpt from Entryway to the Dharma (Chos la 'jug pa'i sgo) Written in 1167 C.E. By Lopon Rinpoche Sonam Tsemo

Translated in Jeffrey Schoening's Classical Literay Tibetan Class, 2009, with Jeff Bennett, Tom Linder, and Bill Sternhagen

(Continued from the previous issue of Sakya Chronicles, which presented a summary of the three incalculable eons leading up to the Buddha's enlightenment)

Descent from the God Realm

Those traditions are pronounced in the text of the Bodhisattvapiṭaka.

“Then, when worshipping and serving the Buddha Kāśyapa, that tenth level impeded by one birth having died and transmigrated from this Jambudvīpa, became the holy devaputra Śvetaketu (White Peak, Tog dkar po) in Tuṣita,” thus I heard.

“That one, hindered by one birth, having died and transmigrated, will be enlightened,” was known by all the gods. They made great offerings of and service to him and listened to his teaching. When he was dwelling like that, there arose from the small cymbals a verse of exhortation for the bodhisattva; like this he was exhorted:

[You of] vast merit, many accumulations, mindful and comprehending, Limitless intellect, radiant discriminating insight, Peerless, strong, and vast powerful abilities, Consider the prophecy by Dīpaṅkara.

Then they pointed out, “The bodhisattva will enter into the womb of his mother in twelve years.” At that time, the devaputras were in the dress of Brahmins and caused the humans in Jambudvīpa to study the Vedas; “Signs like this are the signs of a Buddha,” and so forth they instructed. Also, [they] proclaimed the news, “In twelve years from now the Buddha will appear in the world.”

Because the pratyekabuddhas heard that news, unfathomable pratyekabuddhas passed beyond sorrow in the county ‘Khor ‘jig, and thus it was known as “Falling Sages” (Ṛṣipatana, at Deer Park).

Then, when twelve years had passed, the bodhisattva beheld the five considerations and decided to go to Jambudvīpa. The five are like this: consideration regarding time – the time to tame beings; consideration regarding land – Jambudvīpa; consideration regarding country – central; consideration regarding lineage – among the lineages, the lineage of reverend kings; and fifth, consideration regarding the mother – one who possesses the thirty-two qualities such as lineage.

At the time of [the five considerations] coming together like that, he decided to depart for Jambudvīpa. At that time, there were sixteen countries in Jambudvīpa. Among those, there were seven royal palaces:

Magadhā and Kosala, Vātsala and Vaiśālī, Ujjayanī and Mathurā, and Haribur are the seven.

The Bodhisattva said, “The lineages of all those are faulty. A faultless lineage is exalted in sixty-four [ways] such as being known by all and having an excellent continuity.” Likewise, praising also the qualities of the mother and so forth, he intended Kapilavāstu, which is like that. Having considered in that way, he arrived at the house of high victory banner. Having taught “The Dharma for purifying Death and Transmigration” which pleases the gods, he said, “I go to Jambudvīpa for the benefit of sentient beings.”

The gods asked, “From whom shall we hear the Dharma.” He gave the crown to the Bodhisattva and empowered him.

Then he said to the gods: Friends, in what form shall I go? Then, the devaputra of the Brahma abode who was called Mighty Brilliance (Ugratejā; gzi brjid dam pa), one who transmigrated from the sages, a definite non-returner, said: In the Vedas it is said, “[As] a yellowish white elephant with six tusks, covered with a lattice of gold.”

[He] is one who is hindered by one birth. Then, there comes the liberation of the final existence. Descent from the gods and birth, playing and departure,

15 Asceticism and subduing , are the deeds of the Bodhisattva. Awakening and [Turning] the Wheel, taming those to be tamed and entering nirvāṇa: The third has three: taming animals, the afflicted, and the haughty. Accordingly, the deeds of the Buddha are six; so there are twelve [deeds in total].

