THE MIRROR
Newspaper oí the International Dzogchen Community Sept/Oct 2001« Issue No.'Sl.Ç-g Kunsangar 2 0 0 1
the retreat, "....rain all the time." So lung of many other practices and Rinpoche lead us in the practice of taught us how to integrate the Scrkyem and the rain finished as teachings in our daily lives with hundreds and hundreds of people Guru Yoga and the practice of arrived. For a person familiar with night. the preparation for retreats in Nam Then the crowds melted away, gyalgar for maybe 230 people, this the colored canopies disappeared was an awe-inspiring organization and a rhythm of early morning al task. How did they do it? Not practice, dance courses, and study understanding the language meant developed. There was time for that 1 could experience the results of some conversations with members collaboration while being ignorant of the Gakyil. now able to rest a lit of the details. I noticed the fantastic tle, and for a living visit to sound-system, the careful security, Moscow. Rinpoche walked through the long hours put in by workers in the Gar to identify the places for the office and shop, meetings and retreat huts and indicated the future # discussions, people working all the development tor the big unfinished time, and the great crowd of people building - including the completion arriving each morning to attend the of the swimming pool - clarifying teachings. the vision for the next phase of Rinpoche taught us about the development. purpose and significance of such a As Rinpoche returned to his retreat, what it means to become a house 1 stepped forward and said student, to have a root master: the good-bye - and only the knowledge importance or working with cir that I was headed to Merigar n the way to Russia I almost speechless with joy to see When it was my turn to do a S.M.S. cumstances, of our behavior stopped me from wailing. became for several hours and speak with Rinpoche. Then I exam I was confronted yet again towards each other in the communi Othe kind of passenger other was ushered into the dorm and with my own ignorance and dis ty and of the community in the local passengers tell horror stories about. inducted into all its workings by traction and with the great pre- area - understanding and paying "'And there was this woman who Lena - our commandant extraordi ciousness of the Santi Maha Sang- respect to the different dimensions. coughed and sneezed and blew her naire. ha and the boundless compassion He explained and gave transmission nose for the entire journey. It was of Guru Yoga and Shitro. gave the Over the next days impres and generosity of our Master in giv disgusting!" The coughs, sneezes sions crowded in. flavored with jet- ing us these teachings. In the days and runny nose (which had come existence. Maybe we can ^ay that lag and incomprehension of even after the exam Rinpoche save Terrible Tuesday upon me in the last days before this is a deeply important teaching, the written word. Pine trees and teachings in the morning, and Jim New York City leaving Australia) and I all arrived and Adriano explained practices important in the understanding of long evening light, cold weather September 11th, 2001 on time at the Sheremetyevo Air the value of the v ast numbers ot all ("very unusual for June"), students and answered questions with great port after thirty hours and then innocent lives lost every where and of S.M.S attending teachings or patience and good humor in the "What we can do to help these poor made a slow procession through families devastated in the blink of studying for first or second level afternoons and on countless other people who died is through prac passport control and customs. Sud an eye. and important in the value exams, the newly painted dance occasions as students from so many tice." Chögyal Namkhai Norbu denly amidst the unfamiliar lan of the enormous teaching on imper mándalas in the Vajra Hall, the distant places asked for help in guage and the swirl of people there manence: from one moment to the mosquitoes - so numerous that understanding texts and practices. he practitioners of the Interna was a piece of paper with my name, next normal life in New York City opening the mouth created a seri Amongst the travelers at Kunsan tional Dzogchen Community and above it the smiling welcoming T on a golden autumn day going to ous risk of suffocation - the newly gar were some who had been to responded quickly to the terrible faces of Anna and Misha. work was instantaneously trans developed catering area producing Namgyalgar at different times. tragedy of September 11 th. in New- formed into hell on earth. They were also meeting Rosa three meals a day. And buildings Meeting them again, and meeting York City, with Shitro practice to There are no guarantees in who arrived just a little while later everywhere - dormitory blocks, lit for the first time so many practi assist the thousands of innocent samsara. That is its nature and this and then we were driving through tle houses, boiler house, pump tioners from so many places people who died. Chögyal is what drives us to practice, to the outskirts of Moscow with house, and one huge incomplete strengthened the awareness of this Namkhai Norbu had also recom somehow fathom the confounding Misha saying cheerfully (apropos building with a half-finished swim Dzogchen Community as truly mended Shitro practice. of seat belts) "In Russia everyone is international. All the colors and fla nature of our perceived reality from ming pool in the lower level. Here Here in Conway, at Tsegyal- responsible for their own lives", as vors of the different cultures were our limited vision by opening that and there was also rusty play gar. we received the news that he negotiated with great aplomb the there, and never more apparent vision. And to offer what assistance ground equipment and statues of morning as did most of the rest of twin hazards of Russian drivers and than when thirty or more of us were we can from our understanding and Russian youth - ghostly reminders planet, with great shock and horror the winter-damaged Russian roads. crowded into a six-bed room to sing methods. that this was once a summer camp and then tremendous sadness. Away from Moscow we went and to listen to the glorious, soulful for children. Some of the New York Community swiftly through villages and into Russian songs, the cheeky Italian, by Naomi Zeitz And all the while the commu members were direct witnesses, the woods and through the gate into the bluesy American. nity of Kunsangar working tireless some living near by assisted rescue Kunsangar. and immediately into ly to maintain the program of exams "...and didn't it rain children." workers, and one was even miracu the newly constructed Vajra Hall, CONTENTS and teachings and to prepare for the (unusual for this time of the year.) lously rescued from under one of tilled with practitioners because big retreat, and offering kindness while in the big open field strange the towers which fell down on an there was a Ganapuja. I was so very TSEGYALGAR, and welcome to their somewhat dis flowers appeared - the brilliantly underground structure called the happy to enter this mandala and USA oriented Aussie Vajra sister. colored canopies in preparation for Winter Garden where she was lock fí\GE 15 ing up her bicycle that morning. MERIGM. We found a television in the ÍT.MY neighborhood which had 24 hour NAMKHAI NORBU RINI'OCHE'S SCHEDULE 2001-2002 R\GE !2 news access and after the initial impact some of us went there to KUNSANGAR, To all people who were planning to attend the Decem For the Venezuelan Gakyil and Tashigar North Com RUSSIA ber Retreat in Margarita Island in Venezuela: mittee watch the terrible image over and R\GEl4 Chogyal Namkhai Norbu's Schedule over together to help us assimilate Please be advised that Rinpoche has informed us that 200 Í-2002 the unbelievable, unacceptable NAMGYALGAR. AUSTRAUA he has decided to hold the coming Christmas and event and also to he together in our fear ami grief. Numb. We were R\GE ¡8 Longde Retreats, in Tashigar South (Argentina), October 7th numb. instead of in Margarita Island, Venezuela (Tashigar Leave for Margarita Island TASHIGAR. North). What can one say about the ARGENTINA /MoT 17 He will stay in Venezuela until December, at which TASHIGAR. ARGENTINA unexpected, calculated, unfath time he will leave for Argentina. Rinpoche will return Christmas Retreat omable terror that occurred on one SPECIAL to Margarita in January. We will be posting all relevant beautiful September morning in 1 information, regarding Margarita and planned 2002 December 26th. 2001 - January 2nd. 2002 New York City FEATURED I CvO activities, on our WEB page, to be presented shortly. We can say that there is noth KlSSEtiJNC. We trust that everyone concerned will be able to make I Updates for the schedule of 21X12 TBA1 ing unexpected in samsara. There is VK the necessary changes in their travel arrangements. no concrete, permanent reality. Suf I lugoGroening fering i-. the nature of our relative Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
elcome to everyone, particu some benefit. If you learning and following this teach Wlarly to people who have are not, then you ing?" Then there is a very precise traveled a long distance. I hope you always have this idea in a real sense. enjoy it here and things go well. problem. Why do When we discover that and Merigar is a very nice place, but you have this kind work concretely, then we also have sometimes it is not so comfortable - of problem? concrete benefit. That means, for parking places, the road, etc. Because you are not example, that we are not only Knowing this, you can try and be being in your real learning a kind of technique of aware. It's very important that nature. You have practice or a kind of analysis. We when we do a retreat we can do it dualistic vision, you live in samsara and live concrete without problems. That is not only think, "I am here lives, so the teaching must be use for a retreat, but in general. When and the problem is ful for our lives. Of course, if we we have no problems and do some there". I received believe that we have future lives, thing successfully, then we enjoy. this problem and it then we still need more. But even in So it depends on us: we must be disturbed me. this moment for living in society, aware and this depends on our prac As long as we the teaching is very important. So tice. are living with this for practitioners, old or new, there Also, everyone can try and dualistic vision then is no difference; we should all go in feel a little at home here at Merigar. we will always have a concrete way. Of course, if it's your first time Working with Circumstances this kind of problem. Many people interested in here, you will feel a little strange If we need really, Buddhist teachings are reading because people who live here meet Teaching at Merigar definitively, to over many books. They think they know every day, work together, know August 10th. 2001 come this problem, this and that, they read this or that, each other and have many things to then we must have etc. If we want to do a kind of col when we have some problem. We First of all, it is very impor say. If someone is coming for the such method, capacity or under lection of arguments or techniques, do not need to be like a small baby tant when we follow the teaching first time they might feel a little dif standing to go beyond dualistic that is good. But if we want to have with the mother. Through the teach that we remember why we are fol ferent. So it's important that we vision. That's why we need to do some concrete realization, it won't ing we learn that we become more lowing the teaching. Why are we know that this is a place for meditation and through meditation work this way. Even if we know responsible for ourselves. interested in the teaching? Some Dzogchen practitioners, and we are try to get into our real condition. only one or two things, but they We can be responsible for our people think. "Well, my friend is practitioners. So for that reason you Until we have that kind of realiza correspond with something in our selves if we know how to work following the teaching, so I am also must feel that this is your home. It tion we are always in samsara. real condition, then it becomes real with circumstances. If we don't interested". This is not a real rea doesn't mean you always live here. Samsara is a production of our kar ly useful for everybody. For that know how to work with circum son. The real reason is that we need Maybe when you finish the retreat ma. As long as we have karma and reason it becomes really useful to stances and we think. "Now I am the teaching and knowledge you go back to your home where we are in samsara, then there are observe ourselves a little. Our atti independent, I am autonomous", because we have problems. Other you work and live, but it's impor always these kinds of problems. tude and way of being; everything then it's not true. So it is very wise we would just go to the beach tant that this place is always like a That is why we are interested in the is related to the teaching. important that we learn that and in these days and enjoy them. If we base of our teaching and practice teaching, so it's very important we that's why in the Dzogchen teach go to the beach and spend one week Many people have the idea for you. When you are here you can know why we are interested in the ings we say that we remember to there, one week is finished then all that when they learn the teaching feel it's your home, and when you teachings. Even if we follow the not always be distracted. Not dis is finished. We have not obtained they must learn how it should be go away you have contact and you teachings we need to find out how tracted means being present and anything; we only enjoyed a little. and which kind of rules they should know and remember that. to overcome these problems. being present means being aware. But when we go back to our home follow. Sometimes it is useful and For practitioners it is very If we are aware when we have and work, the situation is the same. we can also learn in that way, but important that we know time and problems, like we feel fear or there If we go to do a retreat, we learn the best way of learning is that we how our condition is. We think are some problems, we understand just a little about how we can get in Discovering Your Dzogchen become responsible for ourselves there is a long retreat for ten days, it how it is. We can also easily under our real condition and why we need Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and that means working with cir seems long, but it is nothing. Ten stand what the cause of that is. that. Kunsangar, Russia cumstance and how the situation is, days pass very quickly. Not only These are some very important I will give you a very simple June 15th, 2001 where we live, where we go, every ten days, but our lives pass very things. example. Sometimes, for example, thing. ood evening everybody. Wel For example, we are here now quickly. We know that and for this We should do this practice in a circumstance there are many come to this retreat. I know in this place, and in this place there short time we live on this earth and during the retreat. That's why I say negativities. If we feel something G that many people have traveled are some houses, but not enough do our best to collaborate with each to try to be aware of the circum negative, agitated with our energy long distances, which means mak for everyone living here, so many other; doing practice together so stances. When we follow the teach level or our physical level, if we ing a sacrifice, so when we make a of you also live outside and you are that we have a meaningful life. Par ings we must be aware, not only have this kind of problem, what do sacrifice it needs to have sense. We traveling around in this country ticularly practitioners must be thinking, "Now I am in front of the we do? We have no idea of how to have an idea of going to a retreat, side. In this village people are not aware about this. Some people teacher and the teacher is giving overcome this particularly if we but then when we are actually at the practitioners and they are not fol have an idea that their lives seem some teachings. I listen to what the have some problem of the energy retreat it depends - sometimes we lowers of Dzogchen teachings. You very long, but nobody knows what teacher says about how I should sit level - if we go to the doctor and ask do a very simple retreat, sometimes sacrificed for many days and it means, "all my life". "All my and how I should do the visualiza the doctor to check us and we tell we learn something, and some arrived here to follow the teach Ufe" can be also one week, one tion". These are not the main teach the doctor that we have some prob times we only have an idea we did a ings, so you already know that your month, maybe one year, or maybe ings; these are secondary teachings. lem, the doctor checks everything retreat. We try and do our best, situation and the situation of this some years more. That is not only The teacher teaches something and says, "Oh you are very healthy which means that if you sacrifice it village is a little different. You must for old people but also for young more important than that, but many and have no problem." If the doctor has benefit. So in this retreat, for be also aware of where you are and people, it's the same. We live in cir people don't notice it. If the teacher says we have no problem and we some days, we will try and do dif what your situation is. For exam cumstances and in circumstances says, "Now we will use a technique still feel something, it doesn't help ferent things in our program, day ple, these people are looking and there are many things, also things of sitting practice", for example, very much. In this case what do you by day. We will go ahead that way, they see us gathering and they want which are negative for our lives. It then everybody is more attentive. do? You think, "Oh I have some because in the Dzogchen teaching to know what we do and how we is not necessary that we concentrate You can leam hundreds and mil problem with my energy level, and we have a principle of working look. If our people are aware and on it, but we know that and we are lions of these kinds of teachings. the doctor doesn't understand". with circumstances and we don't know how the situation is and how aware. Knowing everything is These kinds of teachings never end. Then you go to a teacher who has a know all of our circumstances, so to work with the situation, then related to circumstances is some For that reason they are all sec little idea or experience of energy we should go ahead day by day. there will not be any surprises and thing very useful for our lives. Con ondary things. When you leam the and say, "Oh, please teacher help they won't find any strange things. centrating on problems sometimes teaching from a teacher, particular me, I have this kind of problem." When we do a retreat, first of But if we are not aware, and every creates problems because we are ly if you are learning Dzogchen The teacher cannot do a kind of all, we must observe ourselves a lit body or some people have strange more pessimistic. It doesn't help. teaching, then you are not only miracle. The teacher knows your tle. Our effort to do retreat must ideas, for example, strange ways of Being aware, which means know thinking how to do practice, how to energy is disordered and gives you become something useful, and it dressing, ways of being, ways of ing how the situation is in this case, sing, how to use mudra and mantra, some method, some breathing becomes useful only if we are walking, ways of doing things, and we can work with the circum etc. You couldn't have much bene exercise, or movement exercise to doing something more concrete; still more if someone is using alco stances. fit even if you learn these things. If coordinate your energy. You try and and concrete not only in a formal hol or smoking, then they become You already know, and partic you learned well then maybe you do that practice. You spend one, way by studying or listening or even more unusual. Then the peo ularly older students remember, can do a sitting practice, but your two or three days doing that prac doing something. In general we ple of the village see us and what that I always ask people and advise life is not only sitting practice. tice and then you feel better. You say, "Oh, we want to listen to a can they think? So if we observe people to please work with circum After sitting practice you have your feel happy also, but it is not suffi teaching from a teacher". Many ourselves we can understand that. stances. This is what we teach in ordinary life. More important is cient because you are living in cir people have an idea that the teach the Dzogchen teachings. Why? that you are trying to be in your real cumstance. ing is a kind of a blessing, particu This is only the situation of Because circumstances change dimension. This is what a teacher larly if we do some rituals. People this moment, but this moment is the Today you coordinate your everyday - today is not tomorrow, teaches. Then you think, "I are satisfied, but then something example of all moments of our energy and you have no problem. tomorrow is not the day after should be in my real dimension concrete doesn't remain after. That lives. Even if we are not in this vil Maybe after two or three days you tomorrow, we always have differ but how is my real dimension, means that we are not proceeding in lage, we are somewhere on earth; have this problem again because ent situations, so if we know how how can I be in that state?" You a concrete way, so to proceed in a there are always people with their your circumstance is always going the situation is and we know how to can have a different idea and concrete way we must observe our attitudes and their way of seeing ahead in time. That is relative with work with it, we don't have many when the teacher gives the teach selves a little. We must think a little, differently. That's why we must be your physical body and your ener problems. We don't always need to ing precisely, you can under "Why am I interested to do a aware of circumstances. In the gy. If you are doing this practice write, call or speak with the teacher stand better. retreat? What is the reason I am Dzogchen teaching it says we everyday then maybe you can have continued on next page
