THE MIRROR Newspaper of the International Dzogchen Community March /April 2006 • Issue No. 79 Schedule Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 2006

TASHIGAR NORTE, MARGARITA ISLAND FRANCE

May 18-22 Teachings in the Gonpa at Margarita M SALVATORE Paris Retreat The Purification of the Six Lokas as Pr eliminaries of the Path of Ati Total Space of Vajrasattva May 23 Leave for Karmaling Retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu May 26-28 Karmaling Retreat Margarita Island, Friday March 10-19 2006 Nyamtrid Dzogchen Nyingthig by Elio Guarisco MERIGAR WEST, ITALY fter long months of unsta- Dzogchen teachings permeated the Dzogchen Tantras into the ble weather the elements the life of beings in many dimen- Tibetan language. Following the May 29 began to harmonize. The sions; however , circumstances advice of the Precious Guru, Leave for Merigar Aclouds abated and the sun arose causing those teachings to Vairocana traveled to Oddiyana regained its force and heat. The vanish into the recesses of the where he primarily studied with June 9-15 big waves smashed against the mind of a few knowledge holders Shri Singha as well as other great Longsal Teachings in the Gonpa of Merigar coast, the beaches receded and the or remain as condensed cryptic masters. With Shri Singha, Yeshes Zangthal and Nadzer’s Transmission churned water of the ocean set- oral snyan brgyud such as the one Vairocana was able to ascertain Restricted Web Cast tled. A familiar feeling caused by from the Manjushri Tantra which the meaning of many Dzogchen tiny ripples of sweat descending says: “The eye of wisdom is Tantras and eventually translate? June 12 International Gakyil Meeting (afternoon) from the hairline, halting just (from the beginning) stainless”. the ‘five earlier translations’ above the eyebrows during the hot At fortunate times, when the idea (snga ‘gyur lnga). These are: the June 17 of ‘presence’crosses the minds of Cuckoo of Instant Presence (Rig th hours of the day or after a meal, 25 Anniversary of Merigar Festival indicated that normal Mar garita beings, these teachings reappear pa’i khu byug), the Arousing of weather had returned. in their magnificence. Great Potency (rTsal chen sprugs June 30-July 21 These signs marked the About three hundred years pa), the Great Soaring Garuda Rinpoche’s Personal Retreat beginning of the March retreat. after the demise of the Buddha, a (Khyung chen lding ba), Pure continued on page 3 Instead of rain showers, a fine child was born towards the north- Gold in the Stone (rDo la gser drizzle of precious teachings west of India, in a land known zhun), The V ictory Banner that descended to mitigate the heart then as Oddiyana, the location does not Wane (Mi nub pa’i rgyal ravaged by passions. As where many Tantras originated. mtshan) also known as The Total Rinpoche began to speak, the This child, known as Garab Space of Vajrasattva. magnetizing ener gy transformed Dorje, amazed everyone by recit- The five texts mentioned the island into a pure land and ing by memory the Total Space of above are very important, as there Vajra brothers and sisters Vajrasattva (rdo rje sems pa nam were no written Dzogchen texts changed into gods and goddesses. mkha che), a text that extracts the prior to them in Tibet. Among the As narrated in the essence of the teaching like five, Vairocana first translated the Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra, in churned butter from the milk of Cuckoo of Instant Pr esence. reality all is pure and perfect from the Dzogchen Tantras. Over the Originally this text was entitled the very beginning. When ques- course of time, this child re-pro- The Six V ajra V erses but tioned by Manjushri about the claimed the ancient Dzogchen Vairocana changed it because a imperfections of the world, the Tantras that had disappeared. related Tantra exists with that Buddha touched the ground with Although Padmasambhava name. Furthermore, the singing his fingers and the whole world had taught extensively the inner of the cuckoo is an auspicious manifested as a wonderful heaven Tantras of Anuyoga and Atiyoga, sign indicating the arrival of made with lapis lazuli. However , the scriptures of these systems spring in Tibet when everything in our condition in Mar garita, it were not available in Tibet at that begins to awaken, a metaphorical was only the Master ’s presence time. For this reason description for the arising of that could arouse an understand- Padmasambhava advised his dis- instant presence. ing of that pure condition. ciple, the Tibetan translator At about the age of thirteen, There was a time when the Vairocana, to travel to Oddiyana Rinpoche received the oral trans- where he could learn and translate mission of the Collection of the continued on page 4 CONTENTS Teaching: Interview with Chögyal His Holiness the Namkhai Dalai Lama by Special Norbu Raimondo Bultrini Practice Oddiyana pg 16 Calendar The Fire Dog Treasure House pg 2 Year pg 7 of the Teachings Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

nuyoga teaching is one of Oddiyana and Shambhala eration after generation. This is the paths of transforma- why people don’ t know what tion that was originally When people talk about happened to Oddiyana and Ataught and diffused in Tibet at the Shambhala, they consider that Shambhala. time of Guru Padmasambhava. It things were more or less the same is also said that at the time of Guru as in Oddiyana. But in the real Origin of the Anuttaratantra Padmasambhava some original sense, it was not that way because texts of Anuyoga were translated, Oddiyana actually was a geo - So we can easily understand but that is only mentioned in his - graphical country. Many Tibetan where Oddiyana was and whether tory. What we actually know is teachers, for example, traveled it existed. For example, many that Guru Padmasambhava origi- from Tibet to Oddiyana and wrote Westerners and professors who nally transmitted the knowledge down the story of how they got have been studying and doing and understanding of Anuyoga there. So this shows that it was a research for a long time have but that the main teachings that he concrete place. gone to Afghanistan and Pakistan transmitted were Mahayoga and When I was working with and in places like Swat they have Atiyoga teachings. Rinpoche teaching in Margarita M SALVATORE Professor Tucci in Italy – he was found m any o bjects f rom t he There were also many original a famous Tibetologist who did a Buddhist tradition. This is the texts and teachings from lot of research on Oddiyana – he place where all the Anuttaratantra Oddiyana, a mysterious country once asked me to check all the teachings came from and where that was something like the important books such as the com- they developed. source of all higher Tantra teach- mentaries on the sutras to see if When we use all these Sanskrit ings. Although many of these Oddiyana there were some explanations names, people who are not accus- teachings wer e translated from The Treasure House of the Teachings about [the existence of] tomed to read and learn about Indian languages into the Tibetan Oddiyana. I spent two or three them may feel a little confused. language, their origin was always months doing research on that You see what developed in the Oddiyana. When we read the An excerpt from the looking everywhere to see if there modern tradition, the Sarma, biographies of the Mahasiddhas Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Retreat were some explanations. I found which I spoke about yesterday , who transmitted all these kinds of some very interesting information was the series of higher Tantras higher Tantra teachings, histori- Day 5 in one sutra which said that or most important Tantras called cally it is said that they always Jan 31, 2006 northwest of Bodhgaya there was Anutaratantra. ‘Anu’ means supe- traveled to Oddiyana to receive a country, a big kingdom called rior. In the same way when we these teachings and later translat- Oddiyana whose capital was talk about Anuyoga, it is diffused ed and transmitted them in India. called Dhumatala. But there was in the Nyingmapa tradition In that way the higher Tantra also a translation in the modern much like your path and your also a small kingdom within this although it is not usually called teaching developed there. tradition. The root of the modern teaching but it is the path of kingdom that was governed by Anuttaratantra but Mahayoga. In some biographies of the tradition of the Guhyasamaja renunciation. I am a king and one of the princes of the king of Anuttaratantra and Mahayoga are Mahasiddhas it recounts that they Tantra is particularly related to have my kingdom and my sub- Oddiyana. That small kingdom more or less the same. Anuyoga is traveled to Oddiyana, however, in the Mahasiddha Saraha and the jects and I have to continue to was called Shambhala, not a very interesting teaching of ancient times traveling to main person who developed this take care of this situation and can- Shambhala. So this shows that transformation but is not diffused Oddiyana meant a great sacrifice teaching w as N agarjuna, s o i t not renounce all these things. For these countries existed. in other traditions like the because it wasn’t very easy to get became a very important Tantra. that reason I cannot follow your When we do a little research into Sakyapa, Gelugpa and Kagyupa there. Some of them almost path in a perfect way”. Buddha the histories of where teachers in which Anuttaratantra is dif- reached Oddiyana or traveled Buddha transmits the told him not to worry , “The path traveled in ancient times, most fused. The Anuyoga tradition is near there, had pure visions and Guhyasamaja Tantra in is not only the path of renuncia- people and scholars are con- only dif fused in the Nyingmapa received these teachings. In order Oddiyana tion. There is also a possibility vinced that Oddiyana was once and there are many initiations, to know about this we should that you transform.” the place where Pakistan is now practices and instructions about study the biographies of the Now in this history there is an Then the king became interested located. They are also convinced this teaching in that tradition. Mahasiddhas a little more deeply explanation that relates that in and asked Buddha to give him that Shambhala was located in the Later on this teaching mainly because they are related to the Oddiyana there was a kingdom, a that teaching and Buddha mani- area now known as Afghanistan. developed with Padmasambhava. source of all these tantrum teach- very ancient kingdom. And in that fested instantly as Guyiasamaya So it is very simple to understand. After that the famous Tibetan ings. Most tantrum teachings kingdom there was a king who yab yum , in peaceful Mahasiddha, called Nub Sangye were introduced from dif ferent was very faithful and had great Sambogakaya form. The king had Centuries of Muslim invasions Yeshe, who lived precisely three dimensions into Oddiyana and it devotion to the teaching of the already devel oped his capacity generations after became something like a symbol Buddha. He invited many and clarity and he immediately Why did Shambhala and Padmasambhava was in Tibet, of the place that is the treasure Buddhist teachers from India but received the teaching of the path Oddiyana disappear? Because was very interested in Anuyoga. house of all these kinds of teach- he was particularly interested in of transformation through this there were very strong invasions In the most ancient times in histo- ings. meeting Buddha Shakyamuni. teaching of the Guyiasamaya of Muslims from Turkestan. In ry Vajrapani in the country or Then he asked some of his royal Tantra. Tibet if there are some forces that dimension called Lanka that is The importance of Oddiyana teachers what he could do in So the king of Oddiyana became are destructive for Buddhism or more or less what we know today order to meet Buddha a practitioner of the Guyiasamaya manifest bad actions we call this as Sri Lanka transmitted Oddiyana is very important par- Shakyamuni. Traveling to India Tantra and that practice and that kind of group turuka. Later on Anuyoga. But today there are no ticularly for the Dzogchen teach- to the place of the Buddha was transmission, that lineage, contin- when I studied history I under- kinds of Tantric teachings in Sri ings. The origins of Garab Dorje, very difficult and even if he invit- ued. And later on, he became a stood that it meant Turkey. Lanka, only Hinayana. These the main teacher of Dzogchen, ed Buddha Shakyamuni to visit very important Mahasiddha, not In ancient times Turkey had a teachings existed there in very were in Oddiyana and all the him, it would be a trip of many just a king, but without renounc- very strong Muslim tradition and ancient times but we don’ t know Dzogchen t eachings t hat w ere days and would not be so easy . ing his kingdom, his wealth or his invaded many Oriental countries. how they disappeared. taught by Garab Dorje were Some of the royal teachers said to activities. He became a great For example in China today there But at the time of taught in Oddiyana so it is a very him, “The Buddha is omniscient, teacher and transmitted [this is an autonomous region called Padmasambhava we know that important place. But we do not a totally realized being. If you teaching] to his ministers, his stu- Sinkiang. In ancient times all the these teachings spread very much know where it is. Many people communicate with him and invite dents and all those who were people there were Buddhists and in a country called Tuja. In that say that it was a kind of paradise, him to your palace on a specific interested. Buddhism was very dif fused not period, Tuja was very much like or only a kind of pure dimension. day at a specific time then maybe These are the historical facts. But only in Sinkiang but also through- Shambala or Oddiyana. It wasn’ t That is possible for a practitioner. he will manifest and you can have then this history got carried away out the whole of Central Asia. But a very big country but there were For a practitioner , there can that contact with him.” by fantasy and people started to later on the Turkish invasions many Mahasiddhas and practi- always be a pure dimension. But He followed their advice and on a say that the king and his ministers took place and then everyone tioners of Anuyoga there. In par- when we talk about the special day - a day like the full all became Mahasiddhas and converted and became Muslim. ticular there was a very important Mahasiddhas of ancient times moon - he prepared everything to were all realized and that all the You know that in the Buddhist teacher of Anuyoga in that coun- and the fact that they traveled to receive the Buddha and he started people of Oddiyana were follow- tradition there is no struggle of try called Chetsenkye. Nub Oddiyana, it doesn’ t mean that reciting prayers for inviting him. ing teachings. People thought that this kind so it is very easy for Sangye Yeshe, traveled to the they went to a dimension of par- Then at midday , at the time the all the people of Oddiyana were someone to destroy things with- country of Tuja and met this adise. It means that they had a Buddha and the Sangha would go like Dakas and Dakinis and not out having the consequences of teacher, Chetsenkye. He received physical body; they traveled out to get food, the Buddha and only the king and his ministers war. There were Buddhists not all the principal Anuyoga teach- physically and arrived in a physi- some of the Arhats manifested in were realized but the whole of only in Central Asia but also in ings and later he translated all the cal country so it is very important front of the king’ s palace. He Oddiyana became a kind of par- South Asia, and in each country main texts of Anuyoga into that we understand that and not invited them into the palace and adise. That means it dissolved people had to convert and so they Tibetan. just think that it was some type of offered them a midday meal. Of into pure vision, not impure became Muslim countries. This When he translated the texts into paradise. course the Buddha not only ate vision. Of course if it dissolved meant that if someone converted Tibetan he always did the transla- Why do we have the idea that but also gave some teachings to into pure vision then of course the and accepted the Muslim religion tions together with Chesenche. I Oddiyana was just a paradise? It the king. impure vision disappeared. That seriously, then maybe they don’t know very much about the originally came from the history The king had already been fol- is the reason why we cannot remained alive. If someone didn’t history of this teacher but perhaps of the Guhyasamaja Tantra. This lowing Buddha’s teaching and he physically find Oddiyana today. accept, they were killed, eliminat- he was also an expert in Tibetan Tantra comes not only from the knew many of them. He said to ed. And this didn’t happen just for language. Maybe like ancient Nyingmapa tradition but there is a day or a short time, but for gen- the Buddha, “I’m sorry , I very Geographical location of continued on the next page

2 Teaching ChNN continued from previous page

Tibetan translators, they always these teachings disappeared. But asia translated together with their fortunately all the teachings that main teacher even if the teacher developed in Oddiyana, in didn’t know Tibetan. For exam - Shambala and in Tuja were trans- Dear Friends, ple, Vairocana translated with Sri lated into Tibetan and we can find Simha. It didn’ t mean that Sri them in the Tibetan language With the campaign “500 MOTHERS FOR TIBET” launched at the end of 2005 and thanks to Simha knew Tibetan language but today. Tibetan is a language we the help of all of you, we have managed to start up many long-distance adoptions. We are, how- he explained and made things can understand so Tibetan books ever, still far from having 500 suppor ters.We will continue to count on your suppor t to give all clear so that Vairocana could and Tibetan language are very those children who are still waiting the possibility to attend school. translate. So perhaps the root important for the teaching. Thank you texts of Anuyoga were translated that way. Transcribed and edited by Andrea Del Angelo However, later on the Muslims Liz Granger also invaded this country and all

