No. 115 March, April 2012

Upcoming Retreats with Chögyal

Photo: M. Ferrada Guiterrez 2012 Hong Kong May 16–20 The Song of Vajra Taiwan Taipei May 24–28 Photo: G. Horner Longsal Longde Practice Retreat Japan Tokyo Namgyalgar North Retreat June 1–5 Longsal “Jyodba Ronyom” Retreat March 2012 USA June 13–17 Sally Price Hawaii Retreat xcitement was running high as we a succinct explanation of the Four Noble entered each day he would greet us, “Good Los Angeles all prepared for our fi rst retreat with Truths covering the reality of suffering (1), morning to everyone and everywhere”. June 22–24 ERinpoche at Namgyalgar North Gar. the cause of suffering or karma (2), the “Kunzang Monlam’’ There was so much work to do. A team of possibility of the cessation of suffering decided to teach from the shel- (Invocation of ) willing workers had to convert three large (3), and the path to accomplish this (4). dem or advice of the great teacher Khyen- New York City machinery sheds into a Gonpa, a He then followed this with an explanation rab Chokyi Ozer, who was one of the most June 29–July 1 for Vajra Dance and a cafeteria come eat- of the various paths of important students of the great “Dzogchen Nallug” Retreat ing space. It was decided to invest in the beginning with the Mahayana, the Tantric Master Zhenga Rinpoche. There are four Gonpa and make it a fully functioning paths and fi nally Dzogchen. verses, each verse containing three very Tsegyalgar East space by insulating the roof and lining it important principles of Dzogchen teach- July 4–10 with gyprock. After Rinpoche left there remained a small, ings. Importantly, this sheldem is basically Yeshes Khandroí Thugthig interested crowd of people wanting more connected to the Three Statements of Ga- (Jnanadhakini) Then the decorative experts moved in and information on Dzogchen. Here we were rab Dorje. July 11–12 made a stunning space, full of colour, able to spread the message about the re- Santi Maha Sangha Base Exam thankas and ritual objects. Rinpoche’s seat treat if anyone was interested in following Each day Rinpoche would give us an expla- July 13–17 was constructed in front of a White “A” up on what they had heard Rinpoche speak nation of these four verses and then reveal Santi Maha Sangha First Level Training with lights behind that sometimes fl ick- about. how to integrate this knowledge with our ered and seemed to turn different colours. understanding of Dzogchen as we begin With a marquee joined onto our new Gon- to have the capacity to discover our real July 22 Ten days before the start of the retreat, pa, we were able to accommodate a capac- nature. He taught that, “nature of mind is Public Teaching in Moscow Rinpoche’s fi rst public talk on the Sun- ity crowd of up to 150 people per day at the like the potentiality of the mirror. Refl ec- Kunsangar North shine Coast had been scheduled. Thanks to retreat. Rinpoche seemed in fi ne form, tions are like our mind. Just being in our July 25–29 a couple of articles in the local press, many joking with us all as well as delivering his real nature self liberates everything. The teaching of Rigdzin Jangchub new people were introduced to Rinpoche teachings with consummate clarity. As he mirror doesn’t judge. We pay too much at- Dorje, the Circle of Zabdon’s and Dzogchen. At this talk Rinpoche gave >> continued on page 5 “Khyung-nag”, the Dark-Blue Garuda Kunsangar South Teaching Teaching Focus August 2–9 Terma teaching of Rigdzin Jangchub Dorje, “Man-ngag Tag-drol Gyud” Chögyal Namkhai Khyentse The Gars Romania Norbu Yeshe Merigar East The Advice of the Keeping the Mind August 17–23 Great Teacher Close By “Longsal Atií Nadzer” Retreat Khyenrab Chokyi Ozer

>> continued on page 4 » Page 2 » Page 3 » Pages 7–16 THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

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“The sun is shining in the sky, there are no clouds and we can see the full manifestation of the sunshine.”

his teaching is the advice of my teacher Khyen- rab Chokyi Ozer, who was a student of Zhenga T Rinpoche. Khyenrab Chokyi Ozer was a very im- portant student of Zhenga Rinpoche and also a Dzogchen practitioner. He was very learned and most scholars from the different traditions in are in his lineage as stu- dents. So you can see that Khyenrab Chokyi Ozer was a very important teacher. Khyenrab Chokyi Ozer gave us these teachings and instructions, particularly tsigsum ned- deg, the text written down by Patrul Rinpoche, and when he fi nished the teaching he gave us this advice. It was only a few words of advice of what you should do for the future on your path, but even though there were only a few words the indications are very precise.

The Three Transmissions First it says that with three transmissions, and you know what the three transmissions are, you receive these trans- missions and in that way you can receive direct introduc- tion in the Dzogchen way. Through this you discover your real nature. When you discover your real nature you receive a real piece of the teaching and the enlightened beings and you discover what your real nature is.

We have body, speech and mind, the three gates, and we know how to deal with this and fi rst we receive transmis- sion and discover our real nature. We need to work with experiences and when we experience we discover our real nature through that experience. So it is not only introducing us to our real nature, but when we are on the path we are living in circumstance and circum- stance is related to our body, speech and mind. Everything is connected to these different experiences. So with these experiences, day after day, we are integrating more and more, and we can have total realization. So that is why the second part explains how we develop of our visions, how we develop our experiences, and then in the third part, Photo: G. Horner which I explained yesterday, we discover the three kayas, the , sambogakaya and nirmanakaya, and it explains the qualifi cations of the enlightened beings; ev- The Advice of the Great eryone has that potentiality in their real nature. Once we discover that and we are in that state, everything Teacher Khyenrab Chokyi slowly matures and we manifest all the qualifi cations of the three kayas. So there is no need that to construct any- thing based on something known before. We have already recognized and are recognizing and we are in the state Ozer and manifesting; the sun is shining in the sky, there are no clouds and we can see the full manifestation of the sun- Day 3, March 20, 2102 shine. In the same way, when we have overcome all our Namgyalgar North, Australia obstacles, then all manifestations become something real, not only imagination. So this is how we mature our prac- tice. did not succeed to completely introduce them – and then ing tantra that Garab Dorje is always chanting called dorje there is the essence. For example, the kunjed gyalpo is a very sempa namkha che. When Garab Dorje was a very small baby Three Statements of Garab Dorje – Tsigsum long tantra; it is one of the Dzogchen semde tantras con- he was always chanting that tantra. There are three or four Part four, which we have today, is related to the three state- sidered the root tantra, and in the kunjed gyalpo there are larger tantras associated with it. These are really tantras, ments of Garab Dorje; tsigsum means the three statements many chapters. There are more than eighty chapters, for but what Garab Dorje chanted is a lung, not a complete of Garab Dorje. Garab Dorje taught Dzogchen teachings example, and one of these is the rigpai khujug. Vairocana tantra. The lung is the most important parts from a tan- to various students all his life. That means he taught many translated it fi rst, the number one Dzogchen teaching, tra put together and it becomes a teaching. Garab Dorje different kinds of tantras; original tantras like dra thalgyur but what is the rigpai khujug? It is one chapter of the kunjed had this in his memory and chanted it when he was very tantras, seventeen related tantras, the infi nite tantras of gyalpo; a very short chapter and only six verses. In these small. So this is a very concentrated, essential teaching of Dzogchen semde and the many tantras of Dzogchen longde. six verses it makes us understand the base, path and fruit Dzogchen. All these tantras were taught in ancient times by differ- of the Dzogchen teachings. Each two verses explain base, ent kinds of teachers. These tantras no longer existed path and fruit. Togden Dzubtsug – People showing knowledge who have real in the time of Garab Dorje, Everything on the earth had knowledge disappeared and we did not have these tantras. Then the The rigpai khujug is an example and we have many of these. The dorje sempa namkha che is explained with six thigles. You enlightened beings manifested Garab Dorje to give this We call them lungs in the Dzogchen teachings; it is not know what a thigle is; a thigle means something like po- teaching, so every day Garab Dorje taught students and called tantra because tantra is complete. What we call tentiality, beyond limitations, and explanations. The fi rst, communicated this teaching and then one by one all these tantra in the Vajrayana tradition generally needs ten qual- second and third thigle, all six thigles, explain the essence tantras that we now have appeared. Now we have many, ifi cations. There are, for example, initiations, actions to of the dorje sempa namkha che. There are many big volumes many Dzogchen tantras and they were all taught by Garab receive transmission, instructions on how to do practice, of the dorje sempa namkha che tantras. For example, the lung Dorje. These tantras are the teachings of Buddha and Ga- samaya, all ten arguments. When there are ten complete of dorje sempa namkha che is considered the most important rab Dorje and how Garab Dorje taught in his life. arguments it is called a tantra, a root tantra. When there essence in the Dzogchen teaching. When most Dzogchen are not all ten arguments it is called a secondary tantra and masters give teachings, most quotations come from dor- Lungs and Tantras when there are none and just explaining one or two as- je sempa namkha che to help students understand. In the There are many incomplete tantras, but the essence of pects, it is more like an explanation. Some are called she- Dzogchen teachings it is very important, with a Dzogchen a tantra, the most important point, is given in the lung. gyud, for example, which means a tantra for explaining; master who has perfect knowledge of Dzogchen, that the There are so many dimensions in the universe and so explaining many arguments in this and that tantra, what Dzogchen master gives introduction. If the Dzogchen many tantras and teachings, particularly explanations of the tantra presents and the main points. For this kind of master only gives teachings with a book, this is an intel- the Dzogchen teaching. For example, there are thirteen tantra it is not necessary to have the ten qualifi cations but lectual way and so the student has no precise knowledge. more developed dimensions called the thirteen thalwas. it is suffi cient to have some arguments. When it explains Thalwa means dimension where there are Dzogchen mas- more generally, this is called she-gyud. Using a book is not the most important way of the trans- ters and teachings, so many Dzogchen teachings devel- mission. The most important of the three transmissions oped in these thirteen thalwas. Garab Dorje introduced all So these are the characteristics of tantra. Lung means is called togden dzubtsug, togden means that people who these kinds of teachings to the human condition but some coming from Tantra, the main point. For example, rigpai have real knowledge of Dzogchen, dzubtsug means show- kinds of tantras are very large and have many words, so he khujug is a lung and there is also a very important teach- >> continued on page 4 THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Khyentse Yeshe

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tween what is transmission and Keeping the Mind Close By what is communication. Merigar West April 7, 2012 Many years ago a theory devel- oped within the Community. Seeing as the word ‘transmis- oday we start with Guru- side, it appears as a circle. Then sion’ in Italian is also used for TV yoga with the Song of the I start to say that it’s heavy, I can transmissions, which in English T Vajra. This is for those touch it, contain it, so you start is called ‘TV or radio broadcast- people who are completely new to develop a concept – the elabo- ing’, because in Italian it has the and have not received transmis- ration of the sixth sense – that it same root, outside Italy this idea sion. Related to the principle of is something more than a circle, developed that the transmission transmission and understanding for example, a sphere, a crystal could be broadcast through radio what the principal aspects are, ball. It means that what appeared or TV or internet, so it meant that I wanted to quote the words of as a circle is now a concept. Also the means for the transmission Rinpoche from the transcription this information about its weight were important. For example, from 1981 from the Samso retreat makes you understand that even if you don’t have a TV you can- in Denmark on the Longde. though it is transparent, it is ac- not receive TV broadcasts. And tually very hard, like crystal or so this idea developed that the The first aspect we try to under- glass. So we understand that this technology of the transmission stand or analyse, looking at the is an elaboration of the mind. of the teaching was similar to the words of the Master, is that we This is called projection, but it technology for TV. The first ques- have to understand the aspect has no added value with respect tion or problem that came up was connected to our own state, our to the immediate perception of whether the transmission should own natural condition. For exam- the eyes. be in real time because a TV pro- ple, we say that this is our condi- gram can be recorded. And so tion, our state, our present situ- This kind of approach or un- the first question that Rinpoche ation. This means that somehow derstanding of reality in its es- received was to ask if transmis- in our minds we have an idea of sence has a very strong base in sion was valid if it was recorded how we are, of which condition the system of Buddhist teaching on a video tape. And I think peo- we are in. So first of all, we dis- or transmission because under- ple continued to ask this question tinguish between that which is an standing that the mind does not for about 10 years. idea, a projection like an image or have a specific or particular value sound that appears in our mind, is not easy for Western people It means that we are used to from what the transmission or to accept. Usually in Western thinking in terms of what we our condition actually is. This culture there is the idea that the already know. But in reality, understanding of the difference elaboration and re-elaboration of transmission in the sense of the between the projection of our the mind produces a new result, teaching and in the sense of the mind and what we actually are is so much so that science is divided principle of the teaching itself indispensable. The projection in into Christian science and non- is not a communication and so our mind has no value. Christian science. Christian sci- it doesn’t need a tool for com- gy, speaking and using our voice, ent? Transmission has a func- ence places a very clear limitation munication. First of all, as you or when we communicate indi- tion. Mind has one single func- We start from this understanding between that which is divine and know very well, what we need rectly with other forms through tion called existence. Within ex- that everything that is projected in that which is human. By Chris- is the opportunity. Opportunity images, sounds, etc., more on istence the best function that one our mind has no value. First of all tian science we mean Catholic, means the cause, and the cause the intellectual level, in any case can find is happiness. If we are we understand the aspect which Orthodox and a few others in means being human and being this takes place in a specific time, not capable of being happy then is related to our five sense organs which there is this limitation and in contact with a Master. This is with a specific direction and so we could suggest love as always plus the sixth one, the mind, all scientists have this foundation in our case because we are in the on. happens according to the princi- which allow us to have communi- which is respect for that which human condition. If we were in a ple of suffering, sacrifice and love cation or simply perception of re- is divine. In this case the under- different condition, it would be In the principle of transmission like in religion. So if we are not ality through the senses, etc. The standing of the limitation of the something different. In the case we don’t have this connection capable of being in a condition first five organs are necessary in mind is clear. of the understanding of the value to time and space, we only have of happiness we should at least order for us to have a connection, of this transmission of the teach- this principle of opportunity and be able to be in a condition of al- like a device for this perception. When we go beyond this limita- ing, we also need the capacity of capacity. So this connection be- ternating between sacrifice and Then the mind elaborates them tion, that which man creates ex- being interested. And this is not tween the event and time and love. In the context of all these with a projection. This projec- ists. But in reality nothing exists. something obvious or simple be- space is related, for example, to opposites such as virtue and evil, tion has the same value that the It is an illusion, an appearance, cause normally we are interested participating in a retreat, which we have to understand according perceptions have that derive from nothing other than a projection. in other things. For example the means that there isn’t a particu- to this point of view, otherwise the five sense organs. But we see that in our contempo- things that we are normally in- lar intention, whereas in commu- the final result or the alternative rary society this projection starts terested in, that we are drawn to nication, there is direction, a spe- is something like nihilism or the Going back to a basic principle of to become something concrete or against – remember we can be cific intention, many things that negation of existence itself. Ne- all of our science and knowledge, because even though our bank attracted to or refuse something, we will be looking at. There are gation of existence means not if the starting point or the matter account appears as something it is the same so something we signals and channels. In the case being alive, dying, so having a that we are operating with does very virtual, sooner or later it be- love or we hate, it has the same of transmission, we don’t need a doubt about existence means that not change in its nature, only comes something very concrete. value, it means that we are inter- channel. We don’t need to prefer we doubt our own mind. God can change it, and so it re- So when society moves towards ested, that we have this capacity one form or another. mains the same matter, the same those things that are totally im- – understanding the principle of In this case it becomes very in- nature. This is the basis of west- material, it becomes indispen- things of our relative condition In the case of communication, teresting to observe and anal- ern science. It means that what sible to create a limit between means that we are interested, one chooses the form of commu- yse how important Westerners man creates remains within the that which is coherent with re- that we have this capacity. So in nication. Communication in its consider the mind. Westerners sphere of what has been created ality and that which is not, that this case, when there is the op- nature is something limited be- think that doubting the mind by man so it is human. Human which, once upon a time, used to portunity, the cause, and there is cause I could ask myself, why do means giving value to the mind creation is not divine creation be called ethic or moral but today also interest, direct introduction I need to communicate. Why do I itself and that there is a form of so we cannot expect that what no longer exists. or transmission means being in open my mouth ever since I was evolution of the consciousness, we perceive through our organs the same state, in the same con- born? Why do I need to say some- of the mind, through doubt. But and is elaborated by the mind be- Going back to the principle of dition as the Master. This is the thing? Why don’t I remain silent? unfortunately, doubting the mind comes divine. It has no added val- transmission, the fundamental essential part. And even if I remain silent why means doubting existence. The ue or superior state with respect aspect regarding transmission is after a while do thoughts arise only result or point of arrival is to the perception of what it actu- the state. In the direct introduc- Sharing the same state is not an and I start to speak to myself ? suffering. Because if you doubt ally is. In Buddhism this kind of tion or transmission, we have the act of communication because And so if you start to observe the the faculties that you have or the approach is called direct percep- principle of being in the same an act of communication, as we value of all the thoughts and all projections you create – unfor- tion. In this case the elaboration state, so the Master and the stu- will see, has typical characteris- the stupid things that go through tunately all projections are the of the mind is nothing other than dent or disciple share the same tics of time and space and it takes your mind, you start to under- same, all the mind is the same, a projection. condition. In this case, this shar- place. Communication is not be- stand why we say in Buddhism it means that what comes out of ing is not a communication. To- yond time and space, this is why that the mind has no value. this projection will always be a For example, if we look at this ob- day we will look in more detail at we speak of the three aspects, the human creation without the ca- ject [a crystal sphere] from a two what communication means so three Vajras of Body, Speech and In this case we understand how pacity to distinguish which is dimensional point of view, it is a that we can easily distinguish be- Mind. When we communicate transmission is different from really better – sooner or later we circle. If we look at it from any and we are in the aspect of ener- this. In which way is it differ- >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

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>> The Advice continued from page 2 Dzogchen Guruyoga saying sem ngotred, which means introducing the nature of ing, how it is, like how I received Dzogchen knowledge So these are the three words. The fi rst statement is intro- mind. Mind is relative so how can you introduce its na- from my teacher Changchub Dorje. I already told you, my ducing directly into our real nature. This is how we do di- ture; it is emptiness. There is not something concrete, teacher Changchub Dorje spoke in an ordinary way, not rect introduction in the Dzogchen teachings. But, when mind is something relative in time, in space, you can see reading a book, there was no ceremony or ritual, etc., only we say direct introduction or introduction of the real na- and understand but when you go beyond that, it is called explaining and then giving direct introduction. Direct in- ture, etc., you must think well and know well, that this is sem ngotred in the Kagyupa tradition. In Sakyapa that does troduction is not related at all to ritual activities. So this is mainly the system of Dzogchen. Sometimes it is also used not exist. called togden dzubtsug and it is most important. Even if a in the Kagyupa tradition. If you are following the Sakaya- teacher has that knowledge and is doing togden dzubtsug, pa or Gelugpa tradition, direct introduction does not ex- I am more familiar with the Sakyapa tradition than Nying- the teacher always uses some quotations, explains and in- ist. No one uses that. So, for example, if you are learning mapa or Kagyupa, because I studied for many years in the troduces. The reason the teacher does that is because in Dzogchen teachings from me, and you think that now you Sakyapa tradition. I know it very well. So this is the reason this Dzogchen text, for example the dorje sempa namkha che, have received direct introduction, if you live in a Gelugpa if you have contact with Sakyapas and Gelugpas, it is best it says something like this. It is not necessary to be intel- center, or you have contact with Gelugpa teachers, you you say you received teachings and instructions from the lectual but the teacher knows some words from the origi- don’t tell them that you have received direct, because there teacher. Then there is no problem. Do not say, “Oh I re- nal text because he/she has that knowledge. Surely when is not much sense. They do not accept it; they negate it and ceived direct introduction”, otherwise they ask you what teachers use quotes, most Dzogchen masters quote from for them direct introduction does not exist. In the Sakyapa direct introduction is and then what do you say? You will the dorje sempa namkha che and many tantras. and Gelugpa tradition it does not exist and the reason is need to discuss with them and there is no reason, you need that they are very much connected with the teachings and to pay respect to their tradition and their way for them is In that way we have knowledge of Dzogchen. Guru Garab practices of Madyamika. In sutra Madyamika is consid- also perfect, it is their way. You do not have any respon- Dorje taught that way all his life. But when Guru Garab ered very important. In Madyamika, Nagarjuna explained sibility to convince the Sakayapas or Gelugpas. This is Dorje manifested the rainbow body, the students could no in a more intellectual way trying to get in the real sense, impossible, so it is much better you do not discuss with longer ask him for teachings. In that moment the most the knowledge, of shunyata or emptiness. Nagarjuna said, them. If you do practice with them you do not have to have important student was Manjushrimitra, and Manjushrimi- “I do not have any confi rmation, for that reason I do not any problems, you do Guruyoga your way and they do their tra received the three statements from Guru Garab Dorje. have any defects, or something you can negate because I Guruyoga their way. Also you do not discuss, some people The three statements are simple; they are the essence of have no confi rmation that there is nothing you can negate. like to have discussions saying, “I am doing Guruyoga in the entire teaching of Garab Dorje. These three statements This is emptiness.” the Dzogchen way by unifying all teachers, all teachers to- are for people who are following this teaching and they gether, all enlightened beings together, and you are only explain how to follow that teaching, how teachers should What Nagarjuna presented is something like saying I have following a lineage in a limited way” and you are doing communicate to the students and in which way the stu- nothing concrete and I am innocent; innocent means no this kind of discussion and that is very bad. It is not good dent can have the possibility to discover their real nature. one can negate. So this is in the sutra style. If you are in- at all. You are not respecting their attitude or their way of The three statements also state how you apply for having troducing there must be something to introduce. If there seeing. You do Guruyoga in your way.  total realization once you have discovered the real nature is nothing to introduce what do you introduce? For that how. Everything is in these three statements. It is only a reason, the Sakayapas and Gelugpas do not accept. In the Transcribed and edited by Naomi Zeitz few words but is the essence of the Dzogchen teachings. Kagyupa, in the beginning, there was this system a little So it is something like a key that Guru Garab Dorje left and like Sakyapa, for example, and then it developed slowly, gave to Manjushrimitra. particularly in Gampopa’s teachings and , and was presented in a little different way. They are always

