THE MIRROR

Newspaper of the International Community May/June 2004 • Issue No. 68

Baja Land A. MCGHEE Baja Beyul, A Visit to the Hidden Place with Baja California, Mexico April, 2004 by John Bidleman who populated the area, leaving good and emphasized his resilien- No one had been down that of road. “Rinpoche I don’t like to their testament painted on rocks, cy. Once in the pool he looked long tortuous road since the last bounce you around like this, do pril is a forgiving month had a name for this beautiful val- around for Fabio “Where is hurricane and it was a “bad road”, you want to go on?” He nodded, in Baja Sur. The winds are ley which John Olmstead, noted Fabio?”. “He has a kind of prob- even before several hurricanes, “Oh this is good for digestion!” Abreeze-like and the sun ecologist described as a lem with this water?” he laughed. one of which was worse than any- Everyone laughed as we lurched can often play hide and seek giv- “Hurricane Desert”. After a few jibes and satisfied that one could remember for fifty ahead. Naranjas Road washes out ing one the impression that this But the nature of the San Fabio had enjoyed a swim in the years. “Rinpoche, please allow every few years, but has govern- often harsh environment that runs Miguelito area is what it is, cold water, we walked back slow- me to check out the road first and ment contracted roadwork due to from ending hurricanes to regardless of what humans call it. ly, not from fatigue but rather a then I’ll come back for you.” the small number of ranches dot- oven like summers has suddenly The fact that this is a special place slow inspection of the area. Without hesitation, “Why make ting the road. On the other hand, found yet another personality. is obvious, but was emphasized to Near the road there is an two trips?” this road is strictly Dzogchen This April was no different as all as Rinpoche walked over huge immense flat white rock where In a few seconds we were all Community maintained. Rinpoche sat under the fig tree boulders tirelessly and at times the Master stood and gazed. heading west on Naranjas Road As we rounded a corner I with twenty or so of his students gleefully, winding his way Finally, Rinpoche turned and looking for a turn-off no one in stopped the car and froze. We had and smiled gently. I asked, “Rin- upwards far beyond anyone’s said, “We will have a retreat here, the vehicle had ever been on. just driven for twenty minutes poche, does this land have a name imagination of where he would small retreat.” Indeed he Rinpoche looked intently at the with no possibly of a turnaround yet?” he answered, “Maybe it go. Nary, Andres and Scott helped remarked on the landscape and granite ridges and rocks as we anywhere and now we faced an doesn’t need a name.” me clear some brush for especially rocks and rock forma- made our way down the valley. extremely steep incline with two Rinpoche then began to Rinpoche but it all seemed unnec- tions many times that day. He remarked several times at the narrow ridges barely wide reveal the nature of a Beyul. A essary, as he glided around us on In a few minutes we were all similarity to Derge (East Tibet) in enough for tires. I was raised in hidden place where practitioners his way to the water. Surprising congregated and I turned the some respects. Suddenly we saw rural areas where roads were could retreat in secret. “Like even the most optimistic of us, he vehicle around for Rinpoche. another dirt road that was far frightful and I am filled with glee Padma Kod in South Tibet”, he finally found a pool that suited Walking back I spoke with Scott worse than the one we’re on. I at the prospect of mud. But dri- emailed me later, “it means a kind him and began to swim. But not Schroeder about the cabin on the turned to look at Rinpoche. “This ving Rinpoche is different. He of earthly paradise with peaceful before he found some signs. far west-end of the property. We is on our property?” he asked. had just walked far beyond any- and lucky landscapes.” The San “There are letters in this rock.” imagined at some time taking “Yes,” I said. “Ok, we will go and one’s expectations and if we get Miguel property already has a He pointed. “You see below here, Rinpoche there, but reasoned see.” stuck he would have to walk name (someone reminded me): ‘SA’ on this rock.” there was no time what with a tir- The road was incredibly bad. much, much farther. He turned to “Rancho San Miguel de la Rinpoche’s ability and indeed ing retreat and his flight being the Bouncing like soccer balls we look in the back seat and then at Naranjas”. And of course it had a the ease with which he navigated next day. But Rinpoche had other made our way beyond the level me. “Rinpoche, do you want to name before that and even earlier the arroyo at the West end of the plans. “We will go and see it portion of the road to a rather proceed?” He smiled. “In perhaps, the indigenous people property did many people’s heart now.” bumpy looking, doubtful stretch Tibet...this is a good road.” I continued on page 24 CONTENTS

2 THEBUDDHADHARMA,PART II, TEACHING BY CHÖGYAL 21 DAILY LIFE IN THE MIRROR, LOVE & REALTIONSHIPS

3 NEW SCHEDULE OF CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU 22 LIFE AT ZARAGOSA BEACH, MARGARITA NEW SCHEDULE 4 RETREATS ON MARGARITA ISLAND 23 REFLECTIONS Chogyall Namkhaii Norbu’s New Schedulle for 5 MASTER BIOGRAPHY, DOMBHI HERUKA BY ELIO GUARISCO 24 HOW I MET THE TEACHINGS, CINDY THIBEAU 2004-2005 PAGE 3 6 - 8 SHANG-SHUNG INSTITUTE NEWS Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Continued from Mirror issue 67 This is a characteristic of manifestations of enlightened teaching and the path of renunci- beings; by manifestations of the The Third Noble Truth ation. Some teachers also use the primordial potentiality of enlight- The Truth of Cessation term “the path of renunciation” ened beings. The principle of pri- and “renunciation” when they mordial potentiality is sound, We can understand that there is speak about Tantric teaching as light and rays. Through these cause and effect. What should we well as Dzogchen teaching. But it three the essence of the elements do? If we accumulate negative has nothing to do with Tantrism manifests. The essence of the ele- causes we have infinite samsara and Dzogchen. “Renunciation” ments is the five colors. These and infinite suffering is produced. means “renouncing something”. five colors manifest dimensions In this case we must stop and You try to renounce your emo- like a . The manifestation change this. This is the essence of tions considering them to be of the real nature of an individual the third Noble Truth. Buddha something negative, a bit like tak- is an enlightened being. said, “Now you should distin- ing off dirty clothes. If you’ve got Personified deities communicate guish what the cause is and try to a hole in your sweater, what do in a different way (from oral stop it.” This is the Noble Truth of you do? You get rid of it and get a transmission). Most communica- cessation. How can we stop caus- new one. That means you are tions in Tantric teachings are es? There are many different “renouncing” your dress. Sambhogakaya manifestations. methods and possibilities because But when you follow Tantric The manifestation itself is the of the different conditions of indi- teaching you do not “renounce” transmission. It transmits that viduals. Some people have more anything because Tantrism is knowledge through its clarity. It is capacity, others less. When some- called “”: “Vajra” not an oral teaching. one understands, they should try means “our real nature”. “Nature” The physical Buddha always to apply the method that is best – there is nothing to change. How gave oral teachings. Buddha for them. Rinpoche at Margarita N ZEITZ it is, we develop that knowledge. explained orally and students lis- That is Vajrayana. So the path of tened. Transmission through The Fourth Noble Truth T HE B UDDHADHARMA renunciation is not Tantrism or manifestation is not the same as The Path TWO NOBLE TRUTHS - PART II Dzogchen. oral transmission. Sometimes (WEB CAST TEACHING) there is the possibility to manifest and NAMGYALGAR, APRIL 20, 2003 Tantric teaching some words orally. That is possi- ble because they always manifest Buddha started to talk about what When we consider Tantric teach- some figure, but the words are not ordinary people can do to stop the Mahayana is more open. In the ly taught and people listened and ing, Guru gave the main point. cause of suffering and taught the same way, the name of applying had contact with him. They did an example: in Tantric teaching, We cannot have contact with fourth Noble Truth of the Path. the teaching in Hinayana and not need to be realized in order to transformation is just like the the Sambhogakaya. Some people He presented this like the Mahayana is different: in have that contact. It was normal nature of gold. In general, we say that they have seen enlight- Hinayana teaching. The principle Hinayana it is called ‘domba’ just like the situation now. For regard gold as something very ened beings, but this is not so (sdom pa) of Hinayana is mainly receiving which means a “vow” example, when you go to see a precious and even though it is easy. The manifestation of vows. There are different levels for controlling our body, speech teacher, you can see him, you can hidden deep within the earth, its enlightened beings is always of vows, but you take a vow and and mind. In Mahayana it is listen to him, and you can receive light shines outside. When people Sambhogakaya. In order to have (bslab pa) keep it even if it costs you your ‘labpa’ which means a teaching. That is the physical know there is gold somewhere contact with the Sambhogakaya life. In this way you can control “training”. It is called “training” level. Similarly, at that period they dig and dig until they dis- you must have that kind of real- all negative actions because you because in Mahayana it is under- Buddha taught in that way. This is cover it and bring it out of the ization or capacity. It is not very do not commit any. That is the stood that the most important called “Nirmanakaya”, or the earth. Then gold has its value. easy to see a symbol. way to stop negative actions. point is related to our intention. If material level, and the teaching of When you have a piece of gold, On the tenth day of the We have the three aspects of we really have a good intention Nirmanakaya. what you do? It depends on cir- Tibetan lunar calendar which we body, speech and mind. How do and it is necessary, we can help cumstances. You could make a call the “day of Guru we control all negativities? We others even if our actions do not Sutra very nice statue of Buddha and Padmasambhava”, we do a take a vow which may stop us correspond with a vow but go The Path of Renunciation put it on an altar and offer incense Ganapuja. When we do the from doing certain physical beyond it. This is Mahayana and and flowers. When people go Ganapuja, we chant the “Seven things with our body, for exam- it does not have anything really The characteristic of this teaching there, they feel a nice atmosphere. verses of invocation to ple, not killing another being or like a or set of rules. They is called “the path of renuncia- Then sometimes the situation Padmasambhava”. We consider not stealing. There are many may use the Vinaya of the tion”. What does “renunciation” changes. There might be some- the invocation to be very impor- actions to abstain from related to Hinayana, but governed with the mean? It means renouncing. For thing like a Cultural Revolution tant because Guru our voice, such as not lying, not intention of the Mahayana. example, when you receive a vow when people don’t want a statue Padmasambhava promised to be insulting others, etc. In general, Mahayana is more open. in order to become a monk or a of Buddha but they want the gold present for those people who we talk about the ‘ten virtues’ There is a famous story of a man nun, then you think, “Ah, I’ve and they change the form. Maybe have faith and devotion, particu- which are related to body, speech who was traveling to an island to renounced the ordinary samsaric they make something else with it. larly on the tenth day. This is a and mind. Then there is abstain- get some jewels. At some point an condition,” and you feel a little Someone like Saddam Hussein kind of promise of Guru ing from activities particularly evil man wanted to kill every- different. You feel that something might make guns of gold. Or Padmasambhava. So on the tenth linked to the mind, such as nega- body in the group, but this cap- has changed. In general, people someone might want to make day when we chant the “Seven tive thoughts about others. If your tain, who was a kind of have that attitude. Some people something useful like a cup of verses”, we imagine Guru intention is not good and you , discovered the evil say, “I’ve received a vow of gold for example, or an ashtray, a Padmasambhava is present. Guru think badly of others, you may intention of that man and killed ,” others say, “I took refuge golden ashtray. When you have Padmasambhava must be present not do anything bad for other peo- him. Afterwards he became wor- from this , that lama, etc. many important guests you can because he is a Great ple, but you accumulate negativi- ried because he had taken a vow Now I am a Buddhist.” They feel use this golden ashtray and it’s Transference manifestation, not ty. So it is much more beneficial not to kill and he thought, “Oh, that they have changed some- very elegant. It’s elegant but no something like an ordinary if you think positively instead of I’ve committed a very negative thing. “Yesterday I wasn’t a longer a statue of Buddha; no-one Dharmakaya realized being. But negatively. This is the characteris- action.” Later he went to the Buddhist even though I read goes there to offer flowers or can- we are not able to see him physi- tic of Buddha’s teaching. Later on Buddha to confess and Buddha some Buddhist books and was dles or to pay respect. An ashtray cally present. We do not see him Buddha taught and developed said, “You did well.” This is interested. But today I received a is for putting dirty things in, so because we do not have that Mahayana Sutra. example in Mahayana. So vow. Now I am a Buddhist.” They there are cigarette butts and other capacity. In order to have that What is the difference Mahayana is more open, that is may also say, “I have a rubbish that people throw there. kind of capacity we must be a between Mahayana Sutra and the only difference, and for that name or Buddhist name. So you see the situation has com- kind of Mahasiddha. Hinayana? Many people say that reason uses the term “training”. Yesterday my name was George, pletely changed the function, but Mahasiddhas have developed that Mahayana has greater compas- Both of these paths belong to but today I am no longer George the nature of the gold has not capacity and for this reason have sion and Hinayana has less. I the Sutra teaching, the Sutra tra- so please don’t call me by that changed at all. That golden received many teachings of don’t think that is really true, dition. Some of you may not name. You can call me ‘Dorje’”. Buddha is now an ashtray. You Anuttaratantra manifestations because when Hinayana know what “Sutra” means in They feel that they have changed. can also change the ashtray back directly from the Sambhogakaya. had realization and developed . It means a “conclusion This also happens with my into Buddha. Now it is a statue of They also have infinite compas- their clarity, they knew very well of an event”, any kind of event students. Many of them, particu- Buddha, but its nature has not sion. They understand that these that infinite beings suffer in sam- with Buddha. One day, for exam- larly new students, ask me to give changed. This is the principle of teachings are very important for sara. How can we say that they ple, Buddha was going to Rajghir them a Dharma name. When I ask transformation. having realization more quickly. have no compassion? That is not on the invitation of the king who them, “Don’t you have a name?” So in order for them to intro- the point. The point really is our had asked him to explain a teach- they say, “Yes, I do.” “What is The Path of Transformation duce ordinary people who do not way of thinking. This is the dif- ing in a specific way. Buddha your name?” They say, “My have the capacity to have contact ference. gave that teaching and when he name is George.” “Okay, that’s The teaching of Tantrism is called with the Sambhogakaya, they In Hinayana, when you finished, all his students, the king your Dharma name!” In the real “the path of transformation”, not brought these teachings that intro- receive a vow, you consider it to and the local people, were very sense there is no need to change the path of renunciation”. Also a duce through oral teaching using be your path and you follow it satisfied. The teaching of that day anything. What is important is Tantric teacher is not like the symbols. For example, in order to even at the cost of your life. You was called “the Sutra of Rajghir- your understanding. Changing is teacher of Sutra. Sutra was taught show what the manifestation of a do not commit any action that is the reply to the King”. That is an very relative. by Buddha Shakyamuni physical- Mandala looks like, they con- contrary to this rule, this law. This example. In a practical way, what In the Sutra teaching that kind ly, but the path of transformation struct a Mandala. To show what a it means is that Buddha physical- of attitude is strongly developed. is the Hinayana system. was taught or transmitted by continued on next page