Alternatively, five and three make eight or two and six make eight: Court resident, awakening, turning the Wheel, and defeating the power of others, Descent from the gods and harmonizing the sangha, blessing of long life and nirvana.

Thus, the eight stūpas.

Then the Bodhisattva miraculously left that body and set out to enter the womb. At that time, in the house of King Śuddhodana, eight omens occurred.

Households were happy, many birds appeared, small pieces of wood and flowers bloomed, Resources increased, music played spontaneously, treasures opened, and light shone.

The gods, after the Bodhisattva entered the womb, set out to be [his] servants until [his] Buddha[hood].

Then, in the final spring month, in the constellation Viśākhā, at the time of the waxing full moon, when the purification rites of the fifteenth day had been performed, he entered [the womb].

[It is] because all enter the womb during the waxing [moon]. At that time, [Queen] Devi saw in her dream and spoke to the king.

The king asked the Brahmins. The Brahmins prophesied he would be a Cakravartin or a Buddha.

The king performed great accumulations of virtue.

Then, the gods miraculously caused [the Bodhisattva] to dwell in those promised residences of the bodhisattva.

How did the Bodhisattva dwell in the womb? He dwelt in a miraculously built cottage.

He dwelt with all inside and outside mutually radiant. His body did not have [the various stages of an embryo] such as oval; it was like a miracle birth.

For food he ate essences. He was continuously guarded by secret yakṣas and so forth.

Also, even at that time, the Bodhisattva teaches the Dharma. He [taught the gods of the heaven] Trāyastriṃśa at midnight. In the afternoon [he taught] others such as Brahmā. In the evenings, he taught the Dharma to bodhisattvas. The city-dwellers of Kapilavāstu were happy. This is the Descent from the God realm!

Birth

Then, ten months having passed, when the time for delivery arrived, there were the thirty-two omens such as flowers facing downward.

Then, the mother thought to go to the Lumbi Garden; the grove was decorated. As soon as she went there, many gods assembled; because the king saw that, he thought [the child] will be a Buddha. Then, when the mother with her hand took hold of the branch of a Plakṣa tree, [the child] emerged from her right side without [causing] a wound. There, the kings of the gods such as Brahmā held him with Benares linen and the naga kings bathed him.

Then, without depending on anyone, he took seven steps to the east and said, “I shall be the antecedent of all wholesome dharmas.”

Going to the south, he said, “I shall be the recipient of offerings of gods and humans.”

Going to the west, he said, “This is my final birth; there will be no more birth, old age, sickness, and death.”

Going to the north, he said, “Among sentient beings, I shall be supreme.” 16 Facing down, he said, “I shall extinguish the fire of the hell beings and defeat Mara.”

Facing up, he said, “All beings shall look up [to me].”

In all those [directions], seven lotuses arose. At that time, the king too paid homage. At that the earth quaked and the world was illuminated with light. Because there occurred such [events] as five hundred servants such as Chandaka (‘dun pa) [being born] and five hundred treasures opening, the name of the Bodhisattva was given as One Who Accomplishes the Goal (Siddhārtha).

Because there was the light of the Bodhisattva, the names of the sons of the four kings born at that time were derived from the light: the name of the son of the king of Rajagṛhā, Mahāpadma, was Bimbisāra (Gzugs can snying po = Handsome Essence); the name of the son of the king of Artara, Brahmādatta, was Prasenajit (Gsal rgyal = Clear Victory); the name of the son of the king of Koushāmbī, Ananta, was Pradyota (Rab snang = Illumination) ; and the name of the son of the king of Ujjayanī, Sharata, was Udaya (?) (‘Char po = One Who is Visible).

At the time of the light of the Bodhisattva causing illumination, in a mountain shelter the sage who was with his nephew Nārada saw it.

Then the nephew spoke: Did all the suns rise?

[The sage] replied:

The light of the sun is hot; this light is cool. Because it penetrates everywhere, it is the light of a great sage. The Bodhisattva light has certainly emerged from the womb.

The nephew said: Well, let’s see that one.

