No.N 100 September,berer,r,, OctoberO 2009

Upcoming Retreats with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Photo: E. Del’Angelo 2009–2010 Spain Barcelona Nov. 14–18 Dzogchen Teaching Retreat Dütsi Jonshing Issue No. 3, July 1990. His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet Inaugurated the Shang Shung Institute and gave the fi rst Teaching at Merigar’s Gonpa Photo: G Baggi Venezuela Dec. 4–11 Dzogchen Longsal Longde Teaching Retreat Dec. 26–January 1 100 Refl ections in the Mirror Santi Maha Sangha Base and practice Retreat The Newspaper Celebrates One Hundred Issues January 16–30 The Drubchen of Mandarava and Vajrapani his issue of the newspaper offers Over the years many people have gen- from Massachusetts and since issue 74 in Argentina a section called Focus on The Mirror erously offered their skills to produce The May 2005 has had the front/back and cen- Tashigar Sur T in order to celebrate and let read- Mirror but the path has not always been tral pages in colour. February 12 ers know that this is the 100th issue of the easy – the editors and graphic artists have In keeping with the development of Inauguration of Tashi Sur’s Gonpa newspaper of the International Dzogchen not always been professionals and from electronic communication and the origi- February 14 Community. From the very fi rst newspaper time to time there were changes in staff, nal aim of The Mirror to bring the Com- Tibetan Losar festival with a Mandarava published at Merigar in Italy in March 1990 in the early days internet was non-existent munity closer together in a global family, practice up to the current one, The Mirror has tried to and hence information was exchanged via this year the online version of the newspa- serve the continuously growing Dzogchen fax machines and the post offi ce and in- per has become part of the membership February 16 Community spread across different coun- volved a great deal of typing. Financing package for all members of the Dzogchen Sang and Serkyem Offerings tries and continents around the planet by the newspaper has also been a burden on Community linked to most of the interna- February 12–24 bringing it closer together. We have done the Gars and the main offi ce moved from tional Gars. Dzogchen teaching and practice retreat this by publishing teachings and inter- Merigar to Tsegyalgar at the beginning of In the Focus section of this issue, we give views by our Master, Chögyal Namkhai 1995. you a few glimpses of some of the more Venezuela Norbu, information on projects and initia- Today with the global system of the signifi cant moments in the life of Norbu March 8–12 tives from A.S.I.A., Shang Shung Institute, internet and the WWW, digital imaging, Rinpoche’s Dzogchen Community that Tashigar Norte retreat the Gars and Lings, programs and reports page layout software etc., The Mirror can have been documented by the newspaper March 19–25 on courses and retreats and stories about be written, corrected, edited, put togeth- since its birth. We have reprinted some Teachers’ trainings: SMS base, 1st Levels; your personal experiences. Each and every er, read and enjoyed more immediately cover pages and taken excerpts from arti- Vajra Dance, Yantra Yoga 1st and 2nd levels issue of The Mirror has marked the many and easily around the world. The layout cles and talks that we feel refl ect the most milestones in Rinpoche’s vision for the and design has been greatly improved by meaningful events in the last two decades Trinidad preservation of the teaching for the fu- Thomas Eifl er in Berlin working with the of the Community. Good reading! April 23–25 ture and in the growth of the international two editorial ‘offi ces’ at Tsegyalgar East Weekend teaching Community. and Merigar West. The paper version of The Editors Venezuela the newspaper is still printed and mailed Liz Granger, Naomi Zeitz Tashigar Norte April 30–May 2 SMS Base Level Exam Teaching Teaching News May 3–9 SMS 1st Level training Canaries Chögyal Namkhai Yeshi Silvano Graduation May 21–23 Norbu Namkhai of the First Canaries retreat Experiential Like a Rainbow Tibetan Instruction on Dissolving in Medicine Class UK of 2009 May 28–30 “Dzogchen Medjung” the Sky London Retreat

>> continued on page 26 » Page 2 » Page 3 » Pages 14–15 THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

2 Experiential Instruction on “Dzogchen Medjung” The Marvelous State, One of the Most Important Tantras of Dzogchen Semde Open webcast Merigar West, Thursday August 13, 2009

06m-.-*-$+-21-`o-R}-06#-%{-0"}1-.-,mk

ow we have the fourth explanation of contempla- tion. N06m-.-*-$+-21-`o-R}-06#- This means that we do not negate or eliminate anything that we have in the relative condition. We just remain in that instant presence and integrate. #6#-*0=-,}:-0-$}=-#7v$-%{k 8+m-W-0v-A$-&u0-={1=-tantra. In this way we are not in the knowledge of the primordial ing to negate and nothing to accept and you say that too, state. but in the real sense you are always worried about your $-9m-j;v=-=v-^}:-0-;k jkjA$-&u0-1{+-%m$-0"}1-.8$-1{+ 0+#-(m+-&{,-.}-;-]}+-9v;-+$-K;-0:-e-6m$-&}=-(m+-;-/:-+1m#=-meditation.” This is also an- There are also people who are always worried about mak- type of concepts. This is the quotation. other important quotation from the Medjung. ing mistakes. This is also something that is very important for our practitioners. When they learn something, even if #6#-*0=-1-,}:-0-,m-#$-6{-,k +{-@m:-={1=-#,=-.-+$lk K}#-.-+$lk 0=1-.-+$lk +1m#=-.-($=-){k 1m- it is a very simple practice, instead of working and apply- How can one be in a state of contemplation without mak- #,=-.-+$lk 1m-K}#-.-+$lk 0=1-`o-1{+-.-+$lk 1m-+1m#=-.8m-+},-M1=- ing it in a simple way, they think and judge about many de- ing mistakes? j&{+-j`o-1m-A{+-+}k tails and ask me so many questions. Sometimes I cannot A$-&u0-mantra to empower – ‘Jaya ={1=-siddhi siddhi, phala phala’ – ‘siddhi siddhi’ means To keep [up] the nature of the mind, there is nothing that +}k obtainments. It explains that very clearly here. we consider the state of Dharmata. All these desires we have to remain in the calm state, all ={1=-#$-`o8$-1m-8'}#-.-(m+-;-#6#-j%{=-jAk our thoughts and concepts are, in the real sense, part of +1m#=-.-1{+-.:-e-6m$-+1m#=-1{+-;-+1m#=-.k When we say that we are in the state of contemplation, our wisdom when we have real knowledge, our wisdom With our mouth we say that there are no concepts, but that knowing that there is nothing to do or to add, +{-0=-,-#$- without interruption. #$-($=-;-#$-6m#-+$-`o-R$=-;-0"}1=-){k is already a concept that we uphold. `o8$-j"}1-j.-.}8m-R}-bo#=-.-1{+-.-;-bo#=-j6{=-jA8}k for that reason So there is nothing to accept or reject in the relative con- there is nothing, no place or no dimension to enter. How- dition in a dualistic way. This is very important because ever, relatively we say that we ‘enter’ and are ‘in’ the state some people think that in the primordial state all actions of contemplation. >> continued on page 4 THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Yeshi Silvano Namkhai

3

Like a Rainbow Dissolving in the Sky Yeshi’s Talk in Cologne September 2009

onight I will explain how material things. Our inner world life and death are under- is speech and energy which pro- T stood and taught from duce emotions. We cannot mani- the point of view of Dzogchen Ati- fest our inner experience outside. yoga teaching. And I will try to ex- We cannot take what is inside and plain how we can approach Bud- put it outside for others to see. dhism. I will point out the main For example, we cannot now things about our condition. create a book made of light. But First we observe that some- we can imagine that the pages thing exists outside of us. We can of this book become light. Each use an example like a book. When of us has our own idea. How can we fi rst see this book, we have an we make judgments about how idea of the book. This book is someone else imagines light? Our pink. When the lights are off, we inner worlds have infi nite poten- cannot see the book, but our idea tial. It is not necessary to judge remains that the book is pink. the ideas of others. Rather we We understand that there is some can observe how our own mind real object outside of us. When I is working. We can notice how a hide the book, we can still imag- thought arises, how we follow it, Teaching in Dargyäling Photo: K Heinemann ine it because we already have the how we have a feeling about, and book in our inner world. So the how the thought disappears. erything is about my ego, and not We can imagine it is just like a everything in our mind. We can book also exists inside of us. We Maybe we disagree with our about her. I need to discover that rainbow disappearing in the sky. talk about things we see and can understand the difference be- friend about the book, emotions emptiness is the base of my con- The sky is very diffi cult to defi ne. touch, but it is diffi cult to com- tween the outer and inner worlds. arise, and we are not friends any dition and our relationship. I can But the rainbow is even more dif- municate ideas about what we The book appears old and yellow longer. We may recognize that discover how I project my mind fi cult to defi ne. When mind dis- see and touch. It is even more in the outer word and will even- our ego is the cause of ignorance and emotions. Then I can relax solves into its own essence, it is diffi cult to talk about something tually disappear because of mois- and suffering. We may discover and be present in my condition. like a rainbow dissolving in the like knowledge. We should dis- ture and air. Everything material that the base of our condition is The outer world is the physical sky. At this point what remains? cover knowledge rather than talk eventually disappears. Although emptiness. Then we can relax. material level. The inner world of Only our consciousness that is about it. the outer book is impermanent, We each think something differ- the speech is related to energy. naked and pervading everywhere We should not try to defi ne our idea of the perfect pink book ent about this book. We can talk The knowledge of mind is most remains. This is what we are, knowledge or fi nd better descrip- always remains the same. The and create emotions, but our real hidden and secret. We cannot pure presence, without any idea tions. One Buddhist book may outer book will disappear in the nature cannot be explained with communicate knowledge with of reality, and without assign- say it is very important to medi- end. We know that our physical words. We must discover our words. We need to have experi- ing any meaning. At this point tate because we can fi nd this fan- body will die and also disappear. condition through experience. ence. We cannot explain the taste our real nature is manifesting. tastic state called shunyata. Then We should understand our in- Here is an example. Because I of sweet with words. We need to All texts explain that our real na- we can understand emptiness, ner world of concepts, in which am very involved in Tibetan Bud- directly taste sweet. Our body, ture manifests just like infi nite like our mind is in a state with- this book can be perfect forever. dhism, I want to give a special gift speech and mind change accord- spreading light. out thought. But other books When we discover this difference of this rare expensive profound ing to conditions. At the moment It is important to understand explain that emptiness is a little between outer and inner, we can book to my girlfriend. When she of death our whole reality dis- that this condition is not based more like this or that. We should immediately observe our condi- opens the wrapped gift she fi nds solves. Each element dissolves upon the ideas of our minds. Our not waste time to fi nd the best tion. It is complicated to change this old used book named The into the next. Slowly our material real condition is not conceptual. explanations. It is much better to the color of the outer physical Tibetan Book of the Dead. She condition disappears. How can We usually think, ‘does it exist or discover our own condition. We book. But we can easily imagine was hoping to receive a ring and we understand this moment? It is not? Is it real or not? We have a try to be present and observe. We that the book is blue and that we is obviously not pleased with my like falling asleep. There is a mo- problem if something exists or do not try to affi rm something or have two or more copies of the gift. I start to feel anger instead ment when there is no mind. We not. We have emotions which establish some point of view. It is book. We can instantly discover of love, because I was never really fall asleep and there is nothing. confi rm existence and non-ex- a lot better if we open our eyes. the difference between outer and interested in our relationship and After a while we start to dream. istence. We should understand When we are present in our con- inner. her feelings. Our history of hap- So mind is waking up again. that this consciousness is be- dition, we try to develop more We can describe the shape and yond all concepts and emotions. awareness about the condition color of this book to a friend who If we do not have this recogni- of our physical body, energy and has never seen it. But it is diffi cult tion, then our mind comes back. mind. to explain how we understand It is exactly like dreaming. We Then any teaching is fi ne. the book and what we feel about perceive that we are alive but we When we are present and aware the book. Outside we can share do not have the limitations of of our condition, any teaching something in common, but in- the physical condition. We can works. It is not important if the side we are all unique individu- see everything and pass through teaching is called Dzogchen or als. So it is very diffi cult to speak walls. Then slowly we remem- Vajrayana. It is important that about why we like the book. We ber our ideas about everything, we know our condition and we connect our inner understanding like that we are human. We have are present. It is important to ob- from the book with what happens this kind of mind and that kind of serve ourselves and discover our in our life over a few days. We idea. We like this and dislike that. real condition. This is good for try to use limited words to com- We see things from our point of us. It is better not to waste time municate our inner world. We view. We are reborn as the type of trying to establish something. connect words with our sensory being which corresponds to how We discover ourselves and go be- experiences. The word ‘book’ we perceive. yond limits, this is fantastic! means something different for What can we understand different individuals. I try to use from all this? Firstly, it is not im- Transcribed by Naomi Zeitz more detailed different words to Yeshi, Diego and Mathilde visiting the Berlin Zoo Photo: A Trencséni portant to read a book and then Edited by Jim Valby communicate. We need to dis- create some kind of story in our cover that even if we do not have py beautiful weekends together Now we have a mental body. The mind. It is important to observe the direct outer experience of this is not important. It is important physical body does not exist. Our and understand our condition. pink book, we still have our inner that she like this book which is so sense organs are not connected Tomorrow we can begin to better experience of the book. We need important to me. Inside the book with our mind. There are mil- observe our condition. We can to discover the existence of direct I had placed airplane tickets so lions of images in our dream. observe how we perceive every- and indirect experience. Mind we could go to Tibet together. Our mind is all-pervading with- thing, understand reality and cre- imagines. Reality does not imag- But she wants a ring, a holiday at out limits. ate emotions. We can pay atten- ine. We need to discover how our the seaside and a family. It is easy The moment of death is very tion so we do not project every- emotions are related to our out- to talk about the book, but it is similar. All our physical aspects thing outside. We do not blindly er and inner worlds. Our outer so diffi cult to talk about our feel- disappear. At the end mind also project our mind and emotions world is our physical body and ings. I need to discover that ev- disappears into its own essence. outside. We do not try to explain THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

4

>> Dzogchen Medjung continued from page 2 8`o#-j%$=-j<$-#$-W:-A=-<$-+},-;=-1-(1=-,8$-+1,-.8m-$}-+#:- 1m-0=1k 1m-+1m#=k 1m-K}#-.:-1-8H{=-.:-9}$=-=v-Q}#=-.-;- are blocked. That is a wrong idea. It is not like that. You j[m;-j1}-jCs$-j+$-j2~#-.v:-j+!8-*v0-1{+-.:-#,=-=}k When we do not think or do analyses etc., when we do not remember that when we talk about Enlightened Beings Then the position. You can stay in any kind of position. enter into these kinds of limitations but do not interrupt like Buddha Shakyamuni we say that they are omniscient There is no difference in order to be in the state of con- our clarity, everything is clear and +{-(m+-`o-+1m#=-.8m0=1-.-1- which means having wisdom of quality and quantity . All templation. But for people with lower capacity who are bo#=-.-,m-*1=-%+-1={,-.8m-0"}1-.-%{k that is the state of medita- our thoughts and concepts, everything enters into this starting to learn, we give them some information on the tion of omniscience. quality and quantity of wisdom. We do not block anything position such as crossed legs, or with the knees drawn up and become like a small piece of stone. This is important to the stomach in the position of the rishi. You can also j#(m+-j+$-Am$-jOw#=-j+$-G}+-@:-`o-:$-+#:-1-j#)}$-jk +{-;-[},-`o-1- and here it is explained very clearly. do this. By doing this it is easier to control your energy j0Wjk and when you control your energy you have fewer prob- Sometimes when we are too conditioned by sleepiness, 0+#-+$-&}=-(m+-=}-=}:-Es0-,k 0+#-(m+-j"}1-j.-.}=-&}=-(m+-;-;'v#-#mk lems with your mind and it is easier to control it otherwise and we have a sleepy state, not clarity, or we are too agi- &}=-+$-#$-7#-1-($=-.:-#(m=-=v-1{+-.8m-9{-<{=-(m+-`o-j#%m#-j.8m-@m:- it disturbs you getting and being in the state of contem- tated, we are not particularly conditioned by these things ;=-=v-A-08m-0"}1-.-1{+-+}k plation. For new practitioners this is useful and it is also and we do not remain in the concept that these are nega- When we consider that our condition and our real condi- not limiting. In general in the Dzogchen teaching we say tive things. tion of dharmata are separate, or something with different that there is no need to have a particular position and then aspects, then they become like subject and object. But it people think that all positions are negative. It is also very +!8-*v0-1{+-.:-:$-j&}+-%m#j is not that way. When we are in the state of Dharmakaya, important to understand the condition of the individual. We do not sacrifi ce anything. This seems a little contrary to which means we are in the primordial state with its infi - the Mahayana system in which it says Bodhisattvas make nite qualities of wisdom, then, of course, we become om- j9}$=-j-?-)m-9}-#8m-0"}1-.-13,-1-+$-&}=-(m+-;-($-R$-1-A=-.:-#$- sacrifi ces for the benefi t of others. Also in the Hinayana niscient, not without thoughts. When we are in our real `o8$-1-0=1=-1-0!#-.=-&}#-1}+k style they have very much this Kathub (dka’ thub) which nature, our thoughts and concepts do not manifest in an For people who have knowledge of Dzogchen teaching means sacrifi cing. In the Dzogchen teaching it does not ordinary way – 0=1-#),-;-;=-=v-"v:-0v:->o:-){k 0+#-#m=-0=1- there is no need for these kinds of relative limitations in say that you have to make sacrifi ces to have realization. #),-A=-.:-*;-0=-#7v$-84n,->m=-0%m$=-.:-${=-=}k order to follow the practice of Ati Yoga. Also in Tantrism sometimes they also make lots of sac- and here it continues – otherwise they become like subject rifi ces. You can understand this by reading the wonder- and object. [{=-0v-+1-.=-#+{$-3u+-,k For people who have the 8E}-:v$-8`o#-:v$-(;-:v$-&}+-:v$lk ;}$=-]}+-0+{8$-:v$lk &q#-0#;-9$- ful biography of Milarepa. What Milarepa did was always fortune to discover their real nature and know how to be :v$lk [},-`o-,m-#$-;8$-1-0W=-.=- 13,-18m-]}+-9v;-1m-8#{#=k positive and very good but his way of practicing was in in their real nature, ={1=-;-;=-=v-A-08m-0=1-#),-A:-1{+k there When walking, sitting, sleeping, standing etc., when feel- tantric style. He used to put a butter lamp on his head to is nothing to do, to put in order or to coordinate with the ing that it is a happy or easy moment, or a sorrowful and do meditation because if he fell asleep the lamps would mind. ={1=-!q8m-8}+-;-0bo#=-m=-:$-#m-R}-:$-06m,->m=-%m:-9$-1-0=1=-.=k :$- OK. You remember that when we do practice, I always say need to do practice in a limited period of time. Sometimes 06m,-1-0!#-.:-1m-#9}-08}k that if you want to sit cross-legged that is OK. If you have we need to do a personal retreat for a week, two or three Everything manifests its qualifi cations through its wis- diffi culties you can sit on a chair or rest on your knees in weeks, one or two or three months. We consider three dom, without interruption, but at the same time it is not Japanese style. There is no difference. Only it is important months is a very long time, and we never say it is neces- something like our ordinary dualistic vision, because du- to keep our backs straight to co-ordinate our energy at the sary to do a retreat for three years, three months and three alistic vision interrupts and creates problems for us to be relative level. You see all these explanations come from days. This is the tantric tradition. Of course if somebody in our real state. 8+m-(m+-;=k There is a quotation from the these sources. likes to do this, Dzogchen teaching doesn’t say that you root tantra about this. shouldn’t do it. =1-`o-1{+-.:-(;k 1m-0=1-0=1-1{+-`o-;}$=-]}+k 8E}-(;-8`o#0+{-&q#- For example in the Dzogchen teaching we have three 1-[{=-j.-9m-j&}=-M1=-;k k$}-0}-1{+-+{-0"}1-.8$-1{+k 0#;-9$lk #:-9$-1-0=1=-.=-K}#-.-$$-#m=-1{+-+}k series – Semde, Longde and Updesha. Longde is mainly “All phenomena unborn from the beginning, there is We do not limit any kind of activities of daily life, and we if you have doubts, for not remaining in doubts. This is nothing that is their essence and there is nothing to medi- can integrate them. +{-;-#7v$-84n,-*1=-%+-1-($=-.:-1m-Wv-0=- the main point of Dzogchen Longde. First there is the tate on. ,1-1"8m-3u;-`o-:0-8A}:-0=k Just like the dimension 8'm#-K{,-.:-1-#};-;}k For that reason we are not conditioned Dzogchen Semde and direct introduction with which you of space. So this is called Samantabhadra, everything is by dualistic vision, even though we have it and live in a try to discover your real nature. This is a more gradual way fi ne.” normal human condition. We shouldn’t worry about fall- for people with less capacity to be able to discover it. In the ing into the ordinary condition. Upadesha we have a series of teachings called Dzogchen 6{=-#=v$=-){k +{-W:-0"}1-.8m-3|k +0$-.}-M1=-@{-j02t1-j#$-,8$-R$- Yangti. The Dzogchen teaching is called Ati which means +}:-1{+-+}k 9v;-={1=-=}-=}:-1{+-.=-1-8##=-.8m-"}1-0:-1-#};-08}k primordial state and is considered to be very important This quotation means that when we are applying that, do- We also do not fall into the consideration of subject and teaching – the supreme path. Yangti is considered to be ing meditation, +0$-.}-M1=-@{-j02t1-j#$-,8$-R$-+}:-1{+-+}k for object etc., so we also do not fall into the wrong direction. even more important than Ati. What we fi nd in this is meditators there is no difference or limitations whether things like dark retreat for developing our capacity of inte- all their senses are open or closed. For example, if you #$-;-9$-(}$-;{,-1{+-.=-(,-*}=-:$-W;-`o-1-Ws$-$}lk gration more quickly so it means we integrate, apply this open your eyes you can see, open your ears you can hear. If There is nothing that we accept or reject and we do not fall practice for some weeks and some months and then when you close them, you cannot. There is no difference, which into a dimension like the state of the Hinayana. we have the capacity we try to integrate it in our life with- means you should not be conditioned by these things. out limitations. This is the Dzogchen way. Sometimes we say that when Dzogchen practitioners are :$-:$-#m-W-0-@}#=-%,->m-#bo$-3u#=-=v-W-j"}1-j1{+-.=-*{#-.-#$-`o8$- Sometimes there are practitioners like my woman in the state of contemplation, their eyes are open. Then 1-#};-){k teacher, Ayu Khandro. When she received Yangti teaching some people think that it is a kind of rule of Dzogchen Even though there are many different kinds of points of she became very interested in it and considered it was the teaching that the eyes should be open. But it doesn’t mean view, because every school has a different point of view, we path for total realization for her. She dedicated her whole that. Just like in the practices in tantric style, there are do not particularly accept or enter into those limitations life to doing this practice in dark retreat. There are no many complicated visualizations and it is much easier to so we do not fall into that kind of direction. :$-06m,-1m-jK}#- limitations that you cannot do that, but there is a normal close your eyes [to do them], and for that reason practi- j.:-8`o#-.=-;=-=v->o:-.-1{+-+}k wider path that we can follow and learn in general. tioners close their eyes. Here it says that it is not always We are beyond any kind of mental concepts so we do not There are many quotations from the root tantra to ex- necessary to close your eyes. You can open them and have have any of these types of problems. plain this. sense contacts with objects. But it depends. Sometimes you close your eyes and can still be in the state of contem- *1=-%+-<$-1-($=-:$-=-,-#=;-;k ={1=-;-1m#=-.-0+#-1{+-.- plation. You could be resting on the bed with your eyes We do not refuse anything. Even if we do not refuse, every- The mind – when we are in the nature of mind there are no closed and in the state of contemplation, so it is not neces- thing is clear in our clarity. concepts, but if we are in the mind, it always creates many sary you open your eyes. This is an example. It means you +{-;-/:-0W-08$-1{+k ,$-`o-0&q=-,=-0W-08$-1{+k Even if every- different kinds of thoughts. Most people are conditioned should not be limited this way. And this is not only valid thing is in our clarity, we do not do anything in particular, by mind and for that reason in the Dzogchen teaching we for the eyes but for all the senses. or enter into concepts or accept something and enter into have many practices like rushen and different types of sem- that concept. dzin fi rst of all to distinguish what is the mind and what is +{-+#-*1=-%+-:$-:m#-9m,-9$-9m,-.:-1m-0=1k Even if everything is the nature of mind. We do not follow mind. Mind is use- part of the potentiality of our primordial state, we have no ful at the beginning for applying some types of methods, concept of that. >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 News