2 Teaching ChNN continued from previous page manifestation of a deity looks stage is the development stage, like, there are paintings or which means you gradually trans- Schedule thankas. form your impure vision into pure Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Then there is introduction. vision. Your dimension, your self- 2004 - 2005 You remember when you receive manifestation, all your functions an initiation you receive these such as the five senses and the 2004 things. Initiation means an intro- five aggregations everything that Margarita Island, Venezuela duction to this dimension. You manifests is transformed into the July 17 – Aug. 1 Mandarava Chüdlen retreat consider your dimension to be five Dhyana Buddhas, the five Sept. 3 -12 Longsal Retreat just like this Mandala. There is a , the five wisdoms, etc. Oct. 18 - 29 Kalachakra Retreat of Anuyoga manifestation who transmits and But you know that the root is the Nov. 9 - 21 Complete teachings & practices of Lhalung Sangdag there are those who receive the same, that there are not two dif- Dec. 5 - 8 Tshedrub (Long life) teaching and practice transmission. And then you enter ferent roots, pure vision and Chile into this visualisation and the impure vision. Dec. 19 - 21 Chile Retreat teacher empowers you with For that reason, the symbol of Argentina etc., giving you the pos- Tantric teaching or Vajrayana is Dec. 26 – Jan. 2 Tashigar South retreat of Gomadevi, Argentina sibility to apply that method. the “Vajra”. It is not a real Vajra, 2005 Applying that method you can only a symbolic Vajra. The real Feb.9 Tibetan Losar, Mandarava practice, Argentina have that realisation. This is Vajra is our potentiality, our real Peru called “initiation”. nature. But in order to discover Feb.18 - 20 Peru retreat For that reason it is very that and get into that state, we Margarita Island, Venezuela important in Tantrism that when also need the symbol of the Vajra. March 9 -10 Santi Maha Base Level Exam you receive initiation, any kind of You know what a Vajra looks March 11 - 15 Santi Maha Sangha 1st Level Training initiation, you should understand like. At the center of the Vajra Mexico City what is going on and what you there is a kind of ball. On the top March 25 - 28 Mexico City Easter retreat should do. Otherwise it only there are five points and also on Baja California, Mexico April 1 - 4 Baja California, Mexico Retreat f we accumulate negative causes we have infinite USA samsara and infinite suffering is produced. In April 13 -17 Los Angeles Retreat I this case we must stop and change this. This is April 27 - May 1 New York City Retreat the essence of the third Noble Truth. May 6 - 10 Tsegyalgar, Conway, Massachusetts Retreat May 11 - 12 Santi Maha Sangha II Level Exam, Tsegyalgar May 13 - 17 Santi Maha Sangha III Level Training, Tsegyalgar becomes a kind of a blessing. the lower part. Why are there five RUSSIA Then what should you do upper and five lower points? The June 3 - 5 Kunsangar, a course of Moxabustion (Limited to persons who know Medicine) after you have received initiation? lower points represent the five June 8 -12 Moscow retreat It is not enough to say, “Oh, I aggregations, the five emotions, ITALY received this initiation.” Why etc., our samsaric, impure vision. July 1 - 5 Merigar, Italy Retreat 1 have you received initiation from The five upper points represent July15 -Aug. 5 My personal retreat, Merigar the teacher? The teacher has pre- what we transform them into, Aug. 10 -16 Merigar Retreat 2 sented the path you are following: manifestations like the five SPAIN transformation, how to enter into Dhyani Buddhas, the five wis- Oct. 5 - 9 Spain Retreat transformation, and how to apply doms, etc., pure vision. These are BRAZIL that transformation. After receiv- two different aspects but what is Oct. 14 - 18 Brazilian Retreat ing initiation, your commitment most important is the center. Margarita Island, Venezuela should be to do that practice, There is a kind of ball and this is Nov. 4 - 8 Longsal Teaching Retreat applying that transformation. our real Vajra nature. From that Nov. 25 - 29 Santi Maha Sangha Base and 1st Level Teachers Trainings, Vajra Dance and Yantra That way you can have realiza- center two aspects can manifest. Yoga 1st and 2nd Teachers’ Trainings tion. Otherwise there is not much Why do we have two aspects? We Dec. 2 - 8 Tshedrup (Long life) teaching sense in receiving an initiation. have two aspects because we Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 Tashigar Norte retreat Sometimes there may be a little either have knowledge or are benefit because of chanting many ignorant of it. When we have mantras and it may help a little to knowledge, then we have the ADVICE FROM CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU diminish our negativity or obsta- manifestation of pure vision. FUNCTION OF THE GEKÖES AND GAKYIL cles. But this is very far what we When we are ignorant of that we MARGARITA GAKYIL & GEKÖES SELECTION mean by “realization”. are conditioned by dualistic or MARCH 26, 2004 samsaric vision. So this is called Vajrayana “impure vision”. So impure think in general when we say be a Geköes. things for the Geköes to respond vision means purifying and trans- Geköes; the responsibility of Communication between and to immediately, without contact- So that means now you can apply forming into pure vision. This is Ithe Geköes is this place within the different groups, not ing or meeting with the Gakyil, the transformation. When you the Vajrayana system. [Tashigar North]. For example, only during retreats but also in after taking the necessary action apply it, it is indispensable to there are many people coming to general, is important. Regarding the Gakyil should be informed remember that there are two Transcribed by Georg Meschede the Gar to find information or to the capacity to organize some- immediately by the Geköes. In stages in Anuttaratantra. The first Edited by Liz Granger & Jim Valby help, to do something, and the thing like a big retreat, it is not so such a case, the Gakyil should not contact with them is the responsi- easy for only one person look criticize the Geköes for taking the Margarita Live Web Cast Now Available in MP3 bility of the Geköes. The Geköes around or to have a task, so other initiative, because if there are should also look around at every- people can be asked to collabo- time constraints it is not always Those of you who were not able to listen to the Margarita live Web thing, be aware of what is going rate. The Gakyil and people with possible to wait. I have learned cast event on August 18, 2004, can now listen to an archived on- on, and everything that happens in particular capacities can collabo- about the work of Geköes and demand audio stream. the Gar. rate and, for example, a sub-com- Gakyil and how such problems Of course, the Geköes should mittee can be formed to organize can be taken care of by seeing The mp3 sound track (13.7 MB) has a good sound quality and con- not be the boss of the Gar and nei- something particular to be done. how they sometimes arise at tains both Rinpoche’s voice and the voice of the Spanish translator ther should anyone else; neither Many people, when they are Merigar. (this in contrast to the actual live Webcast that consisted of the sound should the Gakyil, the Aloe Vera on the Gakyil, do not have good Then, in the Gakyil sometime of Rinpoche’s voice alone). It was recorded directly from the signal Company, etc. There are many time management. Time is very they say, “Oh, we are Red”, or of the sound system and it was originally sampled at 44,100 kHz and people responsible: the Geköes, important and precious. If some- “We are Blue”, “We are Yellow” 64 kbps. I had to resample the stream to 11,025 kHz and 16 kbps in Gakyil, Board of Directors, those thing needs to be done, or a – and they don’t collaborate, they order to reduce the file size to acceptable proportions for Internet building houses, etc. All of them Gakyil meeting is required, then don’t inform each other. In the streaming (using LAME vs. 3.93 on Mac OS X). Although the actu- must respect each other by collab- allowing several days to pass can Gakyil everybody must be al sound of the live webcast (with RealAudio using telephone signal) orating. No one is the boss of cause the opportunity to be lost. responsible for everything. was quite good, the overall sound quality of this mp3 compressed someone else, and as long as no It is also very important for Particularly they must not do any- track is still on a higher level. one has that idea there will be no the Geköes to listen to the Gakyil, thing egotistically – many people problem, no competition. When to not do anything without being have that defect, that problem. The mp3-file is now available from the following sites: people are given some authority, in contact and knowing what the If we communicate and col- such as the Gakyil, the Geköes, program should be. The Geköes laborate, everything will go very http://www.xs4all.nl/~loekjehe/webcast/ etc, they tend to take a position must be informed about every- smoothly. Not only with the and immediately want to do thing that the Gakyil decides to Gakyil, but also in any kind of http://members.ams.chello.nl/a.jehee/ something that way – this is com- do because the Geköes is on the activity we should respect each pletely contrary. land here every day, whereas the other and collaborate. I think If you listen to this webcast archived stream, please use the donation The Gakyil, Geköes, and all Gakyil cannot meet daily. these things are very important; if button to generously offer a (small or bigger) financial contribution people in authority are doing a Sometimes when there are you are on the Gakyil you should towards the webcasts, as an individual or as a group. kind of service – if you have that important and urgent things to be remember them and then every- idea then there is never any prob- done and it seems that the Geköes thing can be done in a perfect Thank you. lem and everything goes well. should take this responsibility the way. That is what I think. Kind regards, Particularly, the Geköes must be Gakyil does not agree and wants Loek Jehee very patient; this is one of the to maintain its authority. If you Recorded and transcribed by qualities of a Geköes. If someone are going this way, nothing can be Dick Drury has no patience they really cannot done. Also, when there are urgent Edited by Naomi Zeitz

