THE MIRROR

Newspaper of the International Community JAN/FEB 2007 • Issue No. 84

NEW GAR IN ROMANIA MERIGAR EAST

SUMMER RETREAT WITH CHÖGYAL RETREAT OF ZHINE AND LHAGTHONG ACCORDING TO ATIYOGA JULY 14-22, 2007

There is a new Gar in Romania called Merigar East. The land is 4.5 hectares and 600 meters from the Black Sea. The Gar is 250 meters from a main road and 2 kilometers from the nearest called the 23rd of August (the day of liberation in World War II); it is a 5-minute walk to the train station and a 10-minute walk to the beach. There are small, less costly hotels and pensions and five star hotels in tourist towns and small cities near by. There is access by bus, train and airplane. Inexpensive buses go up and down the coast. There is an airport in Costanza, 1/2 hour from the land, and the capital, Bucharest, 200 kilometers away, offers two international airports. At present we have only the land, but it will be developed. As of January 2007 Romania has joined the European Union. Mark your calendar! The Mirror Staff

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in the Tashigar South Gonpa on his birthday N ZEITZ

TO BE IN INSTANT PRESENCE IS TO BE BEYOND TIME

The Longsal Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod In this latest retreat, which was through an intellectual analysis of CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU Retreat at Tashigar South, Argentina transmitted all around the world by these four, but from a deep under- SCHEDULE December 26, 2006 - January 1, 2007 closed video and audio webcast, standing of the real characteristics thanks to the great efforts and work of our human existence. MARCH 2007 - FEBRUARY 2008 by Sergio Oliva done by the webcast team, On the following day, Translated by Laura Yoffe Rinpoche gave transmission of the explained that we do not have the 2007: teachings called “Longsal Ati’i possibility to enter into our real Tashigar Norte, Margarita Island, Venezuela ecember 2006. Summertime Gongpa Ngotrod”, the Upadesha of nature if we do not have transmis- March 30 – April 5 is coming very soon, but the the Introduction to the State of Ati. sion and that there are three types of Santi Maha Base Teaching Retreat rain (as it always happens in Rinpoche discovered these teach- transmission according to our three Open Webcast D Tashigar South) waits for the Mas- ings in many different dreams he gates of body, speech and mind. ter. Then the water flows every- had from the year 1972 to the year Entering into the Longsal May 31 – June 15 where and life turns to be more 1983. They belong to the Cycle of Teachings, Rinpoche remarked the Jñanadhakini Drubchen Retreat intense. With the presence of Rin- Longsal Teachings of Chögyal importance of the and the poche not even the stones remain Namkhai Norbu. transmission for the teaching. When June 20 quiet, all is in movement now. On the first day of the retreat, Rinpoche made a commentary of Leave for Merigar West, Italy The small Gonpa at the main house Rinpoche spoke about the impor- the first verses of the Root Text, he has multiple functions: it is a play- tance of being aware of our real sit- said that many people go after intel- June 29 ing room for long games of uation - the condition of suffering of lectual knowledge by judging and Leave for Merigar East, Romania Bagchen with Rinpoche, during the samsara - as being dominated by our analyzing yet staying totally condi- retreat it becomes the “Tashishop” emotions we don’t recognize the tioned by their mind; for that reason July 14 - 22 (our bookstore) and for many nights base of suffering that is underneath they are very unfortunate because Merigar East Retreat it looks like a kind of cyber- place all of our actions. Little by little, the they are so far from following a path Retreat of Shine and Lhagthong according to Dzogchen Atiyoga where people adopt strange postures problems develop and finally suffer- that allows to have a quick realiza- Restricted Webcast with their laptops trying to get the ing manifests. For that reason, tion. Therefore, it is extremely best signal. Rinpoche said, it is necessary to important the connection between July 27 For some time Tashigar becomes a have consciousness of the Four teacher and student, in order to be Return to Merigar West kind of Babel that concentrates all Mindfulnesses about our precious able to follow a path in a correct kinds of sounds from the most dis- human life, the of way. So first of all we need to August 10 - 30 tant places. All the variety of lan- our life that manifests in time, the understand this relationship. Personal retreat of Mandarava guages that sounds everywhere karma that we produce due to our Developing this topic, Rinpoche reveals how much effort our actions and the suffering of samsara said that the teacher needs to have a September 7-13 Teacher has put in spreading his as consequence of our own karma, perfect transmission and knowledge Merigar West Retreat precious teachings during all these although this presence cannot arise of the real meaning of the teaching, The teaching will be Paltrul Rinpoche’s Dzogchen Man ngag ‘Odsal years. from the knowledge that we can get not only in an intellectual way, but Nangcha (The Upadesha on the Vision of Clear Light), [Paltrul Kabum Vol 4 P.697]. continued on page19 Restricted Webcast CONTENTS September 21 Leave for Barcelona ASIA: An Expatriate in Amdo page 5 September 24 – 28 Barcelona Retreat The teaching will be ’s Nyingtam Sumchu (Thirty Pieces of Advice from the Heart) [Sung Thorbu vol. I P. 354]. Open Webcast

September 30 Leave for Sao Paolo, Brazil

October 3 – 9 Fire Boar Year 2007 Sao Paolo Retreat Teaching, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Special Practice Calendar The teaching will be Paltrul Rinpoche’s Shri Gyalpo Khyadchos (The Three pages 2 &3 pages 10 & 11 Lines Which Strike the Essence, The Three Statements of ) continued on page 4 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

erry Christmas and Happy and , for example, with a the cause is through the effect. We New Year to everybody! example, and within fish, you see how apply a different way of doing MToday we are beginning Sutra there is they taste some- something, then there is a possibili- our retreat at Tashigar South in and thing and then ty to change or modify. Buddha said Argentina. All our activity at a . Buddha someone catches that what we did in a past life we retreat is related to the Dzogchen never divided the them. For touch, can examine in this life. This life is Teaching. We have different series teachings into with our body, we an effect of a cause we made in the of teachings within the Dzogchen Mahayana and give the example past life. For that reason, you can Teaching, all of which are related to Hinayana. Buddha of elephants. see that even though we are all the transmission. The most impor- taught the teaching When the ele- human beings, if there are ten peo- tant aspect of the teaching is the for the individual to phants feel very ple, there are ten different condi- transmission, but firstly you need to discover his or her hot they go into tions. We have different classes, dif- have a clear idea what Dzogchen real condition. mud and sleep ferent families, etc. Sometimes means. Many people have the idea Buddha didn’t teach there and then the there are twins in the same family that the teaching is a kind of tradi- to form a school or old elephants get and when they grow up, their lives tion, school or religion. You can religion; that was not stuck in the mud are totally different. Even if the believe that Dzogchen is a philoso- his aim. Buddha’s and die. In gener- cause is something similar, the sec- phy or religion because in the aim was that every- al we enjoy with ondary cause is related with effect. Dzogchen Teaching there is no limi- one would be able to five senses; we The primary cause we have for tation, but Dzogchen is not that in discover his or her become attached becoming human, for example, if the real sense. The Dzogchen Teach- real nature through and blind with someone is born in , someone ing is to learn how to get beyond lim- the teaching. Why emotion and in the West, someone in Africa, is itations. If we have any kind of limi- don’t we discover small pleasure completely different. In the Western tation it is no longer Dzogchen, but it our real nature in and suffer a lot. world, small children play with not so easy to go beyond limitations. that way? We don’t We have so many many small objects and toys from We live in a dualistic condition. discover in that way of these kinds of birth. When I grew up in Tibet and I Everything is limited in our society because everyone sufferings. That is was a small boy, I never had any- and our condition. There is no way lives in dualistic why we say trans- thing to play with. So that is the dif- to live beyond limitations. If there is vision and has so migration is just a ference, the condition of the econo- a kind of limitation, there is a reason. many limitations. dimension of suf- my and situation. You see how the When we learn the Dzogchen Teach- Even if the teacher fering. It is very situation is of children in Africa, for ing, we learn why we are limited and gives a teaching to important that we example. The primary cause is the why limitation is a problem. Then go beyond limita- know that. That same because they were born we understand how our real condi- tions, we immediate- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Peru knowledge and human, but the situation is different tion should be. ly make limitations. understanding is because that depends on what we When Buddha mani- called the Noble call karma. We discover that this Going Beyond Limitations fested paranirvana, a Truth of cause exists, both good and bad. We manifestation of death, Suffering. No one try to increase good cause and elim- For example, if you want to go the followers of enjoys suffering. inate negative causes. In that way somewhere you need to have the Buddha’s teachings Ati Longsal Gonpa Ngotrod So that is how we can change and have benefit. address. If you do not have that immediately divided Buddha started Then Buddha taught the Third address it is impossible to get there. the teachings into Teaching teaching. Noble Truth, the Noble Truth of In the same way, in the teaching, we eighteen different Day 1 Buddha did not Cessation. That means we stop neg- need to know basically what the schools. They did not start to teach in a ative causes. If we don’t create neg- problem is. For example, if we are agree with each other. December 26, 2006 philosophical or ative causes, there is no negative seriously interested to follow the Why did they divide intellectual way. consequence. The Buddha said if we teaching, we cannot learn by going the teachings that Tashigar South, Argentina No one disagreed want to know how we will be in the to the beach to enjoy a holiday for a way? Buddha did not with Buddha and future we examine and observe our few days. There is a reason we are teach that way and said there is no present action. We know there are interested in the teaching. We have never limited his suffering and we many negative causes we create, so limitations and through these limita- teachings to a school. always enjoy. we change and stop creating them. tions we have so many problems in Buddha also taught about going our transmigration. For that reason Everybody agreed with Buddha. In this case Buddha taught what is our condition. For that reason, we beyond the limitation of a school. Buddha is saying that the noble When Buddha asked if people liked related to our condition of body, feel it is necessary to follow a teach- That is the real teaching of Buddha. truth, the real knowledge, is to to suffer, everyone said no. So speech and mind and which kind of ing or method to overcome these People can’t understand that. Now understand our condition. Buddha explained the Second Noble actions we apply. For not creating problems. Then, of course, we need you can see what the problem is. In general, we are very conditioned Truth. If you don’t want to suffer problems we eliminate those kinds to know what the main point is and by emotions when we are not inside then you must discover the root or of actions and that is the Third the main point is that we are learn- the suffering. When we are not suf- base of suffering. Then we are talk- Noble Truth. ing to be beyond limitations. fering it seems that everything is ing about the Noble Truth of the The Fourth Noble Truth is the Noble Dzogchen is everyone’s real condi- In a very simple way, the first teach- fine. Take the example of young Cause; cause and effect are called Truth of the Path, all the different tion in the real sense. We do not ing of Buddha is Hinayana. In the people falling in love. Young people the famous karma. If we do some- kinds of paths. There are different know how our real condition is, so history of , in Hinayana, say how very nice life is because thing good the consequence is good, kinds of paths because of the differ- we need a teaching that helps us they say that Buddha taught the they are very much in love. At that if we do something bad the fruit is ent kinds of capacities of the indi- understand how to get in that knowl- Four Noble Truths for the first time moment there are no problems. negative. When Buddha started to vidual. Some people have more edge. That teaching is called to five students in Saranth. Buddha People think they agree on every- teach cause and effect, he made peo- capacity to follow high-level teach- Dzogchen. Dzogchen knowledge taught the First Noble Truth as the thing, have no differing points of ple understand they must not strug- ing; a high level of teaching means was not invented as intellectual Truth of Suffering. That means that view, etc. In the real sense we gle with effect but discover the that you not only receive that teach- knowledge; Dzogchen knowledge all sentient beings have suffering. In become blind with emotion. We do cause. Buddha taught this 2500 ing but you know how to apply it. came through its real condition and the human condition, for example, not see any problems but they slow- years ago. People have still not You know why and how it works. In manifested. It is very ancient knowl- first we have the suffering of birth ly manifest. In life, for example, so learned that. the teaching there are instructions. If edge, not something new. The trans- after nine months in the mother’s many people get married, separate, When there is a problem people say you have the capacity to follow the mission of this ancient knowledge is womb. There are often many suffer- get married again, have many chil- there is a solution in revolution and instructions it means you have that called the transmission of the ings in a lifetime. It is not always dren, the parents separate, etc. It we should struggle with that prob- capacity. If people do not have the Dzogchen Teaching. That is what smooth. A little later we get old and seems like little animals, but some- lem. That problem is an effect. You capacity to follow instructions, it we are following. There are differ- there is the suffering of age. times animals feel much better than cannot struggle with an effect. For means they have only a kind of ent ways to experience this knowl- Through all our life we have many human beings. that reason, people struggle with faith. For example, they can learn edge because there are different sufferings of illness. There are so We don’t really understand suffer- effect through revolution and the some prayers or . They conditions. Firstly there are the dif- many sufferings and problems in ing. In the moment when we are only conclusion is killing thousands chant a like Om mane padme ferent conditions of the individual. life. We all have these problems. enjoying with our emotions we for- and thousands of people. Nothing hum and have some benefit. With If there are ten people, there are ten We look in the ocean and see other get our problems and sufferings. In remains in the end, it is always the this capacity of mantra obstacles different capacities. If we receive a beings and it looks very nice, full of the teachings there is an example same. Only some aspects change - diminish. That also means increas- teaching and the transmission relat- colors with many fish swimming that when we see something very the names of the people who are ing clarity and when clarity increas- ed to that teaching, we have more around. If you look well, you see all nice we get attached to that; like a governing, the changing of posi- es one is able to go more into the understanding. the bigger fish eating the smaller moth to a flame. There are also ani- tions, etc. Politics is only an external real sense of the teaching. When we say Buddhist teaching we fish. The fish are always living in mals that enjoy music; sometimes show and does not really change mean the teaching taught by Buddha fear. We hear birds singing and it hunters play nice music while mov- anything. Most countries talk about Three Gates Shakyamuni. Buddha Shakyamuni seems that they are enjoying. Their ing slowly in the forest and the ani- the right and left parties, communist transmitted his knowledge of what life is hard in the winter, and not mals hear and enjoy the music and and fascist, accusing and fighting So we can understand that there are he understood and discovered. He only in winter, but even in summer. then the hunter arrives near by and and doing many different kinds of different kinds of capacities and that taught the same way for everybody, It seems very nice, but there are kills the animal. Also a being can be actions. In the real sense both parties is why Buddha taught the Four but those who received that teaching many bigger birds eating smaller very attached to smell. Like bees, do completely the same thing. There Noble Truths in that way. In the of Buddha divided it into different birds. The small birds are eating when they enjoy a flower for a long is not really much sense. It is better Fourth Noble Truth, Buddha mani- ways. When we say the teaching of small insects. No one is happy. time and suddenly the weather we are a little more free and discov- fested and taught in a different way. Buddha, or Buddhism, within that There is always suffering. This is changes, the flower closes and the er our limitations. Buddha did not teach only a kind of there are different traditions. We say the real condition of our samsara, bees suffocate and die. There can Buddha said we could learn what rule and one system. For that reason also be attachment to taste. For continued on next page 2 Teaching ChNN continued from previosu page THE DAMDROG (SAMAYA FELLOWSHIP) there are different kinds of teach- ings. We learn in Dzogchen that he document published here is an agreement between between Chö- teachings are related to the condi- gyal Namkhai Norbu and the Dzogchen Community and Denis tion of the individual. Everybody and the Sangha Rimay and has been signed by Rinpoche and Lama has three gates. The three gates of T Denis. the individual are the body, voice It arose from the fact that Lama Denis and the Sangha Rimay have received and mind. The body means the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and his teachings into their own lineage. Since this more material level. For example, if kind of opening up is quite rare, Rinpoche decided to create a connection I see someone is coming and I between the Dzogchen Community and the Sangha Rimay. This connection know that person I say, “Oh George is similar to a partnership but much more profound in that it concerns the Replica of the Merigar Gonpa is coming”. I say that because I rec- Dzogchen Teaching. at Karmamling ognize that person. I recognize Last summer the first meeting was held to start talks with Lama George because I see his figure Lhoundroup, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Yeshi Namkhai and Luigi Ottaviani Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Lama Denys directly. That is called body. Our participating. Following this, Lama Denis and Rinpoche worked on the text at Karmaling material level is related to that published here as an official formal act. which is called body. Another then In November Yeshi Namkhai and Luigi Ottaviani took the document that is called speech or voice. Speech had been signed by Rinpoche to Karmaling, the Sangha Rimay centre in means the sound we speak. Sound France, where Lama Denis signed it. is related to breath. Breath is related Through these two meetings each of the two communities were able to to our vital energy. In the Dzogchen deepen their knowledge of the other, of the physical as well as organization- Teaching, sound is the root of all al structures, and an exchange of knowledge and instruments was initiated manifestations from emptiness. For in order to be able to undertake some projects related to the and to Prayer Flags and view at Karmaling that reason it is called speech and Tibetan culture together. that is another gate. Then there is at Karmaling mind. Mind is the most important existence of the individual. How can we understand mind or recog- nize mind? If you think how can we recognize mind, that is mind; it is JOINT DECLARATION the mind that is thinking. Always DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY & SANGHA RIMAY thoughts arise, and that is called mind. So these three, body, speech and mind, are the three gates. " DAM DROG " Everyone has them. They are called SAMAYA FELLOWSHIP gates because gates are for entering. If you want to enter in the knowl- - ALLIANCE & COOPERATIONS - edge or understanding for discover- ing your real nature, you should go The Dzogchen Community and the Sangha Rimay are two Buddhist communities with their own history and their through your gates - with body own specific approach to the teachings. Both acknowledge the essential unity of Buddha Dharma underlying its diversity, the speech and mind you can get in the final goal being the same for all: the state of . Both communities consider the diversity of expressions and the knowledge. If you want to be free of samsara and dualistic vision and methods of the different lineages as a richness matching the numerous forms of receptivity and sensitivity of beings. limitations, also our three gates are The Dzogchen Community and the Sangha Rimay have a particular relation in the transmission: both following the very important. great Dzogchen tradition coming from Garab Dorje and Guru Rinpoche elaborated and diffused later on by the omniscient Longchenpa. For example, if you are in jail and (See in the appendix, the spiritual filiations of both communities) you can’t go outside because the door is closed and then one day The heart link between the two communities is particularly strong as they both find a common source of inspiration they say now you are free, they in the Rimay movement inspired by great Tibetan masters of different lineages: such as Djamyang Kyentsé Wangpo from the open the door and you can go out- school, Jamgœun Kontrul Lodreu Tayé from the school or Terchen Chogyur Lingpa from the Nyingmapa school. side, in the same way we need body, speech and mind to be freed Concerning the recent history, Lama Denys Teundroup, inspired by what he saw in , approached Chögyal from transmigration. For that rea- Namkhai Norbu in the late nineties requesting from him the transmission of the Dances in order to bring their practice son these three gates are very in the Sangha Rimay. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gave his agreement and a program has been developed in this direction. important for everybody. The Moreover, the Sangha Rimay built, with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's blessing, the Rimay Temple or House of Wisdom, inspired teachings are related to these three gates. People who really have high by the temple of the Great Liberation in Merigar. During the same period, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu was invited three times to capacity can go to the teaching teach at Karma Ling Institute. The last time, in spring 2006, Lama Denys Teundroup requested him to teach the Nyingthig directly through the mind, because Mapu in order to enhance the connection between the two . Chögyal Namkhai Norbu transmitted it to a large the mind is the most important of audience including teachers of the Sangha Rimay. the three existences. Then people T who have medium capacity can go herefore, because of all these aforementioned reasons and because of the personal affinities which has developed with voice. That is related to the between Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Lama Denys Teundroup and between the two communities, we are creating a new form energy level. People who have less of collaboration or cooperative alliance in a more concrete way that is called "Damdrog" (Dam Grogs in Tibetan), which means capacity can go through the physi- "Samaya Fellowship". This term express the sacred dimension of the heart link and friendship between the two Sangha. cal level, the body, for example for C some beings of the , bardo oncretely,we wish to work together in a balanced reciprocity in all the possible areas of cooperation: transmission, means after death, there is no phys- Dharma studies, translation, publishing, humanitarian projects and communication, etc. ical body, so bardo beings are com- Concerning the transmission, the teachings asked from one or the other side can be developed in the other Sangha ing and going around here and we don’t see them. If you see them it under the authority and the direction of its main teacher, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu or Lama Denys Teundroup. In the different means you have developed your fields of transmission which are envisioned for this exchange, the teachers of one community can train themselves in the capacity. So you see, for seeing that other community until they gain the required qualification. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Lama Denys Teundroup together, will figure you need such capacity. then give a final accreditation for the qualified teachers to enable them to teach the discipline in their own Sangha. For the George, who is coming physically, Vajra Dances,for example,the project was since the beginning to promote the training of teachers of the Sangha Rimay qualified you can see. This is the difference to teach it, finally, in the Sangha Rimay. Today, the same procedure is envisioned for the Yantra Yogas, which are transmitted between body and speech. Mind is in both communities. more essential. If you can go into the level of mind, that means you At the same time we are considering to cooperate and exchange know-how in the fields of Information Technologies have high capacity. So the teach- (IT), Organisation and Administration. ings are transmitted that way. For example, Dzogchen Teaching is Understanding that cooperation is stronger than competition, our reciprocal motivation is to help each other in more for people with high capacity. order to assure the best continuity of the transmission and its integration. Tantrism is medium capacity. Sutra M is lower capacity. This is how the ay the Dzogchen community and the Sangha Rimay "Samaya Fellowship" contribute in the most auspicious way to teaching is related to the condition the spread of a profound understanding of the Dharma in our contemporary world. of the individual. SARVA MANGALAM! Transcribed and Edited by This document was written by the main teachers of both communities: Naomi Zeitz For the Dzogchen Community For the Sangha Rimay Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Lama Denys Teundroup