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The Longsal Sal Tong Retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Tashigar Norte, Margarita Island, Venezuela February 17 – 26, 2006

by Steve Landsberg either just after noon or midnight. The details of the method of prac- he Longsal Sal Tong retreat tice include sitting posture, gaz- in February was held at Isla ing, visualization, and breathing. For only 25 euro (30 US$) a month, you can giv e them the possibility to attend school and hav e Margarita and webcasted As the retreat progressed, an education that will offer them a better future. You will be able to follow your child’s progress Tthroughout the world. About two Rinpoche explained the relation through regular updating and photos sent directly to you by our local ag ents. If you wish, you hundred people gathered every between breathing and every could even meet your child during a visit to his or her T ibetan community. For 18 years, ASIA afternoon to listen to Rinpoche’ s aspect of our life. The breath Onlus has been protecting and helping the Tibetan people with their wealth of culture and tradi- teachings on practices related to forms the basis of our karmic tions. developing the experience of clar- vision, as well as our experiential ity through understanding the vision on the path, and ultimately Send an email straight away to: [email protected] and we will send you, without obligation, function of prana. Webcasted to pure vision and infinite wisdom. all the information about our appeal. Tashi and another 500 Tibetan children are awaiting your approximately 500 audio and 100 If we can control our breath by gesture of solidarity that could change their lives. video connections worldwide, imprisoning the karmic potential numerous practitioners every- in the central channel, then it Via San Martino della Battaglia, 31 – 00185 Rome, Italy where participated becomes possible to consume the Tel: ++39.06.44340034, Fax: ++39.06.44702620 To further clarify his Longsal seeds of karma and our samsaric [email protected] terma that he received through a vision. We will be able to govern www.asia-onlus.org series of dreams, Rinpoche pre- our prana ener gy with presence pared a commentary that clarifies and will not fall under the influ- Have you ever thought about long distance sponsorship before? Would you like to support a details of the practices and ence of negative emotions. child but don’t know with which association because you don ’t really understand how your dona- includes quotations from great Explanation was then given on tion will be used? Now you have the opportunity to make your dream come true. masters such as Vimilitra, various methods for developing Longchenpa and Garab Dorje. our understanding of prana and its Today if you decide to support at distance one of the 500 T ibetan children on the ASIA Onlus Rinpoche stressed that although it movement. Rinpoche briefly waiting list, you can know for certain how your contribution will be used. is important to understand the spoke about kumbhaka or the methods involved in developing vase breathing method for trap- ChNN’s schedule continued from page 1 experiences of clarity , the main ping the karmic wind in the cen- goal is to recognize through this tral channel and the benefits that experience the inseparable unity can be achieved from such prac- MERIGAR EAST, CRIMEA Restricted Web Cast of clarity and emptiness. tice. Describing how the pranas func- In regard to holding the breath, August 4 BRAZIL tion in relation to the body and Rinpoche indicated that when we Merigar East Retreat, Crimea the elements, Rinpoche outlined are entertaining negative emo- Leave for Crimea November 1 the principle pranas and the sec- tions, retaining the air is not only Leave for Sao Paulo ondary pranas related to the sense not very useful, but that it can August 9-15 organs and the elements. He also produce provocations that will Teaching and nature of web cast undecided. Brazil Retreat spoke of the wisdom and karmic disturb our practice. If we feel November 3-7 pranas, which result in either the sad, tired, or disturbed in any MERIGAR WEST, ITALY Teaching and nature of web cast undecided. wisdom body or the experience of way, it is best to breathe out and samsara. not to inhale deeply or hold the August 18 ARGENTINA Rinpoche detailed many practices air. On the other hand, if we feel Return to Merigar linked to the balancing of the faith or compassion or experience November 8 pranas of the five elements. If the pure vision, holding the air can SANTI MAHA SANGHA II LEVEL Leave for Buenos Aires pranas are balanced there is noth- increase and develop our practice August 22-24 SMS Level I Exam ing to do, but in general, we have in a positive way . Consequently, August 25-29 SMS Level II Training November 10-12 many tensions and as a result our it is important to recognize the Buenos Aires Retreat condition is unbalanced in a vari- tone of our thoughts and adapt September 8-16 ety of ways corresponding to the our practice accordingly. Merigar West Retreat, Merigar November 13 symptomatic strength or weak- Concluding the retreat, Rinpoche Teaching and nature of web cast undecided. Leave for Tashigar Sur ness of each of the five elements. stressed the importance of ordi- For example, Rinpoche described nary presence in our daily lives, SPAIN SANTI MAHA SANGHA that if the earth element is exag- the state of Guru Yoga to connect October 23 December 4-7 SMS Base Level Exam gerated, one feels heavy , uncom- with the transmission, and Leave for Barcelona December 8-12 SMS Level I Training municative, sleepy , and dull explained briefly one method of minded. To overcome this ener- divination. October 26-30 December 26-January 1, 2007 getic dysfunction, one should Barcelona Retreat Longsal Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod practice at the time corresponding Longsal Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod Upadesha of Introduction to the State of Ati to the earth element, which is Upadesha of Introduction to the State of Ati Restricted Web Cast

T HE M IRROR M AR/APR 2006 3 Total Space of Vajrasattva continued from page 1 attains the state known as ‘total finding its owner , departs. Like Nyingma T antras (rnying ma even though the transmission was the source of many problems. In contemplation in all circum- wood when added to fire excites rgyud ‘bum) , in which the five lacking. During that time he had order to overcome this obstacle, stances’, in which there is no dis - the flames, thoughts spontaneous- earlier translations are included. dreams in which he received we need to adopt a more humble tinction between a defined period ly arise as wisdom and even neg- The discovery of Vairocana’s explanations of these instructions attitude and follow the teaching in of practice and its aftermath. ative thought automatically Collection of Tantras upon a hand from his uncle Tobden Ogyen a way that can actually manifest Teaching from the commentary , unravels without the application written copy in Ladakh, deemed Tenzin, Vairocana, and Y udra results. Rinpoche pointed out the glitches of antidotes. Ultimately, not aban- lost during the Cultural Nyingpo. Once as he was receiv- Rinpoche pointed out, fur- in doing practice such as laziness, doning anything, thoughts and Revolution, became the sec- ing some instructions from Yudra thermore, that we must be free of agitation, too many hopes or movement are realized as the ondary cause that made it possi- Nyingpo, at the conclusion of the three defective ways of listening fears, mental distraction, and space of wisdom. ble for Rinpoche to apply the transmission, Y udra Nyingpo to the teachings. One whose mind engaging in too many external After emphasizing the good knowledge of these Tantras in transformed into his uncle wanders into past and future day - activities. He also indicated that fortune of meeting the Dzogchen practice. Although the copy of Tobden Ogyen Tenzin; and from dreams although physically seeking, wishing for a stable con- teaching, Rinpoche completed this collection was f illed with that time onwards, Rinpoche’ s attending the teaching is com - dition, or any type of ef fort to the transmission of his commen- mistakes, the mere fact that it was apprehension vanished. It was pared to an inverted vase. establish the natural condition are tary with instructions regarding available was invaluable in that from t his t ime t hat R inpoche Regardless of how much water is defects that only disturb our the development of the practice. Rinpoche could read and study began to give teachings on the poured on the vase, nothing ever progress. Whilst in the state of contempla- two versions of the Total Space of ‘five earlier translations’. enters it. One who listens but can- Distinguishing Dzogchen tion, obstacles such as sloth, agi- Vajrasattva and three dif ferent The March 2006 retreat in not remember or retain anything from Tantra and Sutra, Rinpoche tation, or complacency may commentaries. Margarita was the first occasion is like a leaky vase that cannot stated that the view of Total occur; but if these obstacles are In the Vairocana collection for Rinpoche to give instructions hold anything. Those who listen Perfection is not the conclusion of governed with awareness, they are also found texts of instruc- on the practice of the Total Space to the teaching with their passions an analytical process determined can enhance our practice and lead tions on the practice related to the of Vajrasattva. As the text of the are compared to a vase that con- by mind, but rather a discovery to the manifestation of outer , ‘five earlier translated texts’. instructions on the practice con- tains poison that contaminates through direct experience of the inner, and secret signs. Although Although t he c olophon o f t he tain obscure quotations from the everything including the teach- primordial condition. Based upon from the beginning the fruit of instructions related to the Total different versions of the original ing. that view, the meditation and atti- enlightenment is present, we can- Space of V ajrasattva bear no Tantra, and on the basis of many On the second day of the tude naturally unfold. Without not discover its presence until all author’s name, it does say, “these dreams and a commentary retreat, Rinpoche gave a direct conceiving any reality to oneself impediments are removed. were given to Palkyi Yeshe”. ascribed to Nub Sangye Yeshe, introduction so that people could or one’s conduct, one engages in Unlike the Sutra system, where it Since he was a direct disciple of Rinpoche wrote a fifty-three page connect with the transmission. positive actions without rejecting is thought that the fruit is some- Vairocana, it seems logical to commentary explaining the prac- The main focus of his talk was the anything. Although the state of how produced, through the state assume that Vairocana composed tice of The Total Space of correct and incorrect ways of contemplation is governed by the of contemplation obstacles are these instructions. The colophon Vajrasattva. maintaining the state of contem- principle of ‘beyond action and naturally purified and cease by also reveals that Nub Sangye After having introduced the plation. Conceptualizing the pri- effort’, this does not mean that a themselves without having to be Yeshe wrote some two genera- topic of the retreat, Rinpoche mordial condition, splitting it into Dzogchen practitioner disregards eliminated. tions after Vairocana. emphasized that an intellectual subject and object, one mistaken- acting in a authentic way that cre- Rinpoche typically concluded At first glance, the instructions approach is not suf ficient for the ly strays from the real condition. ates merits; but on the contrary , the retreat by giving advice on were not very clear to Rinpoche practice of Dzogchen. First of all In a state in which one neither governed by presence and aware- how to integrate the practice in and for several years he took little one must become connected to twists the real condition into a ness one trains well in the con- daily life. A Dzogchen practition- interest in them. Later when he the transmission, which is identi- concept nor dwells on the idea of duct of Samantabhadra without er should seek the essence of the studied and read them in their cal to the state of knowledge that ‘no concept’, one remains cor- falling into any kind of limitation. teaching, knowing how to tran- entirety, the meaning became is embodied by our teacher and rectly in contemplation, not wan- Rinpoche indicated that the signs scend attachment to specific more apparent. As he was enter- the masters that have preceded dering from the real condition. of experience may manifest either forms of practice. At the same ing these Tibetan texts in his com- him in an uninterrupted lineage. Such a correct way of abiding is in a pleasant or unpleasant and time, he or she should be open to puter, he encountered some dif fi- Nowadays, some people under- distinct even from the rough way depending upon the participate in formal collective culties, as it appeared that the mine the need of a transmission Madhyamikas’ meditation on condition of the five elements of practice whenever there is the authors jumped from one page to related to a lineage of masters and mere emptiness, which is only the the body. Regardless of how pos- opportunity. Doing service for another without much attention to say that one can get realization ‘absence of appearances’. itive these signs of experience our ego by isolating ourselves any order. Some parts of the texts without it; however, this is not the As the retreat progressed, may be, they should not be objec- from others on the pretext that we were in disarray and had been real practice of Dzogchen. We Rinpoche explained that one can- tified or considered as the real like solitary practice may only shifted from their original posi- become connected to the trans- not approach the natural state attainment. If they are considered create more obstacles and inter- tion. Finally, however, Rinpoche mission mainly through the oral through ef fort or thought. real and one does actually seek to rupt our spiritual feeling. found the key to re-or ganize the instructions of the Master or Similarly, one cannot find it experience them again and again, Although one needs to follow texts. through being shown the symbols through an attempt to abandon these signs can become an obsta- one’s own path, it is necessary to Rinpoche edited the instruc- of our primordial state in a proce- effort or conceptualization. One cle for deepening the state of con- cultivate respect for the dimen- tions on The Total Space of dure that resembles the Tantric cannot enter the door of contem- templation. sion of others. Vajrasattava along with its three initiation. In these ways we plation with the limited mind. In Rinpoche explained that in The retreat ended with a short commentaries in 2002, while liv- receive a direct introduction to regard to the state of contempla- the beginning contemplation can thun practice and with the aware- ing in Mar garita. In 2004 he our own primordial state and tion, working with any concept arise unsteadily like a rushing ness of having had the good for- worked on the instructions related learn to regain awareness of it. To whatsoever such as “appearances waterfall. Gradually , one attains tune to receive instructions on a to the five ‘earlier translated apply this knowledge in practice are not to be rejected”, or even various levels of stability and text that strikes directly at the texts’. With a keen interest in we must work concretely with the Tantric imaging, leads nowhere. accomplishment. As a practition- essence of the Dzogchen teach- accomplishing this task, experiences of the three doors— On the other hand, resting with- er matures, even our ordinary ing. Rinpoche announced that Rinpoche often awoke at 3am to body, voice, and mind. out the slightest contrivance free impure vision manifests as clari- more than three thousand people begin work. He was a little A very big obstacle to of any limitation is the true state ty, unlike Tantrism, where it is around the globe listened to the apprehensive about this endeav- advancing the knowledge of the of contemplation. present solely as the pure vision web cast and expressed his wish or; although he had received the primordial condition is the ego Rinpoche explained the of the deity and the mandala. The that this technology could be of verbal transmission of the Total that we cherish, the concept that method of applying practice upon experience of being without service to the teaching. Rosa, the Space of Vajrasattva, he had not we know better than others. This the e ssential c ontemplation i n thoughts (mi rtog pa) is not to be secretary of Tashigar North, received the same for the instruc- is not only an obstacle to our real- accordance with one’ s capacity understood as being free of offered simple and touching tions. As he felt compelled to ization but also an obstacle in and how to train within defined thoughts, but rather as a condition words of gratitude to the master . complete this work, he continued relationships between people and periods of practice until one where thoughts have no impact Harmoniously and without obsta- upon us. As thoughts arise, they cles, TRANSLATION PROJECT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY are noticed and without doing COMPLETE WORKS OF CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU anything, they naturally dissolve like a thief entering a house and NEW WEB SITE @ WWW.COMPLETEWORKS.INFO where it is possible to donate with a cr edit card There is a new web site of the Translation Project of the International Dzogchen Community, The Complete Works of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. The aim of this translation project is to make all the T ibetan Teachings CHANGE OF DATES of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu available in Western Languages. Adriano Clemente has been working full time FOR DR. NIDA’S on the translation of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s works for many years. Adriano has been able to do this work COURSE primarily through funds raised by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Since the year 2000, the International Dzogchen at MERIGAR Community has taken the responsibility for this fundraising that benefits the Community as a whole and is essential for the preservation of the Teachings. We hope that all the Gars, Gakyils and practitioners of our We have an important notice Part two will be in December Dzogchen Community will continue to give their very precious and generous support to this project. for all participants of the from the 1st to the 12th in Igor Legati supervised this project from June 2000 to December 2005. Now the Merigar Gakyil, with the Traditional Tibetan Medicine Merigar. approval of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, has decided to entrust me with this project from the beginning of (3rd year) course that will be January 2006. With gratitude to Igor Legati for his work and ef fort in the last years to raise funds for the held in Merigar. The course will take place in translation work of Adriano, I hope that it will be possible for me to continue this work in a good and posi - the new course room adjacent tive way. My deepest gratitude is to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu who continuously and with ultimate compas - Due to personal obligations to the Mandala room in the sion, spreads the Dzogchen Teachings. I would also like to take the liberty to express the gratitude of all prac- that require Dr. Nida to be in capannone. titioners of the International Dzogchen Community toAdriano Clemente for his enormous effort and the fan- Tibet for three weeks during tastic work he has been doing for the Dzogchen Community for all these years. Please visit the new web site April and May, the course will For any question please write and support our work. be rescheduled as follows: to: [email protected] Oliver Leick Part one will be in September Coordinator of Complete Works of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu from the 16th to the 28th in Sincerely, Email: [email protected] Merigar. Istituto Shang Shung Italy Web: www.completeworks.info