2 should always learn how to work tradition of teaching. Dzogchen is with circumstances, so when we our condition, and to discover our are here to learn and apply the condition we need a teaching. That teaching we should start to work teaching is called Dzogchen teach Christmas Retreat with that way. You try and do your best, ing. You are learning the Dzogchen also in this village and around here, teaching to discover your and also when you go away, you try Dzogchen. Then you can have a lit Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and do in your country that way. If tle idea of what you can do. You we are being aware then that means learn and apply this teaching and we are also becoming responsible discover your real condition. Dis TASHIGAR, ARGENTINA for ourselves. In that way we can covering your real condition is also also govern ourselves, and that very useful for living in society. For means we are not dependent on a example, if you have some illness, December 26th, 2001 - January 2nd, 2002 rule or a special system. So it is to cure that illness or overcome that very important that in general we problem of illness, what should you should learn this. People who are do? First of all, you should discover already doing practice are thinking, which kind of illness you have and "Oh I am old practitioner, I don't for that you go to a doctor. We go to care about these things". Old prac a doctor because we are not expert Congratulations to the Namkhai family! titioners must be aware more than for discovering and there is some new practitioners, because old one more skillful then ourselves. With great joy, Yeshi, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu's son, and his wife Egle practitioners think, "I am old prac We go to a doctor and try and dis announced that they are expecting a child in June, 2002. On behalf of the titioner, I know this and that", and cover. Even if the doctor is an International Dzogchen Community and The Mirror we send all our best then they go outside of the real con expert, he doesn't know immedi wishes and congratulations to the future grandparents and parents. dition. So they must be even more ately which kind of illness you Even in the most difficult moments, a ray of light appears to cheer us up. careful about their attitudes and have. To discover your illness the observing themselves. When we doctor asks you what kind of food leam the teaching, the teaching is you eat, which kind of attitude you not only technique of practice. have, and all this. From your expla Interview Most people concentrate on differ nation the doctor does some kind of with Chogyal Namkhai Norbu ent kinds of technique. If we say, analysis and maybe discovers what "Oh, we should sit this way and your illness is. You can understand chant this kind of mantra", then why we go to a doctor, because we Vladivostok, Russia everyone is careful. But there exist do not have this knowledge. infinite practice techniques, and 1999 In the same way, we go to a you can change and do them in dif teacher to leam the Dzogchen ferent ways; that is not the aim of A & L: There is your famous saying: "Io godo, noi teaching. To discover our real what you should learn. by Anna Rudneva and Luda Kislichenko godiamo" (I enjoy, we enjoy). From the point of view of Dzogchen. The teacher is working the ordinary mind enjoying, that depends very much on What you should leam in the with you, observing your condi Anna & Luda: Rinpoche, how do the Gars in the good circumstances like health, wealth, good life, and Dzogchen teaching is, we say in tion, and then the teacher and stu Dzogchen Community get revenue for developing and good emotions. People create these circumstances. Dzogchen, chig she kun drol (gcig dent work together and maybe surviving? What is the principle of your "Io godo"? sites kun grol). That is what you there is a possibility to discover. Rinpoche: There is no rule that says: "The Gar can get Rinpoche: "Io godo", "I enjoy" doesn't mean I enjoy should learn. Chig she means when When we discover we can over income in this way." But I think that we must under drinking and smoking. People think this is joyful, it's you discover, when you have come all our problems of samsara. stand what a Gar is and be interested in having a Gar. If not meant in that way. "I enjoy" means that I know what learned one, then you discover all. When the doctor discovers your ill you are interested to have a Gar, of course, the money it means "to enjoy" and I also know how I can be in that You cannot learn everything that ness, then he gives you medicine for the Gar is related to that. For example, if you want to state. In this case, it means that there is the possibility to exists in our samsara. Even if you and advice. In the same way, the have a house, then somehow you need to have money to enjoy. Otherwise, we always have too much dualistic learn for many lives, you never fin teacher knows your condition and buy or rent this house; for maintaining the house you vision. We are thinking, "Oh, today I'm enjoying", but ish. But if you want to learn how which kind of practice you need, need money continually. Otherwise you can't have a then you are already falling onto the side of limitation, you discover your real nature and and he can teach you some kind of house. so tomorrow you'll have a problem. Knowing how our how you can get in your real nature, technique of practice. In this case It's the same thing when we want to have a Gar; all the life is, that it's a part of our quality, of our existence, then there are possibilities. Your you need a technique of practice, people interested are responsible. They must also be knowing this we are not limiting and not falling too real nature, your real condition, is but everyone does not need to prac interested somehow in maintaining and developing the much into dualistic vision. Just what it is. We are in that relative with everything. Just like tice in the same way. Someone Gar. To maintain and develop the Gar in modem society condition and we enjoy. If we know how to enjoy in that our eyes. We have two eyes and might have an illness of the liver, we need money; this is the first thing. If there is no way, then we really can enjoy. with two eyes we can see every someone has lung, someone has a money, there is no possibility. thing. If we close our eyes we can't skin problem, etc. The doctor gives see anything. If we want to cover you different kinds of advice and in Then we must think in which way we can make money. A&L: Could you speak a little about the function of the all that we can see in front of us, it is the same way the teacher gives dif Maybe there is some possibility to make money or Gekö in the Gar and which qualities she or he must impossible. But covering our two ferent kinds of teachings and maybe someone generously wants to offer. It depends have or develop? eyes is not so difficult. That is an advice. So you see what the teach upon the circumstances. The important thing is that Rinpoche: The Gekö is actually more responsible for example, by learning with our real ing means, for discovering or get everybody feels responsible, just like a family. If a fam the Gar. Even though the Gakyil is responsible for condition we can leam everything. ting in our real nature. ily is composed of ten people, for example, and some deciding this or that, in daily life the Gekö must apply one has more capacity, someone has less capacity, all these decisions. Therefore the Gekö becomes some You remember when you say, someone has a job, someone is going in a school; every thing important. "We learn the Dzogchen teaching", transcribed and edited body cannot maintain and contribute in the same way, Firstly, the Gekö controls the place, houses, people: the you remember what Dzogchen by Naomi Zeitz but everybody tries to do their best. Gekö is responsible for everything. Particularly, if the means. It doesn't mean that The Gar must go that way. It means that people should Gakyil and the responsibles of the Dzogchen Commu Dzogchen is a book or a school or a really think a little what a Gar is. A Gar is for all people, nity decide to do this or that, to bring this into daily life, Web Cast Project not for just a few people. the Gekö is important. The Gekö must be very much Institute in America - for each web Particularly, when we refer to a Gar like Kunsangar. it is present. Sometimes the Gekö personally does things in Distribution and coverage of costs cast - the corresponding amount for all the Russian speaking people, from European a more limited way and then we can have problems, but indicated in the table below. countries until Vladivostok. Russia is a huge country if there are such kinds of problems and we are going to Dear Gars: * Merigar: $250 and there are so many people. They are all interested to do some work, etc.. at that moment it's better the Gakyil I am very pleased with the results of *Tsegyalgar: $250 have a Gar. To have a Gar means to have the possibility people or general responsibles of the Community do not discuss with the Gekö. Even if the Gekö is doing the first experiments with the web * Namgyalgar: $250 to develop transmission, to study, to deal with the teach something not very correct, it's better to respect cast projects. Many people wrote * Tashigar: $50 ing: not only for today, but also for tomorrow. This is him/her. Otherwise, later it becomes very complicated. me with their appreciation and *Kunsangar:$100 something important. Sometimes we have these kinds of problems. We have were very happy with this new pos * Retreat originated web cast: $100 For example, today there is a teacher in the Dzogchen many experiences in different places. If something is sibility to remain in contact even + telephone costs for transmission. Community, and the teacher is working and helping. wrong, not correct, then when there is a Gakyil meet from far away. If it is easier for the Gars it can be But everything is impermanent. We cannot have the ing, it can be explained in a correct and very precise For this reason I would like to con forwarded in advance the full same situation continually every year. We must prepare way. In general, everyone should pay respect to each tinue and develop this experience amount of the scheduled five web something and take responsibility. For example, with other, the Gakyil and the Gekö. and then the Gekö real for the benefit of all our practition casts per year I have decided to Santi Maha Sangha, we are qualifying people and can ly takes responsibility. Then everything goes very easi- ers. In order to do so, I have decid realize. maintain the transmission. So, in this case, the Gar becomes indispensable. If people know how important ed to assign the coordination and This are my instructions for the the Gar is, then money is relative. organizational responsibilities con time being. If in the future there The qualities, since the beginning, when you choose the If people don't understand or are not interested to have nected with the web casts to the will be any change, we'll dot-iëe Gekö and the Gakyil - but particularly the Gekö - you a Gar, then, of course, it becomes very complicated and Shang-Shung Institute in America how to work with the new circum must ask, "Do you have patience or not?" This is very difficult. Since the beginning we are interested and which has been involved with the stances. important. Many people do not have much patience, have tried to have a Gar [Kunsangar]. We already have web casts since the beginning. Thank you all. they get angry with people and insult them. When such houses, land. etc. We know very well that all this is In the current system each web cast With many tashi delegs, people do the job of the Gekö, it becomes a problem for expensive and costs much money, but we have suc has an actual cost of approximately Chögyal Namkhai Norbu the Community. The qualities of the Gekö should be: an $1,000 and I have decided that the ceeded. So, now we must develop and continue, and open person who knows how to communicate with most appropriate solution for the people must somehow take responsibility. Everybody people and pays respect to the dimension of other peo coverage of this expenses will be must think and reflect about this. ple. Particularly they must be patient and when there their distribution among the Gars. are problems they know that the problems are relative Therefore, I would like to ask each and they can go ahead. Then there is no problem. Gar to forward to the Shang-Shung
THE MIRROR SEPT/OCT 2001 3 immune to any sense of place. I might not have been in WORLDWIDE TRANSMISSION PRACTICE DAY Home Sweet Home! Tuscany at all. by Charles Wright I quickly reassessed my plans. I wanted to spend Anniversary of Adzom Drukpa more time at Merigar, but I did not want to stay in this 9th Tibetan month - 25th day hotel. When you go home, you do not stay in hotels. Celebration at 5pm, Oddiyana time You stay with your family. With the help of my friend Andrea Di Castro, who had spent years at Merigar, but Tuesday, November 10th, 2000 now lived near me in Australia, I looked for a tempo rar)' home with a member of the Community. 02:00 Hawaii The search took me to a former farm near Pescina, 04:00 San Francisco, Los Angeles (US Pacific Time) high above the village of Castel del Piano. It was 20 05:00 Denver (US Mountain Time) minutes drive, much of it through forest and chestnut 06:00 Chicago, Mexico City (US Central Time) groves, from Arcidosso and Merigar. 07:00 Montreal, New York, Havana (US Eastern Time) I turned left down a bumpy dirt road, and found 08:00 Caracas one of those rough stone farmhouses with the regula 09:00 Buenos Aires, Santiago tion red tile roof and grape vines. It fulfilled every 10:00 Sao Paolo dream I'd ever had about Tuscan retreats. In the hazy 12:00 GMT, Dublin, London, Lisbon summer heat you could see the world dropping away t was August at Merigar, and as usual, samsara was 13:00 Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam below you. At dusk a flock of sheep, bells around their Imaking a nuisance of itself. For several nights, mete 14:00 Johannesburg, Helsinki, Athens, Jerusalem necks, strolled like wandering minstrels to their night orite showers had etched the prospect of significant 15:00 Moscow quarters. events across the clear mountain skies. 17:00 Oddiyana (Karachi-Pakistan) Luca Tirello and Lucia Antonelli and their infant There had been a near miss a week before the 17:30 Delhi, Bombay son Emanuele, were trying to tum the place into an retreat, when Rinpoche, wielding a large pair of prun 17:45 Katmandu agriturismo - basically a bed and breakfast farm. Half ing shears, led a force of reincarnated lumberjacks on 18:00 Dacca the house was rented to Angelo Fontana, and there was the overgrown boschetto - the grove of trees below the 19:00 Bangkok Gonpa. a constant turnover in visits - a style of life the Italians 20:00 Hong Kong call "via vai". Each night, it seemed, there was an Presumably overcome by the fumes from his 21:00 Tokyo exchange of delicious pastas and pizzas and slow- hyperactive chain saw, one of the karma yogis got him 21:30 Darwin cooked meats, seafood, and biscotti and tiramisu. I had self entangled in a falling tree. Both came crashing to 23:00 Sydney, Melbourne the ground in unison, requiring a liberal application of been transported to a culinary heaven. bandages and antiseptic lotion. You do not understand the Italian character until Visionary Paintings by Dugu Choegyal Rinpoche you drive on the narrow, winding country roads. My As the retreat began, an overnight windstorm tore Tibet House, New York City excursions to Castel del Piano and Arcidosso were away the ornately decorated Tibetan canopy over the September 6th - November 2nd, 2001 ASIA tent. challenging enough, given the fact that I was driving on what, for me, was the wrong side of the road. What real And now a fire was racing up the ridge towards the ugu Choegyal ly concentrated my attention, however, was the fact that Gonpa and the camping grounds. Helicopters were DRinpoche has the Italians regard the center line as negotiable territory. beating overhead, informing those below to "abban an exhibition of his Deep into a blind turn, you'd find an oncoming vehicle donare la zona". uniquely beautiful just meters ahead of you, on your side of the road, At his house farther down the slope, Rinpoche was paintings at Tibet demanding an urgent change of direction by both dri firmly resisting all entreaties from firefighters and civil House, New York vers. At first terrifying, it quickly got to be fun. Within a authorities to abandon his zona. As the inhabitants of City, from Septem week, I was happily terrorizing other drivers in my little the camping ground frantically uprooted their tents and ber 6th until black Ford Fiesta. dragged them uphill, Rinpoche remained calmly at November 2nd, home, on his couch. The same sort of thing was happening in the 2001. Dugu Choe The calm, alas, had not extended to the Gonpa. Gonpa. It is not the Italian way to adopt a regimented gyal has exhibited Back there, a frantic effort was being made to save the attitude to personal space. It is not the Italian way to across Europe, cushions and offering bowls. They also decided to res arrive early. The Italian way involves arriving with North and South cue all the sound equipment - wires and all - dispatch minutes to spare - perhaps even as Rinpoche is walking Americas, as well as ing two carloads of the stuff to safety. into the Gonpa - and improvising a seat in the most in several Asian Given the Italian temperament, this would later minute space- countries. prove to be a small problem. When the expected disas So all the cushions have disappeared before you The paintings of Lodu Di-me, Rinpoche's student who also has some ter failed to arise, some of the equipment went missing, get there? Take one home with you. It was hot in the paintings in exhibition at Tibet House, have been exhibited in Switzerland, and nobody remembered which car they'd put it in. Gonpa, and not only from the sun. The Germans and the Italy, Argentina and Taiwan. Welcome home, to Italy. You might not fully Anglo Saxons, whose sense of order was being routine Dugu Choegyal talks about his art work: appreciate what Rinpoche actually means when he ly offended, were fuming like furnaces. "Art, spiritual training and meditation practice were inseparable since says, from time to time, that Merigar is our home. He It was the perfect environment for Rinpoche's I was a young child in the Dugu region of Tibet. I began painting as a hobby said it again, on the first day of this retreat. Merigar is instructions on the artificial construct of I and The Oth from which I derived much inspiration and delight. During those first years our home. It belongs to all of us. We all have responsi er, We and the Others, from which conflict and tension in India I was very homesick and painted fond memories of earlier times. bility for its running. Sometimes it can be an interesting arises. Later I began what might be called 'spontaneous paintings'. These experience. There were rich pickings throughout this retreat works are the craziness of my flowing inner energy. They manifest by them For those of us who practice overseas, the images for diligent Santi Mafia Sangha students studying for selves. With brush and color I let everything flow and move without effort of Merigar - on postcards and posters, snapshots and the exams that followed. They could be seen stealing and without inserting myself. amateur video - do not show the way the mountains away, copies of The Precious Vase in hand, to study and Some of the works here [in this exhibit] were painted with elements of hold each ridge and slope in their embrace. make notes. both traditional and spontaneous methods. One has no sense of the seasons. The way the Meanwhile the epicureans were exploring places The works in this exhibit differ in style and technique, but more impor snow settles in winter, providing moisture for the spring like the restaurant Aiole, where the host, Ugo has culti tant is what they have in common: the Buddha's vision expressed in the grass; the way it turns yellow in the sun, is mown for vated a rough humor, a fertile mustache, and sublime Tantric teachings; that everything is living light energy that includes the hay, and the "fieno" rolled by machines into what the peasant dishes. five wisdom colors." Italians call balle: the way the remaining stubble At night time we explored the mysteries of browns off, the way it can flare into a "fuoco di paglia" Brunello di Montalcino, prince of chiantis, at the local that can move with alarming speed. wine cellars, or the Flash Bar. We studied grappa at the Dugu Choegyal Rinpoche's Website I had heard conflicting stories about the place. The Osteria del Bandito in Bagnore, and bathed in one of Announcing a website dedicated to and authorized by Dugu Choegyal Italians were disorganized. The Italians were officious. the many hot springs. Rinpoche They were distant and unhelpful. They were friendly On the hottest of days we drove to Zancona where http://www.dugu.org and cooperative. I was curious to find out what this an icy creek, with a population of tadpoles to indicate alternate home of mine was like. its clarity, cascades over weirs. It's so nice to be home. I had hired a car and driven up from Rome for a A Very Big Thank You ! weekend before the retreat. Like most visitors, I stayed in one of those international hotels, so curiously from Merigar
he organization and running of the two retreats given by Chögyal Merigar July & August Retreat CDs are ready ! TNamkhai Norbu this summer were greatly helped by the collabora tion of a number of people who assisted the Gakyil and the Gekö. The The Mp3 CD of the July retreat in Merigar (almost Institute: [email protected]. retreats were organized well in advance in every detail and many practi 10 hours of recording in one CD) is currently avail tioners volunteered to help. able. The Master speaks in English with Italian trans The Mp3 CDs of the August retreat in Merigar In particular we would like to thank the group who introduced a new way lation. (almost 20 hours of recording in two CDs) is current of organizing a large Ganapuja. A heartfelt thanks to the translators, the Also included in the same CD is a 10 minutes video ly available. The Master speaks in English with Ital audio and video people, the assistants, the hostesses, the parking atten clip of the Master singing the Song of the Vajra. The ian translation. dants, the people in charge of the camping and the dormitory. Our grati CD can be used in all recent PC and Mac systems (as tude also to those who took care of registration and checking registration. well as in Mp3 CD players and in some new DVD The cost is 50 Euros or approx. 100.000 Lit for the Several young people from the Czech Republic were very helpful in the players) and it costs 45.000 Lit (approx. 20 USD). set of 2 CDs, plus mailing expenses. For those who daily running of Serkhang (Golden House) and the canteen under the The video of the whole July retreat will be available were registered at the retreat, there is a 50% discount. direction of our cook and his helpers. in August on four VHS PALcassettes. The cost of the ! Thank you to the Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga teachers and the practition- cassettes (one for each day) is 35.000 Lit. each if For placing orders and for mailing/payment informa i ers who helped the 'new' people to understand the practices. bought separately or 120.000 Lit. for the whole set of tion please contact the secretary of the Shang-Shung A very big thank you for everyone who helped in running of the retreats by 4. Institute: [email protected]. giving their collaboration! For placing orders and for mailing information please contact the secretary of the Shang -Shung The Slicing Sluing Institute Digital A rchives - Merigar The Gekö and Gakyil of Merigar
4 refuge in the three precious ones, share what we did with other training, development stage and the Buddha, Dharma and sentient beings. Making aspira completion stage and so forth, all Advice for the Sangha. The reason is that the tions is to imitate the great wish of these are especially designed Western Vajrayana Practitioner confused mind all by itself does es other enlightened beings have to remove what prevents the nat not attain liberation without tak formed. Usually we take the ural state and to make it more ing support from an already example of Manjushri and the easily realized. As you go awakened Buddha, the teachings bodhisattva Samantabhadra, who through these trainings you will and the companions who assist profoundly made the most per notice that actually they work. Interview with Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche that. So once we see the value of fect aspirations, so we use the Don't belittle mind training, the June 10, 2001 that, from the core of our heart same kind of aspirations. four mind changings, and ngön we place our trust in the Buddha, When we embrace any kind dro; they're very effective. Massachusetts, USA Dharma and Sangha. This is true of practice with these three Please keep this in mind all of whether we are practicing excellences - the excellent prepa you. Hinayana, Mahayana or ration of refuge and bodhichitta, Vajrayana, every single sadhana the excellent main part beyond The Mirror: We in the West, always starts with taking refuge; concepts, and the excellent con at least in America, have become there is almost no exception clusion of dedication and aspira aware of the escalating violence there. tion, we ensure that our practice, in our country and the apparent Next, for Mahayana, the even though it is little, becomes decline in altruistic feeling and most important is the bodhisatt- authentic, genuine and extremely behavior; it seems that we are va heart, called bodhichitta, and effective. This is important, more self-interested and violent that means for the sake of all especially if one has only a little and less compassionate. Do you sentient beings, "I, vow to take time. have any insight or advice for the enlightenment in order to benefit We may practice a lot but if American practitioner regarding them". Bodhichitta has two we don't saturate our practice this problem? aspects, relative and ultimate, with these principles, just saying Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche: I and the relative has two aspects, the prayers and go through the don't consider this specifically the aspiring resolve and the motions, accumulating numbers an American problem. It happens applied resolve. The aspiring and so forth, it doesn't really go everywhere in the world at pre resolve is to set our mind on it to the core of our heart, to the sent. We need to cultivate the and the applied is to put it into marrow of our bones. As this is opposite of that, we need to practice through the six parami- so important, I would like you to develop more loving kindness tas and so forth. In other words, give these principles special and compassion, and reduce our it is not just for myself I am emphasis. Put your whole heart selfishness and selfish tenden doing these practices, it is truly into the practice, not just your cies; that is the only way to have for the benefit of others. As lips and your tongue. Do so from peace and harmony among Mahayana practitioners, we try the bottom of your heart, in a human beings. There doesn't to cultivate loving kindness and way that is truly authentic, in seem to be another way. compassion for everyone, not which you are really present, and Selfishness when given free just for a few. We put ourselves you will always be covering the reins, which is often the case, in others' place, we exchange most profound key points in creates disharmony, breaks ourselves with others, and we whatever you do. Even if you peace and destroys, and makes regard others as being more practice only for a little while even war among countries. Not important than ourselves. We can this insures you have progress just among families and neigh measure this progress in our own immediately. Otherwise we may bors, but on a large scale which daily situations: when we are look back and say we have prac can be extremely dangerous. So able to regard others as more ticed for so many years now but we need to put more emphasis on The Mirror: Good morning year retreat or after that even go important than our selves, and what really happened? Not that developing the good heart, the Rinpoche. You have been teach to stay in caves in the mountains that is not just for a few but much. Why? Because we didn't good will, first between two peo ing Western students for 28 years or other secluded places and everyone without any limitation, put complete sincerity into our ple and then on a larger and larg now. What advice do