T HE M IRROR J AN/FEB 2007 3 “Respect Procedure”

Excerpt from the interview with Luigi Ottaviani and Yeshi Namkhai Kharkov-Kiev train, 10/23/2006 Mirror: What is the correspondence between the teach- a large scale this becomes unfair, because someone may ing and copyright? For example, why can’t we record a think they could buy something from the Institute webcast and give it to someone who wasn’t there? (which means donating something for the teaching), but since it’s so easy for them to get a recording, they won’t Luigi Ottaviani: This is a big question. Firstly, we are purchase it. This is a problem. We know in the recent not able to give things to people who have not partici- past the Gars didn’t understand that and they used to pated because this is Rinpoche’s wish. If a person was record things themselves and sell to practitioners. It’s present at the webcast, received the transmission, then incredible, but that happens. So you just need to under- that person can practice. Otherwise it is not possible. stand the real value of the thing you are buying. You are This is not something that the Institute decided one day. not buying a type of a product like music. You’re not In general, in a strict sense, copyright has nothing to do buying from someone who is rich; we are hardly surviv- with teachings. Copyright means that it is important to ing. Every three to four months we send a report to preserve the image of Rinpoche and his teachings. It Rinpoche on how things are going, so I have looked at Rinpoche enjoying with retreatants inPeru means that without the copyright anyone could take the our financial situation lately. We are really just surviv- teachings and do whatever they want - mix with other ing, but people don’t understand that. PERU RETREAT WITH Rinpoche climbed the stairs, arrived teachings that are not good, put all the teachings in an The important thing is for people to understand that they CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU to the hall; a great silence and the environment that is not completely safe or good for the are buying something that took a lot of work; it’s not SHINE AND LHAGTONG thunder surged forth. teachings, or someone could manipulate and use the just a recording as many people think. And the profit What do you teach? Where do your teachings. It’s a danger for the teaching itself, because it helps the teachings survive for the future. This is the real January 19-23, 2007 words take us? How can you can be presented in an incorrect way. meaning of the products, not just to buy a CD of music. Lima Peru explain that which cannot be What copyright means is that we want to protect the Then people can understand how they are contributing explained? It sounds so easy, like a original in its correct form. For example, when the and participating a little better. by Charo Verastegui children’s story, so deep, like hear- Institute creates a product, we create the best possible ing the words chiseled in gold by thing so that a practitioner can learn the right thing. We M: Is that also the reason for not recording private WHAT DO YOU TEACH, Buddha himself. Is it really so easy, check with Rinpoche or with expert people like Adriano videos of Rinpoche’s public talks or retreats? TEACHER OF LIGHT? like this? We are so fortunate! My or other Tibetan translators, to make it perfect. Every heart jumps in my chest and wants product is approved by Rinpoche. Otherwise what LO: The reason for that is what do people do with that h Teacher, to what limits do to escape. would happen? A person records something saying: video? People can do what they want. And what hap- you take our minds, where You talk to us, in your infinite kind- “Oh, I do this practice”. But what if he doesn’t know the pens? I can tell you what happens. I have found we not only hear you but you ness, of the essence, of the real rea- context? For example, when you do practice of the Rinpoche’s teachings on a peer-to-peer network and O son of the search, which does nei- guardians in a wrong way, it can be dangerous. People other places on the Internet where you find illegal soft- penetrate our Being in a space of a unique and magical dimension, ther limit nor is limited to an intel- don’t understand that and they think: “Ok, maybe I’ll do ware. That’s why we are contacting people and saying teaching us beyond words. How can lectual inquiry. You celebrate how it like this.” Another thing is the unauthorized copying they are doing something illegal and need to stop. we be so fortunate? How can your well we are working and practicing. of materials. That is a danger for the teaching and, in Maybe some people don’t understand this, but they have mercy be so great? We were children being kissed by this sense; the teaching is linked with the Institute. The to be respectful with the image of Rinpoche. We are one We began the retreat in Lima think- their father. What immense joy to Institute was founded by Rinpoche to spread the Tibetan of the few Buddhist Communities that do the copyright ing it could possibly be your final make you happy! culture and also to preserve the teaching for the future. system. We believe it is important. Others don’t care; retreat. Only to say this gives us Shine and Lhagtong in the This is the main purpose of the Italian branch of the they can do whatever they want. But we care a lot. chills. How could something like Dzogchen way was the theme of the Institute. When a person wants to interview Rinpoche or publish this happen? Can the sun stop com- retreat. These are strange names for The Institute has to preserve the teaching and this is not a transcript of a talk, we check with Rinpoche. ing out? What is life without the some people and you make them such an easy thing. We need resources to do this. We are Sometimes people ask very strange things that are not so sun? easy to understand and apply by not rich because we are a non-profit organization; we easy to reply to, and then maybe people would under- Led by your kindness, we enter the clarifying demystifying wrong cannot earn money like private businesses. It’s difficult stand Rinpoche’s answers in a very strange way. In Superior School for Mountain beliefs, picking up again in this life for non-profit organizations to have income. We sell this modern society there are some ethical questions. Often Survival, “Esmon”, on the outskirts what for sure we had started a long product just to survive, not to become rich. What people Rinpoche says to work with yourself, with the circum- of Lima. We all feel at home since it time ago. do not understand is that Institute has this important task stances. If you ask Rinpoche what he thinks about is the third time we have hosted a There is so much we would like to to preserve the teachings. The Institute survives on this something and expect a direct reply, Rinpoche just will retreat there. We were two hundred give you! Our real understanding, kind of product and it has nothing to do with becoming not do it. He doesn’t like that. people, a big heart beating, with so now more than ever, living in these wealthy from the teachings. much excitement and so many sensitive times when you have Therefore, if we are the only ones producing these prod- YN: Maybe you should call this copyright procedure a expectations. asked us to deeply reflect, and ucts we can survive. We can also survive cours- respect procedure. For Western Europe copyright is For example, we had finished paint- understand what it means to collab- es about Tibetan culture, like Tibetan medicine, but the clear. In Eastern and Northern Europe people still don’t ing the for the Dance, a orate, what it means to integrate like main occupation of our staff is archiving. In the future understand. Every time they see the word “copyright” it cherished wish for fourteen years, one body to protect the Teachings in archiving will be very important. It’s strange that people means, “I have to cheat, I have to copy”, like it’s some- commanded by two young artists the times to come. don’t understand or think that the Institute is so rich that thing bad, like they have to fight against it. This is very who had just arrived to the Sangha. May the hearts of the practitioners it can be cheated. They don’t understand why they can’t bad. With great natural devotion, it was open like lotuses of light and from reproduce things. You can do that, but then Rinpoche’s painted during Christmas and New the mud of their mistakes may they wish to have the teachings preserved for the future is LO: Like “I shouldn’t pay for this!” Year’s under the care and persever- celebrate in the purity of its color, damaged. That is the meaning. ance of our dear Fanny. We had the the glory of seeing you smile again! YN: This is very bad. Maybe we should call it respect Mandala, the retreat had to happen! Mirror: But what if people sometimes make copies procedure, give it a double name and it would seem How wonderful when the day that Translation by Regina Robles because they cannot afford them? clearer. It’s not the problem about the money; it’s a cul- we had dreamed of arrived. tural problem. When people see copyright, they do the LO: We noticed this problem and we are trying to solve exact opposite. it with the price list we asked for from different commu- ChNN’s schedule continued from page 1 nities. We would like to adjust pricing according to the LO: It’s like with the word “democracy” inside regional financial circumstances, because this is a wide Dzogchen Community. Often people don’t understand problem. Many practitioners say they would like to have the real meaning in this context and the same with copy- CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU a practice, but can’t afford them, so, for example, the right. We talk about copyright, but it has a different SCHEDULE Gar makes them a copy and doesn’t care about the rest. meaning in our context. Many times I meet people who MARCH 2007 TO FEBRUARY 2008 (The rest means SSI) But this means the real needs of want to do a video interview with Rinpoche and but Community are not understood. they don’t want to sign the copyright agreement that If people would say that things cost too much for them, says: “Please, when you put this piece in some context, we would talk about it and try to find a solution. just ask us before if it’s a good context or not”, it does October 11 [Sung Thorbu vol. I P. 247] Regardless of what they have done in the past, people not have to do with financial aspects. But they are fear- Leave for Buenos Aires, Argentina Open Webcast should say this is a problem for them, they want to learn, ful. They say: “My lawyer says this is not true because and they need help. This is the right thing to do and no I’m not the owner of the item”. The agreement lets you October 12 –19 2008: one will ever say no. It is an important duty of the do whatever you want if we say: “Ok, it’s in the right Buenos Aires Tashigar Sur, Argentina Institute to help preserve and spread the teachings. context and the right form.” Then you can do whatever Weekend of Dzogchen Teaching January 7-8 Santi Maha Sangha Otherwise we would be like a closed chest with useful you want. If you want to sell you can sell, we don’t care First Level Exam things inside. This is useless. So we are trying to solve about the money, we care about protecting the image. October 14 January 11-17 Santi Maha Sangha this problem. Then people understand that we do it out of respect for Leave for Cordoba, Tashigar Sur, Second Level Training There is no problem when people record webcasts for Rinpoche and his teachings. Then there should be no Argentina their personal use. The problem is usually when people problems at all. January 27 try to make a profit from these things. They duplicate November 12 -19 Leave for Peru things. They think it is for the benefit of the Gar, the Retreat of Shine and Lhagthong Ling, but that is wrong. In this case, you damage the according to Dzogchen Atiyoga January 31 – February 4 Institute. If a person saw the webcast, for example, and Interview by Andrei Besedin for The Mirror Restricted Webcast Peruvian Retreat wanted to record it for himself, he can. There’s no rule Zer-nga (The Five Crucial Points) that says a person has to buy it. December 27 – January 3 Tashigar Sur Retreat February 6 Mirror: And if another person asks that person to if The teaching will be Longchenpa’s Leave for Tashigar Norte, Margarita record it for them also? Choszhi Rinchen Phrengwa (The Island, Venezuela Necklace of the Four Precious LO: In small situations, for example, if I want to record ) a webcast and I don’t have a voice recorder it’s ok. On 4 AN EXPATRIATE IN AMDO: ASIA’S NEW OFFICE IN XINING by Federica Grassi Project Manager for education and distance support projects in Tibet

ast spring ASIA’s new office was inaugurated in Xin- Having seen with my own eyes what ASIA is ing, the capital of the Tibetan province of Amdo in East doing in Qinghai convinced me to encourage my LTibet, the province northwest of Qinghai. This initia- parents to adopt a child and to sponsor one tive arose from the need to have a more systematic monitoring myself. At the moment I live in Beijing and the of the growing number of SAD (Long Distance Sponsorship) relative closeness to Qinghai, compared to projects, and, at the same time, guarantee a more active and Europe, meant that this year I didn’t hesitate for constant presence in the area. a moment to go and meet Drolkyi and Sonam On one hand it has favored cooperation with local partners Palmo, the two children who we now support. while on the other it has supplied a more realistic and up-to- On our arrival in Thanggan, Drokyi, the little girl date picture of the local situation, which, in recent years, has sponsored by my parents, wasn’t at school yet been passing through profound and sudden socio-economic because her adoption had been very recent and changes. The office will provide ASIA with the instruments the school year was just starting. So we went to necessary for long-term integrated development interven- pick her up at the house of relatives where she tions. was living at that time. It was an hour by jeep, across the plateau, which in the middle of An Expatriate in Xining September had already had a sprinkling of first snow. Drolkyi is a lovely little girl and I think that those hours we spent together were like a little party for her, a surprise. I like to remember her smiling and courageous as she got ready to come with us to Margherita with Drolkyi’s family start her life at the new school. ruled by tribal laws, which govern the relationship between A word that encapsulates what I perceived within her and her family and village. relatives the moment we said goodbye to them on our return to Thanggan with Drolkyi: trust. And in myself the The schools: centers of aggregation feeling that it was right to support her and support that The monasteries, colleges and schools have trust at the same time. always been centres of social aggregation around which small commercial activities The Shala School: A really have often sprung up. With the passage of special place Federica Grassi delivers a letter from a sponsor time, these have given rise to the creation of A few days later I met urban centers. The schools have also been the Sonam Palmo in Shala. It With the increase in the number of sponsors, the presence of an point of contact between the nomadic and was the first time I had been on-the-spot expatriate will help to guarantee a simpler and agricultural communities and the central gov- to Shala School, which is more visible management of projects, shorten the intervals and ernment; it is through the scholastic institu- situated in a magnificent strengthen the relationship between the sponsor and the spon- tions that the government addresses the local Students at Rigmo school region of bare green sored student. It will be easier to monitor the nomadic areas communities. plateaus and mountains, during the year and to sensitize staff at the schools by bringing So the importance of the schools really goes beyond the didac- inhabited exclusively by nomads. I had heard of Shala and the those in charge closer to a diverse and distant culture and tic-pedagogic sphere because they are also intermediaries for way in which the school had been created from the initiative of world. In the past, the monitoring carried out by ASIA’s staff the spreading of ideas. For this reason ASIA has decided to the local community and how it had then been supported and was annual, during which time we invest more and more in these institu- enlarged by ASIA. On my arrival I immediately felt that it real- concentrated on the more technical tions, making them also centers for ly was a special place. Sonam Palmo is a fantastic little girl part of the work (monitoring stu- campaigning to sensitize people to with light skin and very blonde hair – in fact she was born albi- dents, collecting new reports, updat- issues regarding the no with a face at times timid and shy, at ing the school situation), and it left environment and other times curious, smiling and affection- little space for interaction and inte- hygiene which will ate. gration into the situation at the have a strong What was the meeting like with her and school and the village. With the impact even on the then with her family? After a first moment presence of an expatriate in the field satellite communi- of shyness, Sonam Palmo was extremely we are now able to take part in the ties of the . spontaneous, as if we already knew each local situation; the participation of English language other, I would say. We spent the whole ASIA’s staff at events, activities and courses and refresh- afternoon with them in the tent where ceremonies has had a decidedly er courses on Sonam Palmo’s family live during the stronger impact on the local com- methodology of warmer season. And then I saw her again at munity. Children’s party at the Dongche School, June 2006 teaching Tibetan school, a little blonde head with a cheeky language will be expression standing out in the middle of The Continually Changing Situation organized in turns at the schools during the the other Tibetan children. year in order to improve the quality of With her and with her family just as with In September 2005 the new law concerning compulsory edu- teaching. Drolkyi, I had the feeling of a relationship cation became effective, according to which all children of that had begun and would continue. I will school age have to attend school for 9 years (6 years at primary Margherita and Sonam certainly come back to see them. school and 3 at middle school) otherwise families have to pay TESTIMONY I would also like to recommend starting a fine. In spite of widespread checks by the central government A day with Drolkyi and Sonam distance support through ASIA to others. What ASIA is doing and a campaign by the staff of the schools to make people by Margherita Carbonaro who supports Drolkyi and Sonam for the Tibetan people is important. It is a country in which the aware of education as a guarantee of a better future for the new Palmo speed and mostly the means of development are threatening a generations, in some of the remotest areas, these regulations language and culture which today, more than ever, it is urgent have been thwarted by families who are still reluctant to send Traveling to meet Drolkyi to safeguard. their children to school because it means having to give up Last summer I worked teaching English at the school built by manpower and to face school expenses. In other cases, the ASIA in Thanggan, in Qinghai. It was a fantastic experience local situation is far from the administrative centres and still and also my first real concrete contact with the Tibetan world.

book review

INDIAN ESOTERIC its demise with the Muslin invasion critique that is written from a west- performances, the erotic images and consisted of a group of warring BUDDHISM: A SOCIAL of the twelfth century. He says that ern academic tradition but one that practices, the emphasis on certain states that were in continual con- HISTORY OF THE by the years 650 to 700 C.E. the new reaches deeply into its subject mat- deities, the use of coded language, tention during these years. Each of TANTRIC MOVEMENT esoteric tradition was fully formed ter much in the tradition of the great the tantric feast, the use of specific these small warring states had a BY RONALD M. and during the years up to 1150 the English scholar David Snellgrove. ritual implements, the empower- royal court. The great DAVIDSON esoteric canon was written. The ear- It details the birth of tantric ments and initiations and, in the Mahasiddhas into the symbolic liest or “proto-tantric” texts were Buddhism out of the Mahayana great saints, the complete disregard structure of the mandala adopted the PUBLISHED BY written by at least 412 C.E. These school and deals extensively with of monastic and societal moral stric- way this royal court was structured. COLUMBIA texts incorporate images of the Bud- the great Mahasiddhas who were tures. He refers to it as “Sacralized UNIVERSITY PRESS dha sending out light rays that pass instrumental in the transmission of He gives a broad sociopolitical pic- Feudalism” with the guru, who rep- through the body of the mediator to tantra to Tibet. He provides an ture of medieval India and illustrates resents the deity, in the position of ndian Esoteric Buddhism is a purify both the person doing the overview of the characteristics of how certain aspects of tantric sym- the king and the mandala as the detailed scholarly study of the visualization and the world at large. the or Esoteric tradition bolism are based on the political royal palace. All this was trans- Iroots of the Vajrayana tradition in These texts represent the first histor- that distinguishes it from the pre- architecture of the medieval state. posed from the real world to a India. He traces it from its earliest ical record where the person doing vailing Mahayana view. He points He sees this as the apotheosis of the sacred dimension that can be beginnings in the third and fourth the meditation visualizes him or her out the use of the mandala, the political kingship and the feudaliza- entered in visionary experience. centuries through its florescence in self as a Buddha. tantric visualizations and mantra tion of the gods. India was a cul- These detailed visualizations are the eighth and ninth centuries until The book is a historical and literary recitation, the proclivity for ritual ture of military opportunism and highly structured with long written continued on page 7