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu December 7–13 Mexico Germany Schedule 2012 Chöd Teaching and Practice April 26–28 August 30–September 1 Retreat Mexico Retreat Berlin Retreat >> continued from page 1 December 26–January 1 May 8–12 Italy Italy Spain Guru Dragphur Teaching and Tsegyalgar West Retreat September 6–13 Merigar West October 12–16 Practice Retreat USA Merigar West Retreat August 31–Sept. 6 Barcelona Retreat May 17–19 September 28–30 “Longsal Atii Gongpa Gojyed” Terma Teaching of 2013 Los Angeles Retreat Zhitro practice and Jyangchog Retreat Adzom Drugpa, “Avalokite January 6–16 May 24–26 Spain Sept. 7–9 Shvara Khorva Dongtruk” Tibetan Cultural Event New York City Retreat October 9–13 Santi Maha Sangha Canary Islands February 11–13 Barcelona Retreat Level I Examinations Tenerife Tibetan Losar Ceremony May 31–June 7 Sept. 10–16 October 26–30 Tsegyalgar East Retreat October 14 leave for Tenerife Santi Maha Sangha “Longsal Atii Gongpa Ngotrod” February 15–25 June 14–21 Level II Training Retreat Chudlen Retreat Santi Maha Sangha Venezuela Sept. 21–27 November 9–13 March 8–15 Russia Terma Teaching of Ridzin Santi Maha Sangha, Vajra Tashigar Norte Retreat June 28–July 5 Jyangchub Dorje, “Zhitro Dance and Yantra Yoga Teachers Kunsangar North Retreat Khordas Rangdrol” Meeting Argentina July 19–26 Greece March 22–28 Kunsangar South Retreat October 3–7 November 23–29 Tashigar Sur Retreat “Longsal Atii Lam-gyi Ngondro” Longsal Longde Teaching April 1–8 August 2–9 Retreat Retreat Santi Maha Sangha Training Santi Maha Sangha Training November 23–29 Romania Longsal Longde Teaching Peru August 16–23 Retreat April 19–21 Merigar East Retreat Lima Retreat

>> Keeping the Mind continued from page 3 sion we share this state, our pri- existence, at peace and satisfi ed fest, but this will not manifest for away. It shouldn’t be wander- lose virtue. Even those beliefs mordial state, and this state is the with our existence. How does everyone. This means that the re- ing around. When we are in this that we had from the beginning, source of all of our existence, ex- this come about? First by coordi- lationship between the syllables condition, this state, the mind we doubt everything. Perhaps be- istence as humans and existence nating the condition of the body of the Song of the Vajra and the should be with us. So remember, fore starting this analysis we had in general as a concept. When we and the energy. For example, way in which our energy is coor- we have six sense organs and all some fi xed ideas about, for exam- share this understanding, the as- with Guruyoga, or the Semdzin dinated internally won’t be clear six of them should be doing Gu- ple, the existence of an entity, like pect of existence becomes clear as related to the Song of the Vajra, for everyone. This means that ruyoga, all six should be singing. in a religion. In the end we doubt potentiality, as the capacity to cre- we coordinate the fl ow of energy. perhaps one day this will happen It shouldn’t be only fi ve of them this entity, our existence, our par- ate, the capacity to understand, This coordination and the effect but perhaps it never will. and the sixth one elsewhere do- ents, our children, everything. the capacity to destroy etc., and it of this coordination are not al- ing something else. This is ab- appears clear how the mind proj- ways projected in the mind. The It’s not important that some- solutely the most important con- In this case, what can we do? Ne- ects everything. fact of singing the Song of the thing extraordinary takes place cept.  gating our existence makes no Vajra and being relaxed and satis- at the visual or audible level or sense – it is not correct to negate So the goal is not to fi nd some fi ed will not always be projected at the level of inner perception Simultaneous translation by our existence. In this case it is bet- special or particular state called in the mind as it should be. In the as a projection. But it is impor- Alessandra Policreti ter to understand what our source, natural state or real condition instructions of this Semdzin of tant to understand that the fi nal Transcription & editing by our condition, our natural state or primordial state, but manag- this upadesa, there will be some goal is to keep the mind close Liz Granger is. In the principle of transmis- ing to be relaxed with our own explanations of how it can mani- by. The mind should not go far THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 ASIA

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Dear friends,

Thank you for your generous support for the Manasarovar Academy!

he Manasarovar Academy is a school built on dreams T and ambition. Since its creation in 1999, our members of staff have made many sacrifices to ensure that we could maintain our goal of providing a strong educational foundation to lo- cal children and, therefore, the means to a better future.

However, in the last few years, the future of our school has been threatened. The landlord decided to sell the school building, but despite offering us the opportu- nity to purchase it at well below the market price, it was still far more than we could afford. There were no other suitable local prop- erties and we were mindful that our students’ families would not Not only will our program be source of shelter, of communi- dents and 28 staff that make up Learn more on be able to cope with additional saved but new doors of oppor- ty, and of opportunity. It brings the Manasarovar Academy: thank www.ASIA-ngo.org/en transport fees. Since 2011, we had tunity will be opened. With the great pleasure to us to watch our you. been attempting to continue our ownership of the building, we pupils grow up and achieve the PS: Donations to ASIA are tax work under the dark cloud of im- will have more control over its dreams that their parents would Yours faithfully, deductible in Italy as well as in minent closure. upkeep and can finally make never have thought possible be- countries where ASIA is formally much-needed repairs and im- fore they came to us. And we are Ms Tsultrim Sangmo & registered. For information: But thanks to the kind participa- provements to our kitchen and so happy that this will now con- Ms Bijaya Khanal ASIA Germany: tion of many friends and interna- toilet facilities. By opening up tinue for generations to come. Headmistresses and Founders [email protected] tional organizations, the risk of more storage space downstairs, of the Manasarovar Academy ASIA U.S.: losing the school seems to have we can convert current storage The journey is by no means over. [email protected] been avoided and we can start rooms into classrooms and re- The recent self immolations of You can help Manasarovar School ASIA UK: this new school year with the duce class sizes to below thirty monks and lay people show the with a donation by: [email protected] confidence that there is a long, students. This will help to im- desperation and hurt of our peo- Bank transfer to ASIA onlus ASIA France: prosperous future for the Mana- prove the quality of education we ple. IBAN: IT 27 M 01030 72160 [email protected] sarovar Academy. can provide. 000000389350 But knowing that we have your SWIFT BIC: PASC IT MM XXX In fact the fund-raising campaign We cannot possibly thank our continued support is a source is giving good results and now we donors enough for their kind and of strength to us and reminds Credit card on the website – have to make the last effort: there continued support. In our stu- us that people around the world www.ASIA-ngo.org/en are 60,000 Euro missing in order dents’ eyes, Manasarovar Acad- share our vision for a better fu- to completely save the school! emy is not just a school, but a ture. On behalf of the 350 stu-

>> Namgyalgar North continued from page 1 to co-operate with circumstance, tween good and bad smells – it is this clarity, there is no longer a The student’s experience can tention to mind and not enough not necessarily to feel we have to all the same. need for great effort. combine with the teacher’s expe- to the nature of mind. Everything change everything. Instead we rience and in this way we discov- is relative... nothing is impor- need to integrate our experiences Vajrayana practice works with To achieve realisation we must er our real nature. This is rigpa. tant. The only important thing is with our real nature. our energy. You can’t hang onto exist in our real nature. Dzogchen When we have the capacity to in- to be in the nature of mind.” the concept of emptiness – then is like air travel – a fast way to tegrate totally, then we no longer Rinpoche also gave detailed ex- it’s no longer emptiness, it’s lim- achieving realisation. If we can need to depend on explanation, Another strong message during planations of the paths of Bud- itation. We tend to think of sam- experience our mind in this but we experience rigpa. We are the retreat was the importance of dhism at the retreat, comparing sara as something negative and way, we can experience empti- able to integrate the three expe- working with circumstance and the Mahayana with the Vajrayana get trapped in our conceptuali- ness. If we discover that, we can riences: sensation or body, clar- being aware. Upon waking, we and also the Hinayana and Vina- sations. This becomes a mental have fewer problems in our lives. ity or energy and emptiness or need to do Guruyoga. We need ya. Furthermore, we learned that problem. However, the reality is However, we can still develop at- mind. You then discover that you to go beyond mind to nature of we need to recognise that Bud- that there is no separation be- tachment to the experience of can have all three of these experi- mind, which is not in time and dha is dharmakaya and doesn’t tween samsara and nirvana. body or mind which leads to us ences together. Then you are no space. It is very important for recognise good or bad – it is for become trapped in our senses, longer in any doubt. us to relax in clarity. Dzogchen us and our attachment that we of- We need to go beyond our dual- rather than realisation or bliss. practice is to relax in our real na- fer flowers or incense to Buddha. istic thinking and acting. Then So, in conclusion, we need to re- ture, not accepting or rejecting Buddha doesn’t differentiate be- we will have the realisation of our When we discover our real na- verse our direction from dualism, things or experiences. We need true condition. When you have ture, it is like the essence of gold. >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Shang Shung Institute

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Shang Shung Institute Italy Shang Shung Institute Austria Shang Shung Institute UK, Shang Shung Institute of America Località Merigar Gschmaier 139 The London School of Tibetan Studies 18 Schoolhouse Rd 58031 Arcidosso (GR, Italy) 8265 Gr. Steinbach, Austria The London Centre for the Study P.O. Box 278 Phone : +39-0564-966940 Offi ce: 0043 3386 83218 of Traditional Tibetan Culture and Conway, MA 01341, USA [email protected] Fax: 0043 3386 83219 Knowledge Phone (main-Anna) 413 369 4928 www.shangshunginstitute.org www.shangshunginstitute.org www.shangshunguk.org Fax/Bookstore 413 369 4473 www.shangshungstore.org www.ssi-austria.at www.shangshung.org

· work in conjunction with the rated body and its offi ce will be at DzogchenTV DzogchenTV is not restricted to Shang Shung Australian Tibetan Medicine Namgyalgar North, in the Glass- subscribers from the Dzogchen Institute Australia Association (ATMA), which house Mountains, Queensland, s many of you may already Community, but it is open to all; would continue to provide its Australia. know, a new offi cial Web accordingly, its contents are suit- current courses in Tibetan Med- A channel of our Commu- ed to a general audience and ac- hang Shung Institute Aus- icine. New courses will also be May our efforts help towards the nity is online at the following ad- cess is completely free. It is open tralia was inaugurated by organised in collaboration with preservation of the Tibetan Cul- dress: www.youtube.com/user/ to contributions from all Gars Sour beloved Master at Nam- Shang Shung US ture into the future! DzogchenTV and Lings. gyalgar North on Sunday 29th · provide courses in Tibetan lan- April 2012! guage, painting, and Many thanks to our precious In three months of activity, prac- You are welcome to send feed- other aspects of Tibetan culture teacher, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu tically without publicity, the back, suggestions and video clips In collaboration with the Shang · organise Tibetan Cultural events Rinpoche! new channel has had more than to: [email protected] Shung Institute based at Meri- 30,000 views and over 500 sub- gar and its branches around the The organisation is being regis- Shang Shang Institute Australia scribers. world, the new branch will tered as a Not-for-profi t incorpo- Founding Committee

the book. The only way SSE and Togden Shakya Chögyal Namkhai SSI can continue to produce new Shri: The Life Norbu books and multimedia products is if you buy them. Your purchas- and Liberation of es are also one of the best ways to a Tibetan Yogin The Precious Vase support us. Instructions on the Base of Santi Maha Sangha eBooks can be purchased from his namthar, or tradi- the shangshungstore.org web- tional Tibetan biogra- shop just like other items. The New eBook in Series of Teachings phy, welcomes the reader only difference is that there are T PDF format, EURO 14.90 to the extraordinary dimension no shipping costs and the fi le is of a realized yogin. Its pages re- his book is the Base text delivered via email. You can use count the inspiring milestones in of the Santi Maha Sangha. all standard payment methods the life of the revered Togden of T Expanded on notes and (PayPal paypal@istitutoshang Drugu (1853–1919), a portrayal quotations, it is the essential text shung.org, credit card via Pay- which is also precious as the mir- for the study and practice of the Pal, or bank transfer). You will roring of a vanished world. The texts. The volume includes a pref- Base Level of Santi Maha Sangha to open password-protected PDF receive an e-mail with the link chronicle glows with inspiring ace by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu training. It also contains the up- fi les) like Kindle and can also be to the download page, within 24 facts and miraculous happen- and a foreword by Sey Rinpoche, dated list of practices required for read on PCs, Macs, and iPads. For hours of payment, except that de- ings, as well as insights provided lineage holder and great grand- the Base Level examination. details, see the page livery for bank transfer payments by numerous letters between the son of Shakya Shri. In an in- http://goo.gl/8JuaX. is delayed since it takes longer to Togden and some of the great- formed and graceful translation, The Precious Vase is now avail- verify. est masters of that era. The book the book provides the reader with able for download from our web- eBooks from Shang Shung Edi- begins with penetrating and eas- a rich reward, the sense of having site www.shangshungstore.org. zoni are password-protected For more information, please ily understood instructions by actually encountered the master Since it is in PDF format, the and feature a digital ex libris li- contact orders@shangshung Shakya Shri called Opening the and received a direct benefi t. ebook is compatible with most censed in your name or the name publications.org Door to Liberation, and a selec- popular readers (the ones able of the person to whom you gift tion of his Songs of Realization, Now available for the Kindle illuminating verses which are in platform themselves teachings. In the ap- (Kindle devices, iPads/iPhones, pendixes, the translator puts the Android tablets…) from Ama- life work and accomplishments of zon.com: www.amazon.com/dp/ the master in several useful con- B006SMAVVC

>> Namgyalgar North continued from Many new people were able previous page to receive transmission from which causes negative karma and Rinpoche and hopefully will continuation in samsara, to pure be able to join us for practice nature, which is non-dual, like at the Gar. One person new to the lotus fl ower which grows Dzogchen was Alan Parsons, a from the impure mud to produce local indigenous “Uncle” who a perfect fl ower. presented Rinpoche with a hand woven cord. Alan cut the cord and Rinpoche has previously taught gave the long end to Rinpoche to on this topic. A transcription take with him. The shorter end of of these oral teachings given in the cord was to stay at the gar. As New York in 1999 has been pub- it happened this end of the cord lished by Shang Shung Editions was buried along with sacred ob- as The Essence of the Three State- jects in a vase beneath the ground ments of Garab Dorje, based on the where the new Gonpa will be oral advice given by Khyenrab constructed. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu & Alan Parsons laughing at Namgyalgar North 20 March 2012 Photo: G. Horner Chökyi Özer (2002). A fi rm connection was made pay respects to the traditional and improve our pronunciation ating additional accommodation, For anyone interested, you can between Alan and Rinpoche, owners of the land. of Tibetan, having a lot of fun in putting in another access road fi nd some brief biographical in- as Alan acknowledged him as the process. We are now practic- and of course, building the new formation on Khyenrab Chökyi “Grandfather”. As we are located On a lighter note, Rinpoche in- ing our singing on a regular ba- Gonpa – a spectacular octagonal Özer on pp. 143–144 in Healing in an area of particular signifi - troduced us to Tibetan singing sis. structure with commanding views With Fire – A Practical Manual of cance to the aboriginal people of and dancing – a little like Tibet- of the Glasshouse Mountains. Tibetan Moxibustion translated by the area, it is important that we an karaoke! Using a large screen Looking to the future, we are hop- Elio Guarisco (SSI Publications). honour the local ancestors and we were able to follow the songs ing to develop the north gar by cre- THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Tibetan Culture

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well, he and Yadoon (who sing of the Conference on Tibetan lan- Turning the Wheel together in “Sem-gyi log ped”, 1.7) guage, in “Bod-mi’i Lasog” (1.4), of Tibetan Songs have undergone terms in prison repeats “I am Tibetan, I speak with all that entails. Tibetan, I love Tibet”, and in Some of the most interesting “Rinpoche” (5.5) extols the rich- Adriana Dal Borgo singers and authors are: ness of her land, her language. November 2011, Punta Hidalgo, The singer Jamyan Gyid, in Namgyal Qoscò dedicates his Tenerife, Canary Island. “semba sánna” (5.9), sings “rather songs to the such as than reciting mantras with a bad “Guce dan” (6.1), an invocation for nyone who was out walk- intention, it is better to sing any his long life and others to Tibet ing near the Ocean Hotel kind of song with a good inten- and the Tibetans like “Payul ma- A in the afternoon or eve- tion”, and, in different words, re- yul” (5.7.) and “Bumo nai Payul” ning, would have been able to minds us of a teaching by Jigmed (4.8). hear the notes of modern Tibetan Lingpa. Lagyd, too, dedicates her songs and, peering through the The Achag, a group of three songs to the preservation of Ti- large low windows, would have beautiful girls with lots of make- betan culture.In “Ema lha gyallo” seen a group of people jumping up, and wearing beautiful stage (1.5) and at the end of each stan- and moving, some more some clothes, sometimes modern, za repeats almost like a mantra less gracefully, to the rhythm of sometimes based on traditional “may all the wishes of the Tibet- the music. In a comfortable arm- clothing, go from a song about ans be realised.” chair, without ever showing signs their homeland “Payul” (2.2), to In “Tundril” (2.7) Tsewang of fatigue, Master Chögyal Nam- a very sad invocation for the vic- Lhamo together with others re- khai Norbu was watching videos tims of the earthquake in Yushu, peats “Tibetans, unite!”. of young Tibetan singers, pop “Sayoi Monlam” (5.8), to the rap Over the months our Master music, rap, folk, that Migmar song “Bodpai Bumo” (2.4) (We has been very busy to complete had downloaded from youtube. Adriana Battisti and Luis Olivera model the Tibetan Dance costumes in Tashigar South, Argentina. Tibetan girls are beautiful, we this incredible job, and thanks Sometimes he transcribed are like flowers, we are orna- to Him, by learning and spread- some of the texts that he con- In the following months, until rally. It is also a light and pleasant ments of the mind of boys), to ing knowledge of these songs, sidered particularly significant February 2012, the Master devot- way to become familiar with Ti- the cheerful song/nursery rhyme we can contribute in a peaceful in Tibetan. The lucky students ed most of his time to this work. betan and to study the method of “Xarpai Lu” (2.8). and joyful way with our energy who were with the Master at the At Tashigar North and Tashi- phonetic transcription, which we Tsewang Lhamo, a young Ti- to strengthen the identity and time listening to the songs over gar South he continued to sing need in order to sing the practices betan who sang during the con- the culture that we see so heavily and over, after a while began to these special songs with us and more correctly. cert in New York on the occasion threatened today. accompany him with a cheer- at Losar 2012 he completed his The Master explained that the ful chorus of “la la la …” until work by presenting 6 groups of songs are divided into three types. one day the Master announced: 10 songs each. There are Lu (glu), which gen- “That’s enough of singing “la la Singing and dancing togeth- erally talk about nature or have la”. I’m going to write the words er in front of the Master, as well a deeper meaning but you can’t for you so that you can sing as being an offering of the body dance to (e.g. 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, them!”, and he started to write and voice, is a training in pres- 4.9, 4.10). Then there are Zhe out the songs phonetically using ence. Your attention has to be (gzhas), (4.6, 4.8), songs that the dralgyor system, the same that continuous in order to sound the have a defined rhythm. The third we use in the Dzogchen Commu- notes and the melodies correctly group are the songs that you can nity for the practices. and to follow the steps of the dif- dance to, Dro (bro) (4.3, 3.2, 3.5). From that moment on, every ferent dances in a precise way. We The repertoire of singers and morning the Master tirelessly often found ourselves repeating songs is very varied, but all the transcribed, corrected, and per- the same song over and over until songs chosen by the Master have fected both the texts in Tibetan we got it right. a particular value: they are all the and those in the phonetic tran- It was not always easy to fol- expression of a strong sense of af- scription while in the afternoon low the text at first reading, and firmation of the spiritual and cul- Dancing for Rinpoche in Tenerife. Photo: P. Fassoli he presented the songs to us so at times it seemed we were read- tural heritage of Tibet, an expres- that we could sing them together ing the wrong song! After the first sion that uses modern musical * Note: The numbers in brackets refer to the songs divided into 6 groups of 10 songs each. at last. few times, however, everything means and genres to state ancient E.g. 3.1 refers to the first song of group 3 and so on. The ‘tun’ of singing along with became clearer: the texts ‘opened truths. Under present conditions, You can hear all the songs by clicking on the following links: the Master lasted all afternoon and up’ to our ears and, thanks to the such a statement requires admi- http://canzoni-tibetane.s3.amazonaws.com/Tibetan-Songs-1-group.zip http://canzoni-tibetane.s3.amazonaws.com/Tibetan-Songs-2-group.zip when we also started to dance, we explanations of the Master, to our rable courage, since some of the http://canzoni-tibetane.s3.amazonaws.com/Tibetan-Songs-3-group.zip even did 12 hours of practice! understanding. singers have been imprisoned for http://canzoni-tibetane.s3.amazonaws.com/Tibetan-Songs-4-group.zip We practised the steps of a circle Singing for hours and hours is their opinions. Waiting for the http://canzoni-tibetane.s3.amazonaws.com/Tibetan-Songs-5-group.zip http://canzoni-tibetane.s3.amazonaws.com/Tibetan -Songs-6-group.zip dance, “So yi re lo” (3.9) and Kham- like practising Rushen, the mind Teachings during the web-cast e pa dances (2.9), dancing around stops following thoughts, you re- connections, you have all listened W are preparing a booklet with all the words of the songs in Tibetan, their phonetic transcription and their translation into different languages. the long dining room table. lax and a joyful state arises natu- to Kunga’s song “Yid-re gyo” (2.5):