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 3 Easter Retreat at Margarita Island The Principle of the View beyond Conceptual Mind with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu by Kathy Cullen Teachings, was Venezuelan people taught for the first attended, older and he April time in Margarita two new students alike. Retreat in Mar- years ago, and again Rinpoche, as always, Tgarita Island in Baja at the begin- went over all aspects was one in which ning of April. It cov- of Dharma and prac- Rinpoche taught, for ers the main points of tice in daily life, as the first time, a most the view. This shorter well as giving direct profound and impor- work taught here in transmission and nec- tant text from his April, more briefly essary transmissions Longsal cycle and precisely, for Community prac- that concisely lays explains all of phe- tices. It was good to down the Dzogchen nomenon. We were be with everyone in view, Tawa Lode all very fortunate to the retreat, in the Chenpoi Gongpa. It hear this. At the end pueblo, and on the is one of two texts of the teaching, the beach. And the last within this cycle thus text was offered to day, as we left the far that pertains to Tibetologists for Gonpa, there was a view. The other translation, so it will bright rainbow round Mothers and daughters at Gomadevi Retreat (author of this article with her daughter 1st person standing on the left) N ZEITZ longer work, con- at some point be the sun, as seems to tained in Volume 4 available for all. often be the case. It is The Seduction of I like this - but I don’t like that! the catastrophe were hopelessly (the blue book) of the It was also a retreat in always so very beau- Clarity This is nice – that is ugly! drifting in the glacier cold water published Longsal which a number of tiful. This is elegant – that is clumsy! on some wooden beams from the This is fun – that is boring! shipwreck, before most of them Longsal Retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Gomadevi Retreat with’ This is fortunate – that is bad drowned. Lost in these film May 13 - 18, 2004 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu luck! imageries, suddenly, a sentence March 15 – 21, 2004 Tashigar Norte, Margarita Island, Venezuela This is intelligent – that is stupid! that Rinpoche said on the very This is altruistic – that is egoistic! first day of the retreat, flew by Rosemary Friend as it is. Rinpoche inside the construc- by Angelica Pottkaemper This is sacred – that is mundane! trough my mind, like and arrow: described how often tion chaos of the This is – that is samsara! “Relax: no thinking any bout 140 we apply with emo- extension work for urprise! Surprise! So eleven days later – after more!” people fil- tion and attachment the Gonpa. This the retreat – I realized that the Immediately I knew that was tered into and there is no bene- extraordinary teach- teachings were directly targeting my sentence. These words and S th A It was late afternoon on the 11 Tashigar Norte for fit. ing is part of direct my fortress and cutting through their meaning were like my per- the May Longsal For people who have introduction and is of March of the Wood Monkey the eternal battle between “this” sonal helicopter that could lift me retreat. I think we the capacity to self very important for Year. I was coming by national and “that”, between the nice out of being trapped in my were all astounded to liberate thought and knowledge of instant airline Aeropostal from Caracas green butterfly and the ugly fortress having the battle going on receive even more emotion, he remind- presence. New and and the plane was heading brownish insect. between the nice green butterfly beautiful and pro- ed us of how to inte- old students were towards Porlamar airport. Still The retreat was about sense and the ugly insect. Excited I found teachings than grate and gave us the introduced to the about two thousand feet high up perceptions and how we relate to swam closer to Rinpoche. Being ever. It is as if we are beautiful metaphors state with the prac- in the air, I spied through the them. close, just that moment, I heard edging closer to the of sun evaporating tice of Yeshe plane window and saw under me My “heruka” (decisive expe- him asking: source of an enor- dew drops, Zangthal after which a big shimmering green butterfly rience) about all this happened in “What is stench? And what is mous beautiful light snowflakes into the many aspects of the - Margarita Island had emerged the water element – obviously my perfume?” I could hardly believe blue crystal and ocean and waves view, particularly out of the blue ocean. How could connection to this element was my ears. Rinpoche was talking viewing and experi- continuously mani- energy, were clari- it be so green? So wonderful? supposed to be special. about my trap – my stone age-old encing all of our festing. fied. From the experience of my Rinpoche was swimming trap. potentiality from a For those without We are so apprecia- previous four visits, I had expect- with us in the bay of Zaragosa Amazing! Amazing! different window of this kind of capacity tive to receive more ed the usual grayish, brownish, beach. Its water temperature was I looked up into the vast sky this most exquisitely to self liberate, then of the continuous dusty, insect shaped island. It had of challenging character – some over the ocean…weren’t there faceted jewel. it is useful to go one flow of our Master’s always made me feel disappoint- of us had put on scuba diving out- some dakinis showing up? Yes, I The second and third by one with the dif- heart teachings and ed. I did not admit this, because a fits. Through some trick of my saw them blinking their eyes at days of the retreat ferent emotions. welcome you all to voice inside me demanded me to karma I had not thought of pro- me and waving with mirrors, were dedicated to the Rinpoche described join us here when keep up pure vision and to feel viding myself with such a warm- instruments, and feathers, show- teaching of Chodpa specific methods of and if you are able. happy being part of Tashigar ing device close to the equator, as ing all their characteristics – one Ronyom Chenpoi how to develop our Our wish is that as Norte which happens to be locat- more thoughtful people had done. had – believe it or not - Belgian Mennag - our atti- attitude with the five our precious Master ed on this special Caribbean So I ventured out into the water chocolate in her hand! They were tude of how we inte- emotions of anger, continues to transmit Island. without protection from its ici- the dakinis of sense perceptions, grate in daily life. It attachment, igno- his essential knowl- This time, instead, I looked ness, deeply hoping I would have symbols of non dual sense per- is about our attitude rance, pride and jeal- edge, that his life down on this beautiful green but- some benefit from it, which my ceptions. that is beyond limita- ousy. stream continues in terfly and felt rewarding satisfac- karma had wisely prepared. Stench or perfume? Green tion, same flavor – The mirror of good health and for tion for my previous disillusions. I knew that Gomadevi was butterfly or dusty insect? No where there is noth- Vajrasattva, Dorje many years and that “Nomination for paradise?”, the symbol for clarity, that she more question. No thinking. No ing to change, where Sempe Melong, filled we do justice to his asked the voice. “Wait a was the wisdom and the interpretation. No reifying. Just as we are applying with our next day as we immeasurable gifts. moment!” said some other voice. manifestation of the self perfected it is. our circumstance just sat together just Meanwhile I paid a silent homage state. We had received a wonder- I felt the cold water and tried to the water element that had ful practice from Rinpoche. to relax completely into it. I tried obviously contributed to this mar- Although the complexity of the to get into the coldness of the INTERNATIONALVAJRADANCE velous display of nature. visualization put me in a kind of cold. I tried not to name what was PRACTICE DAY I took all this as an auspicious foggy realm, at least I imagined happening to me, but wanted to July 7th 2004 sign, that the retreat would turn the immense beauty of all these integrate into the essence of my out to be about beauty, that leads vast filled with dakinis. perceptions of cold. Not thinking Dear All, to bliss, or to paradise, since the This beauty was beyond just about it, the coldness lost its We are happy to paintings of the Gomadevi I had being beautiful, it touched a dif- being only cold . It was cold and announce that our pre- seen so far were overwhelmingly ferent dimension and offered a also not cold. Rinpoche was very cious Master Chögyal beautiful and expressed a celestial hint of bliss. So somehow my ini- close and all the dakinis. Namkhai Norbu, has joy. tial guess that the teachings were Now I want to leave my trap indicated July 7th, I had asked around of some about beauty was not completely fortress and fly with my heli- 2004 as a good day to friends in Germany if they knew without ground. copter to the luminous palace of do an international what the teachings were about, But still I was tapping around Gomadevi. Her clarity, which is practice day of the although my voice reminded me vaguely about the essence of the her beauty, has utterly seduced Dance of the Song of the not “to go after titles” as teachings. I knew, I needed an me….I smell the scent of free- Vajra. On that day, we can Rinpoche tells us always, but experience to make the teachings dom. activate all the Mandalas in the nobody had a clue about it. very personal, make them enter world, doing one or more Thuns of The beautiful green butterfly my heart. The practice was sup- the Dance of the Song of the Vajra, according to our circumstances, and the ugly dusty brownish posed to have this effect, but my May our Master live long! generating the light of this precious Teaching for the benefit of all insect however, played their role capacity for visualization lacked sentient beings. as the initial stolperstone over efficiency. Mostly I was too May everybody find their person- May our Master have long life and may all of his Teaching be which I stumbled… obsessed to visualize correctly, so al helicopter! immensely beneficial for all. This stolperstone kept me my mind was tense instead of trapped, as I perceived eleven relaxed. How happy! How Happy! Instructors of the Dance of the Vajra days later. In fact this trap was Meanwhile I was paddling in one of my favorite strategic loca- the relentlessly cold ocean. It tions from which I ruled my little reminded me of the film world. It was the fortress of all “Titanic”. I saw the last scenes of these kinds of voices: the film, when some survivors of

4 Easter Retreat His Holiness the 14th with Yuchen Namkhai & Costantino Albini Miami, Florida, September 2004 Merigar 2004 September 19th - 21st, 2004 A Public Talk on: World Peace through Inner Peace & a Two-Day Buddhist Teaching

Teachings on the Instructions on the Garland of Views (The only written teachings by Padmasambhava)

Long Life Empowerment of the Combined Practice of Amitayus and Hayagriva

Long Life Practice The Glory of Immortality written by Dubthob Chaksampa

Yuchen Namkhai LGRAF Prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Long Life

he Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama requested that Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and the Dzogchen Community do practice for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Each Community needs to Tinform Tashi Lama at [email protected] the number of prayers accumulated. Here are the dates and suggested practices:* July 27th Seven Verses and , as many as possible; July 2nd