5

Sogyal Rinpoche’s Visit to Merigar A Joyous and Exhilarating Occasion

Andy Lukianowicz

n September 20th and Dharma into our hearts in a way 21st Merigar was graced that can be easily understood, Oby a two-day teaching usefully applied and which is of on living and dying by Sogyal immediate benefi t. Rinpoche, renowned teacher and Interestingly, he also used author of the best-selling “Tibet- teachings from Christianity and an Book of Living and Dying.” A Islam to illustrate his points, as lifelong friend of Chögyal Nam- well as fi ndings from scientifi c khai Norbu Rinpoche, whom research (this latter also a keen in- he was visiting, he had been in- terest of the Dalai Lama’s). Also, vited to give this teaching by Ye- sometimes Sogyal Rinpoche uses shi Namkhai Rinpoche when the his humorous, clowning style of latter visited Sogyal Rinpoche’s teaching as a facilitator, to star- Lerab Ling centre in France last tle or use a hedewa experience to year. cleave an opening through the Heralded by huge rainbows mind’s constant elucubrating the day before, at the start of the and thereby swiftly and directly teaching Sogyal Rinpoche intro- introduce some of his more orig- duced himself with his custom- inal (and profound) teachings, ary humility as “not so much a through emotional and intellec- teacher as a facilitator who intro- tual insights, into the listener’s Photo: L Graf duces other teachers”. He then mind and heart. proceeded, over three hours, to As a symbolic and verbal tation on the view is instead get- criticism and anger. Noticing an- ifi ed when he not only remem- deliver a masterful teaching on intro duction, he used a gesture ting familiar with the view. ger addressed at you, he said, in- bered my name but also greeted applying Dharma to living, re- favoured by Tulku Urgyen Rin- We also had an example of his stead of identifying with the “tar- me affectionately when I went to serving the teaching on death poche. He would display his humour, presence and directness get” (i.e. dispenser) of the anger, speak to him. and dying for the following day. hand, palm faced outward, as a when he used the happenstance pay attention to the volume and In conclusion, it is impor- Features of Sogyal Rinpoche’s symbol of samsara, “mind turned of a listener noisily falling from a tone of voice of the angry person, tant that on both days, Sogyal teaching style are his humour, outwards lost in its projections.” breaking chair to give a teaching thereby defusing and depersonal- Rinpoche talked of a teacher’s warmth, vivacity and spontaneity, He then turned the hand palm on how to use any experience, ising the situation. And the wider students as “his vehicle,” his and these were all in evidence from inwards as a symbol of nirvana, even one such as this, as an op- message: “Don’t judge.” means to spread the teachings, the start. After moving and affec- “mind turned inwards, realising portunity to reawaken and en- On the following day Sogyal and encouraged us all to do all we tionate references to his Dharma the essence of mind.” As a mind gage mindful presence. Rinpoche gave a detailed teach- can to support our teacher Chög- connection and long personal transmission, he (extraordinari- He brought the day’s teaching ing on death and dying, that has yal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche in friendship with our teacher Chö- ly) used the occasion of shaking to a close with a detailed explana- become a sort of speciality teach- his work in every way. gyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, his audience’s inattentiveness: tion on Shamatha practice, with ing (also following the success interlaced with many stories after a cursory (and typically Eng- and without use of a support. of his book), concluding with a about and quotes (another fea- lish!) remark: “Am I boring you?” Sogyal Rinpoche joked that we teaching on p’owa practice with ture of Sogyal Rinpoche’s teach- he silently and with a simple gaze may not be interested in such a Amitabha. ing style) from his main teachers roused an apperceptible shift in low teaching and practice as we Speaking personally, I wish to Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro the rigpa energy fl ow, pattern and were “used to Dzogchen,” but thank Sogyal Rinpoche for this Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, intensity level in the Gonpa. the response was one of great in- teaching. Having studied closely Dilgo Khyense Rinpoche, Tulku This was connected with his terest and close attention. Espe- with him thirty years ago before Urgen Rinpoche and Nyoshul remarks later with regard to cially useful and illuminating was moving to Italy and not having Khen Rinpoche, he used read- the Nyingmapa teaching on the his teaching on using thought had the opportunity in the last ings from his book to illustrate Dzogchen path which empha- and emotion as a way to enhance fi fteen years to see him again, the applicability of Dharma prac- sizes that, once one has been in- meditation. this was an occasion not only to tice, also to fi nd happiness in life. troduced to the view, Dzogchen He used this occasion to give receive precious teachings but His aim, as always, to bring the practice rather than being medi- a teaching on how to deal with also to renew our link. I was grat-

>> continued from previous page some black magic etc. All these kinds of things are called +{-W:-j"}1-j.-.}=-8+}+-&#=-+$-1-K;-0=k 9{-<{=-#=;-.}-j6m#-j8+}+- something related to teaching and instructions and we fantasy created with our mind. Sometimes it seems real. .-+$lk 0=1-.-%$-1{+-.-8+m-8`o-<{=-1{+-.81k 8#}#-.:-[s$-$1-.- work with that. But we do not go after our thoughts, our You must be careful about this and not always go after +$lk *{-3~1-7-0:-8Ap$-0-,mk #:-0=;-){k 8+m-;-0+#-1{+-.-j6m#-j#m=-1- imagination and all the thoughts that arise. thoughts. Try to relax in your dimension, and not become 0=1=-.:-8`o#-%{k 9v;-'$-0-c}=-=v-+}#=-.8m-0+#-#6,->m-84n,-jK}#- Many people say that they have problems because they a slave of your mind. In this case you can control it and j1{+-+}k are agitated, confused or always feel afraid. All of these know that it is nothing more than your mind. So this is When we are in our real nature, any different kinds of or- things come from the mind. Mind creates many different what you should do. dinary emotions we have are part of our wisdom and we kinds of tensions and day after day we accumulate ten- Here it says that if you are in your real nature, you do do not fall into our ordinary emotions. And when we are sions. Even though we accumulate a lot of tensions, the not have that problem, but when you are dependent on or in the primordial state we also do not worry and think mind is never satisfi ed and creates more and more. dominated by your mind, your confusion is endless. that it is like the Hinayana type of Gogpa (‘gog pa), which Sometimes mind also collaborates with our energy means blocking all thoughts and there is nothing, only channels and then you can have experiences of visions and Then there is another quotation: a kind of dimension of emptiness in which some kinds sounds that come from that energy. Then you think that *1=-%+-1={,-.-0"}1-.8m-1&}# k$}-0}-(m+-,m-+1m#=-=v-1{+k of practitioners remain for centuries and centuries. You it is not only mind but something concrete that you can This means that when we are omniscient, that means in shouldn’t worry about falling into this when thinking or see or hear talking in your ear telling you what to do or our real nature, we are not conditioned by all our visions, judging does not arise immediately. not to do. Some people even ask me if they should follow even if they are ordinary dualistic visions. When you are in these things or not, thinking it is a bad spirit that is talk- your real nature, it doesn’t mean that your visions disap- 8+m-;-0+#-1{+-.-j6m#-j#m=-1-0=1=-.:-8`o#-%{k 9v;-'$-0-c}=-=v- ing in their ear. There are no spirits. It is only the function pear but they are an aspect of the wisdom of omniscience. +}#=-.8m-0+#-#6,->m-84n,-jK}#-j1{+-+}k of your energy. Now mind is associated with this energy This is the supreme meditation and k$}-0}-(m+-,m-+1m#=-=v-1{+k When there is nothing, with this kind of fear then you are and making you have more problems. For this reason you there is nothing concrete we consider to be a concept of creating some concepts of that. shouldn’t always go after your thoughts. this. (1=-=v-A-,k @m-,$-'m-W:-'$-0-*1=-%+-:$-:m#-.=k \o,-<}$-9{-j@;- Of course, if it is something necessary, for example, jP}$-9$=-\o,-#=;-0-;k 0&q=-.8m-0!#-.-+$lk :{-+}#=-1{+-.8}kk you think what shall we have for lunch today? Shall we $-A$-&u0-

6

The sbas pa’I rgum chung retreat Merigar West October 2–10

Fabian Sanders

he Buddha said, “Every- Dunhuang caves, in the present thing is unreal”, like a day Chinese province of Gansu. T dream. Only when one The Buddhist grottoes in this re- awakes can he or she realize this mote location in central Asia had truth. So, at the beginning of Oc- already been sealed in 1036 C.E. tober, it was marvelous to be in a to safeguard the great multilin- daydream in which Rinpoche once gual Buddhist manuscript library more pointed out the way towards that had accumulated in them Awakening for all of us who are over centuries, from the hostile trapped in illusion and are willing armies which desired to conquer to listen, refl ect and practice. this important commercial hub Under the beautiful blue sky once placed along the Silk Road. of a summer-like Merigar, the So, when in 1900 the Taoist occasion was the explanation of a monk, Wang Yuanlu, discovered short text by an ancient Dzogchen the ‘Library Cave’, he uncovered a Master, Buddhagupta (sangs rgyas true mass of literary works. sbas pa), one of the twenty-one With all due differences these great masters of Dzogchen from texts had a similar destiny to the Oddiyana who form a lineage Terma literature, even though Photo: L Carniel from Garab Dorje to the time they were not intentionally hid- when the teaching was transmit- den for the purpose of renewing portant not only for their con- deep that they were like nectar ecdotes and examples from His ted to Tibet, not to be confused and adapting the teachings to tent, but also because they attest for all sorts of ears, hearts and own experience, as well as vivid with Buddhaguhya or Buddha- the different conditions brought the antiquity of the translations minds. Basing himself on this an- and fresh expositions of general guptanatha. about by the passing of time. Like of texts belonging to this point of cient text, Rinpoche explained all Buddhist teachings like the Four The text was ‘The Small Col- Terma-s they remained hidden view, clearly placing them in the the main points of the precious Noble Truths. Finally a heavy lection of Hidden Precepts’ (sbas for centuries, well preserved and early phase (snga ‘gyur) and there- teaching of Ati Dzogpachenpo thunderstorm in the night of the pa’i rgum chung), an amazing, protected, until they fi nally came by denying the oft heard allega- whose purpose is to integrate all day before the last day, marked synthetic and essential text be- back to light, but unlike terma-s, tions that they were more recent into one’s Real Condition, from the end of the retreat and we longing to the ‘Mind Series’ (sems they remained silent and mainly counterfeit productions. the Universal Base (kun gzhi) to went back to normal dreaming, sde) of Dzogchen that has a re- as the object of study of scholars. In any case, as usual, Rinpoche various practices like the yoga though armed with one more markable history. It is one of two From the point of view of was very generous in distributing of the night and so on. As usual weapon to recognize that. texts on Dzogchen found in the Dzogchen they are extremely im- profound teachings so wide and He also told many delightful an-

Cold Mist to Clear Light Merigar West October 23–30

Julian Chase

he Khorde Rangdrol re- was greeted with a lot of interest treat in October this year at the retreat since it is different Tbegan in thick fog. The from the Namcho Shitro given clouds were banked high on the by Mingyur Dorje, which is more Merigar mountain and visibility often carried out in the Commu- was just a few feet: old friends nity. This was followed on the needed double-takes before third day by a very rare Wang by greeting each other – and was Rinpoche into the actual Shitro that a beautiful Dakini fl itting Khorde Rangdrol, in a ceremony through the mist, or one of the that (for us) lasted three hours, cooks…? And oh, the cold and but which for Rinpoche, with the wet…. preceding preparations, lasted a full four hours. Yet in all that Yet by the third day, on Sun- time not once did Rinpoche tire day, this scene had completely or slow during the initiation; for changed: the sun had begun its each of the easily 400-plus people Burning the support at the end of the Changchog ritual Photo: E Del’Angelo warming, drying work and we present, he maintained a com- were treated to a spectacular dis- pletely even manner for the man- Khorde Rangdrol Shitro, and of of those present in feeling such play of autumnal beauty across tra he recited for each of us as he On the days that followed, the Chang Chog ritual that can inspiration for and deepening the length and breadth of the placed the vase on our heads and Rinpoche took us step by step be used as a supplement to it to of the practice, and my sense of valley, with dark green turning poured the water. through the actual practice of the help dead friends and relatives. sheer privilege at having been to burnished copper, light green This too was a really valuable present at such a rare and won- to scarlet, orange and gold; cold process of clarifi cation for those derful event. Memories will re- and dark to warmth and serene of us, like myself, who were new main strong of everything that light. to the practice, as we grappled was offered – Rinpoche’s pre- with the complexities of the prac- cious teachings of course, but And for me at least this mood of tice and visualisations. Finally, also the Dance, the Yantra Yoga, benevolent transformation con- on the sixth day of the retreat we valuable practice explanations, tinued – and I’m sure for many left all explanations behind and rituals, and lots of friendship others, too, from what I could simply and intensively practiced and conviviality. And as always, see. Rinpoche’s joyful and ener- as best we could, each of us for how could such a large event getic presence was of course the our dead friends, for our rela- happen without the help and col- beating heart of the whole re- tives, for those who had passed laboration of dozens of people treat, and we were treated on the on with whom we’d had any con- – the helpers, cleaners, mar- second day to a quick but intrigu- tact…. How moving it was in dif- shals, guides, in the offi ce and ing glimpse of the very short but ferent ways for each of us. the shops – and those wonderful potent Shitro Khorde Rangdrol, dakini-cooks…. A big thank you in which we visualise ourselves As we prepared to disperse on the to everyone! as Samantabhadra yab-yum. fi nal day, following Rinpoche’s This is a terma of Rinpoche’s precious advice and giving of Master Changchub Dorje, and it The Khorde Rangdrol initiation Photo: E Del’Angelo lung, surely I speak for others THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 ASIA

7

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

Tibetan Arts In Transition A Journey through Theatre, Cinema and Painting

Andrea Dell’Angelo

rom September 2008 to ly worrying linguistic and cultur- March 2009 ASIA carried al assimilation and on the other Fout a project for raising the side, the steady “museifi cation” awareness of the traditions and of its millenary traditions, which culture of Tibet, co-fi nanced by risks forcing the spirit of Tibet the Italian Ministry of Foreign into an unnatural immobility. Affairs. The project was entitled: For more than twenty years The commitment of Italian NGOs in ASIA has been trying to safeguard Tibet to the safeguard of the traditions Tibetan culture in two well-de- and culture of the Tibetan people, a fi ned directions. Firstly, imple- journey through theatre, cinema and menting projects in Tibet aimed at Tibetan painting and generated the development of education, the great interest and participation. preservation of culture and the ten The cities of Rome, Naples and traditional branches of science, Arcidosso (Grosseto) were in- the economic and social devel- volved in this project to inform opment of nomads, the improve- and make people aware of the ment of sanitation and so forth. Lhamo Opera Gonkar Gyatso – Buddha Sakyamuni need to safeguard and protect a culture in danger of extinction. Secondly, ASIA has always tried public organizations and insti- booklet is intended to be a real In order to give continuity and This multidisciplinary initia- to promote Tibetan culture in tutions, private supporters and “journey” through Tibetan the- sustainability to the project, ASIA tive was structured as an interac- the West by organizing meetings people who have encouraged and atre, cinema and painting and, has decided to organize a wider tive didactic path which, through on Tibetan culture and tradition, helped us, ASIA has continued its in particular, focuses on the re- event on Tibetan contemporary conferences, workshops, paint- conferences, exhibitions, work- commitment to the Tibetan peo- lationship between tradition and painting that will host six Tibetan ing exhibitions, theatre perfor- shops on specifi c issues like Ti- ple and to the safeguarding of Ti- modernity and on the role of the painters exhibiting their works in mances and movie screenings, betan medicine, nomadism, the betan culture, a culture which is artist in safeguarding the for- three Italian cities: Milan, Bolo- was able to stimulate an artistic Himalayan environment, Tibetan active and alive in its different so- mer, without falling into obso- gna and Rome. juxtaposition of different cul- architecture and so on. cio-political and cultural aspects lescence. ASIA is now trying to organize tures and raise public awareness ASIA had never worked before and which deserves to be pro- On the webpage www.asia- similar events in European and of the importance of safeguard- with artists, painters and fi lm- moted to a wider audience. onlus.org/handbook you can or- American cities and, in order to ing and promoting the Tibetan makers who, aware that culture The concrete outcome of the der the booklet and DVD “TIBET- do so, will need the support and cultural heritage. and development are refl ected in project was the publication of a AN VISIONS – CONTEMPORARY cooperation of all the people The project arose from the the arts, are trying to unravel an- booklet containing the speech- PAINTING FROM TIBET”, that sharing our goal, not only to help conviction that Tibetan civiliza- other aspect of Tibet, more con- es of the conferences orga- tells the story of the event held the people and culture of Tibet to tion and culture, today more than crete and less mystical. nized at the University of Naples in Rome through interviews with stay alive, but also to enrich and ever, have to face two kinds of Through this project, imple- “L’Orientale” and at the “Sapi- the Tibetan painters. stimulate Western society. threat: on one side an increasing- mented in collaboration with enza”, University of Rome. The

edge of the Tibetan language, to though in the title it is stated that Report on the comprehend better not only the these explanations are useful for grammatical rules, but also the beginners, we found that, indeed, Training for Translators necessity of a real understand- they are valuable for all practitio- Course in 2009 ing of the doctrinal background ners/followers of these very pro- and practices involved in order to found teachings. Margherita Pansa and Daniel Simonelli make better translations, as close In fact, our precious master, as possible to the meaning of the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, gave a his year, six people came original text. Developing our ca- detailed explanation of this text to Merigar West with the pacity to see the different options during a retreat held at Tsegyal- T aim of developing the of translation and interpretation, gar, USA, from 30 May 2008 to 2 skills needed in order to trans- we fi nally chose the most appro- June 2008. late Tibetan texts into Western language is in itself very interest- During the morning sessions, priate possibility for the given Once we had fi nished this text, languages. Four of these were ing work. To read, to analyze and advanced students worked on a context (in Taranatha’s text) or which we found a little compli- advanced students while for the to defi ne proper contexts in or- text by Taranatha, the bka’ babs with the help of the explanation cated because of the diffi culties others this was their fi rst contact der to fi nd suitable meanings for bdun ldan. The translation of this of our precious master Chögyal in understanding certain pas- with this challenging and excit- the different words making up a text had begun in previous ses- Namkhai Norbu (in Jigme Ling- sages, we started another one: ing task. phrase, are all interrelated tasks sions so, for the most part, we pa’s text). For people who like to the dpal ldan lha mo re ma ti, a During this one-month course that need clear guidance to be had the support of those who had translate, a translation group is collection of myths prepared by we were able to translate the fol- successfully achieved. worked on it in the past years, really something useful and en- Sönam Gyatso, the Third Dalai lowing texts: Fabian Sander’s kindness and typed it into the computer and joyable. Lama. This is a very interesting patience were the main starting started a fi rst draft translation. In the afternoon advanced stu- text about Palden Lhamo’s life in 1) Taranatha, bka’ babs bdun ldan points for helping us beginners Working in a group is really dents and beginners joined to which epic battles between De- 2) Jigme Lingpa, rdzogs pa chen po leave behind our “fears” concern- an interesting experience, espe- translate Jigme Lingpa’s text, the vas, Asuras and Rakshasas are gnas lugs cer mthong ing the diffi culties of Tibetan lan- cially for those who are used to rdzogs pa chen po gnas lugs cer mthong narrated and the different epi- 3) A collection of myths regard- guage. He very generously provid- working alone: in a friendly at- (Nakedly looking at the Real thets attributed to Paldem Lhamo ing dpal ldan lha mo re ma ti ed us with many examples, rang- mosphere all of us could express Condition, the Great Perfection) after each battle are mentioned in ing from Indian mythology to our personal views on the text which belongs to the ‘jigs gling these amazing stories. Right from the beginning, for Sanskrit equivalents for Tibetan and try to translate without any bka’ ‘bum, the collected works of These three texts are really newcomers in the fi eld of transla- terms and expressions, in order fear of saying something wrong. ‘jigs med glin pa rang byung rdo rje dissimilar from each other and tion, working on these texts was a to allow everyone to benefi t from In particular the thorough dis- mkhyen brtse’i ‘od zer. this fact allowed all of us to ex- great challenge. To acquire all the his or her ability and background cussions on diffi cult passages This text is a very special teach- plore some of the different pos- skills needed in order to translate while acquiring the different as- in our everyday work allowed ing that exposes in a clear (naked) sibilities of the Tibetan language, from Tibetan into any foreign pects of Tibetan grammar. all of us to improve our knowl- way the state of Dzogchen. Even >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Shang Shung Institute