T HE M IRROR J AN/FEB 2007 5 Shang Shung Institute

Report of the Translation Project Training for Translators fromTibetan

COMPLETE WORKS n initiative of the inter- of the school. At a OF CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU national Shang Shung young age he was recognized as the 2006 AInstitute the Training for incarnation of Jonang Kunga Translators from Tibetan is part Drolchok, an important teacher of he aim of the translation project of the international Dzogchen of the Ka-ter Translation Pro- that school. Jonang is the name of a Community is to make all the Tibetan Teachings of Chögyal ject and started in 2003 and place with a lofty Stupa and a Namkhai Norbu available in Western Languages, therefore it is since the beginning, Elio Guar- monastery about a hundred miles to T isco was entrusted to be the the north-west of the famous called “Complete Works of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu”. All of Rinpoche’s texts are written in Tibetan. Not many people in the West instructor of the Training. The monastery of Trashy Lunpo, found- have the capacity to read and understand Tibetan, and even if they can, most aim of this training is to qualify ed by Kunpangpa Thukje Tsondru of them do not have the capacity to understand or to translate Tibetan texts translators from Tibetan in order to (1243-1313) as Jonang Phuntsok about Dzogchen. In order to be able to translate these texts in a correct and pre- gain the ability to translate texts of Ling, from which the Jonang, an cise way, a translator really needs to have very special skills. wisdom according to the view of independent school of Tibetan Adriano Clemente, a student of Rinpoche since 1976, is one of these very few people Dzogchen. In that way it should be Buddhist derived its name. who has such special capacities. Adriano studied Tibetan from 1976 - 1983 at the University of Oriental Studies in guaranteed that there will be precise A pronounced enthusiasm for the Naples under Professor Namkhai Norbu, and started to translate Tibetan Teachings already in 1981. Due to his prac- translations of the sacred texts avail- Tanta appears to consti- tice and effort in translations he has become a very qualified translator and therefore Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has able in Western languages in the tute an important part of the prac- appointed Adriano Clemente to be in charge of the translations of his Teachings and writings in Tibetan. Several future. tices of this school. Taranatha him- years ago the international Dzogchen Community has taken over the management of this project and thanks to indi- In order to be able to translate in a self, a later leader of the school, was vidual donations, this important work has been financed up to now. qualified way one must have an famous as an author of several Last year in 2006, we made two magnificent additions to this project: We all appreciate the work of Adriano very adequate understanding of the works on the Kalachakra. Taranatha much and we are aware of the fact that the possibility to read correct translations of Rinpoche’s Teachings is such Tibetan language, of Tibetan gram- was a prolific and exceptional a treasure for everybody who wants to follow the Dzogchen Teachings. To assure that from now on Adriano can mar and one also must comprehend writer. His works range from reli- concentrate only on his translations, we not only started to offer him a regular monthly payment but also founded the meaning of the text. In the sum- gion to history. Well known is his a retirement fund, which guarantees him a small pension when he is 68 years old. mer 2006, we concluded the first in India that All these changes were only possible due to an admirable collaboration of many people and members of the world- series of these trainings, which last- even nowadays remains a precious wide Dzogchen Community. As the coordinator of this translation project, I really want to thank all donors for their ed four years. In these years a con- source of information for the Indian support. Profound understanding, convinced dedication and humble generosity are the columns of this work. Please siderable number of people (some history. In his writing, Taranatha assist us in our responsibility for the future. more consistently than others) have demonstrates an exceptionally inde- Already next month, in February 2007, we can get the latest book, which Adriano translated and edited: Chögyal participated with enthusiasm to the pendent and critical mind in expos- Namkhai Norbu’s book LONGSAL 7, will be published by Shang Shung Edizioni. This seventh volume of teach- training. The texts used as the basis ing common Tibetan misconcep- ings from the Longsal cycle contains four Upadesha and the histories of their discovery. These teachings were of familiarization with the under- tions about history and religion, his- received through dreams over a period of time from 1959 to 2001. This book will be available either directly in standing of the language ranged torical dates, identification of per- Merigar or in the online-shop of the Shang Shung Institute. Further information will be sent out soon. from modern writings such as sonages etc., which is very rare “Birth, Living and Death” (written among Tibetans and that has simi- Thank you for your attention, your understanding and your support. For more information about this project please by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu); the larity only with the mind of the visit our website. ancient Dzogchen (Mejung more recent great scholar, Gendun and Kamyam), to Tantric literary Chopel. Most of Tarantaha’s works works such as “Gyalwa Yangonpa’s are exegesis on the Tantras, and Many Tashi Delegs and very best wishes, Hidden Explanation of the exceptionally clear manuals of Adamantine Body”. These four instruction. Although an adherent of years of training have provided the often considered heretical ‘other Oliver Leick some basis for the comprehension emptiness’ approach to the Coordinator of Complete Works of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu of the language and the principles of Madhyamika system, Taranatha did Email: [email protected] translation from Tibetan. In summer not write much on philosophy. He Web: www.completeworks.info 2007 there will start the next series himself declared that he was more of trainings for translators from interested in writing on liturgical Tibetan. It will take place from and contemplative texts, for their August 8 until August 30 2007 at usefulness was more important. Merigar. Taranatha met his Indian guru, Here is the list of donors in 2006: The focus will be to study shorter Buddhanatha, on one of his travels and more accessible texts that allow to Tibet, when he was about sixteen Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Viola Krapivina an easy grasp of Tibetan linguistic and the master seventy-six. Marco Almici Carla Lanzoni structure and meanings, as well as Buddhagupta was one of the last Tanya Ansghuladze Tony Laurent to read sources using the terminolo- depositories of many Tantric trans- David Sharp Bequest Igor & Anna Legati gy that is widely used in teachings missions and teachings in India, and Rita Bizzotto Gabriele & Oliver Leick in our Dzogchen Community. had a vast knowledge of India and Clara Bordeu Otavia, Roberto & Ciro Lilla About the coming training Elio surrounding countries. It was Paolo Brunatto Peter Lincenyi Guarisco wrote: one of the texts that through his knowledge that Lilianne Busby Libor Maly we will use this summer for the Taranatha was able to write his Ugo Cardea David Marsh beginner’s translator’s training is astonishingly accurate works on Dzogchen Community Austria, Regions Giovanna Melone called “The Seven Transmissions” history. And moreover through Dzogchen Community Austria, Vienna Domenico Mercogliano (bka’bab bdun ldan). It is a wonder- Buddhagupta’s teaching Taranatha Dzogchen Community Chicago Angela Mijares ful historical work on the life stories acquired a special place in the trans- Dzogchen Community Germany Riccardo Moraglia of many Indian Mahasiddhas pro- mission and preservation of the Dzogchen Community Kundrol-ling Massimo Orsi tagonists of the transmissions of Tantric practice in Tibet. Looking Dzogchen Community New Zealand Gloria Pera various Tantric teachings: through his collected works, it is Dzogchen Community Poland Desgue Phillipe , inner heat, contact easy to see how he recorded the Dzogchen Community Tsegyalgar J.S.A. Plugge with a real consort, luminous clari- major teachings on all the most Dzogchen Community Venezia Ricardo Rebaza ty, and phase of creation, word tra- important Tantric tradition and Dzogchen Community Pheling Shambavi Sarasvati dition, and miscellaneous secret ensured their preservation.” Miguel Angel Couchonnal Bernhard Schweizer instructions. “The Seven Everybody who has a basic knowl- Judith L Daugherty Andrea Sertoli Transmissions” records with preci- edge of Tibetan Language and Gianpiero Dessole Shannon Siegel sion the lives and amazing feats of Grammar, everybody who can read Shang Shung Edition Austria Artur Skura the masters of these seven transmis- Tibetan and is a member of the Thomas Eifler Gerald Steinberg sions. Shang Shung Institute can partici- Joanna Fagg Lynn Sutherland The text is not too difficult to read pate. If you are interested please Mark Farrington Ans Swart and has all the key points of the lan- send your application and your Gregory Forgues Thea Tamburini guage that anyone interested in short Curriculum Vitae to the Shang Tides Foundation Sarah Theiss working with Tibetan language Shung Institute, office@ssi-aus- Liz Fukushima Roberto Zamparo need to know and understand. tria.at. For more information about Alastair Gager Paola Zamperini Moreover, as it is an historical work the Ka-ter Translation Project and Riccardo Giambarresi Paola Zingali that recounts the biographies of the Training for Translators from Francesco Gracis Gabriela Zollner most extraordinary masters, it is Tibetan please visit our website. Stefano Guidotti Raiffeisenbank Ilz also very enjoyable and inspiring to Here you can also support our activ- Frances Han read. The author of this text is a spe- ities by sending a donation. Gabor Hardy cial master known as Taranatha. Thank you very much for you sup- Ed Hayes, Tsagyalgar Born in 1575 A.D. in the place of port and understanding, Larissa Katayeva the great descendants of Ra Andy Kozhushnyy Lotsava, Kunga Nyingpo?better Oliver Leick known as Taranatha, is often referred in Tibetan writings as Jonang Taranatha or Jetsun

6 Ka-Ter Update All these achievements were only Here is the list of donors in 2006: Hean Than Lee Stehr Mareike, Germany possible due to your generous sup- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Idley Carey, Australia Sterman Andrew, USA port. Alberth Lydia, Austria Joseph Paul, New Zealand Storch Christian, Germany ear worldwide Dzogchen Thank you so much for recognizing Aldrian Michael, Austria Karlinska Milena, Poland Suppanz Frajo, Austria Community and supporters the importance of our work for Alonso Marisa, Argentina Keutz Michaela, Austria Sutherland Lynn, USA Dof the Shang Shung Insti- future generations as well. Andghuladze Tanya USA King-Salter Julian, Australia Spitaler Jörg, Austria tute, Many activities of the Ka-ter Anneco Blanson Henkemans, Kosicky Sveto, Slovakia Stone-Belic Ellen, USA Translation Project are planned for Netherlands Krapivina Viola, Latvia Sveto Kosicky, Slovakia As the person in charge of the Ka- 2007, here are some examples: Anonymous donation Australia Kukk Alar, Estonia Tides Foundation, USA ter Translation Project, which was Anonymous donation Great Britain Landsman Martin, Netherlands Thibeau Cynthia founded by Chögyal Namkhai - In February the next issue of Barilli Pia, Italy Leick Gabriele & Oliver, Austria Tyshing J M, Australia Norbu in 2004, I want to thank all ‘Teachings, Longsal 7’, will be pub- Barry Paula, USA Lilly Simon & Sue, Great Britain Trojer Stefan, Italy of you who have given financial lished. Baj Lucilla, U.K. Linczenyi Peter & Gabika, Slovakia Valli Elidia, Italy support to this important activity of Barker Ivan, Australia LMC Ltd., Czech Republic Van Deuberg Francois, Netherlands the international Shang Shung - Elio, Adriano and Jim are meeting Bebie Per, Switzerland Lukianovic Andy, England Vitiello Gino, Italy Institute up to now. Thanks to the again in February/March in Berli Didier, Switzerland Magafurov Igor, Russia Walker John, USA help of 144 donations that we Margarita to continue their collec- Bertin Rosalinde, Canada Markovic Radomir, Serbia Winter Claudia, Germany received in 2006 we were able to tive work. Boni Giovanni, Italy Matsiburskiy Igor, Russia White Peter, Great Britain continue with our projects and Braud Catherine, France Matvejev Viktor, Latvia Wong Chee, Singapore develop them even further. I just - The new training for translators Burduzha Violeta, Russia Mc Donald Georgia, Australia Wood Merle Hawaii, USA want to mention a few important from Tibetan will start in summer Castle Helen, Australia Melone Giavanna, Italy Wylie Rowan, U.K. points: 2007 in Merigar. Chukov Ivan, Russia Moseley Erica, USA Zamparo Roberto, Italy Clewley Jonathan Musli Caterine Zarina Liga, Latvia - Our three main translators - Elio - Hopefully the first Dzogchen Coronas Ita, Great Britain Neve Sheila, U.K. Guarisco, Adriano Clemente and Tantra, translated by our translators, Daugherty Judy, USA Nixdorf Joseph, USA Jim Valby - were able to meet twice will be published in the second half de Jonge Sebastian, Australia Nopp Alfred, Austria over periods of several weeks to of this year. Dessole Gianpiero, Italy Norden Paul, USA continue their translation work. Dzogchen Community Brazil Novgorodtsev Aleksey They have been working on the The Ka-ter Translation Project is Dzogchen Community France O’Kelly Carisa, USA translation of two very large one of the major activities of the Dzogchen Community Milano Italy Orel Artem Dzogchen Tantras over the last two international Shang Shung Institute Dzogchen Community Vienna Pappone Paolo, Italy years now. and each of our projects is equally Austria Peddi Stephan, Austria important. All initiatives and activi- Dzogchen Community Germany Pickering Ann, France - After a three-year period of trans- ties of the Shang Shung Institute are Dzogchen Community Germany & Pollack Alex, Israel lating and correcting the text, the quite cost-intensive and for this rea- Austria Pollard Alexander, South Africa first product of our translation work son we would like to ask you for Dzogchen Community Pelzomling, Pons Ruiz Romy, Spain - the book “On Birth, Life and your support again. Mexico Popova-Danjat Natalia, France Death” - was finally published in Through our on-line shop we have Dzogchen Community Russia Quintero Mercedes, Mexico June 2006. new beautiful statues of the Elejalde Patricia, Peru Rera Gloria, Italy Medicine Buddha, which we would Eifler Thomas, Germany Rotbard Yael, Isreal - In summer 2006 the first 4 year gratefully like to offer you in Franck Dorothea, Netherlands Saletu Karoline, Austria training for translators from Tibetan exchange for your donation. We Frey Patrick, Germany Salvatore Michele, Italy concluded successfully and more would also like to remind you about Friend Rosemary, Caymen Islands Sands Angela, Australia than 15 translators from all over the the Ka-ter Donation Package and Gahartian Jérôme, France Sands Meg, Australia world profited from that unique the Ka-ter Retirement Package. Galea Kevin, Italy Scalzo David, USA opportunity to become qualified On our website you can read about Gaultier Lorrine, France Scholz Michael, Germany translators for Dzogchen texts. our various activities and see the Gettler Alfred, Austria Schuetzinger Gerhard, Ireland ways in which you can support our Giacalone Beppe, Italy Schuster Ulli, Austria Medicine Buddha - In late autumn 2006 we finally work. Gloess Uwe Sertoli Andrea, USA managed to set up a system of a Many Tashi Delegs, Golden Jan, Ireland Sidoli Laura, Italy retirement fund for our three trans- Oliver Leick Gould Bob, Australia Silvermann Jacob lators, so that it is guaranteed that Project Manager of the Ka-ter Haberkorn Lisa, Austria Shimura Nami, USA they will get at least a small pension Translation Project www.ssi-aus- Hannah James, USA Skura Artur, Poland when they are 68 years old. tria.at Harding Elaine, Australia Steff Sandra Lynn, New Zealand

Book Review continued from page 5 Welcome, Greta! SSI/USA texts spelling out exactly what to see and say. tory is a difficult subject because of the “elusive, ing and the King personally paid the tab. These were vigorously practiced in isolated med- difficult, incomplete and highly charged” nature This book makes a highly valuable contribution itation retreats and in cemeteries and carnal of the available documentation, much of it hagio- The Shang Shung Institute of to the study of Buddhism in India and to the birth grounds. graphic and highly suspect as reliable historical of esoteric Buddhism. The principles and prac- America is delighted to His main premise is that the esoteric practitioner, data. tices of esoteric Buddhism have survived for announce that Greta Williams “configures his practice through the metaphor of He demonstrates how the tantric tradition had its thousands of years and have had the viability to has just joined its “ranks” as its becoming the overlord of a mandala...and reflects roots deep in the Buddhist literary history and move from country to country and are still being Administrative Assistant in the political and social models in the surrounding that even in the earliest canon much of the maintained and past down to new generations of Conway, Massachusetts. Greta feudal society.” He presents a detailed analysis scriptures were visionary in nature with the scrip- practitioners all around the world. This kind of brings to us not only over six of the military and political background of early tural message attributed to some divine person- scholarly analysis lays the groundwork for a far years of experience as an medieval India. He contends that esoteric age or else delivered by the Buddha in the god more comprehensive understanding of the histo- administrative assistant and Buddhism was an “idealization of the universal realms. Then later in the Mahayana scriptures, ry and development of esoteric Buddhism and operations manager for newly conqueror...to recast kingship into a form of in order to give the writings scriptural authentici- provides a much-needed historical perspective on developing companies with divinity” and in this process the divinities were ty, they had to be attributed either to the Buddha the Vajrayana tradition as it impacts the western domestic and international pres- reformulated in the image of royalty. Just as the or to one of the Buddhist deities. In this fashion world. ence. She also brings her back- King becomes divine when he is coronated so the the Buddha to the nagas who eventually delivered ground in Eastern medicine, as esoteric practitioner becomes the Buddha through it to entrusted the famous Review by J. M. White a practicing acupuncturist in initiation, empowerment and visualization. Just Prajnaparamita. Others were hidden in small 91 Vantrease Road Massachusetts incorporating as the King rules over his kingdom the Buddhist caskets or buried in the element of space until the Brush Creek, TN 38547 Japanese and Chinese treatment practitioner gains domination over phenomenal historical moment when the Buddha released styles, to her new role. existence. This imitation of the feudal system them Greta has previously studied spiritually subverted its goals and transformed He does occasionally interrupt the scholarly with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo as a the humble practitioner into the lord of the phe- demeanor of the text with a story taken from the student in Kunye Massage and nomenal world. He shows how the Buddhist hagiography of the . In one of these he has been a student of Tibetan abhiseka or initiation is, “exactly analogous to the reports a story about Virupa, one of the founders Buddhism and Dzogchen. We investiture of a prince”. of the esoteric tradition, who was widely known know that Greta is looking for- Out of this came a new variety of Buddhist saint, for his drinking. He describes one occasion ward to collaborating with Dr. the Mahasiddha and from their inspiration when Virupa and his companion went into a local Phuntsog Wangmo, Shang emerged an institutional esotericism where the bar. The bar maid was somewhat reluctant to Shung Institute, and SSI’s monks in the monasteries began to adopt the serve these disreputable holy men without some Tibetan Medicine students in modes of practice and ideation embodied in the guarantee of payment. So Virupa showed her a manifesting its vision, and we at scriptural written in an amazing burst of ray of sunlight falling across the table where he the SSI/USA board, as well as literary creativity in the years 500 to 800 C.E. In was sitting and promised that when the sun the International Shang Shung this literature and in the visualizations embodied reached a certain point on the table he would pay Institute team, are thrilled to in this literature the guiding metaphor is the trans- for all their drinks. This reassured the proprietor have successfully concluded formation of the practitioner into the Universal who proceeded to pour their drinks. When the our first hire ever for such a Ruler. Out of this came a new canon with fresh- sun began to approach the point that Virupa position here at Conway. ly minted consecration rites and initiations. would have to pay up he took out his knife and Welcome, Greta, and also In this way the political paradigm of the time was stuck it in the table right on the leading edge of thanks to all of you who have sacrilized and subverted from its political import the sunlight and nailed the sunlight to the table. applied and helped in this in the real world into a powerful symbol of spiri- At this point all the sundials and water clocks in process! tual transformation. In attempting to trace this the kingdom stopped. After a while everyone historically he uses, “surviving documents, epig- became exhausted and dazed. Soon word Paola Zamperini raphy and modern tribal ethnography”. He reached the King himself and upon inquiry he President SSI/USA admits that this search for origins in religious his- went to the bar where Virupa was happily drink-

T HE M IRROR J AN/FEB 2007 7 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS

Saving the Gonpa at Merigar would not create obstacles. The project was not a simple one. It involved working by Liz Granger along the length of the cliff face where it was impossi- merigar west ble to erect scaffolding. The trees and bushes growing on the cliff had to be removed Merigar West along with their roots and the Arcidosso 58031 root holes had to be filled with GR Italy cement to prevent re-growth. Tel: 39 0564 966837 The task could only be carried Fax: 39 0564 968110 out by some members of the Email:[email protected] team hanging suspended in Website: www.dzogchen.it harnesses from the top of the cliff while they worked on the MERIGAR WEST cliff face. The work force was CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2007 led by Migmar with the collab- oration of Angelo Petrosino who taught the team the free GENERAL PROGRAM climbing techniques they need- ed for the job. In case of any changes to the current calendar, we suggest checking our Besides the difficult work car- website – www.dzogchen.it - from time to time for confirmation of the ried out on the cliff, the area courses. The Tibetan letter A in this program indicates events that are par- directly behind the Gonpa had ticularly suited to those who are approaching the Dzogchen Teaching for the to be reinforced, enlarged and first time. We would like to remind those who are genuinely interested that paved in stone slabs then have it is indispensable to meet the Master. This can take place by following one a high protective railing in of his Teaching Retreats or by participating in one of the Worldwide Direct View of Rinpoche's retreat cabin and the cliff face from the wood beaten iron erected the length Transmission days. of it. Since the trees and bush- ast summer, during the two big retreats at Merigar, es have all been removed, there is now an unobstructed MARCH Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche spoke on several occa- view right across the valley to the hills. When you arrive March 30-April 5, 2007 (A) Lsions about the urgent situation of the land corro- there, the effect is surprising and breathtaking at the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu sion of the hill the Merigar Gonpa is on. He wanted to same time. The absence of trees and bushes reveal just Audio/Video Webcast - Santi Maha Sangha Base Retreat bring the situation to the immediate attention of the how steep the drop into the wood is and one can see Tashigar North, Margarita Dzogchen Community with the aim of getting financial what a painstaking and laborious work has been done to (open webcast) support from members to finance the work to halt the prevent further corrosion and make the area more spa- increasing land corrosion and APRIL stabilize the area around the April 6-9, 2007 EASTER Gonpa. Practice retreat on Contemplation and Yantra Yoga Merigar’s Temple of Great with Fabio Risolo, Laura Evangelisti, Tiziana Gottardi Liberation was built on the top of The retreat will be held according to the instructions of Master Chögyal a hill bordering on a sudden Namkhai Norbu on how to organize practice retreats steep drop into a small wood The retreat starts on Friday April 6 at 16.00 which is the area for personal Cost: 150 euro (with discounts for members) retreats and contains three retreat huts as well as Rinpoche’s own April 21-22, 2007 retreat cabin and further down Explanation & practice on the Base of the Santi Maha Sangha the Master’s residence, with Fabio Risolo Gadeling. For some time the cliff Topic: The Precious Vase, Chapter II (from 3.2.7. to the end) wall and the land above it had The course starts on Saturday April 21 at 10.00 been deteriorating due to rainfall Cost: 60 euro (with discounts for members) and the dense undergrowth that was cracking the rock cliff and April 25-29, 2007 for this reason there was an Jñanadakini practice retreat with explanations immediate danger to the Gonpa and Dance of the Song of the Vajra (advanced students) as well as to all the buildings with Prima Mai below it. The retreat starts on Wednesday April 25 at 16.00 and finishes on Sunday An appeal went out over the New open area behind the Gonpa April 29 at 13.00 summer particularly on the part Maximum number of participants: 11 of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to raise money for the cious. In fact the new area is big enough to contain a (6 for the male part and 5 for the female part) ambitious structural work that was necessary to save the portable Vajra Dance Mandala so that during the sum- Cost: 200 euro (with discounts for members) cliff and the area behind the Gonpa. The Master himself mer months Dancers will be able to use a Mandala out- generously dedicated many fantastic prizes from his side the Gonpa as well as one inside. April 29-May 1, 2007 own personal belongings to various raffles that were The work continued smoothly throughout the winter Chöd practice retreat with explanations held to raise funds for the difficult work of shoring up and was helped by the season being particularly mild, With Nina Robinson the hill. without the usual snowstorms The retreat starts on Sunday April 29 at 16.00 and icy winds. It has now been Cost: 60 euro (with discounts for members) concluded successfully and the final touches are being given. MAY With the completion of the most May 4-6, 2007 (A) immediate work, energies are Dance of the 6 Spaces of Course directed to other building activi- With Maurizio Mingotti ties in the basement under the Open to everyone Gonpa. At the moment work has The course starts on Friday May 4 at 16.00 started to create a new storeroom Cost: 90 euro (with discounts for members) where the portable Dance Mandala and many other things May 25-27, 2007 can be kept. The entire plumbing Yantra Yoga course for advanced students system below the Gonpa is being (4th series of Yantra and Pranayama) renovated, tubes are being with Laura Evangelisti changed and new ones put in, a The course starts on Friday May 25 at 16.00 new fire alarm system is being Cost: 120 euro (with discounts for members) set up, and, most importantly, two large water tanks are being JUNE installed to hold extra water sup- June 16-17, 2007 plies in the summer when there Explanation and practice of the Base of the SMS The work team is a greater need for large quanti- with Costantino Albini ties of water during big retreats. Topic: The Precious Vase, Chapters III and IV (up to and including 5.5.) Thanks to Rinpoche’s efforts and the generous partici- When this work is finished the team will start to reno- The course starts on Saturday June 16 at 10.00 pation and donations from many members of the vate the retreat huts in the little wood. There is three Cost: 60 euro (with discounts for members) Community, the amount required for the project was retreats huts in the wooded area below the Gonpa that finally reached and in the autumn the work team swung are available to practitioners: two for normal retreats June 22-24, 2007 into action. On Rinpoche’s advice a ‘serkyem’ and and one for dark retreat. Meritorious and sustaining Dance of the Three Course ‘sang’ ritual was done at the end of October before start- members have free use of them and can book a person- Regular and irregular form ing the project in order to harmonize the elements and al retreat by phoning the secretary. With Maurizio Mingotti continued on next page pacify local guardians and other beings so that they

8 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS ACCOMMODATION SERVICE AT MERIGAR Merigar Program con’t. from previous page INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE WHO INTEND TO COME TO MERIGAR FOR The course starts on Friday June 22 at 16.00 Cost: 90 euro (with discounts for members) RETREATS OR TO FOLLOW COURSES

JULY If you are looking for accommodation, airport transfer, local car hire or only logistic assis- July 1-7, 2007 tance, you can contact the following information and reservation service: Mandarava practice retreat with explanations combined with The Dance of the Song of the Vajra With Nina Robinson and a Vajra Dance teacher (participants in the Dance of the Song of the Vajra should know the steps Accommodation Service and register for the course) The retreat starts on Sunday July 1 at 10.00 (Information available in English, German, French and Italian) Information service and Cost: 200 euro (with discounts for members) reservation of accommodation during retreats, local transport, & logistic solutions: July 9-15, 2007 Mandarava Tsalung practice retreat combined with Yantra Yoga With Elio Guarisco and Laura Evangelisti Christina von Geispitzheim The retreat starts on Monday July 9 at 16.00 Email: [email protected] Cost: 200 euro (with discounts for members) Tel: 0039 0564 957542 Mobile phone: 0039 339 1370739 July 14-22, 2007 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu - Audio/video webcast Shine and Lhagthong according to Dzogchen Ati Yoga Merigar East, Romania We cooperate with local hotels, family pensions, residences, agriturismo, Community mem- (closed webcast) bers who have rooms or houses to rent or sublet. Also we can advise on car rental (at airports The retreats starts on Saturday July 14 or locally), on the best itinerary and time tables of trains and buses, and we have now a circuit of residents who offer various useful services like transfer from the airports, local taxi service, July 28-29, 2007 translations, baby sitting, etc. Explanation and practice of the Base of the SMS with Fabio Risolo Topic: the Precious Vase, Chapter IV (from 6. to the end) The course starts on Saturday July 21 at 10.00 Cost: 60 euro (with discounts for members) europe

AUGUST August 2-6, 2007 New Gakyil Zhenphenling Weekend at Zhenphenling Tsalung of the Seltong practice retreat with explanations Rome, Italy Dzogchen Community in Rome With Elio Guarisco The course starts on Saturday August 2 at 16.00 BLUE: March 30 and April 1st, 2007 Cost: 150 euro (with discounts for members) Christiane Rhein “EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT: Email: [email protected] HOW TO CONSULT THE TIBETAN CALEN- August 7-12, 2007 Tel: ++39 06 3701065 DAR” Dance of the Song of the Vajra course for beginners (Part 1) Cell ++39 348 7361563 Predictions, symbols and cycles in your personal With Rita Renzi horizons The course starts on Tuesday August 7 at 10.00 Sergio Quaranta with Maria Rita Leti Cost: 180 euro (with discounts for members) Email: [email protected] 10.30-12.30 am and 15-17 pm Tel: ++39 06 6554218 Price: 60 euros (with discounts for members of the August 13-19, 2007 Cell: ++39 333 6092454 Dzogchen Community) Meditation practice retreat with explanations For information and admission by March 26th, please Combined with Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance YELLOW contact: Christiane 348-7361563, 063701065 with Costantino Albini, Fabio Risolo and Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance Angela Tripaldi [email protected] teachers Email: [email protected] The retreat starts on Monday August 13 at 10.00 Cell: ++39 340 2236619 Cost: 250 euro (with discounts for members) VAJRA DANCE AND MANDARAVA IN Alessandra Burali AUSTRIA August 20-23, 2007 Email: [email protected] Teachers’ Training for the Breathing Course Cell: ++39 347 6526153 VAJRA DANCE COURSE OF THE THREE VAJRAS AND OF With Fabio Andrico THE SIX SPACES OF SAMANTABHADRA The course is limited to a maximum of 9 participants RED WITH KARIN HEINEMANN Cost: 160 euro (no discounts) Gabriella Dalesio Vienna, Austria Email: [email protected] VD of the Three Vajras: April 5, 6pm - April 7, 1pm Tel: ++39 06 7096079 VD of the Six Space of Samantabhadra: April 7, 3pm – August 24-31, 2007 April 9, 6pm Yantra Yoga Teachers’ Training (1st level) Monica Formichetti Costs: 110 euros each course with the usual discounts With Laura Evangelisti and Fabio Andrico Email: [email protected] 200 euros with the usual discount for both courses The course starts on Friday August 24 at 16.00 Cell: ++39 333 2121907 For registration and further information please contact Cost: 320 euro Monika Köllbichler, We remind you to consult our website www.zhenphen- Phone: +43-(0)1-983 80 29, email: SEPTEMBER ling.it to get any information about the activities at [email protected] September 1-3, 2007 Zhenphenling. For any requests you can contact the Course on breathing and Kumbhaka Gakyil at this email address: [email protected] With Fabio Andrico MANDARAVA - PRACTICE AND EXPLANATION RETREAT The course starts on Saturday September 1 at 10.00 Best regards WITH NINA ROBINSON Cost: 120 euro (with discounts for members) Zhenphenling Gakyil Gutenstein, Austria May 24,5pm - May 28, 3pm September 7-13, 2007 (A) Costs: 190 euros with the usual discounts. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu - Teaching retreat For registration and further information please contact Paltrul Rinpoche’s Dzogchen Man ngag ‘Odsal Nangcha Elisha Koppensteiner, (The Upadesha on the Vision of the Clear Light) Phone: +43/(0)699/11 96 47 06, (Paltrul Kabum, vol IV, p. 687) (closed webcast) email: [email protected] con’t on page 18 passages MARRIED: passages Michael & Ximo were married in Barcelona Spain on February 6, 2007. BORN: Jakub Zeman was born to Romana and Radim Zemanovi on December 8, 2006 in the Czech Republic. He is very active, healthy and always smiling.

T HE M IRROR J AN/FEB 2007 9 SPECIAL PRACTICE CALENDAR FO

2ND MONTH, 6TH DAY between 7 and 8. You can do the WED. MAY 23, 2007 5TH MONTH, 14TH DAY SAT. MARCH 24, 2007 Ganapuja later in the afternoon. FRI. JUNE 29, 2007 Usually the best way to do the This is the anniversary of the birth of This is an important day for the prac- Ganapuja and the Guruyoga is collec- Buddha Shakyamuni, an important This is an important day for the tice of Ekajati, so try to do a Long or tively, with your Vajra brothers and day for all Buddhists, so try to a practice of Ekajati, so try to do Medium Thun in the usual way, recit- sisters, but if this is not possible you Ganapuja with your Vajra brothers and a Long or Medium Thun ing the heart mantra of Ekajati as can always do this practice alone sisters. collectively or alone, recit- many times as possible. when you have time. The important ing the heart mantra of TH TH thing is to try to communicate with all 4 MONTH, 10 DAY Ekajati as many times as 2ND MONTH, 10TH DAY practitioners linked to the same trans- SAT. MAY 26, 2007 possible. WED. MARCH 28, 2007 mission so that you can develop the potentiality of the transmission that Today is the day of Guru 5TH MONTH, 15TH DAY This is a special day of Guru you have received and through it your . In general you can SAT. JUNE 30, 2007 Padmasambhava, the day on which understanding and capacity to inte- do the practice of the Guruyoga of the king Sahora tried to burn him alive grate your daily life in the state of con- Padmasambhava on this day. If you FULL MOON. This is and when he transformed the fire into templation. have the possibility and enough time a special day for the a lake, so try to perform a Ganapuja Those who have not received the you can do a collective Ganapuja with long-life practice of collectively, but if that is not possible transmission of the Thun practice can your Vajra brothers and sisters other- Amitayus, so you can do do the long-life practice Universal learn it from other practitioners and wise you can do the long-life practice the Longlife practice Wisdom Union. then receive the transmission when “Union of Primordial Essences”. “Union of Primordial there is the opportunity. Otherwise on Essences”. The best moment TH TH 2ND MONTH, 12TH DAY this day those who have not received 4 MONTH, 15 DAY to do it is between 7 and 8 in the FRI. MARCH 30, 2007 transmission of the Thun practice can THU. MAY 31, 2007 morning, if possible, either collec- do a purification practice with breath- tively or alone. If you can, try to a This is the anniversary of Jetsun ing and Yantra Yoga exercises and FULL MOON. This is the anniver- Ganapuja as well. movements or practices linked to con- sary of the Paranirvana of Buddha do, Dragpa Gyaltsen (1147-1216), one of It is also the Dzamling Chisang (Lit. other- the first great Masters of the Sakyapa trolling the prana. Sakyamuni as well as an important ‘smoke puja of the world in general’) day for the long-life practice “Cycle wise you can tradition, so try to do the Akar Lamai so if you know how to do it, you can do the longlife practice 3RD MONTH, 15TH DAY of Life’s Vajra”. Therefore if you can, Naljor, the Guruyoga of the White A. do the Sanqod (Sangchod) in the “Union of Universal Wisdom”. WED. MAY 2, 2007 do the practice of the morning. ND TH Mandarava in the morning (the best 2 MONTH, 15 DAY SEE THE GLOBAL TIMETABLE MON. APRIL 2, 2007 FULL MOON. This is one of the best time is between 7 and 8 am) and a col- 5TH MONTH, 24TH DAY days for long-life practices and in par- lective Ganapuja in the afternoon or MON. JULY 9, 2007 TH TH ticular for the practice of the “Union evening according to your possibili- 6 MONTH, 14 DAY FULL MOON. This is one of the best SAT. JULY 28, 2007 days for doing the long-life practice of of Primordial Essences”. It is best to ties. This month there is no 25th day so do it early in the morning between 7 Guru Amitayus, with a Ganapuja if today is Dakini day as well as an This is the anniversary of the Third and 8am if you can but if this isn’t 4TH MONTH, 25TH DAY possible. Try to do it collectively or, if important day for the practice of , Rangjung Dorje (1284- that is not possible, alone. possible you can do it in the afternoon SUN. JUNE 10, 2007 Ekajati, so try to do a Ganapuja or a or even in the evening when you are 1339), a disciple of Rigdzin Chenpo long Thun collectively with your Vajra Kumaradza and a famous master of 2ND MONTH, 20TH DAY not busy. Today is Dakini day. It is also the brothers and sisters, or a Medium Today is also the anniversary of the anniversary of Ngor Chen (a great Dzogchen Upadesa. On this day it is SAT. APRIL 7, 2007 Thun alone. In either case recite the good to do Akar Lamai Naljor, Kalachakra, the day when Buddha master of the Shakyapa tradition and heart mantra of Ekajati as many times Sakyamuni first gave the teaching of initiator of the Ngor lineage), there- Guruyoga with the White A, collec- This is the anniversary of the great as possible. tively or alone. Dzogchen Master Do Gyaltsen Yeshe Kalachakra so it is good to do a fore it is a good day to do the Dorje (born 1800), a disciple of the Ganapuja or Long Thun in the evening Guruyoga of the White A, Akar Lamai 5TH MONTH, 30TH DAY TH TH either collectively or alone. Naljor, collectively or alone. 6 MONTH, 15 DAY first Dodrubchen Rinpoche and a mas- SAT. JULY 14, 2007 MON. JULY 30, 2007 ter of Nyagla Padma Dundul. It is 3RD MONTH, 25TH DAY 4TH MONTH, 30TH DAY therefore a good day to do Akar Lamai NEW MOON. This is a day for FULL MOON. This is the anniver- SAT. MAY 12, 2007 FRI. JUNE 15, 2007 Naljor, the Guruyoga with the White purification practices. It is best to do sary of , the main disciple of A. the Purification of the Six Lokas either Today is a Dakini day. It is also the NEW MOON. Today is the anniver- , founder of the Kagyupa collectively or alone, preferably in the school and author or “The Precious 2ND MONTH, 25TH DAY anniversary of the Fifth , a sary of Nyagla Padma Dundul (1816- early morning. Otherwise you can do great terton and practitioner of 1872), one of the Masters of Chang- Ornament of Liberation”. It is, there- THU. APRIL 12, 2007 a Medium or Short Thun or a fore, an excellent day to do Akar Dzogchen so it is a very beneficial day chub Dorje and the main Master of Ganapuja. to reinforce the function of our energy Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. He discov- Lamai Naljor, the Guruyoga with the This is a Dakini day so try to do a White A. It is also good to do the and create a more vital contact with ered the “Tsedrub Gongdu” TH TH Ganapuja with your Vajra brothers and 6 MONTH, 4 DAY longlife practice “Union of Primordial sisters or if that is not possible, a the energy of the universe. If you have which two of his disciples, Ayu WED. JULY 18, 2007 the possibility, it is good to do a Khandro and Changchub Dorje, trans- Essences” of Guru Amitayus and, if Medium Thun, either collectively or possible, a Ganapuja. alone. Guruyoga of the White A in the morn- mitted to Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. This is the anniversary of the ing and in the evening a Ganapuja Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche practised (the first turning of the 6TH MONTH, 25TH DAY ND TH with an intensive practice of Ekajati, this method as much as possible and 2 MONTH, 30 DAY Wheel of the Dharma): the first time WED. AUGUST 8, 2007 TUE. APRIL 17, 2007 repeating the heart mantra as many started to transmit it to his students that Buddha Shakyamuni gave the times as possible. Otherwise you can after visiting the sacred cave at teaching of the Four Noble Truths to This is a Dakini day, so it is a positive DARK MOON. On this day, which is do the Medium Thun with the practice Maratika. Therefore try to do the long- his disciples at , after his illu- of Ekajati, repeating the heart mantra life practice “Union of Primordial day for reinforcing the function of our the anniversary of the great Terton mination. To honour the Lord Buddha energy and creating a vital contact Loter Wangpo, try to do the Akar as much as possible. The best time for Essences” in the morning. In the after- on this special day you can do a this practice is around 8 in the noon or evening you can do the with the energy of the universe by Lamai Naljor, Guruyoga of the White Ganapuja with your Vajra brothers and doing a Ganapuja with our Vajra sis- A with the Master Garab Dorje either evening. Guruyoga of the White A, Akar Lamai sisters. Naljor, collectively or alone, with a ters and brothers. If there are no other collectively or alone, with a Ganapuja practitioners nearby you can do a 3RD MONTH, 30TH DAY Ganapuja if possible. TH TH if possible. 6 MONTH, 10 DAY Medium Thun on your own. In either WED. MAY 16, 2007 TUE. JULY 24, 2007 case, when you transform into the RD TH 5TH MONTH, 1ST DAY 3 MONTH, 4 DAY Dakini Simhamuka, recite her heart NEW MOON. This month the 29th SAT. JUNE 16, 2007 SAT. APRIL 21, 2007 Today is the anniversary of the birth of mantra as many times as possible. day is missing. Today is the anniver- Padmasambhava. On this day when it This is an important day for the prac- sary of Sangyas Lingpa (1340-1396) a This is the anniversary of Chogyur is 8 am in Oddiyana Chögyal TH TH great terton and Dzogchen master. Lingpa (1829-1870) a Nyingmapa 6 MONTH, 30 DAY tice of Ekajati, so try to do a Long or Namkhai Norbu will give the trans- SUN. AUGUST 12, 2007 Medium Thun in the usual way, recit- You can do a Guruyoga of the White A Master of Dzogchen, one of the three mission of Guruyoga with the specific from the cycle of teachings Universal most important Rimed masters of the ing the heart mantra of Ekajati as practice linked to the anniversary of NEW MOON. This is a very impor- many times as possible. Clarity with a Ganapuja. It is also a 19th century. Try to do a practice of Padmasambhava. In this way the good day to do the Purification of the the Guruyoga of the White A, Akar tant day to do purification practices, transmission will be live because the especially the “Purification of the Six RD TH Six Loka. Lamai Naljor. 3 MONTH, 10 DAY transmission has no distance. Lokas”. If you have the chance, you THU. APRIL 26, 2007 Rinpoche will transmit and through- TH TH TH can also do a Short or Medium Thun 4 MONTH, 6 AND 8 DAYS out the world people who do the prac- TH TH or a Ganapuja, collectively or alone. This is a special day of Guru MAY 22 & 24, 2007 5 MONTH, 10 DAY MON. JUNE tice at the same moment will be in the Padmasambhava. Those who have 25, 2007 transmission and will thus receive the TH TH These are important days for the prac- 7 MONTH, 9 DAY received transmission should do a transmission. (In Italy, this practice WED. AUGUST 22, 2007 Guruyoga with Padmasambhava with tice of Ekajati so try to do a Long or Today is a special day of Guru will be done at 5 am.) the long-life mantra and a Ganapuja Medium Thun with your Vajra broth- Padmasambhava. In general you can It is also the anniversary of Yeshe ers and sisters. If that is not possible do the Guruyoga of Padmasambhava This is an important day for the prac- as we usually do, otherwise you can Tsogyal, the main consort and disciple tice of Ekajati. do the long-life practice “Universal you can do the Medium Thun alone, practice on this day. If you can, try to of Padmasambhava so it will be bene- Wisdom Union”. If it is possible, the reciting the heart mantra of Ekajati as do a Ganapuja collectively with your ficial to do a Guruyoga of best time to do the Guruyoga and many times as possible. Vajra brothers and sisters, otherwise Padmasambhava with the longlife long-life practice is in the morning you can do the long-life practice mantra and a Ganapuja as we usually 4TH MONTH, 7TH DAY “Union of Primordial Essences”.