4 Shang Shung Institute International Institute for Tibetan Studies

The Shang Shung Institute of Italy is happy to Tibetan language Mandarava (DVD): retreat in Singapore in inform the Dzogchen Community of its recent activ- An introducion to Tibetan language covering the 1994. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu explains the ities and upcoming projects. alphabet, pronunciation, spelling, basic vocabulary practice, the mudras, how to use vajra and PROJECTS & NEWS and sentence structure will be held in Merigar with bell, damaru and dadar. Explanation of our resident Tibetan Topgyal Gontse; there will be Chülen, breathing and the Ganapuja. 125 New Milestone in Preservation 1 of Ch.N.N. Teachings! lots of fun & plenty of practice! Promotional fee 100 Shitro (DVD): explanation of the practice Timetable: 10am-12pm & 2:30pm-4:30pm given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in his project would make a tremendous differ- After the successful experience of past courses, Merigar in August 2003, during a private T ence in the preservation and fruition of ALL Elio Guarisco will lead two seminars in Merigar recording. It contains images useful for visu- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's Teachings. It was origi- directed to anyone interested in approaching the alization. 125 nally proposed over one year ago by Yeshi Namkhai study of spoken and written Tibetan (beginners) and Three Tuns - Tundus, Tundrin and Tungyas (DVD): and Rinpoche was enthusiastic about it, but due to to previous students who intend to deepen their Chögyal Namkhai Norbu explains and practices the a lack of funding it couldn’t be initiated. The basic knowledge (intermediate level). three tuns. 125 idea is to build a huge redundant storage server Dates: July 30 - August 5 for beginners. Dance of the Vajra (DVD): Prima Mai based on hard disk arrays which will be expandable 1250 demonstrates both male and female parts of to contain all of the digitized data from the SSI August 6-12 for intermediate level stu- all three dances plus the Irregular Dance of Archives, controlled by a centralized database. dents. 1250 the Three Vajras. 125 The need of such Enterprise Level Storage is due For any further information, please contact: Yantra Yoga - First Level (DVD): demonstration per- to the problem of life expectancy of the media-sup- [email protected], formed by Laura Evangelisti; requires transmission port we currently use. To date, all of the digitally Tel.: +39-0564-966940 from the Master and attendance to one first level archived materials (audio, video and scanned man- course of Yantra Yoga. 122 uscripts) have been saved on optical disks, which PRODUCTS The Dzogchen Community Video Journal (DVD): a way in some extreme cases last as little as 2-4 years, Audio / Video to feel more in touch with the community and see meaning we must continuously transfer them to developments in the various Gars. The Video Journal is new disks spending a lot of time and effort. Here’s a list of some of our most popular cd’s & dvd’s as well as the most recent digital remasters. published quarterly (every three months) and is avail- On a hard disk based multiple redundant system, able by yearly subscription for 1100, includes postage. the problem would be easily resolved with many new! Amitayus (CD audio): a set of 2 added advantages. Such a system would make a CDs by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu with Tibetan Medicine tremendous difference in the work of the Archives explanation and practice of the terma Food Supplements permitting us to store data hundreds of times faster, teaching of this long life practice discov- The Shang Shung ered by Nyagla Pema Dundul. Conway, keeping them secure for years to come and allowing 1 Institute continues the for faster indexing of the huge amount of data. Massachusetts 1984. 20 production of "food sup- This would also be the foundation of a true con- Ganapuja (CD audio): remastered! a set plements" made by a laboratory located in Arezzo in tent delivery system for Dzogchen Community of 2 CDs by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Tuscany. They have proved to be very helpful since with explanation and practice, Merigar the very beginning. Some of the most appreciated Members because from such a storage server, con- 1 tents present on the disks could be easily com- 1991. 20 products are: Guru Dragpur (CD audio): remastered! Chögyal pressed for the Web and made available, through a • Za Ti for agitation, nervousness, insomnia, to Namkhai Norbu explains the practice of Guru specialized Web Server, to members throughout the rebalance rlung: two tablets after each meal and in Dragpur, Merigar June 1993. 120 world. serious cases two tablets before bedtime as well. 110. Guru Yoga of White A (CD audio): the The system would be designed and implemented • She Shi for digestive problems, acidity, to improve practice sung by Chögyal Namkhai by AmbientiWeb Consulting, and used and main- digestive heat. Not indicated in case of ulcers. 110 Norbu and repeated three times. It tained by SSI Archives Staff. If you would like to sup- • Padma 28 (Basic), ideal to improve blood circula- port this truly important project, please contact us at: includes an extract of the 1985 teachings in Nevada City. 112 tion and the immunitary system, good prevention [email protected] against brain stroke, heart stroke and cancer. 134 Ozer Chenma (CD audio): remastered! a set of 2 CDs by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu • Calmalung: (rGun Brum 7) dry cough, bronchitis. COURSES FOR 2006 1 with explanation and practice. Merigar, 27 Ku Nye March 1992. 120 For more details and a complete list of these products After the successful new! Santi Maha Sangha: Preliminary see our online website! beginning of our Ku Practices of the Base (CD audio): Adriano Printed Materials Nye instructors' Clemente performs the preliminary Thangkha of Gomadevi courses in Russia, the activity continues with a course 1 practices in a private recording. 12 The SSI has received the planned in Merigar in May with a follow up in October Ati Lamgyi Ngöndro (MP3 audio): authorization to reproduce and another course starting in Milan in October. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's teachings posters of a beautiful thangka The structure of Ku Nye courses has been com- given in Merigar, August 2002 plus an of Gomadevi by Glenn Eddy. pletely changed and reframed: the Ku Nye course audio CD of the practice led by Adriano This painting is very special 1 lasts 16 days if organized on the basis of intensive Clemente is included. Duration: 5 hours 49 min. 20 because of the presence of the seminars lasting ten days for the first part and six Chöd (DVD): explanation of the practice inner mandala. It constitutes days for the second part, including the final diploma given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Japan a very useful support for the examination. If organized on the basis of week-ends, in 1993 (in English) and explanation of the Gomadevi practice transmit- the whole course includes 9 seminars, because inten- practice given in Merigar in 1990 (in ted by Rinpoche twice in Margarita and once in sive courses allow students and teachers to work Italian). Practice guided by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Argentina so far. The poster and a smaller booklet more extensively. with damaru and bell. Advice of Adriano Clemente size version, will be available this June. Merigar: May 19th-28th first part (Merigar 1999). 125 Large: 15 small: 12 1 Fees: 550, didactic materials included Ganapuja (DVD): explanation of the prac- October 3rd-8th second part, final exami- tice (New York 1994), practice of the nation included. 1250 Ganapuja (Merigar 1998), instructions by CONTACTS Teacher: Patrizia Piccini Adriano Clemente on how to sing the Milan: The course starts in October and melodies. 125 Email: [email protected] includes 9 week-ends. 1120 per week-end, Garuda (DVD): explanation of the practice given by teaching materials included. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in London in 1984. Tel.: +39-0564-966940 Teacher: Daniela Crucitti Drawings of the different seed syllables and of all Fax.: +39-0564-968110 Moscow: Second part of the intensive mudras. 122 Loc. Podere Nuovissimo course which started in November. Green Tara (DVD): explanation and practice given by 58031 Arcidosso (GR) Teacher: Michele Corrado Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Peru in the year 2002. 125 Italy

T HE M IRROR M AR/APR 2006 5 Shang Shung Institute announces Summer 2006 Intensives and opens Tibetan Healing Center

Conway, MA – The Shang Shung Institute of America is happy to announce its Summer 2006 Intensives series and the opening of its Tibetan Healing Center in nearby Northampton. Under the direction of Dr. Phuntsog W angmo, the institute’ s Traditional T ibetan Medicine certification program, now in its second year, is the only full- time, four-year curriculum taught in the West and the first-of-its-kind in English.

“Tibetan medicine is an ancient living knowledge that is beneficial for many modern diseases,” said Phuntsog Wangmo, director of the Traditional Tibetan Medicine certification program at the Shang Shung Institute of America. “In today’ s society it is easy to become unbal- anced, and Tibetan medicine can ef fectively prevent and treat these imbalances at both the mental and physical level. The Shang Shung Institute is helping the future of Tibet by preserving our culture and making the wisdom if our ancient lineage available to the world. This summer’s courses of fer a foundational introduction to Traditional Tibetan Medicine for people who may later want to expand their stud- ies in our four-year program. All are welcome.”

Dr. Wangmo earned her advanced degree in Traditional Tibetan Medicine from Lhasa University . Working on behalf of the ASIA organization, she has helped set up hospitals and training centers throughout her homeland.

Summer 2006 Intensives

Hosted at Tsegyalgar in beautiful Western Massachusetts, retreat-style intensives of fer introductions to Traditional Tibetan Medicine with course credits that can later be applied toward the certification program. Taught by Tibetan-trained faculty, the Summer 2006 series includes lodging in a monk-style dormitory and a communal kitchen.

June 5-15 Introduction to Tibetan Medical History and Fundamental Theory Taught by Dr . Yang Ga, Assistant Professor of Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Medical College, Lhasa and Harvard PhD candidate

June 19-29 Introduction to the Science of Tibetan Astrology Taught by Dr. Chimed Rabten, Tibetan scholar and physician

July 9-16 Health of Body, Mind & Spirit in Tibetan Medicine Taught by Dr . Kunchok Gyalsten, Tibetan physician and Buddhist monk

Aug 21-26 Kunye Massage Therapy: Level One Taught by Dr . Phuntsog Wangmo, director of the Shang Shung Institute’s Traditional Tibetan Medicine certification program

Intensives range from $375 to 500, and lodging and vegetarian-option- al meal plans are only $34 per day with discounts for both for institute members.

For complete course information, faculty bios and to apply online, please visit ShangShung.or g. For other new student inquiries, please call (413) 369-4928.

Tibetan Healing Center

The institute’s new Tibetan Healing Center in Northampton of fers Kunye Massage Therapy as well as traditional consultations covering diet and lifestyle and of fering herbal and other therapeutic treatments for a host of common imbalances and modern public health challenges.

Kunye Massage Therapy is unique to Traditional Tibetan Medicine. “Ku”, to anoint with oil, and “Nye”, to massage key points, is an ancient healing practice that involves the application of prescribed medicinal herbs through specialized massage techniques that focus on muscles, nerves, tendons and other external body points. Dating back to 8th cen- tury texts, Kunye Massage Therapy has been proven effective for range of acute modern health issues including anxiety , insomnia, fatigue and other nervous system disorders.

Appointments for consultation and massage can be made by phone on (413) 585-1081. Beautiful Statues for Donations to Ka-ter Translation Project Traditional Tibetan Medicine Certification Program The Shang Shung Institute, Austria, wants to of fer you some of the most beautiful Buddhist statutes you have ever seen. These statues are not for sale! You can get them as a gift when you support the Ka-ter Founded at Tsegyalgar in 1994 by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu , the Translation Project of the Shang Shung Institute Austria! Each of these statues is of brilliant quality and Shang Shung Institute of America currently of fers the only full-time, beauty, which is hardly found in the West. Each statue is unique, as the molds are used only once. four-year Traditional Tibetan Medicine certification program in the Please have a look at our website where you can find some nice photos of the statues. http://www .ssi-aus- West. The certification program, now in its second year , follows a tria.at/ssi-engl/shop-engl-statues.htm for the English version or http://www .ssi-austria.at/shop-statuen.htm recent revival of Traditional Tibetan Medicine in the East and marks for the German version. one of the most significant advances for its preservation and practice in I hope that you enjoy our wonderful statues, the West.

Very best wishes, The first-of-its kind in English, the innovative program is already Oliver Leick attracting new students from throughout Europe and the United States. Shang Shung Institute Austria Graduates will be among the first Western-trained certified practitioners www.ssi-austria.at and will help put the institute on the path of becoming the first fully accredited school of Traditional Tibetan Medicine in the West. continued on page 17