you have focus one-pointedly on practice then we can say we truly brought practice. This I consider one of er scale. That is very important. for the Western Vajrayana stu to bring forth the full accom forth the bodhisattva's heart. the most important points. I'm not specifically speaking dent - what do you see as our plishment. This was in the sense of relative Westerners are usually well from a spiritual point of view strengths and weaknesses and These days with the Dharma bodhichitta. The practice of educated and intelligent, they here. This is just a common how we might better focus our moving to the West it seems the refuge and bodhichitta are the have sharp minds, and when they understanding among all human practice? situation is a little different essential preparation for any look at the Dharma teachings, beings, that if one is interested in Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche: I because people are occupied kind of training. The root of lib they immediately, because of the hurting others it's not nice and if don't see any big difference with their work, responsibilities, eration is taking refuge and the habit of instant gratification and one is helpful it's nice. Everyone between Westerners and duties and so forth, and they root of omniscient enlighten that things happen automatically, agrees that this is what we all Easterners, they are all human don't seem to be able to drop out ment is bodhichitta. immediately, they look for what need. If you are Buddhist, or beings, going the same way, but and go to a monastery. Studies is the highest view, what is the have a religion, it is called a Buddha's teachings are very pro are still important though, but we Then comes the main part most effective. "All right! virtue, a specific spiritual quali found and go all the way to the need to focus on studying exact beyond concepts. This is the Dzogchen! Mahamudra! ty. And if you are not a spiritual depth, so therefore they are ly what we practice so we have very heart of Buddhist practice, Vajrayana! I'm told this is the person, it's just called being nice. equally beneficial for both some clarity about what we are which makes it unique and spe most effective, the highest. Don't be unpleasant and nasty, Westerners and Easterners. What doing; that is the bare minimum. cial. To train in a way where no That's what I want. I will just be the opposite. It's what we all I suggest is that people begin by We need to clear away any focus or concepts are held in grab it right now." This may be need. studying to gain understanding, doubts or uncertainty about a mind whatsoever, whether we very clever and intelligent, but to reflect, and then they put that particular practice so we know call it Mahamudra, the Middle Whoever follows these basic we must look at what is practical understanding into practice. In what we are doing and continue Way, or Dzogchen, essentially principles is in harmony with the and whether it is realistic, other words, our progress can be with confidence. In order to it's the same, to be able to be Buddha's teachings. Whether because when a child begins in really authentic through study, receive teachings we need to completely awake without con they're Buddhist or not, religious school he usually starts with reflection and practice, and connect with someone who is ceptualizing. Mahamudra calls or free thinkers, it doesn't matter. ABC and not with his Ph.D. become of really good quality. qualified, not to study with just this the original, coemergent If we don't follow these basic wakefulness or ordinary mind, paper, and there is good reason principles, we cause disharmony It has been the tradition all anyone, but someone competent. the Middle Way calls it profound for that. We may be better served and destroy peace. So we as the way from the time of the We need to study with that per emptiness devoid of all con by the pragmatic way of going Buddhists, especially, should Buddha in India and also through son and then our doubts and structs and Dzogchen call it self- about things. take it upon ourselves and see the centuries in Tibet, to spend uncertainty can be cleared away. existing awareness, the heart of that it is our responsibility to be the time in studying, reflecting When we have a sound under Of course we need to realize all Buddhas. That is what we less selfish, to care more for oth and practicing in a very particu standing and we know how to the Buddha mind, which is the train in. There is a very good rea ers, this I consider extremely lar way. One would go through practice, we can practice in an view of Mahamudra and son for training that way, and important. detailed studies, like in the authentic way. I find it really Dzogchen, there's no question that is because everything, from monastic college known as important that we gain personal about that. From the omniscient the aggregate of form all the way Shedra, sometimes for eight, experience and through that we state of enlightenment the The Mirror: That is very up to complete omniscient nine or even fifteen or twenty can feel real certainty. Buddha perceives the conducive clear. Thank you Rinpoche. enlightenment, is by nature, factors of being able to do so, years. Sometimes a whole life Let me give you an example devoid of true existence, and in and what prevents it. The time would be spent studying, of the essential way of practicing the state of forming no concepts Buddha's teachings are meant to reflecting and debating, but at the teachings we receive from we are actually facing that fact. be kind, and they are meant for the same time the meaning the different masters we connect So training in this is the most people to use because that's what should be applied to ones experi with. In the Tibetan tradition of profound and most important. they need. We shouldn't belittle ence in meditation practice to Buddhism we practice the three any aspect of the Buddha's insure sound understanding. This vehicles, not only one, but all Now, for the conclusion of teachings, just because it doesn't has been the tradition and it has three of them together, in an any practice we do, we dedicate seem to be instant enough. also been the tradition that after indivisible and combined way. the merit, and make aspirations. Rather, when we look at the four the monastic studies were com The practice that essentializes Dedicating the merit requires mind-changings, ngöndro, the pleted, one would go into a three the Hinayana vehicle is to take that we actually did some prac tice ourselves and then we can preliminary practices, the mind
THE MIRROR SEPT/OCT 2001 5 Merigar 2 0 years
authorities. The program began in A translation of the letter from the in which people can search for their the Gonpa at Merigar with a public President of the Province of Gros freedom. The energy to bring to life talk followed by a guided visit to seto to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on a place such as the Merigar Com the Gonpa and the Stupa, then a the occasion of the 20th aimiver- munity is, I feel, based on the ed in this very special day comic-acrobatic show for children, saiy of Merigar opportunity offered by members of 2 0 0 1 expressed their hope to meet again and a theatrical performance, "The the Community to undertake a path in the future to celebrate the Gar in Life of Pema Woebar" by the Grosseto, July 5,2001 of individual and collective Merigar's Twenty Years an atmosphere of harmony and Drammamundi company with research through their awareness. peace. artists from the Dzogchen Commu n the history of a territory, twenty The Dzogchen Community has wenty years have passed since nity. The local population was years is a brief period a time, an made this journey within the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu I T invited to the event emphasizing interlude within the centuries. In "diversity" of Merigar without, founded Merigar on the slopes of The following article about the 20 how rooted the Community has the lifetime of man, however, it is however, keeping itself separate Mount Amiata in Tuscany, Italy. years festivities at Merigar become in this area and the benevo an important length of time that from the rest of the population. For Twenty years that have seen a great appeared in the "Tirreno", an Ital lent attitude extended by the local makes its mark, leaves memories this reason, your "first" twenty deal of change and growth within ian daily newspaper, on July 5th. authorities and population to the and transforms. years have been a meaningful peri the Gar. To commemorate this spe numerous sympathizers and mem The anniversary of the first od for our area. cial occasion a day of festivities bers of the Community over the twenty years of Merigar in Grosse was organized on July 5th, a rcidosso. Twenty years have "Thought" transforms, enrich years. to Province gives me the opportuni moment to greet old friends, meet Agone by since the Cultural es and makes a territory vital. I am ty to thank the Community, first of new ones and look forward with Association of the Dzogchen Com very sorry that I will not be able to all, for choosing this place and for enthusiasm to the next twenty years munity made its home on the terri accept your kind invitation [to being chosen by many fellow citi in the young life of the Gar. tory of Arcidosso to become a sig attend the 20 year festivities] nificant and fully integrated pres zens. This meeting has not been an because of unavoidable commit Among the many guests that ence. The Dzogchen Community is accident. For centuries pilgrims ments. I would have very much day, Merigar was particularly hon made up of a group of people who have crossed our land. Many of liked to have been with you and ored and happy to host representa have gathered spontaneously them have remained and found the meet the founder of your Commu tives of the four Gars - Lynn Geary around Prof. Namkhai Norbu, pre place they were looking for in a val nity, Prof. Chögyal Namkhai Nor- from Namgyalgar, Australia, Adri viously professor of Tibetan and ley, a wood or at the peak of a bu. ana Battisti from Tashigar, Argenti Mongolian language at the Univer mountain. I send my apologies, kindest na, Grisha Mokhin from Kunsan- sity of Oriental Languages in Merigar is a special place to regards and all best wishes that we gar, Russia, and Lauri Denyer from Naples. An internationally stop. will be able to meet on another Tsegyalgar, USA. A heartfelt renowned scholar and researcher of I like to think that Grosseto occasion. thanks for your gifts and your pres the ancient Tibetan culture, Prof. Province has been chosen as a place Lio Scheggi ence! Other guests included mem Namkhai is also a holder of pre bers of ASIA, the Istituto Shang tulkus with their teachers taken in cious spiritual teachings which he Shung, Edizioni Shang Shung, as the monasteries in India and Nepal has taught with dedication around well as the local authorities in the where the Tibetan communities in the world for many years. person of the Mayor of Arcidosso exile are located. These works had It is to him that we owe not only and the Minister of Culture for already been shown in London at the existence of the Community but Grosseto Province. The opening the Rossi & Rossi Gallery in also several organizations connect ceremony took place in the Gonpa November 2000 and Tibetan ed with it such as ASIA which for where Chögyal Namkhai Norbu House, New York in March 2001 years has been involved in pro gave the introductory speech fol under the title 'Tibetan tulkus, grams of long distance adoption of lowed by the Mayor who spoke images of continuity". Tibetan children and in numerous about the growing friendship and The ASIAE Exhibition John Stewart's photographs projects which include among oth collaboration that had been estab of Photographs were taken at the end of the 1980s ers the construction of schools and lished between the Community and Martine Franck, John Stewart and during his travels in parts of Tibet hospitals in various areas of Tibet. the territory over the years. The Fosco Maraini that were closed to foreigners at the The Shang -Shung International Insti Minister of Culture delivered a let time. They will be published in a tute for Tibetan Studies was founded ter to Rinpoche (reprinted below) "I7"rom August 5th to 31 st an exhi- book shortly and were presented at over ten years ago and inaugurated by from the President of the Province M. bition of photographs by three the exhibition as a world premiere. the Dalai Lama during his visit to Meri who had not been able to attend the internationally renowned photogra Fosco Maraini's photographs were gar in 1990. Then there is the Shang - event. phers - Martine Franck, John Stew taken in 1947 during his travels Shung publishing house and Coabit, an The formalities over, a lively art and Fosco Maraini - was pre with the famous Italian Tibetologist agricultural cooperative made up of picnic was held on the lawn behind sented at the Aldobrandescan Cas Giuseppe Tucci during his explo members of the Community. the Serkhang (Golden House) for tle of Arcidosso, near Merigar. The rations of the "Roof of the World". the public while the special guests Over the years numerous ini exhibition was organized by the The photographs of Tibet were on lunched on the new patio on the tiatives have been undertaken by Arcidosso Department of Culture loan by the Shang-Shung Institute other side of the house. At this time the Community, many of them at in collaboration with the "Porto of Tibetan Studies. the international level, activities Franco" project of Tuscany, Gros many of those present observed a In addition there were pho which have involved and been sup seto Province, Rossi & Rossi (Lon rainbow appear unexpectedly tographs on display from the Muse ported by the local authorities and don), John Stewart, the Gabinetto around the sun - a most auspicious um of Historical Photography in which have brought about even G.P. Vieusseux of Florence, the sign! Rome of landscapes of Sikkim, closer links between the Communi M.A.FO.S.-ICCD Museum of During the afternoon the guests Ladakh and the Hindu-kush moun ty, the local population and various Rome, the Istituto Shang-Shung were taken around the Gar to visit tain range taken by Italian travelers public bodies. and the Indo-Roman Collection, the Stupa and the Gonpa while in to these regions in the late 19th and The Dzogchen Community Rome-London. The curator was the evening the Drammamundi the early 20th century. celebrated their twenty years on Filippo Salviati. atrical group - all Community peo Mount Amiata with a great happen ple - presented an edited version of The focus of the event was on The web site of the exhibition can ing, inviting numerous representa "The Life of Pema Woebar", a fable East Asian religions with a particu be visited at: www.asiae2001.org tives from various departments of cum epic tale complete with masks lar emphasis on Tibet. In the sec local, provincial and regional gov and ethnic songs and music to the tion dedicated to Martine Franck's ernment, members of the great and enthusiastic joy of their work there were a number of strik Dzogchen Community and other audience. Everyone who participat ing portraits of young Tibetan
6 Vajra Dance Courses & Practice Retreats Around the World
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER, 2001 ty of connection flights with SAS, Lufthansa, Finnair, British Air RUSSIA ways, LOT, Czech Airlines, Lauda The Russian Community is happy Air. Also Eurolines buses. to announce a course of Dance of Visas: Europe, UK, USA citizens the Song of Vajra in Kunsangar do not require a visa. with Adriana dal Borgo. The retreat will take place only if a October 4th- 14th and November sufficient number of people will 1st -4th register. For that reason if you are (from October 19th until October interested, please do register as 29th, Adriana will be giving a soon as possible. Do not hesitate to course in Saint-Petersburg). contact me for any details like the The price is $45 US with a discount list of the hotels, etc. If you wish to for Dzogchen Community mem participate it is highly recommend bers. ed that you transfer 50$ to RDC bank account the details of which For further information please con will be sent upon request. tact We hope to see you ! Kunsangar With best regards on behalf of Riga
THE MIRROR SEPT/OCT 2001 BOOK REVIEWS SHANG SHUNG EDIZIONI
The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in this practice, which often sounds frightening to people. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Difficult Times by Pema Chodron Pema's contribution has been to make the practice The Precious Vase - Instructions on Commentary to Narag Tongtrug Shambhala Publications ISBN: 1570624097 (2001), accessible to those who don't feel so heroic. the Base of Santi Maha Sangha Practice 144 pages $21.95 Pema humanizes the practice by describing her own experiences, many of them painful or humbling, New edition 2001 L. 15.000 US$10 and far from "ideal." There is an intimacy to the person Translated from Tibetan and edited "This practice pertains to the al stories Pema relates of her own struggles with the by Adriano Clemente. Translated Anuyoga tradition and its related practice. She illuminates the various pitfalls and traps, from Italian into English by Andy method to achieve the final goal and she expounds on the inner yoga of the practice, Lukianowicz. that is the state of contemplation explaining how it acts as a mirror, allowing us to L. 35.000 US$25 tied to the Dzogchen teaching. It is observe ourselves. When a person feels they simply are This book is the new Base text of considered very important, above not capable of generating compassion for others, the the Santi Maha Sangha. Expanded all, in order to purify negative kar simple observation of that can enable them to feel com on notes and quotations, it is the ma and obstacles connected with passion for their own "blockage," and to recognize that essential text for the study and breaking samaya with the teach this "failure" connects them with all other human practice of the Base Level of Santi ing." beings, who also suffer from the same sense of failure at Maha Sangha training. It also con These oral instructions, given by times. tains the updated list of practices Chögyal Namkhai Norbu at Meri required for the Base Level exami This approach was summed up in the title of one gar in July 1996, are based on a nation. of Pema's earlier books, Start Where You Are. By start short text of the master Lochen ing with what is at hand, rather than rejecting it, seem Dharmashri. ing obstacles to the practice can be dissolved. This, she Chögyal Namkhai Norbu reveals, is the true essence of the practice. Her approach Longsal Teachings-Vol. 1 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is perfumed by the Vajrayana view of seeing whatever L. 25.000 US$17 Longde Teachings Based on the arises as wisdom, in the moment of its arising. Translated from Tibetan by Adri Original Texts by Vairocana and I was particularly touched by the sections of the ano Clemente Dzin Dharmabodhi book where Pema describes the fruit of Tonglen, where The Longsal Cycle is the collection L. 20.000 US$13 one notices compassionate thoughts arising sponta of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's These teachings, given at Nam- neously in the everyday situations of one's life. Pema rediscovered teachings. This Vol gyalgar in 1997, contain the writes, "As we pass people we simply notice whether ume 1 contains three Upadeshas instructions for the Longde practice we open up or shut down," (p. 71) and "In the elevator of the Four Das according to the with a stranger, I notice her shoes, her hands, the original texts written by Vairocana expression on her face.....just like me she has worries. and Dzin Dharmabodhi. Several Through our hopes and fears we are deeply intercon drawings illustrate precisely the positions for the practice. ema Chodron is a disciple of the late Chogyam nected."^. 53) PTrungpa. Trungpa was known for his uncompro The final chapters of the book deal with topics mising Vajrayana style. Though Pema emphasizes a vital to the Vajrayana: "Heightened Neurosis", and gentler, Sutric approach, underlying it is her teacher's "The Spiritual Friend". Vajrayana outlook. This is reflected in the book's title, While emphasizing the unconditional nature of which refers to the Chod practitioner, Machig Labdron, the relationship to the spiritual master, she adds in whose guru told her: "Go to the places that scare you." down-to-earth fashion: "The teacher is a full-fledged Pema Chodron gives similar advice, but presents the human being, not some spiritual ideal. In this relation more gradual method of Tonglen mind training, in ship, as in any other, we will experience likes and dis place of the fierce Tantric energy of Chöd. likes." (p. 114). Opening to these feelings is part of the The Tonglen practice of "exchanging oneself for unconditional relationship. others" aspires to the total generosity of self-giving which seems to be a central feature of Chod. Pema by Paul Bail writes, - oneself for others, using the breath as a medita tion support. One breathes in the suffering and misfor tunes of others, visualized as thick black smoke. Exhal received through dreams, including ing one sends out all one's happiness and peace. A num the histories of their discovery over ber of books on Tibetan Buddhism make reference to a period of time ranging from 1959 to 1983. These termas are entitled: Chögyal Namkhai Norbu The Yoga of Prana for Clarity and The Yoga of Arya Tara Emptiness, The Upadesha of the L. 10.000 US$6.50 New Items & Books from Tsegyalgar Bookstore Oral Transmission of Thangtong This booklet contains a new short Gyalpo, The Root Upadesha on the text on the Green Tara Practice, NEW BOOKS by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Vajra Bridge of Longde. recently written by Chögyal Important- these books are for practitioners who have transmission from Namkhai Norbu, which includes Chögyal Namkhai Norbu the 21 action mantras of Tara. The Chögyal Namkhai Norbu: Longsal Teachings - Vol. 2 original text is followed by an PRECIOUS VASE L.25.000 US$17 explanation on the meaning of the Instructions on the Base of Santi Maha Sangha Translated from Tibetan by Adri text and the way of doing the prac Edited and annotated by Adriano Clemente - Shang Shung Edizioni ano Clemente. The Longsal Cycle tice. Newly revised, a must-have book for practitioners who would like to par is the collection of Chögyal ticipate in Santi Maha Sangha. Namkhai Norbu's rediscovered These books can be ordered only by $26.25 plus shipping. teachings. This Volume 2 contains practitioners who have already three Upadeshas received through received the transmission directly LONGSALTEACHINGS- Volume One dreams, including the histories of from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. LUNGTA (Prayer Flags) Translated from the Tibetan and edited by Adriano Clemente - Shang their discovery over a period of Beautiful Lungta of "Song of Shung Edizioni time ranging from 1957 to 1989. All the prices are in Italian Lire and Vajra " handwritten by Chögyal This publication of teachings from the Longsal Cycle contains three These termas are entitled: The US Dollars. Postage and packag Namkhai Norbu in Tibetan and Upadeshas received through dreams, including the history of their dis Opening of the Gate to the State of ing: in Europe add Lire 4.000 per English. coveries over a period of time ranging from 1959 to 1983. Ati, The Upadesha of Introduction order; outside Europe US$3 every Lungta means "Wind horse" and Extraordinary dreams - highly recommended ! to the State of Ati (this text was three books. To order please send refers to the protective force of $21 plus shipping. published before separately) and the list of books you require by let the individual. The Upadesha for the Self-Libera ter or email (specifying where and Authenticating with mantra and 12 PRIMORDIAL MASTERS POSTER by Glen Eddy tion of the Six Lokas. when you have received the trans putting up the flags can strength A beautiful reproduction of the original painting by Glen Eddy of the 12 mission directly from Chögyal en our fundamental vital force. Primordial Masters. This unique representation includes the image of The Dzogchen Community Namkhai Norbu). Each set contains five 13 x 13 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and is exquisite in its detail. L. 25.000 US$17 flags in the 5 primary colors. Cost: $12 plus shipping and handling Principles and Guidelines for Prac Send an International Postal Mon 1 set sells for $9 and 3 sets for titioners and Gakyil Members ey Order, Eurocheque in Italian $25,5 sets for $40, plus shipping To order: In a meeting of the International Lire (from Europe) ora check (not Instructions on Lungta will be Tsegyalgar Bookstore Gakyil a decision was made to put less titan US$30 or equivalent) to included. Tel: 413-369-4473 together a basic guide on the Comunità Dzogchen (Shang Shung Fax:413-369-4165 Dzogchen Community and its Edizioni) Also available: Email: tsegyalgarbookstore @yahoo, com activities using Rinpoche's own 58031 Arcidosso, GR, Italy. Book comments as the main source of Tel: 0564 966039 The Practice of Lungta by Chö information, together with some Email: shangshunged @ tiscalinet. it gyal Namkhai Norbu other individual observations and Shang Shung Edizioni helpful suggestions. The guidelines Teaching about Lungta from which are outlined in this book are Merigar in 1991 therefore intended to be a useful $4.00 plus shipping general aid, particularly to new Gakyil members.
H INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Lama Wangdor Comes (updated September 2001 ) to Tsegyalgar
November 17th & 18th General Consultants/or GERMAN LANGUAGE Olga Solovyova (Saturday & Sunday) any publication: [email protected] Karin Eisenegger (A schedule will be posted soon). Adriano Clemente [email protected] Alexander Vyaznikovtsev [email protected] [email protected] Birgit Gewehr For more information: Jim Valby [email protected] SERBIAN LANGUAGE [email protected] Tsegyalgar Office Karin Heinemann ZeljkaJovanovich P.O.Box 277 Conway MA 01341 Coordinator for translations and Karin. Heinemann @ t-online.de [email protected] Tel: 413-369-4153 transcriptions: Fax:413-369-4165 Jakob Winkler SPANISH LANGUAGE Email: 74404.1141 @compuserve.com Igor Legati [email protected] [email protected] Oriol Aguilar Matthias Winter [email protected] CHINESE LANGUAGE Matthias Winter® swol.de Marisa Alonso Tibetan Conversion Software for Macintosh Keng Leek GREEK LANGUAGE [email protected] kalatime @ singnet.com.sg Nitartha International is pleased to announce the release of the Panayiotis Stambolis Elias Capriles Nitartha-Sambhota V 2.0 Fonts and a Converter for the Mac Hung Wen Liang [email protected] [email protected]. ve e2214759@ ms 10.hinet.net On the Mac we are now releasing our new Tibetan fonts along with a con ITAUAN LANGUAGE Ana Maria Humeres (coordinator) version program. This conversion program will convert text files contain CZECH LANGUAGE [email protected] ing Wylie or Asian Classics transliteration to Rich Text Files containing Costantino Albini Tibetan script. These Rich Text files can be read by Microsoft Word and Margit Martinu [email protected] Nelida Saporiti can then be formatted and printed. By using tools such as Adobe Acrobat [email protected] [email protected] Writer, documents containing Tibetan text can be produced for emailing Igor Legati or posting on the web. Documents containing the new Tibetan fonts are DANISH LANGUAGE [email protected] Ramon Vazquez easily transportable between the Mac and PC. No additional conversion [email protected] or special procedures are necessary. Also, documents produced using Erik Meier Carlsen Maurizio Mingotti Nitartha-Sambhota 2.0 on the PC can be transported to the Mac and print [email protected] [email protected] ed there. INTERNET COMMITTEE Please note that the Tibetan conversion software on the Mac requires Mac DUTCH LANGUAGE JAPANESE LANGUAGE OS 9 and Microsoft Word 98 or better. We are not releasing a new Tibetan Cheh Goh keyboard for Microsoft Word on the Mac at this time but are working on Florens Van Canstein Tetsu Nagasawa namkhagazer@ netscape.net such keyboard software for Mac OS X. [email protected] [email protected] At this time we are delivering the program by e-mail attachments and not Loek Jehee by disk or CD. The email attachments can be copied to disk to maintain a ENGLISH LANGUAGE Edgar M.Cooke [email protected] backup copy of the program. The email files include a user guide which [email protected] can be printed for reference. The program is delivered with instructions Julia Lawless (coordinator) Maurizio Mingotti and two attachments. One attachment is 1.9MB, so the receiving email [email protected] Junichi Chigira [email protected] system must be able to receive attachments that size (this means hotmail [email protected] will not accept it). The second attachment is .5MB. Andy Lukianowicz Grisha Mokhin Price $50 payable to Nitartha International. As in the past, we will send [email protected] POLISH LANGUAGE [email protected] the program to monastic users at no cost. Further information and methods of payment (how to use our secure cred Nina Robinson Cezary Wozniak it card payment system) are available on the Nitartha International web [email protected] [email protected] PUBLISHERS site at http://www.nitartha.org/ Follow the links to Tibetan Software. John Shane Marek Macko Naomi Zeitz - The Mirror For additional information, email Robert Fors: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Nitartha Sambhota Barrie Simmons Artur Skura Tiziana Gottardi - Shang Shung 550117th Ave. NE barrie.simmons @ libero.it [email protected] Edizioni, Italy Seattle, WA 98105 [email protected] 206-529-8259 Elisabeth Stutchbury Pawel Poniewski Email: if ors @ nitartha. org [email protected] [email protected] Gerd Manusch - Oddiyana Shang Shung Edition, Germany Desmond Barry PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE [email protected] [email protected] Muriella Colajacomo Malaga Oliver Leick - Shang Shung Edi Anastasia McGhee [email protected] tion. Austria [email protected] [email protected] Sonia Regina Grosso FINNISH LANGUAGE [email protected] Cheh Goh - Rinchen Editions. Sin gapore Tuula Saarikoski RUSSIAN LANGUAGE [email protected] [email protected] Igor Berkhin Lyudmila Vasilyeva - Shang Shung Kaisa-Liisa Puonti [email protected] Editions. Moscow [email protected] [email protected] Vladimir Maikov Ilkka Tanner [email protected] Kirill Shilov - Shang Shung Edi [email protected] tions. St. Petersburg l'arida Malikova [email protected] FRENCH LANGUAGE [email protected] Sergey Ryabov - Zerkalo Michele Brunacci Gregory Mokhin srtib(§ glasnct.ru [email protected] [email protected] Jiri Rys - Shang Shung Editions, François Calmes Tanya Naumenko (coordinator) Czech Republik [email protected] ([email protected] [email protected]
Bruno Espaze BairOchirov Paola Civile - Editorial Reflejos. espaze @ y ahoo.com [email protected] Venezuela paociv @ te lcel.net. ve Marie Neige Lefeuvre Kirill Shilov [email protected] [email protected] George Quasha - Station Hill Openings. USA Yann Leguen Phil and Marina Smolkov [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
T H E M iRROR SEPT/OCT 2 O O I 9 SHANG-SHUNG INSTITUTE
Annamarie Delaclos, Tel: Registration and information: DATES: Shang- Shung Institute in 065885142 Elisa Copello, Tel: O2-33607505, 10th- 15th of May America Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 31 st of May - 5th of June 2001-2002 Tibetan Medicine Program BOLOGNA: lst-2nd December ROME: 6th-7th of APRIL Subjects dealt with during the First level of Sa Che (Analysis of Third seminai' of third level of Ku course: October 20-25,2001 the outer and inner energies present Nye Symptoms, diagnosis and treat Foundation Course in Tibetan in the environment and in one own Registration fees: 220.000 Lire ment of solid and hollow organs Medicine Italian 's place in order to balance and har Registration and information : main pathologies, study of herbal Level 1/Part 2 on Conditions of Shang-Shung Institute monize negative energies) Annamarie Delaclos, Tel: medicines: posology and simple Disease News Registration fees: 220.000 Lire 065885142, preparations. W/ Drs. Phuntsog Wangmo & Translation Department Registrations and information : Email: [email protected] Registration fees: 1.300.000 Lire Yangdron Kelzang In the course of our latest meeting Marisa Giorgini, for both seminars Rochambeau Lodge with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Email: [email protected] MERIGAR: 20th - 21 ST of APRIL The two seminars are directed to all $450/$675 RESIDENTIAL Rinpoche suggested that it would Seminar of second level of Sa Che the students of the first three years Contact: Jacqueline Gens be a good idea if a group of "new" MILANO: 15th-16th of December Registration fees: 160.000 Lire course and to all Ku Nye students Tel: 8022549114 translators from Tibetan could be First seminar of third level of Ku Registration and information: who have at least attended and Email: jgens @ sover.net formed and trained under the guid Nye Shang-Shung Institute Secretary passed the first two levels. Doctors, ance and supervision of expert Registration fees: 220.000 Lire Rita Renzi therapists and nurses interested in October 26-28,2001 translators already full-time work Registration and information: Tel: 300564966941 joining the course, can attend it, Advanced Seminar: Liver Disor ing for our Community. The aim is Elisa Copello Fax: 390564968110 provided they buy the cassettes of ders and Treatment through Diet, to prepare qualified translators able Email: [email protected] the three years' foundation course. Herbal Preparations and External in the future to work side by side Year 2002 Information and registration: Therapies w/ Dr. Phuntsog Wang with existing translators. The texts IN COLLABORATION WITH MILANO: 27th-28th of APRIL Shang-Shung Institute Secretary mo Dr. Yangdron Kelzang to translate should cover different KUNS ANGAR IN RUSSIA Fourth seminar of third level of Ku Rita Renzi Tsegyalgar in Conway, MA aspects of Tibetan culture: art, 2nd-24th of January Nye Tel: 300564966941 $275/ no fee for Foundation pro astrology, history, poetry and so Intensive course of second level of Registration fees: 220.000 Lire Fax: 390564968110 gram participants. Optional dormi forth in order to activate the Trans Ku Nye and possibly seminars of Registration and information: Email: [email protected] tory at $20/night lation Department of our Institute Sa Che, Mantra healing or Dreams Elisa Copello, Tel: O2-33607505, Contact: Jacqueline Gens the purpose of which is to diffuse and Medicine. Email: [email protected] All prices will be soon converted Tel: 8022549114 and promote such knowledge. The KUNSANGAR secretary office into Euros and we will Email: [email protected] perspective candidates should have Tel /Fax: (007-096-43) 21156 ROME: 4th-5th of May provide updated information. a connection with the teaching, a Email: [email protected] Fourth Seminar of third level of Ku November 13-14,2001 good knowledge of Tibetan and Nye Smith College, Northampton, MA capability of translating into Eng USA Registration fees: 220.000 Lire Public Talks lish or any other western language. Shang-Shung Institute IN COLLABORATION WITH Registration and information: Tuesday, November 13,2001 "Dr. People who are interested in this News THE AUSTRIAN BRANCH OF Annamarie Delaclos. Tel: Phuntsog Wangmo: ATibetan project, are kindly requested to sub THE 065885142, woman doctor's narratives on life mit their CVs to the secretary of the New Email Address SHANG- SHUNG INSTITUTE Email: [email protected] and work in rural north east Tibet" Shang-Shung Institute in Merigar. Shang-Shung Institute, USA 6th - 27th of January & 2nd - 3rd of COMO: 25th-26th of May Wednesday, November 14,2001 Istituto Shang -Shung February Second level of Sa Che. The course The Shang -Shang Institute in "The relationship between Tibetan Podere Nuovissimo Third and fourth seminars of first will be residential and will be orga America has a NEW email Medicine and Tibetan Astrology." 58031 Arcidoso (GR), Italy level of Ku Nye nized in a beautiful spot suitable to address. Please note that the Tel:300564 966941 Information and registration: the observation and analysis of nat new address is: Neilson Browsing Room. Free and Fax: 390564968110 Oliver Leick, Gratz, ural environment: the fees will [email protected] open to the public. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] include food and lodging as well. 7:00-9:00 PM Web: www.istitutoshangshung.org Contact: Amber Watt Supplementary information will be Please refer all communica Tel: 413 5864969 ROME: 9th-10th February provided as soon as all the details tions regarding the Institute to Medicine Department Second level examination and first are worked out. this address. If you would like seminar of third level of Ku Nye Information: to receive the newsletter November 17-22,2001 Calendar of medical courses Sep Registration fees: 220.000 Lire Elisa Copello, Tel: O2-33607505, digest please send a request. New York City Consultations tember 2001-July 2002 Registration and Information: Email: [email protected] Contact: Eliane Diallo Annamarie Delaclos, Tel: Tel: 718 832 3091 from Jacqueline Gens Courses held by Doctor Nida 065885142, Email: [email protected] Chenagtsang Email: [email protected] Tibetan Language Class IN COLLABORATION WITH December 1-5,2001 AUSTRALIA (in collaboration MILANO: 23rd - 24th of February THE AMERICAN SHANG - Tsegyalgar, *Foundation Course in Tibetan with Namgyalgar): Second seminar of third level of Ku SHUNG INSTITUTE Medicine 14th of September- October 31 st. Nye Conway, Massachusetts Level 1/Part 3 on Diet and External Intensive course of Ku Nye (first Registration fees: 220.000 Lire 8th -30th of June Therapies level)- several courses on" Dreams Registration and information: Intensive course of Ku nye and oth Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will be W/Drs. Phuntsog Wangmo & and Medicine". Information and Elisa Copello, Tel: O2-33607505, er possible workshops still to be teaching Tibetan Language Class Yangdron Kelzang registrations: Please contact Email: [email protected] definied. every Tuesday and Thursday Tsegyalgar, Conway, MA Namgyalgar. Registration and information: night 6PM at Tsegyalgar, Con $450/dormitory option at $20/night ROME: 2nd-3rd of March Email:[email protected] way MA. Contact: Jacqueline Gens MERIGAR: November 3rd-4th Second seminar of third level of Ku Please join us whether you would Tel: 8022549114 Ku Nye first level examination Nye MERIGAR: 6th-9th of July like to leam conversational or Email: [email protected] mainly directed to students who Registration fees: 220.000 Lire MANTRA HEALING (First and written Tibetan; she will teach the attended the first level intensive Registration and information: Second levels) class according to students' December 7-9,2001 course held in Merigar last March. Annamarie Delaclos, Tel: needs. Tibetan Medicine Seminaron Ner Registration fees: 100.000 Lire 065885142, MERIGAR: 20th - 23rd of July Donations will be accepted. vous Disorders and Treatment Registration and information: Email: [email protected] Dreams and medicine (First and through Diet, Herbal Preparations Shang -Shung Institute secretary at Second Levels) Would you be interested learning and External Therapies w/ Dr. Merigar: MERIGAR: 8th - 16th of March Registration fee for both courses: Tibetan Astrology ? Phuntsog Wangmo Rita Renzi Intensive course of second level of 320.000 Lire If enough people sign up we will Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA Tel: 300564966941 KuNye Registration and information: have a bi-weekly or monthly $225/dormitory option at $20/night Fax: 390564968110 Registration fee: 720.000 Lire, all Shang-Shung Institute Secretary class. Contact: Email: [email protected] didactic materials included Rita Renzi Please let us know if you are Jacqueline Gens (sticks, hand-book, stones and Tel: 300564966941 interested. Tel: 413 369 4153 to register MILAN: 10th- 11th of November shells, moxarolls) Fax: 390564968110 For more information: Tsegyal Email: DzogchenUSA@com- Ku Nye second level examination Registration and information: Email: [email protected] gar Office puserve.com Registration fees: 120.000 Lire Shang-Shung Institute Secretary Tel: 413-369-4153, Fax: 413- Email: [email protected] Registration and information: Rita Renzi A possible intensive course of first 369-4165 Elisa Copello, Tel: O2-33607505, Tel: 300564966941 level of Ku Nye might be organized Email: DzogchenUSA@com- December 12-15,2001 Email: [email protected] Fax: 39 0564 968110 in Merigar in between July and puserve.com New York City Consultations Email: [email protected] August. Dates will be confirmed Contact: Contact: ROME: 17th- 18th November soon Eliane Diallo Fourth seminar of first level of Ku MILANO: 23rd - 24th of March Tel: 718 832 3091 Nye Third seminar of third level of Ku Fourth year of the General Medi Email: eliane71 @earthlink.net Registration fees: 220.000 Lire Nye cine Course with Jamyang Lhun- Registrations and information: Registration fee: 220.000 Lire drup January 3-16,2002 Year/Level 2
10 SSI Medical USA from previous page Seminar on Tibetan SHANG-SHUNG INSTITUTE IN AMERICA Curriculum Medicine for Health Therapeutic Principles Practitioners Foundation Course in Tibetan The Shang-Shung Institute The Shang -Shung Institute is pleased to announce that it now has its entire Medicine Year/Level 2 (2 weeks) in America Foundation Course in Tibetan Medicine available in MP3 format at the with Drs. Phuntsog Wangnio and Conway, Massachusetts affordable price of $500. The course covers approximately eighty hours of Yangdron Kelzang (translating) teaching material for audio listening by Dr. Thubten Phuntsog who present at Tsegyalgar $800 for entire ses ed the course at the Institute from 1998-2001. Translation into English is sion with a dormitory option of conducted by Elio Guarisco, a prominent Tibetan translator. $20/night The Foundation Course in Tibetan Medicine is the only systematic survey Jacqueline Gens course in Tibetan Medicine available in English. Based on the Four Medical Tel: 802 254 9114 Tantras of Tibetan Medicine (rGyud Zhi). the foundation for all study of Email: [email protected] Tibetan Medicine, as well as other important commentaries, the course cov ers key topics as a basis for further study in the field. Each year, the Shang - March 15-April 2.2002 Shung Institute supports a rigorous residential program with senior Tibetan In residence: Private consultations Doctors from Tibet as well as an international translation team. & teaching Thanks to the dedicated service of the Institute's intern. Dan Pederson of West Coast Dzogchen Community the University of Massachusetts, the course is now available as an MP3 dig San Francisco/Oakland area ital audio compression file designed specifically for use with computers March 29-31,2002: Nervous Dis and MP3 software. Most PC's with an operating system of Windows 98 or orders and Treatment through Diet, higher come with Windows Media Player (MP3 software) already installed. Herbal Preparations and External Anyone who cannot find this software on their computer can acquire this Therapies with Drs. Phuntsog download for free off of the Internet. Simply type in "Windows Media Play er", or "MP3 player" into any search engine and follow the directions for Wangmo and Yangdron Kelzang downloading. (translating) Venue in the Bay area TBA The Shang-Shung Institute in training centers in the remote Although an MP3 disk looks like an ordinary CD it can only be played on a Contact: Margherita Pagni America is pleased to announce regions of Sichuan Province and computer in one's CD/Rom. The advantage of using this technology is that Tel: 831458 2995 that it will hold a seminar in Tibetan Chamdo Perfecture. From 1996 to it compresses the data so that each disk can contain many hours of listening Medicine for health practitioners the present, she has been the in contrast to the ninety minutes on an ordinary CD. As many recent model May, 2002- and the general public on Liver A.S.I.A. project coordinator in computers come with CD/RW drives, it is possible to create your own nor Diagnostic Procedures Disorders and their Treatment Tibet for the development of mal CD, if you wish to listen in an ordinary CD player. Foundation Course in Tibetan through Diet, Herbal Preparations Gamthog Hospital in collaboration The entire course is available on six disks with each talk designated by its Medicine, Year/Level 3 (2 weeks) and External Therapies (massage) with expatriate personnel as well as own track and title. Along with the MP3 files, the course includes a bound Tsegyalgar ONLY with Drs. taught by the Institute's resident the overall health coordinator and edition of Dr. Thubten Phuntsog's teaching text. Elements for the Study of Phuntsog Wangmo and Elio Guar faculty, Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo of practitioner of traditional Tibetan Tibetan Medicine commissioned by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. the founder isco translating Lhasa, Tibet, October 26th -28th , medicine supervising health activi of the Shang-Shung Institute, to accompany the Foundation Course in $800 entire session with a dormito 2001 at Tsegyalgar, 18 Schoolhouse ties through out the surrounding Tibetan Medicine, as well as color reproductions of the medicine trees Rd. in Conway, MA. region of Chamdo Perfecture. ry option of $20/night refened to in the first level and a full outline of the curriculum. Cost for the The course fee is $275 which Prior to 1996, she was on the facul entire course is $500 including shipping. includes lunch each day. To regis ty of Shang-Shung Institute in Italy June 14-21,2002 For further information about our year-round residential programs, please ter, please contact the Shang - where she gave numerous seminars Ku Nye Tibetan Massage, Level 1 contact the Institute or program director: Shung office at413-369-4928. and conference presentations on with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, loca Jacqueline Gens Dr. Yangdron Kelzang of Santa Tibetan medicine. Dr. Wangmo tion TBA Tel: 802-254-9114 Cruz, California will act as transla will be in residence at the Shang - (this program is not part of the Email: [email protected] tor for the seminar. This program is Shung Institute in America through Foundation Course but may be tak especially designed to offer both July, 2002, where she is the core en separately or in combination AUDIO DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE REGISTRATION health providers and health con faculty in the Institute's Foundation with the level 4/Year 4 curriculum) scious individuals with practical Course in Tibetan Medicine, a three $800 with lodging for non-Founda Yes, I would like to order the Foundation Course in Tibetan Medicine in applications drawn from the year/level training program for tion Course students. MP3 format for $500 Tibetan Medical tradition. Westerners. For some years, she Limited enrollment. Advanced The Shang-Shung Institutes in has been coordinating the fundrais- registration recommended. I would like to order the Foundation Course in Tibetan Medicine in America and Italy are leading edu ing and implementation of an Contact for non-program students: ordinary audiocassette format or CD (approximately 80 (90 cators in the field of Tibetan Medi A.S.I.A. project inside Tibet to pro Andrea Nasca minute) tapes/CDs for $1,800. cine for Westerners offering year- vide mobile medical access to the Tel: 413 3694153 round residential programs includ vastly underserved nomadic popu Email: DzogchenUSA@com- ing its Three Year Foundation lations of Tibetan who are without puserve.com Name Course in Tibetan Medicine which local medical care. is also available as a distance learn June 14-July 4, 2002 Level/Year 4 ing course. Students in the program Address DR. YANGDRON KELZANG Curriculum* tentative come from every continent. studied at the University of Lhasa Level 4 Advanced Tibetan Medi Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will be in City_ State Country cine Course with distinguished vis residence at the Institute in Con school of traditional Tibetan Medi iting professors, Choegyal way, MA, through July 2002 teach cine before coming to the US Zipcode_ Namkhai Norbu, Dr. Jamyang ing the Foundation Course which where she is currently enrolled in a Lhundrup, Dr. Konjo Wangdu, Dr. began in September. The next foun program in Acupuncture and Ori Telephone_ Email Phuntsog Wangmo. Dr. Nida dation course is scheduled for ental Medicine at Five Branches Chenagstang, Elio Guarisco. Gen October 20th - 25th. 2001. Partici College of Oriental Medicine. Flu I would like to pay by check or credit card: eral topics: Medicinal Substances pants may still enter the course ent in English, Dr. Kelzang acts as Visa MasterCard AMEx and the treatment of disease, clini which is the only in depth systemat the translator for Dr. Phuntsog cal training in diagnostic tech ic survey of Tibetan medicine Wangmo. Credit card Number _Expira- niques. taught in English provided they tion Location and curriculum to be supplement previous levels not announced. Prerequisite: comple attended with the audio course now Shang Shung Institute in America tion of the Three Year Foundation available on MP3 format. PO Box 277 Optional: Course and examination or previ Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo received her Conway, MA 01341 ous training in Tibetan Medicine advanced degree from the Lhasa Tel: 413-369-4928 Please include a personal statement about your interest in Tibetan Medi and permission of the instructors. University School of Traditional Email: shangshungus @ csi. com cine. $ 1200 for entire program. Housing Medicine in 1988 where she also Web site: www.shangshung- extra. served a two-year residency after usa.org Your current completing her five year training Occupation_ For further information about the program (1983-1990). During that Foundation Course in Tibetan time she studied with the Khenpos Are you interested in the residential Foundation Course currently offered by Medicine, please contact the acting Troni Tsenam and Gyaltsen, two of the Institute 2001-2002 Yes No program director, Jacqueline Gens Tibet's foremost doctors who are at 802 254 9114 or Email: credited with the revival of Tibetan Are you interested in entering the 4th Level/Year curriculum scheduled for [email protected] Medicine within Tibet under the the summer 2002 on Medicinal Substances which requires an entrance Chinese. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo exam based on the Foundation Course Yes No For private consultations with Dr. had the exceptional opportunity of Phuntsog Wangnio in Amherst, MA, extensive clinical training under please contact Naomi Zeitz at 413 Khenpo Troni Tsenam for four Contract: 369 4208 or Jacqueline Gens at years. Thereafter, she dedicated 802 254 9114 (after December 1, many years of work as a doctor in . promise not to distribute or Eastern Tibet where she collaborat 2001) copy the audio recordings or texts/tables/graphs of the Foundation Course ed and directed the implementation SHANG-SHUNG INSTITUTE in Tibetan Medicine without written permission of the Shang-Shung Insti of A.S.I.A., the non-profit organi PO Box 277 Conway, M A 01341 tute in America which owns all copyrights to the written and audio material. zation founded by Chögyal USA I understand that the use of this material is made available to me as an edu Namkhai Norbu. Since that time, Tel: 413 369 4926 or cational resource and is restricted to my own personal study. she has worked on behalf of Web site: http://www.shangshun- A.S.I. A. setting up hospitals and [email protected]" Shang-Shung Institute News continued on page 22
THE MIRROR SEPT/OCT 2 001 11 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS
December 8-9,2001 Course on the Base of Santi Maha merigar Sangha The Nine Vehicles Five Gar Meeting at Merigar with Adriano Clemente
