THE MIRROR The International Newspaper of the Dzog-chen Community Volume 1 Issue 11, September 1991

NAMKHA The principles of Tibetan medicine A medical system based on compassion

Germany An introduction to Dzog-chen Namkha is a Tibetan word, which page 5 means space. This word is also used as the name of an object made of France sticks and coloured threads. InTibet, Three day Paris conference Namkhas have been used a great deal yet few people understand page 6 exactly how they work. Denmark In 1983, clarified the ways that Namkhas can Yantra yoga group actually be used by a person to page 5 harmonise his or her energies. This involves a certain understanding of U.S.A. Tibetan astrology related to the New York individual. Once the astrological Kalacakra Initiation signs and aspects of an individual are understood, a Namkha can be The Medicine Buddha page 4 constructed and with the use of Tsegyalgar appropriate rituals, it can become a In the Mahay a na tradition, when we practise or study, from the start we look Lobpon Tenzin Namdak practical aid in making one's life at our motivation. If we do not have good motivation then we cultivate it in teaches in October more harmonious. order to benefit others. There is an explanation of the qualities that a doctor needs to have. If people do not have these qualities, then they need to cultivate page 5 page 14 them. page 9 Australia New Mexico Some views on death Remembering Dr. Lopsang Dolma page 13 A group of people in Santa Fe now The story of one of 's famous women doctors New Zealand gather together regularly for group Teachings transmitted by practice and activities as the Dzog- Bom in the Kyirong district of West years in exile, she finally resumed bringing the unique system of radio in Auckland chen Community of New Mexico. Tibet in 1935, Dr. Dolma followed her medical practice and in 1972 Tibetan medicine to the West. page 5 They recount their activities and the family tradition of religious and accepted the post of Chief Physician In 1983 she participated in the First Proposal for an international experiences throughout the year and medical service to become the 13th at the Tibetan Medical Centre in International Conference on Tibetan their plans for organizing future Khangkar doctor in an unbroken Dharamsala. She has given lectures, Medicine held in Italy. mail order book-store retreats. . After her departure from workshops and diagnostic She died at the age of 55 in 1989. cooperative page 6 Tibet in 1959 and the first difficult exhibitions in America and Europe page 8 page 12 A.S .I.A. Retreat at Merigar Ten years later Delegation to Chengdu Merigar celebrated its 10th page 3 with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche anniversary on a hot August day December 23 to January 5 with an excursion on foot led by Shang-Shung masked dancers, pipers and information page 7 drummers from the Capannone, to Editions Merigar 2, the river, across fields Some questions answered and fences to the woods, then on to page 3 Merigar programme the Gonpa, the hill of the nomads, the children 's playpark and the main Year of Tibet This year Merigar has been fortunate to have the almost continual presence house. An enormous long bodied The international calendar of Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche since the spring. lion reared its ferocious head along page 10 During the summer programme he gave several transmissions and practices the way, and each stop became a and will continue to do so throughout the autumn. story in dance, poetry, music and Children A glance at the Merigar programme on page 4 will show the days on which fun. The day closed as dancers Suggestions on child-care Norbu Rinpoche will be teaching and giving transmission which is practically whirled around a great fire. every weekend until Christmas when he will lead a two week retreat. page 11 (photo Jean Mackintosh) page 15 2 The preservation and the purity of the teachings is the responsibility of all those who are involved with the teachings. The preciousness of the teachings

From the teachings of Namkhai of some chosen few. Normally this capacities. But you must understand NorbuRinpochegiven in California, is how people see the matter. For that the fundamental capacity of November 4th, 1979. example, people speak of His teachers and masters is transmission. I want to explain a bit about things Holiness, that His Holiness is the A power greater than that of in general. We find among us that owner of the teachings like transmitting does not exist. people have their own practice, their somebody is the owner of a precious Transmission is a way of developing own master, their own lineage. jewel. But that is not true. Because your progress in that practice. But That's not only true of someone nobody has given him the job. before developing that, you have to who is following . But Nobody has given that authority to have a principle. when one follows any teaching, it's any such person. The teaching is in If we speak, for example, of making always like that. And one has these the common interest of all beings a flower grow and develop, this characteristics even if one is not and therefore the preservation and means we have to use fertilizer and following the teaching. That is to the purity of the teachings is the plant food and water and so forth. It say, this is characteristic of the responsibility of all those who are means there is already a flower. If human being. involved with the teachings. there is no flower, there is nothing to And in general we all have an Therefore it's extremely important help grow, to cultivate. Likewise, at enormous amount of confusion that all the people and practitioners the beginning there is a teacher who about this. When one wants to follow who are involved in the teaching has explained and transm itted oral ly, a teaching, one thinks many times shou Id be active. And thus they must, and this is indispensible. about "Whether I should follow or above all, be responsible and aware Then when the person has found the whether I shouldn't follow". of their responsibility, otherwise teaching, it is up to the person Particularly people who follow some one's is really just a himself. It's no longer the master's particular school get worried. And matter of words. job. The master's job is to transmit, (© Modonesi & Namkhai) the truth is that we all have a lot of to make you understand, to give you these conflicts. Responsibility practise. It may be that one does not if you know from the beginning the methods which you will cultivate But it's very important to try to For me, for example, that which is know how to practise, then the first there is no conflict, then if somebody and develop. But the rest of it, doing understand first of all, that through most valuable, most precious, is the step of course is to learn, to try to is making conflicts with me or in the rest of the job, is the disciple's the teachings one must try to open teaching. Because the only thing understand. front of me, I find it unimportant. work. oneself. Because the principle of the that can resolve the problems of a In order to understand you must not In the same way, it's very important teaching has a way of working, has human being definitively is shut yourself in. I'm not saying that that if a practitioner feels himself to The path of wisdom a real function. Man can always realization. If a person doesn't all schools, all masters, are the same. bea true practitioner of Dzog-chen, The path towards realization is called make a mistake. But the teaching become realized, he will always You have to treat everything the he must find himself like a man the path of wisdom. The path of cannot be mistaken. find himself at the level of dualism. same way. You have to be open at sitting on a mountain peak, with the wisdom has nothing to do with The teaching can appear in many Where can one find one's both ends. Some people might say whole panorama open to him. He somebodypassively going to receive different forms, in different schools, reawakening? Only from the you have to give importance to every has no conflict. If I don't provoke a a blessing. It has to do with one's but its essence and principle must teachings. And for this reason the school, every tradition, every path. I conflict, somebody else who comes participating directly on one's own. always be the same. And therefore teachings are very important. can understand that, but it's not the along and provokes a conflict doesn't In a , Buddha says, "A person one must know that. I know what the value of the case that someone who is interested have the power to condition me. who has sacrificed and renounced One must know what is the true teachings is. Therefore I assume my in becoming realized should make There is no reason to go judging for all his life as a monk, who has principle that one must be following. responsibility before the teachings himself a slave to that outlook. people. What is important is to paid honor and respect to all the And one must know where one must because I know how precious the observe oneself. buddhas and , who has arrive. That doesn't depend on a teachings are. If, for me, the only Understanding As said, "If a certain continuously made offerings, who particular person who is teaching or thing which is truly precious is the From our point of view, to follow a area is full of thorns, and it is very has continuously done purifications, a particular master who is presenting teachings, then I know that's true teaching means that teaching gives difficult to walk trough these thorny prostrations and the like, has the teachings. What principle you 're also for others. If I seriously feel a means or instrument for liberating bushes, then to walk there do you accumulated a great deal of . following, where you are going, compassion for others, then I must thepersoa And this you must find have to cover the whole But compared to a person who is in depends on the person who follows. use all my strenui to keep this in whatever teaching it may be. If mountainside? You can't do that. the state of shine for the amount of If I must realize myself, I have to precious teaching as it should be. someone has communicated this to How do you walk there then? You time that it takes an ant to walk from realize me, myself. It's not my And I must use all my strength to you, then that corresponds to the have to have very thick soles on the tip of the nose to the bridge of the teacher who must realize me, or my carry the teaching forward, and what teachings. If this isn't so, it means your shoes." Itdepends therefore on nose," - that is to say, for a few school which must realize the I know, I must communicate to that in this case teaching has been the person himself to deal with the seconds - "that is hundreds of times teaching. others. And this which I do is what conditioned by the people involved. situation. You can never succeed in more important than that entire When one puts this problem before I consider true compassion. And if Then it's up to you, the person destroying all the elements which lifetime of sacrifice." the teaching, it's extremely this is true forme, it's true for others. interested, tohav e enough awareness might disturb you. It is more Once one has entered onto the path of wisdom, then one has finally damaging. Damaging for he who The teaching is something to which to deal with that important to deal with yourself and begun the way to realization. The practises and damaging for the all those interested in must commit Many people, when they follow a not be disturbed. So what's most path of wisdom does not mean a teaching itself and the school to themselves to. When we think of teaching, say, "Now I've important is the awareness of the practitioner himself. mental concept that depends on which one belongs, because we're , many people understood. What I was involved We always go around criticizing having good intentions, or interested in the teaching. Because think to do something for Tibetan with before isn't so very right." And other people. In every situation we performing some benefit with body, this means not only a few people or Buddhism out of sympathy, or there is a kind of conversion, or can find grounds for conflict. In this voice and mind. It means going into an individual, but each of us has his affection, for the Tibetans or for the change,likesomebody changing his case it is very important to liberate the state of the individual as one is. own way of being interested in the Tibetan tradition. But sympathy for clothes. But that is not a correct oneself, so that you don't Find It's not only the Dzog-chen teaching teachings and of taking the interest the Tibetans and doing something procedure either. Because if you conflict outside. And what I'm which says this, but all of the of the teachings into consideration. for them is another matter. have truly understood, there is describing is above all a way of teachings of Buddhism in general. And this interest must proceed. And But someone who understands the nothing to change. being a practitioner of Dzog-chen. Their ultimate stage is always this must above all proceed for value and preciousness of the The Dzog-chen teaching doesn't It's not important to demonstrate to pointing, for example, towards shine. others. teachings, particularly of the give a garment or suit of clothes or the world that I'm a practitioner of This means that one must participate teachings of Dzog-chen, is not just a new way of presenting yourself. Dzog-chen. What we're interested oneself. If you don't participate, Benefit Tor others motivated by sympathy for the You can be as you are. But what the in obtaining is realization. nobody can accomplish anything. In the Buddhist teaching, one of the Tibetans or interest in oriental things. teaching gives is an awakening. If I Realization doesn't come by my Thus what is it that the Dzog-chen fistthings one considers is the benefit hadn't understood before, now I've He knows that this is something exhibiting something. Realization teaching really communicates? It for others, and what gives benefit to precious to be saved, not to be lost. understood. Now if I've understood, is not dependent on other people. communicates that one must open others is above all the teachings. So Therefore I habitually ask those who whether what I've understood is the one's eyes, and must not be a passive you have to have a teaching that are interested to assume their Dzog-chen teaching or another receiver, but an active participant in works, a teaching that is pure and responsibility. One's first teaching, I have really understood. Being active the teaching. As I am active, then I authentic. And this guarantee of the responsibility is to practise. If you So we don't have to create problems. As regards the teachings, one must also help other people who are teachings depends on the people who want to take your responsibilities be extremely active. Active means I interested to understand what's are interested in and participating in towards the teachings, that is to say, Problems myself, the person, participates. I do involved. According to me, these the teaching. do something for the benefit for When a hum an being has decided to somehing to realize myself. You are very important things to You must never think that the others, first of all, you must better have a problem, the problem always have to understand that teachers and understand. teaching is somehow the property yourself. To do that you must grows, conflicts make progress. But masters have their power and their

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 3 Riding the horse A.S.I.A. Projects Marry times the pages of The Mirror enough to give us an idea and and letters to the Gakyils have stimulate interest to go into the launched invitations for active communication further. collaboration in the making of each What we would also like to receive issue of The Mirror. Unfortunately is news about interesting events, we must admit that the commitment information about Tibetan culture, which has been shown has fallen Tibet and Asia in general, other short of our needs. teachings and Masters, spiritual Perhaps people haven't understood centres and humanistic activities, that it is not publishing a newspaper ecology and the environment, which is our main interest (there are peoples and cultures on the verge of plenty of these including extinction, medicine and all those papers which are very nice) but the commitment events that can be of interest to The Dzog-chen Comm unity. The M irror If we are not used to communicating, Mirror, besides, naturally, news on wants to be the voice of this we should develop a correct aptitude; the activities of the Community in Khamdogar monastery destroyed (photo Raimondo Bultrini) Community not just its faded your part of the world. Notali of this frequently we are not even aware The delegation from A.S.I.A. previously organized to undertake the summary. news needs to be in the form of that there is something worth feasability study for the project for the schools and hospital in August/ articles. The Mirror is happy to The voice of the Dzog-chen communicating, because often we September 1991, is now going to postpone its mission for the time being, pubi ish up and com ing programm es Community is, first of all, the voice do not have this type of presence at pending further clarifications requested from the relevant authorities of all. of teachings and lectures, plus small of the Gakyils. Where is their Sichuan Province. As a next operative step, a smaller scale delegation from reports onactivities just after they 've commitment? When the newspaper arrives in far A.S.I.A. will therefore reach Chengdu again in October 1991 to organise happened. Articles should be no What do we have to do to be able to off places where, perhaps, there are meetings and further discuss im pi em enta ti ve steps, and mutually agree on longer than 2500 words. receive, each month, news about only five or six people of the a definite date for the feasibility study trip. Puntsog Wangmo, responsible We suggest that the Gakyils should their activities, information which Community, it gives them a lot of for the project in Tibet, is already on site and coordinating the disbursement be responsible and guarantee the allows everyone to participate in support to read about what's of funds already fowarded to her in April this year (U.S. $10.000). She is flow of information and that this what is happening in the happening in other places of the also following up specific construction activities already agreed upon Community? Community. should be a real commitment for them as part of their work. The However, since the time of the visit to Chengdu of Andrea Dell'Angelo and Please don't say that there is nothing It's not that we always want Gakyils should create an awareness Donatella Rossi, continuous contact has been kept with local professionals happening, that there is no news. importantnews itemsor long articles of the need for communication and data has been collected for the preparation of the official project Nobody expects that each Gakyil written by masters of the pen. If among people of the Dzog-chen document which will be submitted before the deadline of the Italian sends news every single month. someone writes well, so much the Community. Ministry of Foreign Affairs for government funding. (October 31, 1991). What we do ask for is a greater better. But this is not the point What commitment interests us is your contribution and In those places where there are no If we had to cross the seas rowing or even if you can barely write, don't Gakyils, it should be the Translators wanted wear out a horse riding across fields let it worry you, The Mirror will put responsibility of the Community The Shang-Shung Institute in Arcidosso is looking for translators who and mountains, this difficulty in your work into correct English, and members to organize things in the can make simultaneous translations from Tibetan to English and English sending news would be more edit and translate it from almost any same way. toTibetan for the Seminar on Tibetan Language which will be held in Italy understandable. But today foreign language. Send us your suggestions and in November 1992. information treads on a red carpet. Do not undervalue the news and contributions. Make The Mirror All translators who would like to offer their collaboration should get in It's becoming easier and easier to information that you have. Send it really reflect the free and open spirit touch with: "Seminar on Tibetan Language", c/o Istituto Shang-Shung, exchange information and the only all to us. of the entire Dzog-chen Community. Via degli Olmi 1,58031 Arcidosso GR, Italy. Telephone (564) 966 940. horse that we must ride is our Quite often a few lines are literally The Mirror

Some information on Shang-Shung Editions

by Giovanni Area production and ed itorial consu ltation provide a source of income for the same commitment to the Shang-Shung Editions asks itself and activities. Community. preservation of the Dzog-chen some of the questions which are Tiziana Gottardi is the secretary and Shang-Shung Editions is formally Teaching and safeguarding Tibetan most frequently asked. The recently has started to specialize in separate from the Associazione culture. However the functions and Shang-Shung Publishing House desk-top publishing. Culturale Comunità Dzog-chen but concerns of the Institute are very hopes that the answers are useful Daniela De Santis is assistant it is actually part of the same thing different to those of the cooperative. and interesting. If readers have any secretary, types texts and does because it is formed by people of the How can you collaborate with additional questions they can send corrections and is learning about Dzog-chen Community and carries Shang-Shung Editions? them to The Mirror, C.P.47, 58031 éditerai production out all its activities under the By sponsoring books (such as the Arcidosso GR, Italy. Other people who collaborate are Rossi, Gaetano Ruvolo, Alex guidance and with the collaboration long awaited book on Tibetan What is Shang-Shung Editions? Bruno limici, graphics, Renata Nani, Siedlecki, Manuel Tòdaro. of Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. culture by Namkhai Norbu Shang-Shung Editions is a non-profit graphics, Giorgio Amitrano, reads Whoever would like to view and Do the "Merigar" magazine and Rinpoche). cooperative whose statute is based manuscripts and checks Italian, catalogue videos can get in touch the newspaper "The Mirror" By financing important editorial on the principles of the Dzog-chen Cesare Spada, reads m anuscripts and with Shang-Shung Editions. belong to Shang-Shung Edizioni? projects that contribute to teaching. It was formed in 1983 checks Italian, Andy Lukianovic How are Shang-Shung Editions "Merigar" is a publication of safeguarding Tibetan culture. according to the wishes of Namkhai does English translations and checks and the Dzog-chen Community Shang-Shung Edizioni. Cesare By raising funds for our publishing Norbu Rinpoche and has been English, Adriano Clemente, related? Spada is editor-in-chief. activities. translates from Tibetan and checks developed, as all the other projects The Dzog-chen Community "The Mirror" is not produced by Why doesn't Shang-Shung Tibetan and transcriptions of of the Community, due to the (rZogs-chen 'dus-sde) is a spiritual Shang-Shung Edizioni but it may be Editions publish books in teachings, Cristiana De Falco, voluntary collaboration of many community of people who follow in the future (for financial reasons) English? translates from Tibetan, Gennaro while remaining the property of the people who have offered their time the Dzog-chen teaching. As has already been announced in Palladino organizes and produces Associazione Culturale Comunità and energy freely. In Italy, due to legal and social The Mirror, Shang-Shung Editions transcripts of teachings. Dzog-chen. What does Shang-Shung Editions reasons, these people have formed a has reached a preliminary From time to time other people do? cultural association called What is the difference between agreement with Station Hill Press collaborate with the publishing Shang-Shung Editions publishes Associazione Culturale Comunità Shang-Shung Editions and the in the U.S. A. to form a Shang-Shung house. works concerning teachings on Dzog-chen, with Namkhai Norbu Shang-Shung Institute? Imprint. This will be a means to philosophy, history, religion, art, Video section Rinpoche as President. The International Shang-Shung make our titles available in English oriental medicine and astrology The video section of the publishing In 1982 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Institute of Tibetan Studies is a Actually things are being held up a especially Tibetan and general house is not only concerned with expressed his intention to form a cultural association as is the little because of the limits of our humanistic knowledge. production for Shang-Shung but also publishing house to produce works Dzog-chen Community. The production which does not Who is involved in Shang-Shung with various aspects connected to of interest to the Dzog-chen President is Namkhai Norbu guarantee, at the moment, a Editions? video material of the Dzog-chen Community without having legal Rinpoche, Vice-Presidents are continual flow of new titles. Giovanni Area coordinates the Community (for example, viewing, problems of any kind. To this end Barrie Simmons and Giorgio It is improbable that there will be a activities of the publishing house, is cataloguing and filing videos on the the Shang-Shung Editions Busetto; Enrico Dell'Angelo is the direct production in English in the involved in editorial work and is the Teaching). Cooperative Society was formed on General secretary and legally near future apart from a few person who is legally responsible Those people involved in the video February 24th, 1983 in Naples with responsible. Besides having the exceptions because this would need for the cooperative. section are: Giovanni Area, Paolo the intention of Norbu Rinpoche same name as Shang-Shung a wider financial commitment and that the publishing house would also Gaetano Ruvolo takes care of Brunatto, Gualtiero Cocco, Fulvio Editions, the Institute also has the organizationfordistributionabroad.

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 4 Merigar Programme Autumn 1991

October Oct. 3, Thursday day. Nov. 9, Saturday Morning Purification and rite of SangLungta to 8.00 Guru Yoga of the White A. reinforce the energy of individuals, with 19.00 Medium tun with intensive Norbu Rinpoche. practice of Sinhamukha. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Oct. 5, Saturday Morning Shine practice with Guru Yoga. Nov. 10, Sunday Morning Rite and practice of Sang. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Oct. 6, Sunday Morning Shine practice with Guru Yoga. Nov. 16, Saturday Morning day. Karma Yoga. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Afternoon Vajrapani practice with Norbu Oct. 7, Monday 8.00 & 19.00 New moon. Purification practice. Rinpoche. Oct. 10, Thursday 19.00 Anniversary of Rigzin Jigmed Lingpa. Nov. 17, Sunday Morning Rite of the Naga with Rinpoche. Guru Yoga of the White A. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Oct. 12, Saturday Morning Karma Yoga. Nov. 21, Thursday Full moon. Afternoon Dance of the Vajra. 8.00 & 19.00 Long Life practice of Mandarava C.L.V. Oct. 13, Sunday Morning Dance of the Vajra. Nov. 23, Saturday Morning Karma Yoga. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Afternoon Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche will give Oct. 18, Friday 19.00 Padmasambhava day. Ganapuja with Long transmission of the Chod. Intensive Life practice of Padmasambhava U.W.U. practice. Oct. 19, Saturday Morning Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche will give Nov. 24, Sunday Morning Karma Yoga. transmission of Bodicitta. Afternoon Chod practice. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Nov. 26, Tuesday Dakini day. Oct. 20, Sunday Morning Continuation of Bodicitta 19.00 Medium tun with intensive practice of transmission. Sinhamukha. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Nov. 30, Saturday Morning Purification of the Six Loka. Oct. 23, Wednesday Full moon and day of the Buddha. Afternoon Karma Yoga. 8.00 Long Life practice U.P.E. December 19.00 Ganapuja. Dec. 1, Sunday Morning Karma Yoga. Oct. 26, Saturday Morning Xitro purification for the dead, with Afternoon Karma Yoga. Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Dec. 5, Thursday 19.00 New moon. Xitro practice. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Dec. 7, Saturday Morning Practice of Green with Namkhai Oct. 27, Sunday Morning Karma Yoga. Norbu Rinpoche. Afternoon Special practice of Sinhamukha for all Afternoon Practice of Green Tara with Namkhai living sentient beings, with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Norbu Rinpoche. Dec. 8, Sunday Morning Norbu Rinpoche's birthday. Tara Oct. 29, Tuesday Anniversary of Buddha's descent from the practice. dimension of the Divinities. Afternoon Entertainment 19.00 Ganapuja. Dec. 14, Saturday Morning Intensive practice of Dorje Legpa dedicated November to the whole Community. Nov. 1, Friday Morning Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche will give the Afternoon The same as the morning. transmission of Vajrapani. Dec. 15, Sunday Morning Intensive practice of Ekajati and Naggon Afternoon Karma Yoga. for peace in the world. Nov. 2, Saturday Morning Collective practice of Vajrapani with Afternoon The same as the morning. Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Dec. 16, Monday 19.00 Padmasambhava day. Ganapuja. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Dec. 21, Saturday 8.00 & 19.00 Full moon. Long Life practice C.L.V. Nov. 3, Sunday Morning Practice of Vajrapani. Dec. 23 Afternoon Beginning of the retreat with Namkhai Afternnon Karma Yoga. Norbu Rinpoche. Nov. 6, Wednesday 19.00 New moon. Medium tun with intensive Jan. 5, Sunday Morning The retreat finishes. practice of Ekajati.

Kalacakra Kalacakra Initiation for World Peace

According to tradition the Kalacakra introduced into Tibet giving rise to a Tantra was taught by the Buddha who flourishing tradition, while in India, in New York will be sponsoring this rare and historic event manifested as Kalacakra at nowadays, this tradition seems to have during October 1991 as part of the celebration of the Year of Tibet. Dhanyakataka in South India. The tantra disappeared. Among Tibetans it is still His Holiness the Dalai will give the Kalacakra Initiation in New York was expounded at the request of King very well preserved. During the oenturies City on October 21st to 23rd. His Holiness will give preparatory teachings Sucandra, an emanation of Vajrapani. Tibetans have produced a great bulk of on the Path of Compassion from October 16th to 19th. literature concerning the Kalacakra Sucandra was from Strambala which, The Namgyal mordes will perform ceremonial dances as part of the according to the texts, is north of the Tantra. It is a system widespread among preparations for the Initiation on October 20th. river Sita (viz. Tarim), in central Asia. all the schools, above all Gelupa After hearing the Tantra, the King and . returned to Strambala, wrote a long The initiations to the Kalacakra are His Holiness* teachings will be preceded by five days of teachings on the exposition and propagated Kalacakra fifteen and are divided into three groups. Nature of Mind given by preeminent from each of the five Tibetan Buddhism as the state religioa Seven initiations in the pattern of religious traditions: The literature of this tradition is based childhood ( this is the one the Dalai October 11th Venerable Lobpon Tenzin Namdhak, tradition on the long Laghu tantra, which is Lama is going to give in N.Y. city ). October 12th Venerable , tradition currently called the Kalacakra Tantra. It Four high initiations. Four greatly high intended as a description of the October 13th Venerable Tenga RinpocheJCagyu tradition is divided into fivemai n chapters and initiations. macrocosm in strict connection with the October 14th Kyabje Rinpoche, Sakya tradition 1,247 stanzas. The most famous and This sacred tradition is a complete internal energy of the individual, the October 15th Venerable Tara Rinpoche, tradition extensive exposition o f this Tantrais the concept of the world, and includes a microcosm. ( will translate for Venerable Trulshik Rinpoche) Vunalprabha, the great commentary on very particular tradition of yoga called His Holiness the is a great the Kakacakra Tantra "The Stainless the "six branches yoga", a pranayama practitioner and holder of this tradition Light". It is still extant and it formed the system with a thorough analysis of all and he has a great confidence in the If you would like to receive registration information, please send your name basis of subsequent literature. the channels and the vital energy, a very power its energy has for the peace of all and address to: The Tibet Center, 359 Broadway, New York, NY 10013 or In 1026 die Kalacakra Tantra was complex system of astrology which is the people who Uve on this earth. call (212) 353-9391.

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 5 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche in Germany Tsegyalgar summer retreat

September 13thto 15th by Des Barry This year the Tsegyalgar Lobpon Tenzin Namdak by Matthias Winter Community had no major teaching will give teachings retreat with Norbu Rinpoche. When Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche's visit to Germany, in September 13th tol5th, at Tsegyalgar we asked Rinpoche's advice as to only lasted three days but during that time he gave an intensive programme. October 25-29. whether we should invite a teacher He had been invited to teach in Germ any by two groups, the German-Tibetan For information contact: to give a retreat or do a practice Cultural Society and Kamalashila Institute, a Karmakargyu Centre situated Dzog-chen Community retreat, he suggested that practice in the old Casle of Wachendorf, about a half hours drive from Bonn. Tsegyalgar, PO Box 277, might be the better idea. Norbu Rinpoche gave very concentrated teachings in Dusseldorf on Friday Conway, Mass. 01341,USA. evening and in Wachendorf on Saturday and Sunday. He gave a condensed We used the retreat schedule introduction to the Dzog-chen teaching. prepared by Rinpoche for use at About 120 people attended Rinpoche's talk inDusseldorf. He explained that Merigar, which consists of a series for marry people "practising the Dharma" means to follow a kind of religion, of instructions that, originally, were a very deep knowledge and closure which are our normal ways whereas the Dzog-chen teaching is based on the discovery and the knowledge taken each day from a sealed understanding gained by study, of communicating with each other of the primordial state of every individual, which has nothing to do with envelope. We translated the booklet, practice and dedication. Everyone, in everyday life. accepting or rejecting beliefs, as is done in religious systems. He concluded that has since been m ade from those including people who had practised, Most of our practices were done by saying, "The teaching is not limited, but we ourselves". instructions, and prepared and even taught Yantra in the past sitting on the platform upon which He also explained the difference between Tantrism and Dzog-chen. In everything that was necessary for gained an enormous amount from Rinpoche had painted the Vajra Dzog-chen, impure vision is part of our clarity when we are in the state of the practices. Fabio's explanations. Dance . This was certainly contemplation, in the "instant presence" of . About twenty-two people One of the main features of the notwithout its uncontrived symbolic Theiantric approach, however, makes a clear distinction between pure and partie ipated in the retreat. Reactions retreat was that there were fifteen significance. A large green and white impure vision. to the various questions posed in the minute periods set for the practice tent had been erected over the In Wachendorf, Rinpoche also gave an introduction to Dzog-chen and on instructions, in the first few days, of simply remaining in platform to keep off the occasional Sunday he explained some practices which we can use in everyday life. proved to be very edifying for contemplation, during each thun. rain showers which thundered About 70 people listened to the teachings. everybody who pondered them. As Since Dzog-chen is remaining in around us from time to time, at the Norbu Rinpoche gave two talks in Bonn on the early and the we progressed more into the contemplation twenty-four hours a wooded lake side site. Dzog-chen teaching in the early Buddhist and Bon traditions. experience of the practice, answers day, it was very interesting to Through this intensive period of In both talks, followed by more than 200 people, Rinpoche underlined the to the questions, such as, "Is the observe oneself and understand if practice each participant felt a importance of the pre-Buddhist culture of Tibet, the Bon religion and the teacher missing?", and, "Do you one could really remain in profound connection with all other kingdom of Shang-Shung. He explained that all the sciences, from astrology lack any teachings?", took on a contemplation, even for fifteen practitioners, with the Community to medicine and philosophy were already well-known in the tradition of different light. New turns of the minutes, with the most perfect of both local and worldwide, with the Shang-Shung and were not imported from India or China. There is also a crystal began to illuminate different conditions present, and not be land and the elements, and naturally, genuine Dzog-chen teaching in the Bon tradition but this doesn't mean to facets. distracted. with the teacher. Everyone expressed the desire to have more events such deny the Dzog-chen tradition in Buddhism, which is also very ancient Fabio Andrico was on hand to teach Perhaps for everyone, one of the as this, where we can enter into the Rinpoche said the Dzog-chen teaching is not "owned" by any tradition or Yantra Yoga. Because of the fullness most powerful experiences of the practice together. school. of the program, Fabio's teaching retreat was the realisation of the On Sunday afternoon Rinpoche inaugurated an exhibition in a little town time was very limited, but working deep bond that we share as vajra with the circumstances available, near Wachenforf. Here he reminded those present about the imminent brothers and sisters. As each one of Yantra Yoga - Vajra Dance he did a great job of explaining the us opened up through the practice, it extinction of Tibetan culture. at Tsegyalgar basic but essential features of was as if we were opening our eyes As an example he spoke about the lack of education for Tibetans which with Fabio Andrico breathing and movement He taught to each other, getting beyond the would mean the loss of written Tibetan during the next 20 or 30 years if November 29 - December 1 nothing is done to counteract this. with a precision obviously based on limitations, protectiveness and

Black Forest retreat Dzog-chen broadcast in Auckland Washington, D.C. by Gabrielle Kearney by Tom Garnett The Dzog-chen Community in Germany is organizing a practice retreat Access Community Radio Station here in Auckland is running a weekly Dzog-chen Community members weekend in the region of the Black Forest. programme hosted by the Auckland Pan Buddhist Associatioa Recently the gather together once or twice a month The location will be Schlempen which is near Furtwangen. The final dates Dzog-chen Community was invited to present a programm e. Mario Franchini in the Washington, D.C. area for have not been fixed yet and myself gave a brief introduction to Dzog-chen based onNamkhai Norbu group practices. A yantra yoga class For information contact Matthias Winter at 07723-5362. Rinpoche's introduction in the "Rigbai Kujyug", the Six Vajra Verses. will start soon.We are slowly At the present time Dzog-chen practitioners are looking for a house to rent We also gave information about Yantra Yoga and details of the course learning to work and practice in the country for use by the Community. which Mario began on September 5th. Finally we spoke of Namkhai Norbu together amidst the fullness of jobs, They are concentrating their efforts in the area surrounding Frankfurt since Rinpoche and the worldwide Dzog-chen Community and also how we had city life, study, family, children and a greater number of people live around there: Once a house has been found, personally come to make connection with the teaching. This was a most relationships. If you are in the area it will be used for small group meetings and personal retreats. interesting experience and we have received a very positive response from please join us for practice: Tom the many new friends we have made through our connection to this group. Gamett at 202-232-463. Yantra Yoga in Denmark Paris conferences by Michele Lanieri the theme, " We live in time, and the tan tra, and Dzog-chen. "Like a bee that flies and lands on times change ceaselessly. There was a surprise on the 19th, the flowers that mark his path, Sometimes the teachings develop, announced only the night before with regardless of their size or color, the sometimes they disappear. At root an invitation from Rigpa, the centre goal is to discover their taste, their there is no difference between the of Sogyal Rinpoche. Some70people nectar."Thus in Dzog-chen, there is Dzog-chenof the Buddhist tradition still managed to get the information no limitation, and the student meets and that of the Bon-po." and free themselves to hear a talk on the teachings on his path, and he The master spoke about the historic Guruyoga as a practice and as a must understand for himself their evolution of the primitive religion method to maintain the samaya, in meaning. of Tibet or more exactly of relation to the Master and to the Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche thus Shang-Shung, an ancient and teachings one has received. spoke at one of the three day powerful kingdom when Tibet was "We live in circumstances, we live only a distant province. in time. There are many different Yantra Yoga group (photo Jens Rasmussen) conferences that were held in Paris, France from September 17th to 19th. The second evening was Guru circumstances and we can use all by Jens Rasmussen/ Benny Gunnol Michael Bray Falslev Two hundred people came each Rinpocheday. It was concluded with types of teachings. At the end of May and during the first days of June the Danish Dzog-Chen night to hear him speak in the French a short spontaneous Tun, for which There are certainly thousands of group held its fourth course of Yantra Yoga with Oliver F. Leick. capital. Among these were local Sogyal Rinpoche joined Namkhai different methods in the Dzog-chen The four day course was inspiring and beneficial to beginners as well as students but also many ' new ' people, Norbu Rinpoche on the stage of the teaching. The final goal is always skilled Yantra Yoga practitioners. who had heard of the conferences conference room of 'La Maison du the same, to discover the real Oliver emphasized his position as a Vajra brother, a fellow practitioner and through the posters displayed in the Médecin'. condition of our state and enter into this knowledge. If we do not know not a master. At the same time he pointed out the correctness in developing centres or from a friend. The teaching this time was a that, even a very important teaching Yantra Yoga along with the Dzog-chen teachings of Namkhai Norbu The first evening was a historic one. presentation of Dzog-chen in the will not be for us." Rinpoche. Rinpoche spoke for a long time on different Buddhist paths: sutra,

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 6 Santa Fe activities

by the Dzog-chen Community of An international congress held by the European Buddhist Union (EBU) will New Mexico take place "in September 1992 in Berlin, Germany. This organization Greetings to the Dzog-chen represents all traditions of Buddhism and the aim of next year's congress: Community worldwide from those "Unity in Diversity - Buddhism in Europe" is to show the common basis of of us in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the different Buddhist traditions and the humanitarian essence of the U.S.A. Since Namkhai Norbu Buddhist teaching. Guest speakers invited are well known teachers of all Rinpoche's visit to Santa Fe in July major traditions who are active in the West and include: 1989, there has been a small group H.H. the Dalai Lama, of us who have endeavored to Ayya (-forest-tradition), maintain a group practice and also Dr. Rewata Dhamma CTheravada-town-tradition), to remain in touch with the larger Prabhasa Dharma Roshi (Rinzai-), community. Daishin Morgan (Soto-Zen), Currently we meet twice a week for Thich Nhat Hann (Vietnamese-Zen), practice of tun, chod, and, depend ing Sogyal Rinpoche (Nyingma & Dzog-chen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism), upon the lunar phase, either Shamar Rinpoche (Karma-Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism), Simhamukha or Mandarava Long Sangharakshita (Friends of the Western Buddhist Order). Life practice. Occasionally another Information can be obtained from: practice is done, particularly if we Some of the Santa Fe y antra Yoga group (courtesy of Cynthia Jure) Deutche Buddhistische Union, Dachauer Str. 109, 8000 München 2. have a visiting member of the community who knows well a community in New Mexico. in front of where we were! practice we are not so familiar with. In June, we were fortunate to have We are very thankful for our time From the blue gakyil of Azamgar From what was perhaps an awkward Ani visit from Assisi, with Fabio. Our weekly gatherings beginning, this group practice has Italy, imparting her quiet and deep are newly inspired with two new become quite valuable to those of us commitmentto those shemeLAni-la practices of Long Life and the Dance. involved. As well as the formal has been a nun in the Drukpa Kargyu Our only wish is that we had a few practice, our common relationship lineage, and a disciple of Khamtul more men here so our dance m ándala to each other and the Dzog-chen Rinpoche for over 20 years. She would be more complete. teachings has had subtle benefit for lived for many years in a cave above In the near future, Lopon Tenzin all. Lahoul in India, practising anddoing Namdak will also be visiting Santa The travels of some of our members retreats. Her experience radiates and Fe and we will be organizing that as have served to bring back news of her presence taught us much. well. Perhaps Tenzin Wangyal may the community as well as glimpses Most recently we were very happy return to Santa Fe while he is . of the thinking of Rinpoche. Our to have Fabio Andrico spend 10 teaching in Texas. group has also benefited from the days with us teaching Yantra Yoga, We are not an official group at all, visits we have had from those the Dance of the Vajra and leading for the most part coming together Demolishing the ruin connected to Rinpoche and the pratices. Fabio's humor and antics around the teachings of Namkhai (photo Maria Margherita Maglietti) Dharma in general. created a lighthearted atmosphere. Norbu Rinpoche, but also open to Come to Azamgar. Enjoy the benefits of practising in a place that has been In February of this year, Tsultrim He is a skillful teacher and was very receiving teachings from other authenticated by the Master as well as many other practitioners; Allione came to Santa Fe and gave a effective in passing on a lot in a lineages and traditions as well. Enjoy all aspects of the environment in which it is situated and contribute "Dakini retreat" on the practice of short time. His devotion to Rinpoche Besides all the Tibetan Dharma to the upkeep and financial self-sufficiency of this sacred place. Simhamukha, the Gong-ter of Ayu and his 'tales of the Master' were activity, we also have a monthly This is not a publicity campaign, but all the same we want to draw attention Khandro as transmitted by Norbu appreciated for having brought the Full Moon Meditation (as well as to the following summary of information regarding the blue gakyil: after Rinpoche. This teaching was deeply Guru closer. solstice and equinox celebrations), several years of absence we have enjoyed the presence in Azamgar of our moving and also served to increase When Fabio arrived, we all joined and pratice Days of master, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, together with his wife, Rosa, and his the number of people connected to together to paint the mandala and by twice monthly in the of daughter Yuchen. This visit certainly revitalized the energy of the place and the practice and to Norbu Rinpoche. the next day it was dry and we began Vietnamese Zen monk Thich Nhat of those of us who frequent it. Then in the spring, His Holiness the to learn the Dance of the Vajra. It Hann. We spent a wonderful week together. We did some maintenance work on Dalai Lama visited Santa Fe, a was quite exciting as all the pieces Although the demands on our lives the house, but mostly we spent the time demolishing a ruin which had special honor, and as those at fell into place and we ended up with are many, as a group we try to become dangerous. We also enjoyed moments of recreation and the good Merigar know well, the visit was a this beautiful mandala, and the maintain practice and 'collaboration. cooking the valley offers, and the visits of practitioners, mostly from the major event in the whole area. The opportunity to enter into the dance. Individually, we relate to the Piemonte regioa Recently we acquired another house for which we will simplicity of His Holiness' deep Fabio did two weekends of practice Dzog-chen teaching and integrate it have to make payments until December 1992, so we need to make Azamgar wisdom and laughter sent including the Dance of the Vajra into our daily living in whatever more available to retreatants. Therefore, Rinpoche, as predicted years ago, reverberations though out our whole (and the Om A Hum Dance), Yantra manner we can. We rely upon the reiterated the need for the presence of a resident practitioner ( gekos ), both state. This was a historic time and Yoga and the Man da rava Long Life efforts of many who translate, to take care of Azamgar and to welcome and assist retreatants at all times many exciting things have come practice. During the week we did explain, and work to publish the of the year. It was amusing to watch Rinpoche subjecting Gigi to extreme about as a result. The Native the Long Life practice in the teachings. We especially appreciate pressure to become a future candidate for Gekos. American community here was morning, followed by the Dance of the work of The Mirror and all those We talked with Rinpoche about other themes related to the gar: the use of strongly affected and among other the Vajra, then yoga in the late who contribute to maintaining the building that is be ing reconstructed ( Gigi is putting the finishing touches things, a student exchange has been afternoon and practice in the communication within the on the roof); the pro-Azamgar lottery we want to prepare for the next started for Native American Indian evening. The moon was increasing worldwide community. Finally, and Christmas retreat at Merigar; the exhibition of photographs and slides we students to go to Dharamsala and so on the last day which was the full most essentially we express want to mount; but the most practical thing is that linked to the opening lines Tibetan students to come to the moon we did a Ganapuja. As we gratitude to Namkhai Norbu of this article: come and get to know this wonderful place, and those of you Indian school here. This was just finished the last dance and came out who already know it, if you have periods you can dedicate to practice, one of the ways in which H.H. the Rinpoche and the entire lineage for of the barn, we discovered a huge contact those in charge, who will provide all the necessary information. You Dalai Lama impacted the larger the teaching itself. Wesend goodwill double rainbow in the sky directly to all. will stay in the quie: of the mountains, and above all, for a modest fee (10.000 lire a day or about 10 US dollars ) you will be able to contribute to making Azamgar more solid and welcoming. Letter from Los Angeles Aldo O neto

Some excerpts from a letter of we are all linked and we can all help and then one could perceive the Fabio Andrico, who has recently each other and feel ourselves to be presence of skunk in the vicinity; at returned from the Soviet Union and united on the path. other times falcons and vultures is continuing to teach Yantra Yoga My journey is going well. circled around trees. Park Hotel around the world. Not many people came to the Yantra Kathy gaveme the latest issue of the Yoga courses, but those who have Mirror to read, which everyone Swim & Sunbath Today is my last day in the States. I attended them have followed the appreciates very much. eat, drink and dance. am in Los Angeles and will go to courses seriously, and it was the I found Tsultrim Allione's article Melbourne tomorrow. same for the Vajra Dance courses in on children very interesting. I Ride on horseback or just walk and talk Many things have happened and are New Mexico and San Francisco. thought it was a very important happening in the world, some good In San Francisco we practised aspect of the Community which we in the natural surroundings. and some terrible. But I believe our Yantra Yoga every morning in a should take more seriously into Community is like one large being; park among the trees. Every now consideration. 58031 Arcidosso tel. (0564) 967355

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 7 Retreat at Merigar Latest news from COABIT with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche A building cooperative was founded Purchasing group the remaining 74 partners are still to on April 21st, this year, in the COABIT is trying to start a be found. Thus anyone interested in December 23 to January 5 presence of approximately 20 purchasing group to help the project should get in touch with founding members, with Norbu cooperative members who want to Nina Robinson as soon as possible • During the firstweek » there will be teachings and Rinpoche as President. build new houses or to renovate old to have his/her name put on the list The cooperative COABIT's aims ones. of prospective buyers. practice on the Dzog-chen Semde. areseveral: firstofalltobuildhouses The purchasing group can obtain The potentialities of a complex like During the second week, for members at competitive prices advantageous prices from a builders' this are endless and the initial Norbu Rinpoche will give Yangti teaching. because building cooperatives can suppliers, electrical and plumbing investment could be re-evaluated in be granted government funds at goods if the group can guarantee time and prove very profitable, specialmortgagerates.thento invest him aconsistentturnover every year. particularly if we consider that the Thepadiclpation quotato oover expenses for the retreat is Lrt.220.000 for profits incontinuingthe construction All the members and craftsmen of Faggio Rosso is sold at half price the entire retreat, or Lit.20.000 for each day. There w a fee of Lit 10.000 of Merigar building projects, to COABIT should send out compared to its actual value. for the request to be a member of the Associazione Cultúrate Comunità provide information on the estate information on their projected works Till now the Faggio Rosso has only Inscription will take place an hour before teaching starts. market and to devise ways to in order to get the puchasing group been managed as a hotel, but once During the teaching sessions, children should be left with the child guarantee discounts to anyone started and obtain the we have succeeded in buying it, the minders. Those who need to use this service, which is free, should make interested in building or renovating above-mentioned reductions. whole complex could be utilised in advance booking by phone to 0564-966837. houses of their own COABIT is the Information on the estate market different ways: as a place for For information about the hotels, call Amiata Viaggi tel. 0577-777464. promoter of the Faggio Rosso in the Merigar area workshops and conferences or it project. COABIT intends to publish a could be easily converted into a rest San Lorenzo project continuing information feature in home for old people or into a health The Medicine Project There is the opportunity for the The Mirror directed to all members farm etc. housing cooperative, COABIT, to of the cooperative concerning The possibilities are manifold and buy 20,000 sq.metres of land in the buying and selling real estate. consequently it is extremely This is an up-date on the project of residential area of San Lorenzo about Anyone able to send us information important to join our energies to setting up a healing centre devoted 6 kilometers from Merigar, at the concerning property available in the realize the project to well-being, relaxation and foot of Mount Am iata. The area can Merigar area, please let us have it As Norbu Rinpoche said recently purification at Merigar that will be be subdivided into housing lots of immediately so that we can provide during a picnic in the wood. The run by Community professionals in which 3 will be from 900 to 2,000 a useful internal service for COA BIT Faggio Rosso is waiting for us." this field. sq. metres for family dwellings and members and anyone who intends Good newsformembersofbuilding The First training group of the the remaining lots for building to become a member. cooperatives from CER (Committee Medicine Project met at Merigar on apartments from 42 to 57 sq. metres Up-date on the Faggio Rosso for Residential Building) August 10th and 11th. situated in buildings consisting of 3 project According to what was published in The group consisted of doctors, or 6 different units. The Faggio Rosso is a large hotel the newspaper "La Repubblica" on body-workers, nutritionists and a COABIT intends to ensure an option and residential complex located at August 13th, 1991, the Committee psycho-therapist. Those par­ on the area and is probably going to the foot of the hill leading up to for Residential Building gave ticipating agreed that before starting sell apartments on the basis of Merigar. It has been on sale for a substantial funds to the Tuscany any proj ect it wou Id be better to get to know each other better and learn how 1,250,000 per square metre, a price while and the Community is trying local government to activate to collaborate and rely on one another in spite of different professional skills which is absolutely competitive to buy it. mortgages at reduced rates and qualifications. compared to the local market. The The selling price has been particularly directed to building As a first step, it was decided to organize four separate workshops. On the option lasts six months, established at2,500,000,0001ireplus cooperative members. The local basis of a common background and curriculum vitae, professionals working consequently it is important to 19% VAT coming up to a total of government is also supplying funds in the same field will have the opportunity to share experiences and collect the names of people approximately 3 billion lire. It has which should enable building information in order to improve individual performance and thus grow interested in buying apartments in been decided to find a hundred cooperatives to build 2,200 collectively as a group. the area as soon as possible. In order partners to buy a share costing 30 apartments to be assigned almost Each work-shop should meet at regular intervals and become a sort of to do that you must be a member of million lire each (approximately exclusively to cooperative members. self-training group with the aim of gradually arriving at a clear and precise COABIT and pay 150,000 lire as a $27,000 US), corresponding to a This is an opportunity not to miss! definition of its therapeutic role within the Medicine Project. subscription fee. 100th share of the total price. So far, For information and all enquiries At the moment, the dates for the three work-shops on medicine, body-work For further information and 26 partners have joined the project, contact Nina Robinson, c/o Meri gar, and nutrition have been set for the 1st and 2nd of November and are subscription please get in touch with but the date of the next auction tel. 0564-966837 or Giovanni Boni, coordinated respectively by Pia Barilli, Elisa Copello and Enrico Chiesa. Nina Robinson, c/o Merigar. (October 4th) is approaching and tel. 0522-880803/485079. The date and the coordinator of the fourth work-shop on psycho-therapy haven't been decided yet. Also, it has been decided to collaborate with the Shang-Shung Institute for Photo archive the study and diffusion of Tibetan medicine in the West. Anyone interested in joining the work-shops and willing to cooperate for the 1 ) name and address of the photographer realisation of the Project, can contact: 2) the subject (staring the place and Elisa Copello, tel. 02-33607505 or Spartaco Vitiello, tel. 049-9075009. people) 3) whether photo or slide 4) black and white or colour Transcriptions required 5) quality of the photograph a) professional (adapted to any kind of use, e.g. exhibits, pubiicanons.etc.) The Shang-Shung Video Section is looking for transcriptions of the b) good quality (can be used in following retreats and conferences. publications) Anyone who has a transcription or knows where a transcription is c) poor quality (not adapted for available should get in touch with: publication but the subjectis interesting) Shang-Shung Video Section, 6) The date or period in which the photo 58031 ArcidossoGR, Italy. Tel. 0564-966039. was taken. September 1989 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Piha, New Zealand Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche with the remaining residents outside the ruins 7) In which publica no n/s the photo/s may have been published. October 1986 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Greece ofRalung monastery. Central Tibet. (© Brian Bwesford) Those sending photos should specify if Dec/Jan 1986/87 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Greece by Shang-Shung Editions moments for the Community, they have any conditions on publication 1984 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Merigar Merigar is organizing a general practitioners, photos of Namkhai Norbu of the photo/s by the international Teaching for old students photographic archive which can be used Rinpoche). Dzog-chen Community and any of its 1983 Congress on Tibetan Italy by all the working structures of the 2) Photos that are interesting to the related structures such as Shang-Shung Medicine Dzog-chen Community suchas the Gars, Community (e.g. photos of sacied places, Edizioni, the Shang-Shung Institute. April 1986 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Merigar the Gakyils, Shang-Shung Edizioni, the Tibetan masters and lamas, maslers of A.S.I.A. and The Mirror. AÜ information Shang-Shung Institute and A S.I A. August 1986 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Merigar other spiritual traditions, Tibetan received will be registered on the Everyone is invited to collaborate by Oct/Nov 1986 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Amsterdam Buddhist schools and communities, computer. More information on the sending us a selection of copies of their other spiritual communities, photos type of cataloguing to be used and further June 1986 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche New York photographs or information on the most related to all aspects of Tibetan and explanations will be published in ano Iber January 1986 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Merigar interesting photographs they have. The eastern cui ture, pho tos of Tibe t, Bhutan, issue of The Mirror. Information andar Christmas 1989 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Merigar criterion to folio win the choice of photos Mongolia, etc.). material can be sent to: Photographic May 1990 The Dalai Lama inaugurates the Shang-Shung should roughly be the following: For each photo which is considered to Archive, c/o Shang-Shung Edizioni, 1) Photos representative of the Institute be of interest, please send a copy and/or 58031 Arcidosso GR, Italy. Telephone Dzog-chen Community (e.g. significant Teachings at the Gonpa the following information: 0564-966039 Fax 0564-966608

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 Book Review: In memory of Dr. Dohna

Dohna and Dolkar: Mother and conference was organised by now a Tibetan doctor in her own Daughter of Tibetan Med icine/>y Professor Namkhai Norbu and right and has suceeded her mother as Tashi Tsering Gosayna and K. attended by Dr. Trogawa Rinpoche the 14th Khangkar blood lineage Dhondup and Dr. Tenzin Choedrak. At this doctor. Pasang Gyalmo, the oldest Yarlung Publications, New Delhi, time Dr Dolma came also to Merigar daughter has also been trained by 1990 at the invitation of Namkhai Norbu her mother and both daughters carry This small book, published in India, Rinpoche. on the lineage. tells the story of a well known and Since 1980, her younger daughter Dr. Lobsang Dolma died at the young highly accomplished Tibetan doctor. Tsewang Dolkar, on personal age of 55 years on the 15th of Dr. Lopsang Dohna, who is the instruction from Kyalje Trijang December, 1989.Thisbook is written thirteenth doctor in the Khanghar Rinpoche, began her work at Dr. in dedication to her memory. It is family lineage. Dolma's clinic during her mother's written by people who obviously This book gives an introduction to trips away. There is a chapter in this knew intimately and understood the understanding Tibetan medicine; book entitled "Dolkar: Daughter of personal struggles that she faced in how knowledge has been passed Tibetan Medicine", which is a short her career as well as her down through generations in the one biography of Dr Dolma's daughter compassionate and devoted nature. family; the importance of the lineage Tsewang Dolkar Khangkar. She is Jean Mackintosh transmission; the emphasis of compassion and understanding for sick people rather than career Overview of Tibetan Medicine motivation, worldly success and monetary gain as qualities of a by Jean Mackintosh Tibetan doctor. There is an interview Included in this book is a reprinted article about Dr. Dolma and about about Tibetan Medicine given to Tibetan Medicine from the Tibetan Review, 1978, entitled "Lobsang Gabrielle Lafitte by Dr Dolma Dolma: Tibet's foremost Lady Doctor". Glenn Mullin's article gives us a when she was in Australia in 1979, picture of Dr. Dolma in her clinic in Dharamsala and the calm, competent in which she discusses her training way she assisted sick people from many countries, and as well gives us an and various aspects of Tibetan overview of Tibetan medicine. Medicine including the Seven The source of all Tibetan healing science is the historical Buddha who gave Dr. Lobsang Dolma (courtesy of Dolkar House) Wonderful Pulse Diagnosis from us the three Medical which are still are the basis ofTibetan medicine. which a good Tibetan doctor can moxibustion, massage and yoga. Medicine: a 1000 Year Old They outlined 1^12 main diseases and their branches; diagnosis of illness diagnose the present and future There were specific meditations and Tradition". and also the medicinal properties herbs and metals. They deal with 8 health of a person. initiations in the different aspects of Dr. Dolma developed a branches of the general system of healing; as well as the treatment of women Dr. Dolma was born in Tibet in theMedicine Buddha with emphasis contraceptive pill, a memory pill and children's diseases, disorders caused by psychic forces, open wounds, 1935 into the Khangkar family. This on the development of compassion and also treated breast and liver poisoning, rejuvenation and fertility. is a fam ily which had a long tradition and love for the sick and suffering cancer. Her compassionate and An impressive feature of Tibetan medicine is its use of sensitive pulse of religious and medical service to beings. She graduated from this sensitive treatment of sick people diagnosis. The pulse is taken at the wrist The doctor reads the pulse of the the community. training in 1950. and her medical wisdom was greatly patient's left wrist with three fingers of his right hand and then the patient's Her father was Dr. Tsering Wangdue Three years after the death of her appreciated, particularly in the West. right wrist with three fingers of his left hand. Each finger takes 2 readings^o (1891-1956), the 12th Khangkar father, Dr. Do Ima and her family In 1978, another tour of America 12 readings describe the condition of each of the 12 vital organs and vessels. doctor of Dra town in the Kyirong left Tibet and crossed into Nepal in and Europe was planned and Through understanding the condition and harmony of all the vital organs and district of Western Tibet. As early 1959. In Nepal she found many organised by the Vajrapani Institute vessels, the workings of everything in the human body can be understood. as the 14th century, the Khangkar medicinal herbs and as a preliminary for Wisdom and Culture. Dr. Dolma There are marry things to be taken into consideration when reading the pulse family and its house of medicine step towards curing people she gave a workshop at the University and also the patient needs to observe various conditions such as not eating had great significance in WestTibet. underwent a retreat of 100,000 of Wisconsin and another at the heavy food beforehand or exercising heavily or engaging in sexual The Khangkar Medical Centre was recitations of Jungian Institute of Psychology at intercourse. both a free clinic and a school of and following this, diagnosed and Zurich, Switzerland, as well asmany Pulse diagnosis is very complex. Part of the diagnostic procedure which is medical and astrological learning. It mademedicine for many sick people other talks and lectures. Despite this easier to learn than pulse diagnosis is urine analysis, and this is also very had a long and unbroken lineage of on the journey. Dr. Dolma finally success, both internationally and in complex. The urine is checked for color and sedimentation. It is stirred and oral and written medical knowledge reached Pathankot close to India, The Medical Centre decided then the reactions, such as the size of bubbles which form, the depth at which and experiences. The 12th in this Dharamsala in India in 1961 and to dismiss her as chief physician. they collect and the rate they disperse, also reflects the state of the vital unbroken lineage of doctors was worked for a year on road With advice and blessing from her organs. Tsering Wangdue. Dr. Tsering had construction sites. During these beloved personal Guru Kyalye Treatment in Tibetan medicine is related to food, behavior, and therapies no sons of his own and although it difficult early years in exile, Dr. Tayang Rinpoche, Dr. Dolma set such as acupuncture, cauterization, massage, mineral baths and blood was highly unusual in traditional •Dolma made a pilgrimage to up her own private clinic in McLeod letting. Tibetan society to continue the Dharamsala, and there she met the Ganj. It was called Deky i Khangkar, Food is very important, as one's diet can strengthen the disease and spiritual and medical traditions Third Kyalje Trijang Rinpoche the White House of Happiness by counteract medicine if not controlled in the appropriate way. Also, the through a daughter, Dr. Tsering was (1901-1981), who became her her Guru, who inaugurated and patient must be aware of his environment and the effects this can have upon determined to do this and when personal Guru. He recognised her blessed its foundation the harmony of the elements of the body. Lobsang Dolma was fourteen years knowledge and skill in medicine In 1979, the W.H.O. invited Dr. Medicinal pills are also used. They are made from herbs, flowers, barks, old, he made her the 13th doctor in and began to assist her to work again Dolma to attend an 'International metal and animal substances. Tibetan medicine doesn't use synthetic the Khangkar lineage of doctors. in this field, but she faced many Conference on Traditional Asian chemicals. Most things used are organic. Those which are not organic are During her ten years of medical and difficulties and obstacles in being Medicine' held at the Australian natural minerals and substances such as gold, silver, turquoise, copper and astrological training, she memorised accepted as a Tibetan woman doctor. National University in Canberra, iroa Plant substances come from roots, stalks, leaves, flowers and berries. all the major treatises of medicine She was forced to work as a foster Australia. During this conference it Acupuncture, cauterisation and mineral baths are also administered in and astrology under the personal mother, a Tibetan language teacher, became clear that the unique nature certain cases. For example, schizophrenia is treated with five cauterisations guidance of her teacher and slowly practised some medicine. of Tibetan medicine was not ón various points of the spine as well as with medicine. The medicines for Lungtok Nyima. She did special In 1972 she was asked to join the properly represented or understood. epilepsy must be given with acupuncture. Mineral baths are necessary with training in the S ix Yogas of , Tibetan Medical Centre at Dr. Dolma spoke extensively during some conditions. The baths may be of natural mineral waters from deposits and the Ten Sciences of Knowledge Dharamsala as its Chief Physician. and after the conference on various such as coal, quartz, sulphur and pitch. However, a doctor should be from LamaRigzia She also received Her two daughters, Pasang Gyalmo aspects of Tibetan medicine and consulted before one takes a mineral bath because many diseases are training in the Zhurkhar system of and Tsewang Dolkar attended the demonstrated the art and skill of intensified by the wrong type of mineral water. medicine from Dr. Drukgyal centre for medical training and pulse diagnosis. She spoke to Medication and ritual practices are also used in medical treatmnet at times. Tsangdrub of Kham, and this astrological classes* In 1975 Dr. students and staff at the University Many illnesses can be cured by Tibetan medicine or alleviated to some included thespecific art of relocating Dolma made her first official tour of of New South Wales and extended degree. They include mental illness, asthma, epilepsy, rheumatism, cancer twisted joints. the West where she lectured on her stay due to the interest generated of various types, heart disease and infertility. This knowledge proved very useful Tibetan medicine at more than a by her talks. She demonstrated In regard to approaching death, Tibetan medicine takes the attitude that the to Dr. Dolma inlater years following dozen major universities and gave Tibetan acupressure and moments before death arc very important, for it is then that one forms the her flight from Tibet when she diagnostic exhibitions at many major acupuncture. mental frame in which one will enter the . So, in Tibetan medicine worked as a labourer on the roads in hospitals in the U.S.A. In April 1983, Dr. Dolma attended ingredients are used to reduce the pain of the dying person but also the Kulu Valley, in India. She also Following this, a group of academics the First International Conference ingredients to maintain mental clarity and power. had practical training in pulse and and doctors visited Dharamsala and onTibetanMedicinc.held in Venice This book is available from Yarlung Publications, Dolkar House, D-10, urine diagnosis, acupuncture, made a film called "Tibetan and Arcidosso, Italy. This Kalkaji, New Delhi-110019 India.

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 9 From a talk by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Alternative Medicine Tibetan Medicine Sydney University, Australia, in by Naomi Zeitz October 1989. 'Alternative medicine' is a term frequently used in these times. In general, At the root of Tibetan Medicine we the art of medicine seems to be undergoing a period of change and have fourTantras. The first is called expansion. theTsagyudTantra. We already have Historically, medicine was the artofthe people; themothers.thevisionaries, a translation of this into English. the herbalists, the carriers of a certain kind of wisdom that blended the Tsagyud means root tan tra. In this understanding of the physical, emotional and psychic body. root Tantra principally there are In modern Western culture, medicine has evolved into a super technological explanations on how to do science that sometimes disregards the being as a whole comprised of subtle examinations and also diagnosis of energies and influences, as well as the gross physical manifestation. different kinds of illnesses. There As society in general becomes more aware of the environment and ecological are also short explanations of the systems, it seems also to be reflected in the trends in medicine. principles of medicine, and what The growing interest in alternative medicines such as Chinese medicine; kinds of medicine are used. The acupuncture, herbology and specific exercises, in Homeopathy, in second Tantra is called Shagyud Chiropractice,Naturopathy, Ayurvedic.Tibetan Medicine, Shiatsu, Tantra. Shagyud means Tantra of Macrobiotics and others, shows that more and more people are beginning Explanation and it is more important to look at their bodies as interrelated systems that require the same sort of for medicine. In this medicine Tantra care and attention as the environment. there are a four principal It is no longer enough to swallow apill, orso easily opt for surgery, or inject explanations. The first is to do with had this illness for many years. It is senses. That's all. We cannot go strong chemicals, without considering the effect on the whole "eco system" how a person needs to be to become difficult to find good doctors. They beyond that. But if someone of the body. a physician or a doctor. It is not only can't help me. You are very young. develops more clarity, then they can It seems that people are beginning to see that the mind and the emotional to do with studying and applying If you study you could help many have the capacity to understand the states of the person strongly affect the health and well being of the medicine, but there is a principle. If people like me. But you can't help condition of energy, to understand individual; as well as the quality of 'spiritual life' that explores the less a person becomes a physician.then me now. It's too late. But you can energy not only on the physical level, apparent aspects of the human condition. they first of all must have a help many other people. So I but also energy related to the mind. It is a crucial time in the evolution of the planet and its inhabitants. The commitment. They need to have an promised. Later I always That's the reason Tibetan medicine integration of the various forms of medicine are a reflection of a more education about how to behave as a remembered this old monk. is explained by enlightened beings. general tendency in the world that exhibits a growing awareness of the doctor and what kind of motivation So, after that I started to study In the Buddhist tradition there is a interconnectedness of all life, and within that, the interconnectedness they need to have. This principle is medicine. I studied the four tantras Medicine Buddha. Also there are within our own microcosm of the human body. not used so much in the Western when I was in college with my marry examples in tantra teaching, Just as the issues'of suffering for the animals, plants, rivers and forests bring world in the study of medicine. teachers. Later I studied the four in Yoga Tantra, Kriya tantra, and to light our inability to truly respect and love our environment, the kinds of Usually in the West such aspects of tantras again with , the teachings of Avalokiteshvara and diseases of this age reflect our inability to love and honor ourselves, to medicine are studied, as how to do a the teacher of Gyalwa , a of of enlightened beings regard our bodies as sacred housing for our precious human life. physical examination and how to very famous master. And after that teaching. In Tantra there are many 'Alternative medicine' brings us to more of an awareness of our health in prescribe medicine. But in the my knowledge developed. In kinds of these explanations about relationship to all living things and to ourselves; and encourages the Shadgyud Tantra motivation is Tibetan Medicine since the medicine. Also in the Chinese manifestation of self responsibility in healing ourselves and maintaining considered very important because beginning there has been a principle tradition there have been many health. even when a person has knowledge of studying medicine which is based explanations. In the Chinese of medicine, if he or she has no on compassion, so it is very tradition, there are considerations in Yarlung Publications principal of commitment to help important to look at our motivation. history that Manjushri manifested other people and to enter into the In the tradition, when we and taught both astrology and Books on Tibetan Medicine dim ension of other people who have practice or study, from the start, we medicine. There are these kinds of an illness, then it's not that easy to look at our motivation. Ifwedonot principles in Tibetan Medicine. help people. Sometimes knowledge have good motivation then we So for that reason then, all illness of medicine becomes a knnd of cultivate good motivation in order and how it develops in our physical business. Sometimes when people to benefit others. body and how it is related to our study medicine they have the idea, There is an explanation of the energy is connected with how we "I will study medicine to become an qualities that a doctor needs to have. live and what we have contact with. important doctor, then I will have If people do not have these qualities, When we eat and drink we m aintain more money and it will become then they need to cultivate them. For our material body every day and in easier to live in society". Many example, it is important not have an this way continue living. All these people have that idea, but this is egoistic point of view. The interest things like food and drink are a part contrary to the principle of Tibetan to study and practise Tibetan of Tibetan medicine. They are its medicine. medicine must not be based on the substance. The principle of Tibetan medicine motivation to earnmoney.Thereare So, in order to understand our illness is that a person really needs to six or seven different things and our energy function there are understand the benefit of medicine explained in the Shadyud. This is explanations of six different kinds in the process of helping other the most important one in the of tests and eight potentialities of all people. It is important to start that Shadyud. I think it is very, very substances. In medicine there are way from the beginning. For important seventeen qualities. By this is meant Glimpses of Tibetan Medicine - a booklet vital example, I didn't have the idea to Secondly, there are explanations of all substances that are found in food information on Tibetan medicine and its practitioners belonging study medicine, particularly when I illness. What is illness? Tibetan and other material things. There are to an ancient medical lineage from Kyirong in Western Tibet. was young. I knew many people Medicine has not developed in the these qualities. These things are the $1.00, Rs. 10 studying and practising medicine same way as modern Western base of medicine. and also helping ill people. But it medicine. Modern Western Also, they afe the base of all physical Health and Harmony Through the Balance of Pulse seemed very difficult and medicine is concerned with opening problems. Sometimes we use too Rhythms. The Diagnostic Art My Mother Taught Me by complicated and I didn't really feel the body, looking inside and much of something with a certain Tsewang Dolkar Khangkar. like studying it. Once I was in the checking everything. It is a quality. If we eat too much salt we Dr. Dolkar describes the various subtle movements and monastery where I lived and there mechanical type of system. Also in create problems. But when we need variations of the pulse. $ 4.00, Rs. 45.00 was an old monk and he had a very Tibetan Medicine this is used salt we use it and then we overcome serious disease of Bad-kan. We say sometimes to enable doctors to have this problem. So, substances have a Dolma and Dolkar: Mother and Daughter of Tibetan that Bad-kan gives a maroon colour, more understanding of the organs beneficial and also harmful effect. Medicine a dark color. His disease was of the human body. Doctors in Tibet This is the quality of the substance. Tashi Tsering Josayama and K. Dhondup something like Mkhris-pa and also used to study this kind of thing. All substances have qualities and in This book brings to the readers the profiles of the two doctors Bad-kan combined which can lead But the real principle of Tibetan Tibetan Medicine there is an and their outlook on the medical art they uphold. $6.00, Rs. 65. to a problem ofblood pressure. Many Medicine is taught by enlightened explanation of seventeen qualities. doctors both Chinese and Tibetan, beings. Enlightened beings have With these concepts we can learn Journey into the Mystery of Tibetan Medicine - Book One were trying to help him but they more knowledge than ordinary how to use food, and also how to In this book Dr. Dolma (1935-1989) gives glimpses Into the weren't sucessful. I went to visit people who can only use judgement watch our attitude and our interaction training of a Tibetan doctor, besides describing the mystic and that old monk. He took my hand and and reasoning. If we are thinking with the environment and everything healing influence of Buddhism on Tibetan medicine. $6.00, said "You try to study medicine. and reasoning we can only in order to be able to balance our Rs.65. You can see how heavy it is, I have understand with the capacity of our energy functions. Yarlung Publications Dolkar House, D-10, Kalkaji, New Delhi-110019, India

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 10 Highlights of the Year of Tibet: Autumn 1991

New York Tibetan Thanka Painting: Scroll painting in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition taught by Pema Exhibitions Wangyal, School of Sacred Arts, 133 West Fourth Street, New York, Wisdom and Compassion: N.Y. 10012. The Sacred Art of Tibet For registration call (212) 475-8048. IBM Gallery of Science and Art Children's Programs 590 Madison Ave. A Tibetan Adventure: New York, N.Y. Museum tours and art workshops that take place in the museum's gallery Special preview of the exhibition for members Wednesday, October 16 which resembles a Himalayan temple. Programs about Tibetan Culture, October 15-Dec ember 28 people and art held weekday mornings by appointment and are suitable Visions from the Silk Road: for grades 2 through high school. Multi media works by the artists if the Cultural Arts Expedition to the Jaques Marchais Center of , 778 Lighthouse Ave., Staten Himalyas by Carole Elchert, John Westmore, Philip Sugden and Roger Island, New York. Sugden, The Nicholas Roerich Museum, 3199 W. 107 ST., New York, For reservations and fee information call (718) 987-3500. N.Y. Opening reception presentation, "White Lotus" by Philip Sugden, For further information contact: and Carole Elchert, Sunday, October 27,2:00 pm. Tibet House.241 East 32nd St., New York, N.Y. 10016 (212) 213 -5592 October 21-November 17 Fax (212) 213-6408 FUm Festival The Tibet Film Festival: Film screenings, video installations and television programs that will (© Brian Beresford) focus on religion, ritual, contemporary politics, history and common London perceptions of Tibet. London "Ritual and Religion" Documentaries, The Asia Society, 725 Park Tibet Forum Avenue, New York, N.Y A series of lectures will take place "Dreams and Documents", Hollywood fantasies, Asian features, and every month in the Bar Hall at new documentaries, including the U.S. premiere of LUNG-TA: Westminster Cathedral Horseman of the Wind. Anthology Film Archives, 32 East 2nd St., New Conference Centre, Frances York, N.Y. Street, London SWI Dates TBA (Tube: Victoria) at 6:30 pm. Dance: The Tibet Forum is organized Ritual Dance performed by the monks of the Sakya sect wearing under the auspices of the Office of costumes and masks, Columbia University, New York, N.Y. For further Tibet, the Tibetan Community in information call (212) 781-3866. Britain and the Tibet Society and Nature of Mind/ Initiation Tibet Relief Fund of the UK. For information and registration call the Tibet Center (212) Tibetan Language Course: Visions of Perfect Worlds, St. John the Divine Cathedral, New York, Seven sessions, The Tibet N.Y. Foundation, London, U.K. Open to the Public October 2-November 13 Thursday, October 10,7-8:30 pm. Australia Nature of the Mind Teachings by Vea Lopon Tenzin Namdak, Vea Trulshik Rinpoche, Vea Tenga Rinpoche, Kyabje Sakya .. Public Lecture: Trizin Rinpoche and Vea Tara Rinpoche, Forum at Madison Ven. Kagyurwa Geshe Khensur Square Garden, New York, N.Y. Rinpoche, Buddha House, October 11-15 FullartonAdelaide.South Australia Public Talk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Forum at October 6 Madison Square Garden. New York, N.Y. Open to the public, Sunday, October 13,6pm. Holland Path of Compassion Teachings by H.H. the Dalai Lama, Forum at Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y. Thanka Painting Course: October 16-19,1:30-5:00 pm. The hand of Padmasambhava, holding a Vajra in the dispelling Classes by Andy Weber, Viewing the Ritual Dancing, Forum at Madison Square Garden, all negativities. (© Brian Bwesford) Institute, Ernst, Holland New York, N.Y. September 16 - October 11 October 20.2:0W:00ptn. Germany Kaiachakra Initiation by RH. the Dalai Lama, Forum at Canada Tibet Weeks, Hamburg Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y. 28 September to 8 December Buddhist teachings: October 21-23,1:30-5:00 pm. Introductory Talks on Tibet Zasep Rinpoche, Tashi Viewing the / Long Life Ceremony, Forum at Place of events: Hamburg University, Edmund-Siemers- Allee 1 doling Society, Nelson, British Madison Square Garden, New York, N,Y. Organizer Tibetan Centre Hamburg Columbia, Canada October 24,9:00-11 AO am. 28 September, 4 October, 7.30 pm September TBA Lectures Visit of His Holiness, the , Tenzin Gyatso President's Forum: Interview of H.H. the Dalai Lama by Robert B. Spain Organizer: Tibetan Centre Hamburg Oxnam, President of Asia Society, Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue, New Sunday 6 October Tibetan Week: York. Teaching for Buddhists only Thanka and photo exhibits, For registration call (212) 288-6400. His Holiness the Dalai Lama lectures, slides and films, Friday, October 11,4:00 pm. Initiation: The Four Main Dieties in the Kadampa Tradition organized by Ediciones Dharma, Wisdom and Compassion :The Sacred Art of Tibet 9:30am . ': Alicante, Spain Lecture by Robert Turm an. Professor of Indo-Tibetan Public Buddhist Event November 4-10 at Columbia University, for the series Meet the Author, The Asia His' Holiness the Dalai Lama Society, 725 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10021 Introduction to Buddhism USA Tuesday, October 29. 2:00 pm Fear and Fearlessness: Snow Leopard: Public Lecture Discussion and introduction of methods from Tibetan Buddhism that An opera by William Harper and His Holiness the Dalai Lama work toward decreasing the effect fear has on our lives, by Gelek Roger Nieboer, performed by 6:00 pm Rinpoche, Aura Glasser, and Alan Ginsberg, Open Center, 83 Spring St., Minnesota Opera New New York, N.Y. Films on Tibet Music-Theater Ensemble, MN Saturday, November 23,10 am.-5:30pm. Film Weeks (20 films and documentaries on Tibet) November TBA Courses in Tibetan Art Place: A baton Cinema, AHendeplatz 3 Tibetan Calligraphy : November 25-December 8 Chile Study of the thirteen different forms of characters, preparation of a Weekend Seminar on Buddhism Tibet Week: wooden board for practicing writing and the use of a special one-foot Geshe Thubten Ngwang Exhibits, Performances, Films and bamboo pea School of Sacred Arts, 133 West Fourth St., New York, Place of event and organizer: Buddhist Society Berlin lectures on Tibet, Santiago, Chile For registration call ( 212) 475-8048. November 8-10 December 10-15

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 11 Festival Gar 10th Anniversary of Merigar

On a fine, hot summer's day on A fire was built by the river and Tables were laid under the stars in August 16th, Merigar celebrated its small branches were taken from the the warm summer evening and a 10th anniversary. People had been cypress trees to bum and purify the dinner was served to all with preparing for several weeks to make land in the ancient Tibetan way, Rinpoche at the head of the table. this a festive occasion. A giant singing purification . The pizza oven outside was prepared dragon was gradually constructed Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche began the and the smell of pizza wafted out over many weeks, with two artists ritual and then everyone from the hot coals until about 3 in working and directing their circumambulated the fire and placed the morning. A fire was lit nearby assistants to bend wire, mix paper some cypress leaves on the fire to and the musicians and dancers maché and multiple ingredients until burn - the smoke drifted over all the gathered around it. The drums beat a huge dragon's head with bulging people. Rinpoche sat with the and dancers jumped and pirouetted eyes, open mouth and curling red children as we rested in the shade around the sparks of the fire. tongue emerged. At the same time before walking onwards to the wood Dancing and singing, with guitars, the dragon's body adorned with along the faint and rocky track, over drums and flutes continued until Dancers showing the way (photo Jean Mackintosh) green, red and orange scales was fences and fields. early in the morning and the growing under the needles of busy celebration of Merigar's tenth by Paolo Brunatto A crush of people gathered at the hands and sewing machines. Daily birthday was complete. A few comments on the celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the founding spring near Rinpoche's house in the gonpa and on the hillsides of Merigar and its official inauguration. waiting for a cool drink. A walk up people were seen practising what I'd like to share with you my feelings because I was really moved by the the hill into the cool shady woods The children's party seemed like strange dance rituals. performances organized during the celebrations on August 16th. was enough to cool most people The day following the 10th The kitchen was filled with workers The first image that came to my mind was like a dream of clarity: the sublime after the hot walk. The path winds Anniversary celebrations of Merigar chopping and cutting, basting and dale in Merigar 2 where actors performed a bucolic dance representing the up through the heavily shaded little was dedicated to the children. The baking for two days beforehand. element space; giving a first taste of the performances which were to follow wood below the Gonpa. The work festivities started mid-moming in But until the festive day arrived the until late at night, a fusion between classic and avant garde, between that Rinpoche and others had carried the garden where pipers and programme remained a mystery. tradition and innovation. out in previous weeks was evident drummers heralded their arrival and The night before August 16th, the in the clean, cleared groves, the they chose colours and designs to I have been following the avant garde theatre since the early 60's with the programme was placed on the door wooden bridges and the small paths paint their faces. arrival of The Living Theatre in Italy till the Medea of Pasolini recently that wind their way underneath the staged by the I.R A. Theatre in Australia, and I have to admit that what was The children all sat together in the trees. Rinpoche had prepared places put on stage by the people of Merigar during those two day s - in spite of their small Gonpa and ate a special lunch, for retreat cabins in special locations. inexperience and their naive and moving attitude - is in no way inferior to served by the adults. After lunch This sm all wood was pleasantly cool the various groups of experimental theatre that I've watched performing in Rinpoche launched multi-coloured with its dappled shade, the sun all these years. kites high into the air over Merigar sparkling and shining brightly filling the space above the as Usually if all these performances (theatre, music, dances, happenings) are through the leaves. Lunch was small hands tugged at the lines to prepared in a few days with no budget by creative people and by brought down to this place and send them even higher. As the non-professional actors, the outcome of it is pathetic and pretentious. Here, everyone sat on the ground, on the afternoon progressed the children I watched fresh and essential parts of performances where self-commitment rocks and under the trees and ate a had the opportunity to try their and seriousness were never heavy nor pedantic but, on the contrary, Merigar birthday lunch with artistic talents in various activities - brightened by irony, good taste and moderation. Rinpoche. painting their ideas of the Greek Wonderful was the use of the scenery, that is to say, hills, meadows, woods, story of the minotaur which was paths and ridges: a route with a dreamy flavour where lots of theatre pieces The afternoon brought a full read to them or making their own led the spectators along the way inviting them to visit Merigar 2 and the programme of music and dance, in plaster masks. "historical places of Merigar", from the Gonpa to the hill of the nomads. the Gonpa, in the fields and in the Then spectators were invited to look in the distance in the direction of the garden at the main house. The huge Down in the children's play park, ridge leading to the main house, to the children's playground and eventually coloured dragon wound its way from games such as the egg and spoon to the stupa. It was like passing from a "" or a single gesture reminiscent the Capannone around the hills to race, three-legged race and bobbing of Japanese theatre - to the symbolic abstraction of a meadow, a girl and a the Gonpa and over the grass to the for apples, continued with hilarity big white screen - to a gentle fairy tale where children turned into group of hill of the nomads. The dancers and prizes for everyone. "little princes". The lion's roar (photo J. Mackintosh) followed and performed dances of Adults and children gathered I felt as if I had been carried away, a weightless active spectator fully of Merigar. It was entitled, "10 years integrated with all the performances in some way symbolic, linked to the Later. Anniversary and Inauguration essential principles of the teaching without being rhetoric or showy. of Merigar 16th August 1991." I enjoyed the performances more than I had enjoyed others in a real theatre The day began in the Capannone context. During the days that followed, thinking about the creativity shown with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche and by the people of Merigar, I thought that these types of performances could many people present. Twelve become a kind of yearly appointment. practitioners dressed in white Every year in the summertime for two or three days, we could organize performed the Dance of the Vajra dance, theatre, music and video performances, a sort of multi-media while the others participated singing. festival, a festival gar which could move from one gar to another: one year Immediately afterwards everyone in Merigar, the following year in Tsegyalgar, then in Tashigar, then in walked up the hill, past the main Australia and then... who knows, one day in Khamdogar as well. house and along the road Lately a lot of dreams have come true and this could be one of them. overlooking the wide expanse of fields on the slopes of Monte Labro Poems to the new house and land that had been bought earlier in the year and byUakOi Evangelopulos which Norbu Rinpoche had named Joy and bliss sorrow Merigar 2. Along the way people Just coming from the sky eternal joy. were entertained by masked and Rinpoche with the children (photo Mario Maglisti) Thè Master in front on the way costumed dancers, beckoning them on, showing the way. and you still by my side O, land of Merigar the wind and the air, and then earth, together for a repeat performance of They called from rocks and trees. your fire arms space and water. The dance of fire "The Queen of Flowers", a satirical Musicians with pipes and bells Trapped in the form mother care came later that night. In the Gonpa a account of Merigar's lack of water accompanied the dancers and led amazed by the formless for all of us programme of poetry and music with and the magic hose pipe of the the people through the fields and Just living in the dreams of others growing experience Tibetan singing bowls and overtone Countess. down the road to the river below no time of my own on the windy valley chanting continued into the evening. Early in the evening everyone Merigar 2 where they performed so few the moments of silence above the river An amusing performance portrayed gathered together in the Gonpa dances in the fields, in costumes of The Master's smile the lack of water at Merigar with the where Norbu Rinpoche explained five colours and masks of feathers participation of the children as to the children how to do a short I cry in the natural quality of in Guru yoga and jewels. parched and thirsty flowers on the ganapuja, in this case with lots of crying lawn at the side of the main house cake and ice-cream. for no reason, no sense, no Dreams come to life They arranged and rearranged and the intervention of the spirit of This brief offering went down very meaning life looks like a dream themselves into human sculptures the plants and Merigar's gardener to well with the children and provided so don't ask me what and why Who knows the dreamer in the midst of the grass on the new solve this problem. an appropriate end to the party day. pain, no pain who is in the dream. land.

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 12 BOOK REVIEW Reflections in the Mirror Jewel Ship by Naomi Zeitz newspaper itself, are the aspects of ease, the strong conviction fades You Are the Eyes of the World True collaboration is not easy. It the needs and qualities of each and the ability to collaborate more by , translated by really is a practice within itself. individual; as well as the collective clearly and have more energy Kennard Lipman and Merrill We are all trapped in the cage of our needs of the newspaper in order that available increases greatly. Sounds Peterson own egos and limitations. This it be produced on a relatively regular a bit like a law of physics. under the inspiration of Namkhai makes it difficult, sometimes, to find schedule and that itreflects as clearly It is important that we help each Norbu Rinpoche that place where the collaborative as possible the International Dzog- other as members of this editorial Lotsawa, California, 1987. energy can flow smoothly and chen Community. staff, and, as well, maintain some You Are the Eyes of the World is the productively. One important point is to try to see overall value and integrity of the English title of the famous leaching of Rinpoche has often said that practice the broader view as the greater issue newspaper in the context of Longchenpa originally called, "The is not only sitting for hours alone in of producing the newspaper. It. is everyone's need to participate fully Jewel Ship. A Guide to the Meaning of meditation on a mountain top. But, something of great value to the and creatively. the Supreme Ordering Principle in the that the real test for a practitioner is people of the International This is also not always easy. Universe, the State of Pure and Total when they are required to work with Community and keeping this inmind It seems that things flow more Presence". The "Jewel Ship" could have others and integrate the teachings m can help overcome the narrow vision been a more appropriate title because it smoothly when we meet regularly, Longchenpa of our own self interest and gives the idea of the teaching at once - to their daily existence. It seems we try to make the actual organization as precious and weighty as jewels, as strong and buoyant as a ship. have the opportunity to find our investment. or 'base' more soundly concrete, Longchenpa points out several times in this text that there is no centre and no "real condition'" when we are seeing For myself, I have found that at and also when we are able to express periphery. each day our actual capacity, not times I will completely fix on an honestly and consciously how we This struck me most po werfully since I had been searching for my centre for a long some fantasy of the state of our idea or concept and will become are feeling with each other and our time, imagining that there really is a place like that! development rather stuck in defending this notion collaborative efforts. This helps to I read the text like a thirsty person drinks water, this 'water' has the quality of going AtTheMirror we have experienced for the sake of my ego. This becom es maintain The Mirror as a place for straight to the head, making it clear and full of spirit! many phases and qualities of a big obstacle for the newspaper and us to explore, grow and develop, as Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche has written a most clarifying textual introduction to the well as produce something ofbenefit book, and from beginning to end you can find clarification about the history and collabora tioa for my own growth. for the Dzog-chen Community. structure of the Kun byed rgyal po, which has been denied to be authentic. Within these phases of the As time goes on, this fixation will Some scholars maintain that it was fabricated by unknown philosophers and that it lacked the famous nine points which are required for a tantra to be authentic. Norbu Rinpoche argues the matter most eloquently and gives unanswerable proof of its Bertolucci researches the life of Buddha authenticity and sources. Kennard Lipman and Merrill Peterson have done an introduction and commentary by Yeshi Namkhai which for me was like an inviting wrapping around the most wonderful gift The text On Wednesday, August 21st, itself shines within like a sparkling diamond, so sparkling that you cannot leave it Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche was for one reading. In the introduction, Lipman and Peterson say that the teachings in this text advise us visited by the well-known film to "relax our focus and allow the wider perspective of total opennes to flood through director, Bernardo Bertolucci. us and light our world from within. This opennes may be as simple as being alone The director wants to make a film and quiet, at peace". on the life of Buddha and in order to "... direct, relaxed, free experience is all that really rises" is what they say about the have a clear idea on the subject and effects of the teaching. The "Jewel Ship", besides giving you the possibility to open above all enter the world of yourself also gives total relaxation. Buddhism, Bertolucci is consulting I offer some jewels of light and Hiss from a section of the book that tells about the several Tibetan lamas and scholars. way of life. Longchenpa writes, During their meeting, Norbu "Even attachments, anger, and stupidity Rinpoche spoke about the life of Arise from the path of that great pure presence Even the five objects of sensuous pleasure Buddha from birth to enlightenment Are ornaments of the reality-field". explaining in detail the true sense of Rinpoche with the film director Bertolucci (© Modonesi & Namkhai) And from the section that tells about the way of living which masters the teaching. appearances, Rinpoche spoke about all the The director was fascinated by the Paolo Brunatto, with producer "Know the state of pure and total presence to be a vast expanse without different types of Buddhism and fact of recognition of reincarnations Fulvio Rossi, is making a center or border. described their similarities with and which often brings such great documentary on Bertolucci's film, It is everywhere the same, without acceptance or rejection. differences from Tibetan Buddhism. responsibility since childhood. an international co-production of Blend the nature of the mind and its habit patterns into non-duality. Bertolucci, who was accompanied Rinpoche advised the director to Rai 2, BBC 2 and TF1. Brunatto Because entities, whether subjectively conceived or directly experienced. Are present as ornaments of one's own state of being, by two assistants, listened to create a film that could be an began filming that day and said that Do not accept or reject them". Rinpoche's explanations with great introduction to Buddhism and spent this footage will probably be the Leena Larjanko interest a lot of time describing his ideas. first scene of the documentary. Making collaboration come alive The possibility of a bookstore mail-order catalogue cooperative

by Liza Morell potential which a real flow of a core group to run it, and begin with done by a gakyil and those who We have received a letter from Liza coordinated information, material a lump sum of capital invested. would directly run the project on the Morell in Little Akaloa, New goods and financial return can bring There are a few mail-order basis of a clear agreement which Zealand concerning a way to us towards accomplishing some of catalogues in the USA which could could satisfy the Community, the collaborate internationally. the goals of the world-wide be utilised as working examples as a management of the project and those We publish here some excerpts Dzog-chen Community. base to model ourselves on. who produce goods for it. This from her proposal and some ideas There are so many projects Such a catalogue would need to be organization could be in the form of of The Mirror about international developing in the Dzog-chen of a high commercial and a non profit cooperative which is a collaboration and the project of a Community now. professional standard, and could good way of financing the book store mail-order catalogue. The question is how to coordinate perhaps best be organised around a Community, giving a small our energy collectively and 'theme' such as 'Discovering quality percentage of the income as a Since Norbu Rinpoche's first visit harmonise our work in a practical of life', 'Indiginous cultures of the donation and increasing the private to New Zealand over fouryears ago, way so that what we create and world', 'Environmental integrity', profit of the various people of the I have been importing various books contribute to the world works well 'Renewing human awareness' to Community who, in some cases, do and practice-related materials to on the outer as well as inner level. develop the catalogue format During this period, Dzog-chen not have the necessary strength to make available to people here who A mail order catalogue could create around. Community activities are rapidly commercialize and distribute the products of their activities. would like to deepen their a viable means of distribution of It has been suggested by a gakyil developing and proposals and Suggestions and ideas on this project knowledge and understanding of various Dzog-chen related books member here that I begin making a suggestions such as that of Liza or others that concern international Dzog-chen. and goods to a broad range of people, draft version of the 'catalogue' as a Morell are very welcome. The idea collaboration can be sent to: Through the experiences in while also returning proceeds from next step in making this idea more of a bookstore mail order catalogue The Mirror, C.P.47, 58031 organising this little 'bookstore', the sales to the Community. tangible. can be of great interest to people Arcidosso GR, Italy without much expertise, I have In order to work, a mail-order This 'draft' will hopefully be sent who are producers of goods like Liza Morell, P.O. Little Akaloa, begun to see the many benefits that catalogue would have to be on progressively to all the various books, crafts, or other goods that Banks Peninsula, South Island, New come through bringing our various professionally produced, have the international gakyils so that people can be advertised in such a way. Zealand. activities more in touch - the input and on-going involvement of interested can give their suggestions. Organizing the catalogue could be

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 13 Viewing the Body

by Phra Khantipalo (L. Mills) not exempt from that fate." Before we look again at the siddhas numerous invisible inhabitants of meditative practice. Shakyamuni Here in Australia, as elsewhere in Because in those days it was a and their lives, here is a monk of the these boneyards to deal with. Some Buddha, in the Discourse on the Western world, the body's end possibility to go to such places and Buddha's time, Mahakala by name, of them were willing to help these Mindfulness.suggeststhatthewhole is something to gloss over decently contemplate the body's dissolution, because presumably he was large brave yogins and yoginis, but others contemplation may be a mental and have done with as quickly (and quite a variety of literature grew up and black. He came from a merchant look from their descriptions to have event- "as if he were to see a corpse"- sanitarily) as possible. Many people classifying and enumerating the family and followed his father by been very obstructive. and visits to or long vigils in I have spoken to tell me that they advantages for practice. trading, in those days a risky In later Indian Buddhism, monks boneyards are unnecessary. have never seen a corpse. Walking or standing, sitting, lying business taking bullock-carts in (and perhaps nuns if they were still Later yogis often lived in such places The sight of dead bodies is now down, one bends it or stretches it: this convoy through ruttedjungletracks, in existence) lived in secure and but were not so much concerned restricted to people working in is the body's movement. This body and arrived eventually at Savatthi well-established temples, a far cry with the actual corpses, though they hospitals and, of course, by bones and sinews bound, bedaubed (Sravasti), where the Buddha from the really homeless life of the contributed to the terrible (ghora) undertakers, who these days prefer with membranes, flesh, and covered Shakyamuni was staying. After he Buddha Shakyamuni's early days. nature of their surroundings, as with to be called "funeral directors" or up with skin- is not seen as it really is. heard the Dhamma taught, he In those temples, they engaged in a the energies that could be evoked even morticians (to rhyme perhaps Filled with guts, with belly filled, decided to become a monk and after great deal of study and debate and and visualised there. These "beings" with "beauticians"?). with liver-lump and bladder, with some instruction went to dwell in a forms of lengthy devotion (puja), took frightful forms whichaccorded Our town planners now deny us the heart, with lungs as well, with kidneys "boneyard". which took up most of their time. with their environment. Perhaps it is reminders of death that people still and with spleen, with snot and spittle, There a woman called Kali was Practice, by this time meaning fair to say that both kinds of have in more traditional societies, and with fat and sweat, with blood practitioner went to cemeteries to where the local church is and oil for the joints, with bile and face their fears and discover the surrounded by the graves of the grease for the skin. Then by nine path to transcend them, the m onk by former parishioners. If we go to streams the unclean flows forever directmeditation on bodies, the yogi elegantly planned cities here, such from it: eye dirt from the eyes, from by visualising the fears transformed as Canberra or Darwin, we shall the ears earwax, snot from the nose, into fearsome" beings". Both would not expect to see graveyards or now from the mouth bile is spewed, eventually find that crematoria. Such institutions are now is spewed out phlegm, and from bodies and fears were all void in tucked away safely out of sight the body sweat and dirt. And then its their nature. However, the yogi of behind a screen of decent bushes hollowed head is stuffed withbrains- later times had more skillful means and trees. We shallnotbe reminded the fool thinks all is beautiful- led in at his disposal than the early of our mortality. by ignorance. But when it's lying disciples. dead, bloated up livid and blue, cast This fearful attitude is quite The images of the cemetery find a away in the charnel ground, even kin different from the openess to death place in many tantric rituals, as well do not care. Dogs gnaw on it and found in traditional Buddhist as in teachings such as Chod (gcod). jackals, with wolves and worms, countries. I remember attending Returning now to the end of our crows and vultures eat it, and whatever forest cremations of bodies in physical bodies, it is proper to other creatures there are. Wise is the Thailand where everyone was consider sky- burial as a practice monk in this world who having heard welcome to watch the body still performed in Tibet. (Batchelor, the Buddha word knows this body burning- it takes many hours on an S. The Tibet Guide. London: thoroughly, sees it as it is: As this open pyre of wood. And I have an Wisdom Publications, 1987.) After living body, so that the corpse was earlier picture of Tibetan cremation conciousness has departed,then itis once, as that corpse is now, so will on a hilltop near Kalimpong, which good to make an offering of the this body be. So for the body, inside was accompanied by a feast while body to whatever creatures will eat and out, desires discard. Such a wise the corpse burned a few yards away. it, often vultures. This Tibetan monk, desire discarded and lust for Such ordinary attitudes to the employed as a crematrix (to use tradition thus continues the ancient the world, attains Deathlessness, to tannic practice, became easier after dispersion of the body's elements Mrs. Rhys Davids' word). It was Indian way s of disposing of the body Peace, Nibbana, the unchanging state. leaving the monastery and are rather more healthy than those her job to break up corpses so that as illustrated above by the story of While pampered is this foul, two wandering as a yogin, a kind of commonly encountered in Western they would burn better or be more Kali and the monk Mahakala. footed, foetid thing, though filled with second "going forth from home to society. For instance, at the few easily eaten, and also to prepare homelessness". When animals of any size die in the various sorts of stench and oozing bush around here, they are quickly cremations of Western Buddhists heaps of bits and pieces for Monks and nuns in ancient times here and there: One who with such a disposed of by a tribe of universal where I have been asked to speak, wandering practitioners to cherished the ideal of finding their body think to exalt himself- or should undertakers dressed, mostly, in very numbers of mourners have looked contemplate. When she had done own freedom, though this did not despise another- what else is in this sober hues. They go about their startled when addressed on the this for the monk Mahakala, he exclude helping others along the but blindness? business quietly and clean up any subject of ; yet a exclaimed (Theragatha, 151-152, path. Later, scholasticism corpses they find. They are well discourse on this is standard fare in The Buddha himself is said to have author's translation): narrowed this down to only saving established in their business, having Buddhist countries. held a contemplation session at a Large and dark skinned as a crow oneself, as only monks and nuns engaged in it for 100 million years. The roots of Buddhist attitudes go boneyard where the body of the the woman Kali thigh bone breaks could possibly find the time to study Their names? Ants! But human right back to the Buddha fam ous and - while she was still alive- and breaks an arm and then another the increasing number of books, beings are not allowed by the powers Shakyamuni's days or before. In extremely beautiful courtesan Sirima sunders skull like bowl of curds especially Abhidhamma. Out of this, that be to use their services, although that culture, bodies were frequently lay decaying. The king commanded and seated piles them all together, and partly by reaction, grew the other animals do so. not cremated but just left to rot all citizens to go and contemplate The fool who knows not this Mahayana with its noble ideal of the Some years ago, we had an idea that away and feed the animals in the Sirima's body, while the Buddha went makes strong the roots of being born who saves all beings. we might start a crematorium at the secluded parts of the forest. These there with the of monks and again, again to experience pain. The Mahayana too remained a for the benefit of local charnel grounds or boneyards (a nuns. No one in all that assembly So people should not grow these largely monastic body and gradually Buddhists. Officials from the Health nice English dialect word) were wanted the body at any price, the roots! accumulated a massive pile of works open to anyone's inspection, Department who came to see us Buddha rem ark ing on m en's changed And never may I lie again with a to study. Renewal of practice and anyone who was brave enough to were most discouraging, even with attitudes now that it was dead. A broken skull! realisation came through the tantras go there and view the sequence of this proposal for cremation, usually monk who had been infatuated with The message is typical ofTheravada and the wandering teachers who had the physical body's decay. Perhaps accounted a "clean" way to dispose Sirima is said to have been cured by texts. It is said that Mahakala did penetrated their truth. only a few availed themselves of of bodies. What would they think of this spectacle. become an , but of his life we If a comparison is made between the this opportunity, for there is no "sky-burial" or other kinds of Some of his verses may strike us as know no more. Whether he passed monk of earlier times contemplating doubt that they were commonly boneyards! We were assured that a rather extreme in their expressions of his days thereafter in retreat or bits of bodies and the yogi of later believed to be places haunted by crematorium was unlikely to be loathsomeness, perhaps as a whether he taught the path of Buddhism who lived in the same ghoulish spirits and hence to be allowed here, and a burial ground counterweight to Indian sensuality. liberation to others the texts do places, superficially they are not avoided, at least after dark. never, as we are within Gosford On the other hand, it is easy for a not tell us. much different. However, religious practitioners of City's water- catchment area. Yet dispassionate survey of the body to all sorts often went to meditate in Though the types of people who Actually, however, the methods of animal bodies may decay within this pass, because of suppressed desires, these places. used cemeteries in later Indian contemplation used had changed "pure"zone but not human ones. into less healthy attitudes. According Buddhism change- they were mostly considerably. Monks in the There is a little that is rational about Again, a monk, as if he were to see to the account given of Shantideva or yoginis and yogins- the cremation Buddha's days contemplated Western thinking on this subject, a corpse thrown aside in a charnel Bhusuku among the Eighty-Four grounds remained much the same: corpses in order to deepen their sense but the Buddhist approach is ground, one, two or three day sdead, Siddhas (assuming we are talking places only to go to if one wanted to of renunciation of this world. well-balanced and honest Perhaps bloated, discolored, festering, about thesameShantideva),asamonk practise intensively. The terror of Perhaps, as later literature suggests, Western Buddhists are missing a compares this body with that, he was subject to slothfulness, and such places inspired inordinary folk they used them to obtain dimension of their practice when thinking: "This body is of the same idle wandering, so perhaps he did guaranteed solitude, if not always after-images, purely mental they have no boneyards to visit? nature, it will become like that, it is have a problem with bodies. peace. There were, of course, the impressions, useful for further

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 14 Harmonising the elements through the Namkha by Cheh Goh Mewa number is decreased by 1 so there are two main materials. One is This article is based on the transcript that if 1991 has Mewa number 9, straight sticks of various lengths, of a teaching by Namkhai Norbu 1992 will have Mewa number 8, and the other is threads of five Rinpoche in 1984 in Devon, 1993 number 7 and so on, while colours. The sticks form the main England, edited by Cheh Goh and 1990 has number 1,1989 number 2 skeleton of the construction and the Nina Robinson. and so on. threads are woven on the sticks in a These nine numbers are combined particular way. The sticks represent Introduction with the sixty year cycle of the the positive and negative forces Namkha is a Tibetan word, which element-animal combinations: The when they are put together to form means space. This word is also used beginning of the first sixty year cycle crosses. The process of as the name of an object made of is the wood-mouse year, and the harmonisation involves positive and sticks and coloured threads. This Mewa number is 1. For the second negative energy. The two sticks type of construction is not exclusive year in the cycle the Mewa number represent these two aspects on the to Tibetan culture. Similar objects, is 9, then 8 and so on. At the end of material level; and since thejunction sometimes known as "God's eye", the sixty year cycle, another sixty of any two sticks on the Namkha is are found all over the world. They year cycle begins. But the Mewa a support for the element of the Authenticating the Namkhas (courtesy of Daniela De Sarrtis) can be found in the American Indian number is not 1 at this point. Only relevant aspect of the individual, we culture and in Africa, and some has a characteristic energy positive and negative forces are when three sixty year cycles are write the syllable that represents the people also say that they might have represented by its corresponding linked with secondary causes. completed will the Mewa number 1 element in the joint. originated in India. But very few element. This aspect is, in general, Nonetheless, a lot depends on the coincide with the wood-mouse year The main frame of the Namkha is a peeple have any idea of the practical associated with a person's health. person's own energy, which is again. So the three cycles make 180 central vertical stick and two use of such objects. As the health of a person is also very represented by his Fortune aspect. years, and this is called a wheel of horizontal sticks, with the top In Tibet, Namkhas have been used a important, it isconsidered analogous The energy of a person's Fortune Mewa, made up of three necklaces horizontal stick longer than the lower greatdeal yet few people understand to the hat of a person Outside Tibet aspect determines how easily he of Mewa of sixty years each. one. The three of them form two exactly how they work. They are it might not seem so essential to might be influenced by external The beginning of the calculation of junctions, the top junction is where usually regarded as ornaments for have a hat, but there it is very forces. Mewa started from the first Bonpo the centre of the Life element of an rituals. important to have one because it The Fortune aspect is analogous to a master who taught astrology individual is represented, and the lower one is the position of the Life In 1983, Norbu Rinpoche clarified protects the head from the strong person's belt. In Tibet, a belt is according to this system. element of the Mewa. the ways that Namkhas can actually sun and wind. It means that the considered to be very important Historically, therefore, we are in the The Life element has as its be used by a person to harmonise his Body element protects the Life because the wind is strong and third necklaceof Mewa of the twenty neighbours the other three aspects or her energies. This involves a element without a belt a Tibetan is at a first wheel of Mewa. of the individual, namely the certain understanding of Tibetan considerable disadvantage. Capacity, the Body and the Fortune. astrology related to the individual. The Capacity Aspect The Significance of Mewa Their locations are then established Once the astrological signs and When a baby is born, he has his first The Four Aspects Together If we look carefully at history, at the by making little crosses with shorter aspects of an individual are contact with the outside world: the The Life aspect i s the most im portant time of the changing of the wheels sticks. The aspects of Mewa are understood, a Namkha can be contact of light, sound, smell, touch for a person, so it is represented in of Mewa (every 180 years), there represented symmetrically in the constructed and with the use of and taste, the experience of the five the centre of the construction, are many major changes on earth. lower part of the Namkha. All the appropriate rimais, it can become a senses. The prevailing condition at surrounded by the other three At the time of the changing of the junctions of the sticks should, of practical aid in making one's life that moment determines the aspects. necklaces of Mewa (every 60 years), course, have the relevant syllable more harmonious. Capacity aspect of the individual. In Tibetan astrology, an element the corresponding changes on earth representing the element written on The element associated with that can have any of the four relation­ are not so great. This goes to show them. The Principal Aspects of a energy will remain the same ships with the other elements: that the universal energy always Namkha throughout one's life. mother, son, friend or enemy. (See influences the condition of our In general, we know that in the The Capacity aspect is related to the article on Tibetan astrology by existence. The Threads astrological make-up of an one's position and situation in life in Maria Rita Leti in the previous issue Thread is a symbol of the individual, there is not only one, but general. For example, if a person of The Mirror.) If the characteristic Elements of the Mewa continuation of energy and the colour several elements of energy. Related becomes president of a country, or element of a person's energy of the The elements of Mewa represent of the thread represents the element to the Namkha, we have four speci fie the head of an organisation; this aspect of Body, Capacity, Fortune the total energy of our of the energy concerned. We know aspects toconsider: theLifeelement,. means that the energy of his Capacity or Mewa Life is in opposition to the circumstances. Mewa has its own that the five elements in Tibetan the Body element, the Capacity is very positive. element of Life, then it is clear that characteristic energy functions astrology are represented by five element, and the Fortune element. The importance of the Capacity there is a disadvantage for the aspects corresponding to Life, Body, different colours, hence five These four aspects exist for an aspect is analogous to a person's in conflict. For example, if one of Capacity and Fortune for any coloured threads are required in individual not only internally, but clothing. Just as we need clothing to those aspects has the water element particular year or month. making the Namkha. The use of also externally in the universe. The protect ourselves, we also need and the Life aspect has the fire For example, in our birth year, there thread is not limited to the outer energies are represented by positive Capacity energy. element, this is a friend-enemy construction of Namkha; there are the four aspects of the Mewa and relationship, so these aspects are in marry rituals in Tibetan traditions in conflict appear in the lower part of the The Fortune Element which threads are used. It is a way of Namkha while the inner elements During the course of life one has Such a disharmony can manifest in representing the flow of energy. are represented in the upper part. In contact with all kinds of energy in many different ways. For example, The real condition of energy is not total, therefore, there are eight the world through the physical body. if there is an imbalance between the colour, but energy manifests as a elements to harmonise. A person's energy inherently has Fortune aspect and the Life aspect, particular colour. We already know both positive and negative sides, an individual might win millions of which colour represents which The Life Aspect and these are reflected in the external dollars in the lottery, but his Life element in astrology: green for In the centre of the Namkha is the dimension. When a person has strong force would therefore be affected wood, red for fire, yellow for earth, Life aspect. This is the most internal positive energy, external and he could die from a heart attack white for metal and blue for water. important part of the Namkha, negative forces cannot influence him before he can enjoy even a penny of In this way, we have all the material because when one is conceived, the very much. However, if a person's the money. This is not an unheard of representation forthe harmonisation process. first thing present is life. At the inner energy is weak, then he will example! Similarly, a person could is the global energy of Mewa with moment of conception there is a become passive and receive negative become the managing director of an the energy of each of the four aspects characteristic energy, which is forces from the outer dimension. international company as a result of we have talked about. Every Mewa The Harmonisation Process represented by the Life element. This When the energy of a person is his positive Capacity energy and yet number is associated with a When two elem ents, such as fire and is the element with which the reinforced internally and externally, have a problematic life if the corresponding element. From the water, are put together, there is elements of all other aspects should everything seems to go well. We Capacity is in conflict with the Life Mewa numbers, we can, therefore, conflict, because they have be harmonised. often hear people making comments energy. It is because of these derive the Mewa elements. These inherently opposite characteristics. This aspect is analogous to the head about "How fortunate so-and-so is." conflicts that harmonisation is elements constitute the lower part The way to harmonise such a of a person, in that if a person loses Even when such people do things needed morder to improveourlives. of the Namkha. situation is to use an "intermediary" his head, he will die. Similarly, if a half-jokingly they gain tremendous As we want to harmonise both the element. Using the example of fire person's Life aspect is threatened, success. The contrary is also true. Mewa internal and the external energy of and water, we can see that between When one's energy is weakened his life is in danger. The Calculation any given individual, we put all the them is the wood (or air element). internally and externally, everything Mewa is an extremely ancient eight aspects on the same Wood is the mother of fire and is goes wrong, and even if a person is The Body Aspect calculation inastrology. Itrepresents construction also the son of water. This means doing his best, nothing comes out After conception, the various the universal aspect of existence and that wood is harmonious with both right. elements gradually come together is calculated with the use of the The Principle of Harmonisation the conflicting elements and is to form the body. The Body aspect We can see that contacts with numbers from 9 to 1. Every year the In the construction of a Namkha continued on page IS

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 15 Anja's story Working with children Auckland, New Zealand confusion which can escalate and It is the responsibility, I think, of I'm moved to respond to the thoughts involveother children very quickly. parents and the wider community, and questions posed by a ' Merigar Here we set out low chairs and too. After all, they are part of our Mum' in the Mirror concerning tables for activities before the community. children who are present at Merigar children arrive and the old favourite I encourage everyone to give thought during retreats there. Having lived playdough is something thatalways and attention to making a children's in and around Merigar for a year or seems to calm and absorb children. place that not only creates a quiet so I well recall the hum of children's Other tables can have paper and space for the teachings but also voices which so often accompanied crayons, glue and collage work, nourishes the children as well. teachings. But with the number of chalk, etc. Also a painting corner Of utmost importance ultimately are children growing I do agree that with painting trestles and pots of the people who care for the childrea something needs tobe done for them ! paint will occupy children happily. However, my sense is that if a Anja, Lara and friends at Merigar (photo Wilvin Pedersen) For two years I have worked We stick completed paintings to structure can be created, that is part-time as the supervisor of a dryonthewallswith masking tape, I had a good time in Merigar. This is a place I will come back to for many something that could be passed on to children's nursery. This takes place l've found that carpet squares which times. Here we can do a lot of things with nature, building a hut in the woods, hired workers. in a hall where everything needs to can be rolled up when not in use playing with the other children, getting friendships with a lot of them, and For me the challenge is always to be packed away afterwards so there can break up the spaciousness of an learning the Italian language. I have experienced a lot. All people were nice stay calm and to open my heart to the may be some similarities with your empty room which can simply to me, except a few. The landscape is very beautiful. childrea situation in Merigar. invite some children to just run The first time I came to Merigar was at Easter in 1987. In every year that I I have found getting children to I think that there are several factors about. come back, I have made other experiences. Sometimes its rather boring, and change air as in Yantra Yoga and to to be mindful of when caring fa- I am sorry about the language difference when I cannot repeat in Italian or I like to have a time that is sing 'A' and also shaking out arms large groups of children in a confined French or English. structured. This can include reading and legs can often change energy in a space - it's not always easy, planning My friend Lara, from Stuttgart, was with me the whole time in Merigar and the childrena story and singing and group for the better. is important and chaos always a therefore I also felt very comfortable. action games and rhymes. Coming Perhaps my suggestions seem rather possibility! My own method has Please, if somebody of the children wants to write to us, do it at the together as a group can be an obvious or perhaps they don't suit consisted of trying to ensure that following address: important experience for the your situation now. Anyway please children are absorbed wherever Anja Greiner (10 years old) and Lara Coll ( 8 years old) children and a time of centering. know that I, too, think our children possible. Bored or frustrated children Paulusstr. 4 Grunewaldstr. 31 Certainly it is not enough to expect are important. can start an episode of noise and 7000 Stuttgart-1 7000 Stuttgart-1 children to look after themselves. Gabrielle Kearney Germany Germany Water, water Namkha by Liz Granger Merigar when there was no mains see what materials would be continued from page 14 they have a mother-son or It's been a hot, dry and dusty summer water and the valuable liquid was necessary. capable of mediating the conflict. son-mother relationship, then there at Merigar. As usual at this time of literally carried up by hand. On Monday the materials were All the aspects surrounding the Life is no need to reverse the order. the year, water becomes a very These days, we have become collected, mainly more than 550 element of the individual are to be The colour of the threads with which precious commodity and taps are somewhat spoiled by the modern metres of plastic tubing with harmonised with the Life element the harmonisation process turned on be grudgingly in the fear convenience of running water so appropriate water connections and itself. So, Capacity, Body, Fortune concludes, represents the mother of discovering that final splurt of air when rationing was suddenly put valves, and on Tuesday the pipe was as well as the Life element of Mewa element of the Life element and so it and water which indicates that the into action we were unprepared. laid from the source of the water as are to be harmonised with the goes around the entire Namkha. water supply is giving out for another After a couple of days of dry taps far as the reservoir which accum u lates individual's Life element; similarly If the Life element is fire, for few hours. (and throats), it was obvious that mains water for Merigar and from the external energies represented in In the last days of August, the the authorities would not be able to where it is pumped up. the lower part of the Namkha, the municipal water supply to Merigar permit us more than the trickle of Now that the fountain water is ready Mewa Capacity, Mewa Body and was rationed due to the fact that water which was arriving. to be collected and pumped up to the the Mewa Fortune are to be local consumption greatly increased After a practice on Sunday morning main house, the water must be harmonised with the Mewa of Life. in proportion with the summer tourist at the Gonpa, Norbu Rinpoche examined for its potability by the Normally the progression of population. suggested that we try and put into local health authority before mixing elements from one to another is It has meant having absolutely not a use a natural fountain of water it with the municipal source of water. according to the mother-son drop of water from the tap for many which is located in the middle of a The happy ending may not arrive relationship, i.e. the change of hours at a tim e.This has been a bit of field on the property of the nearby before going topres s with this issue element is from wood (green) to fire an inconvenience from every point Merigar 2. of The Mirror. (red), fire to earth (yellow) and so of view especially since the shortage This water source already sup­ However, this little happening has on. So, the functioning of the Life started the day of the Tenth plies the house and the stable at made all of us who are working on energy of a person is represented by example, then at the end of the Anniversary and Inauguration of Merigar 2. various projects at Merigar very threads continuing through the five construction, when all neighbouring Merigar when several hundred Our Merigar engineer, Giovanni aware of the preciousness of. water colours in this order. If a person's elements have been harmonised, people arrived to take part in the Boni assisted by Spartaco Vitiello here during the hot months. Life element is fire, then the flow of green thread will be used tosunound festivities. In fact for some of the and a group of enthusiastic helpers It has also been an impetus for us to the Life energy is represented by every single aspect represented in "old timers" here, it was very immediately set to work to work together collectively in finding red, followed by yellow, white, blue the Namkha. This is because the reminiscent of the early days of investigate the possibility and to a solution to a very basic need. and finally green thread, forming a mother element, air, gives birth to complete forward cycle. The whole and protects the Life element, fire, of this sequence is repreated three Correction: in the last issu* ol Th» Mirror th« and is considered positive for the We are three author ol Ih* artici» "Sw»at lodga* was Barbara times because the Life aspect is the Life of the individual. feelings can come up, and there is Paparazzo not Woody. most important. Beate, Carmen and Rosemarie- living in a triangle inStuttgart, West a space where they can dissolve. If there is an imbalance between the Working of the Namkha Germany. We meet each other on Normally Lara and Anja (the Life aspect and a secondary aspect It doesn't take long to construct a every new and full moon to practice children) stay with us and they like in the Namkha, the progression of Namkha. However, it remains just a to play for a time, but when we sing together. When westay together first J. CROW CO. elements is reversed. If water is to be material object until a rimai is done the Song of the Vajra they fall into we chat a little about our lives. NEW IPSWICH, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03071 harmonised with fire, then the to authenticate it. Basically the rite Sometimes we make a short rituali n sleep. These meetings are good to representation of water will be blue involves firstusingmantra s to purify which each of us has time to tell make new connections to the HELP FREE USE THESE TIBET (water), followed by white (metal), any mistakes we may have made in about what is going on deeply inside. practice and the teachings; because STAMPS yellow (earth), red (fire) and green its construction, then inviting the We call it our time to be without a sometimesdailylifeoverruns one's (wood). Notice that both elements three roots to come and stay in the mask. It is a space where there is mind. One often finds oneself stuck TIBET STAMPS finally arrive at the "intermediary" Namkha, and then further use of in distracted situations. Approved by The Oftice ol attention and a kind of compassioa HIS HOLINESS THE 14th DALAI LAMA element of green (wood), which is mantra to turn the material The Mirror is a valued newspaper Butwedo not havediscussions about Loti Stamps-Genuine Sneets-cotor repf.nt sel o; Tioers 1rs: exactly how it should be. If this does representation of energy into reality. these problems.we speak and listen. for us. It is like a direct telephone stamp issje 60 stamps per se: Scon 1-5 SS ease! ÏS12 not happen, and the fifth colour is Once authenticated, the Namkha can A fter that short "m ind cleaning", we line to the teaching and the other Language ol Ravens ano Cro*s [Booicet; S3 0Cea not green but, for example, yellow, be placed somewhere in one's home. are ready to practise. practitioners. Everytime one of us we put the intermediate colour, From time to time, it is useful to do When we are practising, the energy opens the newspaper and reads a Incense-Aroma Therapeutic SS ea 1S12 which is red in this case, in order to a short Namkha rite to "recharge" part, it is like an anchor and the can become very different. Toet incense 1-v.itn Medonal Heros S?ta ÎS.8 reach the green If the two elements the constructioa Perhaps one can Sometimes it is very powerful and mind can calm down a little. Ttc: Incense H-Wim Meoonal HefOs S5 ea 3515 are harmonious to begin with, enjoy a more harmonious and strong. Sometimes we fall into In this way we handle our daily life because either they are the same, or peaceful life thereafter. laughing. All kinds of emotions and and practice. T pet License Ill-win Meoiona1 Mercs SS ea 3512 FREE PRiCE LIST UPON REQUEST

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11 16 Music for Meditation Practices for special days Louise Landes-Levi, in It is important to try to communicate with all Tibetan date: Western date: Kyareng collaboration with Paul Leake, practitioners, linked to the same transmission, through 9th Month, 22nd day Tuesday October 29th Dawn Steve Taylor and several other entering together into the state of contemplation. In This day is the great celebration of Buddha individuals, is issuing a this way we all develop the potentiality of the Shakyamuni's descent to earth from the realms of the commemorative tape of meditation transmission we have received, and through that we Divinities. It is called "Lha bab dus chen", the Great music with the intention of raising also deve lop our understanding and abil ity to integrate Time of the Descent of the Divinities. It is an ideal day practice into daily life. money within the Community for to do a Ganapuja with your Vajra brothers and sisters. A.S.LA. Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche If there are none nearby, you can do a short or medium Tun on your own. has graciously entitled the tape Tibetan date: Western date: 'Kyareng' or Dawn and Rita Leti 8th Month, 25th day Thursday October 3rd has contributed a beautiful cover This is a Dakini day, and also the anniversary of two Tibetan date: Western date: photograph of the Dolma Pass, Mt. great Dzog-chen masters, Rigzin Kumaraja, who 9th Month, 25th day Friday November 1st Kailash taken on her pilgrimage transmitted the Dzog-chen teachings to Longchenpa This is a Dakini day and the anniversary of the very there in 1988. and to the third Karmapa, and of Rigzin Tsewang important Dzogchen master Adzom Drugpa (1842- The tape is dedicated to His Norbu, a great Dzog-chen master of the Nyingmapa 1924). He was a disciple of JamyangKyentse Wangpo Holiness Tenzin Gyatso in honor school. It is therefore an excellent day to do "A Kar and a master of some of Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche's of the International Year of Tibet. Lamai Naljyor", the Guruyoga with the White A. If masters, including Changchub Dorje and Ayu Kadro. It is a remix of a previous tape you can do it in the morning, that is best. Then, if you He was also a previous incarnation of Namkhai Norbu entitled 'Padma', but will be new have the time, you can do a medium or long Tun later Rinpoche. It is therefore a very important day to to the many practitioners who never in the day, with an intense practice of Simhamuka. practise "A Kar Lamai Naljyor", the Guruyoga with heard of Louise or her music, an the White A, according to your possibilities. adaptation of oriental instrumental music, sarangi, flute, tabla and tambora, NEW MOON mixed with natural bird and ocean songs. Tibetan date: Western date: NEW MOON 8th Month, 30th day Monday October 7th Tibetan date: Western date: Each tape costs $10 and may be ordered through Naomi Zeitz c/o The This day is excellent for practising the "Purification of 9th Month, 30th day Wednesday November 6th Mirror. Money orders and checks should be addressed to A.S.I.A. at the Six Lokas". Otherwise you can do the medium or This is a good day to do "Namchos Shitroi Naljyor", Merigar or can be sent directly to account no. 3893.50 atMonte dei Paschi long Tua the Yoga of the Peaceful and Wrathful Manifestations, di Siena, Arcidosso 58031 GR, Italy. All proceeds will be considered as in the morning. It is also an important day for the a direct donation to the Association for International Solidarity in Asia. Tibetan date: Western date: practice of Ekajati, so try to do a long or medium Tun, 9th Month, 3rd day Thursday October 10th reciting the heart mantra of Ekajati as many times as This is the anniversary of Rigzin Jigmed Lingpa possibile. The best time for this practice is around (1729-1798), a great Dzogchen master who was the eight o'clock in the evening. The first Theravada Vihara in Italy author of many books, among which is the Longchen Nyingthig, which he wrote after having contact with Tibetan date: Western date: "Santacittarama" or "The Garden of the Peaceful Heart" in Pali, is the name Longchenpa through visions. Therefore, on this 10th Month, 10th day Saturday November 16th of the first Theravadin Vihara. important day, you should try to do "A Kar Lamai This is an important day of Guru Padmasambhava, so In March 1990, Santacittarama was officially opened with the support of Naljyor", the Guruyoga with the White A. try to do the Long-life practice associated with the both Italian and Asian Buddhists resident in Italy. Universal Wisdom Union (U.W.U.) which is included The Vihara itself was sponsored by theMaitreya Foundation, the Association Tibetan date: Western date: in the m edium or long Tun, or if y ou have the possibility for Meditative Awareness (AJM.E.C.O.) in Rome, the Sri Lankan Embassy 9th Month, 10th day Friday October 18th it is beneficial to perform a Ganapuja. and community as well as individual Thai and Burmese people in Italy and This is Guru Padmasambhava day and also the .'if abroad. anniversary ofTerton Tsogyal, a previousreincamation FULL MOON The Venerable Thanavara, who was bom in Italy, was asked to take on the of Sogyal Rinpoche and discoverer of many Termas. Tibetan date: Western date: management and spiritual guidance of the temple, where a monastic It is therefore a good day to do the Long-life practice 10th Month, 15th day Thursday November 21st schedule is kept similar to the monasteries in England. of Guru Padmasambhava "Universal Wisdom Union", It is an important day to do the Long-life practice of The location in Sezze Romano was chosen because of its peaceful which is included in the medium or long Tun. You can the Dakini Mandarava. The best time for this is in the surroundings and also because it is half-way between Rome, which has a Sri do this in the usual way or, if you have the possibility, early morning. Lankan community of about five thousand, and Naples which also has a you can do a Ganapuja. large Asian community practising Theravada Buddhism. Tibetan date: Western date: The support and growth of has culminated, in January FULL MOON 10th Month, 25th day Sunday December 1st 1991, with the legal recognition of Buddhism as an official Tibetan date: Western date: This is a Dakini day, and the anniversary ofTsongkhapa (through the collective representation of the U.B.I., Buddhist Union of 9th Month, 15th day Wednesday October 23rd (1357-1491), who founded the Gelugpa school. Try Italy). This is a good day to do the Long-life practice of to perform a Ganapuja with your Vajra brothers and For further enquiries about Santacittarama, contact Amitayus, "Union of Primordial Essences", either sisters or the medium Tun personally. In either case Thanavaro Bhikku,Santacitiarama,Via dei Casali - IIIo Tratto, 04018 Sezze collectively or personally according to your recite the heart mantra of the Dakini Simhamuka as Romano (LT), Italy. Tel. 0773-88032. possibilités, early in the morning or in the evening. many times as possible.

Kamalashila Institute

The Kamalashila Institute is a Karma-Kagyu tradition is His lamas at the Institute. religious association and Tibetan Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa. A series of public meditations are Buddhist community established in Since the death of the 16th Karm apa offered daily : 7 am Tara puja, 5 pm 1981 at the castle Schloss in 1981 and until the enthronement Mahakala puja, 8pm Chenresigpuja. Wachenheim in Germany. The of the 17thKarmapa,thefour lineage If and when these exactly take place THE MIRROR Institute organizes seminaries on holders Shamar Rinpoche, Jamgon however, depends on the rest of the and philosophy Kontrul Rinpoche, Gyaltsab programme and on the lamas present. The International Newspaper of the Dzog-chen Community under the guidance of notable Rinpoche and Situ Rinpoche have The Institute consists of two founded by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Buddhist teachers, mainly from guided the Karma-Kagyu school. meditation rooms, a library, a book Tibet, but also from other countries The Kamalashila Institute is run by shop and several living rooms. It is Published by the Associazione Culturale Comunità Dzog-chen. with Buddhist traditions such as their superior, Shamar Rinpoche. situated half an hours drive from The Mirror, Merigar, P.O.Box 47, 58031 Arcidosso GR, Italy. India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and According to the wishes of Shamar Köln and Bonn, close to the Al Tel. and fax 0564-966608 . Japan. Also western lamas and Rinpoche, theKamalashila Institute Autobahn, admidst forests, green occidental scholars transmit their for Buddhist Studies is a place where pastures and rolling hills. Direttore responsabile: Raimondo Bultrini knowledge of Buddhism. the teachings of Buddhadharm a, for The Institute can offer boarding and Editorial desk: Tuula Saarikoski, Liz Granger, Naomi Zeitz, Tiziana The Institute is predominantely centuries transmitted by enlightened lodging to approximately 80 guests. Gottardi, Yvonne Zuiker, Jean Mackintosh operated by lamas and monks from teachers in their original and pure During the summer, tents are put up Lay out: Shang-Shung Edizioni the Karma-Kagyu tradition. Their form, are to be preserved and taught. on the surrounding pastures for Printer: Tipografia 2A, Arcidosso main monastery was Tsurphu close At present two Tibetan lamas, various events. to Lhasa in Tibet. After their flight Lama Chogdrup Dorje and Lama Since May 1986 the castle's tower © 1991 Ass. Cult. Comunità Dzog-chen. from the Chinese it was substituted Tashi Dondrub live and teach at the has housed the Mokusho Zendo Registrato presso il Tribunale di Grosseto al n. 5/1990 del 26 Aprile by the Rum tek monastery in , Institute. This guarantees continuity under the guidance of the Zen monk 1990 India which was founded in 1963. in the direct transmission of the Taiku, giving Schloss Wachendorf The spiritual guide of the teachings. There are also German the character of a Buddhist ecumene. This newspaper is not for sale

SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE 11