6 Special Practice Calendar Fire Dog Years 2006–2007

PRACTICE CALENDAR Wisdom Union”. If it is possible, 4th Month, 30th day This is a Dakini day as well as an FOR THE FIRE DOG YEAR the best time to do the Guruyoga Sun. 25th June 2006 important day for the practice of 2006–2007 and long life practice is in the Ekajati, so try to do a Ganapuja or morning between 7 and 8. You a Long Thun collectively with rd th NEW MOON. T oday is 3 – 7 TIBETAN MONTHS can do the Ganapuja later in the anniversary of your Vajra brothers and sisters, or (May – September 2006) the afternoon. Nyagla Padma Dundul a Medium Thun alone. In either Usually the best way to do (1816-1872), one of case recite the heart mantra of GLOBAL TIMETABLE the Ganapuja and the the Masters of Chang- Ekajati as many times as possible. Guruyoga is collectively , chub Dorje and the th th ANNIVERSARY OF with your Vajra brothers main Master of 5 Month, 30 day PADMASAMBHAVA and sisters, but if this is Tue. 25th July 2006 th th Namkhai Norbu 6 Tibetan month – 10 day not possible you can Rinpoche. He discov- Celebration at 8 a.m. Oddiyana always do this practice ered the T erma NEW MOON. This is a day for time. alone when you have time. “Tsedrub Gongdu” purification practices. It is best to The important thing is to try do t he P urification o f t he S ix rd which two of his disciples, Thursday 3 August 2006 to communicate with all practi- Ayu Khandro and Lokas either collectively or alone, tioners linked to the same trans- Changchub Dorje, transmitted preferably in the early morning. 17:00 Hawaii mission so that you can develop to Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Otherwise you can do a Medium the 20:00 San Francisco, Los the potentiality of the transmis- Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche prac- or Short Thun or a Ganapuja. cycle of Angeles, Vancouver sion that you have received and ticed this method as much as pos- teachings Universal Clarity with th th 21:00 Denver, Salt Lake through it your understanding and sible and started to transmit it to 6 Month, 4 day a Ganapuja. It is also a good day th City, Pagosa Springs, Edmonton capacity to integrate your daily his students after visiting the Sat. 29 July 2006 to do the Purification of the Six 22:00 Lima, Quito, life in the state of contemplation. sacred cave at Maratika. Lokas. Chicago, Mexico City Those who have not received the Therefore try to do the long life This is the anniversary of the 23:00 Caracas, San Juan, transmission of the Thun practice practice “ Union of Primo rdial Dharmachakra (the first turning 4th Month, 6 th and 8th days Santiago, New York, Conway, can learn it from other practition- Essences” in the morning. In the of the Wheel of the Dharma): the 2nd & 4th June 2006 Montreal, Atlanta, Detroit, ers and then receive the transmis- afternoon or evening you can do first time that Buddha Havana, Kingston, Indianapolis, sion when there is the opportuni- the Guruyoga of the White A, Shakyamuni gave the teaching of These are important days for the Ottawa ty. Otherwise on this day those Akar Lamai Naljor , collectively the Four Noble Truths to his dis- practice of Ekajati so try to do a who have not received transmis- or alone, with a Ganapuja if pos- ciples at Sarnath, after his illumi- th Long or Medium Thun with your Friday 4 August 2006 sion of the Thun practice can do a sible. nation. To honor the Lord purification practice with breath- Vajra brothers and sisters. If that Buddha on this special day you is not possible you can do the 00:00 Buenos Aires, Sao ing and Yantra Yoga exercises 5th Month, 1st day M o n . can do a Ganapuja with your Medium Thun alone, reciting the Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Bermuda and movements or practices 26th June 2006 Vajra brothers and sisters. 03:00 GMT, Reykjavic, linked to controlling the prana. heart mantra of Ekajati as many 04:00 London, Dublin, times as possible. 6th Month, 10th day rd th This is the anniversary of th Lisbon 3 month, 15 day Chogyur Lingpa (1829-1870) a Fri. 4 August 2006 th 4th month, 7th day 05:00 Johannesburg, Sat. 13 May 2006 Nyingmapa Master of Dzogchen, Sat. 3rd June 2006 Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Paris, one of the three most important Today is the anniversary of the Madrid, Amsterdam, FULL MOON. This is one of the Rimed masters of the 19th centu- birth of Padmasambhava. On this This is the anniversary of the Copenhagen, Brussels, Geneva, best days for long life practices ry. Try to do a practice of the day when it is 8 am in Oddiyana birth of Buddha Shakyamuni, an Prague, Salzburg, Stockholm, and in particular for the practice Guruyoga of the White A, Akar Chögyal Namkhai Norbu will important day for all Buddhists, Budapest, Vienna, Warsaw of the “Union of Primordial Lamai Naljor. give the transmission of 06:00 Kuwait City, Riyadh, Essences”. It is best to do it early so try to a Ganapuja with your Guruyoga with the specific prac- Vajra brothers and sisters. Tashkent, Helsinki, Athens, in the morning between 7 and 5th Month, 10th day tice linked to the anniversary of Ankara, Beirut, Jerusalem, 8am if you can but if this isn’ t th Padmasambhava. In this way the th th Thu. 6 July 2006 Tallinn, Vilnius, Istanbul possible you can do it in the after- 4 Month, 10 day transmission will be live because Tue. 6th June 2006 07:00 Moscow, Murmansk, noon or even in the evening when Today is a special day of Guru the transmission has no distance. Baghdad you are not busy . Today is also Padmasambhava. In general you Rinpoche will transmit and Today is the day of Guru 08:00 ODDIYANA, the anniversary of the can do the Guruyoga of throughout the world people who Padmasambhava. In general you Islamabad Kalachakra, the day when Padmasambhava practice on this do the practice at the same can do the practice of the 08:30 New Delhi, Bombay Buddha Shakyamuni first gave day. If you can, try to do a moment will be in the transmis- Guruyoga of Padmasambhava on 08:45 Kathmandu the teaching of Kalachakra so it Ganapuja collectively with your sion and will thus receive the this day. If you have the possibil- 09:00 Dacca is good to do a Ganapuja or Long Vajra brothers and sisters, other- transmission. (In Italy, this prac- ity and enough time you can do a 09:30 Rangoon Thun in the evening either collec- wise you can do the long life tice will be done at 5 am.) collective Ganapuja with your 10:00 Bangkok, Jakarta, tively or alone. practice “ Union of Primor dial It is also the anniversary of Yeshe Vajra brothers and sisters other- Saigon Essences”. Tsogyal, the main consort and 11:00 Singapore, Beijing, 3rd Month, 25th day wise you can do the long life disciple of Padmasambhava so it nd practice “ Union of Primo rdial Lhasa, Manila, Hong Kong, Mon. 22 May 2006 5th Month, 14th day M o n . will be beneficial to do a Essences”. Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Perth 10th July 2006 Guruyoga of Padmasambhava 12:00 Tokyo, Seoul, Today is a Dakini day . It is also with the long life mantra and a 4th Month, 15th day 12:30 Darwin, Adelaide the anniversary of the Fifth Dalai This is an important day for the Ganapuja as we usually do, other- Sun. 11th June 2006 13:00 Brisbane, Lama, a great terton and practi- practice of Ekajati, so try to do a wise you can do the long life Melbourne, Sydney tioner of Dzogchen so it is a very Long or Medium Thun collec- practice “Union of Universal FULL MOON. This is the 14:00 Vladivostok beneficial day to reinforce the tively or alone, reciting the heart Wisdom”. anniversary of the Paranirvana of 15:00 Fiji, Wellington, function of our energy and create mantra of Ekajati as many times Buddha Shakyamuni as well as Auckland, Kamchatka a more vital contact with the ener- as possible. SEE THE GLOBAL gy of the universe. If you have the an important day for the long life TIMETABLE rd th practice “Cycle of Life’ s Vajra”. 3 Month, 4 day possibility, it is good to do a 5th Month, 15th day st Therefore if you can, do the prac- th th Mon. 1 May 2006 Guruyoga of the White A in the Tue. 11th July 2006 6 Month, 14 day morning and in the evening a tice of the Dakini Mandarava in Tue. 8th August 2006 the morning (the best time is This is an important day for the Ganapuja with an intensive prac- FULL MOON. This is a special between 7 and 8 am) and a col- practice of Ekajati, so try to do a tice of Ekajati, repeating the heart day for the long life practice of This is the anniversary of the lective Ganapuja in the afternoon Long or Medium Thun in the mantra as many times as possi- Amitayus, so you can do the long Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje or evening according to your pos- usual way , reciting the heart ble. Otherwise you can do the life practice “Union of Primordial (1284-1339), a disciple of sibilities. mantra of Ekajati as many times Medium Thun with the practice Essences”. The best moment to Rigdzin Chenpo Kumaradza and as possible. of Ekajati, repeating the heart do it is between 7 and 8 in the a famous master of Dzogchen 4th Month, 24th day T u e . mantra as much as possible. The morning, if possible, either col- Upadesha. On this day it is good rd th 20th June 2006 3 Month, 10 day best time for this practice is lectively or alone. If you can, try to do Akar Lamai Naljor , th Sun. 7 May 2006 around 8 in the evening. to a Ganapuja as well. Guruyoga with the White A, col- This month there is no 25 th day It is also the Dzamling Chisang lectively or alone. rd th so today is Dakini day . It is also This is a special day of Guru 3 Month, 30 day (Lit. ‘smoke puja of the world in th the anniversary of Ngor Chen (a th th Padmasambhava. Those who Sat. 27 May 2006 general’) so if you know how to 6 Month, 15 day great master of the Shakyapa tra- th have received transmission do it, you can do the Sanqod Wed. 9 August 2006 dition and initiator of the Ngor should do a Guruyoga with NEW MOON. Today is the (Sangchod) in the morning. Padmasambhava with the long anniversary of Sangyas Lingpa lineage); therefore it is a good day FULL MOON. This is the to do the Guruyoga of the White life mantra and a Ganapuja as we (1340-1396) a great terton and 5th Month, 25th day anniversary of Gampopa, the A, Akar Lamai Naljor, collective- usually do, otherwise you can do Dzogchen master. You can do a Thu. 20th July 2006 main disciple of Milarepa, the long life practice “Universal Guruyoga of the White A from ly or alone. continued on page 9

T HE M IRROR M AR/APR 2006 7 international community contacts

ARGENTINA Marchant Pereira 1775 Thessaloniki: Taman, Bakti Ampang 02-594 Warszawa Tashigar Sud A-22-Providencia. Santiago Thanos & Dina Svoronos, (+30) Selangor, W. Malaysia Email: [email protected] Comunidad Dzogchen Tel: 056-2-474-4782 2310 828183 Tel: 60 3 9847167 Tashigar Email: [email protected] Paldenling Calle pública S/N HOLLAND MEXICO Lysa Gora 168 Tanti 5155 CZECH REPUBLIC Web site: www.dzogchen.nl Mexico City Ling 38-230 Nowy Zmigrod Pcia. de Córdoba Dzogchen o.s. (under construction) Tabasco #67 (between Merida Tel: 48 887957944 Tel & Fax: 0054- 3541-498 356 U Bozich Bojovniku 3 and Frontera streets) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Prague 2 Martin Landsman, Groningen Colonia Roma Website: http://www.dzogczen.pl Tel: +420 603 529 784 Email: [email protected] Mexico City AUSTRALIA Email: Annalen Gall, Amsterdam < Tel: (011 52 55) 5511 0550 Cezary Wozniak Namgyalgar Dzogchen [email protected] Email: Ul. Emaus 33 Community in Australia [email protected] [email protected] Carolyn Bass, Yellow Gakyil 30-213 Krakow Vicki Forscutt - Secretary [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 012/4252700, mobile PO Box 14 Central Tilba, Web site: HUNGARY Angela Mijares, Red Gakyil ang- 609222211 NSW 2546 http://www.dzogchen.cz Zsolt Somogyvari [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668 Szalmarozsa ter 8. Monica Patiño, Blue Gakyil Email: [email protected] DENMARK Budapest, H-1161 [email protected] PORTUGAL Web site: www.dzogchen.org.au Anne-Grethe Nyeng Email: [email protected] Tel: 011 52 55 581 30315 Vitor Pomar Fax: 45 33 11 32 43 3A Cerrada de Juarez #33-1 Fonte Salgada 713-Z Gar Email: [email protected] ISRAEL Colonia Tinajas Contadero 8800 Tavira Geköes of Namgyalgar Alex Polak Mexico City 05370 Portugal Tel: 61(0)2 4473 7770 ESTONIA Tel: 00972-52-6020374 Tel: 081 323780 Email: [email protected] Estonia: Email: [email protected] Tsegyalgar West/Baja Gar Email: Svetlana Kollyakova [email protected] AUSTRIA Email: [email protected] Yael Rotbard Scott Schroeder, Gakyil Homepage: www.dzogchen.at Tel: 00972-52-2682291 President Lydia Ferrera FINLAND Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Rua da Nazare 2 Dzogchen Community of Mika Sillanpaa Tel: 011 52 624 15 07407 Vila Facaia Vienna, Austria Kuhankeittajankatu 22 ITALY 2560 Torres Vedras Email: [email protected] 50190 Mikkeli Merigar* Comunita Dzogchen Rodrigo Villalobos Tel: 351 61 911235 Finland Secretary - Anna De Sole Email: [email protected] Peter Sochor Email: [email protected] Arcidosso, 58031 GR, Italy Tel: 011 52 624 14 77525 RUSSIAN FEDERATION Götzgasse 2/10, A-1100 Tel: 39 0 564 968 837 Kunsangar Wien, Austria FRANCE Fax: 39 0 564 968 110 Baja Tsegyalgar West 142500 Russia, Moscow region, Tel: 0043 1 602 91 16 Association Dzogchen Email: Jardin de los Naranjos Pavlovskiy Posad, RUPS,a/ya Dejam Ling, Le Deves [email protected] Apartado Postal 395 13, BF Dostoyanie Dzogchen Community Austria, F30570 St Andre de 23400 San Jose del Cabo, BCS Secretary Regions Majencoules Adzomling Email: [email protected] Tel: 7 096 43 21156 Oliver F. Leick Tel: 33-(0)467824490 Moreno Marcato Tel: Skype name is Tel: 7 095 740 79 98 Gschmaier 139, A-8265 Web site: www.association- Via Culasso 2 bajagar_office Email: [email protected] Gr.Steinbach dzogchen.org 14053 Canelli Tel/Fax: 03386-8571 or 0676- AT 0141 NEPAL Moscow DC Rinchenling 3221365 GERMANY Tel: (39) 0141 831002 Vikki Floyd Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] , Dzogchen Gemeinscaft G.P.O. Box 8974 [email protected] c/o Helga Betz Zhenphenling CPC 069 St. Petersburg DC Sangeling Helga Betz Dzogchen Community of Rome Thamel Email: [email protected] BELGIUM Lindemannstr. 12 Via G. Miani 5 Kathmandu Katia Lytridon D-40237 Düsseldorf 00154 ROME Res.Tel: 00977-1-4270106 Baikal DC Namseling 16, rue Paul Goedert Tel+fax 49 (0)211 682657 Tel. 0039 06 57300346 (after 8.00 p.m.) Contact person Alexander L-3330 Crauthem Luxembourg Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Vyaznetskovtsev: Tel: 352 366591 Web site: www.dzogchen.de Email: [email protected] JAPAN NEW CALEDONIA BRAZIL Red gakyil: [email protected] Ms. Tsugiko Kiyohashi As. Dzogchen NC. Samara DC. Dzogchen Community of Brazil Yellow gakyil: 5-11-22-301 Shimomeguro 378 rue Hypollite Passy Contact person Viktor Krecker: São Paulo [email protected] Meguroku, Tokyo 153-0064 98835 Koutio Email: [email protected] Web site: www.dzogchen.com.br Blue gakyil: [email protected] Tel&fax (home): +81 3 3712 Dumbea 7507 New Caledonia SERBIA/EX YUGOSLAVIA General Contact: Oddiyana Shang Shung Edition: Tel: (687) 24 16 69 Jelena Zagorcic [email protected] [email protected] LATVIA Email: [email protected] Vojvode Stepe 280 Padmaling 11000 Beograd Blue Gakyil: Otavio Lilla – GREAT BRITAIN Gertrudes 5a, Riga, LV-1010 NEW ZEALAND 381 11 462555 [email protected] Amely Becker Email: [email protected] NZ Dzogchen Community Email: [email protected] Red Gakyil: Regina Marques – 15A Langdon Park Road P.O.Box 90450 [email protected] London N6 5PS LITHUANIA Auckland City Ivana Radicevic Karaman Yellow Gakyil: Heloísa Tel: 020 8348 6253 Dorjeling Email: [email protected] Otona Zupancica 36 Paternostro – Email: [email protected] Lithuanian Community 11070 Belgrade [email protected] UK web site: www.redsand- Dorjeling Paora Joseph Tel: 381 11 604115 stonehill.net/dzogchen/ Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] CANADA Peter Dimitrov GREECE Web site: www.dzogcenas.lt Gabrielle Kearney SINGAPORE Vancouver Hellenic Dzogchen Community Email: [email protected] 1) Management Committee for- Email: [email protected] General contact email address: Algis Lukosevicius mat are: Tel: (604) 684-4446 [email protected] Architektu 176-44 NORWAY President - Edmund Tai Kwok Web site: www.dzogchen.gr LT-04206 Vilnius Gordon Cranmer Wah Tom & Bev Clarke Tel: +370-614-18056 4157 Utstein Kloster Mosteroy Email: 312-6040 Iona Individual members to contact in Tel: 47 4 514705 mailto:[email protected] Vancouver, B.C. Athens: LUXEMBOURG m.sg V6T 2E8 Alessandra Baniasco, (+30) 210 Katia Lytridou Community Web site: Tel: (65)64811308, Tel: 604-827-0094 8015419 5, rue Joseph Probst http://go.to/dzogchen.no (65)96373010 Email: [email protected] Dimitris & Anna Daskarolis, Junglinster L-6148 (+30) 210 3466861 PERU Vice President - Michael Foo Eve-Marie Breglia Nicholas Liber, (+30) 6977 MALAYSIA Susana Belaunde See Jin 107 Armadale Ave. 806369 Tham Wye Min Calle Teruel 341 Email: [email protected] Toronto, ONT M65-3X3 Panagiotis Stambolis, (+30) 6936 8669C Klebang Kechil 75200 Miraflores, Lima Tel: (65)96155886 ] Tel: 416 767 5252 866070 Melaka Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phannie Xenou, (+30) 6977 Tel: 60 35 6162 Secretary - Wong Hee Kun 630540 POLAND Email: CHILE Kwok Kee Chang Wspolnota Dzogczen [email protected] Lorena Hume Individual members to contact in 11-A Jalan Jujor, 1/5 ul. Bruna 1/68 Tel: (65)93672288 ] continued on next page 8 international community contacts con’t. from previous page Special Practices continued from page 7