10 OR THE FIRE BOAR YEAR 2007–2008

8TH MONTH, 10TH DAY Akar Lamai Naljor, the Guruyoga Padmasambhava, the day on which he 11TH MONTH, 25TH DAY FRI. SEPT. 21, 2007 with the White A. arrived in central Tibet. It is consid- WED. JAN. 2, 2008 ered that on this day, at the end of the TH TH This is a special day of Guru 9 MONTH, 10 DAY 8th century, King , This is a day of the in general, Padmasambhava, therefore SUN. OCT. 21, 2007 the ancient king of Dharma, vanished so if you have the opportunity practise you can do the Guruyoga of dissolving into a statue of a collective Ganapuja, with the trans- Padmasambhava. If you This is a special day of Guru Avalokiteshvara. Therefore it is good formation of the Dakini Simhamuka, have time and the possi- Padmasambhava. It is also the to do the Guruyoga of and recite her heart mantra as many bility you can do a anniversary of the 16th Gyalwang Padmasambhava with the long-life times as possible. Otherwise you can Ganapuja with the Karmapa and of Tertön Sogyal, a pre- mantra and a Ganapuja. Otherwise do a Medium Thun either collectively Guruyoga and the vious reincarnation of Sogyal you can do the long-life practice or personally. long-life practice of Rinpoche and discoverer of many “Universal Wisdom Union”. If it is Guru terma. It is therefore a good day to do possible, the best moment to do the 11TH MONTH, 30TH DAY Padmasambhava the long-life practice of Guru Guruyoga is early in the morning TUE. JAN. 8, 2008 together with your Padmasambhava “Universal Wisdom between 7 and 8. You can do the Vajra brothers and sis- Union”, which is included in the Ganapuja later in the afternoon. DARK MOON. This is an excellent ters. Otherwise you can Medium or Long Thun. You can do day to do purification practice so try to TH TH do the long-life practice this in the usual way or, if you have 10 MONTH, 11 DAY do the Purification of the Six Lokas “Universal Wisdom the possibility, you can do it with a TUE. NOV. 20, 2007 and a Ganapuja in the evening. Union”. Ganapuja. TH TH 9 MONTH, 15 DAY This is an important day for the prac- 12TH MONTH,10TH DAY 8TH MONTH, 15TH DAY FRI. OCT. 26, 2007 tice of Ekajati. THU. JAN. 17, 2008 WED. SEPT. 26, 2007 TH TH FULL MOON. This is a day of the 10 MONTH, 15 DAY This day is the anniversary of Guru FULL MOON. This is an important Buddha and a good day to do the long- SAT. NOV. 24, 2007 Padmasambhava’s coronation as day to do the long-life practice of life practice of Amitayus, “Union of Prince of Orgyen at the invitation of Amitayus, “Union of Primordial Primordial Essences”, either collec- FULL MOON. This day is consid- King Idrabhodi. We can perform a Essences”. It is best to do it early in tively or individually according to ered to be the day to honour the Lord Ganapuja collectively or do the long- 7TH MONTH, 10TH DAY the morning and a Ganapuja in the your possibilities, in the morning and Buddha in general, and it is one of the life practice, “Universal Wisdom THU. AUGUST 23, 2007 evening. in the evening a Ganapuja. best days to do the long-life Practice Union” either collectively or personal- with the Dakini Mandarava in particu- ly, according to circumstances. It is a special day of Guru TH ND 8TH MONTH, 19TH DAY 9 MONTH, 22 DAY lar. Generally the best moment to do Padmasambhava as well as the SUN. SEPT. 30, 2007 THU. NOV. 1, 2007 this kind of practice is between 7 and 12TH MONTH,11TH DAY anniversary of Jomo Menmo (1248- 8 in the morning but if you don’t have FRI. JAN. 18, 2008 1283), a famous yogini, terton and This is an important day for the prac- This day is the important celebration this possibility, then do it in the after- reincarnation of and tice of Ekajati, so try to do a Long of Buddha Shakyamuni’s descent to noon or later in the evening when you This is a good day to do a Medium or consort of the terton Guru Chowang. Thun with your Vajra brothers and sis- earth from the realm of the Divinities. are free. It is also a good day to do a Long Thun with an intensive practice Therefore it is an ideal day to do ters, or if that is not possible, you can It is called “Lhabab Tuchen”, the Ganapuja. of the mantra of Ekajati. Akar Lamai Naljor, the Guruyoga of do a Medium Thun alone reciting the Great Time of the Descent of the the White A, and a Ganapuja, if you TH TH heart mantra of Ekajati as many times Divinities. It is an ideal day to do a 10 MONTH, 25 DAY 12TH MONTH, 15TH DAY have the possibility. as possible. Ganapuja with your Vajra brothers and TUE. DEC. 4, 2007 TUE. JAN. 22, 2008 sisters. If there are none nearby, you 7TH MONTH, 15TH DAY 8TH MONTH, 25TH DAY can do a Short or Medium Thun on Today is a Dakini day and the anniver- FULL MOON. This is in general a TUE. AUGUST 28, 2007 FRI. OCT. 5, 2007 your own. sary of Tsongkhapa (1357-1491), who day for honouring the Lord Buddha, made a synthesis of the previous and in particular an ideal day for the FULL MOON AND PARTIAL TH TH This is a Dakini day and also the 9 MONTH, 25 DAY schools and founded the Gelugpa Longlife practice of Guru Amitayus, LUNAR ECLIPSE. This is the anniversary of two great Dzogchen SUN. NOV. 4, 2007 school. It is a very beneficial day for “Union of Primordial Essences”. If anniversary of Tsarchen Losal Gyatso masters, Rigzin Kumaraja, who trans- reinforcing the energy of the universe, possible try to do a collective and Padma Karpo, a famous 17th cen- mitted the Dzogchen teachings to The 25th is a Dakini day and also the so try to perform a Ganapuja with Ganapuja with your Vajra brothers and tury Drugpa Kargyupa Master. Longchenpa and to the third Karmapa, anniversary of the great Dzogchen your Vajra brothers and sisters. If there sisters in the evening. Therefore it is an excellent day to do and of Rigzin Tsewang Norbu (1698- Master Adzam Drugpa (1842-1924), a are no other practitioners nearby you the longlife practice of the Dakini 1755), a great Dzogchen master of the previous reincarnation of Chögyal can do the Medium Thun on your 12TH MONTH, 18TH DAY Mandarava, “Cycle of Life’s Vajra”, Nyingmapa school. It is therefore an Namkhai Norbu. He was a disciple of own, transforming into the Dakini FRI. JAN. 25, 2008 with a Ganapuja if possible as well as excellent day to do Akar Lamai and a Simhamuka and reciting the heart Akar Lamai Naljor, the Guruyoga of Naljor, the Guruyoga with the White master of great masters such as mantra as many times as possible. This is the anniversary of the great the White A collectively with your A. If you can do it in the morning, that Changchub Dorje and Ayu Khandro. Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam Vajra brothers and sisters or alone. TH TH is best. Then, if you have the time, you Therefore, when it is 7 pm in East 10 MONTH, 30 DAY (Longchenpa, 1306-1363). On this can do a Medium or Long Thun later Tibet on this day, Chögyal Namkhai SUN.DEC. 9, 2007 very important day try to do the 7TH MONTH 19TH DAY in the day, with an intense practice of Norbu will give the transmission of Guruyoga Akar Lamai Naljor, SAT. SEPT.1, 2007 Simhamuka, or a Ganapuja, if you Guruyoga with the specific practice DARK MOON. This is an excellent Guruyoga with the White A, either have the possibility. linked to the anniversary of Adzom day to do purification practice so try to collectively or personally. This is an important day for the prac- Drugpa. In this way the transmission do the Purification of the Six Lokas tice of Ekajati, so try to do a Long or 8TH MONTH, 27TH DAY will be live because the transmission and a Ganapuja in the evening. 12TH MONTH, 25TH DAY Medium Thun in the usual way, recit- SUN. OCT. 7, 2007 has no distance. Rinpoche will trans- FRI. FEB. 1, 2008 ing the heart mantra of Ekajati as mit and throughout the world people 11TH MONTH, 8TH DAY many times as possible. This is an important day for the prac- who do the practice at the same MON. DEC. 17, 2007 Dakini Day. This is very positive day tice of Ekajati, so try to do a Long moment will be in the transmission for reinforcing your energy and creat- 7TH MONTH, 25TH DAY Thun with your Vajra brothers and sis- and will thus receive the transmission. This is a special day for doing the ing a stronger contact with the energy THU. SEPT. 6, 2007 ters, or if that is not possible, you can This practice should be done at the practice of Ekajati so try to do a Long of the universe so try to do a collective do a Medium Thun alone reciting the appointed time together with your Thun, collectively or alone, reciting Ganapuja with your Vajra brothers and This is a Dakini day and also the heart mantra of Ekajati as many times Vajra brothers and sisters or, if that is the heart mantra as many times as pos- sisters. If that is not possible, try to do anniversary of Phagmo Drugpa (1110- as possible. not possible, alone. (In Italy, this prac- sible. a Medium Thun alone. In either case 1170), the chief disciple of Gampopa. tice will be done at 1 pm.) recite the heart mantra of Ekajati as Try to do a Ganapuja together with TH TH 8TH MONTH, 30TH DAY 11 MONTH, 10 DAY many times as possible. your Vajra sisters and brothers. If there THU. OCT. 11, 2007 SEE THE GLOBAL TIMETABLE WED. DEC. 19, 2007 are no other practitioners nearby, you 12TH MONTH, 30TH DAY can do a medium Thun on your own. TH TH DARK MOON. This day is excellent 9 MONTH, 30 DAY This is a special day of Guru WED. FEB. 6, 2008 In either case, when you transform for practising the “Purification of the FRI. NOV. 9, 2007 Padmasambhava called Padma yourself into the Dakini Simhamuka, Six Lokas” if you know how to do it. Gyalpo: it is the day on which he Today is the last day of the Fire Boar recite her heart mantra as much as Otherwise you can do the Medium or DARK MOON. This is a good day to arrived in the capital of Oddiyana and year. It is a special day for purification possible and then do an intensive prac- Long Thun or a Ganapuja. do Namcho Shitroi Naljor, the Yoga of became prince to King Idrabhodi. practices so try to do “Purification of tice of Ekajati. the Peaceful and Wrathful Therefore it is an excellent day to do the Six Lokas” as much as possible. 9TH MONTH, 3RD DAY Manifestations, in the morning. It is the Guruyoga of Padmasambhava You should also try to do a Ganapuja 7TH MONTH, 30TH DAY SUN. OCT. 14, 2007 also an important day for the practice with a Ganapuja. with your Vajra brothers and sisters. TUE. SEPT. 11, 2007 of Ekajati, so try to do a Long or TH TH This is the anniversary of Rigdzin Medium Thun, reciting the heart 11 MONTH, 14 DAY DARK MOON. This day is ideal for Jigmed Lingpa (1729-1798), a great mantra of Ekajati as many times as SUN. DEC. 23, 2007 TIBETAN NEW YEAR purification practices. Try to do either Dzogchen master who was the author possible. EARTH MOUSE the Purification of the Six Lokas or the of many books, among which is the FULL MOON. This month there is Namchos Shitroi Naljyor, the Yoga of TH TH th Longchen Nyingthig, which he wrote 10 MONTH, 9 DAY no 15 day so today it is important to the Peaceful and Wrathful after having contact with Longchenpa MON. NOV. 19, 2007 try to do the long-life practice of Guru [see Global Timetable page 19] Manifestations, either collectively or through visions. Therefore, on this Amitayus, Union of Primordial on your own. Try to do a Ganapuja as th important day, you should try to do This month there is no 10 day so Essences, in the usual way, and, if pos- well, if possible. today is a special day of Guru sible, a Ganapuja.

T HE M IRROR J AN/FEB 2007 11 INTERNATIONAL NEW GAKYIL NEW CENTER IN VILNIUS, LITHUANIA SWITZERLAND COMMUNITY NEWS We are happy to announce that our Community purchased a 50 sqm.prem- YELLOW ises in the center of Vilnius, which will be used as our Dharma center in Charles Sarasin, Thalwil future. Our gratitude to Master for his kind advice! CHÖD, THE ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLE OF BLUE Also the Lithuanian Dzogchen community would like to inform that com- A ZOGCHEN PRACTITIONER S CONDUCT D ’ Tony Lehnherr, Zürich munity email has been changed to . RETREAT WITH SASHA (ALEXANDER) PUBANTS APRIL 6 -10, 2007 RED All the best, ERLIN ERMANY B /G Per Bebié, Zürich Gakyil of Dorjeling The practice of Chöd originates from the enlightened Tibetan Yogini Machig Labdrön. This is a profound path of realization through ‘cutting KUNSELLING MANDARAVA CHÜDLEN of the ego’. It incorporates in essential way all kinds of practices of Sutra, EVENTS WITH NINA ROBINSON Tantra and Dzogchen. The inner attitude of the practice is called trul shug, SCHEDULE APRIL 15 – 22, 2007 ‘heroic effort’. This is one of the important behavior aspects of the UK LITHUANIA Dzogchen path. In this retreat we go thoroughly through our text of the MARCH - AUGUST praxis, we learn the deep meanings of the words as also the way of visu- 2007 The Lithuanian Dzogchen community is happy to announce a Mandarava alization. Furthermore, we train the correct way of singing and of using Chüdlen Retreat with Nina Robinson, April 15 – 22, 2007. The retreat will damaru and bell. Several times a day we do the practice of Chöd in its Below is the schedule of events be held in English with translation to . long, short or essential form. at Kunselling until August 2007. We hope that many of you Location: 70 km north of Vilnius, nearby Moletai. It is nice area with Questions and registration: Sasha Pubants or Barbara Schwesig will take the opportunity to lakes around. We will cook ourselves or meals will be prepared. Chüdlen (0911/2774389, 0170/9147532, [email protected]) experience this wonderful pills will probably be available. Place: Bodhicharya Deutschland e.V., Kinzigstraße 25-29, 10247 Berlin retreat space. We would also like to encourage Cost: 50 EUR, lodging cost 5 EUR in rooms with 2 or 3 places. Fees: Payments until March 23rd have discount! practitioners to undertake per- If someone wishes more comfortable accommodations, there are nice Ordinary members: 115 Euro with discount, later 144 Euro sonal retreats at Kunselling. For hotels within10-15. Reduced members: 72 Euro with discount, later 90 Euro this reason we have reduced the Sustaining members: 28 Euro with discount, later 36 Euro price of personal retreats to ?5 For registration and additional info please write to If you cancel the booking after the March 23rd the process fee of 35 (€8) per night. . Euro will be retained. P.S. The retreat would be free for someone (only lodging and food costs) Bank account: Dzogchen Gemeinschaft Deutschland e.V., Stadtsparkasse KUNSELLING who could translate from English to Russian, Düsseldorf IBAN: DE40 3005 0110 0011 0478 91 SWIFT-BIC: DUSS- EVENTS DEDDXXX, note: “Chöd” Best wishes, Gakyil of Dorjeling TWO VAJRA DANCE COURSES IN THE UK March 24 - 31: Karma yoga with SPRING 2007 Garab Dorje practice led by Des YANTRAYOGA ADVANCED COURSE Barry WITH LAURA EVANGELISTI DANCE OF THE VAJRA (SECOND HALF) WITH STOFFELINA VERDONK April 1-7: 2nd half of Dance of IN FRANCE SUNDAY APRIL 1ST - SATURDAY 7TH 2007 Vajra with Stoffelina Verdonk APRIL 28- MAY 1, 2007 AT KUNSELLING RETREAT CENTRE, POWYS, WALES, UK May 4 - 7: Yantra Yoga, begin- The course will focus on the Third Series of Yantras and Pranayama and In the Dzogchen Teaching sound and movement are very important ners course at Kunselling with people who would like to participate should have a good basic knowledge because they are the means to integrate oneself into the state of contem- John Renshaw. of Yantra Yoga practice. plation. The Vajra Dance is principally a means to harmonize the energy Yantra Yoga or the Yoga of Movement is an ancient system of Tibetan of each individual. If one has a more profound knowledge of the meaning May 25 -28: Dance of the yoga based on the text The Union of the Sun and the Moon, written in the of the Dance, it becomes a method for integrating the three existences of Liberation of Six Spaces with 8th century by the master and translator Vairocana. Chögyal Namkhai body, voice and mind into knowledge of the state of contemplation. This Cindy Faulkner Norbu wrote a detailed commentary on the root text and started to trans- integration is one of the most important aims of a Dzogchen practitioner. mit this teaching in the West at the beginning of the seventies. The Vajra Dance is practiced on a Mandala that represents the correspon- June 1 – 14: Personal retreat Yantra Yoga is a fundamental method to integrate the profound essence of dence between the internal dimension of the individual and the outer time (self-organized) the Dzogchen Teaching in the three doors (body, voice and mind) of the dimension of the world. This course is open to those who already know practitioner. Through positions and movements combined with breathing the first part of the Dance of the Vajra. June 16 & 17: AGM weekend one’s energy is coordinated and harmonized, so as to let the mind relax This is a fantastic opportunity to learn or brush up on your practice of the with fund-raising therapy/heal- and find the authentic balance that is the basis for getting into contempla- Vajra Dance under the precise and patient guidance of Stoffelina, whose ing event. tion. retreats are always such a joyful occasion. AGM – 11am-1pm on Sun 17th The course will take place in Déjam Ling (South of France near Montpellier). Cost of the course £150 with membership reductions (see below). June 30 – July 1: Creative writ- If you are interested please send us your name and e-mail address and Accommodation at Kunselling with food £20 per day. ing workshop with Des Barry specify that kind of membership you have at the Dzogchen Community. Deposit Please send £25 non-refundable deposit, checks made out to Dzogchen Community UK, to Rowan Wylie, 29 Almoners Avenue, July 7: Open day for local peo- Course fees: Cambridge CB1 8NZ. ple (possibly with a demonstra- 160 euros ORDINARY MEMBERS Enquiries by e-mail or 01223 473 528 tion of the Dance of the 100 euros LOW BUDGET MEMBERS Liberation of the Six Lokas). 30 euros SUPPORTING & MERITORIOUS MEMBERS THE DANCE OF THE LIBERATION OF THE SIX SPACES OF SAMANTABHADRA July 30 – August 5: Week of Lodging fees: LED BY CINDY FAULKNER Dance retreat & practice 7 euros per night – six people dormitory (Déjam Ling)