LGRAF Kongba of Dharma Palas; (Naggon), as many as possible; Costantino Albini July 6th Longlife practice with Guru Padmasambhava, as many as possible; An Unforgettable Retreat July 21st by Paolo Brunatto Mani and prayer of Tara, as many as possible; November 4th had the great fortune to be able to follow the Green Tara Retreat con- Mani and Prayer of Tara, as many as possible. ducted by Yuchen Namkhai and Costantino Albini held at Merigar Dec. 1st -25th over the Easter period. It is difficult to explain with my inadequate I *Om Mani is the Avalokiteshvara found in the book of Sang-qod;Tara mantra is the mantra Om words what intense feelings I had practicing Green Tara with Yuchen tare tuttare ture svaha; Seven verses is Seven Line Prayer of Padmasambhava in our Thun book; Siddhi is Namkhai. I had the sensation that the omnipresent compassion of Tara the mantra of Padmasambhava found in the book of Sang-quod. was manifesting through the sublime calm and gentleness of Yuchen Namkhai. Even the visualizations - not my strong point - were easier and seemed Master Biography clearer to me. During the retreat the weather was cold and rainy at Merigar and the sky was always cloudy and dark. But when we went DOMBHI HERUKA into the Gonpa and started to practice together with Yuchen, everything THE YOGI WHO RODE ON TIGERS changed and brightened up and a wave of peace and harmony carried us This short account of Dombhi the forest and found the king kingdom, I prefer to govern the to the quiet awareness that the Great Mother, Tara, is our state of con- Heruka’s life has been translated absorbed in contemplation at the space of knowledge of the sciousness or, as Chögyal Namkhai Norbu says,”The state of Tara is from ‘The Lives of the Eighty- foot of a tree. The members of the absolute” and left. Among the Dzogchen”. Four Mahasiddhas’. The instruc- delegation also noticed that his teachings he left is the following Yuchen Namkhai kept almost exclusively to leading the practice and tions that follow are taken from consort was drawing water in a instruction. spoke only a little. But her few words, pure and full of a relaxed spiri- the collected works of Drakpa tuality, were a great source of inspiration to us. They were the words of Gyaltsen, one of the five Sakya The Four Part Instruction on the a true practitioner who has developed a silent devotion towards Tara and Patriarchs. Both translations are Great Bliss of the Teaching thus towards the Master over the years. by Elio Guarisco. Then there were the explanations and advice on the practice of Tara Three are the essences, four the offered by Costantino Albini. As always his explanations were limpid, irupa initiated a pious commitments, three the devia- precise, expressed with great modesty and rooted in a rigorous devotion king of the region of Mag- tions and four the ways of setting to the Teachings of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Vadha into the . He the mind. kept secret both his practice as The three essences are: effortless- well as his attainments. One day, a ness, non-modification and the The Easter Retreat at Merigar group of low-caste musicians knowledge that all one’s percep- by Mandarava Bricaire came to his court to dance and tions are as one’s mind. sing. The leader of the musicians The four commitments are: not to ith the arrival of Easter this year, first and foremost we cele- had a twelve year old daughter, abandon the emotions since they brated the Green Tara practice retreat led by Yuchen Namkhai beautiful and attractive, she pos- are one’s mind; not to apply Wand Costantino Albini. We were all aware that we were about sessed all the signs of being a remedies because the mind is to participate in the first retreat given by Yuchen at Merigar and were all “lotus girl” (padmini). non-dual; not to meditate on the very excited, although few of us realized what a great effect it would The king asked the father to give real condition because the mind have on us. him his daughter. The musician pond from a depth of fifteen cannot be defined; not to seek a During the first hours of the retreat Costantino gave some explanations replied that they were of an infe- meters while standing on a lotus result since the very realization of about the practice, but most of all he presented Green Tara to us in a rior caste and that it was unsuit- leaf, without sinking. [the nature of] mind is itself simple and clear way just as if we didn’t really know who she was. able for the king to keep his The king and his consort came Buddha. Thanks to his explanation we came to know her, first of all, as the moth- daughter. out of the forest riding on a tiger The three deviations are: the devi- er of all beings. In this very simple way we started to learn about the The king was imperative in his using a poisonous snake as a ation of hoping for enlighten- importance of the practice. request, paid the father a price whip. The subjects pleaded with ment, the deviation of fearing a With this thought in mind, Yuchen went over the , the melodies equivalent to the weight of the the king to return to power, but he conditioned existence and, the and meaning of the practice step by step. Together Costantino and daughter in gold and took her said that since he was an outcast, deviation of grasping at phenom- Yuchen also explained all the other meanings of the practice for exam- with him. She remained at the only his death could wash that enal vision. ple; the reason Tara is green and not another color. The reason is that, court without anybody knowing concept away from them. He The four ways of setting the mind since she is the mother of all, Tara has the same compassion and love that she was the secret consort of asked them to burn him and his are: like a limpid and unsullied that a mother has towards her own children and therefore she manifests the king. After twelve years, peo- consort on a fire and said that he pond, leave the mind in relaxed immediately and is ready to help right away. Hence she is as fast as the ple came to know the truth and would govern once he was presence, without modifying any- wind, like the air element, which is green in color. started to criticize the king for his reborn. thing; like a bird that leaves no With this thought foremost in our minds we passed the retreat in peace, relationship with a woman of a The people prepared a huge pyre trace in the sky, leave the mind but with enthusiasm, to see Yuchen and Costantino teaching together in lower caste. The king decided to of sandalwood and set the two without any support; like the sun such a simple yet powerful way. All those present, including the orga- abdicate in favor of his son. He inside. The fire blazed for seven that is not obstructed by clouds, nizers, were very moved and the retreat had a pleasant and quiet atmos- went to live in a forest with his days and at the end in the place of leave the six consciousnesses phere. This Tara retreat was also particularly useful and very effective. consort, where he remained in the fire there was a lotus flower relaxed on their objects without Some days the weather was good, other days it was cloudy, but it rained contemplation for twelve years. and on the top the king and his stopping them; like a river whose only on the final day of the retreat as if to thank and greet Yuchen, After sometime misfortune befell consort alive and in the form of flow is continuous, at all times Costantino and all the numerous participants! the kingdom to the point that the Hevajra. and in all circumstances remain ministers decided to call the king Dombhipa spoke to his ministers undistracted. back. They sent a delegation into and said, “Rather then a worldly

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 5 Shang-Shung I n s t i t u t e

Study Tours Jordania: Vienna/Amman/Kolkata/Amman/Vienna Organized by including all taxes. In case of individual arrival at Shang- Shung Institute, Austria Kolkata please deduct 596 Euro.- from the tour prize. Flights with Drukair Kolkata/Paro/Kolkata One important task of the Shang- Shung Institute is incl. all taxes, all transfers, entrance-fees, accomoda- to organize study tours to Asia. We are very pleased tion in hotels (3-stars and 4-stars) with full board in to announce our first tour to Bhutan, in collaboration Bhutan, half board in Vedic Village and bed & break- with ANDREA-TOURS. fast in Kolkata and qualified tour guidance

Important note: for summer 2005 we are planning a Not included: Visa fees for India ( 50 Euro.) and for tour to Mount Kailsah Bhutan ( 20. Euro - to be paid in cash at the airport in Paro), extra options for city tour in Kolkata, Spa Bhtuan and Ayurvedic treatments at the Vedic Village resort, Into the Land of the Thunder Dragon tips and personal expenses. September 17 –October 3, 2004 Tour-Guide Dr. Loseries-Leick lives in Graz in Austria. She stud- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu with Translators ied Tibetology, Art History and Anthropology in Second Translation self: a Tantra of the Dzogchen Paris, Shantiniketan (India) and Vienna. She has Training at Semde, called the Wondrous lived and studied in India (Bengal) for 10 years and Margarita Island, . The text is difficult to during this time she also received instructions on Venezuela understand, but at the same time from Indian and Tibetan mas- May 2004 it is a wonderful and mind blow- ters. As Dr. Loseries-Leick speaks fluently Tibetan, ing piece of Dzogchen teaching. Bengali and Hindi which facilitates an easy and by Elio Guarisco All participants are totally enthu- close contact with local people. siastic just looking at this text. The Second Translation Training The second part of the Training Contact address for further infoamtion regadring organized by the Shang-Shung will probably continue for few this study-tour: Institute of Austria started at days on the same text and then General information ANDREA-TOURS Margarita Island on May 20th, shift to a more accessible piece of The small kingdom BHUTAN is situated in the Dr. Andrea Loseries-Leick 2004. The training is divided in literature: a Kongtrul masterpiece Eastern Himalaya and known to its inhabitants Franckstraße 31, A-8010 Graz two parts: the first that is current- in verses outlining the major (600.000) as Druk yül‚ the “Land of the Thunder Tel./Fax +43 316 32 16 29, mobile: +43 676 6032 ly under way from May 20 to points of the Kyerim and Dragon”. It has preserved one of the most complex 961 June 10 and the second from June Dzogrim stage of practice in the cultural identities of the world, where on the basis of Email: [email protected] 24 to July 15. It is being held at an Anuttaratantra system. This work Tantric Mahayana Buddhism, the official state reli- Web: www.andreatours.at ideal place, a three minutes drive is particularly beautiful and gion, a policy of economic self-reliance is practiced, from the Gar. The place has all seems to have been written by ‘National growth of happiness’ (NGO). The land- Registration the necessary conditions for this Kongtrul as a summary of his per- scapes are of enchanting beauty and great diversity, In order to take part in this tour you have to fill out kind of work: a beautifully built sonal experience of the practice there is sufficient land and rich natural resources for and sign the Registration-Sheet. You also have to house that provides respite from of the two stages of the Tantra. a small population. Facing the glowing snow peaks make an immediate pre-payment of 350 Euro -, the the heat surrounded by fruit trees Full of personal advice on prac- at the borders of Tibet long mountain ranges are cov- rest must be paid until 1st August 2004. and flowering trees. The front of tice, often the text extends to ered with dense forests in 4000m and the character- the house has a large porch and a enlightening comments and par- istic terraced fields in the valleys descend into the Please send you registration-sheet either by post or spacious hall where people can allels to the Dzogchen system of jungles of the South. This provides the backdrop to a by fax to: work quietly. practice. way of life that combines deep spirituality with the It is situated at the innermost It is such a wonderful opportunity challenges of the modern world. Shang Shung Institute Austria extremity of the cup-like mandala to participate such a beautiful set- We have arranged for visits to the great fortresses of Gschmaier 139, A-8265 Großsteinbach area of Pedro Gonzales, which ting, appearing like a sudden and Bhutan (Dzong) and have obtained special permis- Tel.: +43 3386 83218, mobile: +43 676 3221365 Rinpoche chose as the seat of the temporary flash of lightning in sion to enter the closed temples compounds. The fab- Fax: +43 3386 83219 northern South American Gar. the sky. The Translation Training ulous mask dances in Gangteng Monastery and E-mail: [email protected] Everybody is happy and enjoying is the boundless gift of Bumthang, inspired by the visions of the great this particular setting. Rinpoche’s kindness, hard to ‘Treasure-Finder’ Terton Pema Lingpa (1450-1521), About ten participants, including repay, and sustained by Shang- are the highlights of this expedition into a magic Bankdetails Jim Valby are attending the train- Shung Institute of Austria to who- world. The last days we spend in a Vedic Village Name of the bank: Raiffeisenbank Ilz ing. Adriano Clemente participat- ever wants to delve into the ocean Resort at the outskirts of Kolkata. Situated at the bor- Bankcode: 38151 ed enthusiastically during the first of meaning of the Dzogchen der of a beautiful lake, the spa specialises in Accountnumber: 30387 in the name of Shang Shung two days of the training. and be an instrument for Ayurvedic treatments and offers a completely differ- Institute The text being used as the basis the comprehension and the ent insight into the ‘City of Joy ’ BIC: RZSTAT2G151 for the first part of the training preservation of the teaching of IBAN: AT193815100000030387 was suggested by Rinpoche him- natural perfection. Price When you transfer the money within the EU please 3195 Euro.- per person use the BIC (Bank Identification Code) and the IBAN (International Bank Account Number). In that Minimum participants: 10 people The Shang-Shung Institute is happy to announce the release of way the costs of the bank transfer are the same as a Single suppl.: 238 Euro.- the new video of the Vajra Dance, demonstrated by Prima Mai. It con- bank transfer within your country. This price includes: International flights with Royal tains all the Vajra Dances currently practiced in our Community:

Message from Shang Shung Institute that are operated at a loss. The Vajra Dance of the Song of the Vajra USA, I think it would be nice if that “sense of union” that The Vajra Dance of the Liberation of the Six Lokas Web Casts we experience in enjoying the event would also find The Vajra Dance of the Three Vajras its reflection in an equivalent collective effort in the The Vajra Dance of the Three Vajras - Irregular form It was so nice to hear that in most cases the web cast financial effort for its actual realization. I would, was a great success and that, once again, the Sangha therefore, invite all Sangha members to consider the for both Pamo and Pawo. at the four corners of the planet has been united, possibility of a small donation - a donation of any gathering around multiple speakers delivering in amount, for no donation “is a small donation” - to This new video shows important updates to the Vajra Dance resulting our houses, Gonpas and who knows where else, the express their gratitude and satisfaction for the event from many in-depth study sessions conducted by Chögyal Namkhai sacred wisdom of our Teacher. This incredible addi- also in more practical terms. My request is not only Norbu in August 2002 and 2003 on the Mandala in Merigar, with our tional gift that Rinpoche’s is to us is of to individuals who have listened to the web cast on two Vajra Dance main Teachers, Prima Mai and Adriana Dal Borgo. unprecedented spiritual and historical significance. their own, but also to groups that have been listen- We know that these events happen through the ing collectively and where a simple “collection The new video is available in DVD disc format. VHS cassettes can be efforts and dedication of a number of persons who, bowl” in the middle of the room and a few words supplied on request, but we would recommend the DVD since this through their hard work, transform ideas and good could suffice to attract some form of donation. format offers many advantages besides the better video quality, i.e. a intentions into realities. We certainly wish to menu from which one can select the Dance one wants to watch and express them our thanks and gratitude for making Donations can be done on line at the link: slow/fast motion that can be used with ease. such events happening for the benefit of all of us. http://shangshung.org/cgi-bin/merchant2/mer- However, it it is good to remind the Sangha that chant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=S The price is 30 Euros including mailing expenses to anywhere in the these events do have an actual cost that is covered SS&Category_Code=D or simply by mailing a world. A 15 % discount will be applied on orders for 5 or more units. up front by the Shang-Shung Institute in America - check made in the name of: SHANG-SHUNG Community Gars can contact us to receive special terms for local re- that conceived and promoted the web casts project INSTITUTE IN AMERICA to: sale. since the beginning - counting on the generosity of Shang-Shung Institute In America the Sangha’s voluntary donations to contribute to PO Box 277 You can place your orders online through the SSI Archives web site. the expense. 18 Schoolhouse Road For more information or any assistance please write to Unfortunately, this does not seem to be happening Conway, MA 01341 [email protected]. and the most recent web casts have resulted in less USA than modest contributions, leaving to the Institute Tashi Delegs, the entire financial responsibility of the web casts Thank you, Andrea Sertoli The SSI Video Department Staff

6 SSI Italy Course of WRITTEN & SPOKEN TIBETAN Shang- Shung Institute taught by Elio Guarisco Program 2004 MERIGAR: USA August 13-27, 2004 Tibetan Medicine INTENSIVE ASTROLOGY COURSE The Shang Shung Institute is organizing a course of spoken and lit- Course Tsegyalgar July18th-August1st erary Tibetan. The course is open to all those who wish to learn the Intensive course of Tibetan astrology with Doctor Phuntsog Tibetan language, both scholars and non-scholars. The course will August 20-Sept 3, 2004 Wangmo, resident doctor at the Shang-Shung Institute in the USA. provide the basis for being able to express oneself in Tibetan or read The course primarily deals with the two main systems diffused in this ancient and modern texts in the language. very ancient discipline: zodiac astrology and the astrology of the five The course will take place in the new reading room of the library at The Foundation Course in elements. At the end of the seminar the student will be able to calcu- Merigar and will be given by Elio Guarisco who will be flanked by Tibetan Medicine, Year 1, late an astrological chart and understand the fundamental principles other Tibetan assistants. taught by Dr. Phuntsog of Tibetan astrology This initiative by the Shang Shung Institute is the first step in an Wangmo at Tsegyalgar, Participation Fees: 750 Euros ambitious program of study of the Tibetan language which will con- Conway, MA, (USA) has been Timetable: h.10-13, h.15-18 tinue for several years and which aims to create specialists in the lan- rescheduled to August 20th to guage as well as Tibetologists. September 3rd. Two three- SHANG-SHUNG INSTITUTE OFFERS SPANISH COURSE Cost: 500 Euro hour classes will be taught For those who have already visited Margarita Island or who intend to daily. go, the Shang Shung Institute in Italy is offering a week’s intensive Information and reservations: course of Spanish. Vera Svanferla who lived in Mexico for twenty Milan: National Certification years and uses the most up to date teaching methods will give lessons. Elisa Copello tel. 0233607505, email: [email protected], mob.: Commission for Acupuncture The course will be held from the 28th August till the 3rd of 3387027207 and Oriental Medicine September and how to continue will depend on the needs and possi- Rome: Anna Marie Clos: tel. 065885142, email: [email protected] Continuing Education credits bilities of the participants. The aim of the course will be to enable stu- Austria & Germany: Oliver Leick: email:[email protected] are available. Tuition is $800. dents to move in the area of Margarita Island with some ease of com- Merigar: the secretary of the Shang Shung Institute: tel.0564966941, Dorm accommodations are munication. email: [email protected] available for $15 per night. The course will be held after the Tibetan language course at the Karma Ling: tel. 00330479257800; email: [email protected] , Institute at Merigar and will consist of 6 hours of lessons a day. [email protected] Course Outline Participation fees: 250 Euro England: Peter White, [email protected] Contact: Naples: Fabio Risolo, [email protected] Level 1 The Physical Secretary Condition and its Pathological Shang-Shung Institute, Merigar Alteration Tel: (39) 0564966941, Email: [email protected] Shang-Shung assistants for Dr. Nida 1st Part Institute Chenagtsang in order to 1. History of Tibetan CALENDAR OF TEACHING ACTIVITIES 2003-2004 Italy - Meet the continually growing Medicine. DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE Courses for Training demands for Ku Nye instruction 1.1.Origins of Tibetan medi- SHANG -SHUNG INSTITUTE, ITALY Ku Nye instructors around the world cine MERIGAR: June 30-July 6 - Offering a concrete opportuni- 1.2 Translation of medical First intensive training course for instructors of KU NYE first level ty of work to those who are cho- treatises of other countries From the moment the 1.2 The first school of medi- focussed on developing theory in the morning and gaining some clin- Department of Medicine started sen as instructors after attending ical practice in the afternoon under the supervision of Dr. Nida. Only the training courses and passing cine in Tibet organizing seminars of tradi- 1.3 The introduction of new students chosen by the teacher and the directors of the Institute will tional Tibetan Massage, the the exam. be admitted to the course. The training program will be presented elements into Tibetan medi- interest for Ku Nye courses has cine during the course been constantly growing. As a Organization and Structure of Cost: 500 Euro Courses given by Instructors: 1.4 The schools of Jang and result, a school was set up with Zur: the two traditions in the a precise structure, manuals, RUSSIA – KUNSANGAR: July 8-August 4 Both first and second level development of Tibetan medi- videos, intermediate and final cine Intensive course of KU NYE & Mantra Healing. examinations and whatever courses will last for seven days each. 1.5 The medical profession in necessary to train professionals Ancient Tibet ROME: September 11-12 able to practice Ku Nye inde- Instructors will not give third Fifth part of the course of KU NYE first level level courses since the com- pendently. Courses started orig- 2. The theory of the four ele- inally at Merigar, in Milan and plexity of the topic requires a MERIGAR: September 18-24 great deal of experience. Third ments and the three humours. Rome, but with increasing 2.1 The four elements Second part of the intensive FIRST YEAR COURSE OF TRADI- demands coming from Austria, level courses will only be given TIONAL TIBETAN MEDICINE by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang. 2.2 The three humours Australia and Russia, the Shang 2.3 The wind A four-year program. Shung Institute has also set up In the future, courses given by instructors will be organized by 2.4 The bile courses in France, Germany, 2.5 The phlegm MERIGAR: September 25-29 Great Britain and in other the Shang Shung Institute, Five day intensive course of DREAMS & MEDICINE which will provide teaching Italian towns like Naples. 3. The metaphoric trees of the Cost: 250 Euro Due to these numerous commit- material, office work, organiza- tion and all the know-how that Fundamental Treatise ments, at the moment the 3.1 The root of physiology and OCTOBER Institute cannot accept other has developed during many GERMANY: October 1-10 years experience in organizing pathology invitations for Doctor Nida to 3.2 The root of the diagnosis Intensive course of KU NYE FIRST LEVEL teach elsewhere because his courses. Moreover, the Institute guarantees that the authenticity 3.3 The root of the methods of schedule is really full. As a treatments BOLOGNA, ITALY: October 15 result, it is quite urgent to form of the teachings will be main- Lecture on Tibetan medicine and massage tained. a team of qualified instructors 4. General physiology Libreria Ibis of Cesare Pilati able to: Just as with instructors of Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance, 4.1 Embryology a)Give courses where needed 4.2 Physiology and pathology ROME: October 16-17 b)Act as supervisors following those individuals who are cho- Sixth and final weekend of the course of KU NYE first level sen as Ku Nye instructors will 4.3 Physiological characteris- students in their practice, pro- tics viding suitable suggestions and hold their first course under the FLORENCE: October 23-24 checking their work. supervision of a representative Birth and pregnancy according to traditional Tibetan medicine of the Institute. 5. Blood vessels and channels Cost: 120 Euro 5.1 The channels in the embry- For this reason the Shang Shung ology Venue: Lycopodium Studi medici Institute has decided to organize Preferential criteria to consider Tel. 055483463 in selecting future instructors 5.2 The channels of existence the first training course for Ku 5.3 The interconnecting chan- Nye instructors from June 30th Fluency and clarity in present- ENGLAND: October 27-31 ing different topics of the course nels to July 6th at Merigar according 5.4 The channels of the lifes- Intensive course of MANTRA HEALING to the following guidelines: to students Knowledge of at least one for- pan principle ENGLAND: November 2-11 eign language. 5.5 The channels in the eso- Courses for instructors are teric tradition Intensive course of KU NYE FIRST LEVEL aimed at: In-depth practical and theoreti- - Training individuals to be able cal knowledge of Ku Nye. ROME: November 13-14 Keeping to the topic being 6 The wind and the thigle to give Ku Nye courses in 6.1 The wind First part of KU NYE second level accordance with what has been taught without mixing it with The course will start with a theoretical/practical exam of admission. other disciplines. 6.2 The thigle or quintessence learned during three years of of reproductive fluids Cost: 750 Euro for the entire course of six weekends including all study teaching material - Giving an opportunity to those Contact: 7. Metaphors and measure- who do not wish to teach to ments of the human body NAPLES: November 26-28 deepen their knowledge and Secretary First part of KU NYE first level Shang-Shung Institute, Merigar 7.1. Metaphors of the vulnera- improve their individual work ble points Cost: 720 Euro for the entire course including teaching material in the field of Ku Nye Tel: (39) 0564966941, Email: [email protected] 7.2 Description of the vulnera- - Spreading knowledge of this ble points DECEMBER 2004 – FEBRUARY 17, 2005: ancient therapeutic art through- TOUR in AUSTRALIA with Dr. Nida out Italy and abroad by creating schedule continued on next page