Susan Indich founder of the Kagyupa School Treasurer - Fan Chin Donetsk DC, Ukraine 129 Kaelepulu Dr. Kailua and author or “The Precious FULL MOON AND PARTIAL Email: [email protected] [email protected] Hawaii, 96734 Ornament of Liberation”. It is, LUNAR ECLIPSE. This is the Tel: (65)96711138 ] Tel: 808 261 3469 therefore, an excellent day to do anniversary of Tsarchen Losal Kharkov DC Karmaling, Ukraine Fax: 808 524 4342 Akar Lamai Naljor, the Guruyoga Gyatso and Padma Karpo, a Vice Treasurer - Lee Chee Teong [email protected] Email: [email protected] with the White A. It is also good famous 17th century Drugpa Email: [email protected] to do the long life practice “Union Kargyupa Master. Therefore it is Tel: (65)91397862 ] USA Jerene of Primordial Essences” of Guru an excellent day to do the long Tsegyalgar East 81-1081 Keopuka Mauka Rd. Amitayus and, if possible, a life practice of the Dakini Committee Member - Ms Sandra Ed Hayes -Secretary Kealakekua Hi. 96750 Ganapuja. Mandarava, “Cycle of Life’ s Lee Siew Hwan P.O. Box 277 Tel: 808 323-9714 Vajra”, with a Ganapuja if possi- Email: [email protected] Conway, MA 01341 Email: [email protected] 6th Month, 25th day ble as well as Akar Lamai Naljor, Tel: (65)97928853 ] Tel: 413 369 4153 Fri. 18th August 2006 the Guruyoga of the White A col- Fax: 413 369 4473 Melinda Sacarob lectively with your Vajra brothers Committee Member - Sam Chan Email: [email protected] 87-3139 Mamalahoa Hwy. This is a Dakini day, so it is a pos- and sisters or alone. Teng Jiang Gakyil: [email protected]. Capt Cook Hawaii 96704 itive day for reinforcing the func- Email:[email protected] Web site: www.tsegyalgar.org Tel: 808-328-9473 tion of our ener gy and creating a 7th Month 19th day om vital contact with the ener gy of Mon. 11th Sept. 2006 Tel: (65)81136131 ] Alaska VENEZUELA the universe by doing a Ganapuja Peggy Leslie North Tashigar Gakyil: with our Vajra sisters and broth - This is an important day for the SOUTH AFRICA Dzogchen Community of Alaska [email protected] ers. If there are no other practi- practice of Ekajati, so try to do a Jerry Smith PO Box 240063 tioners nearby you can do a long or Medium Thun in the usual 10 Dan Pienaar Ave. Douglas, AK 99824 Tashigar Norte Medium Thun on your own. In way, reciting the heart mantra of Florida North, Gauteng, Tel: 907-364-2733 Finca Tashigar either case, when you transform Ekajati as many times as possible. South Africa Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar into the Dakini Simhamuka, Tel: 011 672 7250 Pat Martin Valle de Pedro González, Isla de recite her heart mantra as many 7th Month, 25th day Dzogchen Community of Alaska Margarita times as possible. Sun. 17th Sept. 2006 Darryl van Blerk PO Box 35805 Tel: 00 58 295 2580 332 104 Park Road,Walmer Estate Juneau, AK 99803 Email: 6th Month, 30th day This is a Dakini day and also the Cape Town Tel: 907-780-6643 [email protected] Wed. 23rd August 2006 anniversary of Phagmo Drugpa 7925, South Africa Web site: www.dzogchen- (1110-1170), the chief disciple of Tel: 27-21-4470129 Chicago venezuela.org NEW MOON. This is a very Gampopa. Try to do a Ganapuja Fax: 27-21-4221265 Lynn Sutherland important day to do purification together with your Vajra sisters Email: [email protected] 5717 N. Washtenaw Ave. Carmen Rivas practices, especially the and brothers. If there are no other Chicago, IL 60659 PO Box Apartado Postal 123 “Purification of the Six Lokas”. practitioners nearby, you can do a SPAIN Tel: 773 784 4168 Juan Griego If you have the chance, you can Medium Thun on your own. In Dzogchen Community, Spain Email: [email protected] Margarita, Venezuela also do a short or Medium Thun either case, when you transform Apt. Postal 46220 Email: or a G anapuja, c ollectively o r yourself into the Dakini 28028 Madrid Dzogchen Community West [email protected] alone. Simhamuka, recite her heart Coast mantra as much as possible and Lella Guidotti Dondrup Ling Pablo Lau Rivera 7th Month, 10th day then do an intensive practice of c/o Tenor Masini 2748 Adeline St. Suite D Lhundrubgar Pba. Res. Sun. 3rd Sept. 2006 Ekajati. 20 Bajos Berkeley, CA 94703 Pedermales Av. Barcelona 08028 Tel: 510 644 2260 Paez Montalban II It is a special day of Guru 7th Month, 30th day Tel: 00 34 93 4111563 / Mobile Email: aha@dzogchencommuni- 1021 Caracas Padmasambhava as well as the Fri. 22nd Sept. 2006 639311640 tywest.org Tel: 58 2 4421434 anniversary of Jomo Memo Email: [email protected] Web site: www.dzogchencom- Fax: 58 2 340643 (1248-1283), a famous yogini, DARK MOON AND ANNU- munitywest.org Email: [email protected] terton and reincarnation of Yeshe LAR SOLAR ECLIPSE. This SWEDEN Tsogyal and consort of the terton day is ideal for purification prac- Alexander & Pernilla Miami, Florida Elias Capriles Guru Chowang. Therefore it is an tices. Try to do either the Dobronravoff Dzogchen Community in Miami Apartado Postal 483 ideal day to do Akar Lamai Purification of the Six Lokas or Ulrikedalsvagen 6i #201 Email: [email protected] Merida 5101 Naljor, the Guruyoga of the the Namchos Shitroi Naljyor, the 224 58 Lund, Sweden Web site: www.dzogchenmia- Tel & Fax: +58 274 2440026 White A, and a Ganapuja, if you Yoga of the Peaceful and Tel: 046 13 70 34 mi.org Email: [email protected] have the possibility. Wrathful Manifestations, either Mobile: 073 655 1968 collectively or on your own. Try Email: pernilla_liedgren_dobron- Dominik Niceva Merida Dzogchen Community 7th Month, 15th day to do a Ganapuja as well, if possi- [email protected] Tel. (1) 305-726-9035 Apartado Postal 483 Thu. 7th Sept. 2006 ble. Email: [email protected] Merida 5101 SWITZERLAND Fax: +58 274 2440026 Swiss German Region Dzogchen Community of New GEORGE QUASHA Peter Eisenegger Mexico RECEIVES GUGGENHEIM FELLOWSHIP AWARD, 2006 Email: [email protected] Marta Macbeth Tel: 0041(0)419170245 P.O. Box 9211 Artist and poet Geor ge Quasha of Barrytown, New York is among Santa Fe, New Mexico those named to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship for 2006, the only Swiss French Region 87504 award this year in video art among the 187 awards in 78 dif ferent Fabienne Rey-Duc Tel: 505-986-1573 fields. Mr . Quasha, who has previously received a National Email: [email protected] Email: rubystone1215@hot- If you have any Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in poetry , also works in other Tel: 0041(0)273232393 mail.com mediums as well – performance art, drawing, and sculpture, the lat- corrections on the ter the subject of his forthcoming book, Axial Stones: An Art of Swiss Italian Region Colorado international contacts Precarious Balance, Foreword by Carter Ratclif f (North Atlantic Books: Berkeley), due out in July. Julie Breukel Michel Lidian King list, please contact Email: [email protected] PO Box 1014 Tel: 0041(0)917309991 Crestone, CO 81131 [email protected] George has taught at Stony Brook (SUNY), Bard College, the New Tel: 719 256 5263 School, and Naropa University . With Susan Quasha he is Email: [email protected] thank you, founder/publisher of Barrytown/Station Hill Press in Barrytown, New TAIWAN the mirror staff York. Peter C.Y. Pan Kundrolling - New York City Email: [email protected] 151 W. 30th St., #403, NYC “I met Rinpoche in my mind in San Francisco in 1986 when I was or Tel: 212-564 1024 there with my wife Susan. Steve Goodman gave me the Community [email protected]. Email: [email protected] published version of The Cycle of Day and Night (which we later published under Station Hill Pr ess), and I r ead it immediately . The THAILAND New York City Dzogchen next morning in the bathroom getting ready to leave I suddenly saw in Geoffrey Blake & Lynne Community my mind all the teachers I’d ever had (including Chögyam T rungpa, Klapecki c/o Jane Fulton t’ai chi teachers, etc.) and understood what I had gotten fr om each, 33 Soi Lang Suan - Ploenchit Rd 220 East 72nd Street and suddenly I saw Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. I realized instantly and Bangkok 10330 #20B unequivocally that I had found my teacher . I told Susan and Steve, ? who seemed a bit dubious, and Steve told me Rinpoche would be com- Tel: 66 (0)2255-5150 New York, NY 10021 Tel: 66 (0)2254-9061 Email: [email protected] ing to Conway one day soon. A few months later I went to Conway , Email: [email protected] entered the tent in back of the old house, and knew that that was that Dzogchen Community of Hawaii - beyond any doubt. It’s been that way every minute ever since.” Alex Souter c/o Leilani Sim-Godbehere, George Quasha Bangkok 48-495 Kamehameha Hwy., Tel: 09 039 3992 or 02 742 1965 Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744 Barrytown/Station Hill Press, Inc. Tel: (808) 239-1165 (The Institute for Publishing Arts, Inc.) UKRAINE Email: [email protected] 124 Station Hill Road, Barrytown, NY 12507 Kiev DC, Ukraine [email protected] Tel: (845) 758-5293 [email protected] http://www.stationhill.org

T HE M IRROR M AR/APR 2006 9 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS m e r i g a r w e s t CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT THE MERIGAR WEST COMMUNITY Dzogchen Community in Italy May - December 2006 Arcidosso 58031 GR Italy Tel: 39 0564 966 837 The Tibetan letter A indicates events that are particularly indicated for those having their Email: [email protected] first contact with the Dzogchen Teaching. Web site: www.dzogchen.it For people who are genuinely interested in the Teaching, it is indispensable to meet the Master. This is possible by following one of his Teaching Retreats or by participating in one of the worldwide Direct Transmission days. Regarding the webcasts, we would like to specify that the term “closed webcast” means that First part (from Emakirikiri up to Kelanam) in order to be able to access it, one must be a member , while “open webcast” indicates that Led by Adriana Dal Borgo it is a teaching that can be accessed by anyone directly through the Internet. However in The course starts on Tuesday June 20 at 16.00. order to follow the Teachings at a Gar or a Ling of the Dzogchen Community , it is indis- Cost 240 Û, with discounts for members. pensable to have a membership card.

Mon. 19 – Sat. 24 June MAY Second Level Yantra Yoga Teachers’ Training course Led by Laura Evangelisti and Fabio Andrico Sun. 30 of April – Sat. 6 May The course starts on Monday June 19 at 17.00. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Cost 240 Û. A Audio and video webcast of the Longsal teaching r etreat. Preliminaries of the path of Ati on the Purification of the Six Lokas Tashigar North, Margarita Sun. 25 – Tue. 27 June (Open webcast) Yantra Yoga Course for Advanced Students The retreat starts daily at 22.00. (at 16.00 on the last day) 5th series of Yantra Led by Laura Evangelisti Fri. 5 – Sun. 7 May The course starts on Sunday 25th at 10.00 A Guided practice of the Purification of the Six Lokas Cost 120 Û, with discounts for members. The retreat starts on Friday 5th at 16.00

Thu. 11 - Sun. 14 May JULY A Six Spaces of Samantabhadra Vajra Dance course for beginners Led by a local instructor under the supervision of Prima Mai Wed. 28 June – Tue. 4 July The course starts on Thursday May 11 at 16.00. Song of the Dance of the Vajra Course for Beginners Cost 120 Û, with discounts for members. (from Sambharatamekacantapa to Ra Ra Ra) Led by Adriana Dal Borgo The retreat starts on Wednesday 28 July at 16.00 Mon. 15 May Cost 280 Ûwith discounts for members Day of intensive practice of the Six Spaces of Samantabhadra Vajra Dance Those who have Dance costumes are invited to wear them. Fri. 7 – Wed. 12 July Training course for Teachers of Dance of the Vajra 1st Level Wed.17 - Sun. 21 May Led by Adriana Dal Borgo and Prima Mai In-depth course of the Three Dances of the Vajra, The course starts on Friday 7 July at 10.00 together with the Jñanadhakkini practice Cost 240 Û The course is only open to those who have alr eady received transmission Tsegyalgar, Crimea and Merigar 2005) and par ticipants should know the Tue. 11 July basic steps and arm movements Sang Practice – 9am Participation is limited to 6 pawo (males) and 5 pamo (females) Led by Prima Mai Wed. 12 – Sat. 15 July The course starts on Wednesday May 17 at 16.00. Green Tara Explanation and Practice Retreat Cost 200 Û, with discounts for members. with Yuchen Namkhai and Costantino Albini Those who have Dance costumes are invited to wear them. A The retreat starts on Wednesday 12 July at 10.00 It is indispensable to book sufficiently in advance. Cost 160 Û, with discounts for members.

JUNE Tue. 18 – Fri. 21 July A Intensive Yantra Yoga Retreat for Beginners Fri. 2 - Mon. 5 June First Part – on the Preliminaries of Yantra Yoga Course on Breathing and Kumbhaka Loosening the joints, 8 movements, purification breathing and Led by Fabio Andrico rhythmic breathing The course starts on Friday June 2 at 17.00. Led by Laura Evangelisti Cost 160 Û, with discounts for members. The course starts on Tuesday 18th at 17.00 Cost 160 Û with discounts for members Fri. 9 - Thu. 15 June A Retreat at Merigar with Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on the Longsal Sun 23 – Thu 27 July Teaching of Yeshes Zangthal and the Transmission of Nadzer A Intensive Yantra Yoga Retreat for Beginners (The retreat will be transmitted by closed webcast) Second Part – 1st and 2nd series (yantras & pranayamas) The retreat starts in the afternoon of Friday June 9. Led by Laura Evangelisti Cost 350 Û, with discounts for members. The course starts on Sunday 23 at 17.00 Cost 200 Û with discounts for members Mon. 12 June Children’s SMS Base and First Level exams With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu AUGUST At 17.00 Thu. 3 – Mon. 7 August Tue. 13 June Yantra Yoga Course for Advanced Students Children’s SMS Teaching Variations of Yantra (1st, 2nd and 3rd series and pranayamas) With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Led by Laura Evangelisti At 17.00 The course starts on Thursday 3 at 17.00 Cost 200 Û, with discounts for members. Sun. 18 June Celebration of the 25th anniversary of Merigar Thu. 3 August A Explanation of the Garab Dorje Guru Yoga Practice Tue. 20 - Sun. 25 June at 17.00 Song of the Vajra Dance course for beginners

10 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS

Fri. 4 August A Worldwide Transmission of Guru Yoga, on the occasion of the Anniversary of Master Padmasambhava, Fri. 8 – Sat. 16 September with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu A Dzogchen Teaching Retreat at Merigar at 5.00 With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu (teaching to be announced) Wed. 9 – Tue. 15 August The retreat starts in the afternoon of Friday 8 September A Audio and video webcast of the retreat at Cost 450 Û with discounts formembers (open to all) Merigar East Crimea or Merigar West With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Wed. 20 – Sun. 24 September (The venue for the Teaching Retreat has not yet been confirmed) Advanced course of the Dance of the Vajra - the Six Spaces of Samantabhadra & the Dance of the 3 Vajras, regular & irregular Tue. 22 – Thu. 24 August Led by Prima Mai SMS First Level Exam The course starts on Wednesday 20 September Cost 200 Û with discounts formembers Fri. 25 – Tue. 29 August SMS Second Level Training With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu OCTOBER Reserved for those who have passed the First Level exam Cost 250 Û Fri. 6 - Sun. 8 October SMS First Level Explanation and Practice Retreat Fri. 18 – Wed. 23 August Led by Jim Valby Explanation and practice retreat of the Tsalung of Mandarava and The retreat is reserved for those who have passed the Base Level the Tantric Practices of the SMS First Level exam Cost 120 Û, with discounts formembers. AUGUST Fri. 13 – Sun. 15 October Thu. 3 – Mon. 7 August Yantra Yoga 1st Level Course of Explanation and Practice Yantra Yoga Course for Advanced Students Led by Tiziana Gottardi and Sergio Quaranta Variations of Yantra (1st, 2nd and 3rd series and pranayamas) The course starts on Friday 13 October at 16.00. Led by Laura Evangelisti Cost 120 Û, with discounts formembers. The course starts on Thursday 3 at 17.00 Cost 200 Û, with discounts formembers. Wed.18 - Sun. 22 October Dance of the Song of the Vajra Course for Advanced Students Thu. 3 August Led by Prima Mai A Explanation of the Garab Dorje Guru Yoga Practice The course starts on Wednesday October 18 at 4pm at 17.00 Cost 200 Û, with discounts formembers.