[The sage] replied: Because such a one will be difficult to see, being surrounded by the great gods, when [he = the Buddha] goes to the house and is named, we will see [him].

Then, when seven days had passed, Brahma and Kauśika (/Sakra) and so forth took on the form of brahmins and sitting at the head of the row, pronounced the auspicious (verses).

Then, the mother died, this being the tradition of all bodhisattvas; when the bodhisattva dwelled in Tuṣita, after examining the life span of the mother, he entered into the womb.

Then, when [the baby Buddha] went into the city together with his retinue, because of being invited to their respective places, their magically went.

Then he was entrusted to Mahāprajāpati (his aunt).

At that time, he was called Śākyamuni (Shākya thub pa), because he was taming all the unruly Shākya.

Then, because [the Buddha] was taken to the temple, since the yakṣa Shākya Developed (bskyed pa) saluted him, he was called “God of gods.”

Then, because the signs were shown to the brahmins, the brahmins made a dual prophecy.

Then Nārada spoke (to Asita): Preceptor, (the Buddha) went (home to the palace).

(Asita) replied: Alright, I’ll go. Then, because he prepared to go miraculously, (yet) being unable to go (that way), he went on foot. Then, when he sent a message, “Enter inside,” (the king) said.

The king said: Why have you come?

(Asita) said: Great King, I have come here in order to see your son; I wish to see that foremost sage, subduer of the world. 17 The king said: [He] is sleeping.

(Asita) said: Just so, I will look.

Then, when (Asita) looked, (the Buddha) was sleeping without closing his eyes.

(Asita) said:

In accordance with the signs, even at midnight he has slept one session. He does not look out of necessity; always his eyes are not closed.

Were the signs shown to the gods and brahmins? (They) were shown. As stated, the prophecy was dual.

The brahmin (Asita) investigated and truly thought:

This is dual, not otherwise. If he stays in the house, he will be a king who governs with a wheel; If he departs from the home, becoming a homeless mendicant, Not using the ways of another guide, In this world, he will be manifestly and completely enlightened.

Again, after carefully examining and clearly seeing the signs of a buddha, he (Asita) was certain that (the child) would be enlightened. If you wonder how long, in the thirty-fifth year. Having examined his own life span, because he knew he would die [before that], he wept.

Then (Asita) said (to the king):

Lord of the Land, the intellect of conceptualizers is deluded. At the end of time, there will be no Ruler with a Wheel. This one is a treasury of dharma of supreme merit. Having overcome faults, he will indeed become a buddha. The signs are unclear [that he will be] a lord of humans; The signs are very clear [that he will be] a lord of sages, a complete buddha. This supreme human will be a Ruler with a Wheel of Dharma.

To that the king replied: If when you see this one you are happy, is there no inauspiciousness?

(Asita) replied and prophesied:

Even should a rain of fall harmfully from the sky upon this one, Not even a hair on the body of the great sage can be harmed.

Lord of Humans, seeing I have faults and will not attain peace, therefore I weep; This one will attain the supreme treasury of dharma but I have not attained the goal.

Those free of illness and endowed with merit, hearers who when they hear the excellent speech, This supreme dharma incompatible with the world, will desire the best peace.

Then, (the king) having paid respectful honor to the brahmin, the brahmin departed from the house.

(Asita) commended (the child) to his nephew, “When this one is enlightened, you take ordination.” Then, also, Maheśvara took on the appearance of a brahmin and prophesied regarding the bodhisattva.

Then, because he was decorated in the constellation Citrā, he was adorned with natural ornaments, and not beautified.

This is the Second Deed.

18 Community Event: Annual Camping Trip By Tim Tapping August 20 - 22, 2010 Our annual camping trip took joining the festivities were HH in Tibetan. All the while, the kids place this year along the Mountain Dagchen Rinpoche's three sisters were roasting marshmallows and Loop Highway, east of Granite Falls or jetsumas and his brother-in-law. running around out into the dark at the Gold Basin Campground in Shortly after everyone’s arrival HH and back to the light, western Washington. Before Dagchen Rinpoche and Khenpo metaphorically like us grownups! heading out, our abbot, Khenpo Jampa led us in a Local Earth Deity Jampa la, drew up the layout of the Saturday night, the rains came but campsite for us.