uring the August retreat at Merigar. a meeting of the Five Gars was December 15-16.2001 Dplanned for August 12th. The afternoon before the meeting a serious Kumar Kumari Yantra (for chil fire broke out close to Merigar and spread rapidly in the direction of the dren) wood and the Gonpa requiring a rapid evacuation of the area and the imme for Parents and Teachers ol" Yantra diate intervention of the fire brigade and helicopters to put out the blaze. Yoga Consequently, many of the afternoon activities were canceled or postponed. with Laura Evangelisti Later in the evening an impromptu meeting of the five Gars took place to recap on some of the issues that had been discussed at an earlier meeting in December 27,2001 - January 2. July. 2002 The outcome of the discussion focused on two main points. First of all the Christmas Retreat video of each Gar showing the actual Gar itself, how it works and the area it Explanations and Practice is situated in should be 10 to 20 minutes in length. This should be a kind of with Adriano Clemente presentation of the Gar for all the practitioners who do not travel which they January 4-6,2002 can see by themselves. This should be submitted within six months to: Meeting of Members at Merigar Maurizio Mingotti Course on the First Level of Santi Video Archive Election of the New Gakyil Maha Sangha Istituto Shang Shung with Igor Legati [only for those who have passed the 58031 Arcidosso GR. Italy. n August 20th. in the presence of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, the annual Base Level exam] Maurizio will prepare a compilation of the video footage to represent the Omembers' meeting was held in the Gonpa at Merigar to approve the Gars of the Community. budget for 2000 and elect a new Gakyil and Gekos. February 2-3,2002 Secondly, a live interactive linkup between the Gars is scheduled to be held The outgoing Gakyil spoke about the main activities they had undertaken on January 5th. 2002, as a type of video-chat room where the representa during the year and emphasized the importance of improving and develop Course on the Base of Santi Maha tives of the five Gars can communicate among themselves. The aim of this ing communication and exchanging information particularly among the Sangha is to experiment with closer and more lively communication between the European practitioners of the Community. At the moment a Gakyilnet (an The Fundamental Principle of Gars. Email network) is being set up which will create a web of communication Atiyoga Further information and time can be had from Fabio Andrico at among the European Gakyils. The Merigar Letter (Il Bollettino) will be sent with Costantino Albini 76544.2307 @ compuserve.com. via Email to all the European Gakyils in order that they may include infor mation in their local news bulletins. Membership this year has improved February 8-10,2002 over last year although the final count of members will not be known until Course of the Dance of the Libera Santi Maha Sangha Practice Retreat after the summer retreats. tion of the Six Lokas November 2nd-4th, 2001 In November of this year work on extending the roof of the Gonpa will with Jim Valby February 13,2002 begin. A special fund was set up for those who wish to contribute to this Losar Celebration work and during the Assembly several practitioners as well as the Master The four daily sessions are: himself made generous contributions to the fund. A heartfelt thanks to all! Water-Horse Year 8:30am- 10am The budget for 2000 was presented by Franco Marinelli, director of the 10:30am -12 noon Gakyil in 1999-2000, and approved. February 16-17,2002 4:30pm - 6pm To Live Death and Aging The Gakyil also communicated that this autumn Pia Bramezza will official 6:30pm-8pm with Barrie Simmons ly become the Community's full time accountant, an activity which she has continuously and successfully carried out as Karma Yoga for many years. Anybody who has taken the SMS First Level Training with Chögyal March 2-3,2002 Clara Juliano, the current secretary at Merigar, will leave her post in Namkhai Norbu may participate in our SMS First Level Practice Retreat November. The Merigar Gakyil was renewed: Pierangelo Bonacina and Course on the First Level of Santi where we will focus on the essential theory and practice of Sutra. Tantra and Fabiana Mela left after three years of work. Cristina Leonardo and Anna Maha Sangha Dzogchen as transmitted by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in the Santi Maha Dessole were unable to renew their commitment as Gakyil members. Patri with Igor Legati Sangha First Level training. cia Monti, the Gekö. returned home after a year's hard work at Merigar. [only for those who have passed the Jim Valby. a student of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu since 1982. will lead this Thank you everyone for your great dedication to working for the Commu Base Level exam] retreat. nity. Retreat fee: 100.000 lire (52 euro). For booking and information contact: March 9-10,2002 Merigar Secretary. Yantra Yoga Intermediate Course The new Gakyil and Gekos consist of: Tel: 39-0564-966837 (preliminary and first series of Blue: Sicilia D'Arista (Director) Fax:39-0564-968110 Yantra) Anna Pucci (Vice-Director) Email: [email protected] with Laura Evangelisti Flavia Tomassini
March 15-17,2002 MERIGAR - NEW EMAIL ADDRESS Yellow: Silvana Pisani Course of the Dance of the Three Massimiliano Leupin Vajras Please note that the office at Merigar no longer receives email at Davide Gregorin (with particular focus on the irregu meri gar @ amiata. net lar method) Red: Rosamaria Lo Schiavo The new address is [email protected] Luc Clarebots March 23-24,2002 Bepi Goia Karma Yoga Festa Gekos: Luciano Limonta March 28-April 1,2002 Easter Retreat Explanation and Practice Merigar Calendar of Events & Courses April 13-14,2002 Course - Lucid Dreams AutumnAVinter 2001 /2002 November 2-4,2001 with Michael Katz Course on the First Level of Santi October 6-7,2001 Maha Sangha Registration Karma Yoga Festa with Jim Valby To register for courses of Yantra [only for those who have passed the Yoga and Dance of the Vajra it is October 20-21,2001 Base Level exam] necessary to telephone the office Course on the Preliminaries for the and send a deposit at least ten days Practice of Contemplation November 16-18,2001 before the beginning of the course, with Costantino Albini Course on deepening the practice specifying the course you are regis Bakchen Tournament of the Dance of the Song of the tering for and giving your name October 27-28,2001 Vajra For three days in August nine fearless combatants met together under the clearly. tutelage of Adriana dal Borgo. Rita Bisotto, Fabio Andrico and Michel Course on the Base of Santi Maha with Adriana Dal Borgo To participate in the activities of Bricaire, to train in the game of Bakchen, a popular and widespread game in Sangha Merigar, you must be a member of Tibet. Consisting of sixty- four pieces similar to dominoes, the game The First Six Lojongs November 24-25,2002 the Cultural Association of the requires clever strategy and great mental alertness. The Bakchen "fever" with Costantino Albini Yantra Yoga for Beginners (prelim Dzogchen Community. spread during the following two days of the course culminating in a lively inary) two day tournament in late September. November 1,2001 with Laura Evangelisti Karma Yoga Festa Continued on next page
12 / S T f. H S À T I O H \ i COMMUNITY NEWS europe Me rigar schedale coni 'd. from previous
Merigar Letter by Email Associazione Culturale Comunità There is a New Message Posting Email List for the Dzogchen The office at Merigar asks that subscribers to the Merigar Letter (Il Bol European Dzogchen Community: Merigar - 58031 Arcidosso, GR, lettino) who would like to receive their publication by Email rather than There is a new message posting email list for the members of European Italy by post should contact the office with their Email address. Sending it by Gakyils. It is called Gakyilnet. All members of Gakyils from the Merigar Tel: 39-0564-966837 electronic post will guarantee that information arrives quickly and will Family are invited to join. For further information contact: Fax:39-0564-968110 allow Merigar to save on postal expenses. Barry Patterson of the UK Gakyil at [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 39-0564-966837 Web page Email: [email protected] http://web.tiscalinct.it/merigar NEW GAKYILS
Sty ria, Austria heavy and dangerous work. The Thorns and Dust and poles twisted by the force of the Yellow: Oliver F. Leick bushes were thorny, the slopes wind. Falling Trees Red: Monica Wittib steep and slippery, the sun was hot by Tibor Blaga The people sleeping in these Blue: Gabriele Leick and the dry ready-to-cut trees tents as night watchmen fought many. Sometimes I had a feeling with the wind for two hours during s a fairly new Dzogchen prac Czech Republic that this fight with the thorns didn't the night trying to put the tents back Atitioner from Hungary, I had a Blue: have much sense, but when I added together. This was just the start of wish to be close to Rinpoche and Alan Jarkovsky a deeper meaning, I realized that the day. his teachings this summer. One of Email: [email protected]. [email protected] these thorny plants we cut and In the morning during the the possibilities to do this was to Tel: 00420-602 892 590 (mobile) or 00420-2-2481 4734 cleaned up represented the old, teaching Rinpoche gave a direct spend the summer working at Meri Red: prickly and disliked side of human introduction. Just after lunch a wild gar where Rinpoche would be. The Jiri Mravec nature that we were getting rid of. fire broke out on the opposite hill following lines are a brief story of Email: [email protected] And the huge boulders we were and spread quickly towards Meri- my two months karma yoga in Tel: 00420-606 577 367 (mobile) gar's lower borders. Merigar. Yellow: The sometimes ten June 16th: My arrival in Meri Milan Polasek meter high flames gar right at the very moment a lot of Email: [email protected] threatened the Gonpa projects were being organized. I Tel: 00420-604 878 100 (mobile) or 00420-2-5731 3450 fell somewhere in the middle of all and the campsite, and this activity. Beside other works to people, tents and pre prepare for the big retreat in July, cious objects were under the guidance of work chief evacuated from the Important Message to European Gakyils Piero Bonacino, I participated in area. Though Gadel- the execution of the following pro ing (Rinpoche's During the meeting of European Gakyils at Merigar on August 20. 2001. jects: house) was seriously one of the dominant topics discussed was the importance of a constant threatened, it was pro flow and exchange of information between Gars and Gakyils, Gars and assembling a three-car wooden tected by a team of Gars and among all the Gakyils in general. As a result, the Merigar Letter garage at Gadeling; putting up an firemen with an enor (Il Bollettino) will be regularly sent by Email to all European Gakyils in ornamental wooden roof over the mous fire engine along order for them to receive the most up-to-date information about activities patio at Serkhang (the Golden with twenty Commu at Merigar. This will enable them to include the most recent news in their House) where everybody eats out nity people armed with shovels. own newsletters, if they wish. At the same time the editors of the Merigar side in the summertime; building breaking into small stones repre Rinpoche appeared to be uncon Letter ask all the European Gakyils to send articles and their own up-dated two small tool cabins behind the sented heavy and stiff petrified cerned. All the tents and belongings news bulletins for publication. library. We were quite satisfied ideas about reality, which we now from the camp site were hastily Many thanks for your collaboration. because the materials were good had broken, and out of which we piled along the road. If we consider quality and wc could work with were building nice protective stone life as a dream and so everything precision. The weather was hot and walls. The Editors of the Merigar Letter has a symbolic meaning, in this we worked Tel: 390564966837 vision the campers' tents and sometimes ten Email: [email protected] belongings were a part of their hours a day to subconciousness which was now get the projects turned upside down, deeply finished. Even Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Course moved and purified by the active though it was with Irmgard Pemwieser elements of fire, wind and water. the last minute, Austria After a three hour struggle, the everything was flames were extinguished by ready on time! The Dzogchen Community of Vienna. Austria, would like to announce a local firefighters and an emer June 30th: Rin- SMS Base Level Course with Irmgard Pemwieser in Vienna. Austria. gency helicopter which made poche's late about 23 trips carrying an enor night arrival. October 13 - 14. 2001; November 3 - 4, 2001: December 1 - 2, 2001; mous hanging container of water After a big December 22 - 23,2001 ; January 12-13.2002 to douse the flames. For fear that Ganapuja, peo the wind might ignite the embers ple gathered at of the fire, the campers spent the The daily sessions are: 10:00am-1:00pm. 3:00-6:00pm (8:00-9:30pm if Serkhang around a roaring fire and Rinpoche was always joking, night in the Gonpa while our own necessary). celebrated the event with a joyous inspiring everyone, and his many people and the fire brigade The course is planned to be continued next year and will be announced as party. and unforgettable, "Che bella patrolled the area the entire night. soon as the dates are fixed. July 6th: The four day retreat visione !"(what beautiful vision) . After that, the retreat continued. with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu "Che forte! !"(what strength), etc., And that is how part of the summer The Course will take place at Buddhist Center. Drigung Kagyud Gompa. started with 500 participants. It was made people eager to work even passed in Merigar. Fleischmarkt 16/1/1,1010 Vienna, Austria. a good retreat and people left con when huge trees were cut and tented on the final day after a cool felled. Everybody worked in har Thank you Rinpoche, thank For further information please contact: rain had refreshed everyone. mony, kindness and with care, shar you Merigar for this possibility of Christian Wessely: July 10th: After a short break, my ing thousands of smiles. learning and simply being here. I Tel: 443 (0)699 11031647, karma yoga continued. The next August 5th: Construction of a am very grateful for the time I spent Email: [email protected] project was to prepare a new new yoga tent began. To make the here and hope to see you again 'gompino' (small meditation room) lives of the yantra yogins and for Rinpoche at his home, Gadel instructors easier, we separated the ing. Every morning we worked on beginners' course from the Yantra Yoga in Slovakia the Gompino with Migmar, the res advanced one, and for this purpose November 2001 ident Tibetan artist in charge of for the advanced yogins we built a many works at Merigar, while in sombrero-shaped open summer There will be a basic course of Yantra Yoga with Oliver Leick from Austria the afternoons from July 21st to tent, covered with cane in the on November 23rd to 25th. 2001. August 5th, we participated in Karma meadow just past the library. Yoga in the woods with Rinpoche: August 10th-19th: The long sum For venue and further information please contact: the great clean up in the 'boschetto' mer retreat. [email protected] or below the Gonpa. During the winter a August 12th: The Very Day. [email protected] huge boulder had split and fallen off The Tibetan calendar for this day the cliff, making a big mess in the showed two elements - wind and Both retreats are also open for completely new people. area around Rinpoche's retreat fire. And so it was. At one o'clock house. Besides Ulis a lot of thorny at night a series of strong gusts of plants and bushes such as dog roses wind ripped ASIA's big Tibetan and broom had grown in the last two tent in two pieces, and flung it years and needed cleaning. across the field. The Shang Shung's lent was blown away as was the Many happy shining faces par Minor's, with some of the metal ticipated in this sometimes really
THE MIRROR SEPT/OCT 2 001 13 i s r E fiV . A T I O S \ L COMMUNITY NEWS kunsangar
Teachings of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on MP3CDs.
Available for immediate order from Kunsangar Resen'ed only for those who par ticipated in the respective level of 1. MP3CD: Dzogchen retreat in Santi Maha Sangha: Kunsangar. 15-21 June 2001. con taining high quality digital audio 1. MP3CD: SMS 2nd Level Train recording of the complete retreat ing. Moscow. 1998. with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Suitable for playing on personal 2. MP3CD: SMS 1st Level Train computer or portable MP3CD play ing. Including practices and expla ers. Contains Chögyal Namkhai nations by Adriano Clemente and Norbu's explanations on Longsal Jim Valby. Kunsangar 2001. Teachings vol. 1. recently pub lished by Shang-Shung Edizioni. 3. MP3CD: SMS 2nd Level Train ing. Including practices and expla Price: $20. nations by Adriano Clemente and New Gakyils Jim Valby, Kunsangar 2001. Also 2. MP3CD: Dzogchen Longde included is Ganapuja with longer Russia retreat in Kunsangar, July 1999. Serkyem practice lead by Chögyal Contains Chögyal Namkhai Nor Namkhai Norbu. St. Petersburg Gakyil? bu's specific explanations on Red: Dzogchen Longde Terma included 4. MP3CD: SMS 3rd Level Train 1) Maria Zhestynnikova (coordinator) into Longsal Teachings vol. 1. ing. Including practices and expla Email: [email protected] nations by Adriano Clemente, Kun 2) Dmitriy Enilin Yellow: Price: $20. sangar 2001. 1) IlyaBykovskih 2) Marianna 3. CD with more than 600 high-res PriceofeachCD:$20. olution digital photos of Chögyal Blue: 1 ) Pavel Ignatyev Namkhai Norbu and his disciples in Orders can be sent to (please note in Kunsangar. June 2001. subject: mp3cd): 2) OlgaSolovyova Price: $15 [email protected]. Email: [email protected] (St. Petersburg) [email protected](Kunsangar) Email of St. Petersburg Community is: [email protected] Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche Teaches at Tsegyalgar Kunsangar: Red: by John LaFrance 1. Larisa Rozhnova 2. Sergey Vshtuny he fall season at Tsegyalgar when he asked for a response and 3.GlebBlinov began with a flourish of posi got none he laughed and said "it T Yellow: tive activity in September. One seems westerners are becoming 1. Krishna Maikova - [email protected] week after filling the phumba of the more like Asians". 2. Misha Kislichenko - Director stupa dedicated to the long life of Rinpoche repeated certain 3. Gosha [email protected] Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on the points several times. He empha Blue: land in Buckland, a weekend of sized that general Buddhist teach 1. Olga Solovyova (email indicated before - St.Pb.) empowerments and teachings by ing allows and encourages students 2. Lyudmila Kislichenko - [email protected] Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche was held to question and to be skeptical and 3. Gosha Kalmikov - [email protected] in Northampton and at the school in to examine everything. By doing so Conway. the individual can determine Gekö: Dmitriy Miusskiy In his teaching. Chokyi Nyi whether the teachings are logical ma Rinpoche focused on the and make sense. And. while it is Ground, Path and Fruition on useful to question, it is also very, Dzogchen. Rinpoche carefully very important to practice. Not to tsegyalgar built a logical framework for wait for some perfect time to prac understanding the context for the tice, but to practice immediately. Tsegyalgar Schedule teachings. In his formulation, the This is key. NEW WEB SITE FOR Ground is the Great Middle Way, âAt the end of his teaching, he Fall/Winter 2001 the Path is Mahamudra and the did an introduction to Dzogchen. TSEGYALGAR, Fruition is Dzogchen. He also He emphasized the importance of NORTH AMERICA!!!! pointed out that, as with each of the not falling into the two mistaken November 10-11 teachings, the Dzogchen teachings views of eternalism and nihilism Six Loka Practice Weekend with The Dzogchen Community in North America invites you to visit Tsegyal- have there own ground, path and and described how to use the teach Jim Valby gar's new website. fruition. ings to avoid these impediments. 7am Video Transmission He spoke of the need for a qualified Anniversary of Adzam Drugpa With playful humor he Tsegyalgar.org teacher and the importance of dili described how, in the traditional http://www.tsegyalgar.org approach of teaching in Tibet, stu gence and perseverance in practice. November 17-18 dents worked up to the possibility He also spoke of the natural, Lama Wangdor teaching for Dzogchen practice by doing all unconstructed state, the essence of the preliminary practices. Howev which is emptiness, the nature of December 7 (Friday night) Gakyil News er, in the west many people want to which is consciousness and the 7:30 pm Lucid Dream (Dream Ed Goldberg has replaced Paula Barry as Director ot the Tsegyalgar Gakyil. go directly into the quick path of capacity of which is unconfined. Yoga) by Michael Katz There is now one vacancy on the Tsegyalgar Gakyil. Please contact liberation, which is Dzogchen. And, he addressed how the three Tsegyalgar if you are interested to particpate. With that, he proceeded to statements of Garab Dorje provide December 8 (Saturday ) Thank you, Paula, for all your dedicated work! devote most of his teaching to the the entire framework for moving 9:30 am Lucid Dream workshop all value and importance of creating a from introduction through familiar day ity to stability of the natural state. 6 pm Green Tara Practice strong base for practice through The New York Vajra Dance fall schedule is: such things as the Four Mind Train With deep gratitude the students Rinpoche's Birthday Party ! ings and the Six Paramitas. Shifting thanked Rinpoche and asked that Every Friday night from 6:30 PM to 8 PM at Alvin Ailey Dance School, from Tibetan to English, depending he return soon. December 9 (Sunday) Studio #9, located at 211 West 61 st Street between Amsterdam Avenue and on the points he was making, Rin Green Tara Practice West End Avenue. poche used an interactive style, which kept the students alert. When For more information: If you have any questions please contact: making a point he would frequently Eliane at 718-832 3091, Email: [email protected] ask "do you agree or not?" Based Tsegyalgar Ed at 718-3980584, Email: [email protected] on the response from the students, P.O.Box 277, Conway MA, 01341 he provided additional explana Tel: 413-369-4153 tions in an attempt to cut through Fax:413-369-4165 any confusion. On one occasion Email: DmgdienUSA@conj-usem^^
14 INTERNATIONAL The following teams were created: practice. Our intention is to find a COMMUNITY NEWS way to become more organized in Blue ways that benefit our participation Practice Planning; Archiving & in the lineage of our Master Cho Distant and Near Library; Advertising and Outreach; gyal Namkhai Norbu. Close Encounters in Respectful Organization Publications Team Contacts A report on the groundbreaking North American Community to Community Meetings held in January and July, Yellow Please join in this promising new 2001. Membership; Bookstore: Online & venture of building Dzogchen com Retail; Financial Planning, Long- munity. If you are a practitioner in The Challenge Term Planning & Endowments North America and are interested in participating in a particular team, The challenge of organization within the special context of a Dzogchen Master's lineage, or indeed within any Bud Red please contact the following Team dhist lineage, is itself a profound practice. One needs only look at the Sanghas of Suzuki Roshi, Chögyam Trungpa, Karma Yoga; Electronic Media Coordinators: Lama Thubten Yeshe, and Thich Nhat Hanh to realize that much thought, many meetings, and serious introspection Communications; Tsegyalgar Land accompany an ambitious practice. Expressing Gum Devotion through organization and collective work is an offer & Infrastructure (Lands of North Practice Planning: ing to the Guru, the Teachings, and all the Lineage Holders. America); History of the Gar in Kyu The catch is that in the Dzogchen Community, our authentic organization is both similar to and different from other North America ky ukhandro @ csi .com organizations. We are the ones who have to test the ice, evolve new forms that work for us while utilizing the best and most applicable tools of other organizations, including Dharma organizations. Other Library & Archive: A primary aspect of organization is communication, and much communication falls to Gakyil members. Gakyil Mission/Vision/Strategic Plan; Marit Kramer members are volunteers who seek to preserve and make available Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's teachings; as such Steering Committee (Coaching [email protected] they must work closely with their fellow Gakyil members. This presents an immediate challenge. As we attempt to Teams); Retreat 2002; The Mirror; preserve some awareness of the Dzogchen view, we interact with one another, agree, and disagree on how to pro Aging and Dying in the Communi Advertising & Outreach: ceed, and try to accomplish a variety of tasks related to the teachings. Sites such as Gars also serve as the focal point ty Andrea Nasca for Gakyils and other Community sites where practitioners are clustered. They then need to communicate and coor [email protected] dinate extensive activities with numerous locations and individuals - an assignment made easier by technology, but Adjunct Teams still extremely challenging. ASIA; Shang Shung Institute Publications: What happens if we do not communicate and coordinate our efforts? Our precious practice, the Teachings, and even Anastasia McGhee the connection to our Teacher are in jeopardy. Our spiritual potency as a collective is threatened. Whereas most of us Several teams conducted their first [email protected] have insurance policies, savings accounts, wills, investments, and every sort of protection for our worldly assets, we meeting in July. Between now and often give minimal attention to the survival of that which is most valuable: the Teachings, the Master's transmis the January 2002 C2C meeting, we Membership: sion, and the circumstances which develop realization and nourish new students. We are frequently good about will be in the process of recruiting Gerry Steinberg nourishing our own Dharma practice; but we must leam to do so in ways that also benefit others and remain true to team members, holding confer [email protected] the perspective of Dzogchen. This is the task of mindful collaboration and skillful organization. ence-calls, and posting team delib Knowing our unique organizational situation and the potential that dialogue and collaboration has in strengthening erations on the Tsegyalgar web site. Will Shea our Community and furthering the Teachings, some specific questions have arisen: How do we share responsibility Gakyils and Community sites [email protected] throughout the Community? How do we nurture a harmonious vision of what needs to be done and of the preferred throughout North America have way to accomplish it? How do we get to know practitioners from far away and in so doing, support the Community? been notified of these activities and Bookstore, Online & Retail: While following our Teacher's lead scrupulously, it remains a challenge to find a single working model for the type C2C efforts in general. North Diane Sievers of dialogue that is necessary to initiate and sustain a way of life characterized by communication, sharing, and col American practitioners are invited [email protected] laboration within our extended national and international Community. We are called upon to forge new methods, to contact and join the team of your and of course, patience and perseverance are required. choice. Financial Planning, Long-term Planning & Endowments: Community-to-Community In Conclusion Diane Sievers [email protected] In North America, a new experiment has begun to explore how we as Dzogchen Community members can work The North American meetings ben together over large geographical distances in order to address our various needs. An awareness has dawned that efited greatly from the presence of Karma Yoga: only by trusting one another and developing better communications can we more easily solve our dilemmas and individuals with psychological Savannah Haske accomplish our tasks, and even have a better time while doing so. To be honest, we did not enter into this new path training and/or meeting and organi [email protected] of communication out of enormous wisdom and insight, rather, we were forced into it as we noticed that things were zational facilitation training. They working very unevenly throughout North America. Crises were not being dealt with properly, and people were assisted in setting and maintaining Electronic Media Communica blaming and disrespecting each other. Poor morale and heavier work loads were on the rise within the Community, the communicative tone of the tions: while membership, volunteers, and core members have been on the downswing. Some sites almost never communi meetings, helped plan the scope of Ed Goldberg cated with others. During gatherings and retreats, individuals (usually old friends) from different sites of the Com the meetings, and encouraged the edw_goldberg @ hotmail.com munity would sometimes get together to talk or plan on an ad hoc basis. In theory we knew that collaboration was group to apply methods that make part of our path as taught by our Teacher, a method used to lessen dualistic thinking, and in accord with a deeper for higher quality and more sub Tsegyalgar Land & Infrastructure understanding of reality. We paid lip service to the idea of collaboration; but we didn't bother to spell out opera stantial meetings. Ideas for (Lands of North America): tionally what it meant or note whether it was actually happening or not. We've been forced to discover that we must improved meeting facilitation used Paula Barry be more proactive than in the past. by Namgyalgar and encouraged by [email protected] Once the need for a change in our approach became so evident, we took the plunge and organized the first North Rinpoche were put into practice. America Community-to-Community (C2C) meeting in January of 2001 between the Massachusetts - based Methods such as assigning a mod History of the Gar in North Ameri Tsegyalgar Gakyil and the California West Coast Gakyil, including representatives from Washington State, New erator, a time-keeper, a note-taker, ca: Mexico, Southern California, and Chicago. It took place in the San Francisco Bay Area at the Alpine Club on Mt. and someone who recognizes and Ed Goldberg Tamalpais. Considerable courage was required to plan, attend, and participate in this meeting resulting from the keeps track of those wishing to [email protected] burden of past difficulties and poor interactions. There was a sense of urgency in tackling various items of business, speak were particularly important. a need to say everything and try to accomplish something tangible by the end of the meeting. Happily, we relaxed a We were more or less successful in Retreat 2002: bit and the first meeting was a success. The effort to bring people together was sustained to the degree that a second making sure that everyone partici Andrea Nasca meeting was planned and held at the Gar in Conway, Massachusetts this past July. The third meeting will be held in pated and was heard, each view 74404.1141 @ compuserve.com Santa Fe, New Mexico in January 2002, at the beautiful Upaya Center. All who are interested are invited and point was respected, and all ideas encouraged to attend (details to follow). were recorded. Paula Barry Everyone considered it most paulades @ javanet.com The Results important to discuss with Rinpoche the concepts and goals resulting The Mirror: What have we accomplished so far? For one thing, our Mission and Vision team drew up a draft Mission Statement from the North American collabo Paul Bail expressing our overall purpose. The Statement proposes to function as a reference tool for envisioning activity with ration effort. A Steering Committee [email protected] in the Community and those times we find ourselves going off on a tangent. The North America draft Mission State assigned to guide the activity of the ment reads: teams sent a representative to meet Aging & Dying: with Rinpoche during the August Paula Barry "Inspired and guided by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, the members of the North American Dzogchen Community are retreat in Merigar. Rinpoche was [email protected] committed to maximizing opportunities for individuals to receive transmission from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and encouraging, and urged us to move other teachers he has appointed to know how to develop and integrate this transmission through practice. We are ahead. He said that only by testing Anne Clarkson also committed to preserving and making available authentic Dzogchen teachings while encouraging and support our ideas do we know what is pos [email protected] ing respectful collaboration and Community building among those interested in realizing the Dzogchen teachings sible. Otherwise, it remains only a for the benefit of all." concept. Rinpoche felt that with ASIA & Shang Shung Institute: experience we have the opportunity We are currently looking for Accompanying the Mission statement are related "Vision" statements, i.e. more specific statements about current to leam what needs to change and Dzogchen Community in America and future goals. In some cases, we even proposed action steps. Visioning together engendered creative communi how to correct our activities. members to act as coordinators for cation and sparked a desire for further collaborative action. We wish to emphasize that these the ASIA and Shanü-Shuns teams. are not meetings for meetings sake, Parallel to creating the Mission and Vision document, our discussions in medium to large Blue, Yellow, and Red although the social aspects of meet groups produced proposals for a number of North America working teams that will address the needs of the Com ing are highly important to the pur munity and transform visions into collaborative fruitful action. Each team is led by a Community member and pose, conduct and outcome. In fact, addresses a specific activity, such as Library and Archiving, Membership, and Land and Infrastructure. Practition these meetings engender respectful ers are thus provided a direct method for plugging into necessary Community activity. Teams will determine specif communication, and validate cre ic projects and recruit participation from throughout North America, that is, Tsegyalgar. ative problem solving and team work, all of which can significanti) strengthen our community and our
THE MIRROR SEET/OCT 200! 15 IKTERNATIOHÁL COMMUNITY NEWS
Santi Maha Sangha First Level Practice Retreat with Jim Valby Tsegyalgar July 14th to 29th, 2001 Filling the Phumba at the Stupa at Tsegyalgar by Paul Bail
by Andrea Nasca rom July 14th to 29th, 2001, Jim Valby led first a Santi Maha Sangha Base Retreat and then a First Level Retreat at Tsegyalgar. I attended the First Level Retreat with many questions about the practices and the view, which I he Stupa dedicated to the long cino had come to Tsegyalgar last F hoped would be answered. Approximately thirty-five people attended the Base Retreat and fifteen attended the life of our precious master, winter to carve the central pole, or T First Level Retreat. There were four sessions of practice daily, led by Jim Valby, and Yantra Yoga in the afternoon, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, is almost sho-shring, which was made from a led by Lynne Sutherland. Also, several people did the Vajra Dance in the evening. Meals were provided on site by completed. On Labor Day week cedar tree that came from a grove Joey Solorio, a visiting friend of the Gekö. end, about forty people were able to on the retreat land. A few people I wondered what it would be like, doing a long retreat without the Master present. However, I discovered that come together, including Lama were able to help Piero with the the Master, indeed, was present. That is to say, the energy of the Master was present, in the words of the Teachings, Ngawang Tsultrim, to participate in carving and then painting the pole the perfume of the practices, the assembly of Vajra brothers and sisters, and the flavor of Jim's recollections and filling the phumba, or vase of the red and yellow. Jim Smith, Paula personal anecdotes concerning the Master. Stupa, with a variety of precious Barry and several others went up to Jim kept stressing the importance of the base practices; particularly the Lojong practices which develop the and auspicious items. the land to work on the Stupa prana, and the Rushen practices which are designed to give us a clear experience of Rigpa. "Whenever you feel The weather couldn't have almost every other weekend, mix your practice is getting stale, the way to refresh it is to do a weekend retreat of Rushen, in order to re familiarize been more pleasant during the ing and pouring cement for the yourself with Rigpa. You are bound to have at least a momentary taste of Rigpa if you are doing the Rushen." days, and about a dozen brave or steps and into the various molds Another point Jim stressed was that practices which are conventionally referred to as 'preliminary' are actually crazy people camped out on those that Jim had fashioned into the main practices, since they are all forms of Guruyoga. From the very beginning of a session of practice, if one is pre chilly nights to do the long life lotus petals and the gau, as well as sent, one can be in a state of Rigpa. It is not a matter of rushing through the base and preliminaries in order to receive practice of Mandarava, dance and painting the Stupa itself. the 'real' goodies, some 'new' teaching. It is all the real teaching. It is all the main practice. Going further in SMS the Chöd. The final tasks include mak simply means getting more and more serious about doing the practices, deepening one's familiarity with them, and ing and placing the gold sun-moon- On Saturday, we wrapped all one's intuitive understanding of one's bond with the Master and his Mandala of students. the practice and teaching texts by thigle at the top of the Stupa and Since Jim's primary vocation and avocation is the translation of the Dzogchen Semde Tantras, the evening ses Rinpoche and images of deities and just a few finishing touches. We are sions involved reviewing some of the teachings of these Tantras. When I listen to the oral explanations of protectors around the central pole, looking forward to the final bless Dzogchen, sometimes I 'get it', but other times the logic just seems to tum back in upon itself, and contradict itself, or sho-shring, with a fabric of the ing and consecration by Rinpoche leaving me frustrated. Everything that we experience is always an expression of Rigpa, but we don't experience five colors of the elements. A group himself, when he is here at Tsegyal that, which is also an expression of Rigpa, but nevertheless we need to try to experience Rigpa, although we should of us did Sang practice continually. gar next year. Thank you very n't hang onto any experience round and round in circles. My poor head gets dizzy. However, as Jim pointed out, Huge offering clouds swirled in all much to Jim Smith and everyone we can't 'figure it out' by constructing conceptual systems, because that just becomes part of our 'Dharma ego', directions as we imagined infinite who has contributed to the building which then acts as an obstacle. offerings to all the different kinds of this Stupa, both via your hard The heat was pretty overwhelming the first few days of the retreat. Several people abandoned the dorm room of beings we'd invited there. We work and creativity and your finan on the top floor, and slept in the cellar, which was cooler. On Thursday everyone was looking forward to going to the then did the Long Tun with cial contributions, as well! It will Sacred Land to at Buckland dance and to swim in the pond. But it rained. Friday a group of people went to the Land, serkyem offering. People were also cost about $10,000 to gold plate the although it was still rather cool for swimming. A smaller group of us stayed behind to hear Jacqueline Gens make a busy tying together bundles of sun and moon, so if you are inter presentation about Shang-Shung Institute. It was very interesting and encouraging to hear about the many success mantras to be put into the phumba, ested, you can still make some ful and significant projects being sponsored by Shang-Shung, but disturbing to hear that these projects are endan including the mantras of all the donation for this purpose. (Contact gered by a shortage of funds for basic administrative costs. guardians, and all mantras related Tsegyalgar at DzogchenUS A to the Dzogchen teachings. ©compuse rve.com) Saturday Efrem Marder and Marit Cramer, longtime Community members, hosted a barbecue for the retreatants, and provided ample food and drink. They have a swimming pool on their property, and finally the The full moon fell on Sunday. See you next year at the retreats! weather was once again warm enough for comfortable swimming. Sunday was the last day of the retreat, with a On this day, we took turns climbing May all be auspicious! Ganapuja and videotaped transmission by Rinpoche. up the scaffold around the Stupa, to go up and place the various bless The Dzogchen Community in Northcredi t card. Processing membership credit card install ing objects in the phumba, some of America at Tsegyalgar Needs a ment payments, collects balances on outstanding which came from Rinpoche him Bookstore Manager invoices, track & maintain back orders. self, some of which were offered by his students. About a week earlier, a The Dzogchen Community of North America is seek ADVERTISING & PROMOTION few of us got together to take these ing a bookstore manager for its operations in Conway. Prepares and places advertisements in appropriate twenty-one or so "'treasures" from Massachusetts. The person sought will be responsible, media (Newsletter. The Mirror, Web site) with the con Rinpoche. which he himself gath in collaboration with the Gakyil, for all aspects of man sultation of the Gakyil and the Community's secretary. ered from around the world, and aging and developing sales, which we hope to expand placed them inside glass jars with through on-line retail and other initiatives. The manag BOOKKEEPING incense from Dugu Chögyal Rin er works with a high degree of independence in sched Keeps records of purchases, sales, income & expenses, poche. grains that had been blessed uling and implementing tasks. consignment sales, customers and suppliers. Prepares on our shrine, saffron, cedar and The ideal candidate will have had experience in the bank deposits. crystals. These were all placed in bookstore business, including inventory, on-line sales, the phumba along with the tsa tsas, and software such as Quick books. REPORTS Dzogchen texts, crystals, statues, This is a part time position which currently requires Compiles summary reports approximately three times water from Maratika cave, millions approximately 16 hrs/wk. Must be available to operate per month. Periodically prepares summary reports for of mantras, grains, sacred images bookstore during retreats and other teachings. the Gakyil. from people's personal shrines and The base compensation is $800 per month, with the ritual objects and both possibility for incentive payment for increased sales. PURCHASING traditional/herbal and "Western" The compensation rate is admittedly understanding Periodically orders books and supplies from vendors medicines and all the offerings sent that the employee, as a student of Chögyal Namkhai and arranges payments through secretary. Negotiates to us for this auspicious occasion. Norbu and a member of the DCA. may contribute vol appropriate discounts and trade arrangements with As it turned out. we had just a few untary service over and above normal market compen vendors. tsa tsas and bags of grain left after sation. Volunteer ward, so we had just the right INVENTORY & MAINTENANCE amount of each. assistance from other Community members will be available. Maintains bookstore, bookstore's web site and com When this was completed, we puter in an orderly and professional manner and per did Ganapuja together in front of More details about the job: forms a full inventory once a year. the Stupa. It was a joyful and beau SALES tiful occasion. There had also been Handles all sales-related matters including taking Interested persons should respond to: a lot of key tasks that were complet orders through web site, email, mail, telephone and ful Diane Sievers, Treasurer, ed just prior to that weekend, that fillment of orders taking payments in cash, check or Tsegyalgar, made this all possible. Piero Bona Email: [email protected]
16 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS Community Schedules for the Greater Seattle Area
Friday Oct. 26th - Ganapuja Sunday 9th December - Ganapuja -Dakini Day Time: 7.30 pm Time: 5pm Location: Heidi & Daniel's in Kirkland Location. Erica's on Whidbey Island Directions & RSVP: Directions & RSVP: Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 425-822 5080 (email much preferred) Tel: 360-579-8255) Tuesday Oct.30th - Shitro 49th Day Shitro for all who died September 11 th Every Wednesday on Whidbey Island -Chod Time: 7pm Time: 5.30 pm Location. Erica's on Whidbey Island Location. Langley - Whidbey Island Directions & RSVP: Directions Email: [email protected] (email much preferred) Shan ti: Tel: 360-579-8255) Email: [email protected] The First Tsegyalgar Open Tel: 360-579-8255 by John Foster Saturday Nov. 10th - Global Transmission - Adzom Lynn: Drukpa Anniversary Email: [email protected] he first Tsegyalgar Open golf tournament was held on July 22nd at the Time: 4 am Tel: 360-221-2350 Edge Hill Golf Course in Ashfield. The event raised approx. $ 1,800.00 T Location: Erica's on Whidbey Island for the Dzogchen Community and the completion of the Stupa, dedicated to Directions & RSVP: the long life of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, being built on the Buckland land. Email: [email protected] Seventeen "world class" golfers participated in the event and many more (email much preferred) supporters cheered the drama unfolding before them from the verandah of Tel: 360-579-8255) the club house. Although many of the participants claimed to be playing just to have an excuse to donate money to the Community, the real reason they Thursday Nov. 15th-Tun were playing was to have the possibility of having their names forever Time: 7.30 pm etched on the "coveted Vajra Trophy" (see picture). Because of this possi Location: Judith's in Seattle bility, the competition was fierce and riveting. No mercy was shown to any Directions & RSVP: tree, water hazard or rocky out crop that seemed to gobble golf balls at will. Email: [email protected] Skilled golfers each, the hot and sweaty participants demonstrated again Tel: 206-547 7002 and again the form and concentration that was necessary to best this demanding course. Luckily, no one was hurt. Nov. 30th, Friday at 7.30 at Heidi & Daniel's in Kirk Alas, at day's end, only one foursome could be crowned "Champions" land and true champions they were; gloating to excess, high fiving each other Time: 7.30 pm and thumbing their noses at the rest of us vanquished players. Their names Location: Heidi & Daniel's in Kirkland will forever be found on the "coveted Vajra Trophy" as winners of the first Directions & RSVP: Tsegyalgar Open. They are: Diane Sievers, Gerry Steinberg, Bill (a friend Email: [email protected] of Gerry's) and Damien Schwartz. For each participant's generosity, they Tel: 425-822 5080 received a "Holy Golf Relic" (see picture) and were treated to a gourmet meal. Because of the success of the first Tsegyalgar Open, plans are already in the works for the next Tsegyalgar Open to be held in June or July of 2002 when Rinpoche is here. So, hone your golf skills and you too may find your name on the "coveted Vajra Trophy". My personal thanks to all the gener tashigar & south america ous participants and supporters-
New Schedule for Tashigar SMS Second Level Practice Retreat Santi Maha Sangha Practice Retreats The four daily sessions are: 8:30am- 10am MOVEMENT with Jim Valby 10:30am- 12noon News from Tashigar January, 2002 4:30pm-6pm by Griselda Galmez Tashigar. Argentina 6:30pm- 8pm
^""""^rganizing the Gar: Jan 25th-30th, 2002 Tashigar Anybody who has taken SMS Second Level training with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu may participate in the More or less from June we have new Gekö, Delia dos Santos, and a SMS Base Level Practice Retreat 8:30am. 10:30am, and 4:30pm sessions where we will new secretary, Sara Hanono. They are working with the strict collaboration The four daily sessions are: focus on the essential theory and practice of Dzogchen of Gakyil because they need our assistance in the beginning and because we 8:30am- 10am Semde as transmitted by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in are defining all the basic rules in Tashigar. Both of them, Delia and Sara, are 10:30am-12noon the SMS Second Level training. Jim Valby, a student of very energetic people, active and with good dispositions. Tashigar shows 4:30pm - 6pm (Yantra Yoga) Chögyal Namkhai Norbu since 1982, will lead this the effects of their actions: The houses are clean, there is always food for 6:30pm -8pm retreat. people who arrive or remain in the Gar, everybody is well received, and the The 6:30-8pm session during each retreat will begin garden and fruit trees are receiving attention and cares. The secretary is Anybody who has attended a retreat with Chögyal with Guruyoga and end with an abbreviated Chöd prac beginning to work with the communications (after one month without Inter Namkhai Norbu or participated in one of the three uni tice. In the middle we will study ancient Dzogchen net because of a vims in the server) and the new bookstore is ready to offer versal transmission practice days may participate in our Semde texts. Anybody who has attended a retreat with many books and beautiful objects of Dharma. SMS Base Level Training where we will focus on the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu or participated in one of the Improving the communications: essential theory and practice of Sutra, Tantra and three Universal Transmission practice days, may partic It is a priority for us because appropriate communication enables us Dzogchen as transmitted by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu ipate in the 6:30-8pm session of any retreat. to maintain our samaya purely between Vajra brothers and sisters. We are in his book called "The Precious Vase - Instructions on working to improve the Gakyil meetings and create others spaces for an the Base of Santi Maha Sangha". Jim Valby, a student interchange of ideas between practitioners. It's not easy because we must of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu since 1982. will lead this change some old habits, but there are still some advances in this field that training. we will try to share through the next Mirror. Increasing publications: Feb 1-5.2002 There are in Tashigar many titles of our Master translated into Spanish. Tashigar We recently published " The Song of Vajra " ( " El Canto del Vajra ") in a SMS First Level Practice Retreat Spanish version with a format very similar to the English one. We are also The four daily sessions are: producing "The Newsletter of Tashigar" (Boletin de Tashigar ) where, if 8:30am- 10am, any person wishes, they can find the list of books in Spanish and audio and 10:30am- 12noon video tapes of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's Retreats. Also, the newsletter 4:30pm - 6pm topics are related to each of Rinpoche's transmissions. 6:30pm-8pm Reorganizing Tashigar Mandala: The red Gakyil is very busy studying the lands to design the necessary infrastructure for Tashigar Mandala's Anybody who has taken the SMS First Level training light, water, phone installations, and roads. In a short time we will have a with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu may participate in the meeting with all the people interested in this project. 8:30am, 10:30am and 4:30pm thuns of our SMS First Doing retreats : In the first week of each month there are different Level Practice Retreat where we will focus on the retreats in Tashigar coordinated by the blue Gakyil. The last one was a essential theory and practice of Sutra. Tantra and retreat for newcomers, but was really an important experience for every Dzogchen as transmitted by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu body, new and old practitioners. in the SMS First Level training. Jim Valby. a student of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu since 1982. will lead this retreat.
Feb 6th-9th. 2002
THE MIRROR SEPT/OCT 2 001 17 i H TEUNATIQMAL COMMUNITY NEWS namgyalgar
NAMGYALGAR THE TREES connected to the transpiration pits NAMGYALGAR GEKO VACANCY DEVELOPMENT To allow for fire fighting access and the toilet by the time you REPORT and to clear the way for installation receive this information. Alan Greetings everyone! JULY, 2001 of waste water lines, trees were Gilbert is now rashing, full steam removed, with the help of an ahead, to finish the very attractive, Tony Mugg, who recently underwent successful heart surgery, is recover THE GONPA arborist, bobcat and tractor. This but incomplete, toilet block in time ing well and gradually regaining his strength. Given his delicate condition The Gonpa is now fully enclosed so widened and improved the road to allow the connection to proceed and need for an extended period of recuperation, and in light of the primi when the wood heater is lit, it heats that runs through the left (west) unhindered. The Waste Water Line tive conditions of the Gar, Tony will not be returning to his position as the whole Gonpa rapidly and effec side of the camping hill. Because Project is being managed by Mai - Namgyalgar Gekö. tively, making it much more com this road follows the land contour dot - com (as the kids call him), The terrific contribution Tony made to the life and growth of Namgyalgar fortable for winter practice. Even around the side of the hill and joins who has spent the past month doing during his short term as Gekö is acknowledged and greatly appreciated. better, no winds blow through ruf the car park just before the saddle, Red Gakyil work on the Gar and May he continue to make good recovery and enjoy a happy and healthy fling your meditation blankets as using it will produce much less soil supporting our new Gekos. life. they once did. Only one section of erosion and dust than the poorly mud brick wall between the office made road which ran right through CAMPERS'DINING AREA If anyone is interested in fulfilling the position of Namgyalgar Gekö and the library needs completing the center of the campground and The improvement of this area, in please contact me for Information and Application Form at the office as and some newly made walls paint which has at last been closed. time for the Tibetan Massage follows: ed. Max Hand (who previously did It is worth noting that the closing of Retreat, is progressing in the capa beautiful and finely detailed finish the center road and the consequent ble hands of the two Tonys, Laurent ing work) has been contracted to reduction of soil erosion will pro and Mugg. The area will be roofed Tel / Fax: In Australia: 02 4473 7668 / From overseas: 61 2 4473 7668 complete a few more details such tect the remaining trees (and the and the blue and white plastic and Email: [email protected] as: adjusting doorknobs, filling in a campers under them) in the camp canvas walls from the Gonpa will gap above the main door, and fit ground, by allowing rainwater to protect caterers and diners from the At the present time Maggie Camfield is temporarily functioning as Gekö ting glass over the book shop door. soak into their root systems elements. Grit has generously of Namgyalgar and can be contacted by telephone at: 02 4473 7770 ( Jean Mackintosh performed the (instead of running off the com donated a wood-fired stove for please do not try to email the Gekö at the [email protected] address, role of Site Representative on that pacted surface) thus keeping them cooking and warmth. Tony Laurent messages can be sent to me by email or fax to be passed on). part of the project, testing and healthier and less likely to fall or is preparing to present a new demonstrating the effectiveness of drop large branches on sleeping Development Application to the Best Wishes, our new Project Management Sys campers in their tents. Regularly Council which reflects the change Viki Forscutt tem. raking the ground litter into swales of designation of this area from The Secretary and staying on the walking paths, "Commercial Kitchen," which POBoxl4 Tony Mugg, our Gekö, is continu will further reduce the soil com would require a huge expenditure Central Tilba ing to landscape around the Gonpa pacting which has been preventing to meet requirements, to "Campers' NSW 2546 and the garden in front, which has water from reaching the trees' Dining Area" which more accurate Australia been lovingly tended by Jean, with roots. Campers, conservationists ly reflects the reality of our situa occasional help from other practi NEW GAKYIL Yellow and the safety conscious rejoice! tion. tioners, and is beginning to flour Eleanour Loudon ( Treasurer) The felled trees, one of our Gar's ish. To top it all off, Tony has Tel: (03) 9484 8189 H / 0403 843 most valuable assets, produced Australia arranged for all the rubble and rub RETREAT CABINS 013 many tons of firewood, which is bish which surrounded the Gonpa The new Development Application Namgyalgar Gakyil 2001 Email: now being neatly stacked for use during the lengthy construction (DA) which Tony Laurent is [email protected] over many, many winters. Also a period, to be removed. It's gone! preparing to present also includes Blue: portable mill was rented to create the building of three Retreat Cab Mark Fulton timber for future Gar building and Jan Cornali (President ) ins. The first cabin to be construct Tel: (02)99604712 THEROAD landscaping projects, using trees Tel: (02)9557 1378 H ed is a donated prefabricated kit. Email: [email protected] From the front gate all the way up already felled from this essential Email: The cabin is a simple structure with to Rinpoche's house, the road has clearing and other, previously [email protected] a verandah and separate bathroom. Mark Farrington been graded and reshaped, pot cleared, parts of the land. The result Two vacancies This will replace the retreat cara Email: Mark.Farrington@BTFi- holes filled, and gutters formed for is a profitable several thousand dol Red: van. nancialgroup.com water run-off. all of which works lars worth of milled timber. This Tony Laurent well to keep the road from washing Tree Project was managed by Tony Tel/Fax: (02)92520505 away in the rain and makes for a Mugg assisted by Malcolm Smith. SUMMARY Email: [email protected] Gekö: much smoother ride. It still needs a Both are sporting whole new sets of All in all, a massive amount of Tel at the Gar: (02) 4473 7770 little resurfacing with gravel in muscles gained in wrestling the work has been accomplished and is Leanne Williams Email: [email protected] some areas, but in general it is giants of the forest. ongoing to maintain and improve Tel /Fax: (02) 6494 084 100% better than the last time you the Gar. Things are moving and Email: [email protected] drove on it. It even looks better, coming together. It's an exciting with all the blackberry weed WASTE WATER LINES time. We are on the verge of closure Malcolm Smith removed and the long grasses Work has now begun on the waste on our Stage One Development! Tel: (03)98443134 mowed. The Road Improvement water lines. Trenches have been Email: Project was managed by our Gekö, dug, pipes have been laid, and the [email protected] Tony Mugg. waste water line will be ready to be
NAMGYALGAR REGIONAL NAMGYALGAR: Amare Pearl - Ph: 02)6684 5570 ( Mullumbimby) Jean Mackintosh: (02) 4473 7049 amare @ ape ari .com.au CONTACTS [email protected] 2001 QUEENSLAND BATEMANS BAY: Brisbane: AUSTRALIA Elise Stutchbury: (02)4471 8578 Chris Naylor: (07) 3369 8632 eli se777 @ austarnet.com.au [email protected] ALICE SPRINGS: Sue Fielding WOLLONGONG: Gold Coast Hinterland Angela Sands: (02)4268 2894 Harry & Samadhi Atkinson: (07)5545 4655 ( 08) 8953 2776/ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ADELAIDE: KATOOMBA: Lindy Pulsford (08) 8357 7400 Jenny O' Donnell : (02) 4758 6257 CAIRNS: [email protected] [email protected] Laurence & Dammika Mills: (07) 4038 MELBOURNE: 2482 Suzana Dewa SYDNEY: [email protected] (03)9481 5414 Alathea Vavasour: 9564 6306 [email protected] [email protected] ASIA / PACIFIC REGION
GEELONG: JeannieAlamkara: 9571 7383 JAPAN: Jan Taylor (03) 5229 9367 [email protected] Junichi Chigira jantl @iprimus. com.au [email protected] NTH. NSW: CANBERRA: Geoff Moxham - Ph: (02)6688 6166 ( Lismore/ Edgar Cooke Lydia Nelson: (02) 6248 6320 Byron Bay) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
18 ISTÍHSÁTIOHAL COMMUNITY NEWS Vajra Dance in Northern Australia the darkness and is silent again. The soft darkness of the warm night breaks into gray that rises by Jean Mackintosh up over the mirror like sea and tropical beaches of Caims. The smell of incense whispers on the air as early morning meditation accompanies the new day, the changing time. A A HA SHA SA MA, the gentle cleansing rain melts softly over us, then changes to a pelting pour and is gone, ,n June, the cold season in Namgyalgar, I was asked to teach three dance courses in the north it's moment spent. The warm air folds around us on the three day weekend in June as thirteen east of Australia. First in Mt. Tambourine, one hour southwest of Brisbane and the following 1 people join the Caims course. Two men and eleven women including one practitioner from weekends in Caims, Far North Queensland, close to the top of Australia. I left Central Tilba in Melbourne and a new practitioner from Bowen, down the coast. the 5am darkness, by bus to Sydney airport. Bus, plane, bus and finally the warm scented air of Mullumbimby on the north coast of New South Wales. The course is organized by Lawrence and Dammika and supporters of the Bodhi Citta Waking to the birds and flowers of a different realm with coffee in the backyard sun under Buddhist Center whose home is high in the hills of Cairns looking over the Coral Sea and Green the custard apples hanging off the trees. With old friends spending time, and a visit to long time Island in the distance. Kindness and caring and gentle loving sustain the center and organization Dzogchen practitioner Amare Pearl in his mountain cave, rushing stream, rock swimming hole, of the course of the Liberation of the Six Looks dance in Caims. As we perfect the steps together personal retreat center with organic avocados and exotic bamboo groves. Favorable circum the energy rises and the last evening is filled with wild laughter long into the evening. A AH HA stances and Satori arrived by car to complete the journey to Mt. Tambourine and the home of SHA SA MA our last practice on the front lawn integrating the expanse of sea and sky brings Harry and Samadhi, their two delightful daughters, donkeys, dog Oscar and the chooks. Ten back the joyous mood altogether laughing. people for the course, from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and Marie from New Caledonia. Four The following weekend in Caims the Dance of the Three Vajras begins, with sadness and men and six women for perfecting the Dance of the Liberation of the Six Lokas into the Six worry in our hearts as Steve our vajra brother entered hospital that day with a serious heart con Spaces of Samantabhadra. Six sessions for the Six Lokas and the Six Liberations. And then we dition, awaiting transfer to Townsville and open heart surgery. Consequently our numbers were danced freely together, A AH HA SHA SA MA, finally stepping out into the mountain village small but we decide to continue the course, to continue to dance, putting our feet carefully on overlooking the skyscrapers of the Gold Coast like lego blocks in the distance. And the plains the mandala, moving from space to space through time and place, moving with Steve and each and mountains of Western Queensland on the other side. other, as we try to remain in the state of the Master, ever present in body, voice and mind. Each of us moves separately on the mandala. Men and women move in opposite directions ana then We were dancing in space. Dancing, talking, sleeping, laughing together at the home of meet together again as in the beginning. Harry and Samadhi with a Ganapuja and Mad Fish wine. A A HA SHA SA MA, the sounds and steps came together in our last practice by moonlight with the evening dew fast forming on our feet, Life continues on. time seems to stand still and then rush headlong. We continue to dance as we left the Mandala to dance our separate ways. in time and place and beyond time and space. We are dreamlike dancers in a dreamlike dance, and we pay homage to our Master who gave us this special gift. By plane to Caims. The aims rise and the arms fall. The feet glide from one place and move to the next space. The moment gone, moving, changing. The geko clicks out his tropical call beyond
Namgyalgar Regional Contacts continued from previous page The Flight of the Crow Rushen Retreat in Central Australia THAILAND: Geoffrey Blake NOUMEA Winter in the desert, [email protected] Marie Lascombes and practice bums through frost [email protected] in the dry river bed, SINGAPORE: it cuts through bright thin air, Tan Van Tee NEW ZEALAND the cloudless sky Tel: 96566893 Kathy Arlidge (temporarily) and the dullness of habit and fear [email protected] [email protected] We are eight, TAIWAN vajra kin, Sophia Wu with karma and good humor [email protected] we practice hard Rushen, the great separation, together and in secret places where sound and movement manifest in space without much ado (make sure you offer well to the local guardians)
7.30 in the river bed, it hasn't flowed for a year but the morning sun warms our backs as it rises above the hill behind the homestead and the Universal Primordial Essence runs like electricity through water
10.30 and now the sun is high enough for hats and sunscreen, even the flies come out to hear us sing, so we purify our Six Lokas Alice Springs Rushen Retreat and karmic vision by Jean Mackintosh with the melody of the realized ones.
lue trees on silver rocks. Blue green trees with pure white trunks leaning over the water hole, protectively. The 2.00 we walk away from each other Bblack and white willy wag tail flies from one end to the other, over the water, onto the sand, up to the trees, over to secret places of practice our heads. The little brown Euro rock wallaby hops fleetingly high up in the gorge and is gone in a second. He is the and offer to the guardians owner of this dreaming site, Fish Hole, in the West McDonnell ranges. Arrende country. The deep water lies in the our request and apology in advance narrow gorge with ancient red rocks rising to the endless blue sky. The pool opens through the gorge to sandy edges for looking so strange and making weird noises. and the soft haze blue and white of the trees. It is a magically beautiful place which manifested itself to us after a two River beds are a good place for this ! hour walk on the fourth day of our Rushen retreat at Hamilton Downs, a camping place near Alice Springs in the center heart of Australia. 7.30 is Ganapuja There were few of us, eight people who were very strong in our resolve to practice Rushen in the expansive age offer request thanks old, desert land. Steve, Michelle, Stella and Georgia arrived from Adelaide, Bob from Brisbane, Jean from Central eat sing talk Tilba, Sue and Veda from Alice. Sue and Veda supported our small group in many ways, most importantly in getting Goodnight. us to and from Hamilton Downs. Arriving at Hamilton Downs on the Saturday morning, the strength of the desert light seemed to bleach the col Are we wild enough for this place. ors from the adjacent ranges. In the heat of the day everything seemed washed out. the straw colored grass, the I think we are, brown sandy dry river bed, the red river gums with their smooth white trunks and gray blue leaves. In the early although not always sure. morning sunlight as we practiced the Universal Primordial Essences the color came back and we watched it change to trust in our resources dramatically over the ancient rock faces before us. The West MacDonnell range. Yeperente. Caterpillar dreaming, and bring great good heart turning red. brown, purple in the early light. to our vajra practice. With the strength of our practice we connected with the still silent space of the Western Desert. Mid morning, inner Rushen, the liberation of the Six Lokas practice helped purify our karmic vision. At the end the sun had Thank you to the desert. warmed up our practice place in the river bed. After eating together in the shady outdoor dining room, each practi vajra kin. tioner walked out into the bush to find their private place on a rocky hillside, in a dry river bed or amongst the grassy and to the Master mulga plains. There we practiced outer Rushen in our own way, trying to liberate our body from habitual tendencies whose ever present blessing and past karma, and also the secret Rushen of the mind. In the heat of the late afternoon practitioners returned walk of wisdom and energy ing back along the track to the camp. gives life. The moon rose and bathed the whole landscape in intense light. Fires were lit and dinner eaten in the wann and reason for life. interior as the outside temperature dropped to zero. Sitting by the lire we practiced Ganapuja, singing, cooking and to the great way of self liberation. laughing, while outside the dingos howled mournfully coming very close on our last night to sing a very special song to us. May all beings instantly achieve self liberation! The whole retreat was intense and tiring; the desert elements were strong. As with our practice we edged into the desert slowly, accepting the isolation, allowing its secret beauty to emerge. The precious wisdom dreaming of by Sue Fielding the expansive desert seeped into our being, trance like, out of time, the soft sensuous energy of this timeless land revealed its presence.
THE MIRROR SEPT/OCT 2001 19 Melbourne News Australia Passages by Prue Forbes Married: June 2001 Jacek Machowski and Tatiana Zimmer were married on July 7.2001 in Knurow, Poland. n the southern part of Australia where we live, many of us are suffering from winter blues, sore throats and coughs. Rinpoche is on the other side of the world and in a different hemisphere. Still, the Dzogchen community I Bom: is flourishing. The human energy emanating from twenty-five members is overwhelming, in fact almost magical in Ramoyus Lapinskas, a boy, was born to Ernestas and Ausra Lapinskas of its power and far-reaching effects. Vilnius, Lithuania on August 14th, 2001. There first child, Gaya, a girl, The recent highlight for me was a group retreat in the country town of Daylesford. Fifteen of us drove for one was bom on October 10th, 1999. and a half hours to the beautiful home belonging to Peter Phipps and his sisters. No-one lives in the house. Peter's mother. Helen Mary, died last year and left this cozy retreat place to her four children. On arriving. 1 was greeted at the door by a big 'meow', as Kitten, a fluffy ginger cat with huge paws, affectionately gazed upwards. Even after a busy working day in the city, the kitchen was already full of activity. Food was being prepared casually by Susanna and other students of Rinpoche, with laughter and warmth in the air. Unlike Nam gyalgar, there was no need to set up camp: comfortable beds were in each of the six bedrooms. The meals seemed to happen easily. Everything flowed. Fellow practitioners immediately felt like close friends. At night we opened our bedroom window and breathed in the fresh country air. Sitting for two hour sessions around the thick blue dragon rug we practiced Guruyoga of the white A over and over, each time following it with a Semdzin practice. Such serious group practice inspires me. At home. I find it hard to wake up early each morning in the dark and cold to practice by myself. The retreat helped me to focus on the value of being disciplined. The social side made taking 'Refuge in the Sangha' a reality; I now feel part of a strong core of people. Since the retreat, many of us continue meeting in pairs for practices and some have traveled eight hours to Nam New Email Addresses for Mirror Editors: gyalgar for individual retreats. The energy of the retreat radiates out. Only four of us dance the Vajra Dance regular ly, and Yantra Yoga practice is only just starting again, but the energy remains. No matter how many people turn up Liz Granger, Merigar: to our weekly Ganapuja in Melbourne, the practice continues to be a strong connection. Rinpoche's television trans [email protected] missions and explanations are well attended by new and old practitioners. As a newer member of two years, it is inspiring to see practitioners humbly checking details during these explanation sessions. We have also just started Naomi Zeitz, Tsegyalgar: an Santi Maha Sangha study group. Twenty-one of us meet weekly, either in the north or the south of our sprawling [email protected] city. Behind the scenes, energy is put into arrangements and activities. Meetings abound so that all can run smooth Visit the Mirror web site and subscribe on line at: ly, both here and at Namgyalgar. Effort goes into everything. The end of the Daylesford retreat came all too soon, and it was time for our last practice; typically, a Ganapuja, www.melong.com which completed the twelve hour sittings. The ASIA site is available at: Dear members and sup Namgyalgar is offering individuals rest. Working together we can porters of the Dzogchen and groups from the whole Oceania reach this goal before the end of the http://www.melong.com/asia Community of Namgyalgar, region Dzogchen Community of year! Namgyalgar the opportunity to buy Contact Ely to pledge as a group or It has been eight years since our out units of debt for $700 (Aus individual for a unit or more - The Mirror Community purchased the land tralian) each. A total of 100 units of [email protected], Tel: Back Issues Available ! 10 issues for $ 10US ! which has become the center of our the Land Fund are available (the 61.3.9484 8189. Gar. A huge amount has been remaining mortgage is $70,000). I will need names, contact details, A packet of 10 back issues of The Mirror from its first year in 1990, as well achieved in that short time, through Some individuals or groups may be including email, and payment plan. as issues from 1997, 1998, and 1999 is now available. The information the collaboration and dedication of able to buy a number of units. Oth Instant Credit Card payments are and articles contained in the past issues includes: many students of Chögyal ers will maybe make a small contri recommended. Teachings by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu: Namkhai Norbu. Among many bution towards a group effort for "Relaxation and Collaboration, Keys to Communication within the Com accomplishments we have built a one unit. When we've sold only Stop Press! munity" beautiful and comfortable house 100 of these, Namgyalgar will be "The Importance of the Dzogchen Community" for our Master, and nearly complet free of debt and wholly owned by We're on our way! Thanks to the "Ancient Wisdom, the History of Bön, Buddhism and Dzogchen in Tibet" ed a beautiful jewel of a Gonpa, but the Dzogchen Community. generosity of practitioners world "Our Real Nature is Beyond Explanation" through all this, one big task Practitioners with limited financial wide, we are well on our way 'Traveling Across the Ocean of Samsara" remains outstanding. resources do not need to feel pow towards attaining the goal of our Other articles and talks by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu: For the last eight years we have erless to help, in fact for this to "Units" campaign. "Buddhism and Psychology" continued to pay the mortgage on work we need everybody to take a So far we've received pledges and "The Origin of Tibetan Language and Culture" the land, with a large sum being little responsibility. Get together purchases of over $14,000 repre "The Principle of Collaboration in the Dzogchen Community" paid to the banks for interest on the with other practitioners in your senting 20 units of debt. The total "Working with Samaya" loan. This loan has been carried area, and find a way to raise the has now been reduced from Biographies of Great Masters: almost solely by a small group of money to buy some units. This may $70,000 to $56,500, representing a Srisimha; Yeshedo or Jnanasutra; The Story of Vimalamitra; Thang-stong generous practitioners. We have mean holding a small (or large) reduction of debt units from 100 to rGyal-po, Father of the Tibetan Drama Tradition and Garab Dorje, Sukha decided to bring this chapter to a fundraising event, selling some old 80 in a matter of 10 short weeks. the Zombie close so we can move on to much things at a second hand market, Only 80 more units to go ! Articles about the activities in Tibet ofA.S.I.A.: more important tasks in the devel making a bet at the races, holding a As if in confirmation of this appeal, The Tibetan Elementary School in Dang-che; The Program of the Devel opment of the Gar, such as building weekend retreat in your area and after a year of negotiating, we have opment of the Health and Educational Conditions of the Village of Dzam retreat cabins, a gekos house and so charging people money to attend... just received word that donations Thog.; Major Developments in A.S.I. A. Projects in 1999 on. making money can be pretty easy made within Australia to the "Units Other articles of interest: when lots of people come together of Land" fund are tax-deductible. Therefore, we have declared 2001 The Dzogchen Community Welcomes His Holiness the Dalai Lama and collaborate. Rinpoche con Contact me with your pledge today. the year of the campaign to pay out (Merigar, 1990;, The Vajra Dance; Interview with His Holiness Sakya stantly reminds us, it is collabora Spread the word. What a few indi the remaining mortgage! We are Trizin; Teaching on the Three Points by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche; The tion between practitioners that viduals cannot do, we can all do by asking everybody in the communi Nature and Meaning of Santi Maha Sangha; Environmental Projects in makes a Gar; it's a very powerful collaborating. ty to contribute something, no mat Riwoche, Tibet; Archaeological Survey of the Lost City of Zhang Zhung; model he has given us, let's use it! ter how small, to finally dispose of Together we will have made Nam articles on Tibetan Medicine, Astrology and Art; Book Reviews; Interna So come on Adelaide, Auckland, this debt! If we do this as a group, it gyalgar a place we can retreat to for tional Gakyil News and the International Publications Committee; Pro Bangkok, Brisbane, Dunedin, will take remarkably little energy practice and to study, for many jects and activities of Shang Shung Institute; historical Community News Cairns, Melbourne, Singapore, from us to accomplish this. years to come. and Retreat reports, personal Reflections; and more. Sydney, Tilba, Tokyo, and all the Shipping and Handling Air Mail: Europe $15.00 Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Rim $16.00 S.America $10.00 Canada $10.00 Mexico $12.00 USA $6.65 Surface Mail (4 to 6 weeks): Everywhere in the world (except Canada and Mexico) $7.50 Canada $5.50 Mexico $5.50 USA (Book Rate) $4.00 and it takes 10 days Master card and Visa welcome.
Please contact: The Mirror PO Box 277 Conway, MA 01341 USA Tel: 413 369 4208 Email:[email protected] or [email protected] Fax: 413 3694165
70 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CONTACTS
ARGENTINA HUNGARY NEW CALEDONIA Email: [email protected] Tashigar* Milan Polasek - Yellow Gakyil Zsolt Somogyvari Marie Lascombes Sara Hanono - Secretary Tel: 00 42 0604 878 100 Szalmarozsa ter 8. Noumea Denisova.Tatyana C.C.N9 25- 5155 - Tanti, Email: Budapest, H-1161 [email protected] 2-Y Microraion-14 apt.3 Pcia de Cordoba [email protected] Elista, Kalmikiya 358000 Tel: 3541 498 356 Website: http://dzogchen.web- ISRAEL NEW ZEALAND Email: tashigar@datacoopcordo- park.cz Noa Blass Rosemary Friend Vladivostok DzogchenCommunity ba.com.ar Biltmore Street 15 7 Radnor Street Tel: 007 4232 266000 DENMARK 62194 Tel Aviv North East Valley Email: [email protected] AUSTRALIA Anne-Grethe Nyeng Tel/Fax: 972 3 605 75 43 Dunedin S. Island morye.ru Namgyalgar Dzogchen Communi Fax:45 33 113243 Tel: 64 3 4730886 ty of Australia* Email: [email protected] ITALY Fax:64 3 4779463 Updated information about any Vicki Forscutt - Secretary Merigar* Comunità Dzogchen Email: [email protected] events in Moscow (Russia) region PO Box 14 Central Tilba, ESTONIA Clara Juliano -Secretary is on the NSW 2546 Maret Kark Arcidosso, 58031 GR, Italy Kathy Arlidge (temporarily) http://scil.npi.msu.su/pub/reli- Tel/Fax: 61024473 7668 Sade T 9 Tel: 39 0564 966837 [email protected] gion/dzogchen
THE MIRROR SEPT/OCT 2 001 2! International Community Contacts continued from previous page Featured Ling Bangkok 10330 Apartado Postal 483 K u n e 1 1 i n g Tel.66-2-2543555 or Merida5101 s Tel. 66-2-2545532 or Tel & Fax: 58 74 440026 Kunselling Tel. 66-2-2549061 (direct line) Email: [email protected]. ve Place of Constant Clarity Email: [email protected] Home of the Dzogchen Community, UK Menda Dzogchen Community UKRAINE Apartado Postal 483 "unselling was purchased by the Dzogchen Community UK in 1997. It is Valéry Botsula Menda 5101 KLa: n old stone farmhouse perched several hundred meters above an idyl Komandarma Korka St. Fax: 58 74447550 lic secret Welsh valley in the area rapidly becoming known as the Welsh 42-59 Kharkov 5874440026 Tibet. Kunselling is comprised of a main house, a bam, and some out build 310186 Email: ings, as well as about two hectares of land. [email protected]. ve Kunselling has been come a central focus for the UK Community and is now USA starting to receive increasing interest from other Dzogchen Communities in Tsegyalgar* Europe. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu consecrated the Ling in 1998 and changed Andrea Nasca -Secretary the name from Welsh Llwydallt - which means "Grey Hill" - to Kunselling P.O. Box 277 which means the Place of Constant Clarity. Conway, MA 01341 Shang- Shung Institute from page II Kunselling is a perfect center for individual and small group retreats and has Tel: 413 3694153 been used intensively now for over three years. The secluded location is Fax: 413 3694165 Inauguration of the excellent for meditation with both solitude and wild open moor land. Email: DzogchenUSA@com- Shang-Shung Institute The UK Community uses Kunselling for regular group practice weekends. pusene.com Austria We have found that having this space has enabled us to increase our opportu nities to focus on practice away from the distractions of everyday life and Dzogchen Community of Alaska First courses on Ku Nye with Dr. also provides ample occasion to practice karma yoga. We are happy to invite Martha Quinn Nida Chenagtsang our Vajra brothers and sisters to join us in collective practice or to book Kun 9210 Long Run Dr. selling for personal retreat. Juneau, AK 99801 A report by Oliver F. Leick, chair The UK Community has plans to develop Kunselling which includes a place Tel: 907 790-1908 man of the SSI Austria in the center of the courtyard for the Vajra Dance Mandala. The main house Email: stands to the South of the courtyard. To the West is a large bam which will [email protected] The Shang-Shung Institute Austria, become a collective practice space. It will also house a library and small founded in 2000, is a branch of the office. The collection of small outbuildings will be converted into individual Lynn Sutherland Istituto Shang-Shung in Italy and retreat cells for up to four people, and have been designed to double up for 5717 N. Washtenaw Ave. follows the same aims and princi eight people. There will also be toilets, showers and a small kitchen. Possible Chicago, IL 60659 ples as the main Institute. After one future plans include a conservatory addition to the house which could be used as a dining room or crèche for chil Tel: 773 784 4168 and a half years of preparation - in dren. Email: [email protected] order to find the right moment, the The UK Community hopes to develop a dark retreat facility in the future, but for the time being have decided to right place and the right people for design one of the four retreat cells as an adaptable dark retreat space. Dzogchen Community West Coast a course - finally our activities How you can help us develop Kunselling: Carol Fields manifested and we inaugurated our Whether you make a one off donation, no matter how small, or arrange to make regular contributions, as many peo 755 Euclid Ave. Berkeley, CA Institute with the first courses on ple in the UK do, we will be 94708 Ku Nye, Tibetan massage. Dr. Nida very grateful. Tel: 5105599753 Chenagtsang kindly accepted our We are currently initiating a Fax: 5105240933 invitation and held two weekend sponsorship scheme for spe Email: aha@dzogchencommunity- courses in June, 2001 in Graz. Aus cific parts of this develop west.org tria. ment, such as individual Website: www.dzogchencommuni- Dr. Nida introduced us in a brilliant retreat cabins, where sponsors tywest.org way into the basic understanding of will enjoy certain benefits. Tibetan Medicine, its historical Payment details: Dzogchen Community of New background and its connection to The bank international trans Mexico Tibetan Massage, and also showed fers code is: c/o Jim Casilio us the first steps of Ku Nye, this MIDLGB22 40020301077384 751 Airport Rd special form of massage, so that we People can also write checks in Euros and send them to us. Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 all were able to practice very dili For further information: Tel: 505 473 7176 gently many hours a day. Julia Lawless Email: [email protected] Twenty lucky people from different Dzogchen Community Land Committee places in Austria - most of the peo 10a Chalchot Gardens Anne Dankoff ple are not part of the Dzogchen London, NW3 4YB, UK 27 Vereda Mesita Community - took that unique Email: [email protected] Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 opportunity in the German speak Tel: 505 466 4280 ing countries to start this extraordi The Lings of the Dzogchen Community Tel.301-2-330731 Email: [email protected] när)' training in order to become a Email: [email protected] Ku Nye Khan, a professional May be contacted to organize personal retreats New York Dzogchen Community masseur of Tibetan Massage. KUNSALLING The whole training of Ku Nye is 307 Prospect Place ADZAMLING Località Cordenter divided into three levels, each level Apt 1C Batuira MagasaBS, Italy lasting for four weekends. In order Brooklyn, NY 11238 12020 Castelmagno CN, Italy Information: Fulvio Ferrari tel. 0365-825165 to reach the next level the partici Tel: 718 398 0584 Information: Moreno Marcato tel. 0141-831002 Email: [email protected] pants must practice individually Email: Aldo Oneto tel. 0338-9593865 and pass an exam. The courses in edw_goldberg @ hotmail .com Email: [email protected] KUNSELLING June were the first part of the First Llwydalt, Crickadarn Level. The First Level will finish Susan Indich Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3AJ, UK with two more weekends in 2002. DEJAMLING 129 Kaelepulu Dr. Kailua Information: Julia Lawless tel. 0207-7722539 The precise dates for these week Association Dzogchen Hawaii. 96734 Email: [email protected] ends are: Le Deves Tel: 808 261 3469 30570 Saint Andre de Majencoules, France Fax: 808 5244342 January 26th/27th and February Tel. 33-(0)4-67-824490 PADMALING Email: [email protected] 2nd/3rd,2002 Email: [email protected] Baznicas street 4a, 501 Riga, Latvia During this period Dr. Nida will Information: Sergey Zakharov tel. 371-9549257, 371- again give some public talks on Jerene DORJELING 7143453 Tibetan Medicine. Dr. Nida already P.O. Box 2181 PO Box 1183 Irina Pustovit tel. 371 -6435445 Kealakekua. Hi. 96750 gave one very interesting talk on LT 2000 Vilnius, Lithuania Email: [email protected] Tel: 808 323-9714 "Introduction to Tibetan Medicine" Information: Antanas Danielius tel. 3702-776824 Email: [email protected] in Graz during his last visit. He will Aigis Lukosevicius tel. 37086-54240 PALDENLING probably also speak on Sa Che, the Email: [email protected] Lysa Gora 168 Barbara DeFranco old, original Tibetan form of Feng 38-23- Nowy Zmigrod, Poland Tel: 808 328 8084 Shui. KUNDROLLING Information: Viktoria Nikolowa tel. 48-601 -917584 Email: [email protected] Everybody who has already fin Kalandarishvili str. 31 -2 Email: [email protected] ished at least the first part of the Ulan-Ude, 670000 Buryatia. VENEZUELA First Level of Ku Nye is welcome Pablo Lau Rivera to participate and come to Graz. Dr. Lhundrubgar Pba. Res. Pedermales Nida teaches in English and the Contact address: Av. courses will be translated into Ger Shang-Shung Institute Austria Paez Montalban II man. Gschmaier 139 1021 Caracas The Shang-Shung Institute Austria 8265 Gross-Steinbach, Austria. Tel: 5824421434 is working on the transcripts of Dr. Tel: 0043-3386-8571 or0043-676-3221365, Fax: 0043-3386-23371. Fax: 58 2 340643 Nida's public talks and on a Ger Email: [email protected]. Web: www.dzogchen.at/ssi.at Email: [email protected] man "Ku - Nye Manual", which will be available at the end of the Elias Capriles each Level.
22 REFLECTIONS White Michela 's Story The colors shift up to full volume, September 11th, 2001 and the wild flowers started turning their heads. New York City I caught a bucket full of joyous tears, while walking home on white dirt by Michela Martello that it was an terrorist attack. I roads; am shocked, my knees singing thanks for the best day of am on my way to work, quiver, I cannot believe what my life, Itwo blocks away from I am hearing, but I know it's THE MIRROR just like yesterday and the one the World Trade Center. I true because, you see, these tomorrow. am painting a mural in an are the conditions in which Newspaper of the apartment in one of those we live in. International This core begins to awaken, stretch beautiful downtown build A few moments later, the Dzogchen Community of ings on the shores of the and observe. second Tower collapses, the Chögyal Namkhai Hudson River. It's not yet Strands of incense smoke, while soot and dust settles. We Norbu nine o'clock, and I am not regain visibility and rush to waves engulf, Main Office: aware of the tragedy that is the streets. It's completely and the thoughts flush away. PO Box 277 unfolding around me. white, the police push us on Uncovered serenity as familiar as a Conway, MA 01341 the boats and we are ferried to mothers scent. Like everyone else USA surrounding me, I look New Jersey. I was able to Tel: 413 369 4208 return to Manhattan after The strength that we find. toward downtown and wit Fax: 413 3694165 three long days. as we weave through the grass ness what has been show Email: Brings peace on a platter ing incessantly on TV's all The first night I had a ter [email protected] around the world. All the and tears to the eyes. purse, I turn and run. I run really rible nightmare, everything same, I continue to ride my bike: In thanks for this place, this space, fast and I am not sure I will make it. was black, I was on a pier close to a European Office: there are lots of people moving in pitch black and rough sea. and there the infinite stars in the brightest I run toward the water, we all run The Mirror different directions. I am aware, were lots of forms similar to death. whites. toward the water, behind I can Merigar nothing escapes me; not a com sense a horrendous mountain of The second night the dream was Arcidosso ment, not an expression and not a rubble, smoke and glass. I reach the better, the sea was calm and the sur 58031 GR single motion. I, too, cannot stand face flat, alive and clear blue. I Sophia Hoadley river's edge and I consider jump Italy still and continue moving toward ing, but the dense smoke like a spent those three days glued to the Merigar Tel & Fax: 0564 966039 downtown. I must get off my bike, thick cloud prevents us from seeing television set. I was in a beautiful Summer 2001 Email:[email protected] the crowd is swelling, we all walk. and breathing. People cry and hotel in Atlantic City, the rooms Email:[email protected] It is an unbelievable event which scream. We are more or less at a were lovely and comfortable. It The Stone Age Buddha has already taken place. stand still. I am scared and I know was so surreal to find oneself sud Editorial Staff: Last year I was working inside that something else is bound to hap denly there with someone else's Naomi Zeitz, lived in a hell of ice the lower level of one the Towers. I pen. I do Guruyoga, I immediately clothes, no money and no docu Tsegyalgar The lake, his favorite fishing place know a few people that work there. calm down but it lasts for only a ments and in a way adopted by Conway, MA USA was full of sky I am thinking about them I hope brief moment, because the thick, these people who brought me along raw prevenient blue encased they are safe. Perhaps I can be of brown cloud transforms itself in with them during the evacuation. Liz Granger in pure water caught his attention help, I am not sure. Various only seconds into a silent and I abandoned myself to the Tiziana Gottardi, Raising his gaze he relaxed further thoughts race through my mind. impenetrable blackness. It's the events of the moment; the nature of Merigar first steaming breath from open Now I am very close. A policeman eeriest, most spine-chilling dark my state of mind was rather calm Arcidosso, Italy mouth tells me that it can be very danger ness I have ever experienced. Now and lucid apart from the moments then thoughts ous and fortunately he doesn't there are no sounds, no cries, I will when I trembled and could not Literary Editor: then his very eyes allow me to go near it. I walk a few never forget that silence. I want to practice, but during the time I spent John Shane melted into deep blue yards, it's hard and my legs begin to move, I grab someone's arm and I watching TV I experienced some endless, empty, glowing tremble. I think about the disaster follow him unaware of my sur thing particular and suddenly Advisors: Suddenly an elk grunted that has just happened, I think roundings, almost blindly. I am recalled the feeling of emptiness I Adriano Clemente a fish broke the surface about it over and over again and so lucky this gentleman has a flash felt when the Tower collapsed. light; he is a Ranger, a "Battery Anna Eid chill wind rattled the holly does everyone else. I move slowly The strange thing is that after Park Ranger", he tries to guide the Barbara Paparazzo and all were filigrees of deep blue and mechanically, by this time what having lived through such a violent way. I find my bearings and I run Des Barry framed in deep blue I see completely paralyzes me; peo and powerful experience and hav towards the building where I work, Jim Valby words of deep blue ple jumping from the towers as an ing felt the eerie emptiness, instead I cannot breath, my lungs bum and faithful, wakeful, true alternative to being burned alive. I of falling into a bottomless void, I a man tells me to cover my mouth Layout & Design: am below, not too far, my eyes felt lightened from a burden, and it with my shirt. He helps me. I reach N. Zeitz Mark Zengerle endure these images but I am sud gave me and continues to give me the building and once inside I can May 15th, 2001 denly filled with an indescribable strength and clarity. pain. I don't know what to do. I feel finally breath. I let myself go, I cry, Illustration: When the emptiness becomes totally crushed by sadness! I shiver, again feel scared, I cannot Cartoons: the domain of your thoughts it can stop shivering. P. Moscatelli pg. BUDDHASVOW I am looking at the South be a terrifying place. If. instead, C.Rauch pg. Tower and 1 witness the collapse, At this point I cannot believe you can live through it as an experi Until which transforms into an explo that everything has happened, but ence, it frees you from your fears. Printer: this sion, all the while I think the worst rather that it must still happen. Back in New York I was taken Turley Publications wood is over! The violence of the explo There are lots of people in the lob aback by sorrow, the air is sad and Palmer. MA is sion had not yet caused a reaction by, we are all covered with white heavy! The other day a very special USA RADIANTLY within me. time expands and I feel dust and soot, the people whom I person told me: green, the emptiness. For a moment or two work for recognize me and bring "If we human beings are able Distribution: will I remain/ I am not sure and then back to reali me to their apartment. They make to breath it is because in this world Tsegyalgar at ILLUSORY ty. I realize I am not that far from me change clothing and despite the there are more people who Love." I Conway, in this the site. I drop the bike and my fear I am very lucid. I am informed believe in what she said. I know it's MA, USA light, true!
Subscription Rate/ I sing to trees. It 6 Issues: has been a long time & the wind The Mirror Reprint $35US available is through moaning, Book Tsegyalgar almost Collection of twenty teachings of 60.000 It.Lire inaudibly. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu compiled from through Merigar Here, past issues of The Mirror. Visa and Mastercard Includes: bird-song CHORMA welcome weep/ The Difference Between Sutra and a hand made book of poetry by Tan tra, center, Louise Landes Levy All material 1998 by The Mirror Dzogchen, the Path of Self Liberation, Center, published by Porto dei Santi Helping the Dead and Dying, Reprint by permission only I reclaim my heritage/ Productions, Italy The Base in Dzogchen, We reserve the right to edit peacock, This book is a signed, numbered Yantra Yoga all subsmissions guardian edition of 108 copies. There are How to Follow a Master CROWN. about fifteen other writers pub Cost: $20US lished in this series. (Shipping charges available from Tsegyalgar Bookstore) Louise Landes Levi The price of each book is $25US or Order from: Tsegyalgar Bookstore Castel del Piano, 1998 50.000 lire. PO Box 82, Conway, MA01341. USA The Internet version is free. Tel: 413 369 4473 For more information please con Email: [email protected] tact: [email protected]
THE MIRROR SEPT/OCT 2 001 23 INTERNATIONAL GAKYIL NEWS His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Croatia flint: His Holiness Dalai Lama will visit to Zagreb, Croatia, on October 22nd, 2001. His Holiness has been invited by the Seminary of the Jesuits, where M he will give teachings and talks, but only for the Roman Catholic Church féiokúnco clergy. Mimi: There will be a public lecture will be held in a sports hall ("Dom Sporto- ItsÊcoulêkwu! va") at 18h, tickets are 20kn (2.5 euro) or 200kn (25 euro) in 1 st row seats Federica Mastropaolo ERRATA for supporters. There were two omissions pertaining to the article on Fernando Rossi and Anna Maria Moscatelli Email: 520047059643-0001 @t-online.de the "Complete Works of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Pro Flavia Tomassini ject" on page 20 of the previous issue of The Mirror, Francesca Vannini issue #57. Francesco Gracis The first omission is that of Namgyalgar as the donor of Gabor Hardy 7.5% and the second is the list appearing below. Galena from Moscow, Russia Our apologies! Gianni "anonymous" Antichi Rimedi The Mirror Gianni Baggi Natural hand-produced products Gino Vitiello Monte Amiata, Arcidosso, Italy DONORS FOR THE "COMPLETE WORKS OF Giordano and Jo Asoli Ointments for daily use. CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU" PROJECT Giovanni Boni In the name of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and the Giuseppina Pitton Dzogchen Community as a whole we would like to Helmut Smrcek Tinctures, thank wholeheartedly all the following donors for their Ina Schlingemann Oils for Massage great generosity: Ivan Barker Jana Wurzinger Azzolini Salvatore Giunco 68 Adam Forbes Jeannie Alamkara 58031 Arcidosso Alberto Maria Jenny 0"Donnell Alexander Bel'skiy Joanna Tyshing Tel: (0039) 0564 968176, (0039) 03478819044 Alfredo Avellone and Maddalena Cosso John Shane Email:[email protected] Allamano Allamani Joy Dahl Andrea Di Castro Kelly Tracey and Bob Daoud Angela and Ron Goettinger Keng Leck Angela Sands Laura Cavicchi Ann Pickering Lee Bray Anna Pucci Leopoldo Sentinelli Antje d'Almeida Maggie Camfield Barbara Dombrowski Maggiorina Capelli Beata Debarge Malcolm Smith Caroline Chuden Margarita Coronas Catherine Brand Maria Chiara Rossello Cecilia Genchi Marina Micelli Charles Wright Mark Farrington Daniel and YukiReid Mark Fulton David Marsh Massimiliano Leupin and Antonella Lamperti Diane Campbell Massimo Orsi Donatella and Claudia Ciardulli Mayda Gabriela Hocevar Dzogchen Community of Bologna ( Italy ) Misako Matsumoto V&\r$i Speech Dzogchen Community of Brescia (Italy) Monique and Yann Leguen Dzogchen Community of Como (Italy) Pamela Oldmeadow TULKU URGYEN RINPOCHE Dzogchen Community of Czech Republic Paolo and Poupée Brunatto advice for the Dzogchen yogi Dzogchen Community of France Paolo Pappone Dzogchen Community of Hawaii (USA) PiaBarilli Dzogchen Community of Japan Pia Bramezza Dzogchen Community of Melbourne (Australia) Riccardo Muraglia Dzogchen Community of Merida (Venezuela) RitaBizzotto ClArîfv|1*i5 the *NMur¿\) State Dzogchen Community of Moscow (Russia) SoniaTanini and Francesco Caricchio Dzogchen Community of Namgyalgar (Australia) Soraya Kassim DAKPO TÄSHINAMGYAL Dzogchen Community of Padmaling (Latvia) Sue Fielding resolving Mahamudra experientially Dzogchen Community of Siena ( Italy) Thierry and Annick Jeanneret Dzogchen Community of Spain Tullio Fiorina Dzogchen Community of Styria (Austria) Ugo Cardea RANGJUNG YESHE PUBLICATIONS Dzogchen Community of Switzerland Ural from Russia — AT ANY FINE BOOKSTORE — Dzogchen Community of Torino (Italy ) Ursula and Herbert Hoffmann WWW.RANGJUNG.COM Dzogchen Community of Tsegyalgar (USA) Uschi Ruckes Dzogchen Community of Umbria (Italy ) -fi Dzogchen Community of Venezia ( Italy) We apologize in advance for any omission. Dzogchen Community of Vienna (Austria) May the pure Dzogchen teachings transmitted by Chö- Elise Stutchbury gyal Namkhai Norbu spread everywhere in the world! Ermanno Perinotto Emesto Ardita The International Gakyil Fabio Orlandini Igor Legati, Supervisor of the Project INTRODUCTION
NEW BOOK AVAILABLE FROM SHANG-SHUNG EDITIONS, ITALY TO DZOGCHEN The Dzogchen Community, Principles and Guidelines for by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Practitioners
In this two-hour video, Namkhai The idea for this booklet arose during an International Gakyil Meeting at Norbu answers the question: What is Merigar in the Summer of 2000. There were a variety of groups formed at Dzogchen? the meeting to discuss and focus on different aspects of work within the Dzogchen is a path of self- Community. liberation. It is not a path of renuncia In the group concerning Gakyil relations it became clear that there were tion or transformation, but rather one problems common to all Gakyil members due to the lack of knowledge of of seeing directly the nature of mind— the fundamental principles of the Dzogchen Community, uncertainty about as pointed to by a teacher who has the basic requirements of being a Gakyil member, and other problems relat realized this freedom for him or her ed to misunderstandings in communication and group dynamics. self. This video gives the student the In order to help overcome this problem we decided to publish a Gakyil Man opportunity to receive these teach ings directly from an accomplished ual. The guidelines outlined in this manual are intended to be useful as a guide. general aid. but the particular way each Dzogchen Community functions in Chogyal Namkhai Norbu is one their own country is unique and they will have to adapt the manual accord of the primary living masters of ingly. Dzogchen. He is author of The Su This manual will require periodic updates. Please send all information to: preme Source, Dzogchen; The Saadet.A @ gmx.de Self-Perfected State, and The Crys 120 min. video, $29.95 Hopefully this manual will functions as a helpful resource for all Dzogchen Community members tal and the Way of Light. Available from: Shang Shung Editions 58031 Arcidosso GR Italy- Tel: 0564 966039 Email: shangshunged @ tiscalinet. it
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