Fri. 4 August A Worldwide Transmission of Guru Yoga, Thu. 26 – Mon. 30 October on the occasion of the Anniversary of Master Padmasambhava, Audio and video Webcast from Barcelona of the Teaching Retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu On the "Longsal Ati'i Gongpa Ngotrod” Upadesha of at 5.00 introduction to the State of Ati With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Wed. 9 – Tue. 15 August (Closed webcast) A Audio and video webcast of the retreat at Merigar East Crimea or Merigar West Sat. 28 – Sun. 29 October With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Seminar led by Barry Simmons (The venue for the Teaching Retreat has not yet been confirmed) The seminar starts on Saturday 28 October at 10.00 Cost 80 Û, with discounts formembers. Tue. 22 – Thu. 24 August SMS First Level Exam NOVEMBER 2006 Fri. 25 – Tue. 29 August SMS Second Level Training Wed. 15 November With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu At 10.00 Reserved for those who have passed the First Level exam A Explanation of the Padmasambhava Guru Yoga Practice Cost 250 Û At 13.00 Audio and video webcast of the Worldwide Transmission of Guru Fri. 18 – Wed. 23 August Yoga Explanation and practice retreat of the Tsalung of Mandarava and On the occasion of the anniversary of Master Adzom Drugpa the Tantric Practices of the SMS First Level with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Reserved for those who have received directly or by webcast the Transmission of the Tsalung of Mandarava and who have passed the Sat. 25 – Sun. 26 November SMS Base Exam. Intensive retreat of Chöd practice Led by Elio Guarisco The retreat starts on Saturday 25 November at 10.00 The retreat starts on Friday 18 August at 16.00 Cost 240 Û with discounts formembers DECEMBER 2006

SEPTEMBER Fri. 8 December Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s birthday Thu. 31 August – Sun. 3 September A Course on how to construct a Namkha Fri. 8 – Sun. 10 December Led by Liane Graf Intensive practice retreat The course starts on Thursday 31 September at 16.00 Longlife Practice of the Dakini Mandarava Cost 120 Û, with discounts formembers. Tue. 26 Dec. – Mon. 7 January 2007 Sun. 1 – Fri. 6 September Audio and video webcast from Tashigar South, Argentina Song of the Dance of the Vajra Course for Advanced Students Of the Teaching Retreat on “Ati'i Gongpa Ngotrod: Upadesha Led by Adriana Dal Borgo Of the introduction to the State of Ati” The retreat starts on Sunday 1 September at 16.00 With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Cost 240 Û, with discounts formembers. (closed webcast)

Wed. 4 – Fri 6 September Kumar – Kumari Yantra Course for Yantra Yoga Teachers and Practitioners (For those who like to learn how to teach Kumar- Kumari Yantra to children) Led by Laura Evangelisti The course starts on Wednesday 4 at 17.00 Cost 120 Û, with discounts formembers.

T HE M IRROR M AR/APR 2006 11 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS ACCOMMODATION SERVICE AT MERIGAR INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE WHO INTEND TO COME TO MERIGAR FOR RETREATS SUMMER ACCOMMODATION OR TO FOLLOW COURSES AT MERIGAR If you are looking for accommodation, airport transfer , local car hire or only logistic assistance, you can contact the following information and reservation service: The Merigar Dormitory is fully booked for the summer . For cheaper accommodation there are two camping places: Accommodation Service

Camping Residence Amiata (Information available in English, German, French and Italian) Information service and reser- Castel del Piano (6 km from Merigar) vation of accommodation during retreats, local transport, & logistic solutions: Tel: +39 0564 956260 /+390564 955107 Email: [email protected] Christina von Geispitzheim Web cast: www.amiata.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 0039 0564 957542 Camping Lucherino (with swimming pool) Monticello Amiata (15 km from Merigar) Mobile phone: 0039 339 1370739 Tel: +390564 992975 0564 992975 Email: [email protected] We cooperate with local hotels, family pensions, residences, agriturismo, Community members who Web site: www.campinglucherino.com have rooms or houses to rent or sublet. Also we can advise on car rental (at airports or locally), on the best itinerary and time tables of trains and buses, and we have now a circuit of residents who All the best, offer various useful services like transfer from the airports, local taxi service, translations, baby sit - Anna De Sole ting, etc. Merigar Office GAKYIL OF KUN SAL LING (BRESCIA) ITALY

Blue: Sebastiano Porreca (Nino): [email protected], Yellow: Alberto Benassa: [email protected], Red: Roberto Lonati: [email protected], Responsible for personal retreats at Kun Sal Ling: Fulvio Ferrari: [email protected] . e u r o p e NEW GAYKIL OF ESTONIA Blue: Andres Zelmin [email protected] Red: Maaja Zelmin [email protected] Yellow: Mart Viires [email protected]

NEW SWISS GAKYIL FOR 2006

Blue: Paola Steiner Yellow: Fabienne Rey-Duc A SKURA Red: Per Bebie April 8-18, 2006, in Paldenling, Poland, we held the first training of Santi Maha Sangha 1st level, led by Igor Berkhin from Ukraine. The Slovak and Polish Dzogchen Communities or ganized the retreat Secretary: Per Bebie jointly. Fifteen people participated from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Italy and Mexico.

THE GAKYIL OF THE GREEK DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY IS:

Blue: Dimitris Daskarolis, [email protected] Red: Nikos Liberopoulos, [email protected] Yellow: Phannie Xenou, [email protected]

EVENTS BOOKLET FOR KUNSELLING, UK @ www.dzogchencommunity.org

The UK Community has just published the 2006 events booklet for Kunselling. You can see and download it online at: www.dzogchencommunity.org

We hope to see you here to enjoy this wonderful place soon!

All the best, On March 3-5, 2006 the Polish Dzogchen Community invited V ajra Dance instructor Mar git A SKURA The UK Gakyil Martinu to teach the Vajra Dance of Three Vajras. DREAM YOGA IN FRANCE JULY5 - 6, 2006 passages Dejam Ling, France BORN DREAM YOGA AND PRACTICE OF THE NIGHT Thursday, April 6 at 3.54am, a 2-DAY WORKSHOP WITH MICHAEL KATZ 3rd daughter weighing 4.5 kilos, Arnica Rosa-Linde, was born to The teacher approved by Rinpoche and who wrote the introduction of Rinpoche ‘s the Plugge family at home in book “Dream Yoga”. Holland. Schedule: 10am to 04pm Cost of this workshop: Donations Accommodation in Dejamling is available: Dormitory: 7 euros/day Camping: 5 euros/day

There is also the Mandala for the Vajra Dance practice. Please send your registration to [email protected]

Hope to see you in Dejamling this summer, French Gakyil

12 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS t s e g y a l g a r e a s t & w e s t passages Tsegyalgar, Dzogchen Community in We are happy to America, announce the birth of PO Box 277 Simone Azzolini at 19.25 of the 17th of Conway, MA 01341 March 2006, into our Tel: 413-369-4153 Vajra Family. Simone Fax: 413-369-4473 Tsegyalgar West was born in Italy near Email: [email protected] Baja Mexico Merigar. Web site: www.tsegyalgar.org Dzogchen Community West Rasa, Salvatore & Vaiva Azzolini Coast 755 Euclid Ave. Berkeley, CA 94708 USA m e r i g a r Email: [email protected] e a s t [email protected] Santi Maha Sangha First Level Practice Retreat with Jim Valby TSEGYALGAR EAST EVENTS May 28 – June 6, 2006 St. Petersburg, Russia SUMMER 2006

There will be a Santi Maha Sangha retreat lead by Jim Valby and * July 7-9 : Retreat with Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche at accompanied by Yantra Yoga practice with Viktor Krachkovskiy in Conway Gonpa, Massachusetts, sponsored by the Sangha St. Petersburg (Russia). of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche. For more information please The price, depending on the number of participants, is approximately contact Tom Lesser at . 85 euros for ordinary members. Sustaining and meritorious members for free. The retreat of SMS 1st level is for those who passed the Base * July 19-25 : Mandarava Practice Retreat with Nina Level exam & the 1st Level Training of Santi Maha Sangha. It is nec- Robinson on the land at Khandroling in Buckland, essary that each registrant has been a continuous member since their Massachusetts. SMS Base level examination. The retreat will be outside of the city in the beautiful place - camp At this weekend retreat, we will be guided in the Short & “Dubky” (about 50 km N from the Saint Petersbur g). Long Mandarava Practices together with mudras, use of Accommodation - 15 euro per day per person in double rooms instruments, making of the dadar , application of Chüdlen (breakfast, dinner and supper are included). More comfortable double Practice, etc. Nina Robinson is a long-time student of rooms - 22 euro per day per person. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, and has been asked by Rinpoche to lead Mandarava practice retreats. Passages This retreat is open to all who have received transmission from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, including by DIED World Wide Transmission or by web cast. TANYA NAUMENKO Tanya Naumenko, our Vajra sister and Rinpoche’s The cost is $200, membership discounts apply. translator in Russia since 1992, died on April 26 at 19.30 GMT. *August 5-25 : Santi Maha Sangha Base and Level One Retreats with Jim Valby, at Khandroling in Rinpoche’s student since his first visit to Russia, Buckland, Massachusetts. Tanya was a main translator at all Rinpoche’ s retreats in Russia during 90’s. She had translated into Russian and edit- August 5-8 & 10-13: Base level SMS ed dozens of Rinpoche’ s book as well as other books on Dharma and August 15-18 & 20-25: Level One SMS was a coordinator of Russian Publication Committee. She always was a great source of inspiration and instructions for many young Russian During each of these retreats there will be four sessions per day , with a day of f on the fifth day . Each Buddhist translators. retreat will also include sessions of the Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga training led by qualified instructors. The Base level retreats are open to all who have received transmission from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu JIM VALBY’S SUMMER AND AUTUMN including World Wide Transmission or by web cast. SCHEDULE 2006 The Level One retreats are open only to those who have passed the SMS Base level exam. The cost is $800 for a full retreat, $60/day, or $20/session. Membership discounts apply. July 1-2, Dzogchen Semde Study at Tsegyalgar Email: [email protected] Contact: [email protected] or 413 369 4153

July 7-16, SMS First Level at Dejamling, France Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

August 5-13, SMS Base at Tsegyalgar, MA, USA Email: [email protected]

Aug 15-23, SMS First Level at Tsegyalgar, MA, USA Email: [email protected]

October 6-8, SMS First Level at Merigar West, Italy Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] HOT WEATHER PIONEERS NEEDED AT BAJA THIS SUMMER

Some of us crave hot weather (80s and 90s Fahrenheit), don’ t mind some humidity, and get along with the other creatures that also prefer the heat. At the Baja, Mexico Gar , we could use one or two lounge lizards to hold the fort this summer. Some work would also be appre- ciated—gardening, of fice, paths, shopping (swimming included), L MATTHEWS cooking, painting, chatting with neighbors, etc. Most appreciated of Jim Valby’s Visit to New York City all would be hospitality (we are getting more and more visitors) and the ability to speak Spanish. Over the weekend of April 21-23 at Kundrolling, in the heart of NewYork City, 30 practitioners from the New York Dzogchen Community came together for an inspiring retreat with Jim Valby. He shared instruction and Particularly needed: Pioneers for June through mid-September insight into the Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Practice. The Santi Maha Sangha is a course of nine levels (could start in May). The summer weather becomes challenging designed by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to deepen the experience and understanding of Sutra, Tantra, and around mid-June. But for some people, it’ s perfect, and that’ s who Dzogchen through study, reflection, and practice. Rinpoche has recommended that all those seriously inter - we’re looking for. It’s a more relaxed time at the Gar, with more time ested in Dzogchen familiarize themselves with the Base of the Santi Maha Sangha. Jim provided instructions to meditate and explore. We would prefer people with some experi - & practices to aid understanding in order to enter the Dzogchen Transmission. The retreat was open to all ence in rural sites. practitioners who had attended a retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, or who had participated in one of the three universal transmissions. We are delighted to announce that Jim has promised to return later this year to Please contact: [email protected] provide another SMS weekend retreat of wisdom and guidance. Jane Fulton for The Mirror

T HE M IRROR M AR/APR 2006 13 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS

NEW ITEMS AT THE TSEGYALGAR BOOKSTORE Dear Sangha,

The Tsegyalgar Bookstore is excited to report that we are now selling smaller packages of our famous Khandru incense.

The smell of the new incense has been best described as a mix between the peaceful and wrathful.

The small packages are only $6.00 and the item num- ber is “khandru-small”.

Also, in honor of the Shang-Shung Institute of America’s new Tibetan Medicine Four Year Program taking place in the Yellow Schoolhouse directly across the hall from the Tsegyalgar Bookstore, we are now carrying beautifully packaged Kumbhaka course with Fabio Andrcio at Tsegyalgar East, April 2006 N ZEITZ Tibetan Medicine-themed note cards and knowledge cards. Tibetan Medicine Note Cards Building with Earth in Baja #3000 $15.00 Collaborating to build Lumbini These note cards are reproduced from Gardens first structure illustrations in a seventeenth-century commentary on the Four Tantras, an In January 2006, nine months after ancient medical text of uncertain ori- Rinpoche’s visit to Lumbini Gardens, a gin. That commentary - often referred group of 12 shareholders gathered to build to as the Blue Beryl treatise - together our first structure, an Earthbag dome. with the Four Tantras, form the basis Lumbini Gardens is an intentional commu- of traditional Tibetan medicine, which nity of Dzogchen Community members brings together cosmic, meteorological, physiological, and pathologi- developing a residential community near the cal phenomena in a rationally ordered conceptual framework. wonderful Baja Gar land. Presently the community’s Vision Statement reads in part: Lumbini Gardens Earthbag Dome Twenty 5 x 7” blank note cards (five each of four styles) with white “We are a spiritual community, based on the envelopes in a decorative box. Each card has an essay about the art- Dzogchen teachings of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, integrating personal spiritual growth among ourselves and work on the back. positive interactions with nature and local communities. We are committed to being present, to support each other in our practice and through all stages of living and dying; to act with authenticity , joy, respect, under- Tibetan Medicine Knowledge Cards standing, compassion, kindness, patience, wisdom and knowledge, without judgment”. For more information, #3001 Mirror readers can go to www.lumbinigardens.org. $25.00 Currently, Lumbini Gardens consists of 16 acres of land, the entire property is zoned for agriculture; 10 acres The paintings reproduced in this deck are illustrations from a seven- will be used for gardens and the remaining 6 acres will be for small residences. Most members intend to par - teenth-century commentary on the ‘Four Tantras,’ an ancient medical ticipate in the building of their own residences hence the group is in the process of investigating various alter- text of uncertain origin. Together, the Blue Beryl treatise and the Four native building materials and techniques. Since we have access to a lot of earth, it seemed natural for us to Tantras form the basis of traditional Tibetan medicine. explore using earth for building. To that end, a group of Lumbinians went to Southern California to receive training from Nader Khalili, an architect whose life work is the development of low-cost, af fordable and Twenty-eight full-color 7 1/4 X 8 5/8” cards (color on both sides), strong houses. Mr . Khalili has developed a technique known as Super Adobe, which uses stabilized earth with 4-page pamphlet introducing the fundaments of Tibetan Buddhist inside polypropylene bags as the principle building material. In tests conducted by independent agencies over- medicine, the history of Tibet’s primary teaching texts, and the cre- seen by the California Building authorities Mr . Khalili’s Earthbag domes passed the highest earthquake rat- ation and subsequent rocky history of the Blue Beryl. Cigar box flip- ings and are fire proof and highly flood resistant… and very low cost. Also, because the earthen walls have top style packaging; size: 7 9/16 X 9”. tremendous thermal mass, they keep out heat and cold very ef ficiently. If other members in the worldwide Dzogchen Community are interested in this approach for building low-cost housing they can get more infor - You can buy these items online at our store at: mation at www.calearth.org. www.tsegyalgar.org/bookstore/bookstore.html Our intention for our first building was to learn how to use the materials and to build a small building for gar- den and farm tools. We decided to build a 10-foot diameter dome; it is also possible to build many other As always, you can also order these products by contacting me direct- designs with different shapes and dif ferent roofs. In the Earthbag Building book, written by students of Mr . ly by phone, fax, mail, or email. Khalili, they’ve developed the FQSS formula for building. It needs to be FUN, QUICK, SIMPLE AND STRONG. Thanks! We can say without hesitation that collaborating with our group on an actual project was both hard work and great FUN. There is something amazing about working with the earth. Such an opportunity to practice the Anna Bartenstein purification of the elements, to practice presence, to observe our conditioning and to feel the pleasure of Tsegyalgar Bookstore observable accomplishment. As we worked with our hands in the earth over a number of days we began to P.O. Box 82 feel strongly connected to the earth element and all the other active elements we were working with, air , fire Conway, MA 01341 and water. 413-369-4473 (Ph/Fax) We weren’t as successful with the QUICK aspect of the formula. We learned from this experience that before Email: [email protected] we start any project we need to do careful planning and design and consider all the logistical, labor and equip- ment requirements of each project. All of the obstacles and setbacks we experienced were relatively minor and served only to teach us about what we need to do the next time. We did learn the meaning of “manana“ from an oldtime Baja resident who told us it doesn’t necessarily mean “tomorrow”, rather it means “not today, but not necessarily tomorrow either”. As each day went by and we encountered things that didn’t go the way passages we had “expected”, we got better at understanding the joy of “manana“… relax and go with the flow . We did very well with the SIMPLE and STRONG aspects of the formula. After mixing earth, cement and Born: water by hand for a few days we really began to realize the value of machines like Revolvadoras (cement mix- ers) and plows. However, when all our attempts to get a mixer failed we kept on with mixing by hand and got Diego was born to Daniele and Chiara Colajacomo on April 5, 2006 very good at creating a well-balanced blend, that when tamped, turned into amazingly strong earthen walls. in Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 4.8 Kgs. Simple hand labor, creating a strong structure. Greetings from the entire family! We also learned the value of a hot tub. With all our hard work, nobody got injured or experience significant Daniele, Chiara, Alice and Matteo physical pain. Each night after work we gathered in a hot tub with some libations, reviewed the day , shared thoughts and laughed. While collaborating on a project like this, it is important to periodically check-in with each other about what’s going on. We did this after three days, and it was helpful to hear what each of us was experiencing and feeling. It cut through any tensions that we may have felt. Afterwards we did a Ganapuja… a perfect way to keep our bonds strong. As you can see from the photo, by the time we all departed the dome was about 95% complete. When we return we’ll finish the top few layers and cover it with smooth earthen plasters to blend with the garden envi- ronment. Rinpoche encouraged us to carefully research the garden project so that it is profitable; hence, the Garden Committee is developing a plan of diverse and marketable products that can be for eating, healing, building or decorating. Next we’ll begin the infrastructure that will allow us to start building the residences including bringing in power to the site, building gabion and Earthbag walls to protect from flooding, building a lar ge community palapa, where members can stay as they build their houses, and also building a Gonpa and a water storage pila. For more details about the Site Development plan go to www.blogger.com and search for Lumbini Gardens Site Plan. If you want more specific information please contact John LaFrance at [email protected].

14 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS s o u t h a m e r i c a Tashigar North Finca Tashigar Dondrub Ling is pleased to offer a six-day Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar introductory course in Valle de Pedro González. Isla de Margarita TIBETAN KUNYE MEDICINAL MASSAGE Tel: 00 58 295 415 5800 Tashigar South WITH DR. PHUNTSOG WANGMO Email: [email protected] Comunidad Dzogchen OF SHANG SHUNG INSTITUTE USA Web site: www.dzogchenvenezuela.org Tashigar Calle pública S/N Tanti 5155 Friday, May 26, through Wednesday, May 31 Pcia. de Córdoba Argentina What is Tibetan Kunye Medicinal Massage? Tel & Fax: 0054- 3541-498 356 Kunye massage is one of the primary treatments in traditional Email: [email protected] Tibetan medicine. Kunye applies herbal medicinal oils through specialized massage techniques to the muscles, nerves, tendons, and “crucial points” on the external body. This technique is NEW GAKYIL OF effective in treating diverse problems ranging from anxiety, A NEW GAKYIL AT TASHIGAR NORTE. BUENOS AIRES, insomnia and fatigue, to hearing loss and nerve disorders. MARGARITA ISLAND ARGENTINA Through the application of Kunye massage, the elements and Blue Gakyil: Fanny Santos Blue: María Elena Gastaldi subtle energy of the body are balanced. The beneficial practice Delma Miralles Analía Falcón of Kunye is available for anyone to learn and is very useful medicinally and for daily life. Red Gakyil: Alesh Ryznar Red: Alberto Torres Gosha Kalmikov Mateo Leeaum Who is Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo? Dr. Wangmo received her advanced degree from the Lhasa Yellow Gakyil: Alexei Polionov Yellow: Ingrid Lücke University of Traditional Medicine in 1988. She has studied and Antonio Iannece Clara Bordeu practiced medicine extensively with renowned physicians Khenpo Troru Tsenam and Kenpo Gyaltsen, who are credited with the revival of Tibetan Medicine within Tibet under Chinese occupation. She practiced traditional medicine for many years in Eastern Tibet. n a m g y a l g a r & p a c i f i c r i m Dr. Wangmo directed the development of hospitals and training centers in Tibet as a project coordinator of the A.S.I.A. Namgyalgar Dzogchen Community in Australia Foundation, a Tibetan cultural and humanitarian organization founded by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. PO Box 14 Central Tilba, NSW 2546 Dr. Wangmo is currently head instructor of the Tibetan Medicine Tel/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668 curriculum at the Shang Shung Institute in Conway, Email: [email protected] Massachusetts, at Tsegyalgar, the East Coast center of the Web site: www.dzogchen.org.au International Dzogchen Community.

Course outline for Tibetan Kunye Medicinal Massage, Level I NAMGYALGAR GAKYIL @ MARCH 2006 —Brief history of Tibetan medicine —Principle of the five elements BLUE —Principle of the three humors Graeme Horner —Humoral characteristics of different types of people Email at: —Diagnostic procedure of pulse-taking —Diagnostic procedure of urine observation Lisa Kempster —Massage indications and contraindications Email at: —Finding massage points—Measurements for finding points —Kunye massage techniques Catherine Simmonds (President) —Benefits of kunye massage Email at:

Course Schedule YELLOW Friday evening session Helen Castle (Treasurer) May 26 Email at: 6:30pm to 9:00pm Madeleine Fogarty (Treasurer & Vice-President) Three daily sessions on Saturday, Sunday and Monday Email at: May 27, 28 and 29 9:00am to 11:45am, 1:45pm to 4:30pm, 5:30pm to 7:45pm RED Joanna Tyshing (President) Tuesday and Wednesday evening sessions Email: May 30 and 31 6:30pm–9:15pm Jean Mackintosh Email: Location: Dzogchen Community West Coast Center Andrew Palmer 2748 Adeline St., Suite D (upstairs over Crixa Cakes) Email: Berkeley, CA. 94703 Secretary: Viki Forscutt Cost: $340, discounted rate for registration by May 1 ($380 Tel / Fax: (02) 4473 7668 after May 1) Email at: http://www.dzogchen.org.au Advance registration required. To register and for more information, please contact Monica or Adam at (415) 488-0181 or (510) 299-7513, email: [email protected] THE DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY OF AOTEAROA, NEW ZEALAND IS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEW GAKYIL:

New Seattle Gakyil as of April 23rd 2006 is: Yellow: Kathy Arlidge Red: Alistair Gager Yellow: Judith Marcus Blue: Heidi Schor Blue: Gabrielle Kearney Red: Daniel Winkler

T HE M IRROR M AR/APR 2006 15 INTERVIEW WITH H.H. THE DALAI LAMA by Raimondo Bultrini

n the morning of the second day of ceremonies and meetings in that most opulent of the Adriatic coast Oresorts, the Dalai Lama, in exile from Tibet, had an encounter , which in these times seems a good omen. On invitation from the Associazione Italia- Tibet in the medieval town of Pennabilli, Tenzin Gyatso, a monk and Nobel peace prize winner, embraced the Muslim Imam of Rimini before the local Catholic bishop and a vast audience of the public. It was an emotional moment for everyone and there were tears in the eyes of many people at the thought of the hatred and violence instilled elsewhere in Italy and in the world by a few extremists. “Whatever the reasons, let us reflect on the fact that they are unhappy and let us try to share their unhappiness” is the radical piece of advice the XIVth Dalai Lama had to of fer Westerners in this interview at the end of his visit to Rimini.

Q. Your Holiness, you have often asked that we try to understand the reasons at the roots of hatred. What do you deduce about the origins of what has today been called a “clash of civilizations?” A. “I have said on other occasions, after the terrible and painful event of 9/11, that the cause is to be looked for in earlier centuries, the twen - tieth century, the nineteenth century and even earlier. Colonization was followed by Western progress while the Islamic nations were left behind. But they were not the only ones. Many Indians and Asians have had problems with the so-called “American cultural invasion”. For many reasons the Moslems consider the Western way of life a serious threat to their traditions. Then there are the political reasons, because America is Israel’s greatest ally and so on, but the list of causes, as you know, would be a long one. First of all we should consider that this long lasting dispute has created and hardened enormous emotional conflicts which are not easily resolved with a short term strategy”. Q. What do you mean by short-term strategy? A. “That of strict security provisions, which are necessary but have con- sequences which are not always controllable. For me, as a Buddhist and a religious person, what would be more interesting is an intensive long- term cure because there is a need to reconstruct our world’ s immune system. When the system is strong, minor infections do not damage us, but when it is weak then the risk is that illnesses can take over body and mind. Q. And how can we reconstruct a weak- ened world system? A. “What is necessary , first of all, is to tear out the roots of negative emotions, of af flictions, to extinguish the very source of anger and hatred. Then a respect for the reciprocal dimensions will soon be re- established in the relationships between North and South, between rich and poor, between atheists and Christians ” Q. Your Holiness is aware that that would take a long time, perhaps too long for us to live to see the results. A. “Unfortunately, up to now , only negative seeds have been planted, with human intelligence on the part of a few , being used to create as much damage as possible to the whole of humanity , with no care for children, for the innocent, even for their own brothers in faith. Such actions are not easily wiped out of the memory , but what is needed, in order not to continue to damage minds with negative attitudes, is a countermeasure, beginning with the promotion of human values because we are human beings, and we must live together .” Q. What can the West or Westerners do in a concrete way at this point? A. “Listen. Listen to their complaints and their reasons.They are unhap- py and we should share their unhappiness.” interview with Dalai Lama continued Q. Your Holiness, you have to admit that is a bit difficult tolerant bases of the religion have A. “But if we analyze the problem we can see that the limits of the fun- inspired generations of erudite damentalists lie in their inability to tolerate even the idea of dialogue, and wise men. For example, a ERRATA there is proof in their attempts to be invisible when they carry out their certain banking system is forbid- actions. Among the Imans there are dif ferent interpretations of the den because it is considered to be Koran but the final understanding is left to the individual. This is why In the article “Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. From the fifth a form of exploitation of man by volume of Longsal. The Upadesha on the Tregchöd of Primordial there are extremists and black sheep, as there are in any religion”. man; this is a noble motivation. A Q. Even in Buddhism? Purity Retreat” in Issue No. 77 of The Mirror corresponding to journalist who lived in Teheran November/December 2005, pp. 1 and 24, it reads: A. “Certainly even in Buddhism. In 1997 a group claiming to be from during the years of the my same religious school were strongly suspected of having killed a “Rinpoche then spoke about tregchöd (khregs chod), one of the Ayatollahs’ rule told me that a highest forms of relaxation, the essence of Dzogchen Upadesha lama who was very dear to me, the director of the School of Tibetan Mullah that he knew had received Dialectics in Dharamsala, and two monks, translators who were playing teachings. Treg means ‘something bound’ like an object. With out very rich donations and he had mind, we bind our dual vision. Chöd means ‘to cutTO BREAK BY an important role in interpreting with the Chinese. These same people distributed them equally among have beaten up and threatened other Tibetans in the name of their ITSELF’; rather, we enter into action, we break the cord of our dual the poor. This is compassion. visio vision, which I would define as Buddhist integralism. They consider a For this reason, we cannot hold it certain protecting spirit, that I used to pray to and that I now distrust to against all of them; it would be a be as important as the Buddha himself. In order to assert this, they went total mistake. Even we Tibetans Omission on to damage those round them instead of respecting them and under- cannot attribute our present con- standing them, in line with the teachings of the man who spread the dition of suffering to the Chinese. principles of universal compassion five centuries before Jesus Christ On page 21 of issue 77 of The Mirror, the photo credit was incor- Looking at one’s own mistakes is rect. The photographer was Tara Fernalld. From this point of view our experience is no dif ferent from that of the beginning of a process of uni- Christianity, or of Hinduism”. versal understanding.”

Q. In your opinion do the suicide killers belong to a fundamentalist Raimondo Bultrini army organized on a global scale or not? Engl. Trans. by Alison Duguid A. “If terror organizations find people ready to follow their orders, the seeds of hatred automatically take hold. Many dear friends, who are Reprinted by permission from the Muslims, are worried about the actions of those who are claiming to be Merigar Letter, October 20 Issue Muslim but really are not, because in both modern and ancient Islam the

16 DIED: passages Barrie Simmons DIED: Glen Eddy n Monday April 24th, in n April 5, 2006, Glen Roger Eddy, a long time student the late morn- of Chogyal Namkai Norbu and member of the Interna- Oing, our Vajra brother tional Dzogchen Community died of a stroke in Cordo- of many years, Barrie Oba, Argentina. Simmons, passed Born in San Francisco, California on May 17, 1941, Glen was away suddenly from among the first wave of Westerners to become engaged by a heart attack in Tibetan Buddhism in the early 1970’ s. His formal training as Rome, Italy. an artist began at the San Francisco Art Institute. Later, he was Besides being known Barrie and Nancy in Rome, 1994 PHOTO COURTESY OF B PAPARAZZO introduced to Tibetan art at Pema Ling under the direction of internationally as a the Community. Barry played an Tarthang Tulku, eventually studying Tibetan art with several Gestalt therapist, Barrie was also important role during the First lineage masters including Tarthang Tulku, Dudjom Rinpoche, one of the first practitioners in the Congress of Tibetan Medicine in Trungpa Rinpoche and Gyaltrul Rinpoche - all who con- Dzogchen Community in Italy Venice in 1983, and held confer- tributed to his knowledge of traditional methods. In 1974, he and one of the first translators of ences on psychology and its link attended the Naropa Institute’s first summer along with other Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s teach- to Buddhism. thanka painters of his generation. Considered by many a fore- ings from Italian to English both E PEARLMAN He had a profound devotion to most master of Tikse or proportional drawing, his elegant line at retreats and in book form, for Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and drawings of yidams were highly regarded and adorned such early publications of Chogyam Trungpa, which many of us will always be other Buddhist masters and great Rinpoche’s as, “Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism,” “The Myth of Freedom,” “The Dawn of Tantra,” grateful. He faithfully translated commitment to the Dzogchen and internally published images for practitioners within the Shambhala community . Images survive of a many of Rinpoche’s early retreats Community. thanka painted with Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche as the central figure that was lost in the mail. and talks both in Italy and abroad. Although his health had not been In 1974, he married Terri Parkin with whom he had two sons, Glen in 1977 and Austin in 1981. They lived In 1976 he was present as one of good in recent years, he never together for 14 years in Berkeley and Oakland, California. Glen first met Chögyal Namkhai Norbu with his Rinpoche’s first disciples at his complained about it and contin- family in 1983 when they attended an early retreat at a private home in Berkeley . first big Dzogchen retreat at ued to work with great generosity From 1994-2000 Glen resided in the vicinity of Tsegyalgar in Conway, Massachusetts where he initiated the Subiaco in central Italy. to support his family through his Golden Vajra Guild at the newly inaugurated Shang-Shung Institute founded by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for Barrie had a skilful way with travels and seminars. the preservation of Tibetan culture..During that time he was commissioned by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to words and was able to communi- Barrie had a large family and was create a number of lar ge scales thankas representing Rinpoche’ s Dzogchen lineage. These include a refuge cate clearly and diplomatically in a caring husband, father and thanka with Padmasambhava; the Primordial Masters; Ekajati, protector of the Dzogchen teachings; and a variety of situations. His advice grandfather. He will be greatly Goma Devi, one of the ancient 21 Semde masters from whom Chögyal Namkhai Norbu received some of his and collaboration in the creation missed by his wife, Nancy , his Longsal terma cycle of teachings. His line drawings were considered by such masters as Chogyam Trungpa and development of the Shang- children Maria, Nicola, Miranda Rinpoche, an artist himself, to be “very special and beautiful.” At the time of his death Glen was working on Shung Institute in Italy was fun- and Noah and his many grand- a step-by-step primer to thanka painting, “The Treasury of Luminous Manifestation,” for what he said, would damental and he was a dynamic children. be the thanka painter of the future a hundred years from now . member of the Merigar Gakyil in His passing leaves a profound His family, many friends and dharma practitioners will long remember Glen as a generous and insightful the mid-nineties. He was always sadness in each of us who knew friend leaving behind an important legacy of work for future generations. As a practitioner, he exemplified a ready to help and give advice in him. deep devotion to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu integrating the profound essence of the Dzogchen teachings in an whatever situation arose within authentic manner.

Jacqueline Gens April 12, 2006

Dr. Guenther with students Passing of Dr. Herbert V. Guenther

r. Guenther died in his sleep on 11-March-2006 six days before his 89th birthday. His 30 books continue to benefit many people interested in teachings. He understood cryptic Tibetan language Dand fearlessly used dif ferent English language systems including psy - chology, philosophy, science and religion. His translations provoke a deep appreciation of the totality of being rather than some pious self- The Video Journal enters now its third year. We would like to righteous dogmatism. His life’s work continues to benefit many practi - thank all subscribers for their support. tioners in the Dzogchen Community of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. In The next issue will include a special section dedicated to ASIA's particular, Dr . Guenther helped me enormously during my fourteen projects with rare archive footage of Tibet, it will also years of graduate study at the University of Saskatchewan. My thoughts cover the events that took place in Margarita from and best wishes go to his kind wife, Ilse, and their two children. November 2005 to February 2006 including the (Respectfully written by Jim Valby) dawn of the New Year of the Fire Dog . Subscriptions for the four issues of 2006 are Tibetan Medicine in Conway continued from page 6 now open to all members of the Dzogchen Community at the same price as 2003, The four-year certification program closely parallels traditional training 100 euros including mailing expenses rooted in the Gyud Zhi, the fundamental text of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, better known as The Four Tantras in English. The ancient everywhere in the world. Tantras classify an amazing 1600 types of disease and corresponding Payments can be made through Paypal: treatments using more than 3,000 medicinal plants. [email protected] or with a bank draft to: The institute is curr ently accepting new student applications for Fall Istituto Shang Shung IBAN: 2006 enr ollment. For detailed pr ogram information and to apply IT 60 Q 01030 72160 000 000 576448 online, please visit ShangShung.or g. For other new student inquiries, please call (413) 369-4928. SWIFT: PASCITM1G99 or with your credit card via fax to: Traditional Tibetan Medicine +39-0564-968110 Should you need assistance please write to: With a history going back over 2,500 years, traditional Tibetan medi- [email protected] cine is one of the oldest continuously practiced healing systems on Please specify if you want your copy in PAL Earth. Regarded as science, art and philosophy, it is an ancient form of or NTSC. holistic heath care indigenous to the Tibetan people that integrates the With many thanks and tashi delegs to all. core Buddhist principles of altruism, karma and ethics. Traditional The Video Journal Editorial Team. Tibetan medicine evolved into a synthesis of thousands of years of accumulated empirical knowledge from China, Persia, India and Greece. It was practiced continuously in Tibet until the Chinese inva - sion in the 1950s and is still practiced today wherever Tibetans live in exile.

T HE M IRROR M AR/APR 2006 17 HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE MIRROR @ www.melong.com

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T HE M IRROR M AR/APR 2006 19 HOW I MET CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU

by Robin Bennett And I needed a teacher to guide this is exactly what I have been ities and feel a great benefit from me. Going into things as deeply looking for . Namkhai Norbu the center for which I am truly started searching for a teacher as possible meant taking ordina- Rinpoche literally spoke to me grateful to Chögyal Namkhai and became interested in spiri- tion. And yes, I had read a lot through those books and opened Norbu Rinpoche for putting so tuality when I was about nine- about dif ferent religions and I up a whole new view of the much continued ef fort into. A Iteen, so I left England to live in knew a bit about what being Dharma, a Dzogchen point of master that opens such opportuni- Ireland in a community of similar ordained meant. So I just went view – an overview weeping ties is rare. I pray that as his stu- minded people. We rented a cot- there with that intention and I met down from above. dents we follow and take care of tage and were aiming to buy the Lama there and I got to know So at that point, I wanted to his words of advice and practice something with land and a house. him during that weekend course. meet Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in our lives. At the time we were living out of This was really my first meeting but I was in the middle of being a I’d like to say that there was caravans, a bit like hippies, we with the Dharma. Before I left I monk and I had no intention of no friction from my moving from had ideas about ecology and liv- told him that I was going back simply dropping everything in the Gelugpa tradition and ing together in harmony with spir- home but on my next visit there I that moment and there was no embracing Dzogchen. It was just itual values that we all came asked him if I could do the first need to because I was more or like moving on, not saying good- together on - essentially new age. level of ordination. He agreed so I less happy in the situation I was bye. It was not as if I had found For me the spiritual journey had went b ack h ome a nd t ogether in. But as the years went on, I felt something better. For me, it was just begun to unfold in the safety with my friends I made myself a teacher in Ireland, I had always a kind of transition and being a just supposed to happen like that. net of likeminded people. This set of robes. had the intention to visit India and Westerner in the West and – you I am still in contact with my was the oasis for my spiritual Two or three weeks passed Tibet - so I followed that through. know, it’s something like pioneer- teacher in Ireland. It was just that growth that schools and colleges and then I went back to the center My path took me to Nepal. ing, you’re a monk, but you’re I felt more comfortable being in never touched on. Main stream and got ordained. I was ordained The following seven years not a Christian monk, you’re a the Dzogchen teaching, while education never taught about as a novice and the ceremony took me back and forth between Buddhist monk, probably the remaining always a practitioner. compassion as far as I remember. took place on a very auspicious India, Ireland and Nepal. And in only one in Ireland. I more or less In fact the first time I came Then one thing led to another and day – the Parinirvana of the the middle of all that I studied at had to work to pay for my studies here and received teachings from it is said that when the student is Buddha. There was a hair-cutting various places in India, in monas- in India so I was moving in and Chögyal Namkhai Norbu he ready the teacher will appear. ceremony. The novice with eight teries, universities and also in out of society and after nine years spoke about dif ferent traditions My karma ripened and I vows. Dharamsala, studying T ibetan I just felt that a transition period and how you shouldn’ t become quickly met a Tibetan Lama, a I still continued to live with language and obviously taking had arrived. confused if you are Gelugpa, Gelugpa, (not from the NKT! I’d my friends because it was a really teachings from the Dalai Lama In that year I had just come Sakayapa, Nyingma, or Kargyupa like to make that clear) under the good environment there and I and various Gelugpa Lamas. back from India and I wanted to because in the West we have such patronage of the Dalai Lama. I wasn’t really thinking about what There was so much informa- come to Italy and meet Chögyal a flow of teachers passing saw an advertisement by an Irish the future held. At that stage all of tion: V inaya, Madhyamika, Namkhai Norbu five years after I through and if you live in a place Dharma center about a Lama giv- us were starting to have dif ferent Bodhichitta, Prajnaparamita, had read his books, because like London or another big city ing teachings on karma and uni- ideas about the future and how Sutra and Tantra, it was quite – essentially the books were my this ebb of teachers is constantly versal responsibility in an ecolog- our ideas were going to manifest. let’s say - overwhelming and meeting with Chögyal Namkhai coming through. Somehow we ical magazine and all of a sudden As such at that point we all ended although I was assimilating it at Norbu. are encouraged to receive initia- I just knew at that point that I was up going to the four corners of the some level, I felt out of my depth. So in 2000 I came to tions after the teachings and if going to be ordained as a monk. earth, so our community kind of And in the middle of all this, it Rinpoche’s teachings in Italy . I you are new to the dharma or a And I was going there to the dhar- dissolved. Then I was invited to just so happened that one day I was still ordained. Things hap- young person, enthusiasm for the ma center to ask this Lama – stay at the Jampa Ling Buddhist was given three books from a stu- pened to me at that time that just teachings means getting involved. Panchen Ottrul Rinpoche – to center in Cavan, where I had been dent of my first teacher , Panchen accelerated the transition and that It’s great that it is so available but ordain me. With that in mind, I ordained. Ottrul Rinpoche. They were three moment became a crossroads for if we are not careful we may headed out to his center that was So this was really the start of books by Chögyal Namkhai me. And when I returned to exhaust ourselves. about two hours from where I my Dharma path. I served my Norbu. I didn’ t know anything Ireland I realized that I now want- Rinpoche encourages us to was living, in County Cavan, in teacher in Ireland for many years about Dzogchen at that stage, but ed to disrobe and lead a lay per- bring it all together and make it a the center of Ireland. As I hitch and I traveled to India and Nepal. I asked my teacher for permission son’s life. I continued to live in simplified Guru Yoga, which was hiked up there it was already in Eventually I took another level of to read them because it was a dif- Ireland near the center and I still at the right moment for me and my mind to ask him to ordain me. ordination with Lama Zopa after ferent tradition in terms of connected with it and life carried without any contradiction in that. My friends were all pretty about a year. This was the second Tibetan Buddhism. on as normal. It was fantastic when I heard that. amazed. in three stages of being ordained. Then one day I was sick and Then in time, I moved to Italy I was so happy. Because I respect I think the main reason for my The second stage meant thirty-six bed ridden and I just picked up to Arcidosso with my partner all my teachers and feel that I decision was that I felt responsi- vows. I met a lot of Westerners those books and read them Antonella to be near Merigar in need to maintain their transmis- ble for a lot of things that had while I was staying in Kopan in through. It was a profound 2001, was the geköes with sion, so what Rinpoche always happened before in my life and Nepal near the Boudhanath approach, an overview that gave Antonella from 2004-2005. Since says about bringing them alto- the world and I wanted to do Stupa. Strangely e nough, even me a taste of realization that I had finishing my term here I continue gether in such a way brought me something positive, and needed to when I was on my way to be not had previously. I thought that to live close to Merigar and enjoy a big sigh of relief. immerse myself by jumping in! ordained the first time with my participating in the center’s activ-

Calendar Agenda for the Fir e Dog Year (2006-2007) Euro 10.00 Shang Shung Edizioni Pocket agenda containing concise indica- tions of the practices recommended by DRAJYOR Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for special days, Tibetan Phonetics For The Dzogchen Community positive and negative days for the Nagas Euro 6,00 Practice, astrological data of the Tibetan Calendar and the individual aspects for The word drajyor, or writing of the sounds, refers to the writ- those born between 1915 and 2006. ing of the different syllables that compose words so that we Indispensable for finding out favorable and can pronounce them correctly. In this book Chögyal Namkhai unfavorable days for daily activities and to Norbu illustrates in detail his own system for transcribing the remember special practice days. Tibetan letters to enable the practitioners of the Dzogchen Community to pronounce correctly the invocations of the prac- Key for Consulting the Tibetan Calendar tices and the most recurrent words of the teaching. The final Phonetic Index indicates the correct pronunciation of every Edited by M.R. Leti Tibetan syllable. Euro 13.00 Much information on Tibetan astrology and on its application to daily Shang Shung Edizioni books can be ordered on- life. A practical and complete manual, indispensable for the consul - tation of the annual astrological calendar. line by visiting the Merigar website The Key for Consulting the Tibetan Calendar came out of a course www.dzogchen.it on the Home Page click on held by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Rome at the beginning of the Publications, then on Shang Shung Edizioni 1980’s as part of a seminar on Tibetan Medicine and Astrology. It rep- https://merigar.secure.powweb.com/shang- resents a precious and indeed unique contribution towards an under- standing of the value of the ancient knowledge of Tibetan astrology. shungeditions/library.php Payment on-line by Credit Card (secure mode), via postal order or bank transfer. Email: [email protected]

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