We were to place the Head Lama tent at the head of the camp, with all the tents laid out in a circle. Encircling the entire camp circle were Lungtas (‘Wind-Horses’), Tibetan prayer flags. A tall order indeed!

I brought some Lungtas (prayer flags) that I had picked up in Chengdu and the Alcaraz family and the Lamb family bought the Sakya Monastery Dharma shop out of all the prayer flag in stock. As it turned out we had just enough Sakya Members at Annual Campout flags to surround the entire campsite with not one string left Puja to pay our respects to the everybody stayed dry throughout over. Auspicious! local deities and for the the night. The morning drizzle opportunity for the Sangha to chased everyone from camp after a An army travels on its stomach and gather and enjoy each other’s soggy breakfast. An afternoon so does, apparently, the Sakya company outside the monastery. downpour got the last of us to Monastery Sangha! We set up a leave who were hoping for large tent to store the food and a After a grand feast for lunch, folks clearing skies. couple of shelters to serve as fanned out to go to the river, hiked kitchen and clean up areas. The the mountain trails or just lounged The rain may have come but our Friday night’s meal was a gourmet around at the campsite. We all spirits were not dampened and we feast we all enjoyed after a gathered again in the late look forward to next summer’s wonderful day in the great afternoon to wish HH Dagchen campout! outdoors. Rinpoche goodbye. If it was up to him, he would have camped the His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya night but doctor’s orders were that arrived with his sons, Sakya he was not to stay overnight Dhungsey Ani Rinpoche, Sakya outdoors. After dinner, around the Dhungsey Zaya Rinpoche and campfire, spooky stories and songs Sakya Dhungsey Sadu Rinpoche went from person to person around and their dagmos (wives) and the circle, with Khenpo Jampa la jetsumas (daughters). Additionally, and Tsering Gaga la singing songs

19 Volunteer Profile: David Spiekerman

in a serious manner over a long term 2009... Now he wants to add a little and that was it….It’s just managing more…He wants to talk about the last your time correctly. year.

Could you talk a little about the That was a vehicle to have a reasons you volunteer? conversation talking about his life. It’s A person who wants to volunteer a pretty intriguing story. You get to see should be aware of their lives, but still the human part of him…growing up in push through those limits to get Tibet in a very difficult time, the rewards…to know you’re strengthening . But there were the position of the monastery. many things that happened before that Ninety percent of the time when I’m which were even worse for his family. volunteering I leave the monastery They were extremely poor. feeling, in simple terms, better than when I came. What is your favorite Dharma book? “The Essence of Lojong David Spiekerman My volunteering is not Practice: An Oral Commentary to about me. It’s about Geshe Langri Tangpa's Mind Training in By Sharon Salyer creating strong roots for Buddhism to Eight Verses.” David Spiekerman has been a member flourish in North America as a culture. of Sakya Monastery since 1999 and I’ll summarize what it says: has served on its board of advisors Is there a short Dharma quote that since 2001. He currently is board guides you daily life? • All beings are extremely kind. president. His volunteer activities Do not become attached to peace and • View yourself as lowly and include: Coordinating volunteers and comfort. respect others. greeters; fundraising for both the shrine • Observe your mind and drive room’s carpet project and the prayer And you also memorized the text of out bad thoughts. wheel project; helping codify greeter The Aspiration of in • Cherish those who commit duties and sound system production; English? evil or suffer greatly. assisting in writing a security policy for Yes. I never thought I had a good • Accept blame without trying the monastery and helping Tulku Yeshi memory. I never thought I had that to defend yourself. translate his autobiography into capacity…Once I did it, it was a test to • One who harms you is kinder English. show me I was on the right path… I than one who helps. say it a couple times a day. It’s a very • Give help and take on How many hours do you volunteer at good practice…I’ll say it when I feel I suffering. the monastery each week? want to ground myself. • Remain pure and overcome Three to 10. attachment. You’ve been working with Tulku Yeshi, And you have a job as well. What do too? What do these sayings and this book you do? When Tulku Yeshi came to the mean to you? I have a business that I run…Small Monastery he knew no English. At first Changes….a wholesale magazine we went through learning English on You can see how if you are going to distributor with 10 employees. books and tapes. Then…he could read accept blame without trying to defend fairly well and he was going to translate yourself you’ve got to have a lot of So how do you juggle your his autobiography from Tibetan into patience. That’s also equanimity there, responsibilities to work and family English…and I would transcribe that. too. with your volunteer commitments? His English got better over time. I had The easiest time for me to really to fill in the blanks, but I felt competent This little book is short, but very pithy commit to was Sundays. I identified enough to do it. I think there was mind and very practical. That’s another thing that time that would work for my transference going on there…it’s I memorized so that I can get help family, myself and the Monastery and interesting. He’s read what I’ve written when I need it. That’s the point of then I just made the commitment. I and he’s made very few corrections. memorizing these things. It’s a great didn’t say, ‘Well, I’ll try a little bit here That project has taken about four help. There are times I recite them or there.’ I just knew that I have a years. He came in 2003…we started when I don’t need help. It’s just sort of busy life and I’ve got to find some time in 2004 and we probably finished it in expands my mental space. that I can actually volunteer and do it