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 7 SSI USA continued from previous page

7.3 The measures of the bodily constituents

8. Human categories

9. Physical decay 9.1 The rationale for the indi- cations of physical decay 9.2. Prognosis based on omens 9.3. Dream prognosis 9.4 Prognosis based on the appearance and the humour of the patient

2nd Part 1 The (primary) cause of ill- nesses 2 The (secondary) causes of illnesses 3 The inception of illnesses 4 Definition of illness through the three aspects: excess, defi- ciency and imbalance of the three humours 5 Classification of types of ill- nesses

The course will provide an excellent opportunity to learn the principles of Tibetan Medicine directly from one of the few Tibetan-trained doc- tors teaching in the west. The material is essential for those interested in studying Tibetan Medicine, and recommended for all holistic health practi- tioners. A Flying Start Four-Year Intensive Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo Traditional Tibetan Medicine Course received her advanced degree with Dr Nida Chenagtsang from the Lhasa University Shang--Shung Institute, Arcidosso, Italy School of Traditional May 9 – 16, 2004 Medicine in 1988. by Maria Locsei For registration and more information contact: May saw the first installment of teachings for Shang Shung Institute in Dr. Nida’s four-year Traditional Tibetan America Medicine course. There were 14 keen and Tel: (413) 369-4928 eager students from all over the world gath- Email: [email protected] ered at Merigar for 8 days. We were not disap- Web site: www.shangshung.org pointed. In Dr. Nida’s typical eloquent, humorous yet understated style, he opened our in humility and embarrassment eyes to the incredibly rich and diverse world for many of us! However, this of Traditional Tibetan Medicine. strict and structured approach cer- We gathered in the bright, lofty reading-room COURTESY OF S RIECKE tainly brought about good results at Merigar, surrounded by hundreds of books rise to a rich spiritual tradition. In addition, each year, with copious clinical homework set – we retained most of that valu- in glass cabinets and intricate paintings of styl- Bon gave rise to the Twelve Branches of in between times. The final year of training able information! ized trees with colourful leaves on the walls. Science - two of these branches comprised will involve study and practice in a Traditional Then there were many lighter These trees were to become our intimate com- Medicine and Astrology. Subsequently, physi- Tibetan Medicine hospital in Tibet, in the moments, such as our very first panions and trusted guides on the path to cians specialized in, and elaborated upon this Amdo area. Towards this end, the students are urine analysis. One of the strong, learning and memorizing the Four Tantras – knowledge, which has culminated in the body currently also undertaking Tibetan language healthy and unabashed males in the academic basis of Traditional Tibetan of knowledge now known as Traditional studies. the group kindly peed into a bot- Medicine (TTM). The trees - with their roots, Tibetan Medicine. This course presented by the Shang-Shung tle and donated the first sample. I trunks, branches and leaves – form a visual We learned about the physical composition of Institute is the only course in TTM currently don’t think most of us had been guide to the divisions and chapters of the writ- the body – the seven bodily constituents, the running in Europe designed for a general audi- quite that close to such a potent ten medical texts and their commentaries. three humours, how they circulate through the ence.The aim of Dr. Nida’s course is to pro- steaming urine before. It was Traditionally, students learn to draw these body, and how the balance of these humours is duce fully qualified TTM doctors by the end enough to make the eyes water. trees by memory, and in so doing, become vital to maintaining the health of the organism. of the 4 - 5 years. The final year of training “BILE constitution!” we all cried familiar with the academic content thus sum- We also learned about the five elements, the will involve study and practice in a Traditional unanimously. marised. physical and the much more subtle energetic Tibetan Medicine hospital in Tibet, in the It was a very intense, inspiring Our minds were filled to overflowing with the play of these purified essences – how they Amdo area. and enlightening eight days. It history and origins of Tibetan medicine – the give rise to and energize the body. It was an The 14 students in attendance came from a has been a great pleasure and also rich braid of culture and natural science woven awesome exposition of the basic concepts of variety of backgrounds, including midwifery, a great privilege to receive the from four major sources: Bön, Buddhism, the physical and subtle anatomy of the human physiotherapy, teaching, herbalism, distillation of four thousand years Observation of Non-human natural phenome- body. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Music therapy, of Tibetan Medical Knowledge na, and Observation of Human life-cycles. It It was also a whirlwind tour of the indigenous and Western Medicine. Most - but not all - had from such an inspirational and soon became clear that TTM is the distillation culture; showing how TTM is a part of the some sort of background in the healing arts. dedicated teacher as Dr. Nida. of an ancient naturalistic science, a far cry Tibetan cosmology; an integral part of the Most of the students had a prior connection Not only does he have a very from the simple folk medicine or herbal lore twelve Natural sciences, which seeks to under- with Dr Nida, having attending one or another direct way of imparting a huge that has been portrayed to the outside world by stand the way that the human organism needs of his courses in some part of the world. The body of information, giving his the uninitiated. We learned about the most to remain in harmony with the rest of the course was taught in English (with absolutely students the skills to put this famous of the Tibetan physicians: their break- Universe in order to maintain equilibrium and brilliant translation into Italian – many thanks knowledge to immediate applica- throughs, contributions, and legacies that are health. We arrived at the understanding that to Alessandra P!) It was a great pleasure to be tion, but – most importantly - he to be found in texts and thankas. We marveled the microcosm of the body represents the among such an internationally diverse, highly also conveys the essence of the at reproductions of the most intricate thankas - macrocosm; the five elements which bring motivated and focused group of students. tradition and - which paintings of the human anatomy and vast col- into being all of the world are the five ele- Dr. Nida is an extremely demanding taskmas- breathes life into these teachings. lections of herbal lore. It was impressed upon ments of which we are composed, the subtle ter! After eight intensive hours of face-to-face We look forward to continuing us that the most remarkable and insightful aspects of which form the basis of our bodies. instruction, he would set us another two hours’ our studies and practice in order physicians were not just good diagnosticians, This course, which is presented by the Shang- homework of drawing trees, analyzing our to soon become fully-fledged but also very highly accomplished spiritual Shung Institute, is the only course in TTM cur- learning-partner’s constitution, shaking up Tibetan Medicine Practitioners. practitioners. rently running in Europe. The aim of the bottles of urine, drawing up detailed nutrition- Many Thanks to Dr. Nida, Shang- We also learned about the ancient Bön tradi- course is to produce fully qualified TTM doc- al plans, or simply memorizing the day’s Shung Institute, and Chögyal tion, that this was not simply an animistic or tors by the end of the four to five years. For the teachings. Not just that, but he would then ver- Namkhai Norbu, for creating this shamanistic tradition; but how the Bön practi- initial four years, intensive training takes place baly test each of us, individually, in front of invaluable opportunity to study tioners were the first meditators, thus giving face-to-face for one or two intensive seminars the rest of the class the next morning. A lesson Traditional Tibetan Medicine!