8

20 year Anniversary of the Shang Shung Institute

n Sunday September photographer and Orientalist 20th, the anniversary who dedicated a great amount Oof 20 years of activities of ethnographic research to Ti- of the Shang Shung Interna- bet. Some time ago Mr. Maraini tional Institute of Tibetan Stud- donated the photographs to the ies was celebrated in Arcidosso, Shang Shung Institute because Tuscany, Italy. Even though the he was aware of the important weather conditions were not en- work and ethnographic histori- couraging, throughout the day cal research personally carried several hundred visitors braved out by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, the showers of rain to visit the the founder of the Institute. Aldobrandesco castle, the venue At the same time as these for the conferences and the exhi- events, there were stands in Pi- bition of sacred Tibetan art. azza Cavour decorated like the The conferences were fol- rest of the external areas with the lowed with great attention by a unmistakable coloured prayer large audience and in the pres- fl ags which brought to mind the ence of the Mayor of Arcidosso landscapes of Tibet and here one and the town councillor for cul- could fi nd a selection of publi- The Aldobrandeschi castle in Arcidosso was the venue for the SSI Anniversary Photo: P Barry ture. The professor of the faculty cations from the Shang Shung of Oriental Studies at the Univer- Institute. During the evening diverse activities certainly did not In the evening the lights were self performed by twenty Tibetan sity of Naples, Prof. Giacomella the stands drew the attention of overlook the children who built lit at the Unanimi Theatre which students from different Indian Orofi no, gave an exciting talk on a great number of food lovers kites and came to be familiar with hosted a sample of the fi nal show universities, artists not by pro- the origins and history of Tibet- fession but for necessity and love an culture, followed by Dr. Gino for their artistic and musical tra- Vitiello, homeopath and expert dition. The entire show was bril- in Tibetan medicine, who intro- liant and highly expressive. The duced the principles of Tibetan student performers entertained medicine which is based on the spectators for an hour and a half elements and then spoke about with a series of performances of its place in history. The interna- traditional dance and new popu- tional expert on Tibetan Ku Nyè lar songs such as, for example, massage, Aldo Oneto, showed an one dedicated to His Holiness attentive public some of the heal- the Dalai Lama. ing techniques used by the Tibet- The day successfully reached ans in which they make use of its goal of carrying a message of the hands and simple substances protecting the cultural heritage such as butter, oils and herbs. of Tibet outside Merigar and of The exhibition of sacred Ti- bringing this fascinating thou- betan art attracted visitors with sand year-old culture closer to its traditional statues in bronze the public. and gold portraying the principle The next step in this direction manifestations of the divine Bud- The Tibetan students performing a traditional song during the evening show Photo: R Piro will be the creation of a museum dha and other fundamental ele- dedicated entirely to Tibet. We ments of Tibetan Buddhist cul- who, in spite of the bad weather, one of the many games played by meant to be given in Piazza In- sincerely hope that this will come ture. gathered to sample traditional children of the same age in dis- dependenza and moved to the to fruition in the shortest possi- There was also an exhibition of Tibetan momò (a small pastry tant Tibet, as well as other tradi- theatre because of the weather ble time. highly valuable photographs tak- with spiced meat steam cooked). tional board games, all inside a conditions. Later in the evening en by Fosco Maraini, well-known A day fi lled with such festive and workshop dedicated to them. it was the venue for the show it-

donate to the costs needed to help Video Webcasts of the Tibetan Medicine live webcast Tibetan Medical Talks project continue, please donate directly through the SSI-USA on- by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo line store at www.shangshung. org/store, or contact us directly he next video webcast of into your browser on the date of at: [email protected] Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo’s a scheduled webcast between the or 413-369-4928. T Tibetan Medicine public hours of 7pm and 9pm EST (Time talk series from our Tibetan Heal- zone of Boston or New York City: If you have any questions or ing Center in Northampton, MA http://213.203.141.7/ssi-usa/ comments about this service, is scheduled for Friday, Novem- please email us at ber 6th from 7–9 pm EST. We If you live far from Northampton, [email protected] have received many requests for MA, don’t forget to check your this service, and we are happy local time for each event before to fi nally be able to provide this attending. You can do this on the wonderful opportunity to learn following webpage: about Tibetan Medicine from http://www.timeanddate.com/ anywhere in the world. worldclock/converter.html Anyone with an ample Inter- net connection and a web brows- The fi rst Tibetan Medicine web- er should be able to connect to cast that took place on October this FREE service. 2, 2009 was very successful (108 connections!), and we look for- How does this work? Simply ward to continuing this exciting type the following web address new service. If you would like to

>> continued from previous page Everything helped us to cre- tense and enriching month of Skype or whatever tool we fi nd Institute for giving us this oppor- from old to modern, from doctri- ate, from the very beginning, a studies. In the future we plan to suitable for that purpose. tunity. nal exposition to narrations, and relaxed atmosphere in which our go on studying together organiz- We are very thankful to our also poetry. small group could share one in- ing periodic meetings through Master and to the Shang Shung THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Focus on The Mirror

9

The Future of the Dzogchen Community Excerpted from Issue 12, 1991

On November 2nd 1991 at Merigar West, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu spoke about the need for people to consider how the Community has developed and the necessity of taking responsi- bility for shaping the future. The fol- lowing is an excerpt from his talk.

ur Community is based on the teaching and the Ospirit of the teaching, it’s not just an ordinary organi- zation. This Community exists within a society which is always moving ahead and changing. The teaching tells us how to work with circumstances and that is why we always try to improve and to integrate as much as possible in society. I’ve heard many people say that the Community is getting too or- ganized, it’s not like it used to be once. Certainly you may feel that No. 12, November 1991 it was more simple and natural but you have to understand that we are going ahead in society, we No. 1, March 1990 are not going backwards. Go- The Teaching given by His Holiness ing back to the beginning means cancelling everything. The XIV Dalai Lama to the Dzogchen If one person thinks only Why this newspaper is called The Mirror Community in the Merigar Gonpa about themselves and refuses to accept society, I’m not saying Excerpted from Issue 1, 1990 Excerpted from Issue 3, 1990 that couldn’t be a solution. But I can say for sure that this is not he mind’s essential nature the mind’s natural condition, the On the 30th May 1990, on the occa- Whereas its qualifi cation, its po- a solution for society or for the is said in the Dzogchen state of Dzogchen. This state is sion of the offi cial opening of the activ- tentiality that manifests is called majority of people. Rather we T teachings to be like the self-perfected, and exists in every ities of the Shang Shung Institute, His Lhundrub, which is generally have to consider what the condi- nature of a mirror. A mirror’s es- individual from the very begin- Holiness Tenzin Gyatso the 14th Da- called the Rupakaya. On this ba- tion of society is and how to in- sential nature is clear, pure, and ning. It is only lost through the du- lai Lama gave the fi rst teaching in the sis, this is what manifests in re- tegrate the teaching in society. limpid; if this was not the case alistic clinging of the ego-fi xated Merigar West Gonpa to the Dzogchen alization. That’s why we’ve organized the no refl ections could arise in it. In mind. It does not have to be creat- Community. The teaching belonged The methods for applying Community and we are trying to the same way the mind’s natural ed, or constructed. The practitio- to the twenty-fi ve cycles of the secret the practice of the Dzogchen organize it better to function in condition is one of clarity, purity ner of Dzogchen, having received teachings of the Fifth Dalai Lama and path are linked to our three pri- society. That’s true integration. and limpidity. A mirror will re- transmission of the primordial it was believed to have been the fi rst mordial wisdoms: of nature, of That’s why we need at least a fl ect whatever is placed in front state from a qualifi ed master, ex- time this particular teaching had ever emptiness and of energy, the minimum of organization, not to of it, but the nature of the mirror periences it for him or herself and been given in public and in the West. manifestation of our potential- remain behind everyone. is not stained by any refl ection, no longer remains in any doubt as The following is an excerpt. ity. Bringing these into practice Up till now I’ve always com- no matter how ugly or terrible. to what this state really is. one obtains the realization of the mitted myself like the father of In the same way, if an individual He or she then tries to remain n the Dzogchen three dimensions. In particular a family. But it’s not suffi cient remains continually present in present, continuing in non-dual teaching the princi- in the Dzogchen teachings there to think that I commit myself the contemplative state that is contemplation in each moment, …Iple of our existence, is Ati Dzogpachenpo; Ati means and no-one else needs to bother. the inherent nature of the mind, without becoming distracted or our condition, corresponds to the the primordial vehicle. This is the There are things that have to be no thought however beautiful allowing the mind to become two kayas, two states: the kaya of way that is beyond effort and be- done, things that involve a com- or ugly, attractive or repulsive, caught up in the net of concep- the dimension of form, and that yond modifi cation, which means mitment. If the Community is to can stain the mind’s fundamen- tualisation. Relaxing body, ener- of the Dharma, which is the na- it is beyond the mind and con- continue everyone must be re- tal purity, or distract or disturb gy and mind in the state of pure ture of all existence. The kaya of cepts of the mind, whereas all the sponsible. the practitioner, who remains presence or ‘rigpa’, he or she al- the nature of existence is the one different paths until that of Ati >> continued on the following page integrated in a state beyond the lows the dualistic clinging of the that represents our condition of Yoga, like Mahayoga and Anuyo- limits of the ego and the judging mind to ‘self-liberate’, without emptiness, is pure from the very ga are paths which are linked to mind, experiencing the world as renouncing, purifying, or trans- beginning, and is called Kadag. application of the mind and the tion of knowledge are linked to the play of his or her own ener- forming anything. concepts of the mind. Dzogchen various methods involving effort. gies. This is the effortless state Thus the path of Dzogchen is talks about Tsoldral (rTsol- For example in Tantrism there of ‘Dzogchen’, the ‘Great Per- called the ‘Path of Self-Libera- bral) which means “beyond ef- are practices with the prana, the fection’, complete in itself, and tion’. On this path, all that arises There are many methods and fort”. But this does not mean chakras and the channels etc. All lacking nothing. But when an in- in the practitioner’s fi eld of ex- techniques in the Dzogchen that one does nothing, although of these involve effort and so it dividual is distracted, they are no perience is seen to be essentially teachings which can be learned one might misunderstand it in is said that even these are paths longer in the state of the nature no more real than a refl ection in a and applied to enable one to this way. The real meaning of of the application of the mind, of the mind; they enter into the mirror. Finding oneself, through know and develop the primordial Tsoldral is that one has a real whereas the Dzogchen teaching dualistic confusion of separating transmission from the master and state; but to enter and remain in understanding of this state, of which is called Atiyoga is said to their experience into that of an through the various practices of that contemplative state in one’s this consciousness. This knowl- be the application of the path of observing subject who perceives the path, in the Primordial State every moment is the essential edge comes through following wisdom. This means that there is a seemingly external world as an that is one’s inherent condition, practice of Dzogchen to which one’s Master with devotion and something the Master introduces object. This is said to be like mis- one then continues in this state of the symbol of the mirror points, through this one receives a kind to the disciple and also that the taking the unreal refl ections aris- contemplation, in which nothing and to the sustaining of which of empowerment from the Mas- disciple discovers an awareness, ing in a mirror for reality itself. can disturb the mind’s natural the Dzogchen Community and ter and then this awareness aris- a consciousness. And so in this The Dzogchen teachings exist spontaneously manifesting clar- this newspaper are dedicated. es. It is not something construct- sense Dzogchen, Atiyoga is con- to enable those who have entered ity. One develops in this state un- John Shane ed; it is something which comes sidered to be something that is into this dualistic condition, with til one reaches total realisation, in from the discovery of one’s own not a teaching of a gradual path, all its inherent suffering, to return which the bonds of dualistic exis- nature. All the methods until it is more a direct path of knowl- to the ‘primordial state’ which is tence are completely untied. Anuyoga, all the paths for realiza- edge… THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Focus on The Mirror

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Second International Seminar on Tibetan Language Excerpted from Issue 17, 1992

The Second International Seminar on Tibetan Language, organized by the Shang Shung Institute, Siena Univer- sity and Is.M.E.O., took place from Auugst 30th to September 4th, 1992, in Siena and at Merigar. The aim of the conference was to offer an occasion to scholars and specialists in the fi eld to have an active exchange that would help the language maintain its iden- tity.

s academic conferences go, the Tibetan Language A Seminar was something rather special. For it was the fi rst time that scholars living outside Tibet had had the chance to sit down and discuss the situation of their language with colleagues from within Tibet. True, a fi rst edition of the Seminar was held in India in 1987, but sadly, no Ti- No. 15, May, June 1992 No. 17, October 1992 betans coming from Tibet itself had been on hand to speak. Now, thanks to the organiza- >> continued from previous page tion of Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Last year I wrote a letter in- The Precious Vase and the Shang Shung Institute, it forming people of my ideas on was fi nally possible for Tibetans how the Community could con- of Instructions from all parts to gather, describe tinue, to ask people what they Excerpted from Issue 15, 1992 the differing situations of the think about them. I’ve received language, and put forward con- a few replies to my request for Donatella Rossi crete suggestions for its protec- people’s opinions. About twenty tion and continuation. percent of the people who replied he teachings given by One of the main themes of said they thought these ideas Namkhai Norbu Ripoche this historical conference was were very interesting, but about T in the Merigar Gonpa dur- the need for standardization of thirty percent replied with criti- ing the Easter ’92 Retreat (be- the language. The choice of a cism. Most people kept quiet and tween 15th and 22nd April) cen- basic standard does not seem I don’t know whether or not they tered on a text he has set down to entail too many problems. As are in agreement with my ideas or this year. Mr. Tsering Thar briefl y pointed are just too shy to say anything. Its full Tibetan title, Santi out in his paper, the Lhasa dia- Anyway my original idea was Maha Sangha’i rMang gZhi’i Khrid, lect had always represented the to form a kind of commission to Rin Chen jBun bZang, can be trans- principle means of national com- examine all these ideas but when lated as “The Precious Vase of munication, owing to Lhasa’s I saw these kinds of criticism I Instructions relating to the Basis role as a central meeting point thought better of it because I’m of Santi Maha Sangha”. As we for so many traders, pilgrims and convinced that the time is not yet know, some years ago Rinpoche monks. Other speakers pointed ripe for it. composed “Santi Maha Sangha” to the fact that when educated Ti- Our Community is not yet ma- (meaning “The Dzogchen Com- betans of all different native dia- ture so it’s useless to carry out my munity”). This text presents in lects met, as at this conference, ideas for the international Com- an extremely condensed form the “If someone wants to build a tall house, fi rst that person has to think about the they would immediately start munity. But Merigar, Tsegyalgar various stages that need to be un- foundation. It is the same to follow a Teaching like Atiyoga, which is very deep and a communicating in the language and Tashigar are all concretely derstood and applied by a prac- very fast way to realization. First of all, one must build a very solid base, so that the of Lhasa. in existence. With all of our sac- titioner interested in realizing knowledge of the true condition of the individual can arise.” Chairperson, Mr. Rakra Teth- rifi ces we have acquired land, the “Great Perfection” Teaching, From the fi rst page of “Santi Maha Sangha” by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche ong Rinpoche, underlined how houses and things to maintain. and in developing the capacity just about everyone present was The principle of this is always for to transmit it correctly and com- To open one’s heart to the Those who wish to commit in agreement as to the neces- the maintenance of the teaching. pletely to other beings. The in- sense of the Basis, it is also es- themselves in this way will study sity of taking this ‘common lan- Therefore, I haven’t the least in- structions Rinpoche gave during sential to train one’s mind and the texts and practise precisely guage’ as a standard. tention of renouncing all of this. the Retreat refer to the initial as- attitude completely, taking ad- in order to gain concrete knowl- More diffi cult is the ques- Certainly we will have to fi nd a pect of this: the “Basis”. In order vantage (along with the study) edge. If, after this preparation, tion of how to preserve and ac- solution of how to do it. It’s not to give a complete overview of the of the concrete opportunities they concretely show Rinpoche tively promote the language. As that I want to decide everything sense of the Dzogchen Teaching provided by each moment of our that they have the necessary re- we all know, Tibetan has been by myself. The people interested – and above all to nurture and de- day-to-day life. In this way, gen- quirements, they can then com- catapulted into the technologi- have to decide and take responsi- velop an inner understanding uine compassion can arise as to mit themselves to the next stage: >> continued on the following page bility.  of this Teaching – the text fi rst the dimension of ignorant suf- the fi rst level of Santi Maha deals with topics related to fun- fering that all beings experience. Sangha. The original text of the damental concepts such as the True Bodhicitta can develop, free instruction regarding the Basis he has fi nished writing the text Four Noble Truths, Compassion, from personal conditioning. The comprises roughly four hundred on the “fi rst level” as well as part Bodhicitta, correct attitude, mo- many techniques of meditation pages of hand-written Tibetan of the second. With his untiring rality and so on. It is necessary to and Yoga are the precious jewels script. It is full of specifi c quo- kindness, Rinpoche has taped a study the theory or view illustrat- of the transmission which, for- tations, and it clearly describes literal translation of the text on ed in the texts of the three series tunately, realized masters have not only the mental trainings and the Basis – more than 130 hours of Dzogchen, as well as that ex- handed down as far as us. Practi- techniques to be applied, but also of tape. Several people have col- pressed in the Sutra and the vari- cal commitment based on a real the different concepts underly- laborated in the transcription ous classifi cations of Tantra so as knowledge of them helps us to ing Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen. which is well on its way to being to gain a proper understanding experience directly the meaning During the retreat Rinpoche completed and printed. In good of the approaches related to the of contemplation, understand- translated it concisely in its es- time, an annotated translation different traditions. ing of the nature of mind. sence. He also let us know that will be written. THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Focus on The Mirror

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No. 65, August, September 2003