20 2010 International Conference on Tibetan Buddhism

In October of 2010, Ven. Tulku Yeshi, Ven. Khenpo Jampa and Chuck Pettis attended the International Conference on Tibetan Buddhism held at Emory University in Atlanta. The conference was hosted by H.H. Dalai Lama. The full video for the International Conference on Tibetan Buddhism is currently being put online at www.tibetanbuddhismconference.com. The following are some notes by Chuck Pettis of presentations by H.H. Dalai Lama, Dr. Richard Davidson, and Prof. Robert Thurman.

H.H. Dalai Lama • More meditation practice = quicker healing. • Need to promote harmony • The mother-child relationship among religions, sects, and is the seed for compassion. traditions. Avoid competition. • Practice radical honesty. • Pay more attention to the root • Recognize the nobility of teachings and texts rather than mind training. the “branches.” Don’t forget • Buddhahood = Buddha the root. activity, i.e., act like a • Serve others as much as Buddha. possible. Left to right: Venerable Khenpo • Develop inner spiritual Jampa Tenphel, Kalon Tripa qualities and progress toward Professor Robert Thurman Samdhong Rinpoche, and Venerable Buddhahood step-by-step. Tulku Yeshi Gyatso. • Buddhism has become • Preserve and seek the intellectually overwhelming authentic Buddhist teachings. and leaves out emotion. We • Wisdom is an endangered • Create a platform of shared need more experiential natural resource. Buddhist behaviors. practice. We need more • Buddha – the grand unified • Regular coordinated meetings simple study guides that are experience of the nature of are important. relevant, accessible and reality. authentic. Learn and then • The mind controls gene Dr. Richard Davidson practice. Teach experientially expression. (http://investigatinghealthyminds.org) to transform lives. • Be ethical – recognize the NeuroDharma. long term effects of actions – • The brain changes in response • We need to look at what has karma. If you kill someone to experience – worked and not worked and when he is mad at you, he’ll neuroplasticity. make changes accordingly. just get madder. • Mind training can change the • We need to integrate ancient • Religion is too intolerant – expression of the genes – wisdom with modern methods we should allow God to have epigenetics. and develop “delivery the power to have as many • Meditation increases systems” to demystify religions as he wants. immunity to disease, reduces Buddhist teachings. • America is viewed around anxiety, and enables faster • The new therapy is where the world as the symbol of recovery after a negative being and teaching merge. the free world. If America is provocation. (http:// • We should be servants of demoralized, then that could www.psychosomaticmedicine peace. be the end of the free world. .org/cgi/content/full/65/4/564) Why and How to Support the Monastery