At Kunselling May 25th-28th. August 10 - 19: Karma yoga Meal fee: Open to all who are genuinely interested in the Teaching even if they have with Chöd and Sang practice led Approximately 12 Euros per day not yet received transmission from the Master. by Judy Allen & Julia Lawless The course starts the April 28, 2007 at 10 a.m. and ends the 1st of May at Cost £120 with membership reductions August 24 - 27: Yantra Yoga 3 p.m. Accommodation as above. retreat at Kunselling with John Deposit £20 to above address. Renshaw (with emphasis on Please send your application to: kumbhaka). Lorraine GAULTIER N E W A U S T R I A N G A K Y I L: Email: [email protected] If you would like to view some GAKYIL VIENNA: passages pictures to get an idea of what it is like here, have a look at these Red: Walter Camerloher links: BORN: Blue: Elisha Koppensteiner http://www.dzogchencommuni- Anna Rudneva and Mikhail Kislichenko are happy to announce that their Yellow: Monika Koellbichler ty.org/kunselling/ little son, Miroslav, was born into our world on the 16th of December 2006 Email: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bar in Moscow, Russia. ryp3uk/sets/72057594076338906/ Contact person: Elisha Koppensteiner

GAKYIL REGIONS:

Red: Monica Wittib

International contact person: Oliver Leick

12 INTERNATIONAL New Gakyil COMMUNITY NEWS in The Netherlands tsegyalgar east

Mala Kubiliute Blue [email protected] DCA Tsegyalgar East DIED: Daiva Razmarataite Blue PO Box 277 Batodalai Dugarov [email protected] Conway, MA 01341 USA 1946 - 2007 Agniezska Kubiszowski Red Tel: 413 369 4153 [email protected] Fax & Bookstore 413 369 4473 Larissa Katayeva Yellow Email: [email protected] On January 27, 2007 the well Website: www.tsegyalgar.org known artist and extraordinary [email protected] practitioner, the founder of the Vera Taihuttu Secretary Dzogchen Community of , [email protected] Batodalai Dugarov, passed away Tsegyalgar East 2007 Retreat Schedule (through after a short illness. New Israeli Gakyil August) Batodalai Dugarov was born in 1946 into the family of a Buryat Blue Practice Retreats: lama, Gutap Dugarov, whose Alex Polak April 14-15 Green Practice Weekend [email protected] main practices were Chöd and Union. He immediately invited Yellow May 11-13 Dance of Song of the Vajra Retreat/Review Course with Singhamukha. This lama came from Rinpoche to Buryatia. Thus Chana Sorek Anastasia McGhee an aristocratic Buryatian family Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche’s first [email protected] with a long history of practitioners visit to Buryatia was organized in May 25-27 Yantra Yoga with Paula Barry: First & Second Series Red and outstanding Buryatian politi- the summer of 1992 on the shores of Gisele Gordon June 8-10 Purification of 6 Lokas Practice Weekend cians. Lake Baikal. It was then that the [email protected] When Batodalai was three years first Dzogchen Community of July 27-31 The Vajra Dance of the Six Spaces of Samantabhadra with old, his father was arrested by the Buryatia was founded. In 1992/93, Bodhi Krause (open to the public) Shalom, Communists and shot, and as a Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche invited From the August 3-6 & 8-11 Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Training with Jim result his mother played the main Batodalai and his eldest son, Zorik, Dzogchen Community of Israel Valby; Vajra Dance with Bodhi Krause; and Yantra Yoga with instructors role in bringing him up. From an to paint the inside of the Merigar TBA. early age Batodalai was drawn to a Gonpa. deep faith in the Three Jewels and In 1994 Batodalai organized The Tsegyalgar East August 13-16 & 18-21 Santi Maha Sangha Level 1 Training with doing kind deeds. I remember my Rinpoche’s second retreat in 2007 Gakyil JimValby; Vajra Dance with Bodhi Krause; and Yantra Yoga with instruc- Grandmother would often tell me Buryatia, this time in the city of tors TBA. how, when he was two, my father Ulaan-Ude, as well as a retreat in Yellow: would spontaneously recite the long Ulaan-Baatar, Mongolia. My father Jim Trucano-Harp Director Deepak Ramachandran Treasurer prayer to Green Tara by Lama requested Rinpoche to give the Weekly Practices: Chodpa and the long prayer. empowerment of Vajra Kilaya at [1 vacancy waiting to be filled He also knew the mantra Om Mani that time as he felt that practitioners Collective Practices: Sundays, 9:30am,Vajra Dance: Sundays, 11am, Padme Hum and Tara mantra. would really need it. In response, Red: Bagchen: Sundays, 4pm, Yantra Yoga: Mondays, 5:45pm, Northampton While at play with other children he Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche John Foster Secretary Yantra Yoga: Tuesdays, 6pm Sang Puja: Wednesdays, 6:30am Vajra would always tell them he was a gave the empowerment of Guru Kathy Cullen Dance: Thursdays, 7pm Vajra Dance: Fridays, 9am Monica Neff lama, give them blessings and con- Dragphur first in Mongolia and then Please contact the Tsegyalgar Secretary for details, accommodations and struct , statues of Buddha and in Buryatia. Since then Rinpoche more information @ Tel: 413 369 4153; Email: Blue: monasteries from the sand. These, has often given the transmission of [email protected]; Fax: 413 369 4473. no doubt, were all signs that he Guru Dragphur in many places. Matt Hayat Vice Director would become a practitioner. In 1995 Batodalai and Zorik estab- Jenny Fox Lodging at the Tsegyalgar Schoolhouse: 1. Arrival and departure: Airport At the age of sixteen he joined the lished a retreat center and a gonpa in Sam Truitt pick-up from Bradley is $20 Bus pick-up from Northampton is $10 2. army (compulsory conscription) the Kizhinga region, in the same Dorm is $10/night for members, $25/ night non-members. Please call to where he was made a member of the place as his father’s monastery had New Chicago Gakyil reserve a space. Contact us about bed and breakfasts in the area. 4. We Communist Party as his qualities as stood. Rinpoche named this place arrange half hour to an hour of karma yoga daily during your stay. 3. Food a talented and honest person were Düddul Ling and the Dzogchen Yellow: Jean Simmons can be arranged when reserving bed prior to arrival. Breakfast is $3 to $5 recognised. On completing his mili- Community of Buryatia (Palbar [email protected] Lunch is $5 to $7 Dinner is $5 to $ Red: George Blaha tary service, Batodalai worked in Ling) built several stupas and small (Sliding scale depends on ingredients and person’s funds and eating [email protected] his home town of Kizhinga for the retreat cabins. habits. There is a kitchen with possible fridge and stove access.) For more Blue: Lynn Sutherland local communist organization, who Since that time, Batodalai devoted information about staying at the Schoolhouse contact Leela at [email protected] offered him a career. It was during most of his time to personal practice [email protected]. this time, in the sixties, that he met retreats, painting new thankas and Gakyil Email: the renowned Buryatian teacher restoring old ones, and in particular [email protected] Bidiya Dandaron who was a rein- worked on the restoration of the Website: carnation of Zhayagsa Gegen, the famous thanka ‘The Atlas of www.dzogchenchicago.org founder of the Lavran (blab rang) Tibetan Medicine’ which, at the monastery in Tibet, which has very NEW SEATTLE Introductory Course in the request of the Dalai Lama, has since GAKYIL close ties with Tsongkhapa. As a been shown at many museums in Vajra Dance of The Six Spaces result of this meeting, Batodalai left the USA. Yellow: Judith Marcus the Communist Party and practised In 1999, Batodalai invited the rein- Blue: Heidi Schor of Samantabhadra Buddhism. He mainly practised carnation of to Red: Daniel Winkler taught by Bodhi Krause, CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR Yamantaka, which was his main Düddul Ling and requested the NEW practice until he met Chögyal empowerment of the Longchen WASHINGTON DC Namkhai Norbu in 1992. Nyingthig. GAKYIL All of this took place under the The main aim in Batodalai’s life Communist regime, therefore the was the spread of the Dharma in Laurie Blumberg - YELLOW KGB arrested Batodalai and his first Buryatia, Mongolia and Russia, and Mandarava Bricaire - RED teacher Bidiya Dandaron, and so he dedicated the best part of his life Liz Clark - BLUE Batodalai spent many years in to this lofty goal. He particularly prison. After leaving prison, devoted himself to the spread of the Batodalai had no fixed work until Dzogchen teachings. Although he passages 1985 and so mainly made a living himself did not transmit teachings painting thankas for Buryatian directly – except for rare exceptions In the Dzogchen Teaching sound and movement are very and the Ivolginskiy (one day he asked me, his third son, monastery (in Ulaan-Ude). He also important because they are the means to integrate oneself into to translate Yamantaka tantra from BORN: the state of contemplation. The Vajra Dance is principally a studied with the remaining old Tibetan for him but I refused, saying Kacper Mikolaj Borkiewicz was means to harmonize the energy of each individual. If one has a Buryatian lamas, learning the intri- I didn’t have transmission, so he born on December 2, 2006 at more profound knowledge of the meaning of the Dance, it cacies of and receiving gave me the transmission Cambridge Hospital, MA, USA becomes a method for integrating the three existences of initiations from them. himself so that I could work on the to Rafael and Dorota Borkiewicz. body, voice, and mind into the knowledge of the state of In 1990/91Batodalai chanced upon translation) – he brought many to contemplation. This integration is one of the most important the book ‘Talks in Conway’ and this the practice of Dharma through his aims of a Dzogchen practitioner. The Vajra Dance is practiced on became a crucial point in his life. wisdom, kindness and compassion. a Mandala, which represents the correspondence between the Batodalai decided that, come what For the last six months of his life he internal dimension of the individual and the outer dimension may, he must meet with Chögyal practised Zhitro and Longsal, as of the world. Namkhai Norbu and become his though preparing himself for his July 27 - 31, 2007 student. (My father often said that approaching passing. With his death at Tsegyalgar East reading that book was like meeting we have lost a lot, but he taught us a 18 Schoolhouse Road, Conway, MA Rinpoche himself.) clear lesson in impermanence and Fri, Mon, Tues, 7-9 pm • Sat, Sun, 10-12 and 3-5 • $140 And so it was that after the collapse that all our thoughts and intentions To register: 413-369-4153 or [email protected] of the Communist regime when should be directed solely to the Norbu Rinpoche flew to Lithuania practice of Dharma. This is a sacred dance received and taught by the Dzogchen Master, Namkhai in 1992, Batodalai travelled to meet Norbu, Rinpoche, to his students in the Dzogchen Community. He has given his permission to teach this dance. Please go to www.tsegyalgar.org to learn him. The meeting took place at the Dorjo Dugarov more about his teachings. airport and Batodalai attended that first retreat in the former Soviet

T HE M IRROR J AN/FEB 2007 13 INTERNATIONAL back to Boston’s Logan airport, New Gekö needed at Tsegyalgar East, Conway, where Luigi boarded his Italy- Massachusetts COMMUNITY NEWS bound flight by the late afternoon. Luigi told me that he had a great Our Geköe at the Tsegyalgar East Schoolhouse in Conway, Leela time, and his enthusiasm for and Whitcomb-Hewitt, has announced her intention to leave the position at the LUIGI OTTAVIANI’S VISIT TO nice PowerPoint presentation (all appreciation of the warm welcome end of June. We are grateful to Leela for her year of dedicated service, and TSEGYALGAR EAST, my fault, yes, I admit, I had asked extended to him by the entire for her consideration in announcing her intention well in advance. SNOWFIGHTS, AND THE him to come technologically pre- Tsegyalgar East’s community, the We would like to invite any Dzogchen Community member interested in GROWING PAINS (AND JOYS) pared) about collaboration and com- chance to observe first hand the the Geko position to send either an inquiry or a cover letter and resumé to OF GOING GLOBAL munication, and that constituted the work we have done here, and last , or call 413-369-4153. basis for a very productive and not least the beauty of Western The position would begin in June (exact date negotiable), and includes a Massachusetts (and the other-word- monthly stipend and a room in the Tsegyalgar East Schoolhouse. ly goodness of its fantastic maple syrup), were clearly written on his With warm wishes, face. As we said goodbye at the air- Tsegyalgar East Gakyil port, I repeated to him the strong The Tsegyalgar East Geko Job Description: wish we all feel to have him back again as soon as possible, ideally 1.Welcome visiting teachers, members, guests, and retreatants, and arrange with Yuchen and Maya along as for their comfort and needs; answer questions about the Dzogchen com- well. munity, the Master, the teachings, the practice and schedules as necessary; Personally I feel that by having give tours to visitors and newcomers. Luigi here with us we were able to 2. Serve as the primary liason to the public and the local community in really lay the foundations for a cul- which the Schoolhouse is situated (Conway and beyond). ture of respect, friendship, and 3. Maintain the facility and take the lead in repairs and improvements; kindness that it is essential for our oversee maintenance of the building’s systems (heating, plumbing, electri- work together. I also want to take cal, etc.); contact responsible parties to maintain or repair any of the build- the chance to say how incredibly ing’s systems. thankful I am to everyone who 4. Organize karma yoga for various tasks in the Gar, or perform these worked so hard on such incredibly duties him/herself. short notice to make Luigi’s visit a 5. Work with the gakyil to help organize work-study programs and retreats. success, from the staff to the Gekö 6. Inventory and purchase all supplies for the building itself and for any to the Gakyil to the Sangha: it was scheduled activities, retreats, practices, etc., held there. incredibly moving to see how 7. Assume responsibility for Ganapuja preparation and ensure that the everyone found time to come necessities are provided; understand the Ganapuja ritual be able to lead it together on this occasion. I hope when necessary. Happy group with Luigi at the Barn on Lower Khandroling this is just one of many other future 8. Help to maintain and facilitate practice. by Paola Zamperini, SSIoA presi- exchange of ideas, questions and occasions in which we will all meet 9. Maintain an awareness of the behavior of people staying at the Gar, dent, for the International Shang solutions. Then, after a wonderful to live up to the trust that our pre- making sure that it is in accordance with Rinpoche’s guidelines for the Shung Institute Team Tibetan meal, courtesy of Dr. cious Master has been kind enough Dzogchen Community. Be able to deal appropriately with any conflicts Phuntsog Wangmo, we continued to give us when he entrusted us that may arise, inappropriate or illegal behavior taking place within the s we have already written a our meeting, this time with the with the task and the honor to pre- building, etc. while back in these pages, added presence of Matthew serve the Dzogchen teachings and 10. Maintain and service the dark cabin and retreatants there; schedule and the International Shang Schmookler, as the representative of the treasure trove of Tibetan cul- A the students of the TTM 4 year pro- document retreat times. Shung Institute, following the ture. So, as always, at the end of the 11. Be aware of, and respond to, the need of our Master and certified example of the Dzogchen Commu- gram. At the end of the afternoon day, our boundless gratitude goes to instructors when they are at Tsegyalgar. nity, has begun a radical reorganiza- session, we all felt that we had been Chögyal Namkhai Norbu (and his 12. Coordinate proper parking at all events. tion process, aimed to make it more extremely successful in sharing entire family), for his endless com- 13. Work in collaboration with the Khandroling Geko, who bears a simi- and more a global entity - devoted to important information about our passion, generosity, and patience, in lar responsibility for the land, buildings and activities at Khandroling. the preservation and the diffusion of individual and collective work. leading us and supporting us 14. Work collaboratively and in a spirit of open communication with the Tibetan culture - based on collabora- Even with such busy schedule, through the growing pains, but Tsegyalgar East Gakyil in executing the responsibilities of this very impor- tion and communication. Of course, Luigi found time to visit the Gar, especially growing joys, of our tant position. as many of you may already have and to meet with Anna Bartenstein, journey together. discovered, collaboration can be our irreplaceable bookstore manag- slightly challenging at first, espe- er. SPRING – FALL 2007 cially if the people involved have to At 5 PM we moved to the Gonpa, learn totally new ways to communi- where the wonderful gekö of COURSES AT KUNDROLLING cate and grow together. Tsegyalgar East had prepared a However, even with all the techno- beautiful tea reception attended by 151West 30th Street, suite 403 Level 4 New York, New York logical wonders at our fingertips, many Tsegyalgar East Gakyil, staff from Skype to cell phones to email, and DCA community members, KU-NYE MASSAGE Level I and II IMs, and collaboration software, all who were able to finally meet Luigi of us at the International team of in person. The evening ended with a with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo SSI have discovered over the past wonderful evening meal offered to few months that there is nothing Luigi and to the SSI board by Efrem Kunye is a massage therapy unique to Traditional Tibetan Medicine. Mentioned in some of the ancient texts of like sitting down to speak face to and Marit Marder, during which we the and Buddhist religions, Kunye has been practiced for centuries in the Himalayan regions by Tibetan peo- face once in a while to make con- had the chance to laugh, make ples. crete progress towards the realiza- merry, and keep talking about our The term kunye is the combination of two words: “ku” and “nye.” “Ku” means to anoint the body of a sick or tion of our goals. This is how at the future plans together. healthy person with oils, which are appropriate to that person’s specific illness or constitution. “Nye” means to end of January we here at SSI of The next morning, satisfied with the externally rub or massage crucial points such as nerves and tendons. The combination of ku and nye is a method America finally “managed” to cre- previous day’s solid progress, we to cure internal imbalances and disease. ate enough communication havoc to (and at this point we were a nice The practice of massage is very beneficial and does not have negative effects; moreover, it can be done by any- convince Luigi Ottaviani, the direc- group - aside from the SSIoA board one, regardless of whether they are doctors, yogis, or not. For this reason, this therapeutic modality has always tor of Shang Shung Institute of Italy, and Luigi, among those present been practiced throughout the centuries by the Tibetan people and continues to be practiced today. to at last accept a long standing invi- were Matt, Anna, Christie, Jill, tation to come and sit down with us. Naomi, Paula, Sean Quinn— The study of Tibetan massage is structured on three levels. Luigi flew in on Friday evening into Khandroling’s gekö) decided to Boston, and the first order of things drive up to Khandroling, to show The first level consists of: was to sit down together to treat him Luigi the farmhouse, the Mandala to a true hearty American meal. So of the Universe, the Guardian A brief history of Tibetan medicine it came to be that he and I spent a Cabin, and yes, to even engage in a The principle of the five elements as taught in the Tibetan medical texts delightful evening eating burgers very challenging sets of snow The principle of the three humors and French fries and talking about fights, as you can see from the pic- The humoral characteristics of different types of people the future of SSI, both locally and ture here. Having fun at times is just The diagnostic procedure of pulse-taking internationally. At times it felt like as hard and serious work as sitting The diagnostic procedure of urine observation we were in a joke, along the lines of in meetings, you know? A review of cases in which massage is appropriate or contraindicated “what do two Italian Shangshungers Then back to the Gar we went, to Finding massage points do in an a North-American diner?”, have a final meeting with the entire Measurement for finding massage points but as we laughed and chomped on Gakyil, to present SSI’s plan of How to perform the actual kunye massage our food, we were able to make development and operating princi- Benefits of kunye massage giant leaps in understanding key ples. Especially at Tsegyalgar East, LEVEL 1: March 10/11, April 7/8, May 12/13 issues that had come up and could where SSI’s presence is becoming have stomped our growth. much more visible thanks to all the LEVEL II: September 8/9, October 13/14, Nov 10/11 The next morning we arrived at the efforts of Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, it Gar, where we immediately sat is important for SSI and DC to keep Cost of each level $ 600.00 down to a very productive meeting working and growing together in KUNDROLING donors and DZOGCHEN community members 20% discount attended by Luigi, Will Shea - the new directions given to us by SSIoA wonderful treasurer—and our Master and by Yeshi Namkhai REGISTRATION REQUIRED Doctor Phuntsog Wangmo, the and Luigi’s reorganization plan. But heart, lungs and liver of the time flies when you are having fun, To register please email Pilar [email protected] Traditional Medicine Program, and and before we knew it, Luigi and I myself. Luigi had prepared a very found ourselves on my car, driving