No. 22, June, July 1993

>> continued from previous page the hospital and began outpa- cal era, and as a result, a whole The Health of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu tient care. HH. Sakya Trizin set of new technical terms has to On January 8th, the leukemia be introduced and standardized. Rinpoche had entered remission. His doc- visits Merigar Now too, much work is being Excerpted from Issue 30, 1995 tors proposed, and Rinpoche ac- Excerpted from Issue 65, 2003 done in this way by Tibetan lin- cepted, therapy with monoclonal guists both inside and outside Ti- Barrie Simmons antibodies. This treatment is still Liz Granger bet so as to prevent the language experimental, so new that it has from becoming swamped by an n early November, on one of with transretinoic acid, involv- been tried for this type of leu- his has been a historical excess of haphazard borrow- the last days of teaching the ing twice-weekly clinic visits for kemia with very few human be- summer in Tuscany and ings from other sources. A dis- Ifi rst level of the Santi Maha controls, with chemotherapy to ings, all successfully. It should T the rest of Italy. The me- tinguished example is Acharya Sangha at Tsegyalgar, (Con- be administered in a subsequent make subsequent chemotherapy dia and the public have been talk- Karma Monlam, an interpreter of way, Massachusetts, U.S.A.), phase. Unfortunately, complica- much more effective. It is, hope- ing of little else – the heat. Wave H.H. the Dalai Lama, who spoke Rinpoche communicated to tions ensued, and on Thursday, fully, free of risk. Treatment was after wave of torrid African heat, on his work in compiling a new those present that he had very re- November 17th, he was again administrated twice weekly for without a cloud, without a break, comprehensive Tibetan-English cently developed a major medical hospitalized. Due to lack of im- three weeks, on an outpatient ba- without a sign of relief! For those dictionary incorporating around problem. Thereupon, Dr. Gerry munity, expectable in leukemia, sis, at Sloane-Kettering, begin- of us fortunate to live on the 60,000 new terms complete with Steinberg, a physician, and Paula Rinpoche had contracted a pul- ning Monday, January 23rd. lush green slopes of Mt. Amiata, brief explanations, which should Barry, a Nurse Practitioner, both monary infection which became As of Saturday, February 18th, home to Merigar, the summer be of considerable help to sec- long-standing members of the pneumonia with high fever. This, Rinpoche has completed three has been remarkable not merely ondary school students. Tsegyalgar community, explained with renal insuffi ciency, and weeks of treatment for leukemia for it marathon heat wave. It has Language and education clear- the malady in detail. anemia, thereafter occasioned with monoclonal antibodies, as been a period that has seen two ly go hand in hand, and several in- Rinpoche was diagnosed on his transfer to an intensive care an outpatient, with positive out- teaching retreats of our master, teresting papers touched on edu- Saturday, November 5th, as suf- unit within the hospital. He un- come. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, in June cational matters. Many speakers, fering from acute promylocitic derwent antibiotic and cortico- Rinpoche was in the hospi- and August each of which hosted such as Professor Dunkar Losang leukemia in a very initial phase, steroid therapy, repeated dialy- tal from Monday, February 20th close to 1000 participants. Trinlas Rinpoche from Lhasa, un- though at that date he showed sis and transfusions of various to Saturday February 25th, at It also gave us an ongoing derlined the advantages of teach- no external signs of illness. On blood products. This diffi cult the Sloane-Kettering Memorial series of Yantra Yoga and Vajra ing modern subjects to Tibetan Monday, November 7th, he was period ended with release from Institute, for a fi rst cycle of che- Dance courses, practice retreats children in their own language: admitted for treatment to the the intensive care unit on Sunday, motherapy. There were no con- and practices, enough to satisfy studies have shown that this sim- Sloane-Kettering Memorial In- November 27th. traindications for his release on even the most eager and diligent ply produces better results. Apro- stitute in New York city, widely Pneumonia had ceased. His Saturday. yogi or yogini. And all this ris- pos of this, Mr. Lobsang Tenzin considered one of the outstand- kidneys had started slow recov- As of noon, Sunday, March ing crescendo of spiritual activi- Rikha of the Council for Tibetan ing hospitals in the world for ery, the leukemia had begun to re- 5th, the situation is as follows: ties has just concluded in a very Education in Dharamsala re- this type of disease. Rinpoche’s spond to treatment. The doctors Rinpoche celebrated Losar, the special way with the visit of H.H. marked on the excellent quality schedule of travel and teaching arrived at a positive prognosis. Tibetan New Year, at home in his >> continued on the following page of the modern Tibetan scientifi c through the fi rst quarter of 1995 A new discharge from the hos- New York apartment, comfort- text books produced in Lhasa. was immediately suspended. pital came on Thursday, Decem- able but expecting probably fe- This is just one of the areas Tests on Tuesday, November ber 8th. Unfortunately, it was fol- ver, as his doctors had warned, of three cycles, another course of where greater communication 8th, confi rmed the fi rst diagno- lowed within days by an emergen- as a consequence of lowered im- treatment with monoclonal anti- and co-operation could benefi t sis, and treatment was begun cy readmission, again provoked munity after his fi rst cycle of che- bodies is probable, bringing the the future of the language and of with transretinoic acid, a new by collateral complications. This motherapy. That fever came the entire cure to its hoped for suc- Tibetans in general. After all, as and powerful medicine. time Rinpoche was under attack next day, Friday, March 3rd, and cessful end in late Spring. one delegate pointed out, a sub- On Sunday, November 13th, by an oral fungus which impeded he was immediately readmitted On the occasion of his original ject like mathematics is the same Rinpoche was discharged from eating, by oral infection, by con- to the hospital at the Sloane-Ket- announcement, and in messages the world over, independently of hospital to become an outpatient. tinuing anemia and by bleeding tering Memorial Institute, where sent later to various members of politics or philosophy. Indeed His treatment plan foresaw 45 to from stress-induced stomach he is now and likely to remain for the Community, Rinpoche urges there was an overall feeling that 60 days of continuing medication ulcer. Although the new prob- some days. us not to worry over his condi- an information network would lems were, from a medical view- Rinpoche’s condition is not tion, but to give concrete help help promote the language as point, simpler to overcome, they considered worrisome under the through practice, and above all to a whole. And in response to a as a centre for pooling and ex- brought fever, pain, weakness to circumstances. Positive develop- keep pure our relations, thus our generalized request from speak- changing information among Rinpoche and preoccupation to ments, which can reasonably be samaya, with the Master and be- ers, Professor Namkhai Norbu delegates, and was happy to help his family and the Community. expected, may make the second tween practitioners. confi rmed that the Shang Shung co-ordinate preparations for a On December 24th, Chögyal cycle of chemotherapy feasible Barrie Simmons, Institute would be pleased to act third edition of the Seminar. Namkhai Norbu once more left in a few weeks. After completion Blue Gakyil, Merigar THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Focus on The Mirror

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>> continued from previous page ‘lung’ and a brief explanation of Sakya Trizin, the 41st holder of the “Great Song of Experience” the Sakya throne and head of the by Sakyapa Jetsun Dragpa Gyalt- Sakyapa lineage. sen, a very profound text with His Holiness’ short stay at an important explanation of the Merigar was on the invitiation view, meditation, behaviour and of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu who result which is closely connected had requested him to impart the with the Dzogchen teachings. initiation of Guru Dragpo, the At the conclusion of teachings, wrathful form of Guru Rinpoche, the many people present lined to himself and many eager stu- the Gonpa on the invitation of dents. Although his time with His Holiness to receive a bless- us was very short due to a tight ing from the empowered statue teaching and travelling schedule of Guru Padmasambhava, the as well as visa diffi culties fi nally torma and the nectar which had overcome, it was no less mean- been used for the initiation. ingful due to its brevity, for in The following morning, after the course of an afternoon, he a brief meeting with the local au- gave initiation and instruction thorities who in honor of the oc- on Guru Dragpo from a terma casion presented ‘khatag’ to His of Nyang Ral Nyima Ozer, a 12th Holiness, Sakya Trizin departed century king terton, to more than with his son, H.H. Ratna Vajra fi ve hundred people in Merigar’s (Dungse Rinpoche), his son’s Gonpa. Behind his throne which wife, his uncle and two attendants was placed directly under the to continue his tour of Italy. panel representing Sakya Pan- This was his second visit to dita and other Sakyapa masters, Merigar, a powerful experience His Holiness had hung a beauti- for the many people who attend- No. 75, July, August 2005 ful thanka of Wangdud Nyingpo, ed, and a fi tting conclusion to the a direct disciple of Jigme Linga, a many weeks of retreat and prac- We visited a lot of these caves So in that period there were terton and important master re- tice that have taken place at the Investigating the and we understood that even the ancient Bonpo who were re- lated to this practice. Directly in Gar. Our heartfelt thanks to His when the last Shang Shung king lated to the 18 famous kings of front of him sat Chögyal Nam- Holiness for his time and energy Ancient Kingdom of no longer lived there, some Bon- Shang Shung. Some of these khai Norbu and his wife, Rosa, given so warmly and without re- Shang Shung po groups continued to live there kings lived in Khyung Lung and surrounded by Rinpoche’s many serve and to our master, Chögyal Bruno Baumann interviews for many years. Later on there it was their residence and later on students in special areas that had Namkhai Norbu, for his great Chögyal Namkhai Norbu at were Buddhists. they continued to live there. been marked out in the Gonpa. kindness in creating this oppor- Merigar (West), July 17, 2005 Then fi nally there was a kind of His Holiness gave clear and pa- tunity for all of us. small Gelugpa monastery there. BB: Which sources did you use tient explanations of the vari- We understood that because in in your own research? Did you Excerpted from Issue 75, 2005 ous stages of the initiation in his one of the caves there were small fi nd any Bonpo texts which in- clear and perfect English. Austrian-born Bruno Baumann is an remnants of books and even cluded historical data on Shang After the conclusion of the award-winning writer and photo- though not a single book was in- Shung or something about the initiation, Sakya Trizin gave the journalist living in Munich. He inter- tact, we could see in which period ancient form of Bon practised viewed Chögyal Namkhai Norbu about different kinds of schools and tra- at the time of Shang Shung? his own research into Shang Shung ditions had lived there. The books CNN: I couldn’t fi nd very much and about his visit there in 1988. showed this very clearly. in the offi cial Bonpo books, such Examining in detail this initia- Later, during the Cultural Rev- as their history books. But when I Mandarava Retreat tive, AmbientiWeb Consulting of- Bruno Baumann: Could you tell olution, they did not permit the was doing research I found many fered the Community their tech- us about your own research on Gelugpa community to continue things in the Bonpo rituals. For Webcast nical studio, the system set-up as Shang Shung and why you con- living there and after, when things example, the Bonpo still use Excerpted from Issue 69, 2004 well as all the work required for sider the area of Khyung Lung to became a little freer, they rebuilt many of their ancient rites and carrying out the webcast, free of be important. the Gelugpa monastery in a near- there is a part of every rite called Luigi Ottaviani charge. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu: In by town because it wasn’t so com- ‘mang’ (smrang) in which they Yeshi Namkhai The AmbientiWeb Consult- general in Tibetan history there fortable to return to the caves, explain a kind of short history. ing team collaborated with the are many important places re- which were completely empty. These historical explanations In 2004 the fi rst webcast of Chögyal Community’s staff both in Italy lated to the ancient kingdom of Here we are referring to a very are very useful for understanding Namkhai Norbu’s teaching was trans- (Maurizio Mingotti) and Vene- Shang Shung because the Shang ancient period in which the Bonpo how ancient Bonpo really was. mitted around the world from Isla di zuela (Amare Pearl, Grisha Shung kings of the past lived in tradition explains that there were Margarita in Venezuela. The webcast Mokhin). After the initial settling- different places such as Guge and 18 famous kings of Shang Shung A question from the audience: system was set up thanks to the ini- down period, their collaboration Khyung Lung and many others. who lived in different parts. It is a How can we approach the study tiative and know-how of Yeshi Silvano was productive and very satisfac- But we consider Khyung Lung kind of rough history. In this pe- of Tibetan history in the future? Namkhai and Luigi Ottaviani. tory… to be a little more interesting be- riod even Tibet didn’t exist. The CNN: We should be more aware The result of the webcast in cause it is the place where the last land and people were there but it of how the real situation is, not he webcast of the Manda- terms of registered users (more king (of Shang Shung) lived. So it wasn’t called Tibet and there was only going after ‘offi cial’ his- rava retreat given by than 550) and the number of con- is more recent for us even though no Tibetan king. This came much tories, because offi cial books T Chögyal Namkhai Norbu nections together with the great in the real sense it was at the time later. The fi rst Shang Shung king and histories change accord- at Margarita Island represents amount of positive feedback that of Srongtsen Gampo, which was that is mentioned goes back to ing to the situation so we can- one of the fi rst products in the ex- we received has been very satisfy- not so very near. Since the history very ancient times. not put much faith in them. But tensive project of reorganisation ing. of Shang Shung is really very an- Historically the fi rst Shang we should look at the concrete initiated by the Dzogchen Com- AmbientiWeb Consulting and cient it was for that reason that I Shung king was more or less at situation and try to do research. munity together with Ambienti- the technical staff of the Dzog- went mainly to Khyung Lung. the time of Tonpa Shenrab, the I think that is very important. Web Consulting with the aim of chen Community in Merigar, are During our trip there we saw founder of the Bon tradition. The When I was working at the uni- promoting growth and future currently working on developing many caves and understood that Bon of that time and the Bon of versity, at the beginning, when I support for the Community. still further the webcast tech sys- in ancient times the Shang Shung today are a little different. The spoke about Shang Shung, many Merigar decided to propose a tem in order to be able to offer kings lived there in the winter- characteristic of ancient Bon was people laughed. They said that webcasting service to all the oth- to the Gars and the bigger cen- time. But I think that during that knowledge of different kinds of it was only a kind of legend, that er ‘gars’ and ‘lings’ in order that tres of the Association as soon period, they didn’t always live in medicine and astrology, rituals Shang Shung didn’t exist. That is all community members could as possible both a webcast audio a fi xed palace such as the Potala. for having good crops and elimi- an example because it has been of- have access to the teachings, service as well as a contemporary Although they stayed mainly in nating illness. It was related to fi cially documented that way. But even at distance. The technologi- ‘real time’ audio-video transmis- a stable place during the winter- the countryside, to the people, to then when we are a little aware and cal solution by which the webcast sion service. time, in summer they moved to the local guardians and there was we do some research, then we can service was carried out made use different places and did a lot of a kind of interdependence within discover many things. That way in of the infrastructure set up for Luigi Ottaviani & Yeshi Namkhai activities. And I also think that the their knowledge and they studied the future I hope very much that the Community’s new IT system. AmbientiWeb Consulting Snc weather and the general situation very much in their own way, not Tibetans and particularly West- This brought about a sizeable re- [email protected] in that part of the country is a little like the Buddhist way. But mod- erners, scholars, people who are duction in costs and is the fi rst different today from what it was ern Bonpo have taken much from doing research, will try to fi nd service produced and supplied by in the past because the situation Buddhism and have almost lost something more concrete and de- the Community. doesn’t correspond very much. the ancient Bonpo tradition. velop this kind of research. I think that that is very important. THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Focus on The Mirror

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yidams and dakinis, as well as ing together, working with one’s mantras and seed syllables. Nor energy, doing things, learning was there a network of other gars about oneself and others at the and lings around the world, look- same time. ing to Merigar as an example. “Rinpoche is the person who There was only the potential, the has always put in the most…. energy and the means to do some- he personally worked the most thing, to study and practice with physically, building walls and Namkhai Norbu, on this piece of emptying out the stables,” John farmland near Monte Labbro. Shane said in his reminiscences Oliver Leick, director of the of the early days, “and Rinpoche Shang Shung Institute of Austria, was the greatest worker among and in charge of the Ka-ter Trans- us and of course we are incred- lation project and Opera Om- ibly grateful to him for that: he nia project to translate the com- set us an example which today plete works of Chögyal Namkhai still shines to us all. Wherever Norbu recalled “I just remem- we come from in the world, and ber when I came here there was whatever experience we bring no road sign at all, there was a to the teaching there is always little wooden road sign called the example that Rinpoche con- ‘Merigar,’ I still have the picture tributed the most, he would not in black and white: it was nearly ask us ever to do something that falling apart.” he would not do himself. And Merigar’s many features- the I think that this place is the na- Gonpa, the large archive of rare vel of the Dzogchen community, texts and video and audio re- because in Tibetan medicine ev- sources, the offi ces of the Com- erything grows outward from No. 80, May, June 2006 munity, the Istituto Shang Shung, the navel when the child is form- Shang Shung Edizioni, the Mir- ing inside the mother, and I am his students, working on the ba- ror, the dormitories, and other sure all the gars and lings are very The 25th Anniversary Celebration sis of the Dzogchen teachings, as buildings, the stupas – have all proud and will have Merigar as a he explicitly presents them. Mer- come since those early pioneer fantastic example for many years of Merigar igar’s function is integrally con- days. It hosts immense retreats to come.” Excerpted from Issue 80, 2006 nected to the principles laid out every year, as well as many other by the Master, to this day. seminars, trainings and confer- Lauri Denyer When Rinpoche’s students ences. fi rst came to Merigar, there was Rinpoche said in his open- erigar is the center of the matchless beauty of the foot- no beautiful wooden Gonpa ing address that there is always the worldwide Dzog- hills of Monte Amiata in Tuscany, decorated with images of all the something going on at Merigar, Mchen community of Italy. It was developed entirely by masters of the lineages, and the whether he is in residence or not. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu set in Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche and twelve Dzogchen masters, the The way of the Community is be-

rebuilt, and it was more or less in or not. The whole night passed “When you the same style. like this, and I had very interest- ing visions. All these visions were discover one, you The Mirror: When in your life mainly related to Vajrasattva. discover all.” did you make the decision to take Interview with Yeshi Namkhai your position as a reincarnation The Mirror: Yeshi, why have you June 3, 2008 – to accept this position? decided to teach now, at this Yeshi: I never decided. Not even point in time? now. I never accepted it. I have to Yeshi: I decided to teach now Excerpted from Issue 92, 2008 be sincere. I never wanted to be simply because I have no other a “Lama,” and I cannot take this possibility. “When you discover The Mirror: Recently you men- position as the head of this mon- one, you discover all.” This hap- tioned at a talk at Tsegyalgar East astery, for example. It is not my at- pened to me, and when you dis- that while you were visiting Tibet titude, and it would be strange if I cover that you have capacity and for your enthronement ceremony suddenly changed and went there development, it would be wrong at your monastery, you had some dressed in yellow and orange. to keep this only for yourself. kind of awakening experience. Even here in these days at Tse- Would you like to tell us some- The Mirror: I didn’t mean a Lama gyalgar East, I can’t sleep and I thing about that? in that way. I meant, when did always have dreams about Long- Yeshi Namkhai: Yes. An awaken- Dzogchen than the Sakyapa tra- death to the moment of rebirth. you decide to become a Teacher, sal and the Vajra Dance. My life ing experience is not as what you dition, which is what the monas- What you really remember is that a Master, like your father? has changed so much and I have might see in a movie. Its not like tery is. I expect more Dzogchen you go back, like from today you Yeshi: Yes, this is different, sure. to dedicate it to the Dzogchen you go some place, a monastery experience, since I passed all my go back and back and back, and I promised the monastery that I Community and the Teaching, for example, and you are sup- life as a Dzogchen practitioner. I then slowly you start to remember would go every two years. When but most of all to Rinpoche. posed to be the head of this mon- am more interested in knowledge everything. You remember all that I went there, the fi rst night I had Now I am having very interest- astery, they invite you when you and awareness than in rituals or happened before your birth, and very strong dreams from the gen- ing dreams about the three levels are very young, present you with ‘sacred’ things. Of course when you start to remember backwards eral point of view. They were not of Vajra Dance: the movement of objects and special things that this event of awakening happens everything until the moment you like normal dreams, but more how we do it now, the integration should belong to you, and you you start to have thoughts that died. This is more or less the like visions. It was so strong that of how it should be with contem- magically recognize these ob- are not from your mind or from main memory I have. I don’t have I could not integrate with any- plation and instant presence, the jects. You recognize these objects within you. It is not that you start any clear memories before the thing. I could not sleep at night; mandala, and the full domain of because you played that bell all to have memories, but you have moment of death and rebirth. I I just kept watching all these im- form and the universe. I will prac- your life. Or if you did something experiences completely from out- have thoughts, more or less like ages coming. There were a lot of tice and explain this to the Vajra more Tantric, maybe you used a side of your own mind, based on you have a consciousness. things, images, memories, some Dance teachers as soon as I real- purba. Or if you did a lot of Tant- things that you don’t know. So, at the beginning I had a other experiences related with ize it and also because Rinpoche ric initiations then I suppose you I was expecting something lot of confusion and I could not the teachings, and a lot of strange has asked me to. recognize your hat, all these ritu- more like this. Instead I had real sleep for many days because this images about death and the bar- al things. Probably though, if you and familiar thoughts and feel- was all coming out like some- do. I had a lot of these strange The Mirror: Thank you so much are a Dzogchen practitioner, you ings that were from another en- thing that was opened. It started experiences that were quite real- for your time and for all you do would take the fi rst bell that you vironment completely. It was a to fl ow and could not be stopped. istic. It was not like something for us. found, and you would not use a little confusing at the beginning. At the beginning it did not stop I was looking at. It was like they hat or all this equipment. Slowly I passed from having these for fi ve days. I had so many were inside me, fl owing for Transcribed by Naomi Zeitz When I was at the monastery kinds of thoughts and memories dreams and visions. The fi rst hours, these dreams and visions. Edited by Anna Bartenstein and I had more experiences related to to having clear images, men- night I slept in Khyentse’s room, I was not really awake or asleep. Naomi Zeitz tal images, from the moment of in this house that was completely I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Tibetan Medicine

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Graduation of the First Tibetan Medicine Class of 2009 Shang Shung Institute, USA, Conway MA October 17, 2009 at Amherst College, Amherst MA