8 july 2004 special practice calendar Tsegyalgar Bookstore Conway, Massachusetts International Transmission Day, July 26 & 27, 2004 *** Our New Books Include ANNIVERSARY OF PADMASAMBHAVA On this day, Rinpoche will transmit and throughout the world people who do the practice at the same Tibetan Calendar for the moment will be in the transmission and will thus receive the transmission. Wood Monkey Year (2003-2004) 6th Tibetan month - 10th day $12US Celebration at 8 a.m. Oddiyana time. Pocket agenda containing concise indications of the Monday 26th July 2004 practices recommended by 17:00 Hawaii Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 20:00 San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver for special days, astrologi- 21:00 Denver, Salt Lake City, Pagosa Springs, Edmonton cal data of the Tibetan 22:00 Lima, Quito, Chicago, Mexico City Calendar and the individ- 23:00 Caracas, San Juan, Santiago, New York, Conway, Montreal, Atlanta, Detroit, Havana, ual aspects for those born Kingston, Indianapolis, Ottawa between 1912-2003. Indispensable for finding Tuesday 27th July 2004 out favorable and unfavor- 00:00 Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Bermuda able days for daily activi- 03:00 GMT, Reykjavic, ties. 04:00 London, Dublin, Lisbon 05:00 Johannesburg, Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Brussels, Geneva, The Necklace of Zi Prague, Salzburg, Stockholm, Budapest, Vienna, Warsaw $17US 06:00 Kuwait City, Riyadh, Tashkent, Helsinki, Athens, Ankara, Beirut, Jerusalem, Tallinn, Vilnius, The Necklace of Zi (gzi yi phreng ba) is the revised and extended Istanbul text of a lecture given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in 1975 to the 07:00 Moscow, Murmansk, Baghdad annual meeting of young Tibetans in Switzerland. Besides an 08:00 ODDIYANA, Islamabad analysis of the Tibetan history and language this title deals in a 08:30 New Delhi, Bombay simple but very meaningful way with the crucial topic of the har- 08:45 Kathmandu monious union of Tibetan Dharma and politics. 09:00 Dacca 09:30 Rangoon Dzogchen Teachings in Gutenstein, Austria 10:00 Bangkok, Jakarta, Saigon $17US 11:00 Singapore, Beijing, Lhasa, Manila, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Perth This book contains the transcription of the whole retreat held in 12:00 Tokyo, Seoul, Gutenstein on June 12-14, 1998, including the oral teachings on 12:30 Darwin, Adelaide the Daki Mantri text of Thangtong Gyalpo belonging to the 13:00 Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney Longsal Cycle which is the collection of Chögyal Namkhai 14:00 Vladivostok Norbu’s rediscovered teachings (see Longsal Teachings, Vol. 1, 15:00 Fiji, Wellington, Auckland, Kamchatka Shang Shung Edizioni 2001). It contains the Tibetan text and a useful glossary of Tibetan names and words. 5th Month, 14th day Thu. 1st July 2004 This is an important day for the practice of Ekajati, so try to do a long or medium Tun collectively or NEW!! Guru Yoga of White A by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu alone, reciting the heart mantra of Ekajati as many times as possible. The practice sung by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and repeated three times. It includes an extract of the 1985 teachings in Nevada City. 5th Month, 15th day Fri. 2nd July 2004 72 Minutes. FULL MOON. This is a special day for the Long life practice of Amitayus, so you can do the Long life Instituto Shang Shung $21.50 Order#: 10045 practice "Union of Primordial Essences". The best moment to do it is between 7 and 8 in the morning, if possible, either collectively or alone. If you can, try to a Ganapuja as well. NEWCD’S It is also the Dzamling Chisang (Lit. smoke puja of the world in general) so if you know how to do it, you can do the Sanqod (Sangchod) in the morning. NEW!! Tsok Gye: The Long Ganapuja by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 5th Month, 25th day Monday 12th July 2004 The entire Ganapuja practice, sung by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. This is a Dakini day as well as an important day for the practice of Ekajati, so try to do a Ganapuja or a The long invocations to Ekajati and Dorje Legpa are included. Long Thun collectively with your Vajra brothers and sisters, or a Medium Thun alone. In either case Recorded during a collecticve practice in Merigar, 1998. 51 recite the heart mantra of Ekajati as many times as possible. Minutes. Instituto Shang Shung 5th Month, 30th day Sat. 17th July 2004 $21.50 Order#: 10046 DARK MOON. This is a day for purification practices. It is best to do the Purification of the Six Lokas either collectively or alone, preferably in the early morning. Otherwise you can do a medium or short NEW!! Ati Lamgyi Ngöndro Tun or a Ganapuja. MP3 by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 6th Month, 4th day Wed. 21st July 2004 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s This is the anniversary of the (the first turning of the Wheel of the Dharma): the first time teachings given in Merigar, that Buddha Sakyamuni gave the teaching of the to his disciples at , after his August 2002. An audio CD illumination. To honor the Lord Buddha on this special day you can do a Ganapuja with your Vajra of the practice led by brothers and sisters. Adriano Clemente is also included. 5 Hours 49 6th Month, 10th day Tue. 27th July 2004*** Minutes. Today is the anniversary of the birth of Padmasambhava. On this day when it is 8 am in Oddiyana Instituto Shang Shung Chögyal Namkhai Norbu will give the transmission of Guruyoga with the specific practice linked to the $35.00 Order#: 10047 anniversary of Padmasambhava. In this way the transmission will be alive because the transmission has no distance. Rinpoche will transmit and throughout the world people who do the practice at the same NEW!! Green Tara CD-ROM by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu moment will be in the transmission and will thus receive the transmission. (In Italy, this practice will The entire teaching Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gave in Peru in the be done at 5 am.) year 2002. One can choose to listen and to view Rinpoche’s expla- It is also the anniversary of Yeshe Tsogyal, the main consort and disciple of Padmasambhava so it will nation, or follow him while he performs the practice. Drawings of be beneficial to do a Guruyoga of Padmasambhava with the Long life mantra and a Ganapuja as we usu- the mudras, images for visualization, and the complete text of the ally do, otherwise you can do the Long life practice "Union of Universal Wisdom". practice are all included. 3 Hours 20 Minutes. For Windows only. Instituto Shang Shung $30.00 Order#: 10048 SEE THE GLOBAL TIMETABLE ABOVE

NEW!! Guru Yoga of White A by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 6th Month, 14th day Fri. 30th July 2004 The practice sung by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and repeated This is the anniversary of the Third , Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339), a disciple of Rigdzin three times. It includes an extract of the 1985 teachings in Chenpo Kumaradza and a famous master of Dzogchen Upadesa. On this day it is good to do Akar Lamai Nevada City. 72 Minutes. Naljor, Guruyoga with the White A, collectively or alone. Instituto Shang Shung $21.50 Order # 10045 6th Month, 15th day Sat. 31st July 2004 A vast back catalog of books and other Dharma supplies for the FULL MOON. This is the anniversary of Gampopa, the main disciple of Milarepa, founder of the Dzogchen Community also available. Kagyupa School and author or "The Precious Ornament of Liberation". It is, therefore, an excellent day to do Akar Lamai Naljor, the Guruyoga with the White A. It is also good to do the Long life practice To place an order or to request a free catalog please contact: "Union of Primordial Essences" of Guru Amitayus and, if possible, a Ganapuja. Anna Tel: 413-369-4473 Email: [email protected]

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 9 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS

MERIGAR m e r i g a r Dzogchen Community in ITALY 58031 Arcidosso GR, Italy Tel.:++39 0564 966837 MERIGAR PROGRAM 2004 Email: [email protected] PLEASE NOTE THAT IN THE LAST ISSUE OF THE MIRROR THE DATES OF TWO ACTIVITIES Web site: ON THE PROGRAM WERE INCORRECT: http://web.tiscalinet.it/merigar THE SMS RETREAT SHOULD BE JULY 16-AUGUST 12 NOT JULY 17-AUGUST 15. There’s Still Time THE IN-DEPTH VAJRA DANCE COURSE WITH PRIMA MAI WILL BE HELD NOVEMBER 26-30 NOT Participate in the Base Level Santi Maha Sangha Practice Retreat OCTOBER 1-5. with Jim Valby, Prima Mai, Laura Evangelisti and Rita Renzi Merigar, Italy THE MERIGAR GAKYIL APOLOGIZES FOR THE MISPRINTS. July 16 - Aug12

June 25-27 Course of explanation & construction of the Namkha There are still two or three places available for the retreat on the Base with Cristiana De Falco of Santi Maha Sangha, Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance, which will be The course starts at 6 PM on Friday June 25. held at Merigar from July 16th to August 12th by Jim Valby, Prima Cost: 75 Euro with discounts for members. Mai, Laura Evangelisti and Rita Renzi. Anyone interested to partici- pate as soon as possible should contact: July 3-13 Merigar Retreat of explanation & practice of the Guru Yoga of Garab Dorje & the Semdzin Email: [email protected] with Costantino Albini Tel: 0039-0564-966837 from 10:0 0AM to 1:00PM except on Cost: 225 Euro with discounts for members. Wednesday

July 7 WEB CAST AT low the web cast. So we are kind- Worldwide practice of the Song of the Vajra Dance ly asking the local responsible MERIGAR MANDARAVA RETREAT This practice day is included in the retreat program. members to spread these informa- WITH tion widely, collect the list of July 16-August 12 CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU practitioners who wish to come to Complete retreat of the Santi Maha Sangha Base Level, Yantra Yoga & Vajra Dance JULY 17 TO AUGUST 1, 2004 Merigar and communicate it to with Jim Valby, Prima Mai, Laura Evangelisti & Rita Renzi. , A few places are still available. * (see page ) From July 17 to August 1, 2004, specifying those who intend to at Merigar, we will have the practice the chüdlen. July 27 opportunity to link up to the web Following you can find the retreat World Transmission Day – Anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava cast of the Mandarava Chüdlen schedule, with Margarita hours, Guru Yoga of Padmasambhava practice teaching and practice retreat for Italy you need to add 6 hours. The practice starts at 5 AM given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu at Margarita Island. We The retreat will be from July 17th August 18-25 will be publishing further details to August 1st. Retreat of explanation & practice of Mandarava Long Life combined with Chüdlen and information for those who July 17th — 5-7 PM with Nina Robinson wish to follow the retreat as soon Introduction of the Retreat Explanation of the Tibetan pronunciation by Cristiana De Falco as we are able to. July 18th — 10-12 AM The retreat starts at 10 a.m. on Wednesday August 18. Merigar Update Mandarava Tshedrub Instruction Cost: 200 Euro with discounts for members. Mandarava Web Cast Retreat & July 19th — 9-12 AM Camping Giving Lama Khadro’i Zhallung August 28-29 and collective practice with Yantra Yoga Course for Beginners As was briefly announced on chüdlen; with Laura Evangelisti June Merigar Letter, we confirm July 20th — 9-12 AM The retreat starts at 10 AM on Saturday August 28. that the retreat led by our Master Srogthig Instruction no. 1 and Cost: 70 Euro with discounts for members. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on collective practice with chüdlen; Mandarava Practice associated July 21st — 9-12 AM September 1-7 with chüdlen in Tashigar del Srogthig Instruction no. 2 and Course of explanation & practice of the Song of the Vajra Dance (part 2) with Prima Mai Norte, from July 17th to August collective practice with chüdlen; The course starts at 5 PM on Wednesday September 1. 1st, will be entirely audio broad- July 22nd — 9-12 AM Cost: 245 with discounts for members. casted on the web at Merigar. Srogthig Instruction no. 3 and Single practitioners or groups of collective practice with chüdlen; September 18-19 them will be able to connect and July 23rd — 9-12 AM Course of explanation & practice of the Liberation of the Six Lokas Dance follow the live Teachings. The Srogthig Instruction no. 4 and The course starts at 5 PM on Saturday September 18. technical details will be commu- collective practice with chüdlen; Cost: 50 Euro with discounts for members. nicated later, as soon as Ambienti July 24th — 9-12 AM Web Consulting fixes the last Srogthig Instruction no. 5 and September 25-26 details. collective Retreat of Shitro practice & Karma Yoga practice In Merigar the retreat can be fol- Practice with chüdlen; The retreat starts at 5 PM on Saturday September 25. lowed in the Gonpa, with transla- July 25th — 9-12 AM tion into Italian language. A daily Srogthig Instruction no. 6 and November 26-30 guided Thun of Mandarava long collective In-depth Course of Song of the Vajra Dance life practice will also be orga- Practice with chüdlen; with Prima Mai nized in the morning, 8:30 to July 26th — 9-12 AM The course starts at 5 PM on Friday October 1. 9:30AM. Srogthig Instruction no. 7 and Cost: 175 Euro with discounts for members. People, who wish to, can take the collective Practice with chüdlen; chüdlen pills, available from the ENROLLMENT Merishop, at the price of 17 Euro At 11 PM If you wish to enroll for a course, seminar or retreat, please contact the office to book a place and send for the number of 12, necessary Worldwide Guruyoga advance payment of 25 Euro to confirm your booking via postal order at least 10 days before the beginning for the all retreat. It will be also Transmission; of the course, indicating the course you are confirming your place on. The postal order should be addressed available a simple meal, suitable to: for the chüdlen practice, from July 27th — 10-12 AM Associazione Culturale Comunità Dzogchen – Merigar – 58031 Arcidosso GR. - Italy. Merigar kitchen. The participat- Tshedrub with Srogthig Lungjyor ing members will be asked to and Chüdlen; You should make your booking with the office sufficiently ahead of time since courses that do not reach a make a free offer to contribute for July 28th — 10-12 AM minimum number of participants will be cancelled. Merigar expenses. ‘Tshedrub with Srogthig To take part in the activities of the Association you need to be a member. A first installment of 15 Euro for Since in the same period there is Lungjyor and Chüdlen; the ordinary member’s card will be required before taking part. A first installment alone does not entitle you also the Santi Maha Sangha Base July 29th — 10-12 AM to the discounts for members. Level, Yantra Yoga and Vajra Tshedrub with Srogthig Lungjyor Discounts for paid up members are: 20% for ordinary members, 40% for sustaining members and 50% for Dance retreat with Jim Valby, and Chüdlen; students and retired people on a low income. Prima Mai, Rita Renzi and Laura July 30th — 10-12 AM Evangelisti, it would be extreme- Tshedrub with Srogthig Lungjyor For further information, contact: ly useful to know how many peo- and Chüdlen; Merigar Office ple are planning to come and fol- July 31st — 10-12 AM Giving Tshewang;