human events, a relationship so The great merit of this book, the birth horoscope, how to deal A Concise intimate and interdependent that compiled by astrologers Tenzin with the year of obstacles that oc- Introduction to it allows you to predict events and Sherab and Tenzin Tsewang Jam- curs every twelve years after birth, life situations of a single person ling on behalf of the Men-Tsee- how to determine the compatibil- Tibetan Astrology or even of a whole nation, is im- Khang, Tibetan Medical & Astro. ity of couples, and how to predict With a Foreword by mense. Institute, is to have extracted the and avoid diseases, or at least Chögyal Namkhai Norbu It is enough to think that as- pith from the vast literature on mitigate their harmful effects. trology was already a systematic the subject and to have found a The last part of the book is science in the second century synthesis between the need to devoted to the so-called Minor Compiled by Tenzin Sherab and BC, during the reign of Nyatri outline all the basic aspects of Ti- Astrology, which teaches how to Tenzin Tsewang Jamling, of the Tsenpo at a time when Buddhism betan astrology and the intention calculate favorable dates to begin Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical & was yet to come to the land of to make this science understand- important projects, to travel, to Astro. Institute the snows. Then, when indig- able and applicable in practice for marry, to move house, in short all enous astrology merged on the the secular West. those events that have an impor- Alfredo Colitto one hand with that derived from The book comes with very tant role in our daily lives. There the Buddhist Ka¯lacakra Tantra clear illustrations and tables and is also a chapter that illustrates Movement of constellations in the hese few lines inscribed (which explains the formation can be easily read. After a brief the various amulets used to en- firmament predicts events by the seventeenth Gyal- of the universe and the human but comprehensive historical in- hance the vital energy, fortune, The law of interdependence makes T wang Karmapa during body), and on the other with the troduction, it explains the rela- and in general to avert any kind of things revolve on the earth his visit to the Men-Tsee-Khang Astrology of the Elements im- tionship of astrology with other negative energy. Belief in the principle of cause and College, explain perfectly the es- ported from China, this science fields of Tibetan knowledge, A Concise Introduction to Tibetan effect defines good and bad sence and purpose of Tibetan became even more multifaceted especially medicine. After this Astrology is an essential book for When these three are in tune there is astrology. However, the corpus of and interconnected with other it goes directly into practice. In expert scholars as well as for happiness in the world. texts devoted to interpreting the disciplines, most notably medi- concise chapters, the uninitiated the beginner who wants to learn relationship between the move- cine, reaching an enormous de- can learn about the three sys- about this discipline. ment of the constellations and gree of complexity. tems of the day, the astrology of THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Focus on The Gars

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Merigar West – Everything Started Here

“…Merigar is the source of all the Gars of the Community, all over the world, Merigar is the first, where the Community was born… After that, new Gars and Lings have arisen, all over the world, but everything started here.” (Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, July 2011 during a picnic at Gadeling, the Master’s residence at Merigar West)

he search for the first per- of three colours to serve the Com- manent place for the Com- munity and be responsible for the T munity started in 1980 in continuation of the teaching and Italy, and after visiting sites all the Community, an organisation- over the country, the following al model which is the basis of the year Rinpoche’s students took international Community today. him to Mt. Amiata in the south of The Gonpa or the Temple of Tuscany, where Merigar is today. Great Liberation, the first of its There were several auspicious kind, was constructed in the win- signs on their arrival, and when ter of 1989/90 based entirely on underground steam jets were dis- the vision of Chögyal Namkhai covered under the earth (from an- Norbu, down to the smallest de- cient volcanic activity), Rinpoche tail in its form and decoration. gave the place the Tibetan name The first teaching was given there ‘Merigar’, ‘the place of the ener- in May 1990 by H.H. the 14th Da- The Temple of the Great Liberation in the hills of Tuscany. Photo: L. Gräf gy of the fire mountain’. The first lai Lama, who had been invited Gar was established. by Rinpoche to inaugurate the tute. Midway between the Gonpa Associazone Culturale Comunità Dzogchen The main house had been founding of the Shang Shung In- and Zikhang is the Great Stupa, Merigar West abandoned for years, had no elec- ternational Institute of Tibetan a reliquary monument represent- Loc. Merigar 58031 Arcidosso (GR), Italy tricity, running water, toilets or Studies, which would later set up ing the Buddha’s illumination Tel.: +39 0564-966837 telephone and conditions there branches worldwide. and intended to promote well- offi[email protected] www.dzogchen.it were very tough. With very little And so from these early be- being and prosperity in the sur-

Merigar West Lings collaboration and cooperation. Austria Yeselling www.yeselling.at The Gars of the International Since Merigar was the first France Dejamling www.association-dzogchen.org Dzogchen Community Gar, it has become a symbol Germany Dargyäling www.dzogchen.de or a model for the other Gars. Spain For example, the Temple of the Canaries Meriling n 1981 the first “Gar” age but open to everyone with a Great Liberation that was con- Barcelona Kundusling www.dzogchen.es in the international well-defined function in the local structed there in 1991 accord- UK Kunselling www.dzogchencommunity.org IDzogchen Community community. Life there was based ing to the vision and idea of Italy was established in the hills on the well-organised, healthy Rinpoche has become a model Bari Kunkyhabling [email protected] of Tuscany, Italy – Meri - principles of traditional Tibetan for other meditation halls at Brescia Kunsalling www.dzogchenbrescia.it gar. Its name and its princi- society. Even during the years of different gars of the Dzogchen Bologna Desalling www.desalling.org ple was based on Nyagla Gar, revolutionary idealism in China, Community. Milan Dribselling www.dzogchenmilano.it or Khamdogar as it is known during an inspection, Nyagla Gar The international Dzogchen Naples Namdeling www.dzogchennapoli.org today, the place of Chögyal was found to be a paragon of so- Gars include Merigar – Meri- Rome Zhenphenling www.zhenphenling.it Namkhai Norbu’s root master, cialist infrastructure. gar West in Italy and Merigar Termoli Adzamling www.adzamling.it Changchub Dorje. “What is a This was the model on which East in Romania – in Europe; Venice Gyamtsholing www.dzogchenvenezia.net gar? A nomads’ camp, a tem- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu chose Tsegyalgar East in Massachu- porary place to stay,” explained to lay the foundations and setts USA and Tsegyalgar West Norbu Rinpoche at the time principles of the international on the West Coast USA & Mex- Merigar was founded. Dzogchen Community as we ico in North America; Tashigar Therefore a gar stands for know it today, which over more North, Venezuela and Tashi- flexible life style, for living based than 30 years of its existence, has gar South, Argentina in South on circumstances and aware- gradually grown from the first America; Namgyalgar South ness to respond to change. In gar in Italy, Merigar, to current- on the south coast of NSW and addition it is a temporary place ly include ten gars spread over Namgyalgar North, mid east of teaching – temporary in terms various continents of our globe – coast of Australia; Kunsan- of humans who are mortal al- Europe, Asia, the Americas and gar South in Crimea, Ukraine though teaching is timeless. Australia. Each Gar is the hub of a and Kunsangar North in Mos- Changchub Dorje was network of smaller centres called cow Russia. Recently Samten- known as a doctor with ex- Lings and meeting points in the ling was established in China traordinary capacities and towns and cities forming a great and, although it is not a gar, Khamdogar, where he lived Mandala that unites the different its growing importance in the with his family and disciples, geographical areas of the world. Chinese speaking world war- was a community based on the There are no hierarchical re- rants its inclusion among the collaboration of them all. The lationships among the different main centres of the Dzogchen gar was not a closed hermit- Gars but more a relationship of Community. Photo: E. Ihilcik money available, Rinpoche and ginnings more than 30 years rounding area, officially inaugu- management of the four main number has grown enormously his students worked shoulder to ago, the abandoned farmhouse rated by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu instructors of Yantra Yoga and over the years and in Italy alone shoulder with pickaxes and shov- and the barren land on the ‘Fire in 1998. The small wood below Vajra Dance in collaboration with there are more than 2500 people els, in the spirit and to the tune of Mountain’ has become a com- the Gonpa has become a place the SSI. The Gar has also been es- who currently attend his retreats. the Merigar song – “There is no plex of beautiful buildings set in for personal retreat with individ- sential in the management and Over the years Merigar West way of being in Merigar without an extensive garden of flowers ual cabins, while the fields and support of the webcasts of the has hosted a number of impor- working! It is really not that easy and tall trees. This rapid growth hills of Merigar are now green Master’s teachings that have been tant events during its 30 year to be here – kali kapore”. and change has created a number with Tuscan cypresses, tall trees, freely available around the world history including the First Inter- The summer of 1982 the first of buildings such Serkhang, the flowering bushes and roses. both in video and audio for sev- national Conference on Tibetan retreat was held in a field of wild Golden House, with the office, From the first Gar the first eral years. It is also the Gar that Medicine in 1983, the Second summer flowers and coloured refectory, shop and accommoda- Lings (smaller centres) started to houses and preserves together International Seminar on Ti- butterflies under a large tent, and tion for the Gekö or custodian; spring up in the larger cities both with the Shang Shung Institute betan Language in 1992. In 1992 the small stupa, the symbol of the Zikhang, the ‘capannone’, which in Italy and in west Europe. These the archive of all the teachings Chögyal Namkhai Norbu taught Gar, was built. Then at Christmas houses the library with an impor- are the city centres with their own and conferences that have been the Dance of the Vajra at Meri- the first Gakyil and Gekö were tant collection of Tibetan texts, Gakyils that organise retreats and given by Chögyal Namkhai Nor- gar for the first time. It is the nominated. Not wanting the Gar the reading room, the Mandala courses in the cities but remain bu. Then, from the handful of place where many Tibetan mas- to be run by a hierarchical system Hall for the Vajra Dance and the linked to their Gar. Merigar co- young students who followed the ters have visited and taught in- Rinpoche set up the first Gakyil offices of the Shang Shung Insti- ordinates the programs and the Master’s teaching in the 70s, the >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Focus on The Gars

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Photo: A. Carp

off really quickly and the build- Asociatia Culturala Comunitatea Dzogchen Merigar East: Longsal Mandala ing was opened to everybody the Merigar East under the Blue Sky year after. On the Longsal symbol 23 August, 907005 Constanta, Romania road three mandala platforms Tel.:+40 755 421389 offi[email protected] www.dzogchen.ro were built and the first solar man- www.facebook.com/DevelopMerigarEast fter 25 years of The first three years the sum- dala was painted. Electricity at www.facebook.com/groups/merigareast/ Rinpoche’s continuous mer retreats with Rinpoche, the the Gar made life here much eas- A teaching, the Dzogchen Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga ier. The office was finally trans- Countries linked to Merigar East: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cro- Community had grown rapidly courses all continued to be held ferred to the barn-house on the atia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Lithu- and there was a need for a new in an enormous white tent in the land and civilization fully took ania, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, place in order to serve the grow- middle of the bare fields. It took over the Gar. Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey. ing interest in his teachings in more than three years to get the Since the Community in Ro- East Europe and extend Merigar necessary permits in order to mania is very small and new, Bulgaria [email protected] www.dzogchen.bg into two Gars – Merigar West and start construction and permit the some support is needed, and ev- Czech Republic [email protected] www.dzogchen.cz Merigar East. Gekö and the administrator to ery year an international Gakyil is Estonia [email protected] www.dzogchen.ee Looking at the maps, a place finally move out of Rinpoche’s formed from the countries linked Greece [email protected] www.dzogchen.gr was pointed out that could pos- house in the nearby village of 23 to Merigar East and relying on the Hungary [email protected] www.dzogchen.hu sibly work well for both East Eu- August to their new house at the support of all Dzogchen Com- Israel [email protected] http://dzogchen.org.il rope and Russia – in Romania. Gar. munity members. Throughout Lithuania [email protected] www.dzogchen.lt Situated very close to the summer The first few winters were the whole year, short weekend Poland [email protected] www.dzogchen.pl resorts of the Black Sea coast, the pretty tough there because while practice retreats are organized Slovakia [email protected] www.dzogchen.sk land was just outside a little vil- summers are very hot the winters and every summer lots of visi- lage called 23 August between can be extremely cold and snowy: tors come from the whole of Eu- from around the country and lo- But this is not the end. Meri- the towns of Constanta and Man- heating with only one stove, rope and Russia for the retreats cal and national officials will be gar East is looking to the future galia in the south-east corner of strong winds blowing through with Rinpoche. Merigar East is invited to the Gar for the inaugu- and continues working on its de- Romania, not far from the Bul- un-isolated walls, snow cover- definitely the place of the Vajra ration ceremony for the Gonpa velopment. We have already cre- garian border. Fabio Andrico ing everything up to the windows Dance: people dance in the Gon- and a big press conference. They ated a project for a multi-purpose came to see the land situated in and no electricity, yet. Following pa, on the outdoor un- will be welcomed by local and Ti- building that will serve as a dor- a vast expanse of sunflower fields Rinpoche’s advice at the time, der the sun, the big blue sky and betan dances and music and will mitory, office, kitchen, restau- and found the place where there the Gekö couple, Greg and Mira, even under the bright full moon! be able to enjoy the interplay of rant and, of course, the shop. was more sky than earth and the did the 24 hour Naggon prac- This year there will be a lot the two cultures as well as tasty At the moment we are working decision was made quickly. tice, which really did its work happening at Merigar East – the dishes from both cuisines. Dur- on all the necessary permits and The land was bought in No- and in less than three weeks the Gonpa will be painted and be ing the program they will watch collecting the funds for the con- vember 2006 and hosted the situation was transformed and decorated internally in Tibetan the Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance struction. The fundraising cam- very first retreat the next sum- we were able to obtain the long style, welcoming Rinpoche for presentations. paign has already started and we mer. In the middle of the sun- needed documents and things the summer retreat in August in This occasion is a great oppor- invite everybody to visit our web- flower fields an object that was started moving once again. its full beauty. The first Stupa of tunity for us to present all the ac- site and the Facebook Page to unrecognizable to the neighbors In 2010 the first trees were the planned two will be built and tivities of Rinpoche and Merigar find more information and give sprung up. Like an UFO, the tent planted and the Gar could wel- consecrated by Rinpoche; the East, to create a connection with us a hand. for the teaching could be spot- come a new period in its life with second will be dedicated to Khy- many people in Romania and ex- May the Longsal Mandala ted from far away, giving shelter the blossoms. Giovanni Boni entse Yeshe. press our gratefulness for all the grow and flourish under the to almost 600 people who came became the main architect of all This summer will be some- support we have received from wide Romanian sky and may the to see Rinpoche and to receive the construction work at the Gar. what special for us since right af- the local people in all these years Dzogchen teachings bring happi- Dzogchen teachings. The construction of Gonpa took ter the Master’s retreat the press of the Gar’s existence. ness to many sentient beings!

>> continued from previous page In the summer of 2011 the Gar turning point in the integration cluding the late Penor Rinpoche, celebrated its thirtieth anniver- and acceptance of Merigar with- H.H. Trizin, the 12th Tai sary with a great meeting of the in the local environment, which Situpa, the 12th Gyalwang Druk- worldwide Dzogchen Commu- Rinpoche felt to be essential. pa, Sogyal Rinpoche, Lopon Ten- nity as well as the local com- Merigar West, first Gar, where zin Namdak Rinpoche, Tsok Nyi munity of Mount Amiata to cel- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu created Rinpoche, Dorzong Rinpoche, ebrate “the joy of being here”. everything, is at the heart of the Doboom Tulku Rinpoche, Ontul A series of artistic and cultural international Dzogchen Commu- Rinpoche, Ven. Ngawang Gelek events called “Friendship Meet- nity, the perfect Mandala of our Namgyal, the late Trogawa ings” were organised with the lo- Master. Rinpoche, Jetsun Chimed Luding cal and there were and Ayang Rinpoche. three evenings of concerts by lo- The Dzogchen Community cal and international musicians has spread all over the world and dancers as well as exhibitions with the creation of others Gars of Tibetan art and public dem- on each continent. Merigar, how- onstrations of Yantra Yoga and ever, remains the centre, the seed Vajra Dance in each of the three The Merigar West Longsal symbol at sunset from which everything started. villages. This event really was a June 24, 2011. Photo: S. Zivillica THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Focus on The Gars

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All Fine at Kun Sang Gar

unsangar South is one of the youngest Gars in the K Dzogchen Community. It is located in the Crimea, Ukraine, and serves as a Gar for the com- munities of Russia, Ukraine, Be- larus and Latvia.

Location Crimea is a beautiful peninsula on the Black Sea. Its south bank, protected by the mountain range from northern winds, enjoys al- most Mediterranean climate, so winters are quite mild there, usu- ally with very little snow, while summers are quite hot. This was a place of Greek and Roman colonies in ancient times, (Cher- History for Rinpoche’s teaching. It took are no retreat cabins for now, but the program is on-going, and very sonesus being the most well-pre- This project to found a Gar in place in a very large white round there are plans to build them. often something is going on. served and famous, located an Crimea started in 2004 on Chög- tent, supported by the concrete Even though the Gar is only in The Gar welcomes any practitio- hour’s drive from the Gar), and yal Namkhai Norbu’s second visit pillars of the future Gonpa. its third year of existence, we have ner who comes to attend the teach- later had settlements of Geno- to the area when he said that the The following year, 2011, we been fortunate enough to host ing in this beautiful place, with the vese, Byzantines, Tatars, Kara- Dzogchen Community should already had a roof and walls. The important events like Santi Maha sun, the sea and mountains. ites – it has always been a multi- have a Gar there. The search for Gonpa was based on the initial Sangha training by Rinpoche and So if you go down the highway cultural place, where everybody the land and funds started, but design of Giovanni Boni, and is a a two-week long Longde practice from to Yalta by car enjoyed to be. There are palaces first a very expensive piece of “sister” of the Merigar East Gonpa retreat with Khyentse Yeshe. An- and suddenly see the golden light of Russian emperors, who used it land was sold before we managed – both built about the same time other Santi Maha Sangha training reflecting in the valley – it’s just as a summer residence, and today to raise the necessary amount of and with the same initial design, is scheduled for 2013. Besides re- the Longsal symbol on the roof of Crimea is probably the most well- money, another piece had some but as each project was adapted treats with Teachers, the Gar also the Kunsangar South Gonpa sig- known seaside resort in Russia or legal complications which made to local conditions, they are more hosts Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga nifying that the Dzogchen Teach- Ukraine. its purchase impossible despite like cousins than like twin sisters. Teacher Trainings, SMS retreats… ing is living in this place. The Gar is located in the long preparations, so it was only In 2012 the Gonpa will be com- south-western part of the penin- 5 years later, at the end of 2009, pletely finished, decorated, paint- Kunsangar South sula, about 40 minutes drive from that these 3.5 hectares of former ed, and inaugurated by Rinpoche. Goncharnoe village, district Sevastopol or 20 minutes from field in a nice mountain valley Sevastopol 99811 Ukraine Laspi bay, which has a lot of sea- were bought – and immediately Life Secretary: [email protected] side hotels. construction work started. But construction work at the Gar Gekö: [email protected] The Gar is close to a small The Gar’s real birthday can will not stop with that – a Gekö’s www.kunsangar.org village called Goncharne. It is be considered 27th of May 2010, house is being built, and a cafe- located in a mountain valley, when Khyentse Yeshe and a group teria and a dormitory will be the Biggest lings (with over 70 members): surrounded in all directions by of students laid the precious vase, next steps. Russia peaks. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu made and empowered by Chög- Besides constructing build- Moscow Rinchenling [email protected] compared this valley to a chakra, yal Namkhai Norbu, in the foun- ings, there are works going on to Vladivostok Kunsanling [email protected] with each peak related to a spoke dation of the Gonpa. In the fol- make the Gar as comfortable as St. Petersburg Sangyeling [email protected] in the wheel. The Gar, natural- lowing days Khyentse Yeshe gave possible. Trees have been planted Buryatia Kundrolling [email protected] ly, is located at the center of the a retreat on Chod, and life at the that, in some years, will be able to Ukraine chakra. Gar began. A few months later, in provide welcome shade in sum- Kiev Tashiling [email protected] summer 2010, almost a thousand mer, the camping site will have a Kharkov Karmaling [email protected] people came to Kunsangar South proper canteen and so on. There Donetsk Phuntsokling [email protected]

took several years and great deal Three Seasons of of help from the international Kunsangar North Dzogchen community to collect money; meanwhile a group of enthusiasts was looking for suit- Elena Herz able land. In autumn 1998 they found a former children’s holiday here are many ways to center 70 km from Moscow, in a explain what Kunsan- very beautiful place, 12 hectares T gar North is. It’s a piece of pine forest with several build- of beautiful pine forest near the ings, a big canteen and all utility river, just 1 hour from Moscow. systems – and by a strange com- It’s a welcoming, safe and com- bination of circumstances the fortable venue for personal and Community purchased it for an collective retreats all year round. extremely low price. The new Gar It’s the organization that suc- received the name of Kunsangar cessfully collaborates with dif- from Rinpoche – the Gar of Great ferent Buddhist sanghas and Perfection. It was supposed to be other spiritual traditions. It’s the the Gar not only for Russia, but The Kunsangar North Vajra Hall and Sangkhang with one of the dormitories on the left. Photo: B. Busorgin only Dzogchen Gar which suc- for all former USSR countries and ceeded in paying its own way. for all of Eastern Europe. many courses with international Palden Sherab Rinpoche and munity to support such a big ter- It’s a unique place with an uneasy The first retreat with Rinpoche and local Dzogchen Community Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, ritory all year round, and there history full of big merits, big ob- took place at Kunsangar in July instructors of SMS, Yantra Yoga Nyichang Kantrul Rinpoche. All were also problems of a legal na- stacles and big lessons. 1999 – it was first presentation of and Vajra Dance, seminars on this time Kunsangar was coor- ture, which, in 2003, even did not the Longde teaching, and there Tibetan medicine and thangka dinating all the activities of the allow for retreats with Rinpoche Season 1: Kunsangar (1998–2005) were about 1200 people from painting and collective retreats of Russian-speaking Dzogchen there. So Chögyal Namkhai Nor- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu start- all over Russia and the ex-USSR. Dzogchen practices. Due to col- Community, and at the Gar itself bu decided to close Kunsangar, ed to visit Russia in 1992. The In May-June 2001 there was one laboration with other Dharma- construction and repairs contin- and in 2006 it was sold to an- number of people interested in more big retreat with Rinpoche centers, some important Vajra- ued so that facilities were getting other owner. The same year at the the Dzogchen teaching was so and SMS exams and trainings yana teachings and initiations more and more comfortable. suggestion of Khyentse Yeshe a huge there that Rinpoche decid- from the Base up to the 3rd level. were granted there by such mas- However it was very expensive Gakyil was elected for the Rus- ed to open a new gar in Russia. It Over several years there were also ters as Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, for the Russian Dzogchen Com- >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Focus on The Gars

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Lings in the Asia-Pacific Region Samtenling – The “Virtual Ling” China Samtenling Contact: Wesley Guo Becomes Concrete [email protected] Japan Munselling Contact: Keigo Yoneda he Chinese World did not [email protected] know much about Chögyal [email protected] TNamkhai Norbu Rinpoche http://dzogchencommunity.jp until the existence of Samtenling, China. There were 3 books trans- Singapore Namdrolling Contact: KC Ong lated and published before Sam- titad@pacific.net.sg tenling: ‘The Crystal and the Way [email protected] of Light’, ‘Dzogchen’ and ‘Yantra www.atiyoga.org Yoga’. But the majority of the Chi- nese circle of Dzogchen or Bud- Taiwan Gephelling Contact: Harry Mao dhist teachings only saw a few [email protected] chapters from these books. http://tw.streetvoice.com/users/chnn/ Wes Guo started to translate Rinpoche’s webcast teachings in 2006. At the beginning only a students (including about 250 among whom there are over 10 tra Yoga teacher, and Wes Guo already got an infrastructure to few people listened to them and members of the Dzogchen Com- students who do Vajra Dance and has become both a Vajra Dance build a 270 square meter Gonpa, then a QQ group (the largest on- munity) all over China. Many Yantra Yoga collective practices and SMS teacher. They have been many rooms and a few apart- line community software in the students from the whole Chi- almost every week. doing many courses all over the ments. Ideally it can hold teach- world) was established by Wes nese-speaking world, including Wes Guo has translated over big cities in China and also out- ing retreats for over 500 people. Guo after which Yeshi Namkhai Taiwan, Singapore and other 95 % of all the webcast teaching side the mainland, such as Tai- China is still not very free for re- Rinpoche added him as a trans- countries, have joined our on- sessions given by Rinpoche since pei and Hongkong. Over 200 ligious practice, but we do it in lator in the Teamspeak system. line community to use our web- August 2008, and Wilson Wei students have participated these terms of Yoga and a retreat cen- Kengleck from Singapore pro- cast translation platform and all has also contributed to this im- courses and obviously it has been ter, which is quite acceptable and posed to Chögyal Namkhai Nor- the translated materials of Chö- portant work. And with the help a significant tool to spread the understandable to the locals. The bu Rinpoche to have a “virtual gyal Namkhai Norbu. We have a of many volunteers for the tran- Dzogchen teachings of Chög- refurbishment will start soon Ling” in China, and this was ap- translation team of 4 people in- scriptions, we have transcribed yal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, while we are busy preparing for proved by Rinpoche. cluding English-Chinese trans- and proofread almost all the we- because Dance and Yoga do not the Hongkong Retreat May 16– Samtenling was named by lators Tracy Ni, Wilson Wei, bcast sessions by Chögyal Nam- seem so religious and the way of 20, 2012! Rinpoche on November 1st, Wes Guo, and Tibetan translator khai Norbu Rinpoche and some the movements related to con- We also successfully regis- 2008. In the beginning we were Yungzhun Jalwa. Over 60 items, of Yeshi Namkai Rinpoche. The templation attracts a lot of people tered the Dzogchen Community only based on Internet, using an including books, DVDs and CDs total amount of transcription has who are interested in Dzogchen. Samtenling in March 2012 with online software called QQ (allow- by Rinpoche have been translat- now added up to over 10 million During most courses, we have ex- the Hongkong government and ing real-time communication, ed from English to Chinese. This Chinese characters! plained how to do practices such in early April it should be able to file uploading and download- is 20 times more than what has Another remarkable thing as Tuns, Ganapujas, especially function normally! ing – we put all the translated been translated into Chinese over Samtenling has achieved is that Guru Yoga, and other Rinpoche has mentioned items into electronic form to en- the past 30 years! we have had our own Yantra Yoga, frequently mentioned practices. many times that he dreamed of able downloading), combined Samtenling is nor “virtual” Vajra Dance and SMS teachers In December 2011, Samtenling a lot of great manifestations of with a video chatroom where we anymore! There have been regu- within a relatively short period – purchased its own land with the Dzogchen teachings in China. could webcast Rinpoche’s web- lar collective practices since 2009 3 years, of course this happened ambition to build a big retreat We sincerely hope we can con- cast teaching with simultaneous in cities such as Beijing, Shang- due to special circumstances in and teaching center. It is located tribute more to this great picture, translation. hai, Liuzhou, Yinchuan etc. For China and the urgent need of the in Yichun, Jiangxi Province, in which we believe is very impor- Samtenling is now over 3 years example, in Beijing there are Chinese people. Tracy Ni has be- the central-east part of China. tant to this world. old and there are more than 600 about 60 students of Rinpoche, come both a Vajra Dance and Yan- It is about 8 acres wide and has

>> continued from previous page name – Kunphenling – “land that ism and Qi Gong, teachings of Season 3: Kunsangar North dzin Changchub Dorje. He is sian-speaking countries to co- brings benefit to all”. Osho and Gurdjiev, various kinds (2011 and onwards) also planning to give teaching ordinate Dzogchen Community The place was perfect for this of yoga, health-improvement and After some years Kunphenling there in July 2012 and in Summer activities in the absence of a Gar. kind of activity: clean and lovely psychological techniques, creative was already totally self-supported 2013. Current activities at Kun- area, convenient location, vast development etc. Being the only and all legal affairs were solved, sangar North are coordinated by Buddhist retreat center in the Mos- too. So at the end of 2010 Chögyal a Gakyil in cooperation with the cow region and the biggest one in Namkhai Norbu, at the request Moscow Dzogchen Community the European part of Russia, Kun- of the Kunphenling administra- ling, Rinchenling. It traditionally phenling became a significant tion, gave this place the status holds regular retreats of SMS, YY part of Buddhist culture in Russia. of a Dzogchen Community Gar and VD with DC instructors and There were gifted teachings and again. He named it Kunsangar teachers, webcasts of Chögyal initiations by such mighty Bud- North (in distinction from Kun- Namkhai Norbu’s Teachings, dhist masters as H.H. sangar South which opened in calendar ganapujas, collective re- Rinpoche, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, Crimea in early 2010 and is now treats and VD practice. Dzongsar Kyentse Rinpoche, functioning as a coordinating At the same time Kunphenling Ganteng Tulku Rinpoche, center of the Russian-speaking still exists as a part of Kunsangar H.E. Namkha Drimed Rabjam Dzogchen Community). North, inviting Buddhist masters Rinpoche, H.H. Khalkha IX Jetsun The Gar’s new history start- and collaborating with various Dampa Rinpoche, Ayang Tulku ed in January 2011 when Khy- spiritual traditions. Such a sym- Rinpoche, Garchen Rinpoche, entse Yeshe gave two retreats of biosis is a brand new experience Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, Ran- Semde and Longde teachings for the Dzogchen Community, grig Dordje Rinpoche, Karti Lac- there, with several hundred par- and it is still hard to forecast what hung Rinpoche, Gyetrul Djigme ticipants. In April 2011 Chögyal will be in the future. But anyway, Rinpoche, Odzer Rinpoche, Pema Namkhai Norbu arrived there this place is still alive and going Yantra Yoga with Fabio Andrico, 2001. Dorje Rinpoche, Karma Punt- for the first time after a 10 year on to be a part of Russian DC life sog Rinpoche, Drikung Ontul break and presented a teaching – with all its merits, obstacles and Season 2: Kunphenling (2006–2010) territory with all facilities (sev- Rinpoche and many others. At the on Tibetan medicine according lessons. And this story is worthy The new owner and the man- eral halls of different sizes, a same time Kunphenling kept in to the root text-terma of Rig- to be continued. agement of the former Kunsan- big canteen, a swimming pool, touch with the Moscow DC, which gar were Rinpoche’s students, rooms for 200 people, power- was organizing courses with in- too. They opened a retreat cen- ful technical basis, Internet etc.) structors in Vajra Dance, Yantra Kunsangar North ter there where not only the in combination with a Teaching Yoga and SMS there. In April 2008 Moskow region, Pavlov Posad, Bolshie Dvory Dzogchen Community but all background and “spiritual” at- Khyentse Yeshe gave Dzogchen GoogleMap: http://g.co/maps/58kbh Buddhist schools and spiritual mosphere made it unique and very teaching there for the first time. Tel. +7(985)769-18-52, +7(916)213-97-50 traditions could organize their attractive. Very soon Kunphenling [email protected] events. Rinpoche approved this became a highly popular venue Skype: kunphenling idea and gave this place a new for events related to Tibetan Bud- Website in Russian: http://kunphenling.ru dhism, Zen and Theravada, Tao- Webpage in English: http://kunsangar.org/en/severnyj-kunsangar THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Focus on The Gars

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Namgyalgar South The Mother Gar in Australia

amgyalgar South is on the south coast of New NSouth Wales, Australia, near the small village of Tilba Til- ba, about 370kms south of Syd- ney and 670kms north of Mel- bourne. It can be reached by car, bus or plane from these 2 cities or from Canberra, 270 kms away.

The 62 hectares of Namgyalgar Namgyalgar South is important South is on the slopes of Gula- Each and every one of our Mas- for SMS and offers a Scholarship ga mountain, sacred to the Yuin ter’s retreats have been joyous oc- which enables SMS students at Aboriginal people. High on the casions, although we usually are Level One or higher to deepen slopes of the property the Guard- inundated with unseasonal rain, their study and practice. The fa- ian Rock of Gulaga overlooks the a little difficult for the campers! cilities are ideally suited for per- gar. Natural vegetation, a running We always enjoy Losar celebra- sonal retreat and for smaller stream, native wildlife including tions with practice and games. group retreats, utilizing the quiet wallabies, wombats, goannas We visit the beach, and dive into surrounds for sessions of out- and many birds, and spectacular the ocean waves and swim like door practice when the weather views of forests, mountains, sea fishes, seals and whales, integrat- is fine. Members are indeed for- and lakes provide a wonderful ing with the different elements. tunate to be able to do both light place for retreat, and karma yoga. and dark retreat in a secluded, There are several beaches in the ries and some caravan accommo- In 1996, when Gawaling was be- Namgyalgar encompasses the peaceful environment. Our first area, so relaxing on the beach is dation. There are 65 campsites ing built, Sogyal Rinpoche vis- region of Oceania, with mem- SMS Scholarship recipients were 20 minutes drive away, as is Na- tucked amongst the gum trees, ited, spending the day enjoying bers from Australia, Papua New 3 young Tibetan refugees from rooma with supermarkets, banks used during retreats. All electri- lunch and conversation with Guinea, New Zealand, Noumea, Nepal. Since then we have had 3 and other facilities. cal power is provided by solar Chögyal Namkhai Norbu (‘Bal- Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australian SMS scholarship hold- energy, and water is fresh from ancing on Beams and Balancing Japan, Hong Kong, and Cambo- ers and another 2 international The Gar has a rustic Gonpa, with rainwater tanks and a mountain the Elements’ The Mirror. April/ dia. Several new Lings are devel- recipients. a Vajra Dance mandala painted spring. May 1996, Issue No 35). These oping in the Asia region. With on the polished wooden floor, a two Masters had first re-met in this expansion the International Namgyalgar’s expansion and proj- Reference Library with all of our Chögyal Namkhai Norbu first their adult life at Mullumbimby, Community is transitioning to a ect focus at present is 1,400 kms Master’s published teachings, came to Australia early in 1985, NSW, Australia in 1985, when Chinese-speaking gar. to the North in the Glasshouse and a small borrowing library. with the intention of creating a both visited Australia for the first Mountains, Queensland (Inau- Nestling in the slopes overlook- gar. It was ten years before that time. We have benefited greatly from gural retreat March 2012). Nam- ing the Gar is Rinpoche’s house vision was realized. The land for the courses with the four in- gyalgar South is now adequately ‘Gawaling’, and below it beside Namgyalgar was found in 1994 During the Easter retreat, 1996, ternational Yantra Yoga & Vajra equipped with facilities, with a the road is the Sangkhang, on a and the Inaugural retreat with a local Yuin elder and the Doo- Dance teachers, and SMS retreats few projects to receive finishing flat grassy area. Tsamkhang #1, our Master was held over Xmas nooch Dancers visited, perform- with Jim Valby. We are fortunate touches and continual mainte- for light retreat is not far away, and New Year 1995/1996. The ing traditional dances and songs to have four SMS teachers of the nance the focus of our Karma while further up the slopes in first Santi Maha Sangha Base for Rinpoche and retreatants (re- Base Level, who conduct regular yoga. a quiet, well-hidden location is exam was held in March 1996. ported in the Mirror issue 35). SMS retreats at Namgyalgar and Tsamkhang #2 for dark retreat. Since then several SMS exams Another respected elder who has in the regions. We have several * Aboriginal people request that we do not use There is also a small shelter high and Retreats from Level 1 Train- also passed frequently visited local Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance the names of those who have passed. on the mountain, with wide spa- ing to level 3 Training have been Rinpoche.* He was with us all teachers, with others training to cious views. Other facilities in- held, occasions when many Vajra when we welcomed in the new take on these responsibilities Namgyalgar South clude a well-appointed modern kin from all over the world have Millenium, as were many people within our Community. The sure P.O. Box 14 Central Tilba, NSW, kitchen, a primitive camping come. from all over the world. Wonder- and steady growth of our com- 2546 ground with showers and com- ful performances, fireworks and munity is a testament to the dedi- [email protected] posting toilets, 2 small dormito- fire twirling entertained us. cation of all our practitioners. www.dgzogchen.org.au

Namgyalgar North Paradise of the North, the Glasshouse Mountain Gar

Julian King-Salter

e have just had the first retreat with Rinpoche Wat Namgyalgar North. Lucy Wainwright digging the hole for burying a vase below the centre of the Gonpa-to-be. The Development Application with the Council had not yet been maybe it will be a Stupa on this Australia would be there – but it Rinpoche deciding the site for the Gonpa February, 2011. passed, so we had an Event Per- place!). was not to be. Yet Rinpoche has mit. One of the sheds was trans- In one sense, this first retreat always said that even though the year, during a retreat at Tashigar landscape and the mountains, formed into a very nice tempo- marks the beginning of the new early need was for a Gar between Sur, Rinpoche asked an Austra- and said, “Our people would be rary Gonpa, and with a Marquee Gar. Melbourne and Sydney, one day lian student living on the Sun- very happy in this valley – and if extension this was enough for But the roots go further back there would be a northern Gar, shine Coast to look for property they are not, it would not be the the 120–140 participants! This in time. (and maybe also one in the west)! in that area. fault of the mountains!” will remain the temporary Gonpa Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s So in 1997 Rinpoche gave Again in 1999 he gave teach- But at that time, the Commu- until one day we have a perma- first retreat in Australia was near weekend teachings in Brisbane, ings in Brisbane, and went to look nity of Namgyalgar was strug- nent one; just after the closing Mullumbimby, on the Far North and was taken on a trip to Noosa at property in the mountains, to gling even to maintain the one of the retreat, a vase prepared by Coast of New South Wales, in on the Sunshine Coast – driving establish a northern Gar. At the Gar on the South coast – it was Rinpoche was buried in the cen- 1985. At that time, there was even through the Glasshouse Moun- Glasshouse Mountains Lookout, not possible to take on another. tre of the future Gonpa site (or a possibility that the first Gar in tains on the way. The following Rinpoche looked out over the >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Focus on The Gars

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Tsegyalgar East The First Gar in North America Marilyn McArthur

segyalgar (East) found- ed by Chögyal Namkhai T Norbu in 1982 is locat- ed in Conway Massachusetts, a hilltown village that lies above the Connecticut River as it flows from Canada through New Eng- land to Long Island Sound. The story has it that as Rinpoche trav- eled for the first time across the Rinpoche teaching at Khandroling in 1992. Ganapuja under the Vajra Hall with Costantino Albini in 2010. Photo: P. Barry Connecticut River at the town of Deerfield, he sensed intuitively in the middle, were eventually offers a view of stunning beauty schoolhouse includes a dormito- born on the hill. Lyon possessed what few could know without driven away, even as some Eng- across a wide and fertile valley. ry, a Gonpa with two Vajra Dance a prodigious mind from an early consulting history books, that lish settlers were taken captive The highlands above the valley Mandalas, U.S. headquarters of age. She went on to found Mount this place of great beauty has to Canada. To this day, French, have always offered haven from the Shang Shung Institute, and Holyoke College, the first in- the residence of the director of stitution of higher learning for the Tibetan Medicine program. women, and become a champion The Gar hosts many courses of education for girls and wom- with senior resident and visit- en worldwide. From the base of ing teachers in Yantra Yoga, Vajra Khandroling, we can walk a short Dance, and Santi Maha Sangha. way to see her birthplace. In later Since 1982 many community years she would remember “that members have made their home wild, romantic farm; made, one in Conway and nearby towns. would think, more to feast the soul The forest beyond Con- than to feed the body …[and] .. the way is known as Buckland, so top of the hill, crowned by its named because the deer (or high, rolling rock, ever inviting bucks) and other wildlife are so the enterprise of each aspiring plentiful there. In Buckland in heart. Every one was amply re- 1989 the community purchased paid who would climb that steep Khandroling, “Land of Daki- hill, and ascend that high rock.” nis.” Through the clarity of his And so it remains today. On dreams, Rinpoche received many top of that same hill, now we Treasures there, including the build a Vajra Hall, the first Uni- Dance of the Vajra. According to versal Mandala for Vajra Dance. The Retreat on Khandroling in 1990 with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Photo: V. Maikov Rinpoche, in six days of practice The year 2013, the 30th anniver- on this powerful land it is possi- sary of the founding of Tsegyal- seen great suffering. Indian, and English descendents the struggles below. The road ble to realize what would take six gar, will see the completion of Around the year 1704, Europe- gather at Deerfield to commem- Rinpoche traveled continues up- months elsewhere. this great work and the inaugura- an empires were fighting for con- orate the sorrowful events. The hill to Conway, where the com- Earlier stories also reveal the tion of the Vajra Hall. In prepara- trol of the border lands between bridge where Rinpoche sensed munity bought an old school- land as a powerful place. We tion for that event, the develop- New France and New England. negative influences paradoxically house in 1994, which is still to- know that in the year 1797 the ment of Khandroling continues. The native inhabitants, caught day the seat of Tsegyalgar. The great educator Mary Lyon was >> continued on the following page

>> continued from previous page Instead, a house was bought for Rinpoche on a hill above Caloun- dra, looking across at the moun- tains and immersed in their posi- tive energy. On each following visit to Australia, Rinpoche taught one retreat in the Glasshouse Moun- tains region, at Ewen Maddock Dam, beginning with the Man- darava Tsalung retreat in 2003. At that time, he asked the Gakyil to start putting money aside for a northern Gar. On his return in 2009, almost as soon as he set Photo: G. Horner foot in Australia, Rinpoche asked to view properties in the moun- Two peaks were visible from Namgyalgar Incorporated be- Namgyalgar North tains, even while giving teach- the house, and later we found came the owner of the property Location: In the Glasshouse Mountains, on the Sunshine Coast of ings at Ewen Maddock Dam. The that all the main peaks are visible originally chosen by our Mas- Queensland, one hour north of Brisbane, half way up the east coast of main criteria – to have mains from the high point of the land. ter, for $ 980,000, with a loan of Australia. power, a view of the mountains, Asking price – 1.15 million Aus- $ 780,000 secured on both Gars. Physical address: 206 Glasshouse-Woodford Road, Glasshouse Moun- and be near enough to the coast. tralian dollars! Despite serious obstacles, tains, Queensland 4518 He was taken to 6 or 7 proper- Rinpoche announced at the Rinpoche returned to teach at Postal address: Dzogchen Community of Namgyalgar North, PO Box 307, ties, up on the range looking retreat that he had found a place, Ewen Maddock in early 2011, and Glasshouse Mountains, QLD 4518, Australia back at the volcanic plugs which and at first it seemed there was a at Losar 2011, he led the Manda- are the Glasshouse Mountains, donor who would buy and donate rava practice in webcast in a room Geko: Naomi Tsubaki dancingfl[email protected] and then right in the heart of the the property, the Gakyil need not at the new Gar, with 30 people Website: new website in formation. group. He didn’t always get out worry! Everyone rejoiced! present, and one year later the Currently has page on Namgyalgar website, www.dzogchen.org.au/ of the car, checking the energy of But we are in samsara! The first full length retreat was held index.php?page=namgyalgarnorth each place in his own way. Then, donor evaporated, and the Gaky- here – which is where our story Lings: none as yet within a short distance from the il decided to take up the chal- began! Glasshouse Lookout where he lenge to raise the money to buy Dzogchen Community in New Zealand had been some years before, the the property. Nearly two years Contact : Gabrielle Kearney party arrived at the property we later, on Christmas Eve 2010, [email protected] now own. the Dzogchen Community of www.dzogchen.org.nz THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Focus on The Gars

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Retreat with Khyentse Yeshe.

serve this very special natural en- from November to May. Visitors Tsegyalgar West invites every- vironment for spiritual practice. here are very international, com- one interested to special retreats, The land of the Gar was specifi- ing from Canada, Mexico, North practices and introductory talks. cally indicated by Chögyal Nam- America, Europe, Russia, South Please see schedule of events or khai Norbu as a special place for America and few from ASIA. the web site www.tsegyalgarwest medium and long retreats for .org for more information. Baja Ca Sur, Mexico – practitioners, especially Rushen and Longde practices. Tsegyalgar West Lings & Groups Home of Tsegyalgar West The future program is to im- prove the logistic conditions Tsegyalgar West Retreat Center aja Ca Sur, Mexico is the ful and wild 3,000 acre land has for all kinds of retreats, to of- San Jose del Cabo, BCS Mexico home of Tsegyalgar West, natural springs, granite boul- fer several principal events each twestoffi[email protected] www.tsegyalgarwest.org Bsituated on Los Naranjos ders, grand vistas and deep quiet year of group retreat, and to http://bajagar.blogspot.mx Road in the San Jose Mountains. for retreat. There are 14 casitas have ongoing presence of Santi The beautiful ranch was given available for sleeping and a nice Maha Sangha study and practice. Mexico to the International Dzogchen camping area with bathhouses. Rinpoche and Khyentse Yeshe Mexico City Pelzomling [email protected] Community in 2003. Since then Many good spots exist in the nat- have started to work with the lo- USA we have been offering teachings ural environment for personal re- cal Gakyil to develop and estab- Berkeley Dondrup Ling [email protected] in Yoga Yantra, The Dance of the treat. In addition there is a Vajra lish conditions and services for Los Angeles [email protected] Vajra, Mandarava, Chod as well Dance mandala platform with a more long term personal retreats Tepostlan D. Winkler, H. Schorr [email protected] as Santi Maha Sangha study/prac- palapa (thatched palm) roof, a for practitioners. Both of them New Mexico Julia Deisler [email protected] tice and Dzogchen pure aware- communal kitchen for group re- have given Dzogchen retreats at Portland [email protected] ness practices. treats, solar electricity, a big open the Gar. Seattle D. Winkler, H. Schorr [email protected] Tsegyalgar West, in the moun- courtyard and many hiking trails. Several instructors from our www.dzogchenseattle.org tains near San Jose del Cabo is a Our mission is to preserve the Community are regularly invited Hawaii rustic retreat center. This beauti- Dzogchen teachings and to pre- for retreats in the winter season, Hawaii [email protected]

>> continued from previous page terma connected to the Yangti to join in the preparations lead- Tsegyalgar East Its 220 acres of hills, streams, teachings. With karma yoga the ing up to the Vajra Hall inaugura- P.O. Box 479 18 Schoolhouse Rd. Conway, MA 01341 USA pond, meadow, field and forest community recently completed tion and retreat in 2013. Conway Phone: 413-369-4153 Fax: 413-369-4473 offer members several personal renovation of a farm house for is 190 miles north of New York Secretary: [email protected] retreat cabins, including a guard- Rinpoche and his family, and the City, and 120 miles west of Bos- Gekö: [email protected] ian cabin, a stupa, and a bath- community. ton. The nearest airport is Brad- www.tsegyalgar.org house for retreatants and camp- This year Khandroling will ley International near Hartford, ers. A dance mandala has been in host its first annual three-month Connecticut, 50 miles to the Kundrolling the sunshine by the pond since summer encampment on the south. Train or bus can bring you Dzogchen Community of New York the day Rinpoche first sketched land. Please visit our website closer to Conway, but not all the 151 West 30th Street, 4th Fl.New York, NY 10001 his dream on the rough plat- www.tsegyalgar.org for a more way. For travel instructions and Hot Line: 212-564-1024 form there. On a nearby property complete description and appli- local accommodations, see the [email protected] there is the dark Retreat Cabin cation. All are invited to the July July Retreat Information on the www.nydzogchen.com where Rinpoche received further 2012 retreat with Rinpoche, and Tsegyalgar website.

reintroduced to the teachings and humanity in general, I try and do What Does continue one’s practice. the best I can. Tsegyalgar Mean to In order for this to happen there needs to be “this place.” Where is Tsegyalgar now? Me Personally? So I have committed myself to do Like a flower what I can within my capacity and waiting for the rain Joe Zurylo because of very favorable causes. the sun to shine With the help of those close to its petals to open his is a little difficult to me, I have been able to spend the explain, but I will do my summer months at Khandroling T best to share my view. Tse- trying to make something for the gyalgar (East) to me is an integral future. For sure the teachings can part of right place and the famous exist anywhere and anytime, but right time. Three years ago, when because we are human we live in I turned 60, it became all too ap- time and we live in a place where parent that my time here and now we are fortunate and that isn’t Af- was getting short. Thinking like ghanistan or Sub-Sahara Africa. this and knowing very well that We live in a place were the teach- there is no way of knowing what ings are spoken. So this place can happen when you die, I felt Tsegyalgar is very important like strongly that maybe it would be a repository of the teachings for best if there was a place to come us to be able to continue. For all Nary Mitchell (left) and Joe Zurylo at the site of back to, a place that one can be those that share this view and for the Vajra Hall on Khandroling. Photo: J. Gens THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Focus on The Gars

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Tashigar North, The Island Paradise

ashigar Norte is located in Venezuela on the island T of Margarita, one of the southernmost islands of the Ca- ribbean. The project of having a Gar in Venezuela began at the end of 1998 when Rinpoche wanted to develop something linked to Tashigar Sur, but in the northern part of South America. Specifi- cally, he wanted something on the Caribbean coast close to an Paintings in the gonpa by Migmar Tsering. airport.

In March 2002 the Community purchased 30 hectares of land and the local government ap- proved the construction of 34 houses together with an agricul- tural project involving the plant- ing of 10 hectares of aloe vera. The land came with a house, a large barn, two wells and two large wa- ter tanks. Two small buildings were gradually transformed into a campers’ kitchen and a storage The main road of Tashigar North. Having fun at Zaragosa beach. area, and a third larger building was transformed into a comedor completely painted the Gonpa shape of the Goma Devi man- she have said that. In fact, Yeshe and kitchen. This is currently the with Tibetan motifs. dala. Five hundred people wit- explained, paradise is not a place Tashigar North place where all the big meals are nessed that. The second drub- with angels, but a place where a served and everyone gathers to The first five years of Tashigar chen of Mandarava and Vajrapani lot of experiences of the practice Diane Campbell play bagchen on Sundays. Norte saw unprecedented growth also took place in Tashigar Norte can occur everyday. Please come and coincided with Rinpoche’s in 2010 and 600 people attended. and see for yourself. ore than ten years ago, The land was paid for by the sale very regular presence. There I met Gilberto and of the 34 lots to individuals who were ten retreats in 2004 and al- There are a number of devoted MMonika at a retreat in then would have the possibility to most every day everyone gath- members who have contributed Tashigar Norte Ling Houston, Texas. Over coffee he build a house and live at the Gar. ered at Zaragosa beach to bath in some way to maintain the Gar Costa Rica introduced the subject of a place People from all over the world with Rinpoche and sing the Song for the future and several projects [email protected] where we could live and practice participated and currently there of Vajra in the ocean. The Ka- have already accomplished. We together. He asked if I would are 22 lots with houses. Some- lachakra teaching and the Man- now have a dormitory that can commit to buy a lot for a house times the owners reside in their darava chudlen were also high- house 40 people and a posada for in such a place and before we fin- homes, and at other times dur- lights of that first intensive teach- general visitors. We also have the ished our coffee, I‘d said yes. ing the year, local members of ing year. possibility to offer camping and the community and other people permaculture studies for school Maybe a year later there was the from around the world stay in During the first Dzogchen Com- children on the whole island. first retreat in Playa el Agua at these houses. munity drubchen held at Tashi- Hotel Miragua. A group had gar Norte in 2007, a huge thigle- Tashigar Norte is a paradise and In February 2002 Rinpoche appeared around the sun in the both Rinpoche and Khyentse Ye- >> continued on the following page opened the Gar with the first Teachers training and afterwards transmitted for the first time the Longsal teachings. People came from all over the world and it was Books by a particularly special moment because although there was no   proper Gonpa, no money, and no Gakyil, everything manifested   spontaneously in a very serene atmosphere. Goats appeared be- hind the wall where the teaching was given and Rinpoche hand painted the three statements of U Yantra Yoga Garab Dorje on the walls. The U Dream Yoga and the Gonpa was eventually construct- ed to hold about 300 people and Practice of Natural Light later expanded to double the ca- U Dzogchen Teachings pacity and allow for the building U The Supreme Source of a permanent mandala. Some years later Migmar visited and U Dzogchen: The Self- Perfected State U The Crystal and the Way of Light 

                  !   THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012 Focus on The Gars

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walls surrounding Rinpoche’s Tashigar Sur – the house and other areas of the Gar. “Auspicious Place” Thanks to Rosa Namkhai and her wonderful idea, we construct- ed a children’s park near the main ashigar Sur is one of house and this gave us the chance the Gars for South Amer- to share the joy of being at Tashi- T ica, located in El Duraz- gar with the children. Moreover, no, at the foot of the Giants creating a space for the children mountain range (one of the old- is a concrete step towards the in- est in the world), 5 km from Tanti, tegration of practitioners’ chil- Córdoba in central Argentina. dren at the Gar, a very important The land was bought in 1990, aspect for our Community. In the and the same year the first re- words of Rosa, “Although you treat given by Namkhai Norbu don’t know it yet, they are the fu- Rinpoche at Tashigar Sur was ture of the Community.” held. From that moment up to Finally we bought and planted now, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu about 200 trees of different spe- has given more than 20 retreats cies, fruit trees, carob trees and at this Gar. native herbs. This task was car- From 1997, some practitioners ried out in karma yoga hours that started to build their personal had a large number of practitio- houses or cabins for retreats in a ners willing to work, planting specific big area of the land now and building protection against called “Tashigar Mandala”. ants and horses for each of the Tashigar means “auspicious trees and plants and then taking place”. We think it was given this charge of watering, so that every- name due to several conditions: a Tashigar South Gonpa. thing grows well. landscape of contrasts, with huge Master, thank you for giving rocks, streams, open spaces filled cially to those who wish to un- time. On his arrival we received tioners manifested and allowed us all a chance to enjoy working with trees and birds, all in a place derstand the principles of the him with the first stage of the us to buy the furniture and all the at the sacred place of Tashigar sufficiently isolated from the city Dzogchen teaching. dormitories project completely bedding required to provide true Sur. and perfect for retreats and, at finished. comfort for our guests in order to the same time, close enough to New Projects at Tashigar Sur This stage had been scheduled enjoy the Gar in all seasons. access electricity, water, tele- Last summer, Tashigar Sur had at the request of the Master and We also remodeled the kitch- phone and internet. the joy of having the Master’s consisted of the renovation and en, rebuilt the stairs of the din- There is a main house with presence over a long period of equipping of the new bedrooms ing room and, always under the rooms in which practitioners time when you consider all the and bathroom. Three rooms were supervision of Giovanni Boni, can stay for a few days, a Gonpa parts of the world he travels tire- added to the two existing rooms, changed the roof that was so old (place of meditation and teach- lessly, even though it was ex- two of four beds each and one and had so many problems. We ing) where the teachings are tremely short considering our private for a single person. As also began rebuilding the stone held during retreats, and where wish to have him here all the always, the generosity of practi- practitioners perform Yantra Yoga and Dance of the Vajra. For the Dance, this Gonpa has two mandalas painted on the floor. There is also another ex- Tashigar Sur ternal mandala in the middle of a Phones: 0054-3451-498885/498356 group of huge pine trees. [email protected] The Gar also has an area suit- www.tashigarsur.com able for camping located in a grove of acacia, eucalyp- tus and walnut trees, with bath- Lings belonging to Tashigar Sur rooms and showers with hot wa- Chile: [email protected] ter and a full set of tents during www.dzogchen.cl teaching retreats. There is also Peru: [email protected] a small room with a bath, a little www.dzogchenperu.org apart, for personal retreats. Prac- Buenos Aires: [email protected] tices, study groups and courses Cordoba: [email protected] of explanations are held regu- La Plata: [email protected] larly at the Gar dedicated espe- Main House with new Dormitory.

>> continued from previous page From that rough beginning a dev- this incredible place is a salute to gathered with the intention to ilment plan was made, roads and his generosity. make this Gar a reality. sewer and water systems were put in, and work began on one By creating this place we have This land was located and we or two houses. The cow-milking been forced to work together, to visited it together. It was wild barn was cleaned and made into solve problems. We have been al- and untended. What is now the a place where we could gather for lowed to grow and to learn and to Gonpa was an abandoned and teachings – it was not fancy but it practice the essence of Dzogchen very broken cow-milking barn. was well loved. Over time, people in real time, as a family. This has What is now the comedor was a have gravitated to this powerful been and continues to be a price- dirty old chicken house. Another place – to learn, to practice, to less experience for us all. We can place had been for pigs, and there live and to serve the Master. and we must continue to see this were sheep roaming the prop- place thrive. erty. What is now the office was I remember the times we thought a farmhouse and interestingly this was too much to do – but The list of people who have made enough, also a small dormitory. somebody always came through this Gar real is so very long… but You see, this land had been a farm with a plan, some money, some at the top of it and the bottom of that hosted a program to help help. Why? One reason Rinpoche it and everywhere in between, is troubled young people to find and the teachings. Buying the land of Tashigar South. the one name that matters most some healing and peace by being – that of our Teacher – Chögyal in nature. In a way we are con- Some people changed their the land in the early days and place, Dick stepped forward and Namkhai Norbu. tinuing the tradition of the land whole lives and moved here from made the village a eal home for relieved the community of a huge itself, as it is the powerful place far away to be the anchors of a us all. debt. This is something we clear- where our Precious Master has residential community – Gosha, ly cannot repay in money – I can had treasured teachings revealed. Gala, Bodhi, Steve, Michel, Rose- When it was time to consolidate only hope that the existence of mary and Jerri – they moved onto some debts and to fully own this THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

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

Latest News istrative offi ces of the Shang Shung the resolution, it makes it offi cial that present the Dzogchen Community in Summer 2012 retreats & events Institute have moved from Serkhang, Merigar and its Lings can be associated the best way possible to a wider public. During the summer of 2012 there will Report from the Red Gakyil the Golden House, to the fi rst part of since they have the same aims and that: In order to carry through this project be several practice retreats including ver the winter months, a lot Zikhang. · the Lings can contribute effectively to we have chosen Andrea Calbucci as the Mandarava Tsalung with Nina of work was carried out on The project for the ‘cinerarium’, Merigar’s membership campaign; the most suitable person in this fi eld to Robinson, Tara with Costantino Albini, O the internal restructuration of the building that will contain cremated · they can collect membership quotas lead the project. Now we would like to Contemplation with Fabio Risolo and Zikhang, the ‘capannone’. The Library ashes, has been approved and we expect on behalf of Merigar; offer this service to all the Lings that are Yantra Yoga with Laura Evangelisti. that is home to many rare and precious to lay the foundation for this in August · they can transfer the quotas to Merigar; linked to Merigar West, starting with In addition, following the success Tibetan texts was extended and now has of this year. There will be a fund raising · they can keep part of the quotas as a the Italian ones and the senior instruc- of the same event last summer there a new storeroom for books that is much project especially for this project. You contribution and as indicated in the tors so that there will be at least one will be a Yoga Holiday for Adults and bigger and better organised. Part of the can read more details about this and see letter to members; person who will be prepared to present Children July 16–22 at Merigar, a fam- internal restructuration meant the re- the design for the project in the Merigar · the conditions for registering this con- the Community to outsiders during ily event combining Yantra Yoga and moval of the staircase from the Mandala West news in this issue. tribution are precisely defi ned; events when this is required. meditation for both adults and children Hall to the Library and creating new ac- Then in order to start work on re- · the Lings that are associated among Each Ling has the opportunity and as well as different activities involving cess from the Reading Room which is structuring one of the dark retreat cab- themselves will be able to permit their the responsibility to choose a repre- theatre, movement and colours for the situated at the far end of the building. ins we are collecting funds and hope to members to participate in reciprocal sentative to participate in the course children. These changes now leave the Mandala have enough to begin work during the events which should encourage future for free. Each representative in turn At the beginning of September there Room as a completely separate space summer. Shortly there will be a special associations between Lings. will take the responsibility to present will be a fantastic dance competition while the Library and Reading Room are page on the Merigar west website dedi- the Dzogchen Community to outsiders called ‘Merigar Under the Stars’ that connected. cated to this project (www.dzogchen.it). Report from the Blue Gakyil during events in which this is necessary will involve the different Gars in the The Reading Room is currently be- On June 2–3 there will be a course led and for the period of time in which it is Community and will have its fi rst turn ing beautifully decorated in traditional Report from the Yellow Gakyil by Andrea Calbucci. This year, one of the necessary. If possible, we suggest giv- at Merigar West. You can read all about Tibetan style by a group of volunteers An offi cial resolution has been drawn points that our precious Master Chögyal ing this opportunity to young people. this international event in another ar- under the guidance of Migmar. In ad- up that regulates in a fi nancially cor- Namkhai Norbu gave us to follow as the The fi rst course will be in Italian. ticle on this page. dition, the Mandala Hall has also been rect and transparent way the relation- Gakyil of Merigar West was to prepare renovated internally and the admin- ship between Merigar and its Lings. In people to be able to speak about and

The International Dzogchen lumination of the cinerarium will be a Merigar Under the Stars Community Cinerarium glass dome at the top of the building. Project at Merigar West The building will have a small space Merigar Under the Stars” dedicated to individual and collective is a dance competition be- rom the founding of our Com- practice. “tween all the Gars of the Dzogchen munity up to now, many practi- The project for the cinerarium has Community. It is an initiative to encour- F tioners have expressed their wish been approved and we expect to lay the age collaboration among practitio- to be able to have their ashes preserved foundations in August of this year. We ners from different countries through near a place that they loved so much hope to offer the Master the opportu- a joyful and exciting activity, dancing. and where they met the Teaching. nity to inaugurate the small cinerarium Each team should represent a Gar with Merigar Under the Stars it appropriate to appoint a PM, they For this reason, some years ago, with the placing of the fi rst urn during active collaboration between choreog- Organisation of “Merigar Under the Stars”, should fi nd one among themselves or our Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu his next stay at Merigar West. raphers, costume designers and dancers an International dance competition among someone of their choice). expressed his idea of building a small We would like to ask you, if it is pos- of all the countries belonging to the Gar. the members of the Dzogchen Community Art. 4 The costs related to travel to cinerarium in the area of the Gonpa af- sible, to consider giving a small dona- Merigar West will be the Gar host- Merigar West (or the Gar where the ter the passing of several of his disciples tion for this project. There is no limit to ing the fi rst round and the teams that Regulations competition will be held) should be cov- whose ashes were dispersed in those generosity and every little donation will have been randomly selected for this Art. 1 Participants in the competi- ered by the local Gakyil (this means the places at their request. be very welcome. fi rst event are: Merigar West, Merigar tion, in groups of up to a maximum Ling that is sending its representatives) In response to the wishes of our In closing we would like to thank you East, Kunsangar North and Kunsangar of 20 people, should present a dance while Merigar will be in charge of fi nd- Master, the fi rst cinerarium of the In- for reading this and for your support for South. in costume according to the criterion ing accommodation with local people ternational Dzogchen Community will the Community. Congratulations to all the par- of originality, that is, both the dance or in Merigar’s own buildings and will begin and be completed in 2012 in the ticipants! In 2013 another Gar will host and the costumes must be completely provide the main meal (lunch) at a place he has indicated, at the Merigar Yuchen Namkhai & the second round in which the teams invented. The costumes should not be reasonable price (4–5 euro per person). West Gar. the West Merigar Gakyil of the other Gars will be randomly too complicated or expensive but bright Art. 5 A panel of judges will be ap- With this project we would like to selected. During the fi nal round, the and colorful. In particular each Gar will pointed, made up of 4 members chosen honor all those practitioners who, in Banca Popolare Etruria winning teams from each of the be represented by the following colors: from representatives of the Gars not this life, have devoted passion, time Account name: Dzogchen Community previous rounds will compete. The fi - Merigar West base red + yellow participating in the competition. and energy to the development and IBAN: IT68 Y053 9072 1900 0000 0001 718 nal winning team will receive a Spe- Merigar East base red + orange Art. 6 The group/Gar that wins will be preservation of the Teaching. SWIFT/BIC: ARBAIT33126 cial Prize put up by the Master. Kunsangar North base yellow + green determined by votes from the panel of The Small Cinerarium at Merigar Paypal (www.paypal.com) You can read the contest rules below. Kunsangar South base yellow + blue judges. West will be a small building of about [email protected] The fi rst round will take place at Tashigar Norte base green + blue Art. 7 The groups will be selected by lots 50 square meters with a form similar to Merigar West during the Master’s re- Tashigar Sur base green + red for their turn. the symbol of the Mandala. treat (August 31–September 6). Each Tsegyalgar East base white + multicolors Art. 8 The application of the 4 Gars Inside it will be set up with facilities team will present their dance in front of Tsegyalgar West base white + red and yellow should be sent by letter to Merigar West that will be able to contain cinerary a jury made up of representatives from Namgyalgar South base blue + multicolors before April 30th 2012. By July 15th urns and it will be decorated simply the Gars not participating in the com- Namgyalgar North base blue + green 2012 each Gar has to communicate the in Tibetan style.The main source of il- petition. A fi nal vote will establish the Art. 2 The dance can last 15–20 min., duration of its show, the music chosen winner of the 1st round. should be a dance which can be partici- and the stage requirements (must be On the evening of September pated in (to involve the audience!), and simple) of the group. 1st, 2012 there will be celebrations in include various shapes and fi gures, for Art. 9 The prize for the winning Gar will the main square of Arcidosso (by popu- example, circular, rectangular, in pairs be a bonus of 4 courses taught by the lar demand after the success of the 30th or singles. The dance can be of any kind senior instructors lasting 10 days each, anniversary celebrations). During the (including modern), but must be origi- for use in 3 subsequent years. celebrations, the four teams will nal and children and old people should Art. 10 The fi rst competition will be held present their dances in the square of be able to dance it. at Merigar in September 2012 on the oc- Arcidosso, giving the public the op- Art. 3 Each of the 4 groups will be the casion of the visit of our Master and will portunity to actively participate in the result of the collective work of all the be between teams from Merigar West, choreography. For this reason, the Nations of a Gar, and representatives Merigar East, Kunsangar South and dances should be easy to dance by of each Nation must be authorised by Kunsangar North. The following compe- everyone – adults, children and the their local Gakyil. Each Gar invites two titions will be organized by the other Gars elderly – and the rhythm should be representatives (per country) one of that, fi rst of all, should make a request captivating. whom will be in charge of the dance to the Master specifying the period, the A warm welcome to all! and the other in charge of the costumes teams in the competition and the prize. and organizing the event. The resulting Art. 11 The winners of each competition group will coordinate the preparations will compete again, by lots, until the fi - for the show, setting up meetings and nal. The winning team will receive a spe- creating a timeframe.(If they consider cial prize put up by the Master himself. THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

18

Khyentse Yeshe are becoming more and more similar to Easter Teachings each other. The same thing is happen- ing to countries and hence to the same by Matteo Maglietti products that we produce and con- he uniqueness of Khyentse Ye- sume. Even education, produced by ex- she’s Easter retreat at Mergiar ternal infl uences, seems to be an impor- T was evident from the fi rst - tant point. This shapes the way we un- ments when the teacher did not sit on derstand what is being communicated the traditional ‘throne’ as usual, but at to us, through our mind frame, through a white desk that had been brought es- the reference points that we are sure of. pecially for the occasion and placed on Another important point that the mas- the warm fl oor of the Gonpa, right next ter mentioned is how the Dzogchen to a widescreen TV. After he had joked a teaching is appropriate for our times, bit about how the wheeled offi ce chair to contemporary evolution, and it ap- he was sitting on reminded him of the pears that he is concentrating his ef- offi ce, the teacher began by introducing forts to ensure that the teaching and the the fi rst explanation of the main topics community are as much as possible an of the retreat, communication. Focus- integral part of this evolution because ing initially on the difference between everyone can benefi t from it, as Chö- communication and transmission, he gyal Namkhai Norbu often explains. then went on to explain how communi- The teacher brought the retreat to an cation is used by today’s society – now Photo: P. P. Krak end by talking about communication very different from that of decades past again, reminding people that it is im- – which no longer produces according latter, the teacher went on to say, had sponsible for a specifi c action. So the since based on it, we have to learn to portant to know what we are talking to their raw materials, but instead pro- fi rst of all been understood as a col- main point is knowing how to do things. behave, both in our individuality and about, and not to enter into debate for duces knowledge and this consumes. lection of all knowledge in alphabeti- What came through the words of the as a community. Man is evolving, said the sake of it. If we really have to, we During the hours of teaching in the cal order, like an encyclopedia, it has master, in my opinion, was the attempt Khyentse, and many of the limitations should speak about topics related to three-day retreat he mentioned many now undergone a transformation, and to try to explain to students some of the of the past have been abandoned, like our senses that we know about more times words like communication, human knowledge no longer means basic mechanisms of modern society in national boundaries, or, at least in directly. transmission, marketing, education, knowing things, but knowing how to which we ourselves are refl ected, and certain areas of the planet, religious evolution and human knowledge. If the acquire information and become re- how to become aware of how it works, and racial boundaries, and individuals

France Germany Netherlands

New French Gakyil New Gakyil Germany New Gakyil Berlin Dutch Gakyil for the Year Andy Hodge (assistant member & of the Water Dragon collaborator with the Board of Directors) Yellow: Yellow: Yellow: [email protected] Marie-Christine Dauge Heidi Lindner Thomas Eifl er [email protected] Blue: [email protected] Lenka Kroh Anneriet Meijers Secretary: Françoise Casabianca Red: [email protected] Maarten Schoon [email protected] Red: Hannes Strobl [email protected] Annalen Gall (assistant) [email protected] Béatrix Orbeiceta Heike Engerer [email protected] [email protected] Rico Aurich Blue: Dzogchen Community in The Netherlands Jan Böhm [email protected] Red: [email protected] Red: Blue: Ans Swart [email protected] www.dzogchen.nl Jean-Pascal Pillot Günther Frosch Assistant for Red: [email protected] Ilona Makrutzki Christine Strobl Yellow: Cheers! Marie-Madeleine Perez Larissa Katayeva Maarten [email protected] Assistants: Vilma Eiden (yellow), [email protected] [email protected] Gabriela Arnon Viktoria Gershevskaya (red), [email protected] Daniel Kucera, Michael Voigtländer (blue) Spain, Barcelona >> Kundusling Switzerland Blue: Stoffelina Verdonk New Gakyil Kundusling Yellow: Soledad Cañero Sesar New Gakyil [email protected] [email protected] François Leverrier Blue: Ana Paula Sánchez Ferraz Yellow: Patrick Celka [email protected] [email protected] Gakyil Kundusling Red: Jasna Adler Catherine Duez (Director) Dzogchen Community in Spain Blue: Sabine Attenhofer [email protected] Red: Francisco Javier Ruiz [email protected] [email protected] www.dzogchen.es Best regards [email protected] Jasna Adler, red [email protected]

East Merigar East 23 August 907005 phone: 0040 746 26 08 61 Merigar Asociatia Culturala Comunitatea Dzog-Chen Constanta offi [email protected] Romania wwww.dzogchen.ro

Merigar East is looking for the projects, keep things organized, My Reincarnation Screening nation by Jennifer Fox was going to be Dzogchen Teachings. The documentary new Red Gakyil members and communicate with the other Gakyil in Bucharest, Romania screened there. Of course, there were shows the relation between father and members about all aspects of the work no doubts about going there and so off son, student and Teacher so intimately ue to various reasons, the Red and so on. If you have the necessary By Mira Mironova we went. We met the local community and so open that everyone – practitio- Gakyil of Merigar East is in a qualities and can offer your time and n the 17th of March 2012, the and did a Ganapuja at a practitioner’s ner or not – watching it was fi lled with Dweak condition, and we need to energy, please get in touch. As it is anniversary of the great yogini apartment in Bucharest and afterwards a sense of trust and devotion. The fact fi nd new members to take care of the re- quite diffi cult to manage construction OAyu Khandro, a real spring came we all went to the cinema. that such great Dzogchen Masters have sponsibilities. This is especially urgent works from a distance, some visits to to Merigar East: it was above 20° C, The screening took place in Noul shared their private lives with all of us now, as we will soon commence various Romania will be required. We can dis- sunny and very pleasant. In the morn- Cinematograf al Regizorului Roman shows their absolute confi dence in the projects (Gonpa painting, construction cuss the schedule in more detail with ing we had put up the mandala in the (The New Cinema of Romanian Direc- purity and power of the Teachings. of sang khangs and bases of the Stupas) the interested candidates. This is a Gonpa and performed the Vajra Dance tors) which is situated in a very interest- After the screening Jennifer was as well as preparations for the summer very important task, and a great oppor- tun to connect with all the practitioners ing building at the Muzeul Nat¸ional al asked many interesting questions re- retreat at the Gar. At the moment the tunity to contribute in the collaboration worldwide on such an auspicious day. ¸aT˘ranului Român (The Romanian Peas- lated not only to the technical details Gekö is effectively performing the tasks to develop the Gar. If you want to offer And though we were only two people ant Museum). The cinema hall of 340 of fi lming but also to spirituality that of the Red Gakyil (and the administra- your help or check details, please write dancing (the gekö and me), it felt like seats was completely full of visitors. It indicated great potential for the growth tor), but this is of course too much work to [email protected]. all our vajra family was present there. was the third time I had seen the fi lm but of the Community in Romania. for one person, especially when there We hope to hear from you soon! Exactly on this special day there was again and again it touched me so deeply With immense gratitude to Nam- are more activities. We need people With best wishes, Merigar East Gakyil a documentary fi lm festival One World giving me a strong feeling of connec- khai Norbu Rinpoche, Khyentse Yeshe who are able to actively take charge of Romania in Bucharest and My Reincar- tion with our precious Masters and the and special thanks to Jennifer Fox. THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

19

Czech Republic

Losar in Prague a playroom and various workshops for Presentation of the Dzogchen children (painting Buddhas, making Community and Tibetan Buddhism Namkhas, theatre and clowns). and fundraising for ASIA Onlus For hungry and thirsty people there was also a little restaurant with Tibetan by Tereza Starkova, Fijalka Turzikova and Indian food or a nice Tearoom for resting and playing Tibetan games. As he Czech Community is happy to usual we offered tsampa (roasted barley inform you that this year once fl our) sweets with nyongdrol inside. Visi- T again we organized Losar celebra- tors could buy books and many other tions in Prague – Saturday February 25, articles from many dharma-shops. 2012 from afternoon till late night in the The whole event was attended by ancient New Town Hall building. The approximately 700 visitors and we re- Losar event has been a successful proj- ceived some nice feedback. The Czech ect for the public which we have already family every week and collaborate on explanation of the Water Dragon year by press was also present and various been organizing for 7 years. something useful for others! Geshe Nyima Woser, a Tibetan costume newspaper articles and radio interviews The Tibetan Buddhist groups exist- On the main stage we presented a fashion show, a lottery and so on. were published afterwards. ing in Prague are involved and also cultural program for the general public: There was also a huge space for Fundraising for ASIA brought in many organizations supporting Tibetan Tibetan singer Loten Namling (living in specifi c workshops and presentations 1850 euro, which will be sent for the long culture and human rights together with Switzerland), several other music groups of various traditions, in which the distance sponsorship project. We have the Tibetan community living in the (in which practitioners played), a short Dzogchen Community presented Yantra adopted 4 children and one elderly per- Czech Republic. explanation of practice and meditation Yoga, the Vajra Dance, Kunye, Moxa, son from the Losar proceeds since 2005. The Czech Dzogchen Community is a few intensive months of work ahead of for all led by Raffaela Blasi, a short pre- Pagchen and the Game of Liberation. the main organizer of the whole event the event, but it was defi nitely worth it. sentation of ASIA Onlus and its projects The whole event was also designed On behalf of the Losar team every year. Our team with 15 people had How wonderful it is to meet your Vajra by Andrea Dell’Angelo, an astrological for families with children, so there was

Greece Hungary

Hellenic (Greek) Dzogchen Rinpoche in October, and then with- of the gakyil and the Greek community We are also collaborating with The New Gakyil Community Gakyil draw and let the newer members take and has initially created and then main- Shang Shung Institute in organiz- over from then, perhaps with a new tained the account as personal. So if you ing a pre-retreat event one weekend Yellow: By Panayiotis Stambolis, blue gakyil expansion, if necessary. want to get in touch with us, please do before the week of the retreat, about Zoltán Varga The expanded gakyil members are: so through the emails on the offi cial Tibetan Culture, Kunye, Vajra Dance, [email protected] Dear Vajra brothers and sisters. Thanos Svoronos and Vasso Mamali site www.dzogchen.gr Yantra Yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and the fter fi rst informing our precious new blue members, Panayiotis Stambo- We are currently renewing our Dzogchen Teachings, about which we Red: Master about the renewal of the lis old blue, Alexis Agelakopoulos new site, hopefully within 3–4 weeks, and will inform you soon. Despite the cur- Zoltán Erdélyi AGreek Dzogchen Community yellow member, Fani Xenou and Ramos preparing our fi rst announcement for rent crisis, we are preparing in various [email protected] gakyil and receiving his response, we Paridis old yellow, Satori M. Panagop- the retreat to be publicized in Nor- ways and making plans for the retreat, are happy to announce to you that we oulou new red member, Athina Katsile- bunet, and elsewhere. We will soon the development of the Community and Blue: have just had the elections for the new rou and Sofi a Daskaroli old red. decide upon which hall or appropriate Garabling. We are very pleased with our Márton Ganszky gakyil, which is in fact an expansion of On this occasion we would like to hotel preferably by the Athens coast collaboration in the gakyil and the com- [email protected] the previous gakyil by four members, let you know that the email address to choose, since October can be quite munity and looking forward to seeing as we decided, in order for all of us [email protected] does not be- summer-like in Greece, so that those you in Greece in October. The Hungarian Dzogchen Commu- who have been in the previous gakyil to long to the community but to an in- attending the retreat may also enjoy nity’s secretary email address is: assist until the upcoming retreat with dividual who was in the past a member some holidays by the nearby beaches. The Hellenic Dzogchen Comunity Gakyil [email protected]

South Kunsangar South Kunsangar [email protected] http://kunsangar.org

Kunsangar South News We have an intense retreat pro- Visit our website kunsangar.org! gramme this year which, fi rst of all, Contact us at oday the construction of the includes Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s [email protected]! Gonpa is nearly fi nished except teaching from a Terma of Changchub Welcome to Kunsangar South! T for the interior works which are Dorje and Vajra Dance Second Level supposed to be completed in May this Teachers’ training with Adriana Dal year. Then in June we are starting the Borgo and Prima Mai. decoration of the Gonpa under the su- pervision of Migmar who will be com- ing from Merigar West. In addition the Gekö’s house has been completely built and will also house a library and an offi ce with re- ception. Then in May we will begin to Children at Losar Celebration. Photo: T. Vinokhodova build a dark retreat house, one of the fi rst among the Gars in Eastern Europe. will be a special Stupa, fi lled with unique will perform a ritual of putting precious There’s already one Sang Khang for Longsal texts. On its top there will be a relics into the foundation of the Stupa. If Sang practice and one more will be Longsal symbol as well. This will be one you wish to accumulate merits by donat- constructed soon. of the fi rst stupas of this kind in the ing to this amazing Stupa please contact Meanwhile we are establishing world! In fact this summer Rinpoche [email protected]. contact with the local villagers. For example at the end of the winter we organized a Losar celebration for them. It allowed them to get more acquainted www.jcrows.com with Tibetan Culture and the Dzogchen Community – we screened a fi lm about the Community. It was nice entertain- J. Crow’s ® ment for the local children! We have received Rinpoche’s per- Mulling Spice Folk Medicine mission to build a Longsal Stupa at Tibetan Medicine Kunsangar South. This stupa will promote peace, har- SpicedCider.com mony and purify of negativity from all fax or phone: 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 those who come into contact with it. It [email protected] The newly built Gekö’s house with library and offi ce. Photo: T. Vinokhodova THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

20 North Kunsangar North Kunsangar [email protected] http://kunsangar.org

Russia, Izhevsk ing for all sentient beings, not only natural crystals. Practitioners from all encourage the spread of the Dzogchen over the world are helping with fi nding The Dzogchen Community Kungaling in Teaching throughout the region and the the necessary materials, getting them Izhevsk, Russia invites you to participate country, but also to unite the energies to the place of construction, uniting in the of all the International Dzogchen Com- their personal experience in designing Longsal Stupa Project munity, numerous Gars and Lings all the Stupa and fi nding solutions for its over the world. construction. he project is supervised by Chö- Construction has already started You can send your offering to the gyal Namkhai Norbu and Khyen- and we plan to fi nish the Stupa in July- following postal address: 426006, T tse Yeshe. August 2012. We will keep you informed Izhevsk, 54 Oruzheinika Dragunova The idea of this project was born of all stages of construction. str., apt 31, Udmurtian Republic, Rus- long ago. In 2000 members of the That is why we invite you to support sia. ATT: Natalia Sinyajeva . Izhevsk Community came to Rinpoche the project with your energy and ask You can also send a donation us- with a question about how to help one you to make any symbolic offering to ing the PayPal account sin.natalia@ of the most depressed regions of Russia unite your energy with the energy of the gmail.com or by direct wire transfer to at that time. Rinpoche said that it could Longsal Stupa – a symbol of the Enlight- Swift: SABRRUMMPC1 be good to build a Stupa. he has seen in his dreams. Since that many other buildings of the Dzogchen ened Mind of all Buddhas. Even now the Bank: Sberbank (Zapadno-Uralsky Unfortunately for a long period of moment the idea of building the Stupa Community has been assigned as coor- energies of many Gars, Lings and prac- Head Offi ce) Perm Russia time secondary causes did not allow has become a project. In 2009 Rinpoche dinator of the project. Migmar Tsering, titioners all over the world have been Branch 8618/072 us to realize this project, but in 2009 blessed and confi rmed the project of the who was invited from Tibet by Rinpoche united in this project: South Kunsangar Account: 408 178 101 6800 113 5238 the Community got its own Gonpa. The Longsal Stupa. to supervise the construction of the has offered a golden Longsal Symbol, Benefi ciare Natalia Siniaeva same year Khyentse Yeshe consecrated In August 2011 the project was ap- Merigar Gonpa and is an expert in the Merigar West – precious texts of our We hope for your cooperation. If you the Gonpa and gave a Teaching on proved by the local authorities and the traditional Tibetan arts will supervise Master’s Teachings, Kunsangar North have questions, please feel free to con- the Seven Line Prayer. One day, after idea of the construction of the Stupa be- the creation of the essential elements has offered a mala, which was on the al- tact us by e-mail – mineralterapy@ Teaching members of the Community came material. The Longsal Stupa will of the Stupa. tar during the Teaching of our Precious mail.ru. were walking with Khyentse Yeshe in be built in the very centre of the city in The Longsal Stupa will be connected Master, Tashigar North has offered a picturesque park near the Gonpa. a city park about 10 m from the Gonpa. with the Dzogchen Teaching and the the fi rst volume of the Longsal Teach- With love and respect, They expressed their desire to build a It’s a very beautiful place. Rinpoche termas of the Longsal Teaching, discov- ing in Spanish and some earth from Kungaling, Izhevsk, Russia Stupa in it. Khyentse Yeshe agreed to and Khyentse Yeshe are supervising ered by our Master. In particular, Kun- the Gar, Tashigar South has offered a this, saying that it could be one of the this project. Giovanni Boni, an archi- galing would like this Stupa not only to Buddha statue from their altar, pieces Stupas with the Longsal symbol, which tect who built the Merigar Stupa and create a cause for meeting the Teach- of the mandala drawn by Rinpoche and

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

A Fortuitous Gathering Rinpoche of a beautiful large fabric at Namgylagar South appliqué thanka of Mandarava from him by the Namgylagar community. At by Ian Drummond Rinpoche’s direction, it will now hang in the Gonpa at Namgylagar South. inpoche enters relaxed and smil- ing, “Welcome everybody”, then Immediately following the presentation Rsilence as we wait for the precise and later that day, the Namgyalgar start time of the Webcast allowing Community marked important mo- hundreds of practitioners outside of our ments of transition. Firstly, Rabgyi, Gar in South Eastern Australia to take a Tibetan (former monk) practitioner part in this retreat. As we wait, there is closely associated with Namgylagar only the sound of small children settling South in many capacities since his ar- down as all assembled prepare to begin rival from Nepal, marked his departure the retreat of the Longsal Teaching from the Gar by giving a speech elo- The Upadesha on the Twenty-Five Spaces. quently reminding us fi rst and foremost Whatever the specifi c causal chain of of our unique good fortune in having events that has brought us here, we all met Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. have a connection with the Dzogchen Some short hours later, a moving and Teachings; a fortuitous assembly of inspirational memorial service was held Teacher, Teachings and students. for Jean Macintosh, a woman whose activity made such a vital and critical Underscoring the importance of The Photo: G. Horner contribution the Dzogchen Community Upadesha on the Twenty-Five Spaces for and was instrumental in developing this particular time place and circum- nected with each of the ‘six senses’, As mentioned above, the Twenty-Five It is not possible to describe in the words the Gar on which we had gathered for stance, this same Teaching was given by that is, each of the fi ve senses and the Spaces are a cause of liberation relating of a short article the full panoply of the this retreat. As the tributes of so many Rinpoche at Namgylagar South in 2011. mind. As the object of auditory sense to the mind, with each of the mantras Master’s teaching over the seven days local people from outside the Dzogchen That year it rained heavily for days, is sound, the object of mind is all phe- having a specifi c function for practitio- of this retreat, with important points Community also indicated, her ener- leaving those camping on site scrab- nomena. Integrating our mind in the ners. Using them all together, Rinpoche and clarifi cations resonating with the getic and active compassion touched bling for tools to dig more extensive Song of the Vajra then is a cause for lib- explains, is of course good, but “if we condition of each individual student. many lives in diverse and meaningful trenches around their tents. This year eration. What then for those who have a know a little more” practitioners What does fi nd easy description though ways. the conditions on the side of Mount Gu- clear cause and are already on the Path? can apply them individually to over- is the way many of these same indi- laga, on which the Gar sits, are mostly Rinpoche explains that these methods come specifi c obstacles, for example vidual students were engaged in active As Rinpoche reminded us on the last day of crisp air and clear blue skies. Perhaps are very important for practitioners; overcoming the mind’s grasping at collaboration with each other to ensure of this retreat, in the Dzogchen Commu- these conditions mirror the clarity of the diminishing obstacles and increasing concreteness or attachment to the fi ve the (mostly) smooth running of the re- nity we are all Vajra Sisters and Brothers assembled students, perhaps not, but at clarity. sense aggregates. treat; from the activities led by the Santi together in the same boat to Illumina- the very least we all fi nd ourselves in a Maha Sangha, Yantra Yoga and Vajra tion. In our human condition, encoun- situation of greater comfort. Rinpoche then leads into a description A cold front comes through at the end Dance teachers, to the various kitchen, tering the ever present limitations of of the dreams of clarity associated with of the third day’s teaching, but not cleaning, fi re wood and other teams, samsara, to have the opportunity to Rinpoche begins the teaching with a this precious teaching from the Longsal before many have another chance to to the many who lent a hand when the receive such a remarkable teaching as clear and concise description of the Terma cycle and then this evening and drive from Mount Gulaga to one of the need arose, and the hard working yet the Upadesha on the Twenty-Five Spaces in method and function of the Twenty Five over the next six days skillfully guides us near-by beaches to enjoy the play of the relaxed Namgyalgar South Geko, Jakob. rural Australia is surely remarkable and Spaces. This practice is of the “same through The Upadesha on the Twenty-Five elements; surf crashing into shore as a testament to the active collaboration family” of the Song of the Vajra. Spaces and, as always, to the Essence of the afternoon sun breaks through dark As the completion of the last day’s of our Master and practitioners past, Rinpoche explains the specifi c method the Teaching. storm clouds, forming a rainbow on the teachings, artist Urgyen Sonam present and future. for creating a cause for liberation con- horizon. commissioned made an offering to THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

21 East DCA Tsegyalgar East Tsegyalgar PO Box 479 Phone: 413 369 4153 [email protected] Conway, MA 01341 USA Fax & Bookstore: 413 369 4473 www.www.tsegyalgareast.org

News from Tsegyalgar East program on Khandroling. Tsegyalgar or pledged and doesn’t include addi- in preparation to receive the beautiful the land or schoolhouse in exchange East also hosts monthly programs in tional funds from the matching grant pavers/stones that will encircle the Uni- for free camping and retreat with reparations for Chögyal Nam- Yantra Yoga, Vajra Dance and Santi which is in effect through mid-May versal Mandala for circumambulation. two meals a day. Many of the projects khai Norbu’s summer retreat Maha Sangha in addition to our weekly whereby donations are doubled. To read involve improving the conditions for P and SMS training in July are well practice sessions which can be found on more about our matching grant visit the To accomplish this particular activity camping such as building tent plat- underway at Tsegyalgar East where the our website www.tsegyalgar.org. Tsegyalgar East website. with over 6000 square feet to cover, ev- forms and a new Khandroling kitchen. Community looks forward to welcome eryone is invited to participate in some The encampment is especially open to Rinpoche and his family along with old The Tsegyalgar East Gakyil deeply ap- Spring is here and due to the unusually karma yoga between now and through beginners or younger practitioners who and new practitioners and travelers preciates the 184 separate donations mild winter, the Vajra Hall builders were the summer and fall of 2012 from a are interested in combining land man- from all corners of the globe. from about 175 individuals (some of able to begin their seasonal construc- couple of hours to three months. agement, carpentry and forestry skills whom made multiple donations), from tion earlier than expected. Over the within a practice community. Ongoing activities include fundraising 17 countries including 8 lings and Gars. past three weeks, the entire retaining For individuals interested in spending and construction work for completion The international participation for wall surrounding the perimeter of the up to three months on Khandroling, a Best Wishes to all! of the Vajra Hall’s Phase Three and this important project is truly inspir- massive building was built. Skylights special encampment program has been special projects such as the fi rst annual ing. Against the goal of $ 600,000 of are ready for installation and the prom- developed that integrates four hours Three-month Summer Encampment phase 3, a total of $ 415,000 was raised enade is grated with sand and gravel of daily work with ongoing practice on

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

Update from Pelzomling, For August/September 2012 we have in- From March 2012, the new direction of Dzogchen Community in Argentina, La Plata Mexico City vited Jimena Piedra and Grisha Mokhin. Pelzomling is in: “Casa Drolma” Tepoztlan, Morelos, Mexico, New Gakyil We are waiting details on the dates. Calle de Pueble 135 (esquina Orizaba) Wangdusling ow that the new place that Hopefully we will have a program for Colonia Roma Norte On Saturday 17th March, Rinpoche hosts the Ling is almost fi n- all the year. Tel: 55333278 / 55110550 For information contact: approved the fi rst gakyil elected in Nished (with a small apartment Susana Dultzin [email protected] La Plata – Argentina. for an Instructor), the idea is to invite New Gakyil Practice time: instructors of the Community to stay at elected April 18, 2012 Monday and Wednesday Direction: The members of the new gakyil are: least one or two months In Mexico City [email protected] (Yantra Yoga) 19:00–20:30 Niño Artillero 33, Barrio San Miguel to take care of the Ling. Tuesday and Thursday PO 62520 Tepoztlan, Morelos, Mexico Blue: Claudio Bruno Blue: (Collective Practices) 19:00–20:30 Tel: 01 739 39 50192 / 045 777 186 0675 We can give them the place to stay, a Monica Patiño Marquez, entrepeneur Saturday (SMS): 11:00–13:00 Info: [email protected] Red: María Gimena Tognana budget to cover the daily expenditures Vanessa Lew, entrepeneur Sunday (Vajra Dance) 10:00–12:00 and work out with them a program Red: For information or assistance Yellow: Verónica Zelada for the Ling that could also benefi t the Karen Márquez , layer and painter For more information: if you are visiting Mexico: instructor him/herself. They decide how Gabriel Kleiman (vice Director), entrepeneur [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] many courses they want to do, for Com- Cristobal Espinola, freelance and artist [email protected] [email protected] munity practitioners or external people; Yellow: it can be every weekend if they like. Giorgio Minuzzo (Director), Freelance We want them to conduct the regular Josefi na Robles, Instructor of Chi Kung practice section during the week. It is a and Thai massage mutually benefi cial situation. Courses & Retreats

Merigar West France

Ongoing SMS 1 course at Merigar West with Fabio Risolo. Ongoing Vajra Dance Course at Merigar West with Rita Renzi. Photo: C. Maritano Kunye with Aldo Oneto at Dejamling, France April 2012. Photo: C. Maritano Germany Italy

Namkha course with Liane Gräf and Viktoria Gershevskaya at Dargyäling, Cologne, March 1–4. Introductory Yantra Yoga course in Udine led by Marco Baseggio March 31–April 1. THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

22

Italy, Venice >>Gyamtsholing

Photo: G. Giromella Advanced Vajra Dance Course with Prima Mai at Gyamthsoling April 21–22. Photo: G. Giromella Gomadevi course enjoyed the clarity, the amount of de- Vajra Dance in Venice with dancers alternated with practitioners the rhythm – in turns we tried the steps at Gyamtsholing tail, and the smoothness of the Enzo’s Prima Mai who had followed some courses but of the fi rst part of the dance in which explanations. who were still trying to remember the quite often the rhythm of the movement by Rita Degli Esposti We felt very fortunate and united in by Sabina Ragaini (Gyamtsholing) steps. Prima Mai gathered us together can be missed. As always the Pamo the sharing of this valuable practice. and, seated around the mandala in the were more numerous and had to alter- n March 3 and 4 Enzo Terzano Enzo replied to our questions with n the words of our precious Master: gym, we listened carefully to her intro- nate more frequently, but it was useful gave a course on the short Go- kindness, patience and generosity and “In the teaching of Tantra there are sev- duction to the Dance: the symbolism of to follow the explanations even from Omadevi tun at Gyamtsholing there were many truly joyful moments. Ieral links to sacred dances; some of these the mandala, the colors, the elements, outside the mandala. During the day (Venice). Due to circumstances, the It is impossible to put into words how dances are connected to the Vajra Dance, the transition from the “human” we also repeated the long verses of the course was held in three different meaningful this experience was for us while others have fewer links. In any case, dimension of the Nirmanakaya to the Dance trying to correct any mistakes we places, that were, however, pleasant all – an experience that allowed us to these dances are the manifestation of the absolute condition of the Dharmaka- had made in the past, or, at the most, and welcoming. focus on various aspects of the prac- Sambhogakaya and for this reason they are ya. The introduction was clear, full of perfecting our practice. A group of about fi fteen par- tice and that gave us practical tools to used. The Vajra Dance is a special dance, be- details, with no risk that it was only an Sunday was dedicated more spe- ticipants, not only practitioners from understand it. cause when we say Vajra we refer to our real intellectual exercise. It was an integral cifi cally to the mudras and steps of the Venice but also from other parts of We can only thank Enzo for his pres- nautre, our real condition and the Dance is a part of the speaker and her practice, second part of the song. The tea break Veneto and Friuli, participated in ence and for his careful study of this means to enter into this nature, to integrate and for this very reason the explana- gave us some space for an interesting the course with pleasure and excite- practice that he gifted us with. All of our existence in the state of this nature. For tion was clear for all of us. Every word exchange of ideas on organizing a day ment, and I think I can speak on behalf us hope to develop our practice and, if this reason, with this purpose, there is the was important, I imagined, even for the of presentation on the work of the Vene- of everybody in saying how much we possible, to continue to study it. Vajra Dance in the Dzogchen teaching. This most advanced, in order to enter the tian Ling that we are planning for next is connected to the state of contemplation, mandala with greater attention, with autumn. The practitioners from other and the state of contemplation is what we an awareness that would bring each of Lings talked about their experiences, humanity by which we are what we by and in the evenings if you happen to call Dzogchen.” us to give the best of him/herself. some of us made proposals and also ex- are, in an exchange between beings be walking down the alleyways you can The Course for Deepening the For the complete opening dance we pressed doubts and misgivings. Prima and between energies that know no only hear the sound of your own foot- Song of the Vajra Dance with Prima did not follow the music of the CD, but, expressed her point of view without boundaries. steps on the paving stones, it is perhaps Mai began in Venice with guruyoga on Prima’s advice, we sung the Song of underestimating the opinion of any of The course concluded with a short easier to go back home singing the Song on a beautiful spring morning in late the Vajra as we went through the steps, us. She emphasized the importance ganapuja during which we danced the of the Vajra undisturbed, under your March. There were a number of partici- integrating the melody of the song, both of Tibetan culture, not as a corner of Song of the Vajra on the mandala. breath or in your mind, going over the pants but our level of preparation was at the physical and energetic levels. the world where an ethnic group lives In a city like Venice, where the noise dance steps with a deep serenity that not all the same – more experienced The fi rst day was devoted in particular to in isolation but as part of the heart of of modernity rarely disturbs the passer- brings back the teaching of Prima Mai.

Italy, Verona Spain, Barcelona >>Kundusling

Verona. Course of 1st series of Yantra led by Carla Castellani under the supervision of Laura GreenTara, Explanation and Practice with Costantino Albini at Kundusling, Barcelona February 2012. Photo: P. Fassoli Evangelisti, March 10–11.

Spain, Tenerife Switzerland

Aldo Oneto and participants in the Kunye course in Tenerife March 23–25. Yantra Yoga for beginners with Patrizia Pearl, Valais (Swiss Alps) 13–15 April 2012. THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

23

Czech Republic

Yantra for beginners with Fijalka Turzikova in Prague 2–4 March,2012. Pranajamas with Fijalka Turzikova at Phendeling 30–31 March, 2012.

Czech Republic

Yantras 1 and 2 series with Fijalka Turzikova in Prague 23–25 March, 2012. Three Vajras Dance course with Pavel Sobek supervised by Adriana Dal Borgo, April 7–9 at Phendeling.

China

Fabio Andrico in China The communication was enjoyable, even the language. Fabio fi nally learned by Tracy Nee some Chinese which we even can un- derstand, like “in”, “out” and “Vajra abio’s China adventure started Wave”. Since 2009, people started to straight away on his way from learn Yantra Yoga in China, and there Fthe airport, driving past a lady in is already a group of Yantra fans here. black leather on a huge Harley David- Then we met a bottleneck, not only son motorcycle. That is a symbol of how for learning Yantra Yoga, but also for Fabio’s Chinese information system will Rinpoche’s teaching. How do we go be formatted from now on. further? From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate Fabio who came and Since Fabio is always very busy, his spent all this time with us so patiently, teaching was really intensive this time. so that we can deepen our Yantra Yoga In 20 days, he gave a 1st level Teacher’s practice, and have a more solid connec- Level 1 Teacher’s Training course with Fabio Andrico April 8–15, 2012. Training, a 2nd level supervision and an tion with Rinpoche’s teaching. We are Eight Movements supervision. The fi rst looking forward to his coming back, China two courses were not large. Each had maybe his next course will be in our around 10 students. It gave us a very new center! good chance to learn more from Fabio, and almost everyone had a chance to It was a pity that Fabio only had a 2 “touch” him well and learn precisely day holiday during his trip so we were the correct breathing. He was so nice not able to show him how great Beijing and patient, and not only gave each one is, with its numerous stores and mer- enough advice to develop our Yantra chandise, crowded subway, all brands Yoga, but also spent time after courses of cars and iPhone 4s fi ll the streets, all with our thirsty students to answer all these changed his impression on China. kinds of questions regarding many top- When Fabio returns, what will China ics, not just Yantra Yoga. be?

Level 2 Supervision course with Tracy Ni, supervised by Fabio Andrico April 16–19, 2012.

China

Fabio and Tracy at the Lama Temple. Eight Movements Supervision with Fabio Andrico. THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

24

Russia, Moscow IX World Dance Olympiad in Moscow

April 29, 2012

he Russian Dzogchen Community participated in the IX World Dance Olympiad in Moscow on April 29, 2012. Here we see the T event, the trophy and diploma they were awarded and the di- rect email communication from the Community to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu about the event.

Precious Teacher!

On the 29th of April during the IX World Dance Olympiad in Moscow, the International Dzogchen Community participated performing the Vajra Dance.

The Dzogchen Community was awarded this diploma and cup in the Folk Dance category!

With love and immeasurable gratitude,

All participants of this event

Kunsangar North Namgyalgar North

Santi Maha Sangha with Igor Berkhin at Kunsangar North, “Entering the Knowledge of Emptiness”, April 29–May 1, 2012. Harmonious Breathing Lots of laughing is part of Fabio’s success in Australia, Melbourne with Fabio Andrico encouraging us to relax, so the breath also relaxes. His expertise when it comes to peoples tensions irectly after our wonderful fi rst retreat and his animated humor delighted us. People re- with Rinpoche at Namgyalgar North we ported that the course is well worth travelling long D were lucky to have a course in Harmonious distances for. Breathing with Fabio Andrico. Its amazing how if The only pity is that we don’t have more of we simply give focus to our breath – something we Fabio here in Australia, but happily we all have ex- take for granted – we can have real breakthroughs. perienced more of our capacity for relaxed breath to refer back to in our daily lives.

Tsegyalgar East

Mandarava in Melbourne visit also incorporated the Melbourne Dzogchen with Elise Stutchbury Community Open Day where Elise gave a knowl- February 25 & March 3, 2012 edgeable introduction on the Dzogchen teachings for newcomers. Questions from the visitors and he Melbourne Dzogchen community was Dzogchen Community were thoroughly answered fortunate to have Elise Stutchbury run a in a relaxed way. T Mandarava Practice and explanation session over two Saturdays February 25 and March 3, 2012. After this there was a Yantra Yoga demonstration Refresher Course of the Song of the Vajra Dance with Bodhi Krause March 16th–18th, 2012. Photo: P. Barry It was as intensive as a two day teaching would al- led by Emily Coleing, one of our Instructors, fol- low for such a deep practice. In spite of the extreme lowed by the Six Spaces of Samantabhadra Vajra heat wave at the time, all appeared to take in her Dance by community members. The afternoon clear descriptions of mudra, visualizations and ended with an opportunity for visitors to mingle melodies. with Community members – fantastic. As it hap- pened the passing of our Vajra sister Jean Mackin- This was a great opportunity to learn freshly or tosh occurred on the evening of the Open Day, and renew a practice so personal to our precious Mas- the Melbourne Community met each evening to do ter and of such benefi t to us, his students. This Shitro practice. THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

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USA, New York City >>Kundrolling Tsegyalgar West

The Vajra Dance of the Song of Vajra, fi rst half with Kyu Kyuno skype supervised by Adriana Dal Integration and Contemplation with Costantino Albini at Tsegyalgar West April 2012. Photos: L. Pearce Bauer Borgo at Kundroling, New York, April 2012.

Mexico, Mexico City >> Pelzomling

Dance of Three Vajras with Anya Neyman at Pelzomling Mexico city, March 17–18, 2012. Chöd with Costantino Albini at Pelzomling Mexico City March 28–April 1, 2012.

Tashigar Norte Tashigar Sur

During the easter weekend in April 2012 Steven Landsberg led a course on the 7th lojong and the four appli- Emily Coleing teaching Yantra Yoga during the Easter Retreat at Tashigar South April 2012 cations of presence at Tashigar Norte.

Peru, Lima Passages Born

Serbia Tashigar Norte

Public Dream Yoga Program with Michael Katz in Lima, Peru, April 6–8, 2012. Born: Iskra was born to Jasna Jovicevic on Born: Andres Palden was born to Gilberto February 4th 2012 at 16.20 in Subotica, Serbia. Parella and Tatiana Fedorchenko on Jan- uary 9, 2012. THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

26 Programs

Merigar West

Events Spring/Summer 2012 June 29–July 1 August September 7–9 September 21–27 Mandarava Tsalung & Practice retreat Santi Maha Sangha Level I Chögyal Namkhai Norbu May 2–6 Yantra Yoga retreat Subject and dates to be confi rmed Examinations Purifi cation in Sutra, Tantra, with Nina Robinson & Tiziana Gottardi September 10–16 Zhitro Khordas Rangdrol, Dzogchen Guruyoga explanation and Santi Maha Sangha Level II a Terma Teaching of with Jim Valby July 3–8 practice retreat Training Ridzin Jyangchub Dorje Dance of Song of the Vajra with Fabio Risolo (dates TBC) with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Retreat May 12–13 advanced course Dance of Song of the Vajra August 23–26 Base course (part 5) July 14–15 Yantra Yoga fi fth series with Rita Renzi Tibetan language: correct with variations Program for Adults pronunciation of practice texts with Laura Evangelisti Guided meditation, basic and interme- May 19–20 with Fabian Sanders diate levels of Yantra Yoga. Dance of the Six Spaces (in collaboration with SSI) Children’s workshop with the Base course Arcidosso Program for Children with Maurizio Mingotti July 16–August 15 (dates and place TBC) Yantra Yoga Kumar Kumari, stories for Tibetan language and meditation, theatre, movement, vocal June 1–7 translators’ training September 1 workshops, group games, working with Vajra Dance Teacher Training with Fabian Sanders Merigar Under the Stars colours and with the hands. Level 2 (in collaboration with SSI) with Adriana Dal Borgo & Prima Mai August 31–September 6 Fee for full week for adults: 250 euro July 16–22 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Yoga Vacation for Adults and Includes all activities and organic lunch June 2–3 Yoga Holiday Week Children Fee for each child: 100 euro Longsal Atii Gongpa Approach to public speaking with Laura Evangelisti and July 16–22, 2012 Includes all activities, organic lunch, workshop Tiziana Gottardi Gojyed (Klong gsl a ti’i snack and recreation times with super- with Andrea Calbucci dgongs pa sgo ’byed) Instructors vision. July 26–29 Retreat Yantra Yoga: Laura Evangelists & More information: Alessandra, June 13–17 Tara explanation and Tiziana Gottardi ++39 342 7502986 or ++39 0564 966837 Dance of the Song of the Vajra practice retreat Meditation: Fabio Risolo & Raffaella Blasi offi [email protected] Base course (part 2) with Costantino Albini Theatre Workshop: Cesare Torricelli http://yoga-tibetano.blogspot.it with Rita Renzi

Germany Italy Spain, Mallorca

Vajra Dance Course Khyentse Yeshe in Bologna Chöd explanation and practice for Beginners May 24–25 retreat with Karin Heinemann with Costantino Albini 12–13 May in Munich Thursday May 24, 8.30 pm May 29–June 3 Registration: Viktoria Gershevskaya, A showing of the documentary fi lm, Tel.: 02131-742 11 88 “My Reincarnation” Location: Balitx D’Avall in the Sierra de [email protected] At the cinema Odeon, Sala A, Tramontana de Soller in Majorca Via Mascarella 3 Required materials: Chöd practice book, Vajra Dance Khyentse Yeshe will be present for the fi lm bell and damaru (optional) with Karin Heinemann 7–12 June in Höfen Friday May 25, 6 pm Information and enrolment: Registration: Viktoria Gershevskaya, Khyentse Yeshe will give a free public Alba Papini: [email protected] Tel.: 02131-742 11 88 talk Quico Tent: [email protected] [email protected] “Educating the Mind: Responsibility Sol Canero: [email protected] and Individual Evolution” Longsal symbol on Merigar East gonpa. Dzogchen Practice at the Great Hall of the Accademia di Price of the retreat: 80 euro Holiday Week Belle Arti di Bologna (with discounts) open for all practitioners Vai Belle Arti, 54 Price of Lodging: July 13–22 in Höfen From 45–53 euro per had in shared Registration: Rico Aurich Further information: room with dinner and breakfast Tel.: 0177-159 36 03 www.desalling.org included. [email protected] www.medicinacentratasullapersona.org It is also possible to camp with a tent.

Merigar East Kunsangar South

May 23–27, 2012 May 23–27 September 29–October 7 Chöd Retreat Goma Devi retreat SMS Base and Yantra Yoga retreat with Nina Robinson with Enzo Terzano with Igor Berkhin During this retreat we will learn the and Viktor Krachkovsky meaning and the melodies of Chöd June 20–July 17 practice and how to perform it correctly Dzogchen Summer Camp with damaru and bell. with practical sessions on SMS base and Namgyalgar North Yantra Yoga, with Margarita Solovtsova August 17–23, 2012 and Oleg Troyanovsky. The Dance of the Song of the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Vajra Longsal Ati Nadzer August 2–9: with Cosimo Di Maggio Retreat Chögyal Namkhai Norbu July 11–15 Part I Man-ngag Tag-drol Gyud, July 18–23 Part II August 24–26, 2012 a precious Terma teaching Machan’s Beach Hall, Cairns Vajra Dance Course of the Six of Rigdzin Jangchub North Queensland, Australia Spaces of Samantabhadra Dorje More information contact: with Eleonora Folegnani, supervised by Dammika 0432 410 422 Adriana dal Borgo August 9–16 [email protected] or Vajra Dance Second level Mimi 0413 910 171 For more information on the retreats, Teachers’ training [email protected] accommodation and registration visit with Adriana Dal Borgo www.dzogchen.ro and Prima Mai THE MIRROR · No. 115 · March, April 2012

27

Japan

Dzogchen Retreat Schedule of the Retreat: June 4, 2012 (Monday) Access: Please see the hotel’s web site: Sustaining member: 23,400 yen in Japan! 10:00–12:00 am Dzogchen Teaching Tokyo Grand Hotel|Location|Minato- (21,000 yen with early registration June 1–5, 2012 June 1, 2012 (Friday) 1:30–3:00 pm Meditation Ku | Shiba discount*) Tokyo Grand Hotel 6:30–8:30 pm Dzogchen Teaching (explanation + practice) (Parking facilities are not available on 4:00–6:00 pm Ganapuja site, so please do not plan to drive to Please inform your intent to attend, he Dzogchen Community of June 2 & 3, 2012 (Saturday & Sunday) 6:30–8:00 pm Vajra Dance the venue.) your full name, email address, mailing Japan is very happy to announce 10:00–12:00 am Dzogchen Teaching (Important: Please do not contact address, and telephone number in your T that Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 1:30–3:00 pm Meditation June 5, 2012 (Tuesday) Tokyo Grand Hotel with any questions application. For attendees with over- will be visiting Japan in June of this year, (explanation + practice) 10:00–12:00 am Dzogchen Teaching except those related to access and seas addresses, please inquire by email and will offer a retreat to transmit the 3:30–5:30 pm Vajra Dance room reservations.) concerning method of payment. teachings of Dzogchen. The Teaching 6:00–7:30 pm Yantra Yoga Venue for the Retreat: for this retreat belongs to the Longsal 7:45–8:45 pm Vajra Dance Tokyo Grand Hotel, 5th Floor, Cost of Attendance: Emails should be sent to the following series “Jyodba Ronyom”(Tib. Spyod-pa (practice session) “Keyaki Hall” Attendance of Full Retreat: address: ro-snyoms). This is a rare and precious 2-5-2 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Non-member: 39,000 yen (35,000 yen [email protected] opportunity, and we hope that you can Tel: [Tokyo] 03-3456-2222 with early registration discount*) attend. Ordinary member: 31,200 yen (28,000 Keigo Yoneda yen with early registration discount*) Blue Gakyil of Munselling Japan

Tsegyalgar East

Yantra Yoga: 3rd Series and Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Breathing and Kumbhaka Accommodations on behalf of local host families and Pranayama Yeshes Khandro’í with Fabio Andrico Please make your reservations early sangha who can accommodate lodgers with Naomi Zeitz Thugthig (Jnanadhakini) July 11–12, 2012 as July is optimal vacation time in New and with whom you can contact direct- May 19–20 England – Visit our accommodation ly. For all other vendors, please review July 4–10, 2012 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu pages for local vendors. our website links or search the internet. Santi Maha Sangha, 7th Lojong Santi Maha Sangha Level I with Steve Landsberg Vajra Dance of the 6 Spaces Tsegyalgar East does not have an ac- May 25–27 of Samantabhadra July 13–17, 2012 commodation manager. We will do our Supervison with Prima Mai (SMS Exams July 11 & 12 ) utmost to send out periodic communi- July 3–5, 2012 cations on Norbunet and Tsegyalgarnet

USA, Hawaii USA, New York City

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Kundrolling NYC Practice sessions at 5 pm Dzogchen Nallug on Thursday & Friday Santi Maha Sangha Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 am–12:30 pm (Dzogchen rnal lugs) with Steve Landsberg Practice sessions at 2:30–4:30 pm Armenian Church Conference Center May 18–19 $35/session or $150/course 630 2nd Ave, (between 34 and 35 Sts.) This course will cover the general views All are welcome! of Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen Introduction to Yantra Yoga $35/session or $150/weekend with Naomi Zeitz For further information and to register, June 8–9 please visit us at www.nydzogchen.com Song of the Vajra Dance Details TBA Part Two with Kyu Kyuno supervised Kundrolling by Prima Mai via Skype 151 W 30th St, 4th fl oor NYC, NY May 23–27 Tel: 212 564 1024 Wednesday–Friday: 6–9 pm, [email protected]

USA, Europe USA, Los Angeles Tashigar Norte

Dream Yoga Program dream yoga tradition. Lucidity within Thursdays, May 3, 7–9 PM Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Courses of Vajra Dance with Michael Katz the dream state represents exceptional General: $ 25 per class/Members:$ 22.50 Dzogchen Retreat led by Bodhi Krause potential, and is a gateway to mastery Dream Yoga of the dream process. Series (Thursdays, May 3, 10, 17, & 24) June 22–24 Dance of Song of Vajra Part 1 May 3–24 General: $ 90/Members:$ 80 (Through KE LA NAM): @ Tibet House, New York City Participants will join Dr. Katz as he click here to register The Los Angeles Dzogchen Commu- Friday, May 11th to Wednesday May 16th induces lucidity within a dream by nity invites you to a three-day retreat in Event Details combined deep relaxation training and Dream Yoga in Amsterdam Pasadena, California at the Pasadena Dance of 3 Vajras Thursday, May 03, May 10, May 17, induction. Afterword we will deepen our June 1–3 Scottish Rite Center. The location for Friday, May 25th to Monday May 28th May 24 at 07:00 PM dream material through a process of Contact Tom [email protected] the retreat is accessible by public transit psychodrama. Attendance at previous and is in close proximity to a variety of Dance of Song of Vajra Part 2 About the Events sessions is not required, but suggested. Dream Yoga in Paris restaurants and accommodations. (From SAM BHA RA TA): These four classes are intended to en- There will be a portion of the program June 8–10 Friday, June 8th to Wednesday June 14th hance creativity, self-exploration and where attendees are invited to meditate Contact Regina For more information, please email spiritual/psychological growth through laying down. Comfortable clothes & an [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] powerful techniques of lucid dreaming exercise or yoga mat are suggested but or call (323) 696-0108 www.tashigarnorte.org derived principally from the Tibetan not provided.

Main Offi ce: PO Box 479, Conway, MA 01341, USA * Tel: 413 369 4208 * Fax: 413 369 44 73 * [email protected] * * European Offi ce: The Mirror, Istituto Shang Shung, Merigar 1, GR 58031 Arcidosso, Italy * Tel: 39 32 98 86 52 92 * Skype: lizmirror * [email protected] * * Editorial Staff: Naomi Zeitz, Tsegyalgar, Conway, MA, USA * Liz Granger, Istituto Shang Shung, Arcidosso, Italy * * Literary Editor: John Shane * * Advisors: Adriano Clemente, Jim Valby * * International Blue Gakyil Advisor: Fabio Andrico, International Publications Committee * * English Language Advisor: Liz Granger * * Design & Layout: Thomas Eifl er * * Printer: Turley Publications, Palmer, MA, USA * * Distribution: Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA, USA * * Subscription Rate/6 Issues: $35 US available through Tsegyalgar; 27 € through SSI * * Visa and Master card welcome * * Online Mirror: www.melong.com * * All material © 2012 by The Mirror * * Reprint by permission only * * We reserve the right to edit all submissions. 28

Rupert Sheldrake, the famous scientist, and we had a talk. After some time his wife How I Met Jill Purce arrived and we started to talk and within 5 minutes I discovered that she was a student of Namkhai Norbu. She gave me Chögyal Namkhai Norbu the exact address of Rinpoche and encour- aged me to write him and, of course, I sent Vladimir Maikov a letter to Rinpoche informing him of my interest and asking him about the possi- bility to visit him. He replied and invited The Mirror: Vladimir, how did you meet Buddhist temple. It was the second official me to Merigar to come to the retreat, but Rinpoche? visit of the Dalai Lama to Russia and the it happened that the letter arrived a month Vladimir Maikov: I was interested in Bud- first one had been a long time before. after the retreat had started because all let- dhism when I was in my 20’s, yoga and And so it was a great event and so it hap- ters at that time they were examined and so Buddhism, but not very much was avail- pens that the Dalai Lama became my first the authorities kept it for awhile. But one able in the . There was Buddhist teacher. I attended the teachings advice he gave me was to contact some- traditional Russian Buddhology of course, for 3 days and His Holiness gave Green one at Tsegyalgar for English books and academic Buddhology, and there were some Tara, Avalokteshvara and Manjushri, 3 ba- Sara the secretary sent books and practice academic studies, but as far as a living tra- sic teachings. So I remember I had some books and a letter of invitation for me and dition, it was impossible to find a living extraordinary experiences since the Dalai other people from the Moscow group who teacher in the beginning of the 70s and 80s Lama was teaching in Tibetan, and it was was true, that the real knowledge of Bud- were interested to come to the US for a re- in Russia. In 1980 I became a postgraduate translated into Buryatian language, and I dhism in Russia was connected with Dan- treat. This all happened in 1990. student at the Institute of Philosophy and at did not know either language; nevertheless deron students. After I met his Buryatian Then we started to prepare passports, the same time I became a member of the un- it happened that something beyond words students I made connection with students visas, look for tickets and money and it was derground transpersonal circle in Moscow. came to my heart. in St. Petersburg and Moscow, and I met not easy. For me it was fortunate because Some people in this circle translated Then I connected with Dandaron’s stu- Octyabrina Volkova, the famous sanskri- I was part of a Soviet American exchange some books from transpersonal psychol- dents and they showed me some secret text tologist and Buddhist, the great expert on program and I got a grant for a 2-month ogy and Buddhism, mainly books by Chö- inside their tradition and also some trans- Buddhism in Moscow. We became friends study in the US, in the transpersonal field, gyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Tarthang lation of Longchenpa, which was made by and another student of Dandaron was one so I was able to arrange my program in Tulku Rinpoche, and reading this mate- Dandaron. It was very important for me of the greatest Russian philosophers, Al- different ways, and since we had a confer- rial, like the book “The Myth of Freedom” since I had already learned about Longchen- exander Pyatigorsky, who immigrated to ence of humanistic psychology in Burling- by Trungpa Rinpoche, amazed me. This pa and his important place in the Dzogchen London in 1972 and he was the chair of ton, Vermont I combined this visit with the book was a very fresh message to me and tradition, so for me this connection was very Buddhist philosophy at London University. one in Conway. And after I had a program also the translation by Trungpa of the Ti- important. I received some practices and After this it was not easy for me to use on the West Coast so I met the West Coast betan Book of the Dead. But the most im- some connection with the Danderon lin- these practices and there was agitation Dzogchen Community and practiced with portant thing for me was meeting with eage and I got some initiation from Dhar- and hope and for years I was not able to them. authentic Dzogchen texts. I remember madody (translated as “Grandfather of integrate. I did not have obvious signs of So 4 Russians came to Conway and we when the leader of our transpersonal cir- Dharma) a lama at Ivolginsky temple, who practices. I was trying to meditate often stayed in a house in Shelburne Falls. We cle asked me to edit a translation of The gave me a practice, which was a special form at night, do visualizations, etc., but I had were very grateful to be there and we waited Natural Freedom of the Nature of Mind – of Vajrasattva from the Dandaron lineage. many more questions than answers. I was in anticipation for the retreat to begin. Then part of Longchenpa’s Trilogy of Natural the day arrived and we were waiting under Freedom, made by Herbert Guenther, and the tent on the land of Khandroling and published in the Crystal Mirror. This text something happened in the atmosphere, was about the natural freedom of mind and then I remember there was an unusual and how samsara is fabricated form the silence and a kind of excitement and there ground of being. I remember when I read was absolutely nothing to compare it with the name “Dzogchen” I had some feel- in any previous experience. The people were ings, a particular feeling, and I had no idea standing and Rinpoche arrived. This was what Dzogchen was, but from Guenther I my first time to meet Rinpoche and there understood it was connected with the Ny- was a feeling of tremendous love expressed ingma school and Longchenpa, so I start- by all the students. I had never been in such ed to search for Longchenpa and what was an atmosphere. Then Rinpoche started to available in the Crystal Mirror and the text, teach and we know that there is a kind of “Kindly Bent to Ease Us”. But all was very great alchemy that happens from the living complicated and very intellectual. First meeting with Rinpoche contact with the Master. So in 1982 togather with friend I traveled Conway, 1990. After several days Rinpoche asked Sara in search of living Buddhism and in Bury- the secretary to arrange meetings with him atia there was the place where Buddhism M: Can you say a little something about the doing the practices from both His Holi- for the Russian Community. We wanted to had traditionally been for several hundred Dandaron lineage? ness the Dalai Lama and also the Vajrasat- invite him to Russia and we had some short years, as well as in Kalmykia and Tuva; all VM: Dandaron was a Burytian lama dur- tva practice from Danderon and we had a meetings and Rinpoche was very attentive in the territory of the Soviet Union. So our ing the Stalin terror. He got his knowledge small sangha in Moscow, as well as other about Buddhism in Russia and was very main goal was to connect with the students of tantric tradition not only from Buryia- cities, and sometimes other Buddhist la- much interested when I mentioned that of the a Buryat Lama called Bidia Dander- tia, but also from the Nyingmapa and yo- mas would come and teach. I also read Dandaron translated from Lama Yangtig, on, who was the only lama who transmit- gic tradition, and as all Buryatian , many books. a text by Longchenpa about how samsara ted Tantra and Dzogchen teaching to West- he was put in a labor camp during the Then suddenly in 1987 I got a book from and nirvana is fabricated from the essence ern people, not only to Buryatians, since great terror. All Buddhist temples were de- a guy in St. Petersburg who was a famous of being. He said that the next year he was other lamas transmitted only to Buryatians. stroyed, all lamas were put into camps and figure in the new age movement. He was going to do a personal retreat but the year only during the Second World War did Sta- a half crazy guy who could speak Eng- after that, the first country he would visit M: You were living in Moscow then? lin start to rebuild Buddhist temples and lish in the style of Alice Bailey for hours. would be Russia (then called the Soviet VM: Yes I was living in Moscow, and I was Christian churches and all other religions. He said to me, “I know you are interested Union). We were happy! He said that the student, a 2nd year post graduate student He used religious faith and power to fight in Buddhism and I have a book that may next year he would send Fabio to Russia to in philosophy and a member of an under- the Germans. Stalin was a seminary stu- interest you.” I took the book home and teach Yantra Yoga, so in 1991 Fabio came ground transpersonal psychology circle dent in his youth, so he had knowledge of opened and it was called “Namkhai Nor- to all places, Kiev, Moscow, and we were where we tried to practice some medita- the meaning of religion. It is remarkable bu, Talks in Conway” – The Green Book. introduced to Yantra Yoga and Fabio. tion, Buddhism, Gurudjieff work, and that the village of the Ivolginsky Temple I do not know how that book arrived to The next year, 1992, I received a tele- some transpersonal Groffian works. And still has the name Stalin village, after all that crazy guy and then to me. This was phone call from Fabio. He said, “Vladimir, so it happened that in September of 1982 the reevaluation of Stalin’s reign it is a a miracle book for me and I was imme- take a pen and piece of paper and write.” when we travelled to Buryatia, the Dalai kind of acknowledgement that Stalin not diately involved in the book and it was so He spoke in a very telegraphic style. He Lama was visiting there at exactly the same only destroyed but rebuilt the monastery. much more essential and practical in com- said, “Rinpoche will come to Lithuania, time so, it was serendipitous for us and So Dandaron spent 25 years in labor parison to all other Buddhist books I had date, then Latvia, date, then St Petersburg, very good fortune! We were lucky to at- camps and in the same place with Ger- read. I was extremely excited and I printed Moscow and then Buryatia. Make prepara- tend a 3-day teaching in Ivolginsky Datsan man professors, so he spent time studying several underground photocopies of this tions!” We were just excited and I contacted (main Buddhist temple in Buryatia) and different languages and cultures and they book, 5 maybe, and sent this book to my people and called all the cities, and asked there were approximately 10,000 people taught each other various things. He was friends and said, “Look at this teacher!” them to start making preparations. And so at that teaching. There were more or less freed from the prison camp and went back My friends responded that they were very this became a new era for the Soviet Union. 5,000 Buddhists and old Burytian men and to Buryatia and started to teach, and he was much interested. women, and 5,000 KGB and extreme secu- the first lama to teach to European people, Then I was trying to find ways to meet M: So you were the kind of father of the rity, because it happened that 2 years be- like Russians, Ukrainians, people from the Rinpoche abroad. I made a trip to London Russian Community… fore one man killed 2 Buryiatian lamas at a Baltic States and there was a legend, which once and at that time I was introduced to VM: I prefer the doorkeeper.