Jacqueline Gens

ibetan medicine is no and is a national organization stranger to the interna- representing the Tibetan Medical T tional Shang Shung Insti- profession in The United States of tute, founded by Chögyal Nam- America. Its aims include setting khai Norbu. Over the past two standards of education and creat- decades, there were milestones ing protection for the practice of that heralded many fi rsts – the Tibetan Medicine in America. fi rst international conference on Tibetan Medicine in 1986 held I fi rst encountered the existence in Italy, Dr. Thubten Phunstog’s Tibetan Medicine twenty years foundation courses in Italy and ago. There were very few pub- America from 1997-2000, ex- lications found in Western lan- tensive Kun Nye trainings, and guages. Today, there exists a Dr Aku Nyima (on the left) Public Talk at Amherst College Friday Evening, translated by Kunchok Gyaltsen Photo: K Fekete then the four-year Tibetan Med- growing body of texts translated icine Program established by and published in the West as a knowledge practiced world-wide gence of the American Tibetan rable Bachelor degree leading to Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo in 2005. response to the increased knowl- and not just another esoteric aca- Medical Association (ATMA) – an the title, Menla. In other words, From its inception, the Institute edge about the importance of the demic topic for Tibetan scholars important development for the their knowledge as tested by the has delivered on its dedication to Tibetan medical tradition that is or one isolated geographically or future accreditation of the insti- offi cials of Qinghai University provide educational opportuni- over 2000 years old. Complimen- culturally. Naturally, the study of tute and the practice of Tibetan Tibetan Medicine College, Qing- ties in the study of Tibetan medi- tary healing traditions are in- Tibetan language is an important medicine in the West. Without hai Province in China, met the cine and to support its practice creasingly met with mainstream aspect of Shang Shung’s curricu- the tireless efforts of Dr. Phun- requirements of that respected as a living tradition. This com- acceptance as scientifi c research lum, but the classes are taught in tsog Wangmo, these accomplish- institution of Tibetan medicine. mitment to Tibetan medicine is into the body/mind connection English. Such an acknowledge- ments would not have come to While not an authorized certifi - due to the founder of the Shang fruition. Like many Tibetans, she cate by any accredited institu- Shung Institute, Chögyal Nam- has made enormous personal tion in the West, nonetheless, khai Norbu Rinpoche, who has sacrifi ces to communicate her ex- this process indicates possibili- a deep appreciation for the Ti- pertise by leaving her homeland, ties for the future. Footage of the betan medical tradition of his learning English and transmit- ceremony at Qinghai University native culture and has written ex- ting teachings utilizing a peda- was shown during the Amherst tensively on the subject. At every gogy that resonates with Western graduation ceremony where the step his guidance has been the students. But really, her accom- graduates received a certifi cate of catalyst to inaugurate these ac- plishment is only as good as her completion. complishments. own role as a student of Tibetan medicine. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo And so, Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo is The Shang Shung Institute Amer- studied for many years both offi - to be congratulated on her chal- ican graduation of its fi rst class cially and unoffi cially with some lenging task of successfully con- of four-year medical students of Tibet’s greatest doctors. Her verting a traditional curriculum on October 17, 2009 at Amherst learning is deep and this is the of Tibetan medicine into a ped- College, was an historical event source she brought to her stu- agogy supported by the learn- for several reasons. It was also dents here in America. The apple ing styles of Western students. a gracious series of interactions doesn’t fall far from the tree, as She has proven an outstanding that brought to fruition all the the saying goes. All of the gradu- teacher in a sea of uncertainties hard work and dedication on the ates of the fi rst trail blazing class with patience, perseverance and part of so many individuals who in 2005 successfully completed exacting intellectual rigor. She have supported all branches of their studies under her loving di- has also achieved the impossi- the institute over the years. Truly, Visiting Tibetan Doctors and Dr Phuntsog Wangmo at Amherst College Photo: N Zeitz rection. ble task of bringing together so as Will Shea commented in the Top row left to right: Dr. Thubten Phuntsog, Dr. Kunchok Gyaltsen, Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, many diverse individuals from Dr. Aku Nyima, Dr. Lobsang Tenzin, Dr. Lusham Gyal. graduation ceremony at Amherst Bottom row left to right: Dr. Lobsang Namkha, Dr. Yupa, Dr. Yang Ga, Dr. Tenzin Dakpa Finally – congratulations to the around the world in support of College, the event is a “com- seven courageous and hard Shang Shung’s Tibetan Medicine mencement” for the graduates reveals long-standing evidence ment on the part of Tibetans ex- working graduates who in addi- Program. who will embark on a lifetime of central to these systems. But hibits a transcendental generosi- tion to completing their course continued learning and add to the until Shang Shung founded its ty to move beyond borders. Hear- requirements in residence at The graduation ceremony was of- inexhaustible well of knowledge four-year course, there still was ing these words, I felt as though Shang Shung in Conway, passed fi ciated by master of ceremonies, transmitted to them through no systematic study of Tibetan this was a historical moment of their fi nal examination at Qing- Will Shea, whose presence in that their study of the root tantra over medicine specifi cally designed recognition – of the passing of hai University Tibetan Medicine capacity showed great stand-up the past four years. But it is also a for Westerners that parallels the the torch from a very ancient cul- College following their three- performance qualities and subtle commencement of a larger con- traditional training methods for ture to our contemporary world, month internship in Tibet. This humor as he spoke every few sen- versation taking place among Ti- Tibetans in China or India, other which will benefi t people for examination qualifi es them, at tences, which were then skillfully betan doctors about the future of than some preliminary courses or generations. least theoretically, for a compa- >> continued on the following page Tibetan medicine. private apprenticeships requiring many years study of Tibetan lan- Fast forward to the present mo- Several key points were highlight- guage. What Shang Shung Insti- ment and a gorgeous fall after- ed during the ceremony that dra- tute has done here is a major step noon on October 17, 2009 in Am- House For Sale matically illustrate this conversa- for the future of Tibetan medicine herst, Massachusetts with a lapis near Merigar West tion for the Institute brought to- and the graduates of its fi rst class blue sky and brilliant light infus- Case Brezza gether a number of important Ti- are living proof that it is possible ing the landscape; we have the between Pescina betan doctors, from Tibet, India to transfer this knowledge via an- fi rst graduating class who have and Seggiano and the US, who not only presid- other language. As pointed out completed their course of study ed over the ceremony and sched- by Dr. Phunstog Wangmo during in the four-year program. They 120 sq.m., 3 large uled events but also engaged in the graduation ceremony, Tibet- are: Joseph Mella, Nashalla Gwyn bedrooms, 2 bath- serious discussion among them- an medicine is not only for Tibet- Nyinda, Matthew Schmookler, rooms, Kitchen/ selves about the direction of Ti- ans, but for the whole world, and Malcolm Smith, Anasuya Weil, dining room, sitting room with fi replace, store- betan medicine in the west. All of it doesn’t matter what language and Mira Weil (Slawomir Kosciuk room, pizza oven outside, gas heating, completely them are now members of ATMA is used in the teaching or study who has returned to Poland). To- renovated, new roof. (American Tibetan Medical Asso- of the tradition. This is a truly a day, there are twenty-one current ciation) founded and directed by remarkable statement that, in my students studying in the program Contact: Mara Sangiorgi Tel: 0039 34 95 40 22 70 Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, which is mind, transforms the conversa- with the next scheduled gradu- Email: [email protected] dedicated to the promotion and tion about the fate of the Tibet- ation due in 2010, two full-time or Tuscanary: [email protected] preservation of Tibetan Medicine an Medicine as a living body of faculty members, and the emer- THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Tibetan Medicine

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What is ATMA?

he American Tibetan Med- ical Association (ATMA) Tis exclusively dedicated to the promotion and preserva- tion of Tibetan Medicine and has no political affi liations or involvement. It is a national or- ganization representing the Ti- betan medical profession in The United States of America. Their mission is to preserve, protect, improve and promote the phi- losophy, knowledge, science and practice of Tibetan Medicine for the benefi t of humanity and to serve as a representative mem- bership organization of the Ti- betan medical profession. The board consists of Dr. Phuntsog Graduating class and Dr Phuntsog Wangmo after receiving diplomas at the Graduation Ceremony Photo: N Zeitz Wangmo, Dr. Yang Ga, Dr. Yang- dron Kalzang, Dr. Kunchok Gyaltsen, Professor Chimed Rab- Graduation Ceremony ten and Dr. Gerald Steinberg Excerpts: M.D. The honorary chief advi- sor of ATMA is Chögyal Nam- khai Norbu. The current goals of Will Shea medicine in the West is empha- ATMA are: to establish and main- ibetan medicine has sized which sometimes means a tain standards of education, eth- not yet entered the lack of balance. Sometimes it’s ics, professional competency and “T Forbes top ten list easy in that environment for us licensing; to provide profession- of high paying careers. (audience to lose our way in terms of what al development opportunities for laughs) Thus far, there hasn’t our real intentions and goals Tibetan medical practitioners; to been a lot of worldly incentive are when we fi rst got involved in affect public policy and legisla- for the study and practice of Ti- medicine. tion in all matters pertaining to betan medicine. So what is the Tibetan Medicine; to support the motivation for the study of this In coming here today and listen- establishment of licensing for the path? The only motivation is to ing and also being involved with practice of Tibetan Medicine; to preserve these precious healing ATMA and understanding that Administrative Director Anna Bartenstein and SSI Board Member Jim Valby at the graduation develop, participate in, conduct methods for the benefi t of others. the base in Tibetan medicine is reciting the prayer of dedication Photo: N Zeitz and support Tibetan medical re- This is a motivation that honors the individual which is based on search programs consistent with you (the graduates) your teachers compassion and kindness – This on generalization and then adapt Tibetan medical principles. and your friends and family. We is something very important in to the individual. From the Ti- are all very proud of you.” the West at this point to bring us betan perspective, the individu- Dr. Lusham Gyal into balance and revitalize our vi- al comes fi rst by looking at that irst – congratulations tions also to the Shang Shung In- Dr. Gerry Steinberg, sion of what we should be doing person and developing the treat- to the students. Over stitute for establishing this new Western physician and member of as practicing physicians. ment plans from that individual. “Fthe four years you path in the West, which is a spe- the board of ATMA The balance of traditional heal- studied very hard and through cial path. From now on we will all ’ve come here today From the perspective of the treat- ing like Tibetan medicine is very the demonstration of your exam- walk this path together to utilize to speak on behalf of ment of patients, Western medi- important.” inations, you qualifi ed the same Tibetan Medicine in the West.” “IATMA. From my per- cine puts a great deal of empha- as Tibetan students. Congratula- spective as a Western physician, sis on situations based on mak- Dr. Aku Nyima a few things come to mind. ing decisions about how by look- or the students, you ing at large numbers. It’s called have a very good life, We’ve heard a lot in the news ‘evidence based medicine.’ But “Fa comfortable place, lately about health care. When we what can happen is that the indi- and you made many sacrifi c- Books by hear about health care what we vidual and the differences among es and gave up many things to hear about is the health care “in- individuals can get lost. study. This is not surprising be- dustry.” As technology advanc- cause learning is always diffi cult. Chögyal es and health care becomes big Practicing physicians in the West- You have to suffer otherwise you business, the materialistic side of ern world base their treatments will never be knowledgeable.” Namkhai Norbu

Dr. Thubten Phuntsog >> continued from previous page visiting scholar at the University am very happy to see translated into Tibetan by Kun- of Indiana, Dr. Lusham Gyal the the fi rst Western peo- U Yantra Yoga chok Gyaltsen for the visiting Dean of Qinghai University Ti- ple who receive a Ti- “I U Dream Yoga and the dignitaries. Will’s relaxed deliv- betan Medicine College; Dr. Aku betan medicine certifi cate. This ery made it possible for us the au- Nyima – the foremost living Ti- makes me really happy. This in- Practice of Natural Light dience to likewise relax into what betan medicine practitioner and dicates a beginning of collabora- U Dzogchen Teachings was going to be a long parade founder of the Qinghai Tibetan tion with Western culture. Medi- of laudatory speeches – Tibetan Medical Hospital and professor cine doesn’t belong to a particu- U The Supreme Source style. The program consisted of at the Tso Ngon Tibetan Medical lar group but is shared with the U Dzogchen: The Self- talks by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, School, and fi nally concluding whole world. It is very benefi cial Perfected State who offered an explanation of prayers led by Khen Rinpoche. for all human beings. the qualifi cations required to Kunchok Gyaltsen, a doctor- I would like to support Shang U The Crystal and the Way receive a certifi cate, class rep- al candidate at UCLA in Public Shung Institute because I am of Light resentative Anasuya Weil, and Health, acted as translator dur- Namkhai Norbu’s student – the following guest doctors: Dr. ing the ceremony. Also present twenty-three years ago we invited Thubten Phuntsog, professor of was Dr. Yang Ga who is an assis- Namkhai Norbu to my universi- Tibetan Medicine at Beijing Uni- tant professor at Lhasa Tibetan ty and he gave us a three month versity and visiting scholar at the Medical University, a doctoral course on how to research the University of Virginia, Dr. Yupa candidate at Harvard Univer- history of Tibet and Tibetan cul- the foremost Tibetan astrologer, sity and member of the board of ture. He gave us really good di- www.SnowLionPub.com Dr. Gerald Steinberg, a member ATMA. Later in the evening, the rection. So, I would like to do Tibetan Buddhist news and of the board of ATMA, Dr. Lob- Institute served a banquet at the as much as I can for the Shang thousands of items online. FREE quarterly newsletter 800-950-0313 sang Tenzin a Professor of Tibet- schoolhouse with more speeches Shung.” and catalog on request. [email protected] an Medicine in Varnasi, India and and rounds of gifts. THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

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

December 11–13 December 27–31 November December Practice of Shine-Lhangtong Dance of the Song of the Vajra advanced November 14–18 December 4–11 (for those who have received course Calendar Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Chögyal Namkhai Norbu transmission) With Prima Mai Dzogchen Teaching Retreat Longsal Longde Teaching Retreat With Igor Berkin of Events Webcast from Barcelona, Spain Webcast from Tashigar North, December 27–31 Venezuela December 26–January 3, 2010 Yantra Yoga 2nd and 3rd group November 27–29 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu With Laura Evangelisti 2009 Mandarava practice retreat with the December 4–8 Santi Maha Sangha Base retreat Tsalung of Purifi cation with the Fire of Santi Maha Sangha Level 1 Training Webcast from Tashigar North, Wisdom With Igor Berkin Venezuela With Nina Robinson

The Lings The actual situation of the Italian Lings still in the process of being fi nalized; a [www.dzogchen.it]. Feedback about Merigar West update One of the main points mentioned was is as follows: Kunsalling in Brescia, team of many practitioners is working the website is welcome. the importance of the Lings within the Zhenphenling in Rome, Namdeling in on it, in particular there is collaboration he end of the summer period Dzogchen Community which serve as Naples, Desalling in Rimini, Milano (does between Merigar East and West. Construction has always marked the end of very important centers because they not have a name yet), Kunkhyab Ling in Members can also pay for their mem- In May 2009 the environmental plan T the ‘term of offi ce’ for the Meri- enable practitioners to participate in Apulia, Adzamling in Termoli (in the pro- bership and for retreats online. This new for the construction of new buildings gar West Gakyil and hence a time to the activities of the Community close to cess of being formed), with many others service not only makes payments fast at Merigar West was offi cially approved present what has been accomplished where they live and also because they developing in different parts of Europe. and easy but also facilitates the general by the authorities. The fi rst project that throughout the year. At the Assembly can be considered like a window for administration of the Gar since in the was carried out was the work done at of Members held on Sunday September people interested in the Teaching. For The new website past people have made payments late in the Gonpa to repair and renovate the 27th at the Gonpa, the various colours these reasons Merigar West has been An important step forward this year at the year while attending retreats, in the roof and to enlarge the space inside. of the Gakyil presented their reports on encouraging the birth and growth of Merigar has been the Community web- summer or autumn, with the result that Two areas have been created - an inner what had been done. these centers both in Italy and in Europe. site so that communication amongst the delay has held up the administration one (the ‘old’ gonpa) to be used during members and communication with the of the Gar. The Gakyil warmly requests the winter to reduce heating costs since outside world can be developed; Thinley members to take advantage of the new it is smaller, and an outer one (the new Koblenski of the new Yellow Gakyil is the service in order to enjoy its benefi ts. covered area surrounding the old one) Project Manager of the website which is to be used during the summer retreats.

New Gakyil for 2009–2010 The Gakyil can be contacted at: [email protected] Blue Gakyil: Gabriele Marazzi, Maria Napoleone, Virginia Aloia, Gloria Pera (Assistant), Jacobella Gaetani (Assistant) Yellow Gakyil: Anna Pucci (Director), Daniela Garbo, Thinley Koblenski (Vice- Director), Marco Baseggio (Assistant), Massimo Catalfo (Assistant) Red Gakyil: Claudio Donadio, Patrice Bricaire, Rasa Lukstaite On September 20th Rinpoche gave teachings in Tibetan to a group of Tibetan university students from various parts of India. The Gekos: Franco Cocco and Claudia Paltera teachings were given at the Gonpa at Merigar West and were followed by a question and answer session. The same students later performed at the 20th anniversary of the Shang Shung Institute wonderful traditional and modern Tibetan dances and songs.

Recent activities on the hill behind the covered stands During August three Teachers’ Training used for registration during the retreats. courses were held and two Vajra Dance During the September Assembly, Teachers’ Training courses because Chögyal Namkhai Norbu spoke about there were so many participants. There some of his plans for the future at was also a special Yantra Yoga course Merigar West. First of all he spoke about led by teachers Fabio Andrico and Laura the Tibetan Language Conferences that Evangelisti to which all the instructors had been held in the past – the fi rst in around the world and those seriously Dharamsala in 1987 and then the second interested in YY were invited. The course at Merigar West in 1992. The latter was was free and its aim was to cover and organised by the Shang Shung Institute review all 108 movements and produce and the Merigar Gakyil and went very a fi lm on the First Level of Yantra Yoga. well. Rinpoche’s idea is to have a third Merigar also welcomed the well- Conference on Tibetan Language at known teacher Sogyal Rinpoche and his Merigar West in 2011, probably in June. retinue of students for a visit towards Since the Conference will require a lot of the end of September. On the invitation organization, Rinpoche suggested that of Yeshi Namkhai, he gave teachings Yantra Yoga Teacher Training in Merigar West August 2009 it would be better to start preparations on Living and Dying to a group of more now and create a committee of people than 200 people gathered in the Gonpa. Gars and hope to present this during give advice and receive important infor- rized them and gave them to Rinpoche. who can take responsibility for the Con- (Report on the teachings on pg. 6) the end of the last October retreat. mation regarding the Dzogchen Com- These proposals were about matters ference since it cannot be organized by Another development in the fi eld munity. This has been a very important such as membership, ecological solu- the Gakyil alone. Scholars and professors Communication of communication is the new up-dated step in bringing together Gakyil mem- tions, cultural activities, etc. will be invited not only from outside Tibet During the August retreat representa- colour brochure of Merigar West that bers in different countries and offers but also from China and Tibet where the tives from the four international Gars has recently been published to replace them a very valid form of communica- The future Tibetan language is mainly spoken. were present at Merigar and had quite a the old one. tion and guidance in their tasks. At the moment a project to build a Solar Rinpoche also talked about his plans few informal meetings. As a result, the There is also an internet link for Eu- During the summer months, Chögyal Mandala is being set up but has not yet for inviting H. H. the Dalai Lama who at- Merigar Gakyil plans to put together ropean gakyils through which members Namkhai Norbu asked people to send been fi nalized. Rinpoche has said that tended the opening of the Shang Shung a video showing different views of the can be in direct contact with each other their proposals for improving Merigar. the form of the building will be similar to Institute in 1991 and the inauguration to exchange experiences, ask for and The Gakyil received quite a few, summa- the Gonpa and that it will be constructed >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

17 MerigarWest

iero Bonacina is a sculptor and long-time practitioner who has Plived in Montegiovi, near Merigar West, for many years. At the request of Rinpoche and his wife Rosa, he has created several wonderful pieces of art for Merigar West, including the newest addition of the Adzom Drukpa statue near the Temple of Great Liberation inaugurated in September 2009. Piero is available to do commis- sioned work in stone and wood and can be contacted at 3385265907.

On Thursday September 10, Rinpoche, together with a number of his students, did a Sang and Serkyem practice to inaugurate the statue of Adzom Drugpa in the little meadow just below the Gonpa at Merigar West Photo: L Graf

>> continued from previous page very important plan for the future – the Supporting Community projects of the Gonpa, giving the fi rst teaching 30th anniversary of Merigar. Rinpoche During the meeting for electing the new there. In fact, at a later date, on October said that Merigar is the origin of the Gakyil which was held at the Gonpa 12th, Rinpoche met Gheshe Tenzin Ten- Dzogchen Community and the Gakyil on Saturday October 10th, Rinpoche phel, Daniela Abba (director) and Laura and although we have a lot of different thanked the members of the Gakyil for Pellati of the Lama Tsong Khapa Institute Gars, the original and most important their work and commitment through- in Pomaia who had come to Merigar to is always Merigar so for our 30th an- out the year. He also thanked the Com- thank him for the donation from Meri- niversary we should do something munity for helping Yeshi Namkhai’s gar for rebuilding their Gonpa which exceptional like inviting the Dalai Lama family while Yeshi is dedicating himself was destroyed in a fi re last December. for this occasion. He also suggested entirely to the Dzogchen Teaching and Rinpoche told them about our intention that we also invite all the different Gars the Community. Finally he listed a num- to invite the Dalai Lama in 2011 and said to participate as well as the Italian au- ber of projects in the Community, such that he would be very happy if we could thorities and that since it would be an as the projects for the Mandala Hall organize the event together with the important occasion we should start to and dormitory, the Museum, A.S.I.A., Lama Tsong Khapa Institute. They were plan for it now. The event would take for emergencies, for Merigar East and very pleased about this proposal. place probably in July 2011. for Kunzang Gar, to which he and his Then during the Assembly in Sep- family are very generously donating. tember the Master spoke about another Photo: R. Piro Everyone reads The Mirror

Passages Married: On Friday October 23rd, Carla Capone and Maurizio Mingotti were married at a small ceremony in an out of the way place on the Italian Riviera. Many warm wishes to them from all their friends. Participants of the Gomadevi course at Merigar West led by Enzo Terzano in August

Accommodations near Merigar West Christina von Geispitzheim Information for people who intend to come to Merigar for Email: [email protected] retreats or to follow courses Phone: 0039 0564 957542 If you are looking for accommodation, airport transfer, local car Mobile phone: 0039 339 1370739 hire or only logistic assistance, you can contact the following information and reservation service: We cooperate with local hotels, family pensions, residences, agriturismo, Community members who have rooms or houses to rent or sublet. Also we can advise on car rental (at airports Accommodation Service or locally), on the best itinerary and time tables of trains and (Information available in English, German, French and Italian) buses, and we have now a circuit of residents who offer various Information service and reservation of accommodation during useful services like transfer from the airports, local taxi service, retreats, local transport, & logistic solutions: translations, baby sitting, etc. THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

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New Gakyil of Austria Regions November 10, 6:30 pm with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu from Explanation on the practice Tashigar Norte Europe Red: Ingrid Samlicki Yellow: Oliver Leick November 28 Every Friday at 6:30 pm Austria Blue: Monika Klietmann Karmayoga day New Gakyil of Vienna Practice of the Dance of the Vajra at International contact person is Oliver Leick December 4–8 Flöcking in East-Styria. Blue: Honza Dolensky The new E-Mail address of the Gakyil Course of Preparation of Namkha Every second Friday at 5:00pm: Collec- Yellow: Andreas Resch is: [email protected] and practice of Guru Yoga tive practice of Guru Yoga at Yeselling Red: Alexander Heckner with Liane Graf If you are interested please call us Red assistant: Winnie Scheiblbrantner www.dzogchen.at During the course we will also follow before coming. www.yeselling.at Gakyil of Vienna the webcast of the Dzogchen retreat For further information please visit [email protected] * with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu from www.yeselling.at Yeselling Tashigar Norte. The Dzogchen Community Austria Regions Best wishes and greetings, Passages is happy to announce the schedule of prac- December 8 Gakyil Austria Regions Born: On Oct., 30th in the afternoon tices and retreats at Yeselling, the Ling of the Birthday of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Gschmaier 104 healthy and pretty Elina Schweizer was Dzogchen Community Austria. January 1–6, 2010 8265 Gr. Steinbach born to her happy parents Bernhard November 11, 1:00 pm Intensive Mandarava Practice-retreat Tel.: +43 676 3221365 and Manuela and her proud brother Anniversary of Adzam Drugpa, with Nina Robinson Fax: +43 3386 83218 Tobias from Mattsee, Austria. Direct Transmission of Chögyal During this retreat we will also follow [email protected] Namkhai Norbu. the webcast of the Dzogchen retreat www.yeselling.at

Horní st. 156, Cesky Krumlov Upcoming: Czech Republic Map and instructions for travel you will Courses and Webcasts 2009 The Czech Dzogchen Community is pleased fi nd on the websites. Overview: to announce Course will take place 10 am–6 pm, www.dzogchen.de A Teaching retreat with exact schedule will be specifi ed later. Webcast Retreat from Barcelona Yeshi Silvano Namkhai Contacts: with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu The Four Contemplations of Feel free to contact us by e-mail or Cologne, Nuernberg, Berlin and other Dzogchen Semde telephone. cities +420 605 709 122 November 14–18 November 27–29, 2009 [email protected] Info: Jil Self, Tel. +49 221-421 09 11, in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic [email protected] and a public talk on November 26 * in Prague. Germany Dance of the Vajra with the Song of New gakyil the Vajra / Part 2 Location: the retreat takes place near Yellow: Vilma Eiden, with Karin Heinemann our Ling in very beautiful town Cesky [email protected] Dargyäling in Cologne Krumlov (www.ckrumlov.info/docs/ Ilka Müller-Mennrich, November 14–22 en/kaktualita.xml) in the hall of a lo- [email protected] Ongoing Yantra Yoga with Saadet Arslan at Dargyäling in Cologne, Germany cal theatre. Info and registration: Michael Möhle, Evelyne Kleinmayer, Tel. +049 More information and registration you [email protected] 89/41 85 77 66 or +49 170/432 11 70, can fi nd on: www.yeshi.cz/en Tsandul Breathing and 5 Movements Red: Evelyne Kleinmayer-Macek, [email protected] for people who already know the 8 Prices: 100 euro – if you register before [email protected] * Mandarava-Tsalung Movements as a continuation of a November 20 on www.yeshi.cz Christian Pogoda, with Elio Guarisco beginner’s course 120 euro without registration [email protected] Dargyäling in Cologne with Saadet Arslan Gillian “Jil” Self, (As we have most of the members with November 27–December 1 Dargyäling in Cologne [email protected] reduced membership, we decided to December 5–7 Info and registration: Jil Self, give only one price for everybody with Blue: Barbara Schwesig, Tel. +49 221-421 09 11 Info and registration: the discount for those who register in [email protected] [email protected] Christian Pogoda, advance) Joachim Raack, * Tel.: +49 2083-76 29 10, [email protected] Webcast-Retreat from Venezuela Accommodation: [email protected] Michael Voigtländer (also Director with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Possibilities of accommodation in of the Gakyil), Cologne, Nuernberg, Berlin and other Prague and Cesky Krumlov [email protected] cities will be published on www.yeshi.cz Passages December 4–11 Gakyil-assistant: Lenka Kroh, Location: Birth in Germany: [email protected] Info: Jil Self, Tel. +49 221-421 09 11, Public talk (November 26): Emil is born, our son [email protected] Unitaria Palace, Anenska st. 5, Praha 1 if you want to contact the entire gakyil * Birthdate: August 5, 2009 Retreat (November 27–29): write to: [email protected] Birthplace: Cologne Representative hall of the local theatre, * Parents: Larissa & Joachim

Guruyoga along with some semzin he annual retreat of the Hellenic Greece & inner rushen meditations will be Dzogchen Community took place The Hellenic Dzogchen Community invites introduced and practiced under Yeshi T from the 29th of August to the 5th you to a Teaching Retreat in Athens Silvano Namkhai’s guidance during the of September, at the Dharma Reatreat teaching sessions. Center “Karma Rigdrol Ling” which Yeshi Silvano Namkhai belongs to the Karma Kagyu Lineage Participation fees: 120 euro (with the Dzogchen, and is located at Mt. Cholomontas of usual discounts for Dzogchen Com- The Self-Perfected State Macedonia, Northern Greece. munity members). An exposition of Dzogchen view, We spent 8 wonderful days sur- Retreat info & seat reservations: practice & attitude based on Chögyal rounded by the beautiful nature of Mt. [email protected] Namkhai Norbu’s book by the same Cholomontas‘ forest, a place of extreme Travelling & accommodation info: title clarity, full of cedars, fi rs, pines and oak [email protected] Athens trees, practising intensively the 7 Semz- * Tues 29 Dec. 2009–Sat 2 January 2010 ins, 7 Lojongs, Sang offering, Chod, Long Tun and Ganapuja, distributed in Program: four daily sessions. Day 1 – Public Talk & presentation of The resident lamas of „Karma Rig- the book. drol Ling“ were really friendly, warm- Day 2 – Sutra, Tantra & Dzogchen hearted and supportive to us all. We Hellenic Dzogchen Community practitioners with the lamas of “Karma Rigdrol Ling” Day 3 – The Dzogchen View would like to express our deep gratitude Day 4 – The Practice of Dzogchen / for their compassion, understanding Trekchod and gracious hospitality. Day 5 – The Attitude of Dzogchen Yogi THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

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Dharmata, clarifying that the appari- Federico Ballarin (assistant) Zhenphenling Europe >> continued Yeshi Namkhai tions of the divinities are nothing more [email protected] Comunità Dzogchen sez. Roma than the manifestation of our emotions, via Giovanni Miani 5 Red: Brunella De Biase in Venice that is, of our energy. Recognizing them 00154 Roma Italy [email protected] Milano he fi rst weekend in September the means recognizing our condition and, tel. 0657300346 Claudia Nuozzi [email protected] Vajra Dance Course for beginners city of Venice had the great for- as happens during our lives, it is easier [email protected] Lucilla Curini (assistant) led by Maurizio Mingotti tune to welcome Yeshi Namkhai to recognize the wrathful manifesta- T [email protected] Prima Mai will supervise according to for a cycle of three days of teachings. In tions more than the joyful ones. her schedule an autumn atmosphere, with an air that On Sunday participants met togeth- 21–22 November, 12–13 December, was suddenly fresher and crisper from er with Yeshi and his family in a nearby 16–17 January, 20–21 February the rain that made the colours of Venice park and in a cheerful and relaxed more vivid, around a hundred people atmosphere enjoyed a wonderful picnic The course will take place at the Scuola listened to Yeshi’s explanations on prepared by the practitioners of Venice. Media Via dell’Arcadia 24, Milano, Italy Dzogchen in the comfortable surround- Information: Lucia Della Libera * ings of the S. Alvise Sports Centre. Rome tel: +39 02 58 10 25 56 He touched on many points and out- The new Gakyil for Zhenphenling mobile +39 340 460 85 97 lined, even in that brief period of time, (Rome) was elected at the general [email protected] the many aspects of the teaching. meeting of October 11th 2009: * He brought to mind ordinary expe- Florence-Lucca Blue: Massimo Pelliccioni (President) riences of everyday life and showed us [email protected] New Gakyil how we could concretely understand Maurizio Piazza Blue: Antje d’Almeida. their meaning through awareness, for [email protected] tel 3346997493 example, “external” and “internal” in Sergio Quaranta (assistant) Yellow: Gianni Baggi. relationship to the individual, the origin [email protected] tel 3483193372, 0571-680370 of our confl icts, how we are conditioned Red: Camilla Cappuccini. by our values, how our habitual way of Yellow: Mirella D’Angelo Passages tel 3290910276 understanding works … [email protected] Married: Luca Mastrogiuseppe and Antonella Pasqualone of the blue gakyil and Yeshi also spoke about the experi- Federica Mastropaolo the yellow of Adzamling were married in Torremagiore in Foggia Province, Italy on ences of the Bardo of Death and of the [email protected] August 31st 2009. All our best wishes to them!

of Semde, Longde and Upade- mainly due to the lack of commu- Poland sha, and also the teachings on nication and then, of course, also Bardo. What he does is go to the of collaboration. With Yeshi’s Yeshi Silvano essence taking examples from help and advice things have start- ordinary life, and if you listen to ed to go better and there is more Namkhai the example, then the conclusion liveliness. Teachings In Poland is very astonishing and deep in On the last day in Warsaw there meaning. was also a lottery and an auction. October 5–13, 2009 Then at the weekend of Octo- The auction was small but quite Marek Macko ber 10 and 11 he visited Palden- fruitful, so now there is a possi- ling. There Yeshi continued the bility to fi nish the building of the eshi was about to come to teachings from Warsaw and we dark house at Paldenling. Poland in April, but then also did practice like Yeshe Zan- At the end of his visit Yeshi Ycircumstances changed. tel. And what was strange was went to Cracov where on 13th Now October proved to be more that about 60 participants came October he gave a public lecture auspicious for his visit. to this small house of Paldenling at the Technological Academy The fi rst four days, October 5 which is far away from Warsaw. AGH. to 8, there was a program in War- A very important part of Ye- saw connected with Rinpoche’s shi’s visit was his meetings with webcast. It started at 8 in the Photo: G Konieczka the Polish Community in Warsaw morning with a Yantra Yoga and also at Paldenling. Recently course of the 8 movements led 7 pm we could have the benefi t of points of the Dzogchen teachings the Polish Community has been by a local instructor, than at 10 hearing Yeshe’s teachings. about the meaning of the series having a hard time which was there was the video webcast of Formally these lectures were Rinpoche’s teachings from Meri- a commentary on Rinpoche’s gar West. After this there was a Longsal “Introduction to the course of the OM A HUM Vajra State of Ati” and also another Dance with Algis and also the book “Introduction to the State showing of the dance of the six of Contemplation.” Yeshi eluci- spaces. Later in the evenings at dated and clarifi ed the important

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J. Crow’s ® Mulling Spice Folk Medicine Tibetan Medicine SpicedCider.com fax or phone: 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

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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

were all warmly welcomed by Mira, Romanian outfi t and his new Teva ul- Merigar East Gakyil Greg and Fiu (a very cheerful dog). tra- outdoor sandals (a present from As to the matters discussed, we are us all) made especially for the off-road meets still waiting for permission to build the circumstances at the Gar. In a very nice By Jaga Zebrovska Gonpa, however we are getting closer atmosphere, local music played in the to solving that matter with the super- background (especially a cool group etween 10 and 13 of September vision of Giovanni Boni, who is staying called Zdub si Zdub), with good food the second offi cial Gakyil meet- here with us. What is more, in about a and drink (Polish ˙Zubrówka and Ro- ing of Merigar East took place in B month all the work connected with the manian Bucegi) we had a chance to talk Romania. After 4 days of intensive gath- preparation of the barn for the winter about other than Gakyil matters. ering – basically speaking all day long will be fi nished. We are continually The time of collaborating face to – we managed to clarify some matters working on a hybrid project (wind and face has just fi nished L, but our work and take a few decisions. Fijalka and Fil- solar) electric system for the barn and continues. The form is changing. Now, ip fl ew with the famous budget airlines the future Gar. At the moment the fence we are fully dependent on technological Ryanair from Pisa, Beatrix, Abel and is being made. We have done about 250 innovations – such as forums, e-mails, George experienced the adventurous meters, and there are still 750 to go. skype meetings etc. for about 2 months. roads of Romania in Abel’s red Skoda, The schedule for the retreats in Merigar East Gakyil meets Giovanni Boni, the architect I have started to appreciate the possibil- fi nishing their journey without George’s 2009/2010 is done. We are starting with ity of being with members of the Gakyil driving license, getting caught by local a 6 Spaces of Samanthabadra course in other activities we are planning a Shang During our Gakyil gathering our in the same place and time, something police just a few meters before 23rd of Constanta on 6–8 of November 2009, Shung event in Bulgaria, which will be favourite Geko celebrated his thirtieth that I took for granted while being on August and me myself travelling with which seems to be exceptionally chal- our fi rst activity in this country and will birthday. We had a little grill party the Polish Gakyil. all possible means of transport, that is lenging since there is only one member not be less demanding. However we are on this occasion. Greg performed in plane, train and bus from Poland. We of the Community there. ;-) And among trying to be full of optimism. his traditional beautifully decorated

provide enough power for the opera- Your donation will help us transform The Power of the tion of the Gar. In addition to the con- the power of the SUN and WIND. struction of the Gonpa, future projects You can transfer your energy through Sun and Wind include retreat huts, a dark retreat hut, PayPal, through credit card, through and small houses for practitioners. he youngest Gar in the Dzogchen our bank account, or, if you are at We need power to support the de- Community is Merigar East in Merigar West, in person through Gakyil velopment of our new Gar in Romania. Romania, founded by Chögyal member Fijalka Turzikova (+39 3400 98 T Since we cannot connect to the local Namkhai Norbu in 2006. Merigar East 60 65, [email protected]). power grid, we have decided to make the is located on the Black Sea coast, one best use of circumstances by installing PayPal: www.dzogchen.ro/paypal hour’s drive from Constanta, where a green, sustainable, state-of-the-art Credit card Contact: there is an international airport. hybrid solar and wind system. Having [email protected] It is situated on a 4.5 hectare piece power on site will signifi cantly improve Merigar East Euro Bank Account: of land where we are building an oc- the existing Meribarn (currently the Asociatia Culturala Comunitatea tagonal Gonpa according to the vision only house on the land) with its many Dzog-chen of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s son, different functions, and most impor- UniCredit Tiriac Bank SA Yeshi Namkhai. It will feature three tantly, it will help create the conditions 30, Constantei Str., bl. H1a mandalas, two stupas in classical style, for building the new Gonpa. RO-905500, Mangalia, Romania gardens, and roads – all in the shape of Currently, the only structure on the ing it to make it more effi cient for the The Green Power Project will cost Swift: BACXROBU the Longsal symbol. land is a wooden barn that serves as a hybrid solar/wind power system we are 15,000 Euro. Rinpoche has already IBAN: RO50BACX0000000267513001 shelter for the Gekos. We are insulat- planning. This system is designed to given 2,000 Euro towards this amount.

Israel St. Petersburg The St Petersburg Dzogchen Community is happy to announce the retreat with Yeshi Silvano Namkhai on Narag Tongtrug, which will take place in St Petersburg, Russia on November 20–22, 2009. There will be 1 evening session on Friday, November 20 at 19:00, and 2 sessions a day at the weekend, Novem- ber 21–22: 10:00–12:00 – teaching, 18:00–19:00 – practice. The webcast for this retreat is not Beginner‘s Yantra Yoga in Jerusalem Israel with Naomi Zeitz October 2009 Credit: E Kenan provided. During the retreat at the weekend Russia there will also be Yantra-Yoga and Vajra Dance practice sessions. On November 18 Yeshi Silvano Namkhai will conduct an open lecture “About the nature of mind” at the St Petersburg University, Philosophy department. For registering and additional information please contact Alla Ermakova at: +7 904 337 5770 or [email protected]

Course on 7 lotuses and 7th lojong in Moscow with Fabio Andrico. October 2–9th 2009 THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

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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.www.tsegyalgareast.org

November 28–29 Tsegyalgar East Anuyoga Practice Weekend News with Jim Valby November 30 Building Updates Public Talk in Northampton with Jim Valby he dark cabin has received a complete overhaul and thanks December 4–11 T to the consistent dedication and Webcast Retreat from Margarita very hard work of Joe Zurylo, Vern Island with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Harrington, Ben Harrington, David Longsal Longde Teaching Hayes, John Foster, Woody Paparazzo, Matt Schmookler and Asruh Warner, it December 4–6 is now up and running and ready to be Introduction to Yantra Yoga used. We thank the donors who made with Paula Barry the renovation possible. December 7–11 Advanced Yantra Yoga As you can see in the photos, the house with Paula Barry that will serve as a Community house Jim Smith and Joe Zurylo shoveling the cement for fi nal pier for the clumns for the Vajra Hall Photo: O Klibansky and residence for Rinpoche is coming December 14 along. Most recently an old structure We still need a lot of help as in karma offer a few hours or a day or two to complete the fi rst phase of the con- Public Talk in Northampton adjacent to the under-renovation farm- yoga. We can offer room and board for help. No one will be turned away. struction of the Vajra Hall. with Jim Valby house was leveled, and construction of those who have the possibility to stay a December 26–27 a room that will serve as both a living little longer term and can also negoti- If you are interested in discussing this Program Updates SMS Practice Weekend for Level II only area and a small Gonpa for the Com- ate other possibilities of travel expenses highly rewarding and immensely ben- The Blue Gakyil has been actively devel- with Jim Valby munity will begin. These two structures for the right candidates with suffi cient efi cial activity please contact: oping programming for the next year. will be merged into one. Our wish is to skills and the capacity to be self moti- Cindy Thibeau, Red Gakyil, at There have been practice weekends 2010 eventually have the Dzogchen Com- vated and work hard. Joe Zurylo, our [email protected] one weekend a month with Jim Valby January 30–31 munity housed on lower Khandroling, devoted project manager, is working on at the Schoolhouse and they have been ‘Purifi cation’ Practice Weekend leaving the Schoolhouse for the fast the house from Wednesday to Saturday We have poured the cement for the last very successful. They will continue until with Jim Valby growing Shang Shung Institute’s Ti- every week, rain or shine, so more ‘lo- and 12th pier that is the fi nal support June 2010. As part of an outreach effort, February 18–24 betan Medical Program. cal’ people, are welcome to come and column for the Vajra Hall; as you can Jim has also been giving public talks in Webcast Retreat from Argentina with see in see in the photo. Jim Smith has Northampton on Monday evenings en- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu been following through on this immense titled, “Emptiness and Freedom, a non- project for many months and will fi nish religious seminar of study and medita- February 27–28 the curved retaining wall before freez- tion”. These talks are well attended and Zhine Practice Weekend ing weather arrives. This footing will bring in new people. with Jim Valby then allow the last of the block work to TBA in February be fi nished and everything can be back- Future Programs: Mandarava & Chöd Instruction and fi lled by the time snow comes. This will 2009 Practice Retreat with Nina Robinson allow all the backfi ll to settle and the November 6–8 structural frame can begin in the spring. Supervision of Chie Hammond by Prima We have other programs planned for Jim could use some serious help for this Mai of the Dance of the Three Vajras Spring/Summer 2010: project. We have recently received a March 31–April 9 Yantra Yoga, November 9–11 very generous anonymous donation to Advanced and Teacher Training with Advanced Vajra Dance with Prima Mai Fabio Andrico and Laura Evangelisti November 11 and June dates TBA, a Dzogchen Prac- Worldwide Webcast Transmission tice Retreat with Elio Guarisco. with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Yeshi Silvano Namkhai will be coming Adzom Drugpa Day in July 29 – August 12, 2010! Joe Zurylo working on the new Community Center and Namkhai Family Residence Photo: N Zeitz

USA New York Upcoming Introduction to Yantra Yoga with Naomi Zeitz December 11–13, 2009 Kundrolling 151 W 30th St. New York City, NY For more information: [email protected] or [email protected]

During the summer of 2009, Kundrolling had the pleasure of hosting Nelida for a course in the Introduction to Yantra Yoga in Yellow Springs, Ohio with Lynn Sutherland Dance of the Vajra. Since then, weekly dance practice attendance has exploded. Thanks Nelida! in October 2009 Photo: M Poston

Main Offi ce: PO Box 479, Conway, MA 01341, USA * Tel: 413 369 4208 * Fax: 413 369 44 73 * [email protected] * * European Offi ce: The Mirror, Istituto Shang Shung, Podere Nuovissimo, GR 58031 Arcidosso, Italy * Tel: 39 32 98 86 52 92 * [email protected] * * Editorial Staff: Naomi Zeitz, Tsegyalgar, Conway, MA, USA * Liz Granger, Istituto Shang Shung, Arcidosso, Italy * * Literary Editor: John Shane * * Advisors: Des Barry, Adriano Clemente, Anna Eid, Barbara Paparazzo, Jim Valby * * International Blue Gakyil Advisor: Fabio Andrico, International Publications Committee * * English Language Advisor: Liz Granger * * Layout & Design: Thom- as Eifl er * * Web Site Managers: Thomas Eifl er, Malcolm Smith * * Printer: Turley Publications, Palmer, MA, USA * * Distribution: Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA, USA * * Subscription Rate/6 Issues: $35 US available through Tsegyalgar; 30 € through Merigar * * Visa and Master card welcome * * Online Mirror: www.melong.com * * All material © 2009 by The Mirror * * Reprint by permission only * * We reserve the right to edit all submissions. THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

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

Tsegyalgar West Programs: Lynn Sutherland will teach Yantra Yoga Update Dec. 11–13, 2009 in San Jose del Cabo at Los Cabos, Mexico Raices y Brazos; and Dec.18–20 at Ho- tel Vista Azul, a spa in Cabo San Lucas. segyalgar West is preparing for There will be one-day demos in nearby a wonderful season of teach- Todos Santos and maybe La Paz. ing and enjoyment. Casitas are T Nina Robinson and Bodhi Krause Mon- rapidly being fi nished (doubling the day Feb. 8th–Sunday Feb. 14, 2010 at the number available last year), and prac- Gar. Nina Robinson will teach “Purifi - titioners from all over the globe are cation of the Six Lokas”. Bodhi Krause booking time for personal and group teaches “The Vajra Dance of the Six retreats. New staff has arrived, and we Spaces of Samantabhadra”. This in- still have positions open for Pioneers cludes one afternoon trip to beautiful (volunteers), Hospitality Manager, and Santa Maria Beach, a cove where snor- more. Speaking both English and Span- kels and kayaks can be rented. ish is helpful. Losar celebration Sunday Feb. 14th, By the way, Los Cabos has remained 2010 at the Gar; Teaching, Yoga, Dance, free of both swine fl u and the strife of campfi re. some other areas of Mexico. The beauty of this mountain and beach region is re- Elio Guarisco and Lynn Sutherland markable. Visit our refurbished website Monday Feb. 14–Sunday Feb. 21, 2010 3) A simple form of Moxibustion cember ’09. This includes one afternoon Lastly, Yeshi Namkhai is returning to with new photo gallery. at the Gar. Elio Guarisco will teach: with Tibetan medicine advice on Diet trip to beautiful Santa Maria Beach, a Tsegyalgar West in Sept 21–October 4, 1) Gomadevi practice Please contact our Secretary, Angelina for the imbalances of the three Humors. cove where snorkels and kayaks can be 2010!! Reserve your casita early. 2) The Behavior of Equalizing all Ibarguen with any questions. Se habla Lynn Sutherland will develop the Yantra rented. Tastes from the Longsal Thank You Rinpoche, espanol. www.tsegyalgarwest.org Yoga she introduced in Los Cabos in De- Joel Crisp, Tsegyalgar West Blue Gakyil

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

December 18–23 January 16–30 December Course of Vajra Dance (1st Part) Chögyal Namkhai Norbu April Calendar December 4–11 With Carmen Rivas supervised by The Drubchen of Mandarava and April 1–5 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Adriana Dal Borgo Vajrapani Retreat of 7th Lojong Dzogchen Longsal Longde Teaching With Grisha Mokhin of Events Retreat Dec. 26–Jan. 1 March Chögyal Namkhai Norbu March 8–12 Apr. 30–May 2 2009– December 8 Santi Maha Sangha Retreat Tashigar Norte Retreat with Rinpoche Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Exam Rinpoche’s Birthday 2010 January March 13–18 May December 13–17 January 4–10 Kumbhaka Course May 3–9 Course of Yantra Yoga 1st. Level Course of Vajra Dance (2nd Part) With Fabio Andrico Chögyal Namkhai Norbu November With Dina Priymak supervised by With Carmen Rivas supervised by Santi Maha Sangha 1st Level Training November 20 Fabio Andrico Adriana Dal Borgo March 19–25 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s arrival in Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Tashigar North January 10–15 Teacher’s Trainings: SMS Base Level Course Santi Maha Sangha Base and 1st With Elías Capriles Levels, Vajra Dance, Yantra Yoga 1st and 2nd Levels

Membership is not merely about For information on making payment Second Part Cost: To be confi rmed Membership in 2010 fulfi lling a monetary obligation, it please contact: tashigarnortesecreta January 4th–10th 2010 Contact us: should be understood as a Specifi c [email protected] or by fax to 0058295- Led by: Carmen Rivas with the super- [email protected] e send you our greetings and Commitment with the Community and 2580332. vision of: Adriana Dal Borgo * thanks for being members with the Dzogchen teaching preserva- Thanks for your attention and collabora- Course of fi rst level of Yantra Yoga Who can attend? Those who have of Tashigar Norte during the tion. We hope you will take this to heart, tion, With Dina Prymak & Patricia Ranchhod W already attended the fi rst part of the year 2009. and according to your possibilities, Many Tashi Deleks, With the supervision of Fabio Andrico Dance of the Song of the Vajra course. We are approaching the end of the consider upgrading your membership Gakyil of Tashigar Norte December 12th–19th 2009 Minimum enrollment is 15 participants. year and we want to remind you that to the Meritorious or Sustaining levels, * Cost: US$ 200 with usual discounts. Who can attend? Open to all the people you can renew your membership in the having the additional benefi t of a one The Gakyil of Tashigar Norte is pleased to who have received Dzogchen Transmis- Dzogchen Community. If you did not year subscription to the Mirror. In any announce: * Vajra Dance Instructors Meeting sion by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. have membership, you can enroll now case you can choose an ordinary mem- Beginners Course of the Dance February 2nd–5th 2010 for 2010. bership or in a justifi ed case you can of the Song of Vajra Course content: Preliminary loosening Cost: to be confi rmed Everyone should be aware that with- apply for the reduced one. exercises, 9 purifi cation breathings, First Part out membership funds, the Gar cannot Furthermore, you must remember * Tsigjong, Eight movements, Tsadul, December 18th–23rd 2009 Teacher LS Training of the fi rst survive and we will not have the oppor- the relative benefi ts of being a member Pranayama of The Four Characteristic Led By: Carmen Rivas with the super- Level of the Vajra Dance tunity to receive the teachings here. The of the community such as the discounts Conditions, Five basic Yantras of vision of: Adriana Dal Borgo With Adriana Dal Borgo & Prima Mai International Dzogchen Community is at retreats at any Gar or Ling, access to the First, Second and Third Series, March 2nd–7th 2010 seeking ways to generate income from the closed webcasts and special further Who Can Attend? Those who have Pranayama of The Four Profound Ap- sources other than Rinpoches’ retreats, discounts with Tashigar South & Norte received transmission of Dzogchen and Who can attend? This course is for plications, Vajra Wave and the main strategy relies heavily on for Tashigar Norte’s members. the Lung of the Song of the Vajra from those who have a good knowledge of Cost: US$ 210 with usual discounts. the membership system. In regard to It would be helpful if memberships Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Minimum the female (Pamo) and male (Pawo) Contact us: this, Rinpoche has said, “…we have to could be renewed prior to the beginning enrollment is 15 participants. parts of the Dance of the Six Spaces of [email protected] be independent of the fi nancial support that of the Mandarava and Vajrapani Drub- Cost: US$ 180 with usual discounts. Samantabhadra and the Dance of the * is tied to my retreats, I really ask each one chen retreat. Three Vajras and would like to deepen Note: You can register at the Gakyil Offi ce of you to become a member if you are not their practice or aspire to become a 1st 3 days before Retreats with Rinpoche and already one, and to renew your membership level Vajra Dance instructor. Courses from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please without delay….” (Mirror, 2006) don’t be late with registration and payment. THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

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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

2010 Gonpa Project

Dear Sangha, As you all know, the work of the re- construction of the Tashigar South Gonpa has already started. Although the weather did not help much, since as soon as the work started we had a week with heavy rain and then snow, the Gonpa has been totally dismantled and at present all that remains is the platform on which the new construc- Teachings of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu February 8th February 18th–24th tion will be made. Time to Roar like in South America. Rinpoche’s arrival to Tashigar South Chögyal Namkhai Norbu It is our great joy to say that we need Since its foundation in 1989, Rin- Dzogchen Teachings and Practice a Lion Yantra Yoga Course – Part 1 to raise only $15,000 US more. We feel it poche has led more than 60 retreats Retreat n February 7, 2010 Tashigar Second Level led by Naomi Zeitz and is of great importance to say that it was of precious teachings and hundreds of South, the Gar of the Dzogchen supervised by Fabio Andrico February 25th–26th Rinpoche’s great generosity that pro- courses, retreats and practices have Community for South America, February 10th–11th Yantra Yoga Course – Part 2 vided us with 60 % of the money raised O been undertaken by instructors of SMS, will be 20 years old. The name, which Second Level led by Naomi Zeitz and to date. As usual Rinpoche is showing Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance, coordi- February 12th means ‘auspicious place’, was especially supervised by Fabio Andrico us something in every gesture and it is nated by older practitioners. All this Opening of the New Gonpa of chosen by our Master. After looking for up to us to discover. would have been impossible without Tashigar South! More information: a location in many areas of Córdoba, this sacred place. [email protected] With all our love, we discovered the place he was looking February 14th www.wordpress.tashigar-sur.com.ar Sergio, Paula, Daniel and Ana for and bought the land where we were Losar and Mandarava Practice Calendar of Activities Tel: +54-03541-498-356 (The Gonpa Project Team) supposed to place the Gar, explaining January 22nd–February 5th February 16th Fax: +54-03541-498885 www.2010tashigar-sur.com.ar that this was a sacred place. Its unique Yeshi Namkhai will lead a short Sang and Serkyem Offerings [email protected] characteristics have favored the pro- retreat during his stay at the Gar www.tashigar-sur.com.ar found development of the Dzogchen

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

decided to do a Ganapuja. Then Namgyalgar Summer Program Namgyalgar magically, around 5 pm, a thun- Santi Maha Sangha Base Retreat derstorm erupted and a heavy 26 December 2009–1 January 2010 Survives Bushfi re shower of rain fell on the moun- This retreat will be led by SMS Base tain. Though the rain was short teacher, Cheh Goh, and will include Viki Forscutt lived, it was suffi cient to dampen teachings on the SMS Base by Chögyal the fi res a little and miraculously Namkhai Norbu via webcast from On Thursday August 27, dur- the Gar did not catch alight! It Tashigar Norte. It will be a family ing unseasonal warm weather, a was as if at the critical moment friendly retreat suitable for new and ex- fi re broke out on Gulaga Moun- rain manifested to protect the perienced practitioners. tain upon which Namgyalgar is Gar and nearby communities. Yantra Yoga Intensive situated. Although it was win- Amazingly, prayer fl ags remain in led by Emily Coleing and Amare Pearl ter, unusually hot conditions and tact and still hang in trees around 3–9 January gusty winds caused fi re to fl are a patch of burnt bush on the hill The Yantra Yoga Intensive is suitable for up from logs still smouldering above Gawaling. Fire-fi ghters practitioners who are already practic- after a hazard reduction burn were very surprised that the Gar ing the 8 Movements and have learned conducted by the Forestry Dept. did not succumb to the fi res. The at least 2 other groups of movements in three weeks earlier. Propelled by next day, Guru Padma sambhava the Yantra system. strong winds, the fi re soared up and other items from the Gar, in- patrolling the Couria Creek area day, was very calm – expected to the peak of the mountain and cluding Rinpoche’s belongings in the vicinity of the Gar. A large strong winds did not eventuate, Jnana Dakini and Vajra Dance by nightfall had crept over the in Gawaling, were transported to contingent of fi re brigades was reducing the threat of fi re. Over practice retreat top and begun gradually burning Jenny’s home in Narooma where positioned around the mountain, the following days and weeks 11–17 January downhill towards the Gar, rural they were safely stored. and helicopters equipped for wa- fi re-fi ghters managed to contain This retreat is suitable for practitioners properties and the nearby villages ter bombing were poised ready the fi res, and thankfully some who know the dances of the Six Spaces of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba. The following day a meeting was for action. rain manifested. Gradually the and the Three Vajras, or who know all held in Central Tilba where au- situation eased, people became three dances including the Vajra Dance. At the time, SMS Scholarship stu- thorities of the current fi re situa- As was anticipated, Saturday was relaxed, and the Gar returned to Anyone who has received transmission dent, Dorje Latshang, was doing tion informed 200 residents from very hot and winds were fi erce, its normal life. of the Jnana Dakini practice can also a personal retreat, which was in- the local area, including several consequently the fi re spread to attend, even if not participating in the terrupted when relieving Gekö, members of the Gar, and how many parts of the mountain, Without any doubt it would seem Vajra Dance aspect of the retreat. Arnaud, informed him there was to prepare and protect or evacu- which became engulfed in fl ames that the practices done by Vajra Inquiries: Namgyalgar Secretary a fi re approaching the Gar. ate their properties. With help- and thick heavy smoke. Viki, the family in Australia and around Tel/Fax: 02.44737668 Though still some distance ful advice from fi re-fi ghters, the secretary, evacuated from Central the world, including at Merigar [email protected] away, and several gullies to burn Gar was prepared in various ways Tilba, taking with her important where practitioners did a 5-hour through, with the advent of strong with gas bottles being moved computer records and valuables naggon, were greatly benefi cial. winds and uncertainty of how fast away from buildings, shrubs and from the offi ce. The Gar was in Thanks to Elise for the fi re the fi re might travel, fi re-fi ghters bushes removed from around the real danger, threatened by fi re updates posted regularly on the advised Gar residents to move to Gonpa and outside areas damp- nearby at the neighboring dairy Namgyalgar website and Norbu- accommodation off land. Before ened down with water. The Gar’s farm and on the hill directly net and much heartfelt gratitude doing so, with the assistance of fi re fi ghting water pump was above Rinpoche’s house. At mid- to everyone who responded to re- practitioners arriving for Thurs- mounted onto the old Gar car afternoon fi re-fi ghters informed quests to do practice for the Gar. day night’s collective practice, all and water tanks at Gawaling and practitioners keeping watch on May the Victorious Gar live on important items from the Gonpa the Gonpa were prepared so Fire the fi re at the Gar that they must and help to spread the glorious (thangkas, ritual implements, Brigade hoses could be attached. leave as there was now a real pos- teachings of the Master! statues, etc), plus the library’s Arnaud, Dorje, Nicki, Lisa, Den- sibility the property would catch reference collection, bookshop nis and Jean kept watch on the alight and Gawaling would burn. [To see more fi re pics go to the stock and offi ce equipment were fi res and were in contact with Fearing the worst, practitioners photo gallery at the Namgyalgar packed into containers. These, fi re-fi ghters who were regularly gathered in a nearby house and website: www.dzogchen.org.au] THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009

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New Zealand China Summer Practice Retreat Shanghai Secret Rushen The Separation of Samsara and Nir- vana and study of the View, Meditation and Behavior of the 9 Vehicles Led by Santi Maha Sangha Teacher Angie Gilbert January 27–February 1, 2010 The retreat will also include Jnana Dakini Group practice. Cost: $280 including food and accom- modation. Venue: Huia Lodge which is west of Auckland beside the sea. Registration and inquiries: [email protected] We warmly invite you to join us! NZ Dzogchen Community P.O Box 52089, Kingsland 1352 October 3–8 a Vajra Dance course and a Yantra Yoga course were held in Shanghai, China. Tracy Ni and Wesley Guo both led the Vajra Dance course while Tracy also led the Auckland, New Zealand Yantra Yoga course. 13 people attended the Dance course and 9 people the Yantra Yoga. 4 of the 13 Dancers were newcomers (but after the course they attended webcasts [email protected] and became students). Everybody was happy and very interested in the Dance, and we have already made a date for the next Dance course. The participants were from www.dzogchen.org.nz different parts of China but most are Shanghai local residents.

The purest, the greatest yana, It is the vast yana It is all the secret music ‘One Yana’ the one secret beyond all others, free of exclusion too perfect to ever be held is the regal Vajrayana, or inclusion except in dreams Stephen Hill because it is the one that awakens with no outer or inner: of the Mantrayana. this struggling deaf mute we call samsara The purest, the greatest yana, into the sunlight its just naked space: Sometimes the light disappears into the the one secret beyond all others, of luminous clarity blue sky. is the strong backed Hinayana, but here is where the student fi nally Sometimes it moves closer, red fl ames because these are the all encompassing It is regal because its jewels are radiant steps free fanning our face. words of the Buddha, and beyond count, of the bone rot We like to think up names for it, and it is the Vehicle of Common Sense exactly as the stars in the sky of the crystal cage as we always have shine clearly into the living space Where we pour cool water with out name of reality And will. Sometimes we call it the Mind on this wheel of fi re, of Samantabhadra, and we just Still, if we think of it as symbol, Exactly as it is, and maybe we fi nd ourselves there, Stop it! it is lesser, unchanged since the beginning inside this single yana Now! because that means we still believe in that has never altered, this mind. To say it is lesser or greater is useless, spotless mirror that creates nothing, It is great, because it is the yana because there is no other yana. this blue sun, that helps the most people The purest, the greatest yana, Because there is nothing outside it, ruby crown, the one secret beyond all others, it is all the fear and renunciation yellow sky, Still, it is lesser is the Imperial Ati, of that Long Toiling Sutrayana green wind, because we are concerned primarily that fresh old dragon who roams space sound of nowhere, with our own purity with no home It is all the drunken summer love this one name all the empty wanting that is always And this means we still believe of the Endless Mahayana All Good, that samsara always. is something other

Than our selves.

Ther purest, the greatest yana, the one secret beyond all others, is the noble Mahayana, because here is where the insight dawns:

That pride is what traps us, and all of us are exactly like this

And so, quite logicly, we reverse the fever of samsara into medicine by washing the feet of our enemy

Then we follow the steps of the Buddha into the Giant Yana where the endless pain of ordinary people becomes the activity of endless compassion

Still, it is lesser, because if we rely on method, that means we still believe there is a self and other. THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 News

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Lights, Camera...Yantra

Paula Barry

t began last summer during gentina and China convened in the Level 2 Yantra Yoga Teach- Merigar eager to enter together Ier Training course in Meri- the profound methods of the gar. There we were relaxing in Nyida Khajyor. Our ages spanned the corpse position after the Vajra 4 decades; some had been doing Wave, integrating Body, Speech Yantra Yoga for many years, oth- and Mind with Presence when we ers for only a few. Some were in- hear the voice of Fabio: “I have an credibly blessed with agility and idea”! The idea was to meet again fl exibility, while others did their in 2009, and invite all the instruc- best to expand their limits and tors of Yantra Yoga and those broaden their capacity, but we all with a deep interest in Yantra to worked patiently and diligently review, learn and understand all to integrate the movements with 108 aspects of the profound in- the breathing which is one of the structions of Yantra Yoga. The unique aspects of Yantra Yoga course would be without charge, that differentiates it from other Eight Movements Photo: P Barry a kind of symposium for all those methods of Yoga. with the desire to collaborate and ing eyes to make sure that each to realize this goal. Yantra was performed correctly. During the year the ‘idea’ con- “Ready to Shoot”, Tanya would tinued to bear fruit, and it was shout, “Camera”, “Yes”, “Beat”, decided to make a professional and the metronome would start quality fi lm of the First Level of at 46 beats per minute to help Yantra Yoga. The fi lm would in- those performing the Yantra to clude: warm-up exercises (very coordinate their movements with necessary and much requested), each other. The 9 Breathings for Exhaling It was inspiring to see the pa- the Stale Air, Tsigjong (Loosen- tience, and commitment of the ing the Joints), Lungsang (the fi lm crew, our tireless teachers, 8 Movements for Purifying the our strong Yogis and Yoginis who Prana), Tsadul (Controlling the performed diffi cult Yantras many Channels), the 5 Basic Yantras times over in order that they be as for each of the 5 series of Yantras perfect as possible, and all those and the Vajra Wave. coordinating the wardrobe and An experienced fi lm crew from make-up, and snacks and sched- Ukraine was hired. Salima Celeri ules, all working harmoniously was to do the make-up. A ward- together. robe was purchased and funding We all look forward to seeing was secured! Eight Movements Photo: L Carniel the fi nished fi lm, and hope that it

the fi lm. Everyone was included! We then went on to explore and work through each of the series of Yantras, all of the Basic Move- ments, Movements for Training and Movements for Progressing, patiently working with the text of Vairocana the Nyida Khajor or “Union of the Sun and Moon Yantra” and Rinpoche’s detailed commentary “A Stainless Mirror of Jewels”. Some of the varia- tions are very strenuous and could only be performed by a few of the “super-yogis”. However, it was always extremely interest- Director Tatiana Khodakivska and Camerawoman Ekaterina Dubrovskaya Photo: P Barry ing to observe as well as to ap- Zhenya Rud and Adam Was doing the Frog Yantra from the 5th group of Yantras Photo: P Barry ply these, whatever our capacity. So…this September, in Meri- Every afternoon as we prac- They allowed one, in a real sense, Seven Lotus Poses, which elimi- will bring great benefi t to future gar, Yantra Yogis and Yoginis ticed each of the series of Yantras to deepen the knowledge and ex- nate disorders of the channels, practitioners of this profound from Estonia, Russia, Italy, Bra- Fabio and Laura were able to see perience of each of the fi ve kinds prana and tig le. system of Yantra Yoga. zil, Australia, Poland, Germany, who would be the best candi- of hold. During the last few days Every morning at 7 o’clock Ukraine, America, England, Ar- dates to perform the Yantras for we also learned and practiced the those who were to be fi lmed gathered in the outer ring of the Merigar Gonpa for make-up and wardrobe selection, and to be- gin warming up for the Yantras they were to perform. Then, for the following 6 hours (or more) the Gonpa was transformed into a fi lm set. Our patient director Tanya and camera woman Katya assisted by Dima and Alessandro set up each take, making sure Salima Celeri applying make up to Dina that the lighting was correct, that Priymak Photo: P Barry the colors of the clothing were coordinated, that there were no distracting background move- ments or sounds, and that the yogis were performing the Yan- tras in a coordinated and perfect rhythm. Laura and Fabio tireless- Rhythmic Breathing Photo: P Barry ly provided advice and discern- THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Review

26

cally constructed aspect of the Part Five reviews some ur- A Buddhist Response human samsaric dimension. gent collective responses we can Thus while the Tibetan Lamas implement. In this part John to the Climate Emergency by and large invoke the compas- deconstructs the denial engen- Contributions from Dalai Lama XIV, Joanna Macy, sionate help of the Buddhas, the dered by institutional deception Chatral Rinpoche, Susan Murphy Roshi, essays by the Western Buddhist and misinformation (alluded to Karmapa XVII, Thich Nhat Hahn, Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, teachers are more orientated to- above), breaking down, one by Bikkhu Bodhi, Dudjom Rinpoche, Robert Aitken Roshi, wards an attitude of “self-help.” one, the “sceptic” pseudo-sci- Thrangu Rinpoche, and many more. This being a man-made crisis, entifi c government- and fossil- how have we brought it about, fuel industry-sponsored “facts” Edited by John Stanley, David Loy, Gyurme Dorje. how are we perpetuating it, and (technically known as horse ma- Wisdom Publications 2009 what can we constructively do nure) deriding and maligning al- to avert it? The authors pull no ternative and sustainable sources Andy Lukianowicz punches and directly address of energy. John then proceeds to the contingent facts and causes delineate a renewable future with Human activity everywhere is has- collective construction which in- of the crisis: socio-economic the fi ve transformative powers: tening to destroy key elements of the duces a sense of separation from analysis attributes the responsi- wind, solar thermoelectric, solar natural ecosystem all living beings the natural world.” Our task, bility to the prevailing unbridled photovoltaic, tidal and enhanced depend on. These threatening devel- rather than the impossible urge Particularly illuminating in consumerism-driven fossil fuel- geo-thermal. opments are drastic and shocking. It to dominate nature, is to control Part Two is the section “What dependent commodity capitalist Part Six is Thich Naht Hahn’s is hard to imagine all this happening our own “toxic cleverness”. Makes Us Do It?” Western post- economic model, reliant on con- brief but heartfelt meditation on in our lifetime, and in the lives of our This sets the stage for the book, Cartesian logical philosophy has tinuous (actually, unsustainable) mindfulness and Buddhism as children. We must deal with the pros- structured in six parts. Parts One precipitated an ever-widening rift “growth”. Psychologically, “de- humanitarianism. As this mas- pect of global suffering and environ- and Six contain essays by the two from our fellow animals and na- nial of global warming and indif- ter, who coined the term “en- mental degradation unlike anything most infl uential Buddhist teach- ture; this is a constricting “frame” ference toward its consequences gaged Buddhism,” wisely says: in human history. (Dalai Lama) ers of our time, the Dalai Lama of that Buddhism, by reconfi rming stem from the potent mixture of “We don’t have to sink into de- Tibet and the Vietnamese Mas- our biophilia, can heal. (The pre- corporate greed, the arrogance spair about global warming, we his book is a timely over- ter Thich Nhat Hahn, for both of ceding section confi rms, on the of power, fear of collapse, and can act.” view with up-to-the-min- whom “the climate emergency basis on DNA sequencing, the stultifying delusion” (Bikkhu The Afterword adds the Da- T ute information on the has become a paramount con- Buddhist affi rmation of human- Bodhi). Buddhist insight fi nds lai Lama’s endorsement of the climate emergency and what part cern.” The Dalai Lama’s article ity’s kinship with all life.) the solution in cultivating con- (350 ppm) safe level for atmo- we, as engaged and concerned also contains a poem written in Parts Three and Four form tentment instead of insatiable spheric carbon dioxide, an im- Buddhists, can play to avert at 1998, evincing his remarkable the heart of the book, “a variety grasping: “From a Buddhist per- portant message to politicians least the most dire consequences foresight on “the degradation of of Buddhist perspectives on the spective, a sane economy would and scientists alike. of what may be imminent disas- our environment,” with special climate and sustainability crisis” be governed by the principle of What more could a reader ter brought on by our reckless emphasis on the Buddhist theory by important Tibetan Buddhist suffi ciency, which holds that the ask? A wealth of teachings di- destructive relationship with our of interdependence and on the masters (Part Three) and Western key to happiness is contentment rectly relating to our being in the natural environment, our home, importance of trees. Masters, mostly in the Theravada rather than an abundance of world from teachers in the Tibet- planet Earth. In Part Two, John Stanley con- and Zen traditions (Part Four). goods” (Bikkhu Bodhi). an Nyingma-Dzogchen, Kagyu- The Introduction, by chief cisely and elegantly summarises Part Three, which “also re- All the essays repay close and Mahamudra, Sakya-Lamdre and editor John Stanley and Bud- the most recent scientifi c fi nd- unites four great reincarnate la- attentive study, but I must men- Gelug-Kadam lineages and from dhist philosopher David Loy, ings on the Anthropocene-in- mas and lineage heads who, be- tion Roshi Aitken’s remarkable masters in Theravada-Vipassana succinctly summarises our pre- duced climate crisis, viewed from tween 1951 and 1981, led Tibetan prophetic hymn warning “Woe and Japanese and Vietnamese dicament: we are in an ecologi- a Buddhist perspective. This sec- Buddhism into the world beyond Unto Us!” and Joanna Macy’s Zen traditions. Un-media-ted cally critical situation, brought tion is especially useful because the ‘Land of Snows’ – the Dalai insightful essay “On Being With scientifi c information, un-me- on by ourselves (in the words of the author is trained in science Lama, Gyalwang Karmapa, Sakya Our World,” where she identifi es dia-ted political, economic and Thich Nhat Hahn, through “our (he holds a Ph.D. and ran an im- Trizin, and Dudjom Rinpoche,” “the spiritual traps that cut the social analysis, across the spec- competition for power, fame, portant microbiology research contains a number of monlam as- nerve of compassionate action.” trum Buddhist and western psy- sex, and profi t”) about which we department in Colindale, Lon- piration prayers (ably translated These are: believing that suffer- chological insight. Advice on are institutionally misinformed don U.K.) and has been practis- by Lotsawa Gyume Dorje), as well ing is a mistake (what I would what we Dharma practitioners by the mainstream media (“our ing Nyingma Tibetan Buddhism as incisive essays, many written in term the demon of spiritual nar- can do, individually and collec- collective nervous system”) as (his main teacher being Dudjom response to John Stanley’s pene- cissism); believing the phenom- tively, to avert or at least alleviate the “unholy trinity” of corpora- Rinpoche, generally considered trating questions posed to these enal world is an illusion; believ- impending ecological disaster, tions, politicians and media re- the supreme Nyingmapa master masters. It is particularly perti- ing we create the world unilat- for our sake and our descendants sist any attempt to reverse or at of the twentieth century) for over nent (and dangerously ironic) erally by the power of our mind (so that they will have a world least curtail the damaging effects thirty years. The science is irre- that the Tibetan plateau, known (which two confl ated form the wherein to practise Dharma) and of the fossil fuel industry on the futable, the Buddhist perspec- as the world’s “third pole,” is demon of solipsism). The corol- for our innocent fellow sentient environment. This political and tive persuasive, interwoven in a source to the major rivers in Asia: lary of the latter belief is deeming beings (animal, plant and min- economic analysis, especially of seamless presentation. India and China, builders of “the world already perfect when eral) with whom we share the the danger of denial and of sup- Regarding the relationship most of the new coal-fi red power we view it spiritually.” That is a planet. pression of awareness of our pre- between science and Buddhism, plants which are wreaking great sweet-scented “comfort” (Macy’s By the way, interested readers dicament and the concomitant the Dalai Lama concludes some damage in Tibet, stand most to word) that I personally cherish can visit the dedicated website impossibility of continuing (as pertinent observations with the lose by their reckless pursuit of and have diffi culty forsaking; on www.ecoduddhism.org for our political leaders seem intent following statement: “[O]ne fun- “progress.” however, Macy warns “the price further and up-to-the-minute in- on attempting to do) with “busi- damental attitude shared by Bud- More prosaic, perhaps, but for such comfort is high. It is my formation, quarterly review, and ness as usual” consumerism, is dhism and science is the commit- no less interesting, is Part Four. experience that the world itself blog. dovetailed with a Buddhist ex- ment to keep searching for real- In my opinion, the longer inter- has a role to play in our awaken- “Our climate itself is now in our own planation of its underlying cause: ity by empirical means and to be action between Zen Buddhism ing. Its very brokenness and need hands” the alienating dualism artifi cially willing to disregard accepted or and western culture has entailed call to us, summoning us to walk (Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche) created between man and the bio- long-held positions if our search a keener understanding of the out of our prison of self-con- If you read only one Dharma sphere: “Human civilisation is a fi nds the truth is different.” socially, politically and economi- cern.” book, make it this one.

August 25–Sep. 3 Spain Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Grosseto personal retreat of October 1–7 Schedule 2010 Mandarava empowering chudlen Barcelona retreat pills for use at the retreat in Brazil >> continued from page 1 Romania Margarita plus Fitness July 20–25 October 13–17 Russia Brazil retreat June 2–8 Merigar East retreat September 8–12 Clinic treatment July 26–29 Zhitro purifi cation for all those Venezuela SMS Level I exam who have died Tashigar Norte June 11–15 December 1–8 Moscow retreat July 30–August 10 SMS Level II Training France Mandarava intensive practice June 18–20 September 24–26 retreat with Chudlen Saint Petersburg retreat Italy Teaching at Karmaling (in Webcast) August 16–22 June 28–July 4 Merigar West retreat Dec. 26–Jan. 2 Crimea retreat Christmas retreat THE MIRROR · No. 100 · September, October 2009 Review

27

The History of a History Book THE SHANG SHUNG INSTITUTE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE PUBLICATION OF

The story of how The Light of Kailash came to be written, an aside by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu made during the Bepai Gumchung, The Hidden Collection of A Groundbreaking Study of the Buddhagupta, retreat at Merigar West on October 5, 2009. Origins of the Land of Snows Speaking about the history books he book remained hidden because if has written, Rinpoche said: people – particularly young peo- IN THE FINDINGS OF Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, the ple – read it, their eyes would be cradle of Tibetan culture is to be looked for in the an- ithin the Buddhist opened and they would be led to cient realm of Zhang Zhung and in the Bon spiritual tradition, an author do their own research. traditions which Á ourished within and spread from that W generally composes a I refl ected about what I could kingdom. homage placed at the beginning do and I had an idea: I would According to relevant textual sources, the ancient of a book or commentary. Thus send a copy to the Dalai Lama. kingdom of Zhang Zhung, prior to the advent of Bud- someone who belongs to a par- But then I thought that the Dalai dhism in the seventh century, encompassed a vast area ticular school pays homage to Lama would also get angry and including Western and Northern Tibet, with the revered the founder of the school to show that would not be good because and majestic Mount Kailash as its center and heart. Thus, that the book and teachings be- he is very important for me. the Author’s choice of title for his work is meaningful long to that tradition. For us Ti- Another year passed and I per se, in that it symbolizes and at the same time empha- betans this custom is an impor- considered that even if the Dalai sizes the rich cultural origin of the Land of Snows. tant one, and when we write we Lama was affronted, he would The text, originally conceived as a series of university lectures given by Chögyal Namkhai very often use this way of show- stay angry at the most for three Norbu at the invitation of the University of Nationalities in Beijing in 1988, formed a À rst ing respect. years and in the end would dis- abridged version of The Light of Kailash, subsequently enlarged and expanded by the Au- Once I did research and wrote cover the great importance of do- thor, until the manuscript, written in his unique calligraphy, became a work of 1,900 pages, a history of Tibet. That was my ing research into Tibetan history, divided in three volumes. fi rst history book and I wrote it in particularly into the most ancient a more intellectual way. At the be- times. I said to myself it does not Volume One, “The Early Period, the History of Ancient Zhang Zhung”, considers the ginning of the text, I paid homage matter if he gets angry for a few rise of early human generations and the Bon lineages of ancient Zhang Zhung, its dynasties, to the founder of the Bön tradition years, I will send it anyway. So I language, and culture. because investigating, I saw that made a copy and sent it to him. Volume Two, “The History of the Intermediate Period: Tibet and Zhang Zhung”, con- the ancient history of Tibet was After nearly a month I received cerns the diffusion of Bon during the lifetimes of the À rst Tibetan monarchs, the Bon reli- centered in the Bönpo tradition. a very nice letter directly from the gion, and Bonpo religious À gures of Zhang Zhung. Without recognition of this fact, Dalai Lama. He said that I had Volume Three, “The History of the Later Period: Tibet”, examines the genealogies, nothing could be understood. written a history of Tibet using Bonpo lineages, royal dynasties, language, and civilization of Tibet. Later, as the fruit of my en- my brain, not just writing and quiry into Tibetan history, I wrote copying what other people had The Light of Kailash through meticulous selection and a critical use and analysis of a several volumes: the fi rst con- said before and pasting togeth- vast array of literary and often unpublished sources offers an open, daring, holistic, unbi- cerned only the Bön tradition and er a history. He was extremely ased approach to the study of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Tibet and to the under- the founder of Bön in the history pleased with this book and said standing of the origin of this fascinating and endangered civilization. of Shang Shung and showed the that if I gave him permission he It is my hope that scholars will appreciate the import, and interested readers enjoy source of Tibetan history and cul- would like to publish it. I was so the content, of this amazing trilogy. ture. For that reason I also con- happy and immediately replied sidered that the founder of the saying, “Please publish it – I will from the Foreword of The Light of Kailash Bön tradition was important and be very pleased.” by its translator and editor, Donatella Rossi, PhD. so I wrote a homage to him. At He published it right away in Shang Shung Publications the conclusion of the book, I also Dharamsala, so many people books can be ordered on-line visiting the website: criticized the Buddhist tradition read it, Sakyapa, Gelupga, Ny- http://shop-it.shangshunginstitute.org which, though it always believed ingma, Kagyüpa, and so forth, e-mail: [email protected] the teachings were very impor- but they could not criticize me di- tant, did not concern itself with rectly because they knew that the history, and as a consequence Ti- Dalai Lama had chosen to pub- betan history had been distorted. lish that book. Secretly, however, I knew that the Dalai Lama was called Drung Deu Bön on an im- fact wrote many articles based on But then I thought that even they always condemned me, par- happy. portant aspect of Tibetan history, what I had explained. though I had written down my ticularly the Nyingmapa and the A few years later, I went to I wrote more than ten pages with All this has nothing to do with ideas, citing my research, and that Kagyüpa, who were even worse Dharamsala. The Dalai Lama the pen from the Dalai Lama. I today’s teaching [laughter], but it was a good book, I could not than the Gelugpa. They said, called me and we spoke about the fi nished that book and later Adri- paying homage is the story of the publish it, otherwise all the Ti- “Namkhai Norbu has become a history of Tibet and Shang Shung ano translated it. book, and it is also a useful idea betan Buddhist traditions – Saky- Bönpo because at the beginning for three hours. He gave me a Finally I also completed the to have. This three volume work pa, Nyingmapa, Gelugpa, Kagyü- of the book, instead of paying very nice gold pen and asked me three volumes of my history is called The Light of Kailash. The pa and so forth – would criticize homage to Buddha Shakyamuni, to please write more. At that peri- book and managed to publish it fi rst volume translated into Eng- me. So I put the book away in a he pays homage to Tenpa Sherab, od there were no computers and in China so that many young Ti- lish will be published shortly, and box for two or three years. Later the founder of Bön! At that point I wrote all these books by hand. betans were able to read it and in you will be able to read it. I thought it not positive that this I was no longer worried because Afterwards, when I wrote a book

April 21–24 June 9–15 September 7–12 Yeshi Silvano Namkhai Ukraine, Kiev Russia, Moscow, Russia, Izhevsk, restricted Schedule 2009–2010 April 25–28 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Retreat retreat in Kungaling Ukraine, Phuntsokling (Donetsk) September 13–16 June 16–24 Mexico, Mexico City, Pelzomling February 23–5 May 1–5 Russia, St. Petersburg, 2009 Argentina, Short retreat before Israel Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Retreat September 17–20 Anniversary Tashigar Sur November 24–December 1 May 8–10 June 29–July 6 Costa Rica, Dekytling Czech Rep., Phendenling February 6–12 Italy, Florence/Pistoia, Weekend Peru, Retreat at Norbuling December 2–6 Brasil, Lhundrubling teaching in Sakyangongaling Sept. 21–Oct. 4 July 7–14 Baja California, Tsegyalgar West Slovakia March 1–13 May 20–25 Bolivia Dec. 28–Jan. 3 Hungary, Budapest, restricted Russia, Moscow, Weekend July 24–28 Oct. 31–Nov. 4 Greece retreat teaching in Rinchenling USA, New York City, Kundrolling USA, Berkeley, California, March 18–26 May 26–31 July 29–August 12 Dondrubling 2010 Margarita Isl., Santi Maha Crimea, Kunsangar South, short USA, Conway, Mass, Tsegyalgar January 4–8 Sangha Teacher’s training retreat and CHNN organization November 17–24 Cyprus East and Khandroling Mozambique, short retreat April 10–14 June 1–8 August 18–23 January 16–18 France, Paris Russia, Moscow, Clinic Italy, Retreat in Merigar West England, London and Wales, December 7–15 April 15–20 Kunselling Moscow, Russia, France, Dejamling Longde restricted retreat on Rinchenling’s roof 28

As soon they started to sing I found it easy to follow all these diffi cult Tibetan How I met words and it was like everything was go- ing spontaneously into place. Sometimes Rinpoche would come to Naples by car Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and when he went home he would give us a lift as far as Formia. Mara Sangiorgi He was already transmitting teaching in a particular way. He would ask things like, “What do you see outside the car?” and we rom the time I was very little, I have the Manali market because he wanted to all had different visions, so he would talk always had two things which I liked buy a damaru. At the time I didn’t know to us about the visions different beings Fmost: to play with my face and name that a damaru is a ritual instrument for have of the reality. We started to under- in front of a mirror until I started to see doing Chöd practice and I was very struck stand that his way of transmitting teach- many different faces and my name had no by the fact that the damaru had a male ings was very linked to here and now, with- more signifi cance to me, and to remem- side and a female side. In some way that out meditating in silence somewhere. This ber my vivid dreams and imagine to con- fact really touched me and made me think was something that I felt very strongly in tinue them during the daytime. In the end deeply about the double – the male and my being and it was my path. I came back to both things when I fi nally female – aspects of my own nature. My fi rst retreat with Rinpoche was in met Rinpoche. Also, along the road to Manali, I often Graz, Austria, in December 1979 where It was in 1977 and I was in India doing came across Tibetans who were working found myself cutting carrots in the compa- he transmitted teachings of the Longde some pilgrimage in holy Buddhist places. on the road to repair it. They lived in the ny of my Root Guru. What a fantastic un- Series. At the end of the retreat I wanted When I was in Sarnath I felt very strong- most terrible conditions, practically in- expected way, no mystic atmosphere, no to start practicing, so I asked him how I ly that I really wanted to fi nd a Buddhist human and were very dirty. But what was fantasy, only his strong presence in front could do this because I was living in Rome. Master to teach me the Dharma, but at that really amazing was their smiles when you of me in the kitchen of a simple house in Rinpoche told me that there was a practi- time I really had no idea where to fi nd him, greeted them. They transmitted a type of Italy. I have always been a bit of a vision- tioner called Andrea Sertoli living in Um- but I trusted in my good fortune and con- serenity, a feeling of inner peace that had a ary and I remember that as I watched him bria and he suggested that I go there and tinue my journey around India. profound effect on me and I started to ask cooking, I saw that in the middle of his do a Longde retreat at his house. This was A few month later I went to Katmandu myself how could people who live in such a body there was a kind of mirror and I was the same person that I had met in Manali. and climbing up to Swayambhu temple, terrible way be able to transmit such a feel- refl ected in it very small. What I thought So I went there and started my retreat after thousands of step, I looked up and ing of peace and serenity. So it was really at the time was that he was a realized be- but I didn’t fi nish it because we fell in love the immense golden Dorje just in front of the meeting with Andrea, Andrea and ing and that maybe I could also become and became a couple. At that time Merigar me and there was a really strong opening Mario, coming into contact with the Ti- realized through his teaching. It was a didn’t exist so we would go to the retreats in of my heart and I felt I was arriving home. betans and hearing the name of Namkhai very strong moment and I had absolutely different places. I still remember an incred- In the temple some monks were perform- Norbu Rinpoche that was like a seed to no doubt that he was my Master and that ible retreat in Sardinia at Laconia where my ing a puja to Tara, so I sat there and when it awaken my consciousness to the fact that through his teachings I could become real- fi rst child was conceived. Rinpoche started was fi nished I remained in an empty state more than anything else in the world I ized sooner or later. to talk to us about the fact of buying some of mind, which I had never experienced be- wanted to meet this Master. Rinpoche was very relaxed and I ate to- land to start the Community, and one day fore, but still no Master was manifesting. I Finally I went back to Rome and start- gether with him, his wife, Rosa, and their he told us to go to see a ‘podere’ in Tusca- went around Nepal and I really started to ed to read some of the books of Chögyam children. Then we had the cake. The cake ny. It was a terribly windy cold day typical feel strongly that the time that separated Trungpa. I was very impressed by his clari- was on a sort of cardboard silver plate, a of the Amiata winter when we fi rst saw the me from my Guru was becoming shorter ty and the way he analyzed the human con- bit like a mirror and he picked it up and ex- future Merigar. And fi nally in July of 1982 and shorter. dition in our society. Then one night I had plained the principle of the mirror to me. the fi rst Merigar retreat took place under Continuing my travel, I went to Manali a very vivid dream. I dreamed that it was An amazing strong feeling of gratitude a beautiful white tent placed near where Valley, and one day coming down from night, there was total darkness illuminated arose in me, fi nally after so many years I the Gonpa is now. In October of the same Vashish, a hot spring dedicated to Lord by a lot of stars, and I was fl oating in space was receiving teaching about the mirror year, with Jacopo only a few days old in my Shiva, I met three young men, coming with a golden being who was wearing or- from my Master. Then he drew a HUM on arms, Rinpoche decided to found Merigar from Lahuli Valley – Andrea Sertoli, Andrea naments like a Tibetan divinity (only later it and colored it with one of his children’s and with Andrea and other practitioners, Dell’Angelo and Mario Maglietti. I went I realized that it was Vajrasattva) and there blue felt pens He explained what the HUM so I was one of the founding members. for lunch with them and it was a really was a golden fl uid that passed between our was and then gave me the practice of Sim- From that time a lot of hard work start- wonderful moment because they told me mouths and gave off this strong golden ra- hamukha. And from that moment on, I ed to make the Serkhang out of a stable that they were following a Tibetan mas- diant light all around. When I woke up it wanted to be able to spend every day with and gradually the Gonpa, the big Stupa, ter called Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, the felt so real that I phoned one of my friends, him. the Mandala hall, all that Rinpoche’s clear precious jewel of the sky. What a wonder- I think it was Andrea Sertoli, to ask him for At the time he was teaching at the Uni- vision has manifested. His good will and ful name! I felt that my devotion started in Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche’s address. This versity in Naples, so I would get the train sacrifi ce has guided us to work hard at his that moment! was in October 1978. every morning from Rome to go to Naples. side. We planted hundred of trees, and my We spent the day together – at the time So I got the train in Rome and went to He was living in Formia and he would of- pine is now tall and strong on top of the I was quite a direct person, and I felt that Formia to his house and before I arrived ten take the same train and we would do hill over the place where we eat! people were a little astonished by my strong I bought a ricotta cake to take with me. the last part of the journey together. I Many things had happened since that character, so I started to look at my behav- When I arrived, Rinpoche was in the kitch- used to go with Benedetta Gaetani and we days, many retreats have been attended, ior with more presence. With that feeling en preparing lunch for his children who would spend the morning at the University there were very diffi cult moments that we in my heart I went with Andrea Sertoli to were on their way back from school. So I listening to his talks. We weren’t students overcame trying to do our best, many chil- at the University but we could listen to his dren have been born; the young men and lectures and we studied his method of Ti- women who are the future of Merigar. This betan. After the lessons sometimes we is the story of how I met Rinpoche and my went to eat together and spend the early great wish to be as close as possible to him afternoon listening to the amazing sto- has been fulfi lled. I feel so fortunate to be ries Rinpoche told us. One day we went to able follow His Perfect Teachings and to Bruno Irmici’s house to do a Ganapuja. My collaborate with my brothers and sisters. fi rst Ganapuja! Being at Merigar now is often like being in Dewachenpo.

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