14 INTERNATIONAL TSEGYALGAR WEST met cooking by Tomass Marconi importance of taking refuge in the WINTER RETREAT AT and Siobhan Allgood, a gourmet Master’s transmission. Each session COMMUNITY NEWS BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR chef, treated us to solar powered with Jim included several intense by Matt Hayat wireless internet access, acupunc- lower abdominal workouts as his ture perfectly timed humor helped to and relieve deep tensions and inspire uncontrollable laughter and joy. tsegyalgar west During the first week of the retreat Anastasia McGhee taught the Dance of the Three Vajras, and dur- Tsegyalgar West ing the January days of the retreat Baja Mexico Bodhi Krause taught the Dance of Dzogchen Community West Coast the Six Spaces of Samantabhadra. 755 Euclid Ave. The scenic backdrop of tall moun- Berkeley, CA 94708 tains and blue sky was simply per- Email: [email protected] fect. Lynn Sutherland taught Yantra [email protected] Yoga on the open mandala in the Website: www.bahasangha.org afternoons, covering the Nine Breathings, Tsigjong, Lungsang, TSEGYALGAR WEST/BAJA GAKYIL & INFORMATION Tsandul, First Series Pranayama and Jim Valby (center) and friends in Baja Yantras, Second Series Pranayama, RED he Dzogchen Community’s massage. Meals included organic and the Vajra Wave Vincent Moore: phone: 702-535-9408 (U.S. cell phone) [email protected] precious Baja Gar in Baja vegetables and fruits, fresh fish, and Thanks to the generosity of our Joel Janka: [email protected] or [email protected] TCalifornia Sur, Mexico, was for many, a first sampling of the deli- Master and the Webcast Team, we the site of a recent month long inten- ciously unique avocado pie dessert. had the good fortune to gather each BLUE sive practice retreat hosting instruc- With sessions held under the aus- morning at 6am at a retreat cabin Arthur Flynn: phone: 805-643-6980 (home) tion in Santi Maha Sangha, Yantra pices of an 800 year old white fig and tune in to the webcast of [email protected] or [email protected] Yoga, and Vajra Dance. Nearly 30 tree (displayed in the picture Rinpoche and his teachings on Margaret Bradford: phone: 925-798-8748 [email protected] Vajra brothers and sisters traveled below), Jim Valby led two SMS Longsal Ati’i Gongpa Ngotro from from all over to meet and practice base practice sessions a day cover- December 26 to January 1. YELLOW together. The Baja Gar is located on ing the essence of the theory and The winter retreat at the Baja Gar Carolyn Bass: phone: 011 52 55 5813 0315 and 011 52 1 55 2699 5914 the Baja’s scenic peninsula between practice of Sutra, Tantra, and was a fantastic opportunity to gath- (Mexico City) [email protected] the Sea of Cortez (the world’s rich- Dzogchen. Jim relentlessly shared er for group practice. A warm Carol Fields: phone: 510-524-0593 (currently handling membership and est marine biosphere) and the Pacif- his deep knowledge and under- thanks goes to the teachers and pio- banking) ic Ocean. It is a 3,000-acre retreat standing of the teachings. neers and all Vajra brothers and sis- [email protected] land and the pioneers have worked Beginning with the invocation to ters who participated in this won- Julia Deisler: phone: 505-473-2837 [email protected] or hard and come a long way in its Guru Garab Dorje and ending with derful retreat, and especially to our [email protected] development as a nice setting for Dedication of Merits, each session Master, without whom none of this personal and group retreats. In addi- included instruction and practice of would be possible. Also part of the company, tion to airport transportation by the the SMS base level practices and Daniel Kuzma (webmaster and secretary) [email protected] pioneers, Miles Thomas, and gour- direct and clear explanations of the

Collaborating: SEEKING NEW GAKYIL MEMBERS FOR TSEGYALGAR WEST/JARDIN DE LOS NARANJOS Carisa O’Kelly [email protected] Anastasia McGhee [email protected] At the end of April it will be time to select a new Gakyil for Tsegyalgar West. Several of us will be staying on, but Siobhan Allgood [email protected] Tsegyalgar West pio- we will definitely have openings in all three Gakyil functions, Yellow, Red, and Blue, and we would like now to neer invite people to consider joining us. If you are interested, please send us a note with a short statement letting us know about yourself. (This statement should include things like how long you’ve been in the community, how you Contact person: Daniel Kuzma [email protected] envision participating, how your profession[s] or skill set[s] will help you collaborate with Yellow, Red, and/or Blue Gakyil in particular, and how much you think you could see yourself being down in Baja California, Mexico.)

TSEGYALGAR WEST To serve on the TW Gakyil, one should, preferably, INTENSIVE RETREAT 1. Be a current member of the Dzogchen Community (this is required; preferred: regular membership [i.e., not intro- WITH DR.MICHAEL KATZ ductory membership]); APRIL 2 - 6, 2007 2. Have attended at least three retreats with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu (either in person or via webcast) and/or have JARDIN DE LOS NARANJOS/TSEGYALGAR WEST,BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, been a student of Rinpoche’s at least three years; MEXICO 3. Be (or become) familiar with both Yeshi Namkhai’s Collaboration Document and Rinpoche’s book on the nature, purpose, and organization of the Dzogchen Community (The Dzogchen Community: Principles and This is the first time that Michael has had a chance to offer a longer, deep- Guidelines for Practitioners and Gakyil Members); er Dream Yoga Retreat, one that will include not only many practices con- 4. Have the desire and capacity to work collaboratively with members of the Gakyil and the International Dzogchen tained within the Dream Yoga book but also purification practices, includ- Community at large to help support and sustain Rinpoche’s Transmission, Teachings, and vision for the Dzogchen ing Rushen. There will also be many opportunities to relax and to explore Community; some of the 3000 acres of tropical dryland that make up North America’s 5. Be able to attend monthly meetings via conference call and to collaborate on-line; beautiful Winter Gar. 6, be able to travel to the Gar at least once a year, preferably more; 7. Commit to remaining on the Gakyil at least one year. To register, please use our on-line registration form: (We also are seeking individuals with some knowledge of Spanish, but this is not necessary for being on the Gakyil.) http://www.jardindelosnaranjos.org/?url=news&id=1 For further information/questions, contact Julia Deisler Tsegyalgar West/Jardin de Los Naranjos, consisting of 3000 acres of tropical drylands, is nestled in the mountains ([email protected]), and see our Web site, http://www.jardindelosnaran- about halfway between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez and about 45 minutes north of Los Cabos jos.org/. International Airport at the tip of Baja California Sur, Mexico. There is much work to be done developing the land both for individual and group retreats and for sustainable land use. Projects currently underway include the com- COST: $80/day Apr. 2-6 pletion of 21 unfinished casitas (with 4 completed now, including Rinpoche’s), upgrading our outdoor kitchen, and Discounts for members apply: planning for the creation of a more permanent Gonpa and library. Our most recent retreat was a three-week-long Regular: 20% Base-Level Santi Maha Sangha retreat this past winter led by Jim Valby and also with Vajra Dance instructors Sustaining: 40% Anastasia McGhee and Bodhi Krause and Yantra Yoga Instructor Lynn Sutherland. Forthcoming, in April, will be Introductory: 5 % an intensive Dream Yoga Retreat with Michael Katz. Along with a repeat of our three-week winter retreat next Low-income/student: 50% (with low-income or student membership year, if possible, and other more intensive Dzogchen Community retreats, we are discussing offering a series of card) “open” retreats (in the Eight Movements of Yantra Yoga, the Vajra Dance of the Six Spaces, and possibly in Shine).

The retreat fee includes the retreat itself, a camp site (bring your own Please let us know if you are interested in joining us! gear), three healthy meals a day, filtered spring water for drinking, and rides to and from the airport if needed. Also included: dinner and camp- Julia Deisler ing the night before the retreat begins and camping on the final night with [email protected] or [email protected] breakfast the following morning. Also, check out our new Web site: http://www.jardindelosnaranjos.org/

Michael Katz, editor of Dream Yoga and the Practice of Natural Light and author of The White Dolphin, is a psychologist who regularly lectures and leads workshops across the U.S. on dream yoga and lucidity for personal growth. He has studied Ericksonian hypnotherapy, Reichian therapy, Gestalt, Embodied Dream Imagery, and psychodrama. He has practiced and Dzogchen meditation since 1974.

T HE M IRROR J AN/FEB 2007 15 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS

NEW ITEMS AVAILABLE AT THE TSEGYALGAR BOOKSTORE!

TWENTY-FIVE LONGCHENS MP3 #10118 $25.00 The Twenty-Five Longchens (spaces of the universe) represent the dimen- sion of the wisdom of Samantabhadra, and of the way this wisdom manifests in all sentient beings. Like the Song of the Vajra, these mantras are very important for the practice and for integrating knowledge of our real condition. Therefore practitioners of Dzogchen use them above all for contemplation and for realization. This mp3 CD con- tains the teachings Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gave related to the terma of Changchub Dorje in Barcelona, Spain in October 2005. A recording of Adriano Clemente performing the practice alone is also included.

THE EIGHT MOVEMENTS OF YANTRA YOGA DVD (reissue of VHS tape by the same name) V10066 $30.00 This DVD is a practical and simple guide for learning and practicing this ancient discipline. With these eight movements we harmonize and strengthen our energy through simple and effective methods that act on the physical level through the body movements and on the subtle level through the coordination of the breath. Set in the beautiful Himalayan Mountains, with a breathtaking view of famous peaks, the video is an enjoyable guide for learning and applying this ancient Tibetan yogic practice. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu introduces the video in an interview about the origins and purpose of the eight movements of Yantra Yoga. The next part gives step- by-step instructions and the final part shows a practice session.

THE THREE PATHS OF LIBERATION: THE ESSENCE OF THE BASE OF SANTI MAHA SANGHA V10065 $40.00 This is the first of six DVDs in the series “The Three Paths of Liberation,” south america a fundamental teaching given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Margarita Island, Venezuela, in January-February, 2006. The series will explain the main subjects of the Base of Santi Maha Sangha in an essential yet com- plete way. Visual aids like pictures, photographs, symbols, and other Tashigar South images are provided in the video to illustrate the subjects explained by the Comunidad Dzogchen Master. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu established the Santi Maha Sangha Tashigar study and practice program in 1992, in order to give students the opportu- Calle pública S/N nity to learn the foundations of Buddhist Dharma in general, and of the Tanti 5155 Dzogchen Teaching in particular. Pcia. de Córdoba Argentina Tel & Fax: WEBCAST RETREAT MP3 CD’s 0054- 3541-498 356 Newly Available from Shang Shung Institute: Email: [email protected] Tashigar North LONGSAL DZOGCHEN NAMKHAI GYALPO Finca Tashigar MERIGAR WEST:AUGUST 9-15, 2006 Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar ORDER NUMBER: 10117 Valle de Pedro González. Isla de Margarita PRICE: $25.00 Tel: 00 58 295 415 5800 OPEN WEBCAST Email: [email protected] Web site: www.dzogchenvenezuela.org THE INVOCATION OF SAMANTABHADRA MERIGAR WEST:SEPTEMBER 8-12, 2006 ORDER NUMBER: 10116 PRICE: $25.00 OPEN WEBCAST

If you would like to place an order for any of these items, or any other, please email, fax, or phone in to me the following information:

Your billing and shipping addresses Your VISA or MC number with expiration date The list of items you would like to order

All of our contact info is below.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Anna Bartenstein Tsegyalgar Bookstore 413-369-4473 (Ph/Fax) P.O. Box 82 Conway, MA 01341

Kumbhaka Breathing Course with Fabio Andrico, February 27-29, 2007, Lima, Peru

16 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS namgyalgar & the pacific rim

Namgyalgar, Dzogchen Community in Australia PO Box 214 Central Tilba NSW 2546 Vajra Dance Courses at Tashigar Norte Tel/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668 Margarita Island, Venezuela Email: [email protected] March - April 2007 Website:www.dzogchen.org.au

the Community collect photos of easily distracted by tiredness and the future, to plan a substantial cal- Vajra Dance Teacher Training 2° Level different people throughout the sleep. endar of retreats and activities for with Adriana Dal Borgo & Prima Mai years in this kitchen and do a cele- When I think about writing an arti- Namgyalgar. Date: 20-28 March 2007. brative exhibition before getting rid cle about this retreat, the term flour- Such activities are generating new Cost: Bs. 900.000 of it. ish, flourishing comes to me. I can energies that are dissipating the We briefly inspect our tent site, as a see the flourishing of this student of vague feeling of isolation that Course of the Vajra Dance of Six Spaces of Samantabhadra light rain starts, and suddenly I see Rinpoche’s and other SMS teach- resulted from the news last year that & Three Vajra my old friend Cheh Goh smiling at ers, moving generously and confi- Rinpoche was not coming to For advanced with Luda Kislichenko me from a distance. We welcome dently in their first steps as teach- Australia. The Gakyil took that sad Supervised by Prima Mai each other with a warm hug. It’s ers, and I can see the maturing of a circumstance as an opportunity for Date: 5-9 April quite a few years since I last saw long time of study, practice, and Namgyalgar to “grow up” and as a Cost: Bs. 300.000 him and I always have a lot of fun participation and of devotion to the call for all the community to be with Cheh. I know him from the master. more responsible and active toward Course and practice of the Vajra Dance of the Song of the Vajra and early times of Merigar. As a long time student of Chögyal the sustainability of Namgyalgar, Gomadevi practice He is now a qualified teacher of the Namkhai Norbu, Cheh has traveled not depending mainly on the For advanced with Adriana Dal Borgo Santi Maha Sangha Base Level and and sacrificed to understand and Master coming for support. Date: 25-29 April I am sure the retreat with him is practice the Dzogchen teachings. Throughout the retreat with Cheh Cost: Bs. 300.000 going to be very helpful for all of Cheh is a good story teller and the Goh the clouds have been constant- us. Cheh is light, full of good stories he told were often stories ly on the mountain and we have had We will announce very soon the requirements humor with a contagious laugh, and told by Rinpoche during retreats or rain everyday. There was even two to participate in each course. he engages easily with people. As in other settings, and sometimes days of intense storms with spectac- we enter retreat, people quickly these stories were anecdotes or ular lighting and frightening thun- Gakyil of Tashigar Norte appreciate his depth of knowledge jokes from Cheh’s own experi- der. We still suspect that this pan- of Rinpoche’s teachings and his ences. When Cheh is telling stories demonium is just for us on the I strongly feel mountain and that in the surround- “POCO….MA BUONO !! the presence of ing area, down in the valley; there is Rinpoche’s style still the usual blue sky, hot summer (“A LITTLE…. BUT GOOD!! “) of teaching. I and silent drought. A retreat with Cheh Goh in Namgyalgar have always We feel strongly fortunate that we December 26, 2006 – January 1, 2007 been amazed at received all this generous rain, and by Bruno Irmici Rinpoche’s we wonder… if we could magical- depth of knowl- ly move all that cloud and rain to t’s a long drive from Melbourne to Namyalgar. edge of the other very thirsty parts of the sur- Ten hours for our old Toyota. To make it easier Tibetan culture rounding region, could we arrange Ithis time we break the trip up and sleep in a motel and the amount a good deal with the government in Cann River. of stories he was (who are clearly having difficulty in There is a heavy drought this summer and it hasn’t able to tell, both this matter), and thus give a boost to rained for months. People are traveling on their spiritual and our Gar development? …. I don’t Christmas holidays and there is quite a sense of popular stories. know…. sounds like a good idea… apprehension all around because large areas of the He has the maybe we don’t have practitioners states of Victoria and New South Wales have been knowledge of an skilled enough …… perhaps we devastated by bushfires. It looks like a cloudy day, entire cultural could ask to our precious Master… but smelling the air we realize that it is not cloud but world. Everyone smoke from the bushfires far away. Parking in a rest laughs when area we hear the radio from nearby cars continuous- Cheh uses a ly updating the viability of travel. Drivers are warned common Italian NAMGYALGAR of the possibility of detours if bushfires come closer saying, MAINTENANCE to the roads and a detour in Australia can mean many strong commitment to the Master “Poco…ma buono!!” (“A RAFFLE hours of extra driving. and the transmission, combined little…but good!!”), a saying often Everywhere people cohabitate with strong and potentially destructive man- with his spontaneous qualities. used by Rinpoche to help us under- Ist Prize - One return Air Ticket ifestations of the elements. I think of the role that Vesuvio, the volcano that Each morning Cheh comments and stand that the quality of practice is between two international airports dominates the bay of my birth town Naples, Italy, plays in the character of clarifies Rinpoche’s teachings of far more relevant than quantity: to attend a retreat with Chögyal the Neapolitans. It generates a pervasive (and only partially hidden) fear the previous night - the web cast Above all Cheh is gentle, humble Namkhai Norbu of your choice that the power of the earth can suddenly erupt destroying all its surround- retreat from Argentina of the and quite relaxed. When he is anywhere in the world. ings with earthquakes, as has frequently happened in Naples history. In the “Longsal Ati’I Gongpa Ngotrod” asked questions, he is very precise same way for the Australians, the beautiful long tracks of wild bush and hot (Upadesha of the Introduction of and exhaustive in his answers. He’s 2nd Prize - Hand Painted Thanka sunny days can be transformed into massive droughts and almost uncontrol- the State of Ati ), and explains the always careful to ensure that people lable bushfires that can run at such speed if supported from strong wind. Purification of the Six Lokas prac- learn correctly the formal aspect of 3rd Prize – One-week personal But luckily our journey is easy and smooth and finally we see the shape of tice. the practices but understand the retreat at Namgyalgar. the Gulaga Mountain, an aboriginal sacred land that has been for many It is a pleasant surprise to listen to main point, which in Dzogchen is years the place of Namgyalgar. Even though there is nice, blue, open sky his detailed explanation of the six to integrate everything in the instant Ticket price: AUS$30 each, or everywhere else, the top of the mountain is hidden by a large rainy cloud lokas, sometimes almost vivid and presence, in the state of contempla- 2 for AUS$50. that sits comfortably there. It looks like the mountain has the capacity to dramatic like visions described in tion. gather all the small clouds in the area and hold them firmly together. Dante’s Divine Comedy. One loka Each afternoon, before the practice Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for the As we drive toward the Gar the clouds are an auspicious sign. Often when is examined each day, so that we with Cheh, Emily Coeling, who is a International Dzogchen Rinpoche has been to Namgyalgar, rain and clouds have manifested. And I can understand the karmic vision qualified teacher of Yantra Yoga, Community authorizes this raffle have heard of similar circumstances at other gars after Rinpoche’s arrival; characterizing the existence in each gently takes care of our energies and is for the raising of funds to it’s like he is welcomed with blessings from the elemental energies of the loka. Cheh’s explanation totally and breathing as she leads sessions support Namgyalgar. place. Despite the fact this rain and damp has always been a matter of con- refreshes and clarifies the sense of of the Lungsang practice. Emily, The raffle will be drawn at the cern for the Master’s health and well being while at Namgyalgar, for me, as this practice and awakens the who has been appointed with an Jim Valby Autumn Retreat at we approach the land, that cloud was a sign of his presence. potential of purification to lighten SMS scholarship, now lives at Namgyalgar at Easter, 6 -10 When we arrive at Namgyalgar we stop first at the famous bush kitchen - a our dualistic vision. Namgyalgar with her partner, our April 2007. sort of checkpoint, a sentinel - where we pause to say hello even if nobody In the afternoon Cheh leads the newly established vigorous Gekös, To purchase a ticket: please is there! I can imagine a new visitor may be tempted to visit this building practice of the Six Lokas, dedicat- Ezy from Slovakia.. email Madeleine Fogarty, thinking it is a piece of industrial archaeology, but in fact it is fully on duty ing one day for each of the three The retreat with Cheh Goh is the Fundraising Coordinator of the as usual!!! The bush kitchen deserves an article, a tribute, dedicated entire- lower lokas, and one day for the result of the ongoing great work Namgyalgar Yellow Gakyil at: ly to it. three higher lokas. Day by day I see that the Gakyil is doing to ensure [email protected] The bush kitchen is not just a kitchen, but also an accumulation of years of that people are more and more the continuation of the Dzogchen stories, of retreats, of breakfasts, lunches and dinners together, a shelter delighted to listen and consequently transmission of Chögyal Namkhai from the rain and from the hot sun, and of welcomes; if the Gonpa is the practice. Norbu in Namgyalgar, through heart of the Gar, the kitchen is somehow its belly. Cheh also provides a good example qualified teachers. The next retreat New Gakyil in Japan It is unbelievable how little it has changed in the many years of the Gar’s of how to attend a web cast retreat – like this will be in April 2007, with existence, and yet how much service it has provided; ironically it has it is as though Rinpoche was truly Jim Valby. Red: Ms. Naomi Tsubaki became an involuntary monument to the slow pace of the Gar development. there with us. In Australia, the Having this first retreat with Cheh When the new kitchen is built (hopefully soon), I don’t know what is video web-cast is transmitted at Namgyalgar is important in our Yellow: Mr. Takatomo Sasaki planned for the old one. I guess it will be pulled down since its beauty is between midnight and 2 am, and understanding that another SMS ‘subtle’ and not one that shines, or that you want around. But if was my during this time Cheh sits respect- teacher lives nearby in Singapore. Blue: Mr. Edgar Cooke decision, I would probably keep it as a piece of the Gar’s historical heritage, fully and listens carefully, where This further enriches and strength- so I hope it will be transformed into something else. I certainly suggest that others, despite good intentions, are ens the sense of our possibilities for