Many people feel uncomfortable immediately to the vacuum we opportunity to grow. talking about money and spirituality, create through our giving. Hence, but in reality spiritual giving has an when we give to others, we are • Seek inner guidance for giving important role in our own personal actually giving to ourselves. Those • Give regularly. Make a prosperity as well as in our own who understand and practice this commitment and keep that spiritual growth. possess the secret to unlimited commitment. abundance. • Give unconditionally. Keep Actions exist in our mind as mental your motivation pure. imprints, mind putty. In physics, for Sakya Monastery and Giving every action, there is an equal, but On Sunday morning, everything at • Bless every pledge, gift and opposite reaction. A negative action Sakya Monastery is given away free donation. Give with love and leads to negative results. A positive to everyone who attends. Where else gratitude and your gift will action leads to positive results. can you go and receive so much and nourish you as well as Sakya not be charged for it? Monastery. Generosity, one of the six perfections, • Feel good about giving. is what brings us monetary and Those who come and give nothing in spiritual wealth in the future. If you return can leave with new knowledge Sakya Monastery’s Annual have financial pressures, avoid being from our Sunday morning classes, Membership Pledge Program stingy. Money is created by a can have their children cared for and Every Fall and Winter, Sakya generous state of mind. taught by loving Dharma teachers, Monastery invites members and can practice loving kindness and friends to participate in sustaining The Law of Circulation compassion meditation in an and supporting the well-being and The quality of our life is shaped by authentic, beautiful Tibetan Buddhist ongoing operations of our spiritual the quality of our consciousness with Shrine room, and can receive the home through an annual which we approach life. If we think blessings of His Holiness Jigdal membership pledge program. mainly of what we want and need Dagchen Sakya, one of the highest materially and look to external lamas in the world. Members are asked to renew their sources for happiness, we will have a membership and friends are asked to “taking” consciousness and expect Those who come and give in return become members by indicating what others to supply us with happiness. leave with the gift of spiritual growth level of financial support they will With this attitude, we will never feel and personal transformation because pledge to support the operating truly happy or fulfilled. they did not just witness the service, needs for the coming year. they invested in it themselves. At If we spend more time meditating, Sakya Monastery, we don’t pass This membership pledge program doing spiritual practices and making around a basket every Sunday like allows us to decide what Sakya other people happy, we develop a most churches or temples. Instead, Monastery is worth to us. It is a “giving” consciousness. In fact, if we rely on our annual membership statement of the priority we place on you do the calm abiding meditation pledges to support our precious our own spiritual growth, as well as technique to analyze the source of Sakya Monastery. the spiritual growth of others. your happiness and unhappiness, you will discover that helping and giving Think of your membership pledge as No pledge is too small or too large. to others brings more and better a statement of the priority you place We encourage everyone who attends happiness than thinking of yourself. on your spiritual growth. Many and benefits from Sakya Monastery to Not only that, karmically speaking, if people spend more on entertainment, give some amount and become a you spend money to benefit others, dining out, and other diversions than “member.” you will prosper. they spend on their spiritual growth. Where we put our money reveals our For those who are current members, H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya has said, priorities. please know that we appreciate your “Money is energy; it is what you do commitment, involvement and with it that counts.” Suggestions for Giving support. Pledges enable us to Spiritual giving is a spiritual practice support our monks, pay the utilities, The universe operates like a closed and an opportunity to express our and plan and put on all our classes system. What we give comes back to gratitude and open our and events. Your pledge is important us in kind, establishing us in a flow consciousness to receive greater and makes a big difference. Thank of universal good. Just as something abundance. Those who are serious you! always rushes to fill a vacuum (or about their spiritual growth will see emptiness!), karmic law responds every opportunity to give as an 22