10 international community news The Longlife and Chüdlen practice of Web cast continued from previous page Mandarava, Dakini of Immortality and the At 5 PM Sphere of the Vital Essence of the Vajra Full moon Ganapuja and so on; IMPORTANT NEWS FROM MERIGAR (A retreat to be led by Nina Robinson at Merigar Camping discontinued on Merigar Land August 18-25, 2004) August 1st — 10-12 AM Conclusion of the Retreat Dear practitioners of the Dzogchen Community, by Nina Robinson We would like to inform you of some important news regarding the July 26th, preceding the summer activities at Merigar. Last year the local authorities con- n April, twenty years ago, our precious Teacher, Chögyal Namkhai Worldwide Transmission Day, firmed that they no longer allow any kind of camping on the Merigar Norbu went on pilgrimage to Nepal to do the longlife practice of there will be an explanation of the land. They had allowed camping up to last year on the basis of a spe- IGuru Amitayus, according to the terma of Nyagla Pema Dundul Guru Yoga practice, which will cial license that was granted to us on the condition that we would (Nyag bla Padma bDud Odul), the Master of several of his Masters take place at 9AM in the Mandala respect the prohibition for the future. among which Chang Chub Dorje and Ayu Khadro. Leading a group of Hall. Next day, July 27th, at So the Merigar campsite no longer exists. This means that no one disciples, Rinpoche stopped at the sacred cave of Maratika where Guru 5AM, there will be the Direct may stay on the land with a tent, camper, van or caravan. The only Padmasambhava and his consort, the Princess Mandarava, had practiced Transmission of Guru Yoga in the place where people may sleep is in the dormitory. The Gakyil of the longlife practice of Amitayus that gave them realization of immortal- Anniversary of Guru Merigar is looking for alternative possibilities with the local camp- ity. Padmasambhava; all interested sites (see Camping Update in article to the left) and for other cheap During the pilgrimage, Rinpoche had many wonderful dreams. On the people are invited and very wel- solutions. We will update the information about the results of our twenty-fifth day of the second month of the Tibetan calendar, he come. research. In the meantime, we ask you to kindly help us to spread the received in his dreams and in his visions, the terma of the longlife prac- news, in order to avoid people having expectations that we won’t be tice of the Dakini Mandarava. July 27th is also a day in which able to fulfill. We realize this will be a disappointment, but it is In 1985, during a retreat of teaching and practice at Tsegyalgar in the the international Dzogchen beyond our control. USA, Rinpoche received the terma of all the ingredients of the Seven Community, with the coordina- Nectars recipe to use in the Chüdlen practice related to the Mandarava tion of the Greek Gakyil, will Thank your for your collaboration, longlife practice. The marvelous story of the revelation of these practice the 24 hours Guru The Merigar Gakyil and the Geköes Teachings and the teachings themselves were translated by Jacobella Draghpur mantra, therefore the Gaetani who was one of the fortunate disciples who participated in the morning Mandarava Thun will be pilgrimage to Maratika (published by Shang Shung Edizioni 1999). The substituted with the practice of main reason for doing the longlife practice, like all practices in general, Guru Draghpur, in the Mandala IMPORTANT INFORMATION is to obtain total realization which is beyond the concept of time, Hall, from 8:30AM to 10:15 AM. REGARDING beyond death and birth, and is the real Immortality. However, in order THE MANDARAVA RETREAT to attempt this, we need more time, a longer life, free from obstacles and CAMPING UPDATE with all the favorable conditions – health, well being, the opportunity to Now a more practical announce- WEB CAST practice, etc. The longlife practice reinforces all aspects of our vitality ment. You know that it is not pos- WITH CHOEGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU and our protective energy and improves our circumstances. In the sible to camp on Merigar’s land Dzogchen teachings, it is considered important to do at least the sim- any more. We have been able to JULY 17 – AUGUST 1, 2004 plest form of Chüdlen from time to time because it helps to develop our negotiate discounts with the two clarity. camp sights in the area. People During the August retreat, we will try to learn about the different aspects Dear All, don’t need a reservation but in of this practice: the visualizations, the melodies, the , using the As many of you already know, from July 17th to August 1st, 2004, order to obtain the special fare; objects and ritual instruments and the breathing, visualizations and diet we will have the possibility to receive the live audio web cast of the they need to show evidence of of the Chüdlen practice. entire Mandarava retreat held in Tashigar del Norte, Margarita their participation to Merigar’s There are three ways of doing the Chüdlen practice: Nirmanakaya style, Island, by our Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. activities. The secretary will issue Sambhogakaya style and Dharmakaya style all of which should be prac- such paper on request. ticed very gradually. In the Nirmanakaya style, the diet is very simple: This is a first-time event on two respects: it will be the first web cast barley and brown rice with a little fresh butter and a little good quality ever of an entire retreat (including also Guru Yoga Transmission), Camping Amiata honey. One drinks water. No heavy food or intoxicating substances. In and it will be delivered using the communication network which Via Roma, 15 - 58033 the Sambhogakaya style one only uses the nectar or the pills while in Merigar is setting up for serving the Dzogchen Community world- Casteldelpiano - GR - Italia the Dharamakaya style one feeds exclusively from the essence of the wide. Tel. 0564-956260, Fax. 0564- elements. In order to practice the latter you need to have quite high Merigar will deliver this entire retreat web cast as a service to all 955107, Email: bernabei@amia- capacity! We will, of course, follow the Nirmanakaya style. Community Gars, Gakyils and members worldwide. It will be free ta.org Those who wish to do only the long life practice and not the Chüdlen, of charge. Web site: www.amiata.org will have a good opportunity to stay in contemplation while the others In order to listen to the web cast the following qualifications should (distance from Merigar about 6 do the breathing, etc., and can eat and drink normally. There will be the be present: km) possibility to practice Yantra Yoga in order to be more confident about 1) To have received the Guru Yoga transmission We agreed on a discount of 10 doing the breathing and the khumbaka and there will also be the oppor- 2) To be a member of the Dzogchen Community % with this camping: tunity to practice the Dance of the Vajra. Examples of reduced fares: The retreat begins at 10 am on August 18th. There will be 3 or 4 ses- Those practitioners who have received transmission but are not yet - one person with one tent 11,16 sions a day. We will learn and practice the short and long practice com- members will be asked to fill in a registration form in order to have Euro/day bined with the Chüdlen and we will also do the Mandarava Ganapuja, access to the connection page, and will be reminded of the impor- - two persons in one tent 16,74 the long short and long form. tance and benefits of becoming members. Euro/day - four persons staying in the same If persons who have not yet received transmission (“new” practi- pitch in one or two tents 29,88 tioners) are seriously intend to follow the Mandarava web cast Euro/day retreat, they can be allowed to participate collectively in a Gar or center where group attendance is organized so that they can receive Camping Lucherino help and assistance. (with swimming pool) DZOGCHEN Località Luccherino, 58047 - They must also pledge not to miss the worldwide Guru Yoga The Self-Perfected State Monticello Amiata (GR) Italia Transmission on the 26th of July. These conditions, which have Tel. & Fax 0564-992975, Email: been approved by Rinpoche, allow “new” practitioners to take part [email protected] in the web cast retreat. Web site: www.lucherino.nl (distance from Merigar 12 km) Additional services may be available (according to local circum- We agreed on a discount of 13 by Chögyal stances) to those who will participate collectively in this way at a % with this camping: Gar or center, i.e. translation into the local language and practical Namkhai Norbu Examples of reduced fares: advice by more experienced practitioners. - one person with one tent 13,48 In this classic work, Euro/day Rinpoche clearly explains Although the web cast in will be free of charge, an offering may be - two persons in one tent 19,57 Dzogchen and then asked by the organizing Gar or Gakyil to meet the expenses of orga- Euro/day reveals what is meant by nizing the group attendance. - four persons staying in the same the practice of Dzogchen. pitch in one or two tents 31,75 The Mandarava retreat will include the use of Chüdlen. Each indi- “A fine introduction Euro/day vidual practitioner will need no. 12 Chüdlen pills during the retreat. to Dzogchen for the To receive authenticated Chüdlen pills you can write to Merigar at: Western reader.” At both campgrounds you are —THE TIBET JOURNAL Email: [email protected]. allowed to park with a mobile 150 pp. • 5 line drawings home, and it also possible to take The address (URL) of the Web cast page will be communicated to $14.95 your dog along. all Gars and Gakyils and published on Norbunet well in advance of the event. We thank you for your coopera- Our FREE Newsletter and Catalog tion and are looking forward to contains over 2000 books, audio tapes, Thank you for your attention, welcoming you at Merigar! videos, visual art, and ritual items Tashi Delegs, from the Tibetan tradition. PUBLICATIONS The Gakyil of Merigar The Gakyil of Merigar 800-950-0313 email: [email protected] www.SnowLionPub.com

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 11 international community news CONTINUATION OF GURU e u r o p e DRAGPHUR Prima Mai’s Teaching Schedule of the Vajra Dance 24 HOUR September – November, 2004 NON-STOP PRACTICE New Books in Portuguese WORLDWIDE. September: 1-7 Zer-nga Dear Sangha members, Merigar/Italy The Practice of Seven Sem-dzin As you may have seen for your- Vajra Dance The Yoga of Arya Tara selves by now, we (the Greek DZ 2nd Part Beginners, with Prima Mai or Rita Renzi The Three Sacred Fundamentals (Khorde Rushen, the external Community) has found that the rushen and the Purification of the Six Lokas) September: 3-6 series of Guru Dragphur 24hour non-stop practice sessions, which Kunselling/UK Please contact: [email protected],br . Purification of the Six Spaces were held recently by our Beginners, Supervision course of Cindy Faulkner DANCE OF THE VAJRA PART TWO Dzogchen Community world- (To be confirmed) UK wide, have been quite helpful to all of us. September or October/November: The UK Gakyil is pleased to announced that Stoffelina Verdonk will However, as you might also have Tashigar Norte/Venezuela be teaching the second part of the Dance of the Vajra at Kunselling noticed, samsara is not something Purification of the Six Spaces /Om Ah Hum Dance from Monday, August 2nd to Sunday, August 8th This course is open that can be totally overlooked, or TT 1st level course with Prima Mai and Adriana Dal Borgo to those who have already learned the first part from an accredited is it such an easy thing to cope (To be confirmed) teacher. with. And, perhaps, it’s no break- ing news to say that our local November: 26-30 The full residential price is 437 Euros (376 Euros for members) avail- Dzogchen Community of Greece Merigar/Italy able to the first 16 applicants. has been faced with several Vajra Dance Advanced Course Non residential 225 Euros (180 Euros for members) A few camping severe obstacles for quite a long spaces are available. In cases of financial hardship concessions are while now. This results, not only available subject to negotiