IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE DRAGON YOGIS

As requested by volunteers, His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa will lead a Pad Yatra (walking pilgrimage) to the sacred sites blessed by Guru .

Paro, 20 - 28 October, 2014 PARO TAKTSHANG Paro Taktsang is the popular name of Taktsang Palphug Monastery (also known as Tiger's Nest), a prominent sacred site located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. A temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have medi- tated for three years, three months, three weeks and three days in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen taktsang or "tiger lair" caves in which he meditated. The Guru Tshan- gyad Lhakhang, (Temple of the Guru with Eight Names), devoted to Padmasambhava is an elegant structure built around the cave in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye.

Some of the blessed sites we can see are: 1. The Meditation cave of Machig Labdron; 2. The Old Zangdok Palri Temple: Also known as Tashi Tshemo, it was built by Agay Hapa, the Paro Ponlop; 3. Ugyen Tsemo: About half an hour from Old Zangdok Palri is Ugyen Tshemo, founded by Gyalwa Kathogpa Uyo Yeshebum, who perceived the actu- al presence of Guru . It was later rebuilt by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck, the Queen of Second King of Bhutan; 4. Yoeselgang: It is around 20 minutes from Ugyen Tshemo, founded by Viyadhara (knowledge-holder) Jinpa Gyaltshen, an emanation of Vajrapani (Lord of Secrets) and a great siddha born from lineage of Choeje Drukpa Kunley. RA-GOE NEY

It takes around 2 hours to reach Ra-Goe Ney, the sacred site of goat and vulture in Doteng Gewog. It is blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. It is said that a goat and vulture first showed the way to the current site and hence named Ra (goat) Goe (vulture) sacred site.

One can see: A rock where serpent dwells, self-arising conch shell on the rock, footprint of Khandro Yeshi Tshog- yal, a hat, staff and pool of Guru Rinpoche, foot print of Guru Rinpoche, Self-arisen stong Phurpa (ritual drager), a ston goat and culture, Mandala of Alvalokiteshvara and so on.

CHUMPHUG NYE

Chumphug, also known as Chumophug, is situated at 3100m above sea level. It was seend in the vision of Terton Drukdra Dorje, the great Vidyadhara (knowledge holder). Among other numerous sacred sites, the main relic is the self-arisen image of flying Vajrayo- hini or Dorji Phagmo.

There are numerous marks and prints of Guru Padmasambhava and Khandro Yeshey Tshog- yal. DRELA DZONG Drela Dzong, located in Doshar Gewog at 3600m above sea level, is also known as Drela Samten Chokhor.In local dialect, it is commonly called Bjela (jela) Dzong. It is believed that the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal met Pal Yeshi Gonpo in person at this place.

The two-storey temple was founded my Lam Ngawang Chogyal in 16th Century. It was later expanded by 16th Je Khenpo, Pal Sherab Senge. You can see many sacred monasteries and snow-caped mountains from the place.

DOCHORTEN & BEMRI

Dochorten Dochorten is located on a hilltop in Paro Shaba, which looks like a self-arishing rock stupa. It was founded in 15th Century by Tshungme Gyalwang Choje. There is a ruins of his retreat house from where it is said that he became like a seven-birthed (Dramze Kedun) and later flew from the hilltop. mediated by getting into sphere of Gyalwa Rig-nga (Five Conquerer Fam- ilies) and to the Zangdok Palri of Guru Padmasambhava. There are many Bemri prints and marks such as seat of five Dakinis, hand and foot prints of twen- Bemri, located at 3750m above the sea level, was discovered by Yongzin Ngawang ty-one Taras and marks of religious scriptures. Drakpa. It was known as "Bumri" as you can see foot prints of hundred-thousand Dakinis outside the retreat house of Yongzin Ngawang Drakpa. It is said that he Night halt at Bemri. BUMDRA

Bumdra is considered Second Tsari in sacredness. It is said that there is Swirling Amrita (Amrita Kundali) in the right cliffs, a hundred Supreme Peaceful and Wrathful Deities to the left, and deities of Vajra Subjugator (Dorje Namjom) in the middle. If one is fortunate enough, it is said that one can see footprints of hundred thousand dakinis. There is a self-arising Vajravarahi and a place to ascertain positive and negative Karma on one side of the cliff above the path. The stream that flows from the area is said to be the longevity-stream falling from the secret door of Dorje Namjom. When you climb up about an hour from the temple, you can see a rock in the shape of hat of Guru Padmasambhava. DONGKALA

©TSHERING LHAM TSHOK The temple of Dongkara Yosel Tsemo is situated at 3650m above sea level. The temple was founded by Treasure Revealer Tshering Dorje, an amanation of Vairotsana. He discovered Yidam Thongwa Kundrol, a treasure of Pema Lingpa, which was protected by the female serpent (Nagini) of the place.

You can see his footprint on the stone in the temple. It is also the dwelling house of local protective deity, Dongkar Tsen.

The monastery suffered damages from 2011 earthquake and the major reno- vation being undertaken by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

DRAKARPO

Drakarpo (literally meaning white-cliff) is a sacred and blessed site of Guru Padmasambhava, located at 2700m above the sea level. It is the most sacred site with numerous marks and prints. Among others, you can see the body imprints of Hayagriva and Vajrayogini; stone-boot of Guru Padmasambhava and print of his seal; self-arisen letter “OM”; root of wish-fulfilling tree; foot prints of Hayagriva, dakini, Vairotsana, Lam Drukpa Kunley, Lam Ngawang Chogyal; stone image of Machig Labdron; a body-form of Tara; and many other numerous sacred imprints. Registration: Cell: 17125129, 17178899, 17347763

E-mail: [email protected]

Registration deadline: 30th September, 2014