T HE M IRROR J AN/FEB 2007 17 con’t. from page 9 The retreat is open to all and starts on the afternoon of Friday 7th Cost: 350 euro with discounts

September 15-16, 2007 Explanation and practice of the Base of the SMS with Fabio Risolo Topic: The Precious Vase, Chapter VII The course starts on Saturday September 15 at 10.00 Cost: 60 euro (with discounts for mem- bers)

September 21-23, 2007 (A) Yantra Yoga course for beginners Open to everyone with Tiziana Gottardi The course starts on Friday September 21 at 16.00 Cost: 60 euro (with discounts for mem- bers) J.Crow's® Mulling Spice September 24-28, 2007 (A) Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Folk Medicine-Tibetan Audio/video webcast Medicine Teaching retreat - Longchenpa’s Nyingtam Sumchu SpicedCider.com (Thirty Pieces of Advice from the Heart) fax or phone (Sung Thorbu, vol.I, p.354) (open web- 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 cast) Barcelona, Spain [email protected] The retreat starts on Monday 24 in the afternoon

OCTOBER October 20-21, 2007 Explanation and practice of the Base of the SMS with Costantino Albini Topic: The Precious Vase, Chapters VIII and IX The course starts on Saturday October 20 Pain not Suffering In the Spring issue of at 10.00 Cost: 60 euro (with discounts for mem- Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly, four well-known bers) Buddhist teachers offer techniques to lessen pain’s mental suffering, discover its true Also in the issue: NOVEMBER nature, and learn its valuable lessons. V Mahasi ’s November 1-7, 2007 simple and direct method for slowing down and halting conceptual thinking. V Dance of the Song of the Vajra course for beginners (Part 2) Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche presents the five noble qualities that enable us to experience with Rita Renzi the natural state of happiness. V A panel of Buddhist The course starts on Thursday November 1 at 10.00 teachers tackles the question that baffles so many Cost: 200 euro (with discounts for mem- Westerners: How does karma really work? bers) November 12-19, 2007 dharma Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Buddha Audio/video webcast K?< GI8:K@K@FE

December 8-9, 2007 Green Tara practice retreat Every issue gives you:

December 27-January 3, 2008 (A) • In-depth teachings from the full range Chögyal Namkhai Norbu of Buddhist traditions Teaching Retreat Longchenpa’s Choszhi Rinchen • Challenging perspectives on topics Phrengwa such as selecting one’s teacher, working (The Necklace of the Four Precious with illness, and the meaning Dharmas) (Sung Thorbu, vol. I, p.247) of “prayer” in a nontheistic Tashigar South, Argentina tradition • First-rate reporting on stories Dzogchen Community of special interest to Buddhists Merigar Arcidosso, 58031 Subscribe today Grosseto Italy • Reviews of all the latest and receive four outstanding issues Tel. +39 0564 966837 – fax. +39 0564 Buddhist books of Buddhadharma–starting 968110 with the upcoming issue– email: [email protected] - • Mahasangha News: the most for only $19.95. Call toll-free www.dzogchen.it comprehensive coverage of 1- 877-786-1950 or visit Buddhist community news www.thebuddhadharma.com.

Many Buddhists, one Buddhadharma

18 Beyond Time continued from page 1 Year of the Fire Pig The Mirror also through deep understanding of Dzogchen Upadesha. When one the essential principles of them. A works with these four yogas, one “...and long purples teacher like this, who has great can know in a precise way to enter That liberal shepherds give a grosser name,” compassion towards his disciples, into the state of instant presence. Hamlet, IV vii 170 wants to awaken them. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu told us The disciple needs first of all to that when he received the introduc- What’s not to reconsider in grosser terms? respect the teacher and have confi- tion to the teachings of his Root Disarrays - a casual display of hungers dence in him; and at the same time Master Changchub Dorje, he unabated or stout limbs to follow long afternoons he needs to be committed to the already knew many principles of the in nothingness where we dally no where Newspaper of the teachings and to the path .The stu- Dzogchen teachings; but he did not to the larger world of perfections. or split hairs International dent does not have to hide the know that being in the state of of judgement. Let’s not forget that our design Dzogchen Community of teacher as the real source of the instant presence was being beyond is on the other side of civility— Chögyal Namkhai Norbu teachings. He needs to have intelli- time, and this is something very Cracked open: a hue of fruit, its juice gence and know how to go to the important Rinpoche explained it to rooting our place in the cosmos, Main Office: essence of the teaching, have good us in the following way: first, a only to settle on the bud, with a taste of eternity. PO Box 277 intention and finally have a good thought arise, then it disappears and It’s the long purple we stroke into being: Conway, MA01341 disposition to sacrifice himself in these are two different moments, Wild snouts aflame, USA case it would be necessary. Some but when one is in the state of urgent FIRE PIGS Tel: 413 369 4208 people participate in the teachings instant presence there is no differ- with noses to the ground Fax: 413 369 4473 while they feel comfortable; but as ence at all; one is beyond time , searching for the root. Email: soon as some difficulties arise, they beyond distance, beyond any con- [email protected] leave. ceptual limit. Jacqueline Gens The disciple must not be thinking On the last day, Rinpoche spoke Brattleboro, Vermont European Office: all the time in worldly matters and about the need of following the The Mirror must know that the teacher is the teachings in a serious way. When he GLOBAL TIMETABLE Merigar only person who can lead him to gives us transmission and we Arcidosso total realization and to liberation of receive the teaching that means we ANNIVERSARY OF PADMASAMBHAVA 58031 GR samsara. To someone like this, who are all traveling in the same boat to 6TH TIBETAN MONTH – 10TH DAY Italy is a good student and has this sort of reach total realization. Then, we CELEBRATION AT 8 A.M. ODDIYANA TIME Email: [email protected] character, should be transmitted the need to have a base of collaboration Tel: 39 3298865292 teaching. and respect between us. If we don’t Monday 23rd July 2007 Fax: 39 0564- 968 110 The Introduction to the State of Ati have this base, then we have prob- develops four deep methods of con- lems and we will not be able to 17:00 Hawaii Editorial Staff: templation: Nepa, Migyuwa, reach the place we are heading to. 20:00 San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver Naomi Zeitz, Nyamnyid and Lhundrub, through Problems arise frequently in our 21:00 Denver, Salt Lake City, Pagosa Springs, Edmonton Tsegyalgar which one can discover one’s own Community and the root of them is 22:00 Lima, Quito, Chicago, Mexico City Conway, MAUSA real nature and realize the state of the lack of collaboration and 23:00 Caracas, San Juan, Santiago, New York, Conway, Montreal, Ati, non–duality of original purity respect. For this reason, the Master Atlanta, Detroit, Havana, Kingston, Indianapolis, Ottawa Liz Granger and self-perfection. The four con- said that if we are interested in fol- Merigar templations correspond principally lowing his teachings, we should do Tuesday 24th July 2007 Arcidosso, Italy to the series of teachings of the it in a serious way, so we should col- Dzogchen Semde, but Rinpoche laborate. 00:00 Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Bermuda Literary Editor: clarifies us that here we find them Collaborate, or in Latin “Laboro 03:00 GMT, Reykjavic, John Shane integrated with the principles of the Coniunctus”, that is to say, “work- 04:00 London, Dublin, Lisbon Dzogchen Longde and the ing together”. 05:00 Johannesburg, Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Advisors: Copenhagen, Brussels, Geneva, Prague, Salzburg, Stockholm, Budapest, Des Barry Vienna, Warsaw Adriano Clemente 06:00 Kuwait City, Riyadh, Tashkent, Helsinki, Athens, Ankara, Beirut, Anna Eid Norbunet Jerusalem, Tallinn, Vilnius, Istanbul Barbara Paparazzo The Mailing List of the International 07:00 Moscow, Murmansk, Baghdad Jim Valby 08:00 ODDIYANA, Islamabad Dzogchen Community 08:30 New Delhi, Bombay International Blue Gakyil Administrator: 08:45 Kathmandu Advisor: 09:00 Dacca Fabio Andrico Loek Jehee 09:30 Rangoon International Publications [email protected] 10:00 Bangkok, Jakarta, Saigon Committee To subscribe 11:00 Singapore, Beijing, Lhasa, Manila, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, English Language Advisor: Taipei, Perth Liz Granger send an email to: 12:00 Tokyo, Seoul, norbunet request@mail. 12:30 Darwin, Adelaide Layout & Design: dzogchen.ru 13:00 Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney N. Zeitz 14:00 Vladivostok with the subject line: 15:00 Fiji, Wellington, Auckland, Kamchatka Illustrations: subscribe Fire Pig by Bepe Goia pg 10-11 ANNIVERSARY OF ADZOM DRUGPA 9TH TIBETAN MONTH – 25TH DAY Web Site Managers: SUNDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2007 Thomas Eifler Malcolm Smith 01.00 Wellington, Auckland 02.00 Hawaii Printer: 03.00 Fairbanks Turley Publications 04.00 San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver Palmer, MA 05.00 Denver, Salt Lake City, Pagosa Springs, Edmonton USA 06.00 Chicago, Mexico City 07.00 New York, Conway, Montreal, Atlanta, Detroit, Havana, Distribution: Kingston, Indianapolis, Ottawa, Lima, Quito Tsegyalgar at 08.00 Caracas Conway, 09.00 Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago MA, USA 12.00 GMT, London, Dublin, Lisbon 13.00 Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Subscription Rate/6 Issues: Copenhagen, Brussels, Geneva, Prague, Salzburg, Stockholm, Budapest, $35US available Vienna, Warsaw through 14.00 Helsinki, Athens, Ankara, Beirut, Jerusalem, Vilnius, Tsegyalgar Johannesburg 35 Euro 15.00 Moscow, Murmansk, Baghdad, Kuwait City, Riyadh, through Merigar Tashkent Visa and Master card 16.00 Kabul welcome 17.00 ODDIYANA, Islamabad 17.30 Delhi, Bombay ON LINELINE MIRRORMIRROR 17.45 Kathmandu www.melong.com.melong.com 18.00 Dacca 19.00 Bangkok, Jakarta, Saigon All material ©2007 20.00 Singapore, Beijing, Lhasa, Manila, Hong Kong, Kuala by The Mirror Lumpur, Taipei, Perth Reprint by permission only 21.00 Tokyo, Seoul We reserve the right to edit 22.00 Brisbane, Vladivostok all subsmissions 22.30 Adelaide 23.00 Kamchatka, Melbourne, Sydney

T HE M IRROR J AN/FEB 2007 19 HOW I MET CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU by Alonso Espinosa went deeper. ing, because it had been a step- experience. It was incredible, even After a time of going deeper into my by-step process. Now I under- though I almost died from food poi- y story of how I met Rin- studies, when I learned some of the stand that my karma and con- soning and everybody was saying poche is not as flashy or as classical concepts like meditation, nection to the teachings is not as how dangerous it was there. I did Mmagical as I’d like it to be. yoga, emptiness, paramitas and so good as Jigmed Lingpa’s, but the retreat, got my meditation stick It wasn’t the case that I saw a picture forth, a recurrent subject started I’m very grateful for the one I and belt and spent a couple of days of him or read one of his books and appearing. “You need to receive a have. practicing what we had learned. I then I got the feeling or the vibration knowledge that is beyond explana- So a year passed and the follow- did lots of Yantra Yoga (everyday) telling me that this was going to be tion from a qualified teacher” and ing year Rinpoche was coming and lots of fun. I also met Dr. my Master, or that I needed to meet “When the student is ready, the to Tashigar South in Cordoba. Phuntsog Wangmo and took her this person. teacher appear”. I had lots of fan- By that time the little Sangha introductory course on Tibetan Ku Actually it was quite the opposite; it tasies about this knowledge; this grew stronger and a group of us Nye massage. is a very organic story of unfold- enlightenment and I didn’t under- decided to go to see Rinpoche. And finally in 2006-2007, again in ment, that unlike the romantic one, stand at the time what qualified He was going to give a Tashigar South, this time for the had been growing in time to depths teacher meant. That was in 1999 – Gomadevi retreat after Santi Maha Sangha Exam, Retreat, that I couldn’t even imagine when I 2000. Christmas. Then I met the Santi Yantra Courses of different levels, started. Finally in 2001, after living a long Maha Sangha for the first time; Breathing Courses, trip to Peru with To begin the story, let me tell you time in different countries, in Chile, Rinpoche was there, Costantino, few Community members, retreat in about my connection to spirituality my own country, in the “Galeria del walking to the conference room. He Fabio, Adriana plus lots of prac- Peru with Rinpoche and a post and Buddhism in particular. I got Patio”, I saw an ad for Namkhai said “Hello Everybody” and he gave titioners coming from all over the retreat holiday with more practition- into Buddhism through Western phi- Norbu, who was going to teach a very interesting lecture on Tibetan world. I had a blast and instead of ers. We made Ganapujas every- losophy. Dzogchen in Valparaiso, a city near Medicine. I think I asked him a staying the two weeks that I origi- where: Lima, Machu Picchu, Puno, At the time I was concerned with the the sea and very close to Santiago. question, but I don’t remember what nally intended, I ended up staying and Amantani. I started writing this usual questions that bother human Immediately, I decided to enroll and it was. two months till Rinpoche left how I met in Puno, polished it in beings like: go and see this teacher. The next morning the retreat started Cordoba. It was fantastic! Cuzco a little bit, typing it at the Who am I ? So there I was in Valparaiso waiting in the three-four day format; wel- Something changed in me at that Lima airport and I’m now finishing Where do I come from? for a lecture on Tibetan Medicine coming and general explanation, time. After that I had less doubts it at home in Santiago. This is how Where do I go? that was going to precede the retreat direct introduction, advice and trid- about my path and more conviction, it is for me, all over the place; very What is my role in this play? held at the Mantagua Center in lungs. After that I took the commit- desire to practice and to really get connected to the Master and the To try to answer them I’d studied Concon. I didn’t know anybody and ment of trying to practice with the what this instant presence was all teachings and very thankful for all Heidegger, Nietzsche, Merlau- was very sad, because I just had bro- local Sangha, which was quite small about. the blessings he has given us. Thank Ponty, Dreyfus and many more. ken up with a girlfriend who I loved at the time. I didn’t know anything The following year was Margarita, you; thank you, thank you Eventually I ended up in Buddhist dearly. about this; didn’t know the song of here it was different, and I needed Rinpoche. philosophy and started studying I was waiting in a beautiful square the Vajra, the short Thun (didn’t and really wanted to go there. There I sincerely hope that all the obsta- their answers to the former ques- for the arrival of the master, having know what Thun meant), even was a Longde retreat and in my cles in the Community get purified tions. I devoured everything I could ideas and fantasies of how he would though we had a Ganapuja with mind having practiced Ashtanga and that the teaching can be pre- find, especially the explanations be, of what would happen, and final- Rinpoche at the retreat it was also Yoga for eight years and now Yantra served and continued for a very, about dependent origination and the ly a white sedan drove up to the alien to me, but I decided to keep Yoga for two, I felt that this was a very long time. As of this moment I explanation of shunyata via indirect entrance and there he was, the practicing and after a little while I very special teaching for somebody know that there are many practition- logic. Being kind of an intellectual teacher, the master, the lama ... he started to understand some things. like me and felt a deep yearning to ers working hard on this and I guy, this made lots of sense and I came out of the car and started This is what I call organic unfold- be there. And so I had the Margarita myself am trying to do my best.

INTERNATIONAL GAKYIL NEWS

Dear Gakyil Members of the International Dzogchen Community,

We are now ready to enter the next stage of setting up our Collaboration website. We want to encourage all Gakyils to find some of their members with good computer skills who are ready to help within their group. The best way would be to organize computer lessons with these volunteers for those in their Community who are currently using the Collaboration Website. We believe that much of the uncertainties about the work at the site and many questions could be resolved this way. Please also read the “Collaboration Paper” by Yeshi Namkhai, pages 17ff, regarding the work at the website. Feedback can be sent to the red IG [email protected]

Greetings from the International Gakyil

Yeshi Namkhai (Yellow/President) Mark Fulton (Yellow) Fabio Andrico (Blue) Karin Eisenegger (Red)

desdedesde elel sursur fine jewelry and vajra dance shoes

MARGARITA APARTMENT Tel: 0054 351 4880994 FOR SALE IN TASHIGAR NORTH Email: Contact: [email protected] [email protected] Cordoba, Argentina Adriana Battisti designer

20