No. 106 September, October 2010

Upcoming Retreats with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Photo: L. Gräf 2010 Peru November 19–23 Ancon, Lima “Longsal Akar Lama’i Naljyor”

Brazil At 3,718 meters, El Teide Volcano is both the highest elevation on the island and the highest in all of Spain. Photo: S. Schwarz December 1–5 Sao Paolo “The Invocation of Samantabhadra – Kunzang Monlam” Walking on the Volcano Argentina December 27–January 2 Susan Schwarz Tashigar South ur real nature is perfected condi- The relative merged with the real con­ we can understand the sense of the teach­ 2011 tion since the beginning, just like dition at the public talk Rinpoche gave in ings and integrate. “O the sun shining in the sky. When the Aula Magna of La Laguna University to As the rain drenched the outside world, New Zealand the sun is shining it has infi nite rays, spread- open the week. Starting from Tibetan cul­ seeped under the tent, and soaked the January 28–30 ing light everywhere, eliminating where there is ture and history as a base, he presented a chartreuse green fl oor cloth, so carefully Auckland dark. ” (ChNN, Tenerife, October 2010) broad overview of the Dzogchen teachings prepared by the retreat organizers, I re­ Public Talk & Seminar This October, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to an audience consisting of university membered that only the day before a small returned to the Canary Island of Tenerife students, local residents, and Community group of us had gotten together in two Australia for the second time, fi ve months after the members from mostly European countries. cars to explore the volcano. Driving up­ February 4–8 fi rst retreat in May. The retreat was held in We then had the weekend to partici­ ward and onward through forests, the nar­ Namgyalgar NSW the same location as before, the Oceano pate in the activities offered in the context row and windy road opened up on a high Hotel in the village of Punta del Hildal­ of the Tibetan Cultural Week (covered in plateau of barren, lunar or martian terrain. February 21–25 go. This time, though, there was a paral­ more detail on page 9). When the three­ A funicular took our small posse of Com­ Landsborough, Queensland lel event as well. Planned during the fi rst day Dzogchen retreat started on Monday munity members up the side of the volcano Dzogchen Retreat retreat and now coming to fruition, the morning, the weather changed abruptly to the station near the top, where we could Shang Shung Institute collaborated with and an uncharacteristic rain poured over look out over the Star­Trek like landscape March 11–13 a number of local organizations to stage a the tropical island, changing our expecta­ (where everyone speaks English, or in this Northcote & Brunswick, Victoria Tibetan Cultural Week in the historic city tions of a chance to swim in the afternoons. case at least Spanish), the sea, the sur­ Public Talk & Seminar center of nearby La Laguna. Rinpoche incorporated the circumstances rounding islands, where all was open and Having just organized a one­week re­ in the teaching, reminding us that exter­ free. March 18–23 treat in Barcelona, it was a tall order for nal conditions like rain are not the bright Here, now, in the tent, our Master is ex­ Namgyalgar NSW the Spanish Community to coordinate and sunshine of our real nature, and yet since plaining to us how dualistic vision arises Dzogchen Retreat carry out the Tenerife events as well, but suffering is our dimension we should not from experiencing something we like and they did a great job, and as happens so of­ struggle with circumstances. The purpose then becoming angry, upset, when we do Singapore ten plenty of people materialized to give a of the retreat, he said, was to show us how not get what we expect. We should walk March 31–April 4 hand to the overworked Gakyil members. >> continued on page 5 Teaching Retreat Taiwan April 8–11 Teaching Teaching Focus Taipei Teaching Retreat Japan Chögyal Namkhai Khyentse Dzogchen April 15–19 Norbu Yeshi Silvano Longde Tokyo teaching Retreat Manifesting the Namkhai Rainbow Body Longsal, Part II of Two- Part Interview

>> continued on page 4 » Page 2 » Page 3 » Pages 10–13 THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

2 Manifesting the Rainbow Body Transcription of an Oral Teaching in Barcelona Spain October 3, 2010

hen there is another way of seeing energy, for ex­ ample when we do Vajrayana practice. We close our T eyes, think everything is emptiness and gradually the elements develop and our dimension becomes like the pure dimension of the mandala. Everything develops with the fi ve colours of the elements. Then our manifestation of the deity develops at the centre of the mandala and we have a very precise idea of what it looks like. We do this visualisation with our mind but when we open our eyes, we cannot see the mandala or elements like lights, we can see ordinary vision because we are only doing that visualisation in our dimension. When we de­ velop it, we use channels, chakras, aspects related to our physical body, and with prana energy, with kundalini energy we gradually coordinate this transformation with our ex­ istence and integrate it at the end with the mantra of the practice. This is called the Accomplishment Stage. When we do the visualisation with closed eyes this is called the Photo: P. Fassoli Development Stage, which is developed internally. Finally we can have the realisation of being in the state sions are manifestations of our real nature. Our potenti­ fi ve senses. What does ‘consciousness’ mean? It doesn’t of Mahamudra, that means no longer remaining in the ality manifests like subject and object and we do not fall mean consciousness such as judging and thinking with dualistic state with these two stages. In Vajrayana, that is into dualistic vision. We know that it is a manifestation of the mind but simply receiving all information, which is called realisation. So you see how we develop everything ourselves and then there is no reason to block that. When immediately communicated to our mind. This function is with symbols, such as mandalas, deities etc., which are de­ there are secondary causes, it can always manifest. But called the ‘consciousness of the senses’ even though we veloped internally, within our dimension. when we are using practice methods, like Dzogchen thögal usually consider consciousness connected to our mind, to or yangti, we don’t need to wait for secondary causes. We judging and thinking. So thö, front, forehead, is related to Rolpa can create them with our position, our way of breathing, all these functions. An example of this is a mirror: if there is a small mirror, etc., and in that way everything can manifest like visions Gal means ‘passing’ and in Tibetan it is verb. We say refl ections of gigantic mountains can manifest in it and we and we become more and more familiar and also have chuwo gal we are crossing a river. We are crossing from can even see the size and colour of the refl ections very pre­ more possibility to integrate. here to there. This is the real meaning of thögal. How can cisely. This breaks our limitations. In general we have the we pass? When you learn Dzogchen teaching such as thö- limitations of the material world, so that if there is a small Great Transference gal, there are four visions, in succession, with very precise box, we cannot put a gigantic thing inside it because it is When you are following Dzogchen teaching this is some­ instructions connected with your position, breathing, the small. We live in this type of dualistic vision and we have thing important in order to understand why, for example, way of gazing and the way of using your senses. When you these kinds of strict limitations. But when we have a small we have Rainbow Body. Many people do not believe it when follow these instructions precisely, you can feel them, you mirror and we can see a gigantic mountain in it, this is an we say that we can have realization of the Rainbow Body. can have these visions. That means that you are integrat­ example of how we can break these kinds of limitations. There are two kinds of Rainbow Body: one is called the ing your existence in this thigle, in chönyi ngön sum, your po­ Infi nite kinds of manifestations always manifest inside the Great Transference – Padmasambhava and Vimalamitra tentiality of sound, light and rays that manifests in front of mirror, not outside, just as all Vajrayana transformations are famous for this kind of manifestation. There are also you. The fourth stage means that you have completely suc­ manifest inside us, not outside. This way of manifesting some stories about Garab Dorje manifesting that kind of ceeded in totally integrating your existence in this thigle. In energy is called rolpa, and this is the characteristic of this Rainbow Body called the Great Transference. What does that moment you have the realization of the Great Trans­ type of energy. We cannot translate these kinds of [words ‘Great Transference’ mean? It means that we become ference. You no longer have death because in general it is to describe] energy so we use and learn the Tibetan words, very familiar with doing this vision of our potentiality in our physical body that dies and in the Great Transference otherwise if we use a translation, the meaning is limited front of us. Think about what I have said about chönyi ngön our physical body has already been transferred into the and doesn’t correspond. Rolpa is more related to our en­ sum, like the manifestation of the thigle, which represents thigle. This is realization just like Guru Padmasambhava ergy level and when we speak about our three existences your primordial potentiality, becoming visible. This is the [manifested]. we say ‘voice’. method, the transmission and the potentiality of the teach­ ing of Dzogchen. When you have this knowledge, you do Rainbow Body Tsal not fall into dualistic vision, but even though you do not It is not so very easy and we should have completely fi n­ Then there is the energy of the aspect of the material level, fall into dualistic vision, you are not totally integrated into ished this fourth level [of the four visions of Thögal].1 But which is called tsal. How does it manifest and what is its that. Your body is still here. Your vision is in front of you. it is not so diffi cult to get into the fourth level. Practitio­ characteristic? We have infi nite potentiality, and when it ners, who get to the fourth level, even though they do not manifests like subject and object, we do not know that it Thögal complete it, know that they will manifest the Rainbow is our real potentiality manifesting and immediately fall In the Dzogchen teaching of thögal, what does thögal Body when they die. The Rainbow Body never manifests into dualistic vision and think that we are seeing some­ mean? Thö means forehead. Your forehead is in front of without the practitioner knowing. It is not something that thing very nice. Many people say that when they were very you. In your head you have two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, takes place just due to circumstances. The practitioner young they often had fantastic visions like lights etc., but all the organs of the senses are on the head. The functions has knowledge, has some kind of signs, is present in the later on they didn’t manifest any more. Some people have of all the senses, what I call the ‘offi ce’ of the mind, are in fourth level. For example, if you put your fi ve fi ngers like even asked me for methods in order to have those visions the head. Some people say that mind is in the head, but this [Rinpoche opens his fi ngers widely] and look at them, again. I understand very well what it means because every­ it is not in the head, it is in the centre of our dimension even though you see them at the material level, these fi ve body has infi nite potentiality from the beginning. That is because it is the essence of our existence. The essence of fi ngers are all connected with light between them. You can our real nature. Our potentiality can manifest when there existence is always at the centre, not at the border because see that concretely. When you can see this, perhaps you are secondary causes, however secondary causes do not it has its dimension. Mind has the dimension of our physi­ can have the Rainbow Body when you are dying. That is always exist or manifest. Sometimes in our lifetime some cal body, but the organs of the senses are all on the head. one of many signs. Some people think that since they have secondary causes manifest and in that moment we can When we live in dualistic vision, we cannot have any done many years of practice in retreat that maybe they will have something like fantastic visions. But we immediately contact with objects if we do not open our eyes, our ears manifest the Rainbow Body when they die, but the Rain­ fall into dualistic vision – “Oh, how nice! I can see this etc. For that reason, we receive all [sensory] information bow Body does not come about in that way. So you can light, this form” – that blocks [the visions] and they no through the head. understand how the Rainbow Body comes about and also longer repeat. This is the reason why we have these kinds When we talk about the fi ve senses, we say ‘subject’ the Great Transference. of visions. and ‘object’. ‘Subject’ means our organs such as our two When a person has that realization of Rainbow Body What should we do in order to have these kinds of vi­ eyes, while ‘object’ refers to what we are seeing such as then their physical body slowly disappears and other sions again? We should understand the way I explained form, colour, etc. We have ‘subject’ and ‘object’ for all our people cannot see it. It seems as if that person has disap­ chönyi ngön sum visions. We know that these kinds of vi­ senses. But we also talk about the consciousness of the >> continued on page 4 THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai

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Part II Longsal Interview with Khyentse Yeshi Namkhai From a 2-part interview done at Khandroling, Buckland Mass, July 2010

The Mirror: Recently in The Mir­ This disclosure of this knowl­ ror there was an interview with edge is repetitive and you can Chögyal Namkhai Norbu about check if it is the same text and Longsal and at the end of the so these are acceptable at a tra­ interview he indicated that you, ditional level, there is no doubt Khyentse Yeshi Namkhai, are the that it is acceptable. It can be holder of this Longsal lineage. considered just like a mind ter­ What does that mean to you ma. This aspect gives everything and what is your relationship to more confidence. But personally Longsal? for me it is the same. Even if the Khyentse Yeshi Namkhai: To me text is different for me it chang­ it is really a very simple relation­ es nothing. I never even thought ship. When we are doing Guru­ if what the Teacher was saying yoga, we say we are entering was right or wrong. I always try the condition of the mind of the to understand what he is saying Teacher; this mind that is just like because then I should relate it to the real condition of all enlight­ myself and apply it. If I don’t un­ ened beings, in this moment, in derstand anything and am only in this precise instance. So it means the idea of judging if it is valuable we are entering the real condition or not, I am wasting time. Time is as it is. In this condition now, I very short in life. have this Teacher. I also grew up What can I say about this? For with this Teacher, so relatively I example, when I was around ten have spent a lot of time with this or eleven years old, there were Teacher and I have attended many the first series of retreats in Ita­ retreats. A lot of people think ly, which started in the US. Then Photo: D. Ibragimov that something happened in the there was traveling abroad and last two years but this is ridicu­ Teachings about the Longde se­ I took a text of a transcription had already decided to do a more Santi Maha Sangha called Rigpe lous; it has nothing to do with ries on the West Coast in very of which we have only one from Sakya style teaching, more pre­ Kudju. the last two years. I attended the nice places during the summer. my father’s library. The text was cise on the level of the Hevajra This text is more related to first retreat when I was a child. Before this Rinpoche had done a typed by hand, at that time from Tantra, because Hevajra is an how the condition is related to So I understood and recognized whole series of Semde teaching. the Community of Naples, and it important Tantra. When Father nature of mind, to clarity. My Rinpoche as my Teacher since At that time I was mostly playing was typed with an old typewriter is explaining the Ganapuja he is father this text in the 80’s in the beginning. When someone and not attending the Teachings, and copied with a Xerox machine always referring to the Hevajra California, I was there and I had asks about this, they should ask but there was a sound system and and was something at a very an­ Tantra for the real meaning of cause to listen, and he intro­ how my relationship with my fa­ I could hear what Rinpoche was cient level of work. I checked the Ganachakra, because Gana­ duced it using the three visions. ther on the more relative family saying, in the real sense, while I what I dreamed with what was chakra is contained in the He­ The three visions, as I dreamed level is. About the Teacher there was playing. So since I was nine written and I wrote some notes vajra Tantra. The main meaning everything, is contained in the is nothing to ask because the re­ years old I have been listening in on the key points that I liked be­ of Hevajra Tantra is Ganachakra. initial part of Lamdre. I discov­ lationship with the Teacher is the part. cause these explanations, this The way you enter this knowledge ered this because I dreamed relationship of trust. It is a rela­ I always thought this knowl­ first twenty pages, the first three is the typical aspect in Vajarayana what to read. I didn’t dream you tionship without ideas of under­ edge was something very clear or four points of view, explained through union and so on; from should do this and that. When I standing, without any arrogance and simple, not something far the first level. How they relate experience of sensation through was in Israel and I was studying of understanding the Teacher or and difficult to understand. I is very precise. In this way with­ blessing, then total bliss, nature all these texts, at the end there any arrogance of understand­ thought it was very clear, simple out any effort I arrived to get this of mind, and then Ati, recogni­ are 5000 pages to study, and I ing his words. It is more about and related, some kind of knowl­ knowledge because there was tion of natural state. So what I dreamed I should read about 500 understanding and entering the edge, and of this I had no doubt. cause to be there. needed was words – technical, pages and I dreamed which pag­ real meaning; something more But before I never listened care­ For this reason I bring my chil­ practical, intellectual knowledge. es to read and that I would find like this. fully. Now I need to go more deep­ dren often, even if they are mak­ I received as a gift this Tibetan this explanation on this page. So the Longsal Teachings are a ly into certain aspects, like the ing noise, but they need to have classic called Lamdre, and Lam­ This is all because I am lazy; I clear explanation of what the real first level of Santi Maha Sangha, this opportunity because one dre is the main teaching of the am not an intellectual type and I meaning is. We should under­ which means mostly Vajrayana. I day it will come out by itself, not Sakya tradition. When we intro­ dreamed precisely what I should stand not only from the title but it never went with the idea that I am something that we should create duce Tantra in Sakya we use He­ read. I also dreamed what these is just like lighting a candle, you searching or that I was someone with our mind. vajra. Sakya’s use mostly Hevajra students from the Sakya tradi­ light the candle and then from with knowledge, I never follow initiation and also Vajrayogini, tion would ask me after the talk, darkness something starts to ap­ my ego, but then it started and I M: When did you have these these are the two main aspects at what kind of doubts they would pear. What you see is the relative understood that this knowledge dreams? the level of introduction, but then have. I was also prepared for the level; now through this knowl­ of Vajrayana should be absolutely KYN: I had these dreams recently. at the level of teaching the main questions and answers. I don’t edge and this capacity of spread­ precise. I need to have precise ex­ A series of these dreams started – text is called Lamdre, so it mainly give any more value to knowl­ ing light and making things clear planations, precise ways to teach usually I am waiting – for exam­ explains taking the result as the edge in terms of texts, for me it increases and increases. This is and precise ways to identify the ple I will define a schedule and in path. So it means the result, the is the same. For me it is more im­ the real meaning of the Longsal type of experience. Otherwise it the schedule I have some dates commitment or samaya, is the portant to understand how the series. is useless. I need to understand and then I point out some goal or path. Knowing how the final condition of the mind is, how the These Longsal termas started and teach precisely how to ap­ result. I say this is the time line, I state is, the nature of the mind, condition of the real vision is, ev­ when my father was young and ply the method of Vajrayana, like am doing this topic, that topic, I then we enter directly, without erything that is related to real Ati. then developed through the years method and prajna, and how to am going farther into this aspect, conceiving a path and just un­ Real Ati does not have a spe­ until the moment it materialized conceive and achieve real knowl­ and then I am always observing derstanding what the result, the cific form. For them it looks like through dreams in a very precise edge. I thought I had to find out what is appearing before me be­ fruit, is. this, for our group maybe looks way and in a form that is accept­ how to do without going far from cause I am lazy. I am not an intel­ This series of the teaching more like that, for others it is the able even from a traditional point my father’s way of teaching. lectual person, so when I arrive has different aspects of a gradual other way. Important is you are of view. So these dreams are relat­ I had some dreams and in [near the time of the teaching], I way; first there is an introduc­ always staying in time, just in ed to different years. And then in these dreams I was in Monte expect the things to become ap­ tion and then there is a kind of time for what you have to do, not the text it is given in the form just Fiato (?) in 1981 and instead of parent. ngondro, series of preliminary that you are collecting millions like a terma, a mind terma, so it playing I was listening to the ex­ For example when I was in practices, and then I decided as of texts and with this text who means directly related to the op­ planation, in the dream, in the Israel, a few weeks before I was a topic to give this explanation knows what you do. So when ba­ portunity of the secondary cause same place. Since I had cause for going to teach in a Sakya center, I of the preliminary path, because sically it happened like this and of what is happening in one’s being there, even if I was not lis­ needed to have more knowledge when I started to teach more sys­ everything went in this direction own life, just like the life of the tening and I was just playing, in connected with the Sakya tradi­ tematically, I decided to use one and I was perfectly in time, from Teacher, but relates to the knowl­ this dream I heard very precisely. tion. I decided, and my father of these famous ngondros from a relational point of view and also edge itself. Then after, not before, because I had also asked me, to teach on this famous text referred to in from a practical point of view, I do not like to go with my ideas, the Three Paths to Liberation. I >> continued on page 5 THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

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>> Rainbow Body continued from page 2 In that period, there were revolutionary movements ev­ Rainbow Body today peared, but in the real sense he/she is alive and continuing erywhere. Then one day he went to visit Togden with a Chi­ The Rainbow Body is not just some type of ancient his­ their activities actively in the Rainbow Body. They can con­ nese offi cial. When they got there the door of the nomad’s tory. Today there are still many manifestations of Rain­ tinue doing benefi t, being active in the Rainbow Body for house was closed. They knocked but nobody opened the bow Body. There are methods, there are teachings, there centuries and centuries, just like Guru Padmasambhava. door so they forced it open because they thought that per­ is transmission, everything is alive and for that reason it If they want to renounce that, they dissolve into the Dhar­ haps Togden had gone away. When they went to the place exists. But it is not so easy to have realisation of the Rain­ makaya, then all the qualifi cations of the Dharma kaya where he lived, on his bed, they found his sheepskin robe bow Body, particularly for teachers who are giving and manifest just like everyone else who manifested in the in an upright position, as if a person was wearing it, and transmitting teachings to many people. same way. They can also have infi nite quantity and quality when they came closer and looked inside it, there was For example, in the Dzogchen Upadesha, there is a lin­ of wisdom but are no longer active. People can only receive Togden’s body which had become very small. The Tibetan eage of teachers who manifested the Rainbow Body. There wisdom when they have a relationship, [either] good or understood that this was a manifestation of the Rainbow was once this teacher of the Dzogchen lineage called Dzing bad with that person. Body but he couldn’t say anything. Dharmabodhi who was a very famous teacher. But Dzing Then the Chinese offi cial asked him what had hap­ Dharmabodhi didn’t give teaching to just to 2 or 3 people. Togden Ugyen Tendzin pened. He replied that he didn’t know but that they should He had hundreds and hundreds of students that he gave Rainbow Body is important for doing benefi t for others. make a report immediately to their main offi ce. They sent teaching to, just like me. But there has never been a teach­ Most of the teachers who manifested the Rainbow Body off their report and after a day or two some policemen and er who has given Dzogchen teaching like I do: when we were in the fourth stage [of the four visions of Thögal], offi cials came. The Tibetan who was the guarantee ran have teaching and when we sing the Song of the Vajra and for example, my uncle Togden Ugyen Tendzin. During away at night because he was afraid and thought that they do Guruyoga, we all do it at the same moment, all around the cultural revolution he was living in the house of a no­ might accuse him of something. He travelled for a long the globe. This is very good and very useful for many sen­ ble family. The head of that family Chagö Tobden2 was a time in the north, almost two years, and fi nally arrived in tient beings in order to have knowledge of Dzogchen, to Dzogchen practitioner whom I knew very well. He was Ladakh. When he got to India he found one of the students develop and to have realization. But if I [act in a] limited also distantly related to me, a good friend and was greatly of Togden, Lama Sala, who is distantly related to me, and way while giving teaching, and I am really interested in the devoted to my uncle. When my uncle Togden became older who was doing a two or three year retreat of Vajra Kilaya in Rainbow Body, then it is not good. There were many gen­ and was living in a cave on a mountain, it wasn’t easy for Nepal and told him what had happened to Togden Ugyen erations after Dzing Dharmabodhi that did not manifest him because of his age, so Chagö Tobden invited him to Tendzin. But for many years we didn’t know what had hap­ Rainbow Body the reason being that Dzing Dharmabodhi his palace and built a small retreat house for him at the pened afterwards because there was no communication. gave teaching in a public way. From that period, they con­ top where he spent many years. Every day they would bring Then I received a letter from Sala from Nepal who told me tinued in that way for many generations. So it is good for him food and do little errands for him. He was also very that Togden has passed away in Derge and had manifested teachings and many sentient beings but not for the Rain­ happy there because they were following teaching and do­ more or less the Rainbow Body. He wrote about everything bow Body. ing practice very often. in great detail, but we didn’t really know how it had hap­ If you want to have something like Rainbow body, you However, when the cultural revolution started, the pened. [translated in “Rainbow Body – The Life and Real­ need to do practice secretly, personally, not talking about building was taken over by the revolutionaries and they did ization of Togden Ugyen Tendzin”] it too much, then you can have realization and you can not give him permission to live there. One of the offi cers, When I went to Lhasa on my visit to Tibet in 1982, I also have Rainbow Body. It is also very important to un­ who was active in the cultural revolution, was a Tibetan found out everything that had taken place. When these derstand this.  from East Tibet. He was sympathetic towards my uncle, Chinese people had come from the main headquarters but he couldn’t show it. He said that he would help my to investigate, there was not even the small body [of Tog­ 1 4 Visions of Thögal: (nangwa zhi; snang ba bzhi) 1. chönyi ngönsum (chos nyid mn- uncle to stay in a nomad’s house, which wasn’t very far den]. There was only his hair and nails. Then they won­ gon sum) actual manifestation of dharmata; 2. nyam nang kong phel (nyams snang gong 'phel) increase of experiences; 3. rigpa tsepheb (rig pa tshad phebs) perfection of away. There was nobody living in that house – it was emp­ dered what had happened and said that they would have instantaneous presence; 4. chönyi zepa (short: chöze) (chos nyid zad pa) exhaustion of ty. He told my uncle to live there and said that he would to make a report to the central government in Beijing be­ phenomena into the ultimate nature of dharmata. come to visit him very often because he was a guarantee for cause it was something abnormal that had to be checked. 2 See ‘Rainbow Body’ page 56. Footnote 134. my uncle. He would go to visit my uncle and sometimes They sent off their report but nobody came to do anything. he would bring some food. Togden spent many months And some people there took a little hair and some of his there. nails. So this is the story of my uncle, Togden Ugyen Ten­ Transcribed and edited by Liz Granger dzin from who I received the series of Longchen Nyingthig with the kind help of Jakob Winkler teachings and all the Yantra Yoga teachings.

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu United Kingdom Tenerife, Spain Peru Schedule 2011 September 9 October 14–23 December 8–11 Conference at SOAS Tibetan Culture Event Peruvian Retreat >> continued from page 1 September 10 October 28–30 Brazil Russia Italy Public Talk (at Camden Center) Thodgal Teaching Retreat December 16–18 April 25–May 1 June 24–30 Brazil Retreat Moscow Retreat Merigar West Retreat September 11–12 November 4–10 Teaching at Camden Center Ati Yoga Retreat Argentina May 14–20 July 15–18 Tashigar South Crimea Retreat 30-Year Anniversary of Merigar France USA December 26–January 1, 2012 September 16–18 New York City Christmas Retreat May 21–25 August 5–12 Visit Laerabling November 18–23 SMS Base Level Exam Merigar West Retreat 3rd Tibetan Language Congress May 26–June 6 September 23–25 SMS Level I Training August 19–23 Visit Kagyu-Dzong (Paris) Venezuela A special teaching Tashigar North, Margarita Romania Spain November 28–December 4 June 10–16 September 30–October 6 Tashigar Norte Retreat Merigar East Retreat Barcelona Retreat

Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai Schedule 2010–2011

November 7–26 December 18–20 2011 April 21–25 USA, Tsegyalgar West Italy, Adzamling (Molise) Italy, Merigar West May 2 (Baja California) Retreat on The Song of Vajra January 1–5 Retreat on Upadesha of Equal Italy, Grosseto/Siena University Retreat on Dzogchen Longde Italy, Merigar West Taste Three Paths to Liberation December 27–31 Introduction to Dzogchen Longde December 4–6 Italy, Merigar West (instructions of Dzin April 29–May 1 Italy, Desalling (Bologna) Teaching on the essence of Dharmabodhi) Italy, Merigar West Introduction to Kunjed Gyalpo Abhidharma Teaching on The little Song for (Kulayaraja Tantra) January 14–29 bringing down the blessings of Russia, Kunphenling (Moscow) the Mahamudra December 11–13 Retreat on Kunjed Gyalpo Italy, Namdeling (Naples) (Kulayaraja Tantra) Retreat on Shine and Lhagtong THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Khyentse Yeshi Silvano Namkhai

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>> Interview continued from page 3 In Pistolia, when I spoke at the way these two teachers are pre­ relates to the text. Then it be­ answer. The place is the same was also able to receive the initia­ Sakya Center, everything went senting, otherwise it is not nice. comes easier to teach, to explain, one, where there is a question tion of Hevajra in Kunphenling, more or less well. The questions The number one duty is that you also to understand what the next there are all possible answers, it Russia, from His Holiness Sakya they asked me I more or less an­ do not go too far. The number step is, which is the direction. is happening in that dimension Trizin. I asked permission from swered. Only one of the ques­ one duty is that you are not teach­ We can understand that just like so if we conceive the Longsal Father and he had also expressed tions was not in my dream be­ ing from your own ideas. Our life from sound manifests light, Teaching as a pure dimension, the desire to introduce me to His fore. In that moment I thought is limited; our experience is lim­ just because there was sound, like a crystal or diamond that is Holiness Sakya Trizin, but it did maybe I should be careful be­ ited, so you should never teach light manifests, and if there was reflecting outside these things, not fit the schedule. I met Sakya cause it was out of the scheduled from your own experience. It is sound, for us sound at the rela­ then we understand that every­ Trizin, gave him a gift and re­ time. There was bad weather ridiculous. You should teach with tive level gives the opportunity thing happens like a communi­ ceived the initiation from him. and I thought I should wait to real knowledge. to talk, teach and communicate. cation. It needs our side and the I had planned my schedule one drive the whole family until af­ So this explanation can help The first aspect that was useful in Longsal side. It is just like we are year before and it perfectly fit in ter it stopped storming. So I re­ in the understanding of Longsal. Longsal is not worshipping the recording a conversation of be­ with the teaching and initiation. mained there and out came this Longsal is the perfect representa­ text, but opening the collabora­ ings living in the condition of It is interesting because once other question. It was a very tech­ tion – synthetic, essential, direct, tion and communication in this Ati. Imagine something like this. you have knowledge of the first nical question related to the last without the principle of method opportunity of understanding. How would it be if enlightened level of Santi Maha Sangha, you pages of the Lamdre and also a and prajna, revealing all kinds Just like you turn on a light and beings were questioning and do not have doubt of what is hap­ secret commentary. It was more of knowledge. For example, we you can see a little better, now you answering? It would be just like pening. You know precisely, very connected with the experience have a Longsal teaching of the can discuss this aspect and this the Longsal teachings. And why clearly step­by­step, what is hap­ of opening eyes; it means going Kalachakra through the cause of aspect is just like the pure dimen­ are they asking and replying? pening, how you relate all this beyond ignorance and how this receiving the information of the sion of Ati. Because it is fun – nothing else. traditional explanation to your ignorance is explained accord­ Kalachakra; Father received the It is not a teaching that has an There is no other reason. knowledge, so you know very well ing to the Sakya tradition and the disclosure of this knowledge. aspect of the gradual path. We This Longsal Teaching is not what you are doing. I was satis­ Hevajra Tantra explained as the Just this way everything mani­ conceive the understanding of only human, this Teacher is not fied. If you receive an empower­ veil. I was no prepared for this fests and this is more connected Longsal just like another branch only human, the Teaching does ment, like for example I received answer in the way that Father spontaneously, when there is of teaching. It’s like it is clarify­ not only travel in human form, Shitro empowerments often, it is would explain and since primar­ need of knowledge it manifests. ing everything by its own being, and every time it goes into an­ more important that you receive ily the participants were from the This is the real meaning of Long­ the Longsal Teachings, it means other dimension and accumu­ something more connected with Dzogchen Community, I did not sal and we should understand in its own manifestation is just like lates all these things, it becomes your own lineage, your own tradi­ want to answer something that this way. Just like when we turn its manifestation of energy – the a big mixture. Also for example, tion. I never doubted that I knew was far; that was not only accord­ on a light, now there is light – understanding of Ati. The princi­ of you imagine beings like in the Hevajra and once this happened I ing to Hevajra Tantra. the light of the action of teach­ ple is that you understand the pri­ thirteen thalwas, beings made was very satisfied. I thought maybe it was bet­ ing. This is more connected to mordial potentiality from sound, only of energy and water, more ter I relax for two minutes and the knowledge of what the Da­ light and rays. If we are always connected with dance, they are >>Volcano continued from page 1 observe what appears and what kini is. Action of teaching means going through the principle of living and communicating this on the earth, touching our two appeared was the explanation re­ we have a relative condition and words, through the action of re­ way. It is not that they consider feet on the earth, he said, instead lated to the aspect of ego and at­ in this condition there is a ques­ ceiving the sound and from the this is Teaching, for them there of passing time with fantasies of tachment. Father always explains tion and then the answer arrives. sound develops the dimension, is nothing else. For us it is teach­ how we want things to be. this, just like two legs, we go on But the place of this answer is Ati, in this way everything is done ing because we need the idea of Just two days later, the teach­ like this. So I gave this explana­ was always Ati, and the question through our imagination. It is Teaching. We have the idea that ing has already come to an end. tion and expanded it from two to and answer appear in this dimen­ working with our mind. Going the Teaching has this value, that An afternoon walk takes me to­ four, sometimes Father uses four sion. beyond this with the understand­ there is dharma and non­dhar­ wards the lighthouse at the end – he explains how attachment ap­ Longsal means everything ing, the principle of the three ma, for these beings what we call of the Punta del Hidalgo. It has pears with two aspects and how happens in this perfect dimen­ primordial wisdoms, non­sep­ Teaching can be just communica­ stopped raining. The waves out ego is developing with two as­ sion. Related to this, I have a lot aration of clarity and energy, in tion. So this is how the Longsal here are even bigger than near pects. I gave this explanation and of dreams and visions, more vi­ this case Longsal is more effec­ terma manifests at this level, it is the Oceano, crashing against I was satisfied because I found sions than dreams; I am not re­ tive. There is not even this idea. possible to accept, it is trustable, rocks, and yet a few surfers have commentary on this Hevajra Tan­ ally very good for dreams. Most It is just a pure manifestation of it is traditional; it is one way to dared to ride them. I am singing tra that was exactly the same ex­ of this, the final result, is not what it is. manifest, one type of clarity.  the Song of the Vajra under my planation from Father’s teacher, very much about having words If you ask, “How is Ati?” – it breath, over and over. The clouds and also there were some notes but about being confident that is very simple. To whom is it ad­ Transcribed and edited by open up and the sun is there, from Sakya Trizin, so I was satis­ everything manifests and recog­ dressed? It is addressed to all, Naomi Zeitz where it has been all along. fied I did not go too far from the nizing instantly how everything but it is just like a question and

ASIA Calendar 2011

At 7.40 on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, the entire Prefecture of Yushu was devastated by a violent earthquake. Yushu is a nomadic region lo- cated on the Tibetan plateau, at an altitude of about 4000 metres.

ASIA was able to provide relief for this tragic emergency thanks to the support of its numerous friends who, despite the silence of the media, have actively responded to the request of the population of Yushu for aid.

This calendar is a collection of photos taken by our assistants during the distribution of basic necessities. We have chosen not to show you photos of this catastrophe, but rather the positive side through the smiles and hope- ful looks of a population worn out by hunger, cold and difficulty.

ASIA has devoted itself to bringing immediate support to the population and to working side by side with them in reconstruction. We will be involved in this work for the next 3–5 years and will need help from everybody.

By buying this calendar you will be contributing concretely to supporting the population of Yushu as profits from its sale will be used for the next distributions of basic necessities.

If you would like to do something more, you could make a donation or spon- sor a child in Yushu so that he/she would be able to receive an education respectful of his culture, would eat every day, would be protected from the cold. In this way you would be indirectly helping his/her family and the

entire community. Jigme and Sherab are friends and go the Yushu Jigme e Sherab sono amici, frequentano la scuola primary school where ASIA has distributed elementare di Yushu in cui ASIA ha distribuito toasted barley fl our and yak butter. farina d’orzo tostato e burro di yak. Because of this the children can stay at the school I bambini possono così fermarsi a scuola You can order the ASIA calendar with a minimum donation of 10 Euro! for lunch instead of having to make long journeys per il pranzo evitando lunghi tragitti tra le macerie home through the dangerous rubble of the city. insicure della città. Visit our website www.asia-ngo.org, fill in the form and learn how to donate or write an email to [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 ASIA

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

ing events, with the help of Dzogchen Our goal is to help facilitate at least (founded by Petra Namcova, su­ Yushu After The Earthquake Community members, as well as any 10 fundraising events in North Amer- permodel who was injured dur­ How You Can Help friends/colleagues/family members ica before the end of 2010. You can ing the tsunami disaster) that are interested in this humani- make a difference! As Rinpoche said, tarian relief effort. Secondly, we are we should all try to help and that all How you can help now! Andrea Nasca approaching large entities, such as the small drops of water we contribute The participation of the whole USAID and the Happy Heart Fund. In will create an ocean of benefit! Sangha and anyone who’s a ix months have passed many international Dzogchen this way, we are actively seeking fund- friend of Tibet is essential to since the April 14th earth­ Community members who re­ ing outside of the Dzogchen Commu- YouTube video of Rinpoche on the topic continue helping the people of Squake in Yushu, and still sponded immediately and par­ nity, and increasing public awareness of Yushu: Yushu. ASIA is one of the few the population is living in a dire ticipated in the fundraising cam­ about the situation in Yushu, and the http://www.youtube.com/user/ organizations granted access to state of emergency: paign. Thank you! difficult situations that Tibetans face, asiaonlus#p/u/8/RCuIi8q54mE the Yushu region and needs your · Below freezing temperatures at in general. We believe that grassroots support to continue providing night since the end of August ASIA will continue to support the fundraising is very valuable because ASIA America is doing the essential aid. ASIA plans to focus · Need for winter tents people of Yushu in the coming it gives people an opportunity to par- following: on relief from the effects of this · Need for more food and potable winter and will focus on: ticipate on a very direct, personal lev- · organizing an informational/ disaster for the next several years. water · distributions of winter tents, el. They can attend and/or help plan a educational fundraising event · Need for winter clothing and winter blankets, winter clothing fun and educational event, as well as with Paola Zamperini at Amherst To help the nomads in Yushu to blankets and other crucial supplies practicing generosity and compassion. College on Alumni Weekend, No­ rebuild their lives, you can: · Need of services for newly dis­ · distribution of tsampa, butter, vember 12th abled people and elderly sugar and other foodstuffs We gave a brief update at the last Guru · presentation at Amherst College For those of us in Europe and There is total disorganization · support for activities to generate Rinpoche Day Ganapuja at Tsegyal- in January Asia: and a lack of all the basic needs, income and vocational training gar East and had a strong response of · planning a film screening at Make a Donation of any amount above all, water and sanitation. courses to promote economic support, including one new sponsor- Amherst Cinema to benefit Yushu through ASIA Onlus: The health conditions are very self­sufficiency ship, and immediate work to organize · a presentation about Yushu re­ bank transfer in the name of poor and the risk of the spread of · long distance sponsorship of local fundraising events. lief efforts and ASIA’s work every “ASIA Onlus” disease is high. children of a primary school in semester at Amherst College, in­ IBAN IT 27 M 010307216000000 Yushu county, severely damaged The board of ASIA is putting to­ cluding during their college­wide 0389350 In three relief operations ASIA by the earthquake (700 children gether fundraising “kits,” to focus on Tibetan Buddhism in SWIFT BIC: PASC IT MM XXX distributed 34,620 pounds of were orphaned) make it very easy for people to or­ the Fall 2011 credit card or paypal on the web tsampa, 4,742 pounds of butter, ganize local fundraising events. · a series of benefit concerts and at www.asia-onlus.org blankets, tents and other basic ASIA America is involved in the relief Please request yours by contact­ dances in the local area, some of heating units. A total of 13,000 efforts. Please join us! ing us at: [email protected] which will be coordinated with Buy the Asia 2011 Calendar, with people have benefited from this or calling Andrea at the Director of the Music Depart­ a minimum donation of 10 Euros aid, among them teachers and Our approach takes place on two lev- 413­204­3556/ 1­888­803­4012. ment at Amherst College On the website: children of an elementary school. els. Firstly, on the grassroots level, we · working with a local high school www.asia-onlus.org This was possible thanks to so are organizing various local fundrais- student, Daisy Whitcomb, who or email: [email protected] attends Pioneer Valley Perform­ ing Arts school, and who is the Sponsor A Child at the primary daughter of one of our local Tse­ school, supporting all the school gyalgar Community members, expenses with only 25 Euro per to organize an educational fund­ month! raiser with performers from her On the website: school and the local community www.asia-onlus.org or · putting together a fundraising email: [email protected] “package” that can be used by any of our friends to organize a local, In order to receive a tax deduction grassroots fundraising event in in the U.S.,Germany or France their community: fundraising you can make the donation to: packages will include things like ASIA America – brochures, a Powerpoint presen­ By check, make check payable tation, instructions on fundrais­ to “ASIA,” with “Yushu” in the ing, list of ideas to chose from, memo and mail it to: t­shirts for sale, info about Long ASIA, P.O. Box 124, Conway, MA Distance Sponsorship project, 01341­0124 USA, etc. By credit card, make payment · a concert of Indian music ben­ to [email protected] efit for Yushu in L.A. with Gregg through paypal or call Andrea Johnson, one of our ASIA board Nasca at ASIA toll free at members 1­888­803­4012. · a photo exhibition fundraiser By direct wire transfer: Make pay­ by one of our local Community ment to “ASIA,” with “Yushu” as members, Jeff Smith the memo: Peoples United Bank · the use of all local radio and (formerly, Bank of Western Mas­ television stations to announce sachusetts) – 134 Elm Street – all our local events, as well as Deerfield, MA 01373 – Account getting a story aired on the local #1236141502 – ABA Routing news station #011802488 · working on getting the ASIA calendars sold through Snow To order a Fundraising Kit, Lion Publications as a fundraiser please contact us at placed a large display ad in the [email protected] next issue of Snow Lion or call 1­888­803­4012 or contact · we’re selling the ASIA calendars Andrea Maria Nasca at to the Dzogchen Community and [email protected] anyone interested · contacting USAID ASIA Germany – Contact Gisela · contacting Happy Hearts Fund Auspurg, [email protected] to help with second wave of inter­ ASIA France – Contact Helene vention, which they specialize in Lafage, [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Shang Shung Institute

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

Parliament has not yet under­ Chögyal Namkhai Norbu stood or wanted to set up that at Bologna University series of laws to regulate non conventional medicine that we have been waiting 20 years for. he ancient Tibetan medi­ The event which was organized Yet, by now everyone is aware of cal system was the core of by the Associazione per la Me­ the need to move from a type of T the Keynote Address given dicina Centrata sulla Persona unpersonalised medicine to one by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on (Association for Centered Per­ that is humanistic and promotes September 11 in the auditorium son Medicine, Onlus – a Charity the health of the person taking of the Institute of Anatomy of Bo­ established according to the Ital­ into consideration his/her glo­ logna University. ian Law) in collaboration with bality and uniqueness. Our As­ the International Shang Shung sociazione was created in order Bologna, capital of Traditional Institute for Tibetan Studies, in to contribute actively to this pro­ Tibetan Medicine for a day. On acknowledgement of its overall cess”. Saturday September 11 at 9 am, signifi cance, has been granted of Prof. Namkhai Norbu, one of the the following endorsements: Emilia­Romagna is one of the most important living Masters The Italian Institute for Africa ropean Commission. Roberti regions that is focusing atten­ of the Tibetan tradition, gave a His Holiness the 14th Dalai and the East, Rome di Sarsina explained, “Tibetan tion on the change that is taking keynote address entitled “Tibet­ Lama The European Medical Associa­ medicine is an ancient science in place as evidenced by the creation an Medicine, Patrimony of Man­ The Presidency of the Council of tion which some of its fundamental by the Regional Government, in kind” in the Auditorium of the Ministers The European Association for principles are listening carefully 2004, of the Observatory for Non Institute of Anatomy of the Uni­ The Minister of Foreign Affairs Predictive, Preventive and Per­ to the patient, a close global ex­ Conventional Medicine, of which versity. The Government of Emilia­ sonalised Medicine amination (body, mind, energy, Roberti di Sarsina is founding Romagna Region The College and Council of MDs but also surrounding circum­ member, with the aim of giving This was the fi rst time that the The Government of the Province and Dentists of the Province of stances) and personalized medi­ rise to some experimental proj­ Auditorium of the Institute of of Bologna Bologna cal care. ects within the Local Health Au­ Anatomy at Bologna University The Municipality of Bologna The Observatory and Methods Therefore it is a therapeutic thority. The integrated bill pre­ has been open for a public ad­ The Faculty of Medicine, Univer­ for Health, University of Milano­ system that really has a lot to give sented to the Health Commission dress. sity of Florence Bicocca) to a West that has not come to of the Senate by proposer Sen. Bologna Local Health Authority terms with its own approach to Daniele Bosone also includes the Noopolis Foundation, Rome the problem of suffering. It is an national bill sent to the Cham­ integral part of the Tibetan Tra­ bers, during the last legislature, The Keynote Address given by dition that is the patrimony of by the Emilia­Romagna Region. Professor Norbu was the fi rst Mankind”. In Italy, 18.5 % of the public initiative at the interna­ population, more than 11 million Strongly desidered by Paolo tional level by the Associazione people, have chosen to use non­ Roberti di Sarsina, the arrival per la Medicine Centrata sulla conventional medicine (source: in Bologna of Chöogyal Nam­ Persona Onlus, (Onlus is the Ital­ Eurispes); there were 8 million khai Norbu Rinpoche, one of ian acronym for a charity recog­ in 2005 (ISTAT data). The trend is the highest level representatives nized by the Italian Law) a not­ even more impressive at the Eu­ of the Tibetan Tradition, shows for­profi t association founded in ropean level with more than 130 the authority and commitment of 2007 in Bologna by psychiatrist million citizens in the EU who the Associazione per la Medicina Paolo Roberti di Sarsina, MD, one regularly make use of non­con­ Centrata sulla Persona Onlus, as of the leading experts in Europe ventional medicine. far asin promotingon and safe­ for the advancement of Tradi­ This is a phenomenon of great guarding of suchthis Knowledg­ tional, Complementary, Alterna­ importance which, however, ac­ es of Health are concerned. tive and Unconventional Medi­ cording to Roberti di Sarsina, www.medicinacentratasullaper More than 400 people attended Rinpoche’s lecture. The Main Hall was completely full and another cine and member of the research the Italian establishment is not sona.org lecture hall was equipped with a sound system to receive those who could not fi nd a place. consortium fi nanced by the Eu­ responding to adequately. “Our

them. Just think of wonderful must also have experienced the port our activities this year with Update on Ka Ter books like The Light of Kailash, state that is explained. special generosity. Report of Translation Project Birth, Life and Death, Longchenpa’s Activities of the Advice from the Heart, or The Rain- The Shang Shung Institute Aus­ Please read the detailed Report of bow Body, and the great range tria is in charge of raising suffi ­ Activities and please support our International ith great pleasure I of books and booklets that help cient funds, so that the transla­ efforts, so that we can continue Shang Shung send you the latest in­ each practitioner to apply the tors and the editor can focus on with our benefi cial work. Please W formation about the Teachings of our incomparable their work and not have to earn donate directly with your cred­ Institute Ka­Ter Translation Project and Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu their living through activities oth­ it card on our web safe site or the translation project Complete already made available by Shang er than translating or editing the get one of our Donation Pack­ We welcome you to read the de­ Works of Chögyal Namkhai Nor­ Shung Edition. precious texts, which Rinpoche ages. tailed Report of Activities and to bu. offers us. All translators and the support our efforts so that we can Rinpoche has pointed out so editor receive payment for their Thank you so much for all your continue with our work also for Many of you have already experi­ many times, that a translator wonderful work. The funds for support and dedication. the benefi t of future generations. enced the value of being able to from Tibetan not only needs the their income come exclusively Tashi Delegs and very best wishes, read the unique Dzogchen Teach­ capacity to translate the Tibetan from donors to the Internation­ Oliver Leick Adriano Clemente ings written by our Master, Chö­ words into English, but that one al Dzogchen Community – this Coordinator of the Ka­ter Trans­ In 2010 Adriano Clemente gyal Namkhai Norbu, in English, must have the capacity to trans­ means from YOU. lation Project and worked on the following books: which, until recently, were avail­ late the MEANING of these mar­ To raise funds for translation Complete Works of Chögyal Rainbow Body: The Life and Realiza- able only in Tibetan. Due to the velous texts. For many Tibetan projects is not at all easy. Namkhai Norbu tion of Togden Ugyen Tendzin tireless work of the translators words describing a certain state www.ssi-austria.at Translated from Tibetan, edited and the editor, people do not or understanding there does not Though many donors have been and annotated by Adriano. Pub­ have to learn Tibetan in order to exist an English term. For that very generous, the fact is that in lished in August 2010. read these texts, but can simply reason a qualifi ed translator must 2010 we could not cover all the acquire them and thus have the know the meaning of the text and costs for the translation staff. marvelous opportunity to read For that reason we ask you to sup­ >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Shang Shung Institute

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>> continued from previous page Next Projects Liberation, the Book of the Gon­ Zhang Zhung – Images of a Lost The Book of Tregchö (ka dag khregs pa of Merigar. Kingdom chod kyi dgongs pa gsal bshad klong This translation was begun Translated from Tibetan by Adri­ chen ‘od gsal) by Jacobella Gaetani, and Fabian ano; project under the direction The Commentary by Chögyal has continued the work in col­ of Alex Siedlecki. Published in Namkhai Norbu on his own laboration with her. The text re­ June 2010. Longsal Upadesha transmission quires revision, translation into entitled ka dag khregs chod kyi English, and editing, and deci­ Forthcoming Works by Chögyal man ngag. Elio in collaboration sion on the final layout. Namkhai Norbu with Adriano will revise the trans­ Available summer 2011. Bright Moon – Longsal Longde, a lation made by Jim Valby. Commentary by the Author The Silver Mirror, Tibetan Self- Nancy Simmons Adriano has revised the Tibet­ Medication Made Simple by Chögyal Nancy Simmons is the main edi­ an translation. Available winter Namkhai Norbu tor of the translations and publi­ 2010. Elio will revise the translation he cations of the Ka­ter Translation Atiyoga – The Essence of All Teachings made of the book several years Project. Nancy has edited near­ Adriano has revised and re­trans­ ago and ready it for publication. ly all English­language books lated quotations from texts in that have been printed by Shang the Atiyoga section of the bsam Other Works Under Way Shung Publications in the past Dr. Phuntsog (left) and Dr. Dorje at Shang Shung Institute USA. Photo: N. Zeitz gtam mig sgron included in the The Tibetan Book of the Dead, three years. SMS Second Level text by Chögyal Introduced and Compiled by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Namkhai Norbu Our Request Important Visit by Dr Dorje The Temple of the Great Liberation, Elio is in the process of complete­ All translators and the editor re­ to Shang Shung Institute School the Book of the Gonpa of Merigar ly revising and translating into ceive payment for their wonderful Translated from Tibetan by Jaco­ English Il libro tibetano dei mor­ work. The funds for their income of Tibetan Medicine, USA bella Gaetani and Fabian Sand­ ti published in Italian by Newton come exclusively from donors ers, to be revised by Adriano. Compton, Roma, 1983. Available to the International Dzogchen he Shang Shung Institute of with Tibetan medicinal baths, Available summer 2011. 2011. Community – this means from America, School of Tibetan as well as Tibetan medical treat­ Yantra Yoga – Lo Yoga del Movimento The Mejung Tantra – the Marvelous YOU. T Medicine, was honored to ments for apopley sequela (a type Adriano has worked on this Ital­ Primordial State with an Introduc- Many members of the Dzog­ host a visit from Dr. Dorje at the In- of stroke), atrophic gastritis, and ian edition of Yantra Yoga – the tion by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu chen Community have experi­ stitute from September 30–October 3, hypertension. Dr. Dorje has also Yoga of Movement (Snow Lion Elio has collaborated with Adria­ enced the value of being able to 2010 in Conway MA. Dr. Dorje met been a lead researcher on stud­ Publications, Ithaca, 2008). no and Jim Valby in working on read the unique Dzogchen Teach­ with students and gave a lecture on ies of Tibetan alchemy for the Emaho: le Narrazioni, i Linguaggi this Semde tantra. He has pre­ ings in English, until recently October 1 on The Foundation of Ti- detoxification and purification of Simbolici e il Bön Revision of Drung, pared an Introduction compiled available only in Tibetan. Due to betan Medicine. This unique medi- heavy metals and mineral­based Deu e Bon, le Narrazioni, i Linguaggi from teachings of Chögyal Nam­ the tireless work of the transla­ cal program is under the direction of ingredients, in line with both tra­ Simbolici e il Bon nell’ Antico Tibet khai Norbu, and has written the tors and the editor, people do not Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo. ditional Tibetan medical theory (translated from the Tibetan by Translator’s Preface. have to learn Tibetan in order to and modern state­mandated reg­ Adriano, Shang Shung Edizioni, Nyingthig Yangti – the Terma on read these texts, but can simply About Dr. Dorje ulations for traditional medicines Arcidosso, 1996), with a Preface Tregchö of Changchub Dorje with acquire them and thus have the Dr. Dorje is the Director of the in China. newly translated from the Ti­ Oral Commentary by Chögyal marvelous opportunity to read Qinghai Province (China) Ti­ Dr. Dorje regularly publishes betan edition, sGrung lde’u bon Namkhai Norbu them. betan Medical Research Insti­ in Chinese and Tibetan scientif­ gsum gyi gtam e ma ho, Library Elio has translated the origi­ The Shang Shung Institute tute and the Vice Director of the ic journals, has overseen a mas­ of Tibetan Works and Archives, nal Tibetan text of Changchub Austria is in charge of raising suf­ Qinghai Province Tibetan Medi­ sive project on the preservation Dharamsala, 1989. Dorje, and edited Chögyal Nam­ ficient funds, so that the transla­ cal Hospital. Both institutions and digitization of thousands of khai Norbu’s Oral Commentary. tors and the editor can focus on are a part of the Arura Group, the extant Tibetan medical texts. He Other Works Under Way Forthcoming publication. their work and not have to earn largest Tibetan­owned and oper­ is involved with issues related Base, Path and Fruit – a Terma of Paltrul Rinpoche’s Vision of Luminous their living through activities oth­ ated Tibetan medical enterprise to the conservation and sustain­ Changchub Dorje Clarity (root text and commentary) er than translating or editing the in China. In addition to his years able use of medicinal plants, and Adriano has completed a pre­ with Oral Commentary by Chögyal precious texts which Rinpoche of experience in clinical prac­ has helped to design and curate liminary translation of the text. Namkhai Norbu offers us. tice, Dr. Dorje has overseen ran­ a massive museum of Tibetan Available 2011. Elio revised Oriol Aguilar’s trans­ To raise funds for translation domized controlled trials for the medicine and culture located in The Mejung – the Marvelous Primor- lation of the Tibetan text, and ed­ projects is not at all easy. Though treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Xining, Qinghai Province. dial State with an Introduction by ited Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s many donors have been very gen­ Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Oral Commentary. Forthcoming erous, the fact is that in 2010 we Final revision of the translation publication. could not cover all the costs for SSI-USA Tibetan Medicine of this Semde tantra by the Ka­ter Elio has also been responsible the translation staff. For that rea­ Webcasted Public Talks translation team. Available 2012. for the revision of various books son we ask you to support our ac­ Adriano has also been respon­ and booklets of Shang Shung tivities this year with special gen­ with Menpa (Dr.) Phuntsog Wangmo sible for the revision of various Publications. erosity. Fall, 2010 books and booklets from Shang Just think of wonderful books Shung Publications Jim Valby like The Light of Kailash, Birth, Saturday, December 4th, 2010 1 pm and 3 pm EST (Time zone of The Book of Tregchö (ka dag khregs Life and Death, Longchenpa’s 1–3 pm Boston or New York City): http:// Elio Guarisco chod kyi dgongs pa gsal bshad klong Advice from the Heart, and the Topic: At the Time of Death www.shangshunginstitute.com/ Forthcoming Works by Chögyal chen ‘od gsal) great range of books and book­ The unique signs of death and free.php Namkhai Norbu A commentary by Chögyal Nam­ lets that help each practitioner ways of caring for the dying ac­ Healing with Fire, a Practical Manu- khai Norbu on his own Longsal to apply the Teachings of our cording to Tibetan Medicine. If you live far from Northampton, al of Tibetan Moxabustion Upadesha transmission entitled incomparable Master Chögyal MA, don‘t forget to check your lo­ Elio has translated the book, ka dag khregs chod kyi man Namkhai Norbu already made To attend in person: cal time for this event before at­ contributed the Translator’s In­ ngag. available by Shang Shung. Location: Shang Shung Tibet­ tending. You can do this on the troduction, revised and checked Jim has worked extensively on Please donate directly with an Healing Center, Suite 323, following page: numerous aspects of the text, the translation from Tibetan of your credit card on our web safe Northampton, MA, 01060 www.timeanddate.com/world determined the location of five this work. The translation will site or get one of our Donation Cost: By donation clock/converter hundred moxa points on draw­ be revised by Elio Guarisco, and Packages. Space at the Healing Center is lim- ings of the human body specifi­ subsequently by Adriano Clem­ ited. If you would like to attend in If you would like to donate to the cally made for this edition, and ente. Thank you so much for all your person please rsvp: (413) 585­1081 costs needed in order to help the completed the process of ready­ The Mejung – the Marvelous Primor- support and dedication. or [email protected] Tibetan Medicine live webcast ing the book for publication with dial State with an Introduction by Tashi Delegs and very best wishes, project continue, you can donate the close collaboration of Susan Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Oliver Leick To attend by webcast: directly through the SSI­USA on­ Schwarz. Available winter 2010. Jim has collaborated with Elio Coordinator of the Ka­ter Trans­ Anyone with an ample internet line store, or contact us directly The Dorje Yudronma Divination Book and Adriano on the translation of lation Project and Complete connection and a web browser at: [email protected] or Elio has drafted the initial ver­ this Semde tantra. Works of Chögyal Namkhai should be able to connect to this 413­369­4928. sion of the Tibetan translation, Norbu free service. to be reworked and finalized by Fabian Sanders www.ssi-austria.at Please feel free to write us with Adriano. The Temple of the Great Liberation, How does this work? Simply any questions or comments the Book of the Gonpa of Merigar type the following web address about this service at: Fabian has worked extensively on into your browser on the date of a [email protected] the translation from Tibetan into public talk between the hours of Italian of The Temple of the Great THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Tenerife

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First Tibetan Cultural Week In Tenerife

he Tibetan Cultural Week in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain in the first half of October started as a proposal by the Culture T Councillor in Tenerife to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to promote Tibetan culture and was organised by the Shang Shung Institute and the Spanish Gakyil in collaboration with a number of local organiza­ tions. It took place at the Anthropology and History Museum of Tener­ ife, a really special and beautiful place. The workshops were held at the Oceano Vitality Hotel SPA in Punta del Hidalgo. During the entire week there was a Photo exhibition on Khyung Lung and (ancient) pictures of Tibet and another with Tibetan Medi­ cine Thankas. The series of public talks that were given were webcast throughout the world and included a Conference with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, a General Introduction to Tibetan Medicine and External therapies in Tibetan Medicine by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, a public talk by Costan­ tino Albini entitled Introduction to Awareness in Daily Life, a public talk by Fabio Andrico, Introduction to Tibetan Yoga, and talks by Elio Guarisco on Birth, Life and Death and Tibetan Cosmology. Several workshops were held during the event including a Workshop on Tibetan Language with Fabian Sanders, a Workshop on Tibetan Cooking with Migmar Tsering and others on Tibetan Dance, Ti ­ betan Yoga, Tibetan Art and Tibetan Games as well as activities for the All photos: P. Fassoli whole family. The Workshop of Tibetan Games saw the presentation of a new Game called Rebirth/Reincarnation that was enthusiastically played by many people from the Community together with Rinpoche. During the Cultural Week it was also possible to have a medical consultation with Dr Phuntsog Wangmo, as well as Tibetan Kun Nye Massage and Moxa treatments.

Costantino Albini gave a public talk on Introduction to Awareness in Daily Life. Rinpoche and many others participating in the new Rebirth game on the last day of the event.

The Yantra Yoga workshop at the Oceano Vitality Hotel. The exhibition of Tibetan Medicine Thankas at the Anthropology and History Museum.

The American Branch of the Shang If herbs are recommended, cost Student Kunye Massages These offerings will take place in a place for students to gain Shung Institute is happy to announce: will be $ 50 for a month’s supply) Cost: $ 25/hour the Shang Shung Tibetan Heal­ practical experience. The Shang All student consultations will be All student massages will be su­ ing Center. The Shang Shung Ti­ Shung Tibetan Healing Center is Consultations and supervised by a qualified Tibetan pervised by a qualified Tibetan betan Healing Center is located conveniently located at 16 Cen­ Massages in the Medicine Professional Thursdays Kunye Massage Professional. in Northampton, MA and was ter St., Suite 323, in downtown 2 pm–6 pm through the semester. Appointments available 10 am– founded in 2005 by Lhaje (Dr.) Northampton, MA. For more in­ Student Clinic Call the Healing Center at 413­ 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, Phuntsog Wangmo. The healing formation, please visit the wep­ Fall, 2010 585­1081 or email Asruh at and 2 pm–6 pm on Mondays and center currently offers consulta­ age at [email protected] to sched­ Tuesday. tions, Kunye Massage Therapy, www.tibetanmedicinecenter. ule an appointment. Call the Healing Center at 413­ and monthly public talks. Affili­ com or onsultations in the Stu­ 585­1081 or email Matt at ated with the Shang Shung In­ http://shangshung.org/healing dent Clinic (Consulations [email protected] to sched­ stitute School of Tibetan Medi­ center.php/healingcenter.php Cwill be given by donation. ule an appointment. cine, the Healing Center is also THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus On Dzogchen Longde

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thus through the presence of wisdom one can integrate everything. Longde Teachings Tsulchen dila nepar gyi The last verse says, “Remain in this state.” Based on the original texts by Vairochana and Dzin Dharmabodhi The second strophe concerns the experience of mitogpa, From ‘Longde Teachings’ by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu which also means the experience of emptiness. When we Transcribed by F. Vannini and M. Mingotti, edited by Adriano Clemente and Igor Legati are in a calm state, in the state of emptiness, there are no Translated into English by Desmond Barry distracting thoughts, they disappear, or, if they are there, Shang Shung Edizioni 2006 they have no power to disturb us. In Tibetan, mi is a nega­ tive prefi x, and togpa means thought: therefore, without The Four Das, the Upadesha of Vairochana Yeshe khyilwa dorje pum thought. But in Longde, the meaning of this word is a little Just as in the practice of the Dzogchen Upadesha we speak The vase which contains all wisdom is our physical body. different to the meaning in the Sutra. In the Sutra, mitog- of the Four Chogzhags and in the Dzogchen Semde we The physical body contains our potentiality and our wis­ pa means really to remain without thought, in emptiness. speak of the Four Contemplations, so in the Dzogchen dom. When you practice Shine, remaining sharply concentrated Longde we speak of the Four Das. The method of the Four in the state of emptiness, as this practice becomes more Das comes originally from the Longde tantras, but the Yeshe chenpoi rö kangwa familiar, day by day, thoughts diminish more and more way to apply them is explained in the Longde upadeshas. The vase of the vajra body is pervaded by the taste of wis­ and one can remain for a long time without any kind of Here, upadesha does not refer to the series of the Dzogchen dom. This means that when we taste it, wisdom can mani­ thought arising. This is considered to be the state of mitog- Upadesha but to the texts which contain the specifi c ex­ fest. This not just some idea. It is something which we can pa. In Dzogchen, however, there is no need to stay in that periences of the masters like Vairochana, Shri Simha and discover concretely just as if we had tasted a fruit. kind of emptiness because, if we are really in the state of many others, or such as Pang Mipham Gönpo and his stu­ instant presence, there is no difference whether thoughts dents who developed some particular methods. The meth­ Yeshe ngayi dewa gye are present or not. The real state is not emptiness but in­ od which is offi cially the most used is taken from a root Through this experience the bliss of the fi ve wisdoms stant presence. When you are in the state of instant pres­ text written by Dzin Dharmabodhi. This master, his son grows. ence, you are no longer conditioned by thought and there and successive generations of his family were very special is no difference between having them or not. There is a practitioners of Dzogchen Longde. The title of the text is Ranglü yeshe rinpoche text called Nyamyig (nyam means experience, yig means ‘Nyengyüd dorje zampai nyamtrid gomgyi yige salwai drönma’. Our body is just a precious accumulation of wisdom, letter) which is an upadesha of Garab Dorje, that is a com­ Recently, Deu chönjung, a Tibetan history book was dis­ munication of the experience of Garab Dorje and not a covered in Tibet, in which is the story of the development Rigpai yeshe kur salwa quote from a tantra. In the Nyamyig it says: of Buddhism and before this how the Bön tradition devel­ And manifests the dimension of wisdom in the state of oped etc. In the past, this book was unknown, but then instant presence. Sharna sharwai ngowo tö it was discovered somewhere and published. In it were Trolna trolwai ngowo tö recorded historical events which had hitherto been un­ Tagnang rangrig yeshe nyi Shardrol nyimed zangngen med known. The author of the book was a member of the fam­ All that we see, or which appears, the visions which we ily of Dzin Dharmabodhi. have through the experience of clarity, all this is none oth­ When thoughts arise, observe the nature of their arising, Dzin Dharmabodhi lived, more or less, at the time er than wisdom connected to the state of rigpa, instanta­ When thoughts dissolve, observe the nature of their dis­ of Machig Labdrön (1031–1129). He integrated into the neous presence. solving, Dzogchen Longde the tantric methods of transformation Arising and dissolving are beyond good and bad. which had been transmitted by the Indian master, Avad­ Rangrig yeshe gyünched med hutipa. We will use his brief text on the practice of Longde, The wisdom of the primordial state is without interrup­ When thoughts arise, don’t worry. There’s nothing but we will also clarify a number of points by using the tion; there is always presence in every moment. wrong. Thoughts are part of our energy, an aspect of our texts of the upadeshas. clarity, because our nature is not only emptiness. So when The Four Das are connected with the verses written by Rangjung yeshe öd salwa thoughts arise, don’t feel disturbed, don’t run away from Vairochana on Pang Mipham Gönpo’s stick, or tsulshing. Self­originated wisdom manifests itself which is really them. When thoughts arise in Sutra practices, one gets These verses are the essence of the Four Das. connected to our primordial potentiality. worried and concentrates more sharply so that they don’t arise. In Dzogchen, however, you have to integrate rather The fi rst verses of Vairochana are connected to the expe­ Yeshe namkhai tha tang nyam than concentrate. If thoughts arise you simply remain in rience of clarity from which visions and wisdom can de­ The manifestation of wisdom is just like space. It pervades instant presence. Remaining in instant presence, thoughts velop. For this reason, the method of clarity is one of the all without any consideration of subject and object, and simply arise and disappear. When they disappear and you Four Das. fi nd yourself in a calm state, just remain in instant pres­

the lifespan is short due to karma, melted into light and from that was living in a cave in a charnel later known as the “three phrases The Space Series when the meaning of the spiritual light emerged a child adorned ground in Oddiyana, Manjusri­ that strike the essence”: Dzogchen Longde teaching has been lost, when the with the major and minor signs, mitra received a prophecy from core of the sacred teaching has holding symbols and reciting the Manjusri that if he wished to Directly discover your own state. been changed by wrong views, Total Space of Vajrasattva tantra. achieve enlightenment in one Do not remain in doubt. Elio Guarisco and when the power of spiritual It is believed that the child was life, he had to go to that place Gain confi dence in self-liberation. practice is weak and antidotes are the nirmanakaya form of Garab and meet Prahevajra. Manjusri­ O! This is self-disclosing wisdom, not effective.” Dorje or Prahevajra. Again Vajra­ mitra went to Oddiyana with six According to Chögyal Namkhai Beyond the ways of speech and the When that time came, Adhi­ sattva came to Prahevajra, this other pandits, and while those six Norbu, on the basis of this three­ object of mind. chitta, the son of the Deva time empowering him to become were intent on challenging Pra­ fold testament, Manjusrimitra I, Tilopa, have nothing to show! Bhadrapala, who resided in the the owner of a treasury of sixty hevajra’s teaching beyond cause classifi ed the teachings transmit­ Know that itself points to itself. Trayatrimsa heaven, had four million four hundred thousand and effect, Manjusrimitra secretly ted by Prahevajra into the three prophetic dreams. Vajrapani Dzogchen tantras. This is one of wished to receive the same teach­ series of Dzogchen or Atiyoga: escending from time im­ bestowed upon Adhichitta the various stories that recount the ing. It is said that Manjusrimitra the Mind Series (sems sde), Space memorial and dimen­ “empowerment of the vase that appearance of Prahevajra. thoroughly understood the true Series (klong sde), and Secret In­ Dsions unknown where is the Conqueror’s method” and It is largely agreed that Prahe­ nature in a moment through a struction series or Upadesha its diverse tantras were taught, transmitted to him the secret in­ vajra appeared in the second cen­ single symbolic demonstration. (man ngag sde). Dzogchen reached our planet in structions. As a consequence, the tury BCE, three hundred and sixty However, in order to receive the In the course of time, the tes­ the form of scattered short in­ Dzogchen teaching spread in the years after the parinirvana of Bud­ complete transmission, some tament came to Sri Simha, Jnana­ structions known as nyengyü (sny- realm of the devas. According to dha Shakyamuni, in the country sources say he then remained sutra, and Vimalamitra. It also en brgyud). The Dzogchen tantras the legend, at a later time, when of Oddiyana, believed by some to with Prahevajra for seventy­fi ve reached the great master Pad­ known to us today did not come Praharani, the daughter of King be the Swat Valley in present­day years. When Prahevajra passed masambhava, who was a direct to light until the appearance of Dharma Ashoka, went to bathe Pakistan. Because he received all away in a dimension of light, he disciple of Sri Simha and beheld Garab Dorje, whose Sanskrit by the side of a lake in Oddiyana, of the Dzogchen tantras taught bestowed on Manjusrimitra a the wisdom body of Prahevajra name is Prahevajra. an emanation of Vajrapani in the from time immemorial and re­ three­line testament, entrusting before ultimately attaining the The transmission of aware­ form of a golden swan dissolved corded them with the help of da­ to him the legacy of his message. great transference. ness holders particular to the the mind of Adhichitta into a let­ kinis upon the injunction of Vajra­ It is said that when Prahevajra In general, the Mind Series Dzogchen teaching was proph­ ter HUM and then swallowed it. sattva, Prahevajra is of unique im­ dissolved in a sphere of light in of Dzogchen was transmitted esied to occur when six circum­ The swan pecked the chest of the portance for the transmission of the primordial ground, he ap­ by Manjusrimitra to Sri Simha stances arose: princess three times with his beak that teaching in our world. peared in the sky in front of Man­ through various masters and “The notion of pure aware­ and the luminous HUM dissolved We do not know how long jusrimitra and dropped a casket then came to Vairochana. The ness will arise at the time when into her heart. Some months lat­ Prahe vajra lived, but his fi rst dis­ of gold the size of a fi ngernail latter introduced it to Tibet with the negative emotions of beings er, a golden vajra, nine­pronged ciple is said to have been Man­ into Manjusrimitra’s hands. The the version of the thirteen trans­ are virulent, when the energy and and luminous, emerged from jusrimitra. According to one his­ casket contained his testament lated texts of the Mind Series that power of beings are weak, when the princess’s heart. The vajra tory, at the time when Prahevajra in the form of three aphorisms, came to him through Vimalami­ THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus On Dzogchen Longde

11 ence. There is no difference whether thoughts arise or not. Ne tang den yang tenpa med feel, how this sensation really is, we realize that we are not This is what Garab Dorje said and this is the characteristic Even if it is contained in the physical body, the primordial talking about something really concrete and material like principle of Dzogchen. This the way that mitogpa should potentiality of wisdom depends on nothing and is limited sugar; sugar is only the secondary cause. Through this ex­ be understood in the Dzoghcen teachings. Even if you are by nothing. Our true condition is always beyond the limits perience, therefore we understand emptiness, not only in in a state of contemplation, you don’t think actively and of subject and object. itself but also in relation to something concrete or mate­ don’t get into judgement. Whatever happens, you are free. rial. If thoughts arise, that’s fi ne, but you don’t follow them Yuldu nangyang gagpa med For example, we can easily imagine a horse with horns, and don’t get into judging them. Neither do you run away Sometimes, mostly in the practices of Longde and Upade­ but in reality such a horse doesn’t exist, it is only a creation from them, but rather, you integrate with them. How can sha, our potentiality appears like an object, a thigle in of our own minds. We know what yaks’ horns or cows’ you integrate them? You are in instant presence and in in­ space. We can see it. It appears to be external, but it is our horns look like, and we know what a horse looks like, so stant presence everything is possible, so there’s no prob­ potentiality which is manifesting outside as if it was an mentally we can imagine a horned horse, but such a horse lem. This is the real meaning of mitogpa in the Dzogchen object. It seems to be an object but in reality this is our na­ doesn’t exist. This is an example of emptiness without Upadesha, but also in Semde and Longde. It’s important ture. The manifestation of our real nature is always there. function or meaning because such a phenomenon doesn’t to understand this point. It is uninterrupted, even if it sometimes seems as if it ap­ exist. On the other hand, the emptiness which we speak of So the second Da is that of mitogpa and here the verses pears or disappears outside of us. concerning the sweet is something concrete. If someone of Vairochana explain the principle of it. punches you, you feel pain and get angry immediately be­ Longchöd den yang chagpa med cause you have a material body, but if you look for the pain Dila yangdag ngözung med We can enjoy anything through the experience of vision you won’t fi nd it even if you feel it. In this case, the void The state of instant presence, which we can also call the and sensation but not in the ordinary way. In fact, nor­ doesn’t manifest a function because you feel the pain but state of contemplation, or the true nature, the primordi­ mally, as soon as we start to enjoy something we fall into likewise there is nothing that can be found. This means al state, or primordial potentiality, is not an object, it is attachment and so problems arise. But here, however, en­ that the void is also linked with something concrete and not something that can be confi rmed or defi ned: “It’s like joyment doesn’t create any problems. material. You have to understand this, however, through that, it seems like that.” We cannot confi rm anything. This experience and not just intellectually. Then it is possible to is our real nature. Tsulchen dila nepar gyi realize the non­duality of emptiness and sensation. This is The last verse of the second strophe also says: “Remain in a very particular upadesha. Tingdzin semkyi rigtsal med this state.” In the state of contemplation, there is nothing that can be Tampai dewa ngöndu ten looked for or found with judgement or with intellectual Then the text has the consonants of the Sanskrit alpha­ When we know that the true nature of sensation is emp­ knowledge. Once can only enter into this state through ex­ bet. In the Sanskrit and Oddiyana alphabets, the vowels tiness and remain in instant presence, without falling perience and not looking for or obtaining anything. represent energy and the consonants, method. The alpha­ into dualism, then sensation becomes something sacred bet, therefore, represents our total existence, potentiality, which is generally called bliss. The word dewa is some­ Lü tang ngaggi chatsal med energy etc. times translated as ‘bliss’ and sometimes as ‘sensation’, It’s the same thing particularly in the Upadesha and the but usually the term translated as ‘bliss’ is dewa chenpo, Semde. One does not reach the state of contemplation In the second part of the text there are two strophes. The mahasukha, which means total bliss. Anyway, this doesn’t through controlling the body or the energy because this is fi rst concerns the Da of sensation, dewa. In general dewa mean that totally realized beings feel bliss while ordinary tsolwa, or effort. Our real nature is beyond effort, therefore means sensation, which can be pleasant, unpleasant, sad beings have only the ordinary sensation of pleasure. It effort is not the principal means to enter into this state, etc. But sensations are always experiences linked with the depends. The average sensation, if we fall into dualism, because one cannot fi nd it by using effort. physical body and are therefore more concrete than the is an ordinary sensation, while if we don’t fall into dual­ experiences connected with clarity and the void. Conse­ ism and we remain in the knowledge that its real nature is Dila mig tang chatsal med quently, sensation is more important as an experience if non­dual with respect to emptiness, if we fi nd ourselves There is no need to do any visualization or transformation we are capable of using it correctly. in instant presence, then it is bliss. In Tantrism mahasukha practice in the tantric style where one always uses concen­ often means the sexual union of male and female, but in tration. There is nothing to search for or to fi nd in this Tongnyid dewai menngag jin the manifestation of Yab Yum divinities we speak of maha- way. We feel happy or sad because our physical body enters sukha and not sexual pleasure. Why? Because we don’t fall into contact with various secondary causes, and so we feel into dualism. For example, when you have sexual contact Kyejig jung yang gagdral med something concretely. But if we closely observe what we and you feel a pleasant sensation, usually you immediate­ Even if we suffer interruptions in our life such as birth and are feeling, or what it is that is really concrete, in reality ly fall into dualism and think: “Oh great, this is wonder­ death etc., nothing changes in our real nature. The pri­ we aren’t capable of explaining it, because our nature is ful.” Thus you create attachment, jealousy and many other mordial state and primordial potentiality are always the always emptiness. There is nothing which can be seen or problems. This is the samsaric sexual function, a sensa­ same. The example is that of the sun which always shines touched. We can only feel the sensation. For example, if tion which never produces anything good and is only a in the sky no matter what happens. we eat a sweet, we can taste sweetness. We can have the cause of suffering. We could never call it bliss. sensation but if we try to ask ourselves what do we really >> continued on the following page tra. The Space series (Longde) present great wisdom. As such, distinction of Longde with regard yogic contemplations that enable be followed in a gradual, sequen­ went from Sri Simha to Vairo­ all is primordially enlightened, to practice: “The essence [of the its recognition are emphasized tial manner. Nor would it be ap­ chana, and the Upadesha teach­ without action or effort. The To- practice in the] Space series is to chiefl y in the Mind series. propriate to give importance to ings known as Nyingthig (snying tal Space of Vajrasattva states: always be in the state of the non­ Subsequent to discovering the the Secret Instruction Series only. thig) were introduced to Tibet by objectifi able authentic condition essence of the mind as one’s own Rather, each series represents a Padmasambhava and later by Vi­ Naturally present wisdom [requires] beyond effort, based on the re­ primordial state, as expressed in path of total realization complete malamitra. no effort; alization that naturally present the second statement, “Do not re­ in itself. But how are these three series Through its own [self-]liberation, it wisdom and all phenomena that main in doubt,” the recognition Yet, as many practitioners in distinguished from each other? reveals the path to liberation. manifest from it abide nowhere of one’s primordial state needs the Dzogchen Community are in In terms of the persons for whom other than in the vast space of to become a certainty beyond wa­ the phase in which they need to the three series are taught, the Each of the three series empha­ Samantabhadra, the authentic vering. This is achieved by ripen­ reach certainty about their expe­ Great Array states: sizes a different aspect in ex­ condition which is primordial ing one’s capacity to remain in rience of the state of instant pres­ plaining the primordial state: liberation and natural purity.” a state of instant presence (the ence and to stabilize their capac­ The Mind Series is for persons in­ The different emphasis on recognition of one’s primordial ity for contemplation, Dzogchen clined to intellectualization; “The Mind Series [emphasizes] presentation and practice in the nature) through the contempla­ Longde is very useful. The Space series for those in­ freedom from the concept of three series seems to suggest tive methods emphasized in the In this regard, the Longde clined to the expanse of space; something to be renounced since that the three series represent Space Series. practice methods found in the And the Secret Instruction Series all phenomena are nothing oth­ a progression in the practice of Finally, as expressed in the Longsal teachings of Chögyal for those who do not strive after er than the mind’s essence. The Dzogchen. Also, Manjusrimitra’s third statement, “Gain confi ­ Namkhai Norbu offer us a unique stages. Space Series, which transcends classification of Prahevajra’s dence in self­liberation,” self­ and rare opportunity to apply this action, [emphasizes] freedom teachings into the three series re­ liberation needs to govern all series of Dzogchen. Moreover, In essence, however, the path of from the concept of an antidote fl ects three distinct moments of aspects of one’s existence until, this teaching is supplemented Atiyoga is a method that directly since all phenomena are totally the Dzogchen practice. through crucial body postures, by the Master’s very clear and self­liberates the individual in the perfected in the primordial state As expressed in the fi rst of Ga­ methods of gazing, and breath­ detailed commentary explaining state of primordial enlightenment, of Samantabhadri, the true na­ rab Dorje’s three statements, “Di­ ing techniques of the direct leap the Longsal Longde in a com­ without renunciation, acceptance, ture. The series of the secret in­ rectly discover your own state,” practice (thod rgal) of the Secret parative manner, citing the clas­ hope, or fear. In this regard there structions of profundity [empha­ fi rst is the need for direct intro­ Instruction Series, applied in re­ sic Longde writings alongside the is no difference between the three sizes] freedom from the limit­ duction, through which the mas­ lation to inner and outer focuses, Longsal instructions. series of Dzogchen. ing [concept] of things to be re­ ter introduces the essence of the deceptive vision ends in one’s Those who are seriously in­ Yet, with regard to emphasis nounced and [the concept of ] an mind to the disciple. The disciple own ground of being. terested in refi ning their knowl­ and practice, the three series do antidote since the essential char­ recognizes it directly and non­ The three series are presented edge and experience of Dzogchen differ. Generally speaking, in Ati­ acteristic of everything is the real conceptually through fi rst­hand as a progression. Nonetheless, it Longde have a wonderful oppor­ yoga phenomenal existence is the condition [already] established.” experience. The instructions that would be incorrect to think that tunity to learn this system in de­ total sphere of the dimension of In his Commentary to the Three explain the meaning of the es­ to achieve the fi nal result of the tail starting from the fourth level reality, or, in essence, naturally Vows, Dharmashri outlines the sence of the mind and reveal the Dzogchen practice they should of Santi Maha Sangha. THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus On Dzogchen Longde

12 Oral Commentary of the Root Upadesha on the Vajra Bridge of Longde An excerpt from the transcription of the Teaching given at Merigar West, July 2002 Translated by R. Bizzotto with the kind collaboration of F. Bizzotto Translated into English by Paola Zamperini Shang Shung Edizioni 2006

n the teaching of Dzogchen Longde one of the indis­ continuation to complete them. You can then understand pensable aspects is transmission. ‘Transmission’ is a why there are explanations of many dreams. I very generic term, but when we speak of direct intro­ This is the essence of Dzogchen Longde teaching. When duction then you can understand that it is the essence. We I was teaching, reading and learning the Dzogchen Longde always need direct introduction because otherwise there is in the traditional way, many things were not clear to me no connection with Guruyoga, and if there is no connec­ and I had doubts on many points. This was also because I tion with Guruyoga that means that we have no connec­ did not remember when I had received that teaching from tion with the transmission. So for the practice of Longde my teacher, and because we received teachings in a more we should work with this direct introduction. traditional way, not really explaining things one by one and Tönpa Ngöndzog Gyalpo. then trying to put all these things into practice. So today we Now I will explain this little book [The Root Upadesha on the try to do this in a more concrete way, also because I have (Lung) In general we have three main experiences, but Vajra Bridge of Longde in Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s Longsal had these dreams and have received this teaching, which what does ‘experience’ mean? It means that we feel some­ teachings, Vol.1, Shang Shung Edizioni 2001]. First of all, is very important. I understand one hundred percent of the thing concrete, for example, that we feel contact with our this teaching is the very essence of Dzogchen Longde and Dzogchen Longde teaching in this book so I can also ex­ physical body. If we put our fi nger in a fi re we feel pain: is related to many of my dreams. I have received many es­ plain it well and you can learn it. So now we go ahead with this is an experience. There are many experiences related sential teachings through my dreams, and maybe they are this book transmission and with the transmission of lung. with our body, speech and mind. Experiences related with very important for practitioners. […] It starts with Om A Hum: as you remember, Om A our physical body are sensations. When we eat something I had them not only once but many times, so all the Hum means the three Vajras, that is, the real state of body, sweet or sour and so on, we perceive it. At times we feel dreams are important because in order to have the whole speech and mind, and it also means the three Kayas – pain, at times we experience joy, but regardless of being teaching only one dream was not enough. Our dreams also Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, Nirmanakaya – because good or bad, these experiences are always related with that depend on time, so when I was dreaming, if for some rea­ everything is related with these three principles. This is kind of sensation and with our physical body. son I woke up, the teaching was not fi nished, or at times I followed by the homage to Tönpa Ngöndzog Gyalpo, who We also have sensations of feelings related with our en­ could not remember everything. Sometimes I remember a was one of the twelve primordial teachers before Bud­ ergy level, and these are called experiences of clarity. In dream immediately upon waking up and if I write it down dha Shakyamuni. Tönpa Ngöndzog Gyalpo taught and general clarity doesn’t mean only a manifestation, because in that moment it is easier, but sometimes I don’t remem­ transmitted the tantra of Dzogchen Longde. The root of many people immediately think, when we speak of clarity, ber it immediately. Many times, for example, I have had the Dzogchen Longde teaching is the tantra of Dzogchen that clarity refers to a manifestation. But clarity can be in an interesting dream that I don’t remember when I wake Longe, thus Tönpa Ngöndzog Gyalpo is a very important the context of both pure and impure vision. I see my cup, up and then later, when I’m giving a teaching and I’m ex­ teacher and the root of the transmission of Longde is re­ there is tea inside, and I drink it, and this is also part of plaining something related with this dream, I remember lated with Ngöndzog Gyalpo. Who is he? Ngöndzog Gyal­ clarity. I see the cup and have that contact. Of course it is it, but in that moment I have to teach and cannot think po is an enlightened being manifesting as a teacher who easy to understand pure vision as a part of clarity. about the dream. So when I am back home I try to write it transmitted that knowledge. Also in Tantrism we fi nd the While the experience of clarity is something related down, but then maybe I remember it less well. Then many Sambhogakaya manifestation of Tönpa Ngöndzog Gyal­ with our energy level, the experience of emptiness, or mi- dreams are necessary to have the complete teaching, and po and related practices of transformation, so when we togpa, is related to our mind. We have body, speech and there are still many teachings I have received in my dreams do Guruyoga, sometimes we also need the knowledge of mind and we also have characteristic experiences related that are not fi nished and I hope I can still have their dream Tönpa Ngöndzog Gyalpo. with these three aspects. These three experiences are like

>> continued from previous page Shing kham nyikar de longchöd Lezhi dralwai ngödrub yin Bliss, however, consists of the fact that, even if we have Then it is no longer necessary to distinguish between pure The real obtainment beyond the four actions of the Vajra, sexual contact and feel a sensation of pleasure, this sensa­ and impure vision, it is not longer necessary to transform Karma, Ratna and Padma families, those actions in Tan­ tion becomes like wood added to a fi re which feeds the impure into pure vision; one can enjoy everything just as it is. trism which one applies, one by one, in order to obtain fi re. This sensation, in fact, develops wisdom because it something. is not conditioned by attachment and dualistic vision. In Tsulchen dila nepar gyi such a case, we speak of sacred pleasure; which means The last verse says: “Remain in this state,” that is, practice Chingdral tönpe tawa yin that we manifest bliss. the Da of dewa. This is what is called ‘the state beyond,’ ladawa in Tibetan, which means beyond all, and when we are beyond there is Rigpai regjai dewa yin Then there is the fi nal strophe which concerns the fourth nothing which is conditioned or limited by anything. This is actually the sensation of pleasure or dewa which Da. The fi rst Da dealt with clarity, the second withmitogpa , is linked to instant presence. This means that through and the third with sensation. These fi rst three Das are re­ Dawa mepai tamtsig yin the potentiality of sound, rays and lights we discover how lated to the voice, the mind and the body. When we unify This is the state of our samaya. In the Dzogchen teachings, one’s true nature manifests. them and practice these three experiences together, no samaya means always to try to fi nd oneself in the state of longer separately, we have the fourth Da, the Da of yermed contemplation, not distracted, or at least to try to be like Dewa rigpa chenpo te or inseparability. this; but in this state, we are also beyond samaya. We don’t When we experience the sensation of pleasure, through We can thus have the naked experience of instant pres­ worry about it any more because we are already in the state pleasure itself we fi nd ourselves in the state of rigpa. This ence, which is the ultimate goal of the Four Das, the state of contemplation. is the state of total contemplation. of contemplation. Through this experience we discover naked instant presence, and this is equivalent to the sec­ Togdzin pangpai sangye yin Dewa chenpo rö kangwa ond principle of Garab Dorje, don’t remain in doubt.” This is enlightenment, the state of Buddha, beyond all Then one is always fi lled with total bliss. Here it saysdewa concepts. chenpo, total bliss. Tsolwa dralwai ngödrub yin This is the obtainment beyond effort, Tsulchen dila nepar gyi Chigtu düpai dechen yin The last verse says: “Remain in this state!” In this practice This is actually what is called total bliss, which is the union Gyudre mepai tharthug yin the fourth Da also represents the fruit, that which we re­ of all of our existence and all of our experiences. The fi nal goal beyond cause and effect, alize. Now we are in the state of Samantabhadra. We are actually like Samantabhadra or Vajrasattva. Dewa chenpo midral zung Ngagtsig dralwai nüthu yin Maintaining and continuing this presence of bliss, The supreme fi nal potentiality beyond the reciting ofman- The Sanskrit vowels appear here in the text, which repre­ tras, sent all manifestations of energy. Dewa gyepai wangthob te These are the words written by Vairochana on the tsulshing, You obtain an increase of bliss. Thanyed dralwai töntsön yin and we consider them to be the base of the practice of the The real meaning beyond all symbols and words used to Four Das.  explain how it is and how you get there, THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Focus On Dzogchen Longde

13 the conclusion of all experiences. In a real sense, every­ thing in our life is experience; this is very important be­ cause when we know that there are these possibilities, our The Story of whole life becomes practice since experiences are the way, the method, to engage in practice. In general in different kinds of practices, and in par­ Pang Mipham ticular in Tantrism, we go through these three experiences one by one, and through them we then try to get in our real knowledge. In the method of Dzogchen Longde there Gönpo is the possibility to be in all three experiences at the same Transcribed from oral teachings given in Barcelona, moment. This is called the fourth experience, yermed, non­ October 3, 2010 separation of three experiences.

(Lung) This means that we learn this kind of experience ou may remember the famous teacher of Dzogchen not only in an intellectual way, whereby I explain it to you Longde, Pang Mipham Gönpo, who was a very great and you think you understood that there are three experi­ Y teacher and practitioner of this Anuyoga tantra. In ences. We must experience it concretely, and then we have Anuyoga transformation there is the Tonpa Ngondzog that knowledge, and with that knowledge we can get in Gyalpo practice and although he had done this practice all a state of contemplation. How is that possible? Because his life, he still had not really realized the non­duality of our real nature, our real condition – which is called the the two states. Then he heard that there was this famous state of Dzogchen – is beyond explanation. The teacher teaching called Dzogchen – when you have knowledge of can neither explain nor show it. The teacher cannot do it you can have realization quickly – and the teacher of this remain in doubt and we are a hundred percent sure. Vairo­ anything to make you understand this concretely. For this teaching was called Vairocana. Vairocana had been in East cana said that he would teach him Dzogchen Longde. reason in the Sutra teaching it is also said that the Prajna­ Tibet and was now returning to Central Tibet and Pang In Dzogchen Longde we work with visions – ‘long’ paramita is beyond explanation. But if we cannot do any­ Mipham Gönpo thought that it would be a very good op­ means ‘space’. Our potentiality manifests in space so thing, how can we then have knowledge? It is possible to portunity to meet Vairocana while he was travelling from when there are visions we know that this is our real nature. get in that knowledge but regarding this point you must the east to the centre. Then we need to integrate in the state of tregchö. In this way be careful. You are practitioners of Dzogchen, you follow He managed to meet Vairocana who explained just a lit­ it is very important that we use special physical positions the Dzogchen teaching but not all traditions and schools tle to him about Dzogchen teaching, about self­liberation, to control our body. do. Particularly the Gelugpa and the Sakyapa traditions directly from mind to nature of mind, not using pure and Pang Mipham Gönpo was very old and it was not very do not accept direct introduction. If you were to tell them impure vision or transformation or spending many years easy to maintain these positions so he used a stick, gomten, you received direct introduction, they would ask you what on these kinds of practices. Pang Mipham Gönpo was very for controlling the energy points and maintaining stability direct introduction meant. If you tried to explain it, they interested but said that it was a pity that he hadn’t met while he was sitting in a very precise position. And in par­ would refute it and would never accept it. Why? Because Vairo cana until that moment. At the time he was more than ticular Vairocana gave him a tsulshing that is used as sup­ they think more along the lines of the intellectual study of 90 years old. He said that if he had to take up any type of po­ port for controlling the waves of energy. When these waves Madhyamika, and in Madhyamika, Nagarjuna said there sition, even a prostration, it was very diffi cult for him now. of energy are controlled we can have certain experiences is no confi rmation. If there is no confi rmation then how Vairocana explained to him that he had knowledge of that help very much in developing visions, etc. can you introduce? That is why it is said that knowledge is Dzogchen teachings and could transmit that knowledge He prepared a special tsulshing for Pang Mipham Gön­ beyond explanation. But if it were true that there is no pos­ to him. It would not depend on his age. He said that there po. The centre of the tsulshin was a bit rounded and on this sibility, why then would we have the teaching? We would was no difference whether he was very young or 90 years part Vairocana wrote some verses explaining the way to not need it if there were nothing to do. But the teaching old. It also would not depend on whether he was a scholar do visualization and he reminded Pang Mipham Gönpo is there, and there is also the possibility of having realiza­ or had received no education. This is how real knowledge to look at the tsulshing, read and remember [his instruc­ tion, so that means there is also the possibility of intro­ of Dzogchen is. tions], and use it when he did this practice. And that was duction. So, for example, the Nyingmapa and the Kagyupa Then Pang Mipham Gönpo was very happy and asked the way that Pang Mipham Gönpo did practice. schools have no problem in accepting direct introduction Vairocana to give him teachings. Vairocana knew that Pang After a few years Pang Mipham Gönpo was older but he in the Dzogchen way. So you must be careful not to discuss Mipham Gönpo had spent his whole life doing Heruka manifested the Rainbow Body. He transmitted this teach­ it with people who follow the Sakyapa and Gelugpa tradi­ Ngondzog Gyalpo practice so he transmitted [teachings] ing to his students including those who had followed him tions. You have no duty to convert these people, you can connected with Ngondzog Gyalpo to him because this previously. There were four or fi ve generations who con­ never to that, so it is much better that you pay respect to teacher, Ngondzog Gyalpo, had taught Dzogchen Longde tinually manifested the Rainbow Body and the Longde their belief in their system, and if you are interested then teachings. When we apply Longde teachings we no longer teachings became very famous.  you do that practice. This is what you should do. In the Dzogchen way, direct introduction does not mean that the teacher explains by saying, “This is the primor­ mouth and then you taste it. There is no need really for one (Lung) This is beyond all our considerations and intellec­ dial state.” No teacher could do it that way. The teacher kilogram of chocolate, a small piece will do, you put it in tual knowledge. These are not just words, you can also un­ explains through oral transmission: what I explained yes­ your mouth and you discover what sweet tastes like. If I derstand it concretely. Even if you cannot understand it in terday and what I’m explaining today are all oral transmis­ then asked you to say what sweet looks like, you could not terms of your real nature, think of the example of choco­ sions. To make you discover what self­liberation means I explain it except by saying that it’s very sweet! late, of how when you taste it for the fi rst time there is no gave you the example of the mirror. It is not necessary to Direct introduction is similar. You cannot explain it way you can explain it – this is what ‘beyond all explana­ show you the mirror in a ceremony. When I say ‘mirror’ but you can really experience it. This is called direct in­ tions’, ‘beyond consideration’ means. you know very well what a mirror is and what its function troduction, this is working with our transmission, with is. Nowadays in each house people have fi ve, six, seven the experience of the symbolic and the oral transmissions (Lung) Yeshe zangthal means the transparent wisdom in our mirrors everywhere, even in the toilet! together, and when you are in the same moment with the real potentiality. Rangthag chöd means that we fi nally have Once you can understand what a mirror is, then you teacher in that experience, that also means connecting that knowledge forever. It does not mean that you think, must also refl ect on its function, and on how it works. with the transmission. Connecting with transmission is “Oh, I have got it, this is it!” in an intellectual way. You can This is something important: when I explain it that way just like turning on a lamp: if you want to have light you decide anything but it does not really correspond in real­ it is in order to make you understand how to get in real must connect the lamp to the electricity, and if you are not ity. But with your experience, doubts disappear, you know knowledge, in self­liberation. This is called symbolic connected there is no light. In the same way you connect how it is, you do not need to make any decision. When you transmission and is more related with our physical body with the transmission by being together with the teacher decide something in an intellectual way, it means that you on a more material level, while the oral transmission is and in that instant you can have that experience. Once you do not have knowledge. Perhaps today you decide some­ related more with our aspect of voice. Direct transmission have discovered it, then you know it forever. thing, but tomorrow you discover something else and then is related more with our mind level. After I have given you But this does not mean that you are always in that expe­ what you had discovered earlier becomes false, and you go the oral and the symbolic transmissions, you know how rience. If you put a small piece of chocolate in your mouth, on this way. direct introduction works. For example, I tell you all to do it disappears after a few minutes, it doesn’t mean you have a type of visualization, and with this visualization you can that taste forever. In order to taste sweetness again you (Lung) The method of Dzogchen Longde called dorje zampa, get in such a kind of experience of emptiness, or clarity, or need more chocolate or sugar, only then can you prolong meaning Vajra Bridge, has many different explanations, something else, and through that experience then I give the taste of sweet. In the same way you also may have dis­ but it is used a lot in the Longde practice, and it is char­ you introduction and you discover your true nature. This is covered your real nature, but this does not mean that you acteristic of this method. What does Vajra Bridge mean? the universal way to learn anything. are enlightened and that immediately you can remain in Some people say that it is the bridge between our physi­ For example, if you want to discover what the taste of that state forever. But at least now you have a very good cal body and the Body of Light, because many Dzogchen sweet is like if you have never tasted it in your life and you example of what is called wisdom. In this case we speak Longde practitioners realized the Rainbow Body. When have no idea of what sweet tastes like, if someone needs to of Son Wisdom, which is only the experience you have. our real physical body dissolves in its real nature, that is, introduce you to it, it is not for this someone to come every Mother Wisdom, on the other hand, is in your real poten­ in the lights of the fi ve elements, the manifestation of that day in front of you and tell you that sweet tastes like this tiality. When, one day, they meet together that means you dimension is called Rainbow Body. This is one concrete and that. Even if there were many books explaining what have realization. This way you can understand how you explanation of the term. Another explanation of Vajra sweetness tastes like and you read them all, you could nev­ can be in a state of contemplation. Bridge is related more to the method of teachings. While er get in real knowledge. In this sense, knowledge is be­ Dzogchen Semde works mainly with direct introduction, yond explanation, and the same holds true also for our real Upadesha, since one already has knowledge, works most­ nature. But with experience we can discover it. I can give ly towards integrating in that state. Dzogchen Longde is you a small piece of chocolate and tell you to put it in your between these two methods, so it connects them.  THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News

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

Membership 2011 membership of Merigar West consisted planned, with the top activity in Sum- that the English language newspaper Ling and towns: contact the Yellow of the following types of members: very mer 2011. Your timely Membership of the international Dzogchen Commu- Gakyil or the person in charge erigar West is the fi rst Gar few Meritorious (22, down from 2009) helps us to have the funds available at nity, The Mirror, is free for all Members founded by Master Chögyal but making up 7 % of the total value of the right time. online when they renew their member- How to Renew: MNamkhai Norbu almost 30 membership, 18 % Sustaining members This year, to provide an incentive, if ship, while Meritorious and Sustaining bank transfer to: years ago. It has developed as the making up 48 % of the total value of memberships fees are fully paid before members are entitled to a free paper Banca Etruria, Castel del Piano branch, leading Gar in terms of knowledge and membership, 52 % Ordinary members March, members will get a free course subscription as well. In addition, re- GR, Italy innovation for all the International making up 37 % and 29 % Reduced or retreat with an authorized teacher. newed membership allows you to get c/c n. 1718 ABI 05390 CAB 72190 Community. Besides its own activities, members making up only 8 %. As you For people who wish to pay one of the password to the closed webcasts. IBAN code IT68 Y053 9072 1900 0000 Merigar West pays for the four main can see, Sustaining membership is the the three standard fees, but fi nd it dif- Making or renewing membership 0001 718 teachers of Yantra Yoga and Vajra most important type for Merigar West fi cult to do so in a single payment, they can be done in various ways including SWIFT/BIC code ARBAIT33126 Dance, who are developing and super- and it is also the most affordable for a will be able to pay part of their member- online. You can also pay through your Postal account (for Italy) vising new teachers. It also sustains the Member who plans to attend several ship fi rst and then complete their pay- local Ling. With a bank giro slip or postal money webcast service for the entire Commu- retreats and courses in a year, with a ments within a reasonable time. In this We would particularly like to send order payable to post offi ce account nity, allowing all Members to listen to discount of 80 %.1 way we hope to favour members who a message to the Lings, as organizers 1044558 payable to: Comunità most of the teachings without moving However, economical reasons wish to upgrade their membership or of local activities, courses and teach- Dzogchen - loc. Merigar - 58031 from home (… and without paying for should not be the main motivation for a those who wish to maintain their level ings. The role of the Lings is essential in Arcidosso the retreat), giving, therefore, huge practitioner. Rinpoche has emphasized of membership in the current diffi cult developing the teaching and the Com- By paypal or credit card: benefi t to practitioners. many times the importance of the in- economic situation. munity, and hence also in collecting [email protected] The most important income for volvement of each of us in Community We have already pointed out that the Membership, increasing its quality and Loc. Merigar 58031 Arcidosso GR Merigar West comes from Member- activity for maintaining the teaching in rich program of 2011 not only requires quantity and giving continuity to the (Grosseto) Italy ship fees that are collected directly or a pure way and for developing it. Not the support of all Members of the Com- fl ow of Memberships. The fi nal point through the local Lings. In 2009 the everyone has the time and opportunity munity, but it is also a good economical means also transferring membership creation of Merigar East as a sepa- to do that directly, but we can show our opportunity for the two highest types of fees to Merigar West not once a year Free Workshop on Tibetan rate economic entity (linked with the involvement and respect by renewing Membership: Meritorious (1,500 € with or even later, but more frequently and Thankha Painting and Restor- Eastern Europe countries) impacted our membership at the beginning of almost1 everything free, including new earlier. In 2011 the contact between ing the Paintings in the Temple on the situation of Merigar West, and the year (or even in advance). The ser- books and other) and Sustaining (500 € Merigar West and the Lings will be of Great Liberation at the end of that year the number of vices that we pay for (retreats, courses, with 80 % discount on activities1). tighter to get a more fl uid and timely under the Guidance of Migmar Ciren memberships was down 7.5 % and the webcast, books and so on) are available The special Reduced fee (50 € with fl ow of payments. April 1–June 30, 2011 value of membership down 2 % on the in quantity and quality right from the 50 % discount on activities1) is reserved Lastly, to those few people who have previous year. The situation at the end beginning of the year and we can enjoy for people with no or very low income, not renewed their 2010 Membership The workshop will be held in the Gonpa. of September 2010 has improved with the benefi ts of membership immedi- who really cannot afford Ordinary yet: please do it now and (why not) get Merigar West offers accommodation membership being up 12.5 % compared ately (e. g. the retreat with Khyentse membership (129 € with 20 % discount your 2011 membership ahead of time! and food for those participating. to the end of 2009 (+4 % over 2008). Yeshi Silvano Namkhai at the beginning on activities1). We rely on the self- Only those who have knowledge and experi- Regarding the amount collected for of January 2011 at Merigar). responsibility of each practitioner to The Yellow Gakyil of Merigar West ence of painting techniques for restoration membership, there has been little dif- Moreover, 2011 is the 30th anniver- apply this special fee. should apply. Those participating should ference between 2008, 2009 and 2010, sary of Merigar West and many special Membership fees are the same as in participate for at least one month. as the growing band of membership interesting but expensive projects are 2010 both in costs and benefi ts and full How to Subscribe for the fi rst time: Those interested should contact the Red concerns mainly the lower fees. At the details will be given in another commu- Merigar: contact the Secretary (Anna De Gakyil: [email protected] with a 1 Excluded teachers training, SMS exams, end of September the more than 2300 Shang Shung Institute courses nication. We would like to remind you Sole or Lucia Sblendorio) short career description.

Zhitro Purifi cation Retreat September 17–19

Martha Heinen

his year a three­day week­ end retreat at Merigar T West was the framework for the annual Zhitro retreat with the practice of purifi cation for the deceased. I was happy that I had the opportunity to go and at­ tend that retreat even when I fi rst thought: oh, only three days, such a short time! Typical judgement of the monkey­mind! But like al­ ways, fi nally sitting in the Gonpa at Merigar, in the presence of our Master and surrounded by all the people it feels like being at home. The silence before the webcast starts, the feeling of community, a feeling of joy, slowly to relax and Photo: L. Gräf to be only here and now in that moment. And that very moment In this context Rinpoche Another aspect he mentioned changed from summer to au­ rious presence of wishful love for “my monkey” and me start to let stressed once again that the most strongly is not to limit ourselves tumn. It got colder, darker and their liberation. And at the mo­ go and open up to appreciate and important practice in Dzogchen or mix the teachings with limita­ started to rain. The weather ment in the practice of purifying participate in Rinpoche’s power­ is Guruyoga, to train in fi nding tions. To summarize: liberation seemed to support our effort in all the obstacles and hindrances ful ability to guide us all into time­ oneself in the same state of pres­ cannot be gained through limi­ concentrating more on life in­ of the deceased with water and less space fi lled with deep mean­ ence as the master. And that this tation but needs openness and a side. When we fi nally did the fi re when Rinpoche burns all the ing. Always new and very unique. practice needs no special place Dzogchen practitioner is free to practice together for the deceased papers with the many names, it So in four teaching sessions and no special time yet can be use everything to develop with­ there was strong and intense con­ started to rain heavily and a thun­ we received very essential ex­ trained in any circumstance of out reservation. As one example centration and energy there and I derstorm with lightening whirled planations and instructions on our life. That is what we have to Rinpoche referred to an interview felt a bit as if all my ancestors and around the Gonpa seeming to Dzogchen in general and on the do and not to forget, while most with the Dalai Lama who when dead friends were actually attend­ join in the practice. Purifying ele­ Zhitro in particular, including other things are secondary and asked what he felt is the worst ing. Not only mine but the same ments, water and fi re, true refl ec­ a condensed initiation into this relative. That is the great chance thing replied: sectarianism. for all of the people who were tion! special practice. and challenge of the path of self­ During these three days of there and their relations – many liberation! retreat the weather suddenly many beings all around and a se­ THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News MerigarWest 15

Passages he fi rst time I met Paolo and reportages, especially when Brunatto was at Rinpoche’ he worked for the Italian televi­ Died: Paolo Brunatto T home in Pozzuoli, in sion. He was a demanding artist, n Wednesday September 1975. My mother and I were there always with an original, unusual 15th, in the evening, our visiting Chögyal Namkhai Norbu perspective – and courageous: he O friend and Vajra brother and requesting him to give teach­ never restrained from diving into Paolo Brunatto left us. ings to our group of friends in dangerous situations and risky Rome. Paolo, Poupee and Ma­ areas to interview the most elu­ Paolo was one of our Master’s rio Maglietti were there with the sive rebel chiefs, or to document fi rst disciples, who, together same intention, and they were the conditions of people living with his wife Poupee, always act­ staying in Rome. After that day under hard dictatorship. He also ed for the benefi t of the Commu­ we met many times in Rome, and relentlessly collaborated with nity. Paolo and Poupee’s house, when Rinpoche fi nally consented the Community and the Shang on Appia Antica in Rome, was to grant us a retreat with him, Shung Institute, generously put­ always open to all practitioners, we were together in Subiaco in ting his skills and knowledge at not only for collected practices, 1976. The impression I received the service of the Teaching. but also for personal retreats and of Paolo was of someone with a to host Rinpoche every time he very strong devotion and dedica­ In the last period of his life he and stopped in Rome. tion to the teachings, and always Poupee went to live in a secluded generous with anecdotes in his village in the mountains south of Paolo, director and fi lm maker, conversations about these top­ Rome, and dedicated themselves always put his professional skills ics and about the Lamas they had mainly to practice and personal at the service of the Community Paolo and Poupee. met in India and received teach­ retreats. Always very hospitable and of the Shang Shung Insti­ ings from. He never bragged with sisters and brothers of Vajra, tute in particular. He started the the Shang Shung kingdom was Merigar, long before digital video or dropped names but was very they provided to many the possi­ video archives of the Dzogchen shot, which is still preserved in cameras were easily available, is humble and sincere, and com­ bility of retreating away from the community by collecting footage the video archives. Rinpoche’s mainly thanks to Paolo and his municated a sincere devotion. distractions of everyday life into from different sources related to travels and teachings, mainly expertise. a warm and welcoming practice the Dharma and the Community fi lmed by Fabio Andrico, were He was a dedicated and well­ cove. and he also created many of the edited by Paolo in “With a Lama For those who knew him, he known fi lmaker, adhering to earlier practice videos that are around the world”. He was also was not just a brother, but also what was then called the “un­ Goodbye Paolo, my friend, my still used today. very supportive of the Video Jour­ a friend and an advisor. The last derground” current. A few times older Vajra Brother, I will miss nal project since its inception in months of his life were an exam­ he invited me to play live to his our conversations, your witty He was with Rinpoche and oth­ 2003, always ready to offer advice ple of peaceful and aware accep­ fi lms, with titles like “Vieni Dol­ sense of humour, even our argu­ er students on the trip to Mount and suggestions. If, nowadays, tance of the passage which awaits ce Morte” or “Merry Mario”, and ments. Sometimes, when I feel Kailash in 1988. From that ex­ the Dzogchen Community has a us all. with time we developed a work­ like it, I will try to follow your ex­ perience the documentary “Kai­ video archive and if we are able ing relationship. He asked me ample. lash” was produced and a great to see Rinpoche and his students to compose the music to quite a quantity of footage concerning at the times of the beginning of few of his many documentaries Costantino Albini

How to liberate emotions Regarding accommodation and about Yantra Yoga advanced course Austria according the Three Paths of Yeselling please visit our website: Germany with Elke Glander Liberation www.yeselling.at 03. 12.–05. 12. Munich New Gakyil of the Dzogchen Public talk by Oliver Leick Yantra Yoga – beginner course reg.: martin.fl [email protected] Community Austria Regions January 22, 2011, 2–6 pm 8 Lungsang * Blue: Oliver Leick * France with Elke Glander Yantra Yoga – advanced course (also international contact person) Explanation and practice of the Paris 22. 10.–24. 10. Munich 1. Group of Yantra Red: Monika Klietmann Inner Rushan – The Purifi cation reg.: martin.fl [email protected] with Elke Glander Yellow: Ingrid Samlicki of the Six Lokas The Dance of the Six Spaces of * 18. 02.–20. 02. Munich +43 676 3221365 Seminar led by Oliver Leick Samantabhadra Yantra Yoga: 3. & 4. Group of reg.: martin.fl [email protected] [email protected] March 4–6, 2011 Led by Nadia Poureau Yantras * www.yeselling.at, www.dzogchen.at First day: 6–8 pm, Under the supervision of Prima Mai with Laura Evangelisti Vajra Dance, Vajra Song * Saturday: 10 am–1 pm and 4–6.30 pm, November 26, 27 and 28 29. 10.–01. 11. Dargyäling, Cologne Part 1 and 2 Yeselling Sunday: 10 am–1 pm, then Ganapuja Open to all reg.: martin.fl [email protected] with Karin Heinemann We are pleased to inform you about the Only people who have received the transmis- Schedule: * 30. 04.–13. 05. Höfen upcoming events at Yeselling, the Ling of the sion of Rinpoche can attend that course November 26: 7–10 pm Yantra Yoga for learning registration: Dzogchen Community Austria in East Styria. * November 27: 11 am–6 pm Kumbhaka [email protected] Explanation and practice of November 28: noon–8 pm with Laura Evangelisti * Practice retreat on the Instruc- “The Seven Semdzin” Location: 05. 11.–07. 11. Hamburg Yantra Yoga – advanced course tion and Practice of the Secret Seminar led by Oliver Leick Les Mains d’Oeuvres reg.: martin.fl [email protected] 3. Group of Yantra Khorde Rushan April 8–10, 2011 1, rue Charles Garnier in Saint Ouen * with Elke Glander Seminar led by Oliver Leick First day: 6–8 pm, (93400) – Paris suburb SMS Base 13. 05.–15. 05. Munich January 1–6, 2011 Saturday: 10 am–1 pm and 4–6.30 pm, Transportation by metro or bus (details with Alexander (Sasha) Pubants reg.: martin.fl [email protected] First day: 5–8 pm, all other days: Sunday: 10 am–1 pm, then Ganapuja upon request) 12. 11.–14. 11. Höfen * 10 am–1 pm and 4–6.30 pm, Only people who have received the transmis- Price: registration: [email protected] Jnanadakini Vajra Dance last day: 10 am–1 pm, then Ganapuja sion of Rinpoche can attend that course 130 euros with usual discounts for * practice retreat Only people who have received the transmis- members Vajra Dance, Vajra Song Part 1 with Karin Heinemann sion of Rinpoche can attend that course Oliver Leick is authorized teacher of Only 10 Pamo and 10 Pamo. So please send with Karin Heinemann 17. 06.–22. 06. Höfen Important: This practice retreat will Santi Maha Sangha Base Level and your registration quickly to: 19. 11.–23. 11. Dargyäling, Cologne registration: only held if at least 7 people will sign up instructor of the First Level of Yantra [email protected] registration: [email protected] until the December 15, 2010, otherwise Yoga. [email protected] it will be canceled. *

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. 106 · September, October 2010 France

16

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Retreat at Karma Ling Institute L. Lhundroup

högyal Namkhai Norbu Rin poche was at Karma C Ling Institute for a three­ day retreat last October invited by Denys Rinpoche and the Sangha Rimay. Rinpoche taught the es­ sence of Dzogchen based on the vajra testament of the supreme teacher Garab Dorjé to Acharya Manjushrimitra: “Recognizing one’s own nature Certain of the unique conclusion Established in the free confidence.” Photo: Lama Sengué

Photo: R. Piro

This retreat was the fruit of the The connection between the profound spiritual friendship Dzogchen Community and the that has developed over the last Sangha Rimay is based on the es­ twenty years between Chögyal sence of the teaching, namely Ma­ Namkhai Norbu and Lama De­ hamudra & Dzogchen, the heart nys. It is the fourth time Chö­ transmission of the Dharma and Photo: Lama Sengué gyal Namkhai Norbu has taught of both communities. Consider­ at Karma Ling. Denys Rinpoche ing the importance of mutual un­ and joyful spirit he generously Vairocana yantra yoga will also munity whose help and collabo­ was also at Merigar in 2008 to derstanding and appreciation in shares in every moment. It was be organized in Karma Ling with ration has been very precious and teach Mind Training (tib. blo sby- 2007 Norbu Rinpoche and Denys an opportunity to make friend Laura Evangelisti as well as Nam­ we look forward to further fruitful ong) as transmitted in the Atisha Rinpoche exposed this vision of and deepen our good relations kha training and we propose to exchanges. Making wishes from tradition. cooperation in a Samaya Fellow­ with Rinpoche’s disciples and at­ invite teachers to present the San­ the heart for the long life and the Considering the erudition, ex­ ship (tib. dam drogs): tendants who travelled with him. ti Maha Sangha. development of Rinpoche’s im­ perience and realization of Chö­ The Dzogchen Community and During some free time, the day We wish that all those good mense activity we sincerely renew gyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche the Sangha Rimay are two Buddhist before the retreat we went for a projects will be realized for the our invitation whenever it will be and his great activity in the trans­ communities with their own history thermal bath and relaxation in benefit of all. We would like to possible. mission in the West, Lama Denys and their own specific approach to the the Allevard resort near the Insti­ particularly thank the French has always considered him as an teachings. Both acknowledge the es- tute. Rinpoche also spent a long members of the Dzogchen Com­ example and wished to develop sential unity of Buddha Dharma un- time in informal conversations, close cooperation with him. Chö­ derlying its diversity, the final goal sharing his knowledge of the gyal Namkhai Norbu came to Kar­ being the same for all (…).The heart tradition, answering questions, ma Ling in 1998, 2001 and 2006 link between the two communities is making jokes and showing how Books by and gave important transmissions particularly strong as they both find to play Tibetan games; Rinpoche like the Dark retreat instructions a common source of inspiration in the also kindly spoke about some Chögyal from the Yangthig ngapo ser gyi Rimay movement inspired by great significant part of his extraordi­ 'bru gcig and the Nyingthig Mapu Tibetan masters of different lineages: nary life story in Tibet as well as (Heart essence of Mother and Son, such as Djamyang Kyentsé Wangpo how he came in Italy to develop Namkhai Norbu composed by Jamgön Kontrül from the Sakya school, Jamgön Kon- his research on ancient Tibet and Lodrö Thayé) which condenses trül Lodrö Thayé from the Kagyü how circumstances brought him the secret and profound Dzogchen school or Terchen Chogyur Lingpa to start teaching in the West. upadesha of Vimala mitra and from the Nyingmapa school. Some new initiatives emerged ◆ Yantra Yoga Padma sam bhava as well as their The damdrogs was also a source in order to go ahead concretely in ◆ Dream Yoga and the exposition by Longchen Rajam of exchanges with Luigi Ottaviani our cooperation: Practice of Natural Light and Karmapa Ranjung Dorjé. This and Yeshi Namkhai who recently Education being a major is­ teaching of the Mapu Nyingthig taught in the Paris Sangha Loka. sue, we requested Chögyal Nam­ ◆ Dzogchen Teachings has been, from the beginning, the The damdrogs expresses the sa­ khai Norbu‘s vision and shared ◆ The Supreme Source core of the Dzogchen transmis­ cred dimension of the heart link with him the projects developed sion in the Sangha Rimay. This is of the two Sangha. Concretely, in the Sangha Rimay in this area. ◆ Dzogchen: The Self- why Denys Rinpoche requested it it is an expression of the wish Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gave Perfected State particularly. It has been transmit­ to work together in reciprocity his advice for an education based ◆ The Crystal and the Way ted in the six losum chosum (three in all the possible areas of coop­ on responsibility and his support year retreat) as well as in the sum­ eration: transmission, Dharma for the Nature’s Scouts, a Buddhist of Light mer retreats he leads every year. studies, translation, publishing, scout movement (www.edln.org), The translation in French by De­ humanitarian projects and com­ inspired by Denys Rinpoche, that nys Rinpoche of Jamgön Kon­ munication, etc. It aims at help­ is now growing in France. The trül Lodrö Thayé’s manual, “The ing each other in order to assure Nature’s scouts are open to all Immaculate Words” that compiles the best continuity of the trans­ and propose activities during the all the Upadesha of Trekchö and mission and its integration in our year and summer camps for chil­ Thögel will be published soon modern world. dren from 8 to 18 years old. www.SnowLionPub.com with a preface by Chögyal Nam­ Norbu Rinpoche’s visit to Concretely, Chögyal Namkhai Tibetan Buddhist news and thousands of items online. khai Norbu. It will be available for Karma Ling is always a great in­ Norbu gave his benediction to FREE quarterly newsletter 800-950-0313 practitioners having received the spiration, a precious occasion to introduce yantra yoga and vajra and catalog on request. [email protected] transmission. feel in his presence the powerful dances for children. Sessions of THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Spain

17

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Barcelona Jamyang Oliphant

he seven­day retreat took place in a large modern T auditorium in a business district in central Barcelona. Ev­ ery morning we walked through big glass doors and past the re­ ception where a doorman wear­ ing a suit looked curiously at the international disciples of the Ti­ betan master dressed in bright colours, whose arrival was an­ nounced every morning by the blowing of a large conch shell. It was a very different setting from that of other retreats I have at­ tended; for example in Roma­ nia, where all we had was a tent pitched in the middle of a field. The auditorium was very well set up, with various stalls sell­ ing everything from Asian bling to practice books to colourful t­shirts. Many events took place Photo: H. Hansen throughout the retreat, such as a very informative introductory ed by explaining the importance darma and his historical position ute in any shape or form they may tient beings as Dakas and Dakinis talk on Tibetan medicine by Doc­ of distinguishing the mind from and vilification. He even spoke be able to. Rinpoche told us that so that everything impure can be tor Phuntsok Wangmo, who is the nature of the mind and spoke on the etymology of the word he personally donated 30,000 perceived as pure. Guru yoga and a Tibetan doctor and director about direct introduction. Direct khri and the origin of the Tibetan euros for this project. Moved awareness in daily life should be of the American branch of the introduction is not a blessing or royal family. Besides giving pro­ by this, the Dessole brothers, our primary practice, rituals real­ Shang Shung Institute. Andrea a miracle and there are various found instructions Rinpoche of­ some of Rinpoche’s oldest stu­ ly are secondary. The only samaya Dell’Angelo gave a talk on the re­ cent earthquake in Yushu and the emergency relief work that was carried out by A.S.I.A. Rinpoche arrived in Barcelona to be greeted by about 350 disci­ ples, after having spent several days in southern France on the Cote d’Azur following the teach­ ings at Karmaling. He was cheer­ ful and dressed in his trademark red and orange clothes, wearing several rings and a colourful silk scarf. On the first of October the retreat started with Rinpoche sit­ ting on a Tibetan wooden throne, under an electronically projected Tibetan white letter A in a 5 co­ During the auction. Photos: H. Hansen loured thigle. He started the retreat by ex­ types of direct introduction and fered many anecdotes so I would dents from Sardinia, decided to that a Dzogchen practioner has is plaining that this gterma teach­ in any Dzogchen teaching there highly recommend listening to cover all costs for the construc­ to be in the state. He pronounced ing of Rigdzin Changchub Dorje will be some method to introduce this teaching if you have not done tion materials required to build a sentence that struck me – in re­ was highly secret. He read and one to the nature of the mind. In so. the library. sponse to those who claim they translated the title, explaining the Sutras it is said that the Pra­ After the Ganapuja on the eve­ On the last day, Rinpoche have no time to practice – if one that lhamed means ‘supreme’, and jnaparamita is beyond explana­ ning of the sixth of October there spoke about practice in daily life. has time to be distracted then one nyingthing ‘belonging to upade- tion, likewise in Tantrism rang followed an auction and a lottery. He reminded us to be present, re­ also has time to be present. sha’. Nying means ‘heart’, and byung yeshe (self arising wisdom) Rinpoche put some real trea­ laxed and not to give anything too It was a wonderful retreat and thig means the thigle which rep­ is said to be beyond explanation. sures in the lottery. There were much importance as everything a great inspiration for all of us resents the real potential of the Because analysis and explana­ statues empowered by Rinpoche is but a dream. He recounted on the path who aim to be like a innermost essence. Rinpoche tions are never sufficient, one and containing Guru Rinpoche Atisha’s advice, that one should circular thigle, with no corners or explained that this gterma, bla med needs to experience through di­ hair, a piece of cloth from a gar­ have pure vision and see all sen­ limitations and simply radiant. snying thig yangtig nag po las dngos rect introduction. A teacher can­ ment worn by Ayu Khandro and gzhi’i don khrid yang snying bcud not explain or show the nature of relics of other great masters, in­ dril bzhugs, originated from Guru the mind but he can explain how cluding a fragment of Chokgyur Rinpoche and that the essence of we can discover it. Lingpa’s finger. The auction had all teachings is contained there­ During the retreat Rinpoche only one item, a beautiful Go­ in. Guru Rinpoche transmitted touched on a wide range of top­ madevi carved in wood which this teaching to King Trisong ics and spoke directly from expe­ was won by a Chinese bidder con­ Deutsen, the princes and to four rience about the nyam, experienc­ nected by webcast. Rinpoche ex­ main disciples. Originally it was es of practice, of dang, rolpa and plained that he had organized written by hand and our master tsal, as well as explaining inner, this lottery and auction for the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu cor­ outer and secret sound. He told purpose of fundraising for the rected the grammatical mistakes stories of his own childhood, of construction of a new library in and made notes for those verses his dreams and of his historical Merigar. The library currently which have multiple meanings. research concerning the west­ holding what Rinpoche described He said that eventually a book­ ern region of Tibet. He spoke as probably the largest collection let of this teaching as well as a extensively about Tibetan histo­ of Dzogchen texts in the world is translation of the gterma text will ry and told several stories about just too small. The threat of fire, be published by the Shang Shung Nyarong Gonpo Namgyal, the the library being built of wood, Institute. fierce war lord that terrified east­ was also a major incentive to The teaching was essential ern Tibet in the nineteenth cen­ build a new structure. Rinpoche and refreshing. Rinpoche start­ tury and also about king Lang­ encouraged everyone to contrib­ The entrance. Photo: H. Hansen THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News

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

oration and he donated a Vajra­ a program of courses and prac­ sattva statue “to place in the new tices, and so we started. Desalling premises”. At that point, the Ling So far the cooperation with was already a reality, it was just a Rigpa has been perfect, both re­ Alfredo Colitto question of fi nding a place and garding expenses and mainte­ Translated by Alessandra Policreti a name. We found the place in nance, and the use of the premis­ less than a month, in a beautiful es. With a little bit of scheduling Article courtesy of the Merigar Letter eighteenth­century palace in the we manage to follow our respec­ center of Bologna. The name was tive calendars without hardly any he birth of Desalling (The “passed on” to us, with a great overlapping. The few times when Place of the Light of Clar­ spirit of collaboration, by the they do coincide, we each use one T ity), the new Ling of Bo­ practitioners of Rimini (origi­ room and there are no problems. logna, is the fruit of a number of nal founders of Desalling) who Obviously there are some dif­ positive circumstances that took thought it would be best to join fi culties. Just to mention one, place before and after the teach­ forces with us and have only one the place is not big enough to fi t ing retreat held by Khyentse Yeshi Ling of reference for the whole a Mandala. Therefore in order Namkhai in Bologna in October region of Emilia Romagna. Once to practice the Dance we have 2009. we also received our Master Chö­ to rent a gym, which is an extra For years we had been think­ gyal Namkhai Norbu’s approval, cost that we must add to that of ing about how nice it would be to materialized. Then, a few days contacted us suggesting we look we got to work. We formed the the rent. But the center is such have a place where we could do before the retreat with Khyentse for some premises together, in Bologna Gakyil, we taxed our­ a place of aggregation and such our collective practices, where we Yeshi Namkhai, the practitioners order to share expenses. Yeshi selves in order to pay the rent, we an incentive for practice that it’s could meet and organize courses of Rigpa, the Dzogchen associa­ immediately encouraged us to created an association, a website, worth some sacrifi ces. and retreats, but nothing had ever tion headed by Sogyal Rinpoche, accept this suggestion of collab­

Santi Maha Sangha Netherlands in Amsterdam with Jim Valby by Trinley Walker Third Series Yantra Yoga Retreat Location with Laura Evangelisti The retreat will be held in the Mans- rom September 24th to the 26th November 24–28 in Amsterdam veltschool in Amsterdam, Karel Door- practitioners from The Nether- Laura has been a student of Chögyal manstraat 125. This former school is F lands and beyond gathered to Namkhai Norbu since 1980 and has now used as a cultural activity center. attend a Santi Maha Sangha retreat been teaching Yantra Yoga since 1994. It is situated near the center of Amster- as given by Jim Valby. The retreat was She has been supervising aspiring dam, in the area of Bos en Lommer. held in a comfortable martial arts cen- Yantra Yoga teachers worldwide since The location is accessible by tram 14 tre located at a stones throw distance 1995. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has au- from Dam square or tram 12 from Am- from the Amstel River. The autumnal thorized her to be one of the two main sterdam Sloterdijk train station weather in Amsterdam brought regular international instructors, together with Accommodation rain showers alongside light sunshine Fabio Andrico. There is limited space available for in- which set the backdrop for a captivat- During this retreat we will focus on ternational Vajra brothers and sisters ing retreat. the Third Series of yantra’s including the in our houses. You can reserve a space On the evening of the 24th Jim gave Pranayama: the secret breathing to im- or ask questions about accommodation a public talk on ‘The Five Aggregates ways through which people can unwit- what it actually means to do so. Jim prison the prana in the central channel. possibilities by emailing to and Primordial Wisdom’. The talk was tingly reject this precious transmission. also explained to us the various ways Schedule [email protected] attended by long term members of the Jim presented the teachings in terms through which we can perform purifi - Wednesday 24: 7–9 pm Cost Before November 14th Community alongside people who had that were simple yet lucid and with a cation practices. We would repeatedly Thursday 25: 7–9 pm Ordinary: 120  – afterwards 145  come across publicity that was pro- style that was unfailingly engaging. stop to practice Guru Yoga and attempt Friday 26: 7–9 pm Reduced: 75  – afterwards 90  duced for the talk and were listening to Jim’s personal anecdotes and unique to enter into the secret refuge that was Sat. 27: 10.–12.30 am and 4.30–7 pm Sustaining: 50  – afterwards 65  explanations of the Dzogchen Teachings examples would frequently result in the fundamental message to which all Sun. 28: 10.–12.30 am and 4.30–7 pm For registration, please contact our for the fi rst time. We were immediately fi ts of laughter amongst the group. The of Jim’s explanations kept returning. Who Can Attend? gakyil at [email protected] struck by Jim’s ability to capture our humour with which Jim explained the There was a great atmosphere This is a course for practitioners who www.dzogchen.nl attention and strike right to the core teachings were peppered with moments among the group during the retreat have received transmission from Chö- of the teaching while simultaneously of serious emphasis and on occasions fostered to a great extent by Jim’s warm gyal Namkhai Norbu, who know the explaining with a depth of detail. moving stories about Rinpoche. and friendly approach. Amsterdam was preliminaries and preferably the 1st and During the retreat Jim would re- The focus of the retreat was the es- the fi rst destination on Jim’s European 2nd series of Yantra Yoga peatedly emphasise the value of the sence of Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen, as teaching tour this autumn, and we Dzogchen transmission that we have re- presented through the principle of tak- were delighted to be able to host such ceived from Namkhai Norbu Rinnpoche ing refuge within these three respective an excellent and enjoyable retreat with and explained how we could work inside vehicles. Jim would set out the ways Jim. We hope we can welcome Jim back this transmission to develop our under- in which it is possible for one to work to Amsterdam in the near future. standing. He also drew attention to the with the Dzogchen transmission and

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

Developments in Merigar East walls of the Gonpa are being plastered romantic, however the new dimension that the Gar will become greener more help, we will provide food and accom- and surroundings and will be ready for painting shortly. of switching the lights on without go- quickly. As we are using some perma- modation. Inside works on the heating system will ing outside to run the fuel generator is culture methods for planting, this will There are three Mandalas on the by Agnieszka Kubiszowska also begin soon. When this is completed invaluable. keep us busy for a while. Karma Yogis land, the fi rst one has been painted, [email protected] we’ll be ready to start painting inside, When starting with construction, are welcome at the Gar: at this stage and we are going to monitor the condi- and laying the fl oor. all standard facilities like running hot there are lot of small and bigger tasks tion of the paint and the base during fter the land was secured with a I would like to invite everyone to the water, or electricity become a luxury, with which we would be happy to have the winter. If it passes the test of what fence, our Gekö and administra- opening of the Gonpa in May 2011. We so each time one of those becomes a helping hand from within the com- can possibly be severe Romanian win- A tor moved into the building at will have shuttle buses in place to make available we are all very happy knowing munity. ter then we will start painting the two the Gar, called the Meribarn, and actu- your trip between the Gar and the vil- that this will improve living conditions The Longsal symbol has been de- remaining Mandalas. ally began living there. This was the fi rst lage more comfortable. of everyone at the Gar, residents and fi ned, it spans over the Mandala’s and In regard to the teachings, we or- step towards the overall development of Connecting the buildings on the visitors alike. ends at the Gonpa. We are ready to ganised the worldwide transmission the Gar. land with electricity has been a major We are going to plant trees on the proceed with a brick outline to secure of Guru Yoga on 1st of November at Upon receiving a construction per- development in Merigar East, and this land at the end of October, in order to and maintain the shape. This is another the Gar, and in the regions of Oradea, mit, construction work began on the milestone was achieved to great joy of create some shade at the Gar during project where Karma Yogis with con- Bucharest, and Sofi a. On the 6th of No- Gonpa, this work will soon be com- the residents, Mira and Greg. Long win- the hot Romanian summers. We will struction experience are greatly needed. vember Igor Berkhin will give a public pleted. At the moment the external ter evenings with candlelight were very purchase trees that are more grown so If you choose to come to Merigar East to >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News MerigarEast 19

>> continued from previous page talk in Sofi a on “Awareness in daily life”. Next year the Bulgarian translation of “The Mirror” will be published. Ad- ditionally the Dzogchen.bg web site will be launched to give people in Bulgaria easy access to the teachings. On the 16th of October, we started the fi rst of a series of bi-weekly practice weekends at the Gar. This weekend was focused on the Medium Tun and Short Ganapuja. Alternating between explanation and practice, we prepared the meals and ate together. One very nice surprise was a cake with a glazed Tibetan A and thigle, brought by a prac- titioner and which we ate as a part of Merigar East three wild dogs inside the Gar our Ganapuja. Golden light, We hope to have Marek Macko here In the sunshine comfortable seats for the whole month of December and after the dance on the mandala Ranch in Australia we would like to do Yantra Yoga prac- after the mud bath somewhere nowhere tice with him in Bucharest, Sofi a, and after the whole day of enjoyment Opening the Gate a Christmas practice retreat in the Gar. in the space Nobody around just Space Working on Longsal borders. Photo: G. Ladra We warmly invite everyone to come, in the space inside the fence Sky and Earth. enjoy and further the growth of our Gar where the birds like to sit and sing in Romania, in presence. with the sound of the train passing by Poem by Fijalka Turzikova The summer retreat takes place at Merigar East See you all at Merigar East and the voices of the sheep around [email protected] between 25th and 29th of May.

Czech Republic Poland Phendeling says: “Thanks for New Gakyil your help” Blue Andrzej Bis´, Magdalena Kobierecka, e would like to announce that Monika Walczak the SMS base retreat with Jim [email protected] WValby was beautiful in new Red Czech Community center Phendel- Asia Janiszewska-Rain, Filip Olecki , ing, in the South Bohemia. From this Artur Z˙ółkowski moment our Phendeling is alive! The [email protected] Campaign, which we announced in the Yellow Passages Mirror 104, is going successfully but Tomasz Damzyn, Jacek Marciszyn , still is not fi nished. Santi Maha Sangha with Jim Valby. Krzysztof Walczak Died: Our Vajra Brother Jacek Horodyski Also we would like to express our [email protected] died October 29, 2010 in Poland. For gratitude to all practitioners who al- years he was fi ghting wih serious mali- ready participated. Specially to Cam- With many Tashi Delegs, cious cancer. Please, remember him in panini Maria Bianca, Hermann Urkauf The Former and The New Gakyil of Poland your practice sessions. and Julia Fischer, who motivated us [email protected] Polish Gakyil. with their interest for participation in collective manner. Thank you so much! Actual info about campaign: Israel www.dzogchen.cz/?node=centrum-2- 0&submenu=gompa New Gakyil Public talk and Santi Maha You still could help us to fi nish the new Blue: Sangha Base Level Retreat gonpa: Ilia Poubants with Jim Valby www.dzogchen.cz/?node=phendeling [email protected] Schedule: &submenu=jim-in-ling Red: Public talk And how is the actual state of Phendel- Tatiana Yomtov Topic: “Five Aggregates and Three ing? You can wath in this video: [email protected] Paths of Liberation” www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj1zV7K New Czech Gakyil 2011 Yellow: November 18 at 7 pm pTFM [email protected] Honza Trup, Kacˇka Ošancová, Pavel Spanilý Miki Simon Place: Tel-Aviv [email protected] Radim Zeman, Marek Jakš, Martin Bohácˇ [email protected] Price: Free offering [email protected] Nikol Stanišová, Eva Králová, Dalibor Kryl You are most well come to contact us: SMS retreat: [email protected] November 19–20: 9 am–7 pm November 21–25: 7–9 pm November 26–27: 9 am–7 pm Baltic States November 28: 7–9 pm Place: Tel-Aviv- during a week. Vajra Dance Courses, January Advanced Course of the Dance of the The Dzogchen Group In Estonia is possible to practice at least one hour Mevaseret Zion 2011 Song of Vajra happy to announce the following before on the mandala. Price: 120  after a Regular Member- with Adriana dal Borgo courses in 2011 in Tallinn: Special conditions: It is necessary to have ship discount The Course of the Dance of the Song January 17–19, Estonia, Tallinn The Dance of the Three Vajras course will transmission of Dzogchen teaching from of Vajra, 1st part Info: start on Friday, January 14–16 at 5 pm Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. We invite everybody to visit our country with Algis Lukosevicius, supervised by [email protected] and will fi nish on Sunday. There will be Accommodation: We can provide accom- and join our SMS retreat. Adriana Dal Borgo www.dzogchen.ee two sessions on the weekends. modation with local practitioners with For further information about the January 6–11, Lithuania, Vilnius In Sunday, January 16 we focus on the the price around 6 euros per day – for retreat and accommodation please Info: Course of the Dance of the Six Spaces Practice of the special form of the Dance of electricity, water, etc. There are several contact us at [email protected] [email protected] with Alar Kukk, the Three Vajras. Adriana: “all practi- other choices in the city, too. www.dzogchen.lt supervised by Adriana dal Borgo tioners of Vajra Dance are welcome to For additional information about ac- January 21–23, Latvia, Riga join (even only for one day, it is a good commodation, etc. please contact: The Dance of the Three Vajras Info: occasion to practice this precious form [email protected] led by Alar Kukk and [email protected] of Vajra Dance).” We kindly ask to register in advance by supervised by Adriana dal Borgo http://dzogchen.lv/ Advanced Course of the Dance of the Song e-mail. January 14–16, Estonia, Tallinn The course in Riga is open to all. of Vajra will start on Monday, January Looking forward to meet you here, Info: 17–19 at 5 pm and continue with one with the best wishes, [email protected] long session until 9 pm every day. It is Gakyil of Estonia www.dzogchen.ee www.dzogchen.ee THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News Russian Speaking Countries 20

Ukraine News of Kunsangar South

he new Gar in Crimea continues to develop very fast. Now con- T struction is proceeding. At the beginning of October Giovanni Boni, our architect, visited the Gar and helped us to clarify many important points re- garding the construction. But also some new points appeared and Giovanni is going to ask Rinpoche about them. The Community of Izhevsk gave a beautiful picture of Longsal to the Gar. We have placed it in the temporary Gonpa in the tented pavilion, where the SMS and Yantra Yoga retreat was held. Photo: B. Kostomarov Photo: B. Kostomarov Here we do all the practices, until con- struction is fi nished. we are choosing a contractor. We are modate more than 60 practitioners, there quickly after sessions. So, they all Now we are proceeding work on the going to plant trees along the fence and Autumn Retreat on Santi Maha who came to the Gar from 23 different communicated a lot in breaks between roof of the Gonpa. The metal carcass of in other places. The Crimean sun is very Sangha and Yantra Yoga towns and villages of Ukraine, Russia the thuns and near the campfi re in the the roof has been installed and fi reproof- hot, and we should provide shade, so September 25 – October 3 and Belarus. They were met by an unex- evenings. ing works are fi nished. We are installing now we are prepareing a landscaping by Nataliia Palkina pectedly fast autumn with its wind, rain The main themes of the study were a wooden truss system. Then we’re go- project that will start very soon. and cold snap, so between the thuns of Dzogchen meditation for discovering ing to put insulation, special membrane Nearly 8 people live at the gar, as unsangar South started prepar- practice, everyone cheerfully managed instant presence (Rushen and Sem- and OSB boards. Then tiling (bituminous karma-yogis and as gakyil members. ing in advance to welcome the to get warm with hot tea. dzin) and kumbhaka as the method tiles) and installation of other roofi ng The majority of karma-yogis live in K fi rst retreat with instructors. Each year since 2003 Santi Maha for mastering prana. With the help of elements are coming. The warranty on tents – now they are staying in the The Gonpa was actively under construc- Sangha instructor Igor Berkhin and experienced senior students, under the bituminous tiles is 25 years. canteen, protected from the wind and tion, so the training had to be in some instructor of Yantra Yoga 2nd level Vik- their careful supervision and with their Windows, fi nishing and the heating rains. Others rent accommodation to- other place. Thus the idea was born to tor Krachkovskiy lead joint retreats at sparkling humor, participants coped system have already been discussed gether in the village. make a pavilion from the tented dome. different parts of Crimea for deepening with this task easily. with the contractors, but it is neces- Besides work and activities con- This summer it had harbored all the the practice of SMS and Yantra Yoga. A few days after this wonderful re- sary to calculate and check everything nected with the Gar, we practice to- participants of the retreat with Chögyal This fi rst retreat with the instructors at treat fi nished, the “Rainbow Season” at before choosing the best options of the gether and individually. Every morning Namkhai Norbu in the Gonpa from rain Kunsangar South, the new Gar of In- the Gar began – the rains started with arrangement of windows and doors, we start with Yantra Yoga practice in the and the hot Crimean sun. Next year ternational Dzogchen Community, has ordinary, double and triple rainbows. wall insulation, fi nishing technology Gonpa. It also has relative benefi ts – the during the big retreats this pavilion become their traditional retreat. But and material. weather is now cold, especially at night, will be used as a canteen, kindergarten, unlike other of their Crimean retreats, We have made a calculation for so practice helps us to warm up at the medical center and a very useful place. it was not held in a rented place, so fence construction and at the moment beginning of the day. This “room” was enough to accom- the participants had no need to leave

Retreat with Liudmila Kislichenko on the Dance of the Song of Vajra in Karmaling (Kharkiv, Ukraine) from 17th till 26th of September. Liuda is origi- Supervision by Fabio Andrico with Maksim Leshchenko and Larisa Nikitina in Sevastopol, nally from Russia and she started teaching there, but now last few years she lives in Spain, and her visits are very precious to us. Photo: I. Pinigin Ukraine. It took place 20th–26th of September. Photo: U. Nikitina

Russia pranayamas of the 2nd level. It was evi- feeling that stays for a while in your dent that many participants are already daily life. Now I have this feeling in my My trip into Yantra Yoga practicing 2nd level personally. They everyday practice. The Retreat with Fabio Andrico in the had a chance to correct and improve From all the participants I would countryside of Moscow Sept. 28–Oct. 2 their practice. Beginners who had only like to thank Fabio and Dzogchen Com- by Sergey Nepochatov practiced the yantras of the 1st and 2nd munity of Moscow “Rinchenling” for group before were able to learn compli- wonderful opportunity to receive these t was incredibly nice to plunge into cated yantras and pranayamas of the teachings and stay for several days in the silent pinewood and the ancient 3rd, 4th and 5th group. the dimension of Yantra Yoga. Iteaching of Yantra Yoga after the It was a total plunge into Yantra noisy city and worries of everyday life. Yoga. In between sessions, participants The Buddhist retreat center Kunphen- practiced Vajra Dance on the mandalas ling cordially welcomed all guests from at the Vajra Hall, as well as other meth- different parts of the Russian-speaking ods, listened to the webcast with Chög- world – from Donetsk to Murmansk, yal Namkhai Norbu on Tregchö Teach- from St. Petersburg to Ufa. I was very ing from Spain, walked on the autumn glad to meet old friends who live far woods, and enjoyed time together. away, and to make new ones. I once again made several discover- Fabio Andrico was as always very Photo: L. Nikitina ies about techniques that seemed well- relaxed and witty, and the atmosphere mastered to me. Once again I marveled was pleasant and comfortable from the progress in the practice is not in learn- Fabio carefully watched us, cor- how precise the ancient texts are, and fi rst seconds. For his profound instruc- ing some new exercises and techniques, recting mistakes and giving precious how a small detail can clarify and im- tions and practice we had only 5 days but in deepening the understanding of instructions. We quickly passed the prove personal practice. and 8 thuns. At the beginning of the re- what we already know. And this is what fi rst level, listened to the teacher’s re- After the retreat you bring home treat Fabio reminded the audience that we immediately started to do. marks and went on to the yantras and not only information but some subtle THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News

21

Izhevsk – The City Where You Are Loved! Retreat with Khyentse Yeshi Namkhai September 7–12

Lara Radchenko

ach time I am surprised Since conditions were not favor­ how fortunate I am to able for a walk, we decided to go Emeet our dear Master and bowling. The organizers paid for the Teaching! Moreover, we all a few lanes in order to provide the are incredibly fortunate because possibility for everyone to partici­ we have an opportunity to listen pate. to the instructions of Khyentse Yeshi Namkhai – the son of our The same evening the retreat Teacher. And though in my every­ started. At the beginning Khy­ day life I don’t always remember entse Yeshi was asked to bestow this, at each retreat this aware­ the Teaching, and the organizers ness and understanding that the presented him with a crystal ball preciousness of the Teaching is with the Longsal symbol inside. not comparable with any happi­ Other Longsal symbols, made of ness of samsara awakens in me. yellow and violet fl owers, were in So it was during these six days in the Teacher’s hotel room from Photo: I. Busorgin Izhevsk. the fi rst days. and I’m trying to use every oppor­ pa there was always amazingly a white A in the tigle, another – Realizing our desire to commu­ The retreat was “homelike” – tunity to listen to the Teaching. delicious tea and something for with the Longsal symbol on the nicate with him, Khentse Yeshi only 55 participants. In general Besides Teaching that you can tea – it was a personal initiative of top. They were just as perfect in – truly a wish­fulfi lling jewel! – a small number of people on re­ fi nd on Khyentse Yeshi’s page, a few people – I thank them very taste as in form! asked the Gakyil to organize treats with Khyentse Yeshi Nam­ nobody was left indifferent after much! And one day after the thun some joint activity or walking at khai seems incomprehensible – short walks with Yeshi from the we went all together to the coun­ Before leaving, we stopped for the beginning of the retreat. But on retreats in Donetsk and Kyiv hotel to the Gonpa and back and tryside for a barbecue. With the lunch at a small restaurant. The Izhevsk is a northern city, and this year, too, there were not very his answers to questions after the support of the sponsor a canteen fi rst thing we saw getting out even the warm and cordial atti­ many people. For me personally, thuns. We moved closer and lis­ was rented at Pioneer camp on of the car was a heart with the tude of the organizers could not Khyentse Yeshi is inseparable tened how deeply and clearly his the bank of the Izhevsk reservoir, inscription: “Izhevsk – the city raise the temperature of the air. from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, replies were to the most seeming­ musicians were invited, food was where you are loved!” And this ly simple questions that turned brought... We had a rest in the expressed our feelings precisely. every answer into important and natural surroundings, danced a Usually at the end of the retreat essential instruction. lot and had a unique opportunity one feels a little bit sad. But here to communicate with each other together we felt that this light and A wonderful gift for all of us was in informal conditions. Unfortu­ warmth would remain forever in the opportunity to practice Vajra nately, Yeshi couldn’t join us. our hearts. Dance and Yantra Yoga. Yeshi gave very essential answers on On the last day of the retreat no I hope that the Izhevsk “Kungal­ questions about the Vajra Dance. one left without presents as well. ing” Community will please the I did not have enough capacities With great gratitude the gifts Teacher and us with its love and to completely understand the were given to Khyentse Yeshi, his hospitality many times. I am sure profoundness of these teachings, translator Daria Mikhaylova, who that everyone is welcome here. but something subtly changed did great translating throughout Many thanks to the people who for me in this practice. the retreat and during questions­ organized this retreat and all the answers, to the sponsor and all participants! And immeasurable The atmosphere of love and care participants. The organizers pre­ gratitude towards Rinpoche and accompanied us throughout the pared another sweet surprise – Khyentse Yeshi fi lls my heart. Khyentse Yeshi Namkhai and the special cakes. Photo: I. Busorgin retreat. For example, in the Gon­ two cakes, one of which was with

Vajra Dance of the Three Vajras with Mariya Stepanyk, Odessa, Sept. 7–9, 2010. Photo: A. Kolesnik Vajra Dance of the Six Spaces with Mariya Stepanyk, Odessa, Sept. 10–12, 2010. Photo: K. Pavlov

Sangyeling (Saint-Petersburg) hosts SMS Base with Jim Valby 8–12 Oct. 2010. Photo: S. Dimitrova SMS Base retreat with Jim Valby in Kunphenling (Moscow region) 29. 10.–2. 11. 2010. Photo: L. Nikitina THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News

22 China

Yantra Yoga courses: Tsadul, Pranayama and fi rst series led by Tracy Ni, Beijing, Vajra Dance of 3 Vajras course led by Tracy Ni and Wes Guo, Beijing, 1st part of Song of Vajra Dance course led by Tracy Ni and Wes Guo under web Sep. 18–24, 2010. Sep. 18–24, 2010. supervision of Prima Mai, Oct. 1–6, 2010.

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

day of the course is only open to people February 26–March 4 March with transmission). Sunshine Coast, Qld March 11–13 March 18–23 Calendar The Vajra Dance of the Song of Vajra, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Retreat with Chögyal February 12–18 2nd Part The Vajra Dance of the Song of Vajra, A beginners course taught by Vajra Public Talk / Weekend Namkhai Norbu of Events 1st Part Dance instructor, Cosimo Di Maggio, Seminar Namgyalgar Brisbane, Queensland supervised by International Vajra Dance Melbourne, Victoria A beginners course taught by Vajra instructor, Adriana Dal Borgo. To at- March 24–26 February Dance instructor, Cosimo Di Maggio, tend the course it is necessary to have March 15–17 Namgyalgar February 4–8 supervised by International Vajra Dance transmission. Namgyalgar The Vajra Dance of the Six Spaces of Retreat with Chögyal instructor, Adriana Dal Borgo. To at- Complete Harmonious Breathing Samantabhadra Namkhai Norbu tend the course it is necessary to have February 26–March 3 with International Yantra Yoga instruc- A course taught by Vajra Dance trainee Namgyalgar, Southern New South Wales transmission. Brisbane, Queensland tor, Fabio Andrico instructor, Nicki Elliot, under the su- Yantra Yoga Course In this course Fabio will give instruc- pervision of International Vajra Dance February 10–15 February 21–25 Taught by Yantra Yoga trainee instruc- tions on inhaling and exhaling so that instructor, Adriana Dal Borgo. This Yantra Yoga Course Sunshine Coast Retreat tor, Alathea Vavasour, under the su- we learn how to control and balance our course is suitable for newcomers and Namgyalgar with Chögyal Namkhai pervision of International Yantra Yoga breathing in such a way that our energy experienced dancers. Taught by Yantra Yoga trainee instruc- Norbu instructor, Fabio Andrico. This course can become harmonized and our mind tor, Lindy Pulsford, under the super- will be suitable for beginners as well as can become clear and less distracted, All information and Online Registration Southern Queensland vision of International Yantra Yoga advanced yoga practitioners. (The last leading to less stress and a healthier life. for ChNN retreats available now at: instructor, Fabio Andrico. This course day of the course is only open to people This course is suitable for newcom- www.dzogchen.org.au will be suitable for beginners as well as with transmission). ers without transmission as well as Details about Yantra Yoga & Vajra advanced yoga practitioners. (The last Dzogchen practitioners. Dance courses will be on website soon!

to assess the probability of ob­ Through all this process, the Acquiring taining permission to develop main thing has not been the deal­ Namgyalgar North the property as a Gar, with Gon­ ing with the fi nancial and legal pa, parking, kitchens, dormitory aspects, although we‘ve had to and camping. His answer came get those right; the main thing Julian King-Salter back strongly in favour, backed has been communicating and by concrete reasons, so we felt collaborating amongst ourselves am told that on one of his confi dent to go ahead and buy as practitioners. We formed a earliest visits to Austra­ the place without the conditional steering group which happened I lia, Rinpoche stood on the contract. to have members from the Blue, Glasshouse Mountains Lookout Red and Yellow Gakyil, along and said „Our people would be This all took some months, yet the with the Secretary; we brought very happy in this place!“ property preferred by Rinpoche proposals to the full Gakyil and remained on the market. We‘d have tried to keep our member­ Since then, Namgyalgar was kept in touch with the agent ex­ ship informed and involved every bought and developed on the pressing both our interest and step of the way. And when mem­ slopes of Mt Gulaga far to the Namgyalgar Gakyil met, dis­ Through collaboration the two our challenge to raise the funds. bers have expressed concerns south, yet energetically and geo­ cussed and agreed to offer to Gars can grow and prosper in Finally our loan was approved, and serious reservations, we have logically linked with the Glass­ take on the task of raising funds a way that they could not being but for $ 100,000 less than we had done our best to listen, to under­ house Mountains in Queensland. to buy the property for the new wholly separate. So an appeal was hoped! The most we could offer stand and to address those is­ Gar – which was gratefully ac­ made to members both for dona­ was $ 900,000; we made the offer sues. Meeting for Ganapuja fi rst, Stepping off the plane in Ma­ cepted by our precious Teacher, tions for the deposit and commit­ and it was immediately refused. and discussion second, we have roochydore in 2009, Rinpoche‘s who started the ball rolling with ments to help repay a loan. We made the same offer again forged closer bonds and working fi rst words were to say that he a generous donation towards the and left it on the table. Funds partnerships amongst our mem­ wanted to look at property in the deposit needed. Understandable Early on the issue was raised­ continued to come in, and in bers. As Rinpoche does not tire of Glasshouse Mountains area. By fears arose that it might be neces­ would we get planning permis­ the end we were able to increase reminding us, we are not in some the end of our retreat at Ewen sary to sell Namgyalgar in order sion to use this property as a our offer to $ 950,000. It was not ordinary worldly organization; Maddock Dam, he was able to to manifest the more northern Gar? Queensland planning laws enough. Then for the fi rst time our Community is neither au­ announce that he had found a Gar. But our Yellow Gakyil did are different and complicated, as the vendor came down in price, thoritarian nor democratic; it is property suitable for a Namgyal­ the sums and created a business we learned from a member who offering to lend us $ 30,000 him­ through Guruyoga and through gar North! The asking price was plan to show that we could gener­ had been a property developer. At self if we would raise our offer to our common practice that we $ 1.2 million, a huge ask for our ate enough income from retreats, one point we even had agreement $ 980,000; yet when we discussed achieve what is needed for the relatively small Community; but membership growth, bookshop from the vendor that we could and accepted, he back tracked! At Teachings to spread and for our at fi rst it seemed that there would sales and rental of facilities at have an extended contract depen­ the last, we found a member who Community to grow, bringing be a donor who would buy and Namgyalgar South to repay a sub­ dent on planning approval­ but could make a personal loan of the the opportunity to uncover our donate the property outright, and stantial loan. Very early on it be­ for that he would have wanted $ 30,000, we signed a contract for real nature. we all rejoiced! came apparent that to acquire the full price! $ 980,000, and when he failed to new Gar, Namgyalgar South must accept, we gave him 48 hours be­ In that way, we can go on to devel­ Circumstances changed, the do­ be strong and strongly in support When it became clear that our fore we walked away to fi nd an­ op our Community and our two nor was unable to continue, and – the two Gars will be fi nancially offer would be much lower, we other property! Only then did he Gars! all seemed very diffi cult. The interdependent for a long time. engaged a Planning Consultant sign! THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News

23 Namgyalgar and Pacifi c Rim

attended a retreat with Nina Robinson, but for some it was a new practice. Elise helped us with patience and humor, making it a wonderful experience for all. Our retreat schedule seemed a little daunting at fi rst, with a dawn practice, a morning explanation session, an af- ternoon explanation and short practice session, dadar making and the webcast from Barcelona in the evenings. How- ever, with the power of the practice and the inspiration of Elise, most of us managed it. About 15 of us completed the whole retreat, with attendance at about 25 for the fi rst weekend, which was a long weekend holiday in New Namgyalgar Spring Retreat South Wales. were there to help clear undergrowth, Dance of the Three Vajras was very surprised at how beautiful and It was fantastic to use the Chudlen cut down old trees, cut fi rewood and with Cosimo Di Maggio in Queensland harmonizing the dance variation was. n September 29th 2010 the 10 pills that had been empowered at the weed the gardens. With Rinpoche com- By Joanna (Lily) Giblin Cosimo’s gentle and relaxed way day spring retreat at Namgyal- Drubchen Mandarava Retreat in Janu- ing to teach in February 2011, there is of instruction, combined with his me- Ogar commenced. This year it ary at Tashigar North. We all adapted to a lot to be done to prepare for the big uring the fi rst weekend of Oc- ticulous attention to keeping the cor- was a Mandarava Practice retreat led our restricted diet, our appetites gradu- retreats and to have the Gar looking as tober, a group of practitioners rect form of the Dance meant that by by our SMS teacher Elise Stutchbury. We ally more and more satiated by the pills beautiful as possible. Dfrom South East Queensland the end of the weekend our collective were most fortunate that Elise had been and the practice. Many thanks to Elise for her won- and Northern New South Wales joined expression of the movements resulted in retreat doing Mandarava practice A big part of each day was also derful explanations and all the help dance teacher Cosimo Di Maggio in in an extraordinarily integrated and for three months. We were incredibly karma yoga, with lots of work to be she gave us, and to retreat coordinator Brisbane for another joyful Vajra Dance light experience of this exquisite dance. lucky to be reaping the rewards of her done on the land and in the garden. Our Kerry, to secretary Viki, gekö Rabgyi experience. It truly was totally beautiful, relaxing practice experience and her meticulous gekö, Rabgyi, has been working hard to and all those who helped run the re- This time Cosimo taught us the and yet energizing all at once. We are attention to Rinpoche’s instructions. maintain our large Gar and has kept the treat. And most of all a huge thanks to Dance of the Three Vajras complete with so fortunate to have Cosimo here in Many of us had been fortunate to have gardens beautiful and all systems run- our precious teacher, Chögyal Namkai its special aspects. As I have never tried Queensland where he now lives with his received teachings on the practice from ning, but has also been studying part- Norbu, for giving us the Mandarava this dance before with a complete man- wife, Marie, in Cairns. Thank you again Rinpoche in recent years, or to have time. So it was wonderful that others practice and for the webcast teachings. dala and with the special aspects, and I Cosimo !!

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

Please bring any Thankas, statues, pictures Program and details: TBA New Gakyil and Gekö Gekö Needed and images of Tara that you have been Calendar practicing with and we will hang them in Ongoing Open Introductory Courses in Blue: Tsegyalgar East still needs a gekö to the Gonpa for the weekend. Yantra Yoga Matt Schmookler start in February. of Events Northampton Monday evenings Robyn Kinsey Please contact Cindy Thibeau at December 27–January 2 5:30–7:30 pm Naomi Zeitz [email protected] November 14 at 1 pm Dzogchen Teachings Webcast Retreat For more information contact: Yellow: Thank you. with Robyn Kinsey with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu [email protected] Luigi Ottaviani Tsegyalgar East Gakyil Introduction for Newcomers from Tashigar South Argentina Shelburne Falls Wednesday evenings Mark Fulton By donation Tsegyalgar East Gonpa 5–6:45 pm Damien Schwartz Tsegyalgar East Gonpa For more information contact: Red: December 28–January 2011 [email protected] Ruben Eduardo Mercado Lugo December 4 & 5 Intermediate Yantra Yoga together David Hayes Introduction to Yantra Yoga with the webcast retreat Ongoing Practices Cindy Thibeau with Naomi Zeitz with Paula Barry at the Tsegyalgar East Gonpa Northampton MA 10:30 am–12:30 pm Yantra Yoga, for those who know it. Gekö until February: Ellen Halbert Details TBA Afternoon Session/Times TBA Tuesday mornings 10 am–12 noon, Cost: $ 180 for the course or Tuesday evenings 6–7:30 pm December 8 $ 20/session with membership discounts Thursday mornings 10 am–12 noon, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s Birthday Participants need to be familiar with Tsijong Thursday evenings from 5:30–7 pm Celebration and the Eight Movements. The course will Mandarava Practice in the morning, focus on deepening the Eight Movements, Vajra Dance Time TBA learning Tsandul and, depending on the par- Wednesday evenings starting at 7:30 pm Unveiling and practice to install ticipants’ experience, the First and Second Sunday mornings starting at 11 am Rinpoche’s new chair, Time TBA Series with their respective pranayamas. Upcoming in 2011: December 11 & 12 January 22 & 23 April 8–10 Dream Yoga We are very pleased to announce: Yantra Yoga for the physically limited with Michael Katz in Northampton MA Green Tara Explanation and Practice with Paula Barry April 29–May 9 Retreat Details TBA Review of Dance of Song of Vajra and with Yuchen Namkhai and Paula Barry Beginner’s Course of Dance of Song of February 2–6 Schedule: Vajra with Bodhi Krause www.jcrows.com Saturday December 11th 10 am–12 pm: Mandarava, Chudlen and Tsalungs at Tsegyalgar East Introduction with Nina Robinson Instruction and Practice with Yuchen For more information contact: J. Crow’s® Namkhai [email protected], 413 369 2–3:30 pm; 4–5:30 pm; 6–7:30 pm: 4153 or [email protected] Mulling Spice Folk Medicine Practice Tibetan Medicine Sunday December 12th 10 am–12 pm: Practice with Yuchen SpicedCider.com Namkhai fax or phone: 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 2–3:30 pm; 4–5:30 pm: Practice [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News TsegyalgarEast 24

achieve so much accomplish­ Jim Valby’s Program Khandroling Update ment for the benefi t of others while being nurtured in this mag­ Nov 19–28, 2010, Israel, SMS Base Jacqueline Gens ical yet extremely remote corner Mar 11–13, 2011, New York City, back in 1798. In the 19th century Worldwide Guruyoga Transmission n the natural cycle of sea­ her students traveled to the most Preparation sons, fall is a time of fruition remote regions of the world to May 13–17, 2011, Kundusling in Ibefore the chill of winter, a teach, thus creating a base for Barcelona, SMS Base time of harvest. Now past its peak female literacy worldwide. I’ve May 18–22, 2011, Kundusling in of brilliant foliage New England always been deeply touched that Barcelona, SMS Level One is so famous for, here at Tsegyal­ her origins began in proximity to May 27–Jun 5, 2011, Paldenling, gar East we are in the fi nal stages such a sacred place. Poland, SMS Base of completing this year’s work Jun 10–19, 2011, Switzerland, on the Vajra Hall construction at There is no electricity on Khan­ SMS Base Khandroling. When I say “we,” droling except what a generator what I mean is a dedicated team can provide. Perhaps in the fu­ who have devoted themselves ture there will be solar panels. Photo: J. Smith wholeheartedly to this project Being in an environment without on behalf of the international electricity is always refreshing in Last summer, the primary ob­ Dzogchen Community to fulfi ll that the underlying hum and din jective was to excavate the entire the vision of Chögyal Namkhai of being on the grid is strangely site down to bedrock, construct Norbu to create a universal man­ absent resulting in keener per­ bases for the dala pavilion on the sacred land ceptions. An abundance of wild twelve steel pillars, and defi ne where he fi rst received the terma life thrives here—birds, deer, fox, the outer building promenade for the Vajra Dance. I am merely a small creatures, bears, even the with a retaining wall. The road happy witness and scribe to these intrepid beavers intent on inhab­ on the land needed grading to events. iting the pond despite our ruth­ bring it up to a standard in order less destruction of their lodges. to bear the weight of the heavy For those who have never visited The land is alive with the energy machinery involved. Seeing the Khandroling, “Land of the Daki­ of the transmission and guard­ bedrock itself was nothing short nis,” the land is very special even ians. It’s palpable when you are of awesome and primordial— for this rural area. For one thing, on the land, especially beneath millions of years old, the nubs it lies dormant in winter without the Vajra Hall. of what remained of mountains visitors because the road lead­ once as high as the Himalayas. ing to the land is unable to be The physical engineering and en­ plowed. The road itself (barely a vironmental challenges involved This season began with the de­ Photo: J. Gens road) is over two­hundred years in such a massive construction livery of the twelve massive steel old leading to the base of Upper on Khandroling might seem in­ support pillars for the roof, then cuss various aspects of the next ed people. Many thanks to every­ Khandroling and the homestead surmountable but amazingly the positioning them into the con­ phase of construction such as one, especially Chögyal Namkhai of Mary Lyons—the woman who project once it commenced its crete bases constructed down to formal entries to the Vajra Hall, Norbu for bearing these teach­ founded the fi rst female college fi rst excavation of earth in the the bedrock and securing them types of mandala fl oor, and place­ ings into the human realm. May in the western world. I tend to summer of 2009 has gone unim­ in place with steal bolts. This ment of the skylights for proper generations have the good for­ think she herself was special to peded by obstacles. phase involved very precise ma­ lighting. These options will be tune to visit Khandroling! neuvering with heavy machinery presented to Rinpoche for his ap­ in order to fi t the pillars into their proval. Such an organic approach To view photos showing this sea­ base within inches. has allowed for considerable fl ex­ son’s progress, visit the follow­ ibility that has manifested in an ing links. Following the installation of the obstacle free installation of all support pillars and a steal ring, the components. http://picasaweb.google.com/ wooden beams were positioned jacquelinegens108/Khandroling forming the structure of the roof Next spring, the outer prom­ ?authkey=Gv1sRgCL3a69mKpd followed by the installation of enade roof will commence con­ vCUw&feat=directlink the sub roof and a temporary struction. All the materials are al­ membrane covering to protect it ready in place and housed safely http://picasaweb.google.com/ during the winter. Perhaps aus­ within the interior of the Vajra jacquelinegens108/Khandroling piciously, each panel of the sub Hall for protection during the 2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJf8gK3L2u roof weighs 108 pounds. harsh winter to come. OYgwE&feat=directlink

Meanwhile, the team consist­ For me, it has been a privilege http://picasaweb.google.com/ ing of a number of Community to observe the unfolding of this jacquelinegens108/Khandroling members has met intensively project and the collaborative 3?authkey=Gv1sRgCLX9tbfsvM Photo: J. Gens over the past few months to dis­ spirit involving so many dedicat­ qljAE&feat=directlink

Chicago New York visualizations. We make this offering to en- December Weekend Retreat: Dance of Om Ah Hum Kundrolling lightened beings from our dualistic condition Practice Explorations: Mandarava w/Kyu Yantra Yoga of subject and object, samsara and nirvana. December Mondays, 7 pm Friday, December 10, 7 pm with Lynn Sutherland 2010–2011 Calendar Fall/Winter This allows us to receive their empowerment “The most important part of all Tantric Saturday, December 11, 2010 Introduction to Yantra Yoga: The New York Dzogchen Community is and wisdom, accumulate merit, and purify practices is Tsalung. What does this word re- 10 am–12 pm & 2–4 pm December 10–12, 2010 pleased to present our 2010/11 calendar of and develop clarity. ally mean? Tsa means channels; lung means Sunday, December 12, Monday Night Class: For those who events. Join us at Kundrolling for Dzogchen prana energy – so altogether it means how 10 am–12 pm & 2–4 pm have previously attended a Yantra Yoga meditation practices, Yantra Yoga, and much Weekend Retreat: Dream Yoga the prana is related with the channels and $35/session, $150/weekend course. more this fall and winter. with Michael Katz how we should work with these. We always The Vajra Dance is principally a means to har- Friday, Nov. 19, 7–9 pm prepare to do the Tsalung practices by doing monize the energy of each individual. If one has Vajra Dance November Saturday, Nov. 20, 9:30–12:30 & 2–5 pm the main practice of Mandarava. a more profound knowledge of the meaning of Weekly Practice Saturday: Practice Exploration: $35/session, $90/weekend When you do these practices in a perfect the Dance, it becomes a method for integrating 10:30 am–12:30 pm – for those who Short Tun & Ghanapuja As explained by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, way, relaxing in the sensation of the plea- the three existences of body, voice, and mind know the Vajra Dances. November Mondays 7 pm Dream Yoga goes beyond the practices of sure feeling and staying in this presence, into knowledge of the state of contemplation. The Short Tun or Dzogchen Ritual Practice is lucid dreaming that have been popularized combining it with the visualisation, you This integration is one of the most important Ganapujas a complete practice, which encompasses pre- in the West, by presenting methods for guid- can obtain the following benefi ts: all the aims of a Dzogchen practitioner. Please contact us for the current liminaries, purifi cation, Guru yoga, tantric ing dream states that are part of a broader self-perfected, lhundrub qualities arise; also schedule. transformation, and dedication. The practice system for enhancing self-awareness called you automatically overcome attachment to Friday Night at Kundrolling: An Eve- For more information contact: is very condensed and essential, containing Dzogchen. In this tradition, the development food and you can easily integrate and stay ning with the Shang Shung Institute [email protected] few words while being a complete and mean- of lucidity in the dream state is understood in instant presence for ever. It also becomes December 3, 7 pm ingful practice. in the context of generating greater aware- a very important purifi cation of negative The International Shang Shung Institute was The Ganapuja is one of the best methods ness for the ultimate purpose of attaining karma and any kinds of obstacles. Your clar- founded in Italy in 1989 by Chögyal Namkhai to produce merit and purify negative karma. liberation. ity will manifest and develop and you will be Norbu. Its aim is to deepen the knowledge and We make offerings by preparing material able to go beyond your limitations.” objects like food and drink but also by using >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News TsegyalgarEast 25

>> continued from previous page Nina Robinson is a long-time student of ticipants will learn how to accurately read relax the body, voice, and mind by means of feel free to attend any of the Practice understanding of Tibetan cultural traditions in Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, and has been and create Tibetan astrological calendars for physical exercises, breathing techniques, and Explorations and the Weekend Retreats. order to ensure their survival and preservation. authorized by Rinpoche to lead Manda- their personal use. mental concentration. Everyone connects in a personal way. Join us for an evening presentation by rava practice retreats. Naomi Zeitz, a longtime student of Chö- the United States branch of the Institute. Open to all who have received transmission Friday Night at Kundrolling: gyal Namkhai Norbu, is an authorized Friends of Kundrolling from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, including by Celebrate Losar with the Sangha at teacher of Yantra Yoga. Kundrolling is entering a new phase January World Wide Transmission or webcast. Tsampa restaurant Participants should wear loose, com- of creativity and inspiration. Since its Practice Exploration: Goma Devi & 212 East 9th Street 40.72963 -73.98878 fortable clothing. inception in 2004, the Dzogchen Com- Jnanadhakkini Friday Night at Kundrolling: A Winter February 11, 7 pm munity of New York City’s center has January Mondays, 7 pm Night’s Movie: Please reserve your spot by January 29th Ganapuja become an increasingly lively com- The practice of Jñanadakini Gomadevi belongs 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama at [email protected] Practice begins at 7pm munal space for weekly meditation to the precious cycle of teachings The luminous w/Special Short Subject: * Tuesday, November 16, Sunday, 11/21 practices and teachings provided to us clarity of the universe, heart essence of the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s Video Journal Weekend Retreats Wednesday, December 1, Sunday, 11/5, by our master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Dakini (Klong chen ’od gsal mkha’ ’gro ’i sny- January 7, 7 pm An opportunity to take a break and en- Wednesday, 12/15, Tuesday, 12/21, As our current schedule shows, we have ing thig), and was received by Master Chögyal joy a weekend of practice. Thursday, 12/30, a wonderful series of events planned for Namkhai Norbu through a series of revela- February Tuesday, January 4, Friday, 1/14, the Fall of 2010 and throughout 2011. tions in dreams in a period going from 1985 to Practice Exploration: Shitro Practice Explorations Wednesday, 1/19, Friday, 1/28 These activities require fi nancial 2007. This practice can be combined with the February Mondays, 7 pm Students of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Wednesday, February 2, Sunday, 2/13, assistance in order to meet costs, e.g., Dance of the Song of the Vajra. The Shitro is a ritual whose aim is to purify explain and share practices from Friday, 2/18, Sunday, 2/27 rent. Tsegyalgar membership rebates The Thugthig of Jnanadhakkini is from the negative karma and obstacles of the de- his transmission on a weekly basis Please bring an offering of food, meat, or contribute only one third of the center’s the Longsal Cycle of teachings rediscovered ceased, giving them a chance of accessing a throughout the month. red wine. costs. Your contributions make an enor- by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. It deals with higher knowledge. In our world, when our For a general explanation, please see the mous difference. Please consider pledg- the aspect of the Jnanadhakkini or Wisdom father, mother, friends or relatives die, we Friday Nights at Kundrolling November Practice Exploration. ing a monthly contribution, from $ 60 Dhakkini to which also the practices of Man- remain helpless and disheartened witnesses Join the Dzogchen Community for to $ 10. Payment can be as simple as darava and Gomadevi belong. of the transient nature of life without the special events sponsored by the Ling. Dance of the Vajra Practice setting up an automatic monthly dona- possibility to help those who have departed Newcomers and seasoned students of Wednesdays at 6 pm tions. Please consider taking part in the Weekend Retreat: Mandarava and are moving on to another life. Rinpoche are welcome. Transmission is required for the weekly Community as a Friend of Kundrolling. w/Nina Robinson * practice. Email us at nydzogchencomm@gmail. Wednesday, 1/26, Thursday, 1/27, Friday, Weekend Retreat: Beginning Tibetan Ongoing Courses & Practices For a general explanation, please see com. Thanks! 1/28 (Ghanapuja), 7 pm; Saturday, 1/29, Astrology Introduction to Yantra Yoga Course the December Weekend Retreats. 10 am–12 pm and 2–4 pm; Sunday, 1/30, w/Dr Lobsang Namkha w/Naomi Zeitz Kundrolling 10 am–12 pm and 2–4 pm Saturday, 2/19, 10 am–12 pm & 2–4 pm Thursdays at 7 pm New to the Dzogchen Community? The New York Dzogchen Community $35/session, $180/weekend Sunday, 2/20, 10 am–12 pm & 2–4 pm October 14, 21 & 28; November 4, 11 & Many of the events listed on the cal- 151 West 30th Street (near 7th Avenue) During this weekend retreat, Nina Robinson $35/session, $120/weekend 18; December 2, 9 & 16 endar are designed with newcomers 4th fl oor will guide the Short & Long Mandarava Terma Tibetan Astrology is a traditional practice $12/session, $90/complete course in mind. The transmission of Chögyal 212-564-1024 Practices as revealed by Chögyal Namkhai used by Tibetan doctors and Lamas. The Yantra Yoga is an ancient Tibetan system of Namkhai Norbu is always the starting [email protected] Norbu. Instruction will include mudras, use of study of the Five Elements, combined with movements fi rst brought to the West by Chö- point. By connecting with Rinpche dur- www.nydzogchen.com instruments, making of the dadar, application trigrams, numbers, and animal signs, form gyal Namkhai Norbu. The practice of Yantra ing a Worldwide Transmission, in per- of Chüdlen Practice, etc. the basis for astrological calculations. Par- Yoga rebalances physical energy and helps to son, or with the intent to do so, please

Canada Toronto Warms Up with Khyentse Yeshi’s Visit

n October 28 Khyentse Yeshi Namkhai arrived Oin Canada and gave a two hour public talk entitled “Discover the Nature of Mind” at Koffl er House at the University of Toronto. Khyentse Yeshi was introduced by a professor of psy­ chiatry who is cross appointed to the Department of Buddhist studies. The varied audience con­ sisted of academics, Dzogchen practitioners, and interested in­ dividuals. What was most strik­ ing about Khyentse Yeshi’s talk is his whirling lightening intel­ lect and his unassuming attitude. He answered questions in such a way that everyone was left with positive insights. On the practical level he urged everyone observe their own happiness in daily in­ crements. the words of Manjushrimitra. For In that one’s own body appears as the Similarly Khyentse Yeshi spent a community socialized and chat­ example, Sections 62–67: body of living beings and as limitless considerable amount of time ex­ ted with Khyentse. He remarked Many of the individuals at the Buddha fi elds, it is also diffi cult to plaining Section 79: that he felt the weather was get­ public talk came to the week­end “Nothing exists for ordinary people postulate that the potential for experi- ting colder and he was wearing a retreat cohosted by the charming and Noble Ones apart from the con- encing and the habituating tendencies Since the state of pure and total pres- heavier sweater. and ornate Karma Sonam Dargye tinuum of their own experiencing. are either one or diverse.” ence of the Joyful One does not exist, it Ling Temple in midtown Toron­ is a magical apparition of that (state) Before Khyentse left for Montreal to. The title of the talks was “Pri­ This variety (of experience) that ex- He examined the notion of “con­ that appears to those who are deluded. on Monday, November 1, he was mordial Experience” and there ists for the six types of sentient beings tinuum” as an intellectual con­ auspiciously present at the World were down­loadable “teaching (appears) through their own habitual struction and language of the Khyentse Yeshi also gave a teach­ Wide Transmission that took notes” based on the Santi Maha mode of vision. 1980s and 1990s when the text ing and practice of the Guruyoga place at Karma Sonam Dargye Sangha teachings published by was translated to English. He and several of the Tibetans pres­ Ling Temple. Shang Shung and Primordial Expe- Since this continuum of experiencing then proceeded to elucidate the ent offered him kataks to show rience published by Shambala. is without any boundaries, (to call it) text in such a manner that the respect in the traditional manner. The Community said goodbye, ‘one’ is (also) without foundation. written text appeared impenetra­ wished him a bon voyage, and Khyentse Yeshi consistently re­ ble and incomprehensible with­ At the end of the retreat there was asked him to come back to To­ ferred to these notes but he clari­ Since that has no boundaries, all the out his explanation. a Community lunch of vegetarian ronto. fi ed them with new views and limitless Buddha-fi elds are one’s own Chinese food and the Toronto possibilities for comprehending body. THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News

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

Yeshi Silvano Namkhai Cost: $ 40/day; $ 400/all retreat The Gar is organizing a “Airport Pick- in Baja California, Mexico Dzogchen Community members: up” for the people participating to the Ordinary: 20 % discount; retreat at the cost of $20.00 round trip Nov 12th–21st Sustaining: 80 % discount (other Gars’ (the cost for a regular taxi is 120 us$). Dzogchen Longde Retreat: members 60 %); Meritorious: 100 % To use the Gar’s “Airport Pickup” ser- Introduction to Dzogchen Longde, discount; Reduced: 50 % discount vice you should contact the personnel instructions of Dzin Dharmabodhi People are invited to participate to all the at the Gar at: twestoffi [email protected] “Semde, Longde and Upadesha are the three retreat or partially for the few days accord- At the airport is also possible to rent series of Dzogchen, the Teaching beyond ing to their possibilities. a private Car (a 4 x 4 jeep is recom- cause and effect, connected to the three es- mended). sential principles summoned up in the three The Gar What to bring: statement of Garab Dorje: ‘direct introduc- Tsegyalgar West is a 3,000-acre tropical Camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, pil- tion’, ‘don’t remain in doubt’, and ‘continue dry lands ranch in the mountains just low, sleeping bag, fl ashlight). in the state of contemplation’. We receive the northwest of San Jose del Cabo, Baja In November the weather is perfect with ‘direct introduction’ from a qualifi ed Master California Sur, Mexico. sunny and limpid sky, hot during the and we can apply various system of the Is a vast a incredibly beautiful property, in day, fresh/cool in the night. Dzogchen Semde. an eco-reserve remote area, “perfect” ac- Bring with you cotton clothes for the Dzogchen Longde is linked to the second cording to the Master Chögyal Namkhai day and a warm cloth for the night, a principle ‘not remaining in doubt. Through Norbu, for personal and group retreats. hat, sun block, your prescription medi- the experience, we discover things directly, The services available in the gar are cines, bathing suit and towel. not only intellectually. For the teaching simple and natural according to the Contact: remaining in doubt is not good at all. We local circumstances and local environ- twestoffi [email protected] should have full confi dence that we are re- ment. Guests and practitioners can now www.tsegyalgarwest.org ally perfect and then we can have also that enjoy some nice “retreat casitas” and Meals: Meals will be available at the Gar. See for the airlines fl ying to Los Cabos: Others: realization.” camping facilities. International , Mexican, South Ameri- http://aeropuertosgap.com.mx/aero You can visit on You tube Nina Robin- Accommodations: can, Italian, Grill cuisines, all done in puertos/loscabos/aerolineas-loscabos. son, a regular and affectionate guest of Retreat Information there are 17 shared casitas (4 beds each an open kitchen under a “palapa”, the html the Gar, talking on Tsegyalgar West at: Teaching casita) at 15 US$ a person per night. The sky and the stars. www.loscabosguide.com/airlines http://tsegyalgarwest.org/video Oct 12: 4:30 to 6:30 pm price includes bed sheets and blanket. Transportation: People traveling from Russia and/or Oct 13–21: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm camping on the land at 5 US$ per night. Fly connection to the Airport of Los Europe they can fl y through several Vajra Dance Practice with a DZC hotel options are available in San Jose Cabos (San Jose del Cabo – airport code US cities or through Mexico city from Instructor in the morning del Cabo SJD). It is an International airport con- Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona. Yantra Yoga Practice with a DZC For reservation: twestoffi [email protected] nected to the main US, Canadian and The SJD airport is 45 minutes driving to Instructor in the afternoon Mexican cities. the Gar.

The conference was a success people from Casa Tibet, the local The two­day teaching was an in­ Now we are very happy to receive Khyentse Yeshi and concluded in a very enthusi­ Dzogchen Community of Mexi­ credible experience for a lot of Yeshi Silvano Namkhai again in Namkhai Visits astic atmosphere with the partici­ co, others local dharma groups the participants. We received very Mexico, this time at the Gar of pants asking Yeshi very interest­ and public that assisted to the positive commentaries. Most Baja California for a ten­day long Mexico City ing questions to clarify the points 14th morning conference in the importantly, a few people, after retreat on Dzogchen Longde, No­ presented during the conference. University of UNAM. The topic meeting with Yeshi Namkhai, de­ vember 12th to 21st . elzomling, the Dzogchen was The Mystery Of The Great cided to go to Costa Rica to the Community of Mexico The program followed with two Symbol, “The Little Song for retreat of our Master. Others de­ P City, want to thank Yeshi evening teaching section on Bringing down the Blessings of cided to participate in the other Silvano Namkhai for his recent Sept. 14th and 15th in Casa Ti­ the Mahamudra”. programs Pelzomling is organiz­ visit to Mexico Sept. 13th to 16th. bet with the participation of 150 ing at this time of year in Mexico.

Yeshi S. Namkhai was invited to Mexico by Pelzomling, in coop­ eration with Casa Tibet – Mexico, the oldest and one of the biggest Dharma groups in Mexico. The dates of the visit were very diffi ­ cult, as they coincided with the main National Festivity,“the Bi­ centenario”.

All of us were very worried about the possible results.

On the morning of Sept 14th, in the auditorium “Ius Senter Lo­ quitur” of the “Unam, Facultad De Derecho En La Ciudad Uni­ versitaria” the National Univer­ Carolina Mingolla gave a Breathing and Kumbhaka Course in Mexico City September 2010. Introduction to Yantra Yoga in Morelia Mexico with Carolina Mingolla September 2010. sity Autonomous of Mexico – Faculty of law, Yeshi S. Namkhai presented the topic “What is En­ lightenment” to an assembly of 280 people, a diverse audience of students, professors, dharma fol­ lowers and other people.

The auditorium was complete­ ly full. Marco Antonio Karam, Director of Casa Tibet Mexico, personally translated Yeshi from English to Spanish.

Beginner’s Yantra Yoga with Carolina Mingolla at Dondrubling, Berkeley October 2010. Advanced Yantra Yoga at Dondrubling, Berkeley with Carolina Mingolla October 2010. THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News

27 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

Rushen Retreat with Steve Landsberg October 8–10, 2010 by Carlos Garcia

n Tashigar North we have had the privilege of enjoying the fi rst Ipresentation of the new base level instructor of Santi Maha Sangha Steven Landsberg. With admirable clarity and surprising humor, despite it being his fi rst course, our friend Steven, display- ing everything learned during years of study and practice following the teach- ings of our Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, gave us a brilliant synthesis the spirit of The Precious Vase and intro- duced us to the point of view, medita- tion and conduct of the Ati. Song of the Vajra Part 1 October 16–21 in Margarita with Bodhi Krause. It is noteworthy that he explained ence about what is being communicat- the secret Rushen during the three-day complex topics of the four understand- ed. But beyond the words and concepts, course, which bore fruit in each one ac- ings to access to the full perfection of we were also invited to accompany him cording to our capacities. Ati with a simplicity and depth that is on direct experience through intensive achieved only through a deep experi- practice of the three subdivisions of

ling. Dekyitling means ‘place La Pura Vida – of happiness’, and for fi ve days The Pure Life Rinpoche transmitted the pre­ cious Dzogchen teachings to ap­ Retreat with Chögyal Namkhai proximately 150 disciples. Many Norbu in Costa Rica in October were new students from Costa 2010 Rica who eagerly embraced the teachings of Rinpoche himself Paula Barry as well as The Dance of the Three Spaces and Yantra Yoga. s one arrives by airplane in The organizers of the retreat Costa Rica the fi rst thing worked tirelessly and harmoni­ Aone notices is the lush ously to create a sacred environ­ greenness of the mountains and ment for the teachings. Every­ valleys. In fact many of the moun­ thing from the hall, the food, to tains are active volcanos that still the care for each and every one spew gasses and lava. Once on of us was done in a beautiful and land there are eye­popping dis­ gracious way. coveries of fl owers of every hue The retreat ended with a Short and shape, produced by this ver­ Ganapuja followed by an evening dant jungle country. Humming­ of top notch entertainment, in­ birds and butterfl ies sip the nec­ cluding a puppet show, a demon­ tar from this array. stration of Shaolin sword tech­ walked through jungle paths to the Universal Transmission of life, but with a renewed sense of The motto of Costa Rica is niques, a much enjoyed Hindu the sea to swim and bob in the the day of Adzom Drugpa at 6 am. meaning and purpose of how to Pura Vida…pure life and indeed candle dance, singing, guitar water with Rinpoche and inte­ But we were not alone, there live authentically in our Natural one can feel that authenticity playing and poetry. grate all of our senses and our were over 1,800 people connect­ Condition with awareness and there. The following day Rinpoche, mind in these delightful mo­ ed via webcast worldwide. After presence. How marvelous… La This was the setting for the his family and all who were able, ments. many goodbyes to old and new Pura Vida. fi rst retreat of Chögyal Namkhai took a little holiday on the Carib­ The fi nal morning, back in friends we all set off on the next Norbu in Costa Rica at Dekyit­ bean coast. Every morning we central Costa Rica we attended part of our journey through this

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

A 10 % discount will be applied for early practitioner is coordinated and harmonized so Partial Solar Eclipse Kumar Kumari Calendar registration (before November 30); a that the mind can relax and be in a calm state. Collective practice – 25 Spaces with Laura Evangelisti copy of the deposit voucher is required Cost: $ 70 US (no discounts) of Samantabhadra January 15–16, 2011 at the time of registration. To register January 4, 2011 The course is addressed to Yantra Yoga of Events please contact the secretary at: Total Lunar Eclipse, instructors and to those interested in [email protected] Ganapuja and Invocation of Yantra Yoga 2nd Level Teach- teaching Yantra Yoga to children. Master Chögyal Namkhai Samanta bhadra ers’ Training advanced course Jan.15: First session 10 am–12:30 Norbu’s Arrival Yantra Yoga Course First Level December 21 January 5–13, 2011 noon; second session 5–7:30 pm December 6 Led by Lorena Hume, with the with Fabio Andrico and Jan. 16: Sole session 10 am–12:30 noon supervision of Fabio Andrico Christmas Retreat with Laura Evangelisti Master Chögyal Nam- December 18–23, 2010 Master Chögyal Namkhai Participants should have good knowl- Mandarava practice khai Norbu’s Birthday The course is addressed to everyone Norbu edge of Yantra Yoga, as the courses are with Ganapuja Mandarava collective practice with transmission from our Master. December 27–January 2, 2011 addressed to those who wish to deepen January 19 December 8, 10–12 am Yantra Yoga is an ancient system of Tibetan A 10% discount will be applied for early their practice or train to become au- yoga, transmitted in the 8th century by the registration (before November 30); a thorized second level instructors. Every month... Teaching Retreat with master Vairocana. The master Chögyal Nam- copy of the deposit voucher is required Fee: $ 300 US Karma Yoga! Master Chögyal Namkhai khai Norbu started to transmit this teaching at the time of registration. No discounts will apply. Every second weekend Norbu in the West at the beginning of the seventies. To register please contact the secretary December 10–16, 2010 Through movements and positions at: Ganapuja For more information contact: combined with breathing, the energy of the [email protected] January 14, 2011 [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 International Community News TashigarSur 28

chiefs, key rings, books, T-shirts and Domicilio: El Durazno – C.P. 5155 – Lunchtime!!! much more. Poste Restante – Tanti – Pcia de Córdoba The Everyone Wins Campaign – Argentina In addition, the donor will receive a Nº CUIT: 30-68101628-3 n Tashigar South we are building the number for participating in the raffl e CUENTA CORRIENTE EN PESOS $ new dining room and we urgently of nine “extraordinary prizes” for every SUCURSAL 374, CUENTA N° 351/1 Ineed help to fi nish it because our old $ 100 US donated. Some of these prizes CBU: 0720374720000000035118 dining room does not exist anymore. We are: CUENTA CORRIENTE EN DÓLARES U$S are going fast and so are our reserves. · a gold ring with a ruby that belonged SUCURSAL 374, CUENTA N° 353/5 With a new dining room, everybody to Rinpoche and Tashigar South won CBU: 0720374720000000035354 wins. It is the name and the spirit of the in the lottery of Merigar East. Please, it’s very important to inform the campaign for collecting the $ 30.000 US · a marvelous statue prepared by payment by email with all the details to that we need to fi nish the work. Rinpoche. [email protected] · T-shirts with the autograph of in order to register the name to par- Everybody Wins Rinpoche ticipate for the “ thanks prizes” and for Every donor of more than $50 US will · A jewel for bearing mantras prepared the awarding of the numbers for the receive one of the “thanks prizes “that by Rinpoche cating where they live, the amount that For people who live in Argentina, they “extraordinary prizes “. will be awarded by a drawing. There In December we will know the winners, will donate and for coordinating the can pay to: Thank you very much to every- are some important objects into this but your participation is still necessary! form of payment. Banco Santander Río SA body!!!!!!!! category, like empowered statues, The people who live in others countries Sucursal 374 – Elías Yofre 1294 – Córdoba Tashigar South free retreats, bells and dorjes, malas, can communicate with tashisur2010@ A nombre de “Comunidad Dzogchen” dadars, Namkha kits, purses, handker- tashigarsur.com for registering, indi- Datos que pueden ser solicitados:

Teachings Food: Peru Ordinary: 400 S/. 150 US$ · It is possible to pay for food in advance, Retreat in Lima, with Sustaining: 300 S/. 115 US$ be it vegetarian or not, by S/. 250 or Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Benemerit: – – US$ 95, divided as follows: Rinpoche Reduced: 250 S/. 95 US$ Friday 19: Dinner; Saturday 20, Sunday Longsal Akar Lama’i Full Price: 500 S/. 185 US$ 21 and Monday 22: Breakfast, Lunch Prices are establish in soles (peruvian and Dinner; Tuesday 23: Breakfast Naljyor money) and u.s. dollars (as interna- · The club has a restaurant to serve the November 19th to 23rd, 2010 tional reference) public Location: Balneario La Marina. Located Accommodations: · The location is near the Ancon balnea- in the district of Ancon, the 44.5 kilome- S/. 180 ó US$ 70 per person. reo with restaurants of various prices ter of the Panamericana Norte. Lima, The Accommodations are Bungalows · All the bungalows have kitchens and Peru. Ancón is a district of northern are shared by 4 people, all bungalows refrigerators, so it is possible to cook Lima Province in Peru. It is a popular have kitchens and refrigerators, so it is inside the Bungalow beach resort, visited every summer by possible to cook inside the bungalow. hundreds of people from Lima. Espe- Everyone has a cost of S/. 180 or US$ 70 [email protected] cially calm sea and almost no waves. per person for the Four (4) nights. www.dzogchenperu.org Various aspects of the breathing in the practice of Yantra Yoga with Marisa Alonso, Oct. 9–12. www.balneariolamarina.org No camping.

Cost of the Retreat From the domestic airport, we rec- We kindly request everybody (even Brazil Full participation: R$ 400 (= aprox ommend that you take a taxi to your if you are sustaining or meritorious Retreat with Chögyal US$ 235 or 167 Euros, at today’s offi cial hotel. It should cost around R$ 30 or members) to send us an email for the Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche rates) or R$ 100 per day. R$ 40, depending on the time of your registration before the beginning of the The Invocation of The usual discounts for Dzogchen arrival. There are several daily fl ights retreat (as soon as you can). Community members apply, accord- to São Paulo from most European and Samantabhadra – ing to the retreats in South America South American capitals, as well as With kind regards and many Kunzang Monlam (20 % for ordinary members, 40 % for South Africa, Japan, Australia, etc. Tashi Delegs, São Paulo, December 1st–5th, 2010 sustaining members and 100 % for Visas: The Dzogchen Community of São Paulo, meritorious members). Please note that, if you are North Brazil The Dzogchen Community of Brazil is de- The main retreat with Rinpoche is American, you need a Visa to come to lighted to invite you to another Dzogchen from 10h to 12h. Brazil. The Visa can be easily obtained retreat with our precious Master, Chögyal The retreat will take place in at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. The retreat will the Club Homs (click for details), in your country. Europeans or South take place in São Paulo, from December 1st located in a very central area of São Americans in general do not need a Visa to 5th. All are invited to come! Paulo, in the famous Av Paulista, 1035 to come to Brazil. Apparently, Russians Rinpoche will give teachings on the (“Brigadeiro” subway station). There don’t need a VISA anymore to come to famous Dzogchen invocation called are many hotels in all price ranges close Brazil, but we suggest you confi rm all “Kunzang Monlam” – the Invocation of to the retreat (please see below). your travel requirements with your Samantabhadra – a terma-teaching of There will also be Yantra Yoga and travel agent. São Paulo is a very big the Gongpa Zangthal cycle. “Gongpa” Vajra Dance classes for beginners and city but the place where the retreat will means the real state and “Zanthal” is explanations of the practices in the be organized is very central. There are “transparent, all-penetrating”. afternoons. many places to visit if you have the time The Kunzang Monlam is not only Accommodation and interest. You can also extend your an invocation, but also contains a com- The retreat will take place in a very stay and visit other parts of the country, plete explanation of the practice of central area of São Paulo (Av Paulista), such as Rio de Janeiro, if you are inter- Dzogchen – base, path and fruit. Rec- easily accessible by subway and bus. ested. ognizing that everything is the potenti- There are also many hotels in all price We kindly request everyone to be ality of his own state, Samantabhadra ranges nearby at walking distance. at the main hall, at least half an hour never falls into dualism and is always Please click here for a list of sugges- before the teachings start. We suggest the pure presence of our real nature, tions or visit our website: that you bring cushions for the teach- pure since the beginning. Sentient http://dzogchen.tumblr.com ings and comfortable clothes to practice beings, however, not recognizing the Advice Yantra Yoga. manifestations of sound, light and rays It is easy to get from the São Paulo We hope to meet many of our as their own nature, fall into dualism international airport to hotels close to Vajra friends from the international and experience the illusory sufferings the Paulista Avenue. The special bus Dzogchen Community at the retreat! of the six lokas of samsara. “Airport Service”, which leaves from We hope that you will enjoy your stay at The real Samantabhadra is the di- the airport (it is clearly indicated) stops São Paulo. Welcome! rect knowledge of our own state – the at many hotels in that area. Registration and Information: state of the Guru, the nature of our own A taxi from the international airport You can also send an email in English, mind. To recognize and abide in this to Av Paulista should cost around R$90, French, Italian or Spanish to recognition is Guru Yoga. and it is completely safe. [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Documentary

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most no distributors who would Birthing My Reincarnation Into The World commit to a wide theatrical re­ The Plan And How You Can Help Get The Film To Your Community lease for MY REINCARNATION, so we plan to try to self distrib­ ute the film, by hiring a booker, t is an exciting time as we be­ film is rented with what is called publicist, etc., and doing it our­ gin to bring the film into the “Public Performance rights”, selves if we can raise the funds to I world. Many people from all which means the right to show do so (see below support). I have over the world in the Community it to audiences, rather than in had very good experience with have been writing to ask if they your home. These rental fees are US self­theatrical distribution on can show the film in their coun­ higher than the purchase of a sin­ other films; there are great pos­ try or Gar. I am thrilled there is gle DVD because they come with sibilities here in the USA to do so. so much interest in using the film these rights. This is a very impor­ In other countries, like Germany, for outreach. The film is a great tant circuit to reach college and there are already small distribu­ tool and will have a long life to university students and is a very tors interested in the film. Never­ help reach many people. But we good network in the States. theless, in whatever country you have to be careful not to rush it to live in, there are ways to help get show it in small group screenings Home video DVD (download, the film out to the cinemas: in our Community and ruin our iTunes, Netflix, etc.) comes third · Identify the best local Cinema wider distribution goals. and is held back as long as possi­ or Art house or University Cine­ To succeed to get to the film ble because once the DVD comes ma in your region and write them to the widest possible non­Bud­ out, the theatrical and semi­ the­ asking when they are bringing dhist general audience we have atrical market slumps. People MY REINCARNATION to their to respect the proper order of tend to stay home and watch cinema. If enough people write distribution, called the Distribu­ films on their couch if they can. the cinema owners, they realize tion Pyramid. This is the accepted Lately in America there has been there will be an audience for the industry order of how to roll out a some experimentation with sell­ film and they will begin to re­ film market by market, since each ing DVDs during theatrical runs quest the film from distributors market requires a certain amount and it can be done if handled and the film will find distribution of exclusivity. While this pyramid carefully. But still one doesn’t bring there. has been changing a bit lately, it out DVD till a good year after the film · Please note: you can often get is still the accepted rule of law, begins its tour around the world. a cinema to book a film for one which if you break will ruin your night, but our goal is to get 1­2­ distribution chances in many Television is last because it hits 3 week runs at the very least in markets. To explain: the widest market. Generally each location, so that the film can once a film goes on TV, festivals true. There are many ways you and that it is a wonderful story reach a wider audience than just Festivals come first in the Pyra­ and theatrical markets stops. can see the film and help bring for all. Again our goal is getting the community and our friends. mid. You can’t show the film at Again there have been exceptions the film to your Community and to a wider audience, so all this So if you know of a cinema, push all before showing it in festivals. to this, but few. You try to get TV help widen it’s reach to a general can help drive new audiences to them for at least a 1­2­3 week run. Good festivals want to be either to hold back their broadcast as audience. see the film. But please note that these longer the world premieres or the coun­ long as possible so that you can runs require more work doing try’s premieres. There is also a milk the other markets. We have What can you do to get to see the 2. Festivals: We are actively sub­ outreach to fill the seats. They hierarchy in festivals. Some are sold the film to six territories but film now and help bring the film mitting to festivals around the will need your help blogging and considered A list festivals, and there are still many more markets out in the world? world. However, if you see on passing the word to fill the house. some are considered B list festi­ to sell. Our film is currently sold Everyone in the Community can the MY REINCARNATION web­ vals. You want to show the film at to: help bring the film to their coun­ site that there are no festivals yet A good example of this pro­ A list festivals first and then often · USA: PBS series POV broadcast try and to festivals, local cinemas planned in your territory, identify cess is what is happening now the B list will take it later. We aim 2012 and television. Writing key peo­ the best festivals in your region in Amherst, Massachusetts in for the best general audience fes­ · Germany & France: ARTE – ple requesting to see the film in and write them or contact them the United States. Paola Zam­ tivals, sometimes they are just for broadcast 2011 your local festivals, cinemas, and that you would love to see the film perini, a University professor in documentaries and sometimes · Switzerland: RSI Swiss TV – TV stations helps build the feel­ come to their festival. Just a tip: our community, wrote me that they are for both fiction and doc­ broadcast 2011 ing that there is an audience for right now we are not so interest­ she would like to show the film umentary. For example Leipzig · Netherlands: Buddhist Broad­ the film. Programmers really do ed in going to Buddhist Film Fes­ at the Amherst Cinema as a ben­ Film Festival and the Internation­ cast Foundation – broadcast 2011 wake up when they hear films tivals just yet, but more festivals efit for Shang Shung Institute al Documentary Film Festival of · Finland: YLE­1 – broadcast 2011 being requested and often make for a general audience. The Bud­ and the Earthquake victims in Amsterdam are considered A list choices based on audience and dhist festivals will take the film Tibet. She wanted to show it this documentary festivals, which is The current film runs 100 min­ community lobbying efforts. after it has been shown in bigger fall 2010, but since the film will why we were so happy to launch ute, which is the length many of Just a note: it is important that festivals so aim wide. not premiered at a US festival till the film at these places. the above broadcaster will air, you know that all the press material the spring, we have to wait till but some cannot. So, next year explaining the film that you need for 3. Cinema: The cinema market Autumn 2011 (again this is the Theatrical comes second and we will be editing an 82­minute contacting people – the press kit and is in very bad shape around the distribution pyramid I spoke of again you don’t want to have version for USA TV and hopeful­ photos – can be downloaded from our world. Only the blockbuster above). small group screenings until af­ ly also a 58­minute version. The website at films are being widely released What I asked her to do is to try ter you have set up your theatrical 58­minute version is to make the www.myreincarantionfilm.com. Just and revenues have crashed. This to arrange a 1–2 week run at the country by country. Documen­ film more distributable for coun­ go under the tab called Press and you is not surprising of course with Amherst Cinema and if not to see taries do not generally have big tries that only have one­hour slots get it to send forward and give them the world market as it is today. if we can move the film to another theatrical runs, but we have had on their channel for documen­ our contact email: Nevertheless, audiences still have cinema in the region for this lon­ lots of indication that this film taries. Reformatting the length [email protected] a big hunger to see films in the ger 1–2 run. We will make the pre­ can be played in small cinemas insures the film will get it to as cinema. If you are creative in miere night a benefit for Shang and art houses. Theatrical dis­ many broadcasters as possible. Here are some things you can do: your distribution, there are still Shung Institute and the rest of the tributors and cinemas will want Unfortunately, versioning does to 1. First, stay in touch with the successful ways to get films out 2­week run will be normal distri­ to know that they are the first to always pay for its costs, because film roll out by checking into our in the cinema. Theatrical distri­ bution. Meanwhile, we will also bring the film out into the world the smaller broadcasters pay al­ website often: bution is important because live invite Khyentse Yeshi to come and after the festival in their region, most nothing to buy the film, but www.myreincarantionfilm.com cinema screenings are the best talk to the audience but also for because they are counting tick­ is so important because it widens There you will find the most way to get group dialogue going him to give a lecture at the Uni­ ets. And they have to feel they the film’s audience by millions of up­to­date news on where the with social issues films like MY versity and teach as well. Paola have a chance to be successful people (see ways to support). film will be shown and what ter­ REINCARNATION. We want peo­ would also like for me to give a with the film by bringing in the ritories. If you can go see the ple discussing the film and the lecture or two in the film depart­ most number of people to the So this is the plan we are going film when it comes to festivals – Teachings! It is also a place where ment. All these things together theater. And they want our com­ on, country by country to bring or eventually to the cinema, try we can intersect with audiences feed into a larger event where the munity to come to the theater, the film out to the very widest to go. Audiences and word of and pass them information about film is used for outreach in the bring their friends and spread possible audience. Our team is mouth affects distributors pick­ the teachings, give them infor­ community for several weeks. word­of­mouth. actively working to get the film ing up the film for their territo­ mation about books, retreats and While we don’t know if Paola out into all these markets in ries. If the film is showing in your programs that the community is will succeed at all I have request­ Semi­Theatrical, Educational all tiers of distribution. Now it country but it is not possible for engaged with. ed from her to do, and we don’t Market is third. This is consid­ might sound like I am asking the you to go, try to blog on all the know if Khyentse Yeshi will be ered to be schools colleges and community to sit back and just Buddhist and spiritual sites of Different countries deal different­ able to fit it into his busy sched­ organizations such as ours and wait for the film to trickle down other organizations and teach­ ly with Theatrical. In the USA for ule, this is an excellent model. other religious groups. Here the to us to watch it. But this is not ers, telling them about the film example, right now there are al­ >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Documentary

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My Reincarnation – World Premiere At The Leipzig Film Festival In Germany!

Jennifer Fox, the maker of the film My Reincarnation

am sitting in the airport in Leipzig an exhausted, but I happy woman. My plane was canceled due to icy fog in Frank­ furt, so they have put me on a lat­ er flight via Munich. I finally have time to write. The premiere with Khyentse Yeshi Namkhai and Jennifer Fox.

The launch of the film into the Yeshi Namkhai, Chögyal Nam­ ife, Canary Islands, to Leipzig for of circumstances, but he had only staying for 20 hours before world has been a hectic, thrilling khai Norbu’s son and one of the the film premiere, when his plane three plane connections to make flying off to Russia to teach. blur of days, starting earlier in two main protagonists of the was delayed. Leipzig is not the to arrive in the city – and he was the week with more flying chaos. film, was on his way from Tener­ easiest place to get to in the best >> continued on the following page

>> continued from previous page But there are many more and submitting to theaters, to ap­ is a classic ‘social issue’ film that of us working, the film will come · This model in Amherst, is an you know best your local chan­ proaching distributors, to launch­ can and will have a broad impact to every corner of the globe in the excellent example of how we nels in each of your countries. It is ing on TV and versioning – costs on communities everywhere if next years. can build theatrical city by city to always best to try and identify the a lot of money that is not always the funds can be found to do the benefit all. If you live in an area right programming slot for the covered by the funds generated in work properly. Also please know that the plans will evolve over the next 6–12 How can you help? months and I will keep commu­ · One of the best ways to support nicating through Norbunet and the film is to make a donation and our various sites. So if you don’t pre­purchase the DVD (to be de­ feel that there is anything for you livered in summer 2011 and 3–4 to do now, don’t worry. The film months ahead of the commercial is heading your way for sure. I DVD release) through the website will be writing again as things get www.myreincarnationfilm.com. clearer and giving people specific ways to interact with the project · Buy one of the items in our store and help it in your area. at www.myreincarnationfilm.com If you have questions or com­ ments or information to share · Make a Donation. If you have please write me, and my team, at: more disposable income and can [email protected] make a larger donation, please consider it. One of our goal is to Thanks for everyone’s support raise a specific amount of money and patience! May this film ben­ to do the USA Theatrical Release efit the spread of our Masters and Distribution of the film to words and the Teachings to every 30–60 cities. We would like to corner of the universe! Filmstill. © J. Fox link the film screenings with a teaching tour and appearance Launching video channel on the My start looking for the right kind of film and email that slot directly the industry, which is very normal. schedule with Khyentse Yeshi in Reincarnation website – outtakes cinema to show a film like this. so you get to the right person. America. from the over 1,000 hours of Start communicating with them It may seem strange that a film footage from 1988–2009. or if you don’t know them at least 5. Be active on the web: It is im­ this successful still needs fund­ This US theatrical distribution In the next weeks, we plan to pass us the information and con­ portant that the Community is ac­ ing, but this is the state of inde­ will cost from $ 70,000–$ 100,000 stream short scenes, interviews, tact person through our website tive on the MY REINCARNATION pendent documentary filmmak­ depending on how we do it. In and festival events roughly ev­ address and we can follow up: website, Facebook account, Twit­ ing in the world. Independent the industry it is kind of a rule of ery 2 weeks, creating our own [email protected]. ter, and You Tube. Make sure you documentary distribution does thumb that small theatrical does MY REINCARNATION television (Please notice, we have to hold it sign up for our newsletter and be­ not follow a capitalist model, not make money, because it is so channel. We hope the channel back the theatrical date till after come our friend on facebook and which judges success by the dol­ expensive to launch with book­ will include: the festival release.) all the other sites. Believe it or not lars a product makes in the mar­ ings, publicists, materials, adver­ · Video of scenes, interviews and distributors look at the numbers ket place, but more of a NGO or tisements etc. To do a campaign teachings with Chögyal Namkhai 4. Television: If you see that the on these networking sites to see if non­profit model, which judges like this we need donations. Any Norbu and Khyentse Yeshi from film has not been sold to your you have a large enough audience success by the number of people individual(s) who would like to the outtakes of the film footage territory (see above), identify the to make it worth their while to it reaches. Despite all the film’s underwrite all or part of this will spanning from 1988–2009. proper local channel and/or slot distribute the film. So get active success so far – and even because get their name on the film as dis­ · Brief conversations with Khy­ and write them that you would and blog your hearts out! Also of the films success – we have the tributor in a large way. Please entse Yeshi today about the film like to see MY REINCARNATION wherever you live it is important opportunity to have the film reach contact me if you are interested process. on TV. These kinds of letter writ­ to talk and blog on­line on all millions worldwide. People are in finding out more about this ex­ · Video from film festivals screen­ ing campaigns help channels spiritual and Buddhist sites about interested in programming it and citing opportunity. Out goal is no ings of MY REINCARNATION identify what to buy for their au­ the film to begin to spark interest airing it everywhere, However, the smaller than to change the land­ with question and answer ses­ diences and really do help. I can in the film in a wider community. challenge is ours to raise funds to scape of Buddhism in America! sions with audiences. tell you many stories of film that They will then begin asking for it meet this demand and get the film were bought because of letter and push distributors as well. to the audiences that will and can To close, I hope this explana­ We are working to make our writing… actively watch it and use it as a tool tion has been helpful. There is video channel live with exciting 7. Support: As you can see this in their lives to meet the Teach­ so much work now to do to get scenes and footage in the next Some channels to write to: film really proves the saying: it ings and our precious Teachers. the film out in a wide way and weeks. The mini­films will run UK: BBC: Storyville or Channel 4, takes a village. So many people have we are working very hard here in approximately 2–4 minutes each. True Stories helped to get the film this far and With independent documentary New York and with my partners Check the website to see it hap­ Australia: SBS it will take all of you to get it to the film like this not only produc­ in Europe to do so. It all does pen! Planned Video Launch Date: Canada: The Knowledge Network widest audience possible! Mean­ tion, but distribution is depen­ takes time. And rolling out a film mid November 2011. or the CBC while, unfortunately film distri­ dent on donations or state grants goes on for about 2–3 years. So, Denmark: DR­TV bution – from sending to festivals, to fund the outreach to a broad please be patient as well as ac­ Visit the website: creating and managing websites, audience. MY REINCARNATION tive! Your help is crucial! With all www.myreincarnationfilm.com THE MIRROR · No. 106 · September, October 2010 Review

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termath of Dolpopa’s establish­ universal ground that is not the The Buddha from Dolpo ment of the the Jonangpas as alaya that is one of the eight con­ Translated and edited by Cyrus Stearns an important school, culminat­ sciousnesses. In this regard Dol­ Snow Lion Publications ing in the exile of the renowned popa also has interesting things Jonangpa Taranatha to Mongo­ to see about dark retreat in Ka­ lia, the usurpation of the Jona­ lachakra practice and the spon­ Andy Lukianowicz ngpa monasteries by the Gelug­ taneously appearing stong gzugs pas under the ‘Great’ Fifth Dalai or sunyatabimba visions (as op­ “Act in accordance with the lief and apparently incontrovert­ Lama (maybe Taranatha was too posed to Yidam visions cultivated Krtayuga Dharma!” ible in debate (even the legend­ popular an infl uential with the through tantric visualisation), ary Buton, as Stearns recounts in Chinese empire) and the prohi­ akin to the spontaneous visions his book contains an his Introduction, avoided debate bition to print and disseminate arising through thogal practice account of the life and with Dolpopa when the latter vis­ Dolpopa’s writings, that lasted in Dzogchen. Ringu Tulku in his T thought (and transla­ ited him to discuss dharma). This several centuries (a dark episode ‘Ri­Me Philosophy of Jamgon tions of some of his most im­ was due to the force of his ideas, in Tibetan Buddhism). Kongtrul’ (which also has a chap­ portant writings) of one of the based on the belief that the teach­ Perhaps what might inter­ ter on the Shentong­Rangtong most remarkable personages ings were an expression of the est Dzogchenpas in particular question) quotes Shechen Gyalt­ of Tibetan Buddhism, Dolpopa timeless Krtyuga Dharma (and essence, tathagatagarbha etc. is his (fundamentally dualistic) sap’s detailed argument on this Sherab Gyaltsen (1292–1361). most fl awlessly expressed in the as pure and permanent, always refutation of ideas such as the matter from his book in defence Active in the fourteenth century, Kalachakra Tantra transmitted in careful to distinguish reality, equivalence of Dharamakaya and of the Nyingmapas. and thus a near contemporary of Shambala), and his vast knowl­ purity, permanence, primordial the essence of thoughts, and of For logical (as opposed to the Nyingmapa Dzogchen mas­ edge of Sutra and Tantra that he awareness and empty of other samsara and nirvana; that the six mystical) distinctions from (and ter Longchen Rabjam, of the im­ quotes copiously in support of as features of absolute truth and paramitas are already perfected at times contradictions of ) some portant philosopher and teacher his affi rmations. He called one of Buddha from unreality, im­ in the essence of mind and thus of Dolpopa’s contentions it is Buton, he was a predecessor of of his treatises (translated in this purity, impermanence, mental do not have to be cultivated and also useful to read Longchenpa, Tsongkhapa, who took exception book) the ‘Fourth Council’ due to consciousness and empty of self practised; and that just knowing Jamgon Kongtrul, Taranatha (es­ to Dolpopa’s dharma teachings. the importance he ascribed to his as features of relative truth, and the clear essence of one’s mind is pecially his ‘Essence of Other­ Leading proponent of the Shen­ ideas. to avoid the pitfalls of being mis­ liberation; as stated by Karmapa Emptiness’, available in transla­ tong (emptiness of other) Mad­ A strong practitioner of the takenly accused of the extremist Rangjung Dorje. (It is interest­ tion by Jeffrey Hopkins and in­ hyamaka school, and opponent Six Yogas of Kalachakra, Dol­ views of permanence and nihil­ ing that Tangtong Gyalpo, who cluding a refutation of the opin­ of the Rangtong (emptiness of popa introduced a new ‘dharma ism. His basic contention is that claimed to be the direct rein­ ion that shentong is Vedanta) self ) school (upheld primarily by language’ (chos skad) into con­ without an empty of other (the carnation of Dolpopa, asserted Mipham (‘Beacon of Certainty’) Tsongkhapa), he was an eminent­ temporary Buddhist discourse tathagatagarbha, Buddhahood, that thoughts are the dynamic and Lishu Daring (‘Unbounded ly charismatic fi gure and teacher – so innovative that it induced a the absolute, the pervading, the energy of the Dharamakaya. His Wholeness’). (thousands of faithful would at­ kind of ‘hermeneutical shock’ in fl awless) an empty of self (condi­ views in these regards were not A fascinating and challenging tend his teachings and initia­ some of his readers. He took as tioned existence, the relative, the accepted by later upholders of read, food for thought indeed. tions, lining his itinerary and div­ defi nitive and literal, and thus pervaded, the fl awed) would be a the Shentong view in the Nying­ ing under his palanquin to get his not in need of interpretation, nonsense, could not exist. mapa and Kagyupa schools). He blessings), controversial in the the descriptions of Bhudda, pri­ Stearns also gives an interest­ also disagreed with the notion directness of his manner and be­ mordial space, nirvana, sugata ing historical overview of the af­ that the there is real alaya as the

>> continued from previous page (I don’t think I mentioned that Later everyone was invited to a There was a fl urry of text mes­ the premiere October 19th was restaurant for drinks and more sages back and forth, wondering also my birthday. How strange talk. There were so many over­ if and how he was going to arrive is it that after 21 years of making whelmingly positive reactions to in time for the fi lm premiere the a fi lm that the fi rst screening is the fi lm, from the general audi­ following day. It got so bad at one “accidentally” programmed on ence, industry people, non­Bud­ point I wrote him: “It’s alright if your birthday!?) dhists and Buddhists alike. Many you need to cancel, I will really, people came up to me through really understand…” Finally, the lights went down and out the following festival days to the room hushed as the fi lm be­ tell me how much buzz there was By 6 pm in the evening, the fes­ gan to play. One hundred min­ everywhere about the fi lm. It was tival asked if they should can­ utes later, the credits rolled, to overwhelming. The festival even cel his hotel room for the night, much applause. Nobody moved decided to add an extra screening but I asked them to hold off till from their seats as Yeshi Nam­ of the fi lm due to demand…! they closed the offi ce at 8 pm and khai came up to the front of the hopefully I would hear from Ye­ room with me and we answered At 3 am, only two and half hours shi. At 7:53 pm I got a text from questions about the fi lm process after we headed back to the hotel him: “Incredible run to catch Khyentse Yeshi Namkhai, Jennifer Fox, the coproducer Babeth M. Vanloo, the composer Jan and content. to sleep after the opening, Yeshi connection to Munich… now I Tilmann Schade, and Community members after the premiere. Photo: H. Schindler had to wake up to get to the air­ am taking off… will arrive with­ It is always strange for an audi­ port, where he would fl y to Mos­ out luggage…” I breathed a sigh with a sigh of relief and we went around the world, and members ence to see the fi lm subject step cow, then Toronto, Baja Califor­ of relief and headed out to the to Lost Baggage to notify the air­ of the Dzogchen Community off the screen into the room as a nia and all points beyond. I was Leipzig train station (the only line of his luggage. Finally, we from several countries. The room living breathing person in front so grateful he made time to come place where the stores were still stepped out into the cold Leipzig was full and the head of the festi­ of them. I think everyone was sur­ and launch the fi lm in such a pos­ open) to buy him provision for night air and drove Yeshi to his val – Claas Danielsen – honored prised to discover Yeshi’s great itive way in the midst of his mad the night – toothpaste, razor and hotel downtown for a good sleep the project was a lovely introduc­ sense of humor and his light­ teaching schedule. It made it a a tracksuit for sleeping. before the premiere the following tion about how much he admired hearted approach to being part of perfect beginning. night. the fi lm and how happy he was a fi lm process. There was much At 10 pm we went to the airport to have found it for the festival. laughing as Yeshi answered ques­ There is so much more to come…. only to fi nd his plane was de­ The next day we prepared for Claas surprised me by leading the tions and it was a joyful moment layed by 50 minutes. Another the screening and in the evening room in a round of “Happy Birth­ for all. wait. Then fi nally, an exhausted there was a line waiting to get in day” to me – to my great embar­ but determined Yeshi stepped the hall that included Leipzig lo­ rassment! out of the Leipzig baggage claim cals, some of the fi lm team from area empty handed. I greeted him

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After days of suffering of anxiety but also of hope How I Met the day has arrived; the day of your victory, Master. You have defeated my fear Chögyal Namkhai Norbu now I am with you. I am near you Anna Lessana I behold your face I cherish your smile I see your gaze Marco Baseggio: Dear Anna, can you tell “Can you imagine me being brave enough luminous and profound us about how you met the Teaching and …I can’t even go to the next town! How am I sense it in my eyes how you went to meet the Master? I going to be able to travel halfway across in my mind Anna Lessana: Right! The question is right Italy!” in my heart – how I met the Teaching and how I went However, we continued with our weekly I see the goodness of it to meet the Master because I didn’t go sessions. We always spoke about my prob­ I feel its sweetness to the Master after hearing people speak lems and about this Teaching. He would I feel that I have about him, or out of curiosity or to listen say to me, “What do you feel, what idea do already met you to something, but because he was waiting you have of man?” have always been for me. I have to say this for first. “Look, I can’t stand the Catholic reli­ your disciple. gion for the fact that it taught me that ev­ said, “But Carlos, I can’t manage it!” be­ You asked me Marco: How do you mean – he was wait­ eryone is a sinner, and that those who are cause even in the moment he told me that How did it go? ing for you? the chosen must pray for the sinners. I I had to leave, I still had a feeling of ter­ It all went well, I said to you Anna: Now I will tell you about it. I hadn’t don’t feel that I have sin inside me. In fact ror. But Carlos reassured me and so in the for travelling, but in that moment travelled [outside Venice, Italy] for 30 years I have always believed that in man there is morning I left. because of my emotions it was not possible since the time I was in Rome. For many light and not only the tendency towards I went by car and said to myself, “What for me to say anything else to you. days I hadn’t been well and had hardly evil but something profound that brings will be will be. I don’t care whether I die Then I came to myself. been able to sleep or even to eat, then while peace and joy”. or what happens, but the Master is waiting You have performed a miracle I was on the train travelling from Rome, I Perhaps it was this that convinced Car­ for me. How can I not go when he is wait­ I tell you, my Master suffered an attack of nerves and thought los that I was ready to come into contact ing!” And I felt something that pushed me you have given my life back to me, I would die. I had such a fright that from with the Teaching and so he had spoken to go to the Master. I travelled, space opened up for me that day on I didn’t travel. with the Master. And since I was convinced I managed the trip perfectly. Bianca let physical and mental. Then someone suggested I go to Dr. that I wouldn’t travel, I had written to the Carlos know how the trip had gone. She From the day of your promise Carlos Ramos [Carlos is a long­time stu­ Master, too. For two months neither Carlos told him, “I didn’t even know that Anna that we would meet at Easter dent of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu] for treat­ nor I received a reply and so I thought that I was in the car”. I arrived tranquil and se­ I constructed my confidence ment. I went there and explained my sit­ was not destined to meet the Teaching. rene. my faith in you uation to him. He listened to me and we Then one day, during one of our ses­ I heard my first Teaching by the Mas­ day by day. spoke about several things and I had more sions, Carlos received a telephone call. ter on the first day of the retreat and af­ There have been moments of crisis, than one session with him. Then, without “Hey”, he said, “the Master told me that terwards I immediately went to him. And but then everything has dissolved. explaining much about it to me, he said, he will be waiting for you on Easter day without saying anything else he said, ”So For me you have been the “word” “We’ll do some fixation”, and he taught [1998]’. When I heard that I said, “No, it you are here? How did the trip go?” You told me: me how to do fixation – first with an ob­ isn’t possible!” “It went well, Master!” I said. At the mo­ Get up and walk – ject and then without. I did this fixation “Look, if the Master has said so, it ment I didn’t know how to reply different­ you have taken me away from death with him and then he started to talk to me means that he will definitely be waiting for ly. He had asked me, “How did it go?” Did from negative thought about a Master and about Teaching and he you on Easter day!” replied Carlos. he know me already? How did he know me you have given me the joy told me that he would send someone to my And, still convinced that I would never already? So I understood that I wanted to to be able to climb up home to do fixation with me in the morn­ go, I started to get the atlas and the maps follow the Teaching but it wasn’t my choice and along my path. ing and that I would also learn a mantra. to see the route and find out about trains – he had already chosen for me! Carlos had The benefit from you is great This was Bianca who would come at 7.30 even though the whole idea was making been a second cause so that I could arrive and my gratitude is without measure. in the morning before going to the office. me feel quite anxious. But even though I at his teaching and this was the reason that You have power over men and things We would do almost an hour of fixation kept saying to myself, “The Master has I had a lot of gratitude towards Carlos. you can obtain your wishes and desires and we would sing and she practically said so. He is a great illuminated being”, Then of course there were other words and watch with a tender gaze taught me the Song of the Vajra. at a certain moment I started to say, “But if with the Master and when I came away he your little disciples like me I immediately found that the Song of the the Master has said so, then he is waiting was smiling and I was full of so much joy who start to grow, Vajra would take me completely out of sit­ for me. And if he is waiting for me and I that I was beside myself. I felt as if I had but have to live suffering; uations in which I found myself and I felt don’t go, what will he think of me? I want always known him, so much so that I had so you watch over them, protect them, that there was something that was work­ to start my journey as his disciple, because spoken to him using the familiar form of you bring them back to serenely accomplish ing inside me. But I still didn’t manage to the little that Carlos has told me about the ‘you’ [‘tu’ in Italian] instead of the for­ the path of Dzogchen; travel. When Carlos would say to me, “You teaching I feel as part of myself, part of my mal form [‘Lei’]. And after when I realized the way for realization will go to the Master, you will meet the spiritual needs”. And little by little I reas­ what I had done, I wondered if I had made of the primordial state, Master,” I would say, “No, Carlos, I can­ sured myself. a mistake? But the ‘tu’ [you] had come out everyday watchfulness, not. It is impossible. Where is he?” One day Carlos said to me, “The time of so spontaneously that I said to myself, “If presence, peace and joy. “He is at Merigar, near Arcidosso”. the retreat is getting closer and you can go it came to me so spontaneously, it means 25 April 1998, Venice, Italy. “In Grosseto Province?” there with Bianca, her husband and son. that it is okay and that is all!” “Yes, in Grosseto”. You can stay in a little hotel near the road And when I went back home my heart So, Marco, this is what I wrote to the Mas­ that goes to Merigar”. At that moment I was full of joy, full of peace, with so much ter and the joy that I received from that mo­ wishing for the Master that I carried inside ment I have stored away, I have preserved. me as if it was the most sacred and won­ And it is all the joy and pleasure that the derful thing in my life and straight away I state can give me when I manage to under­ wrote these words to him: stand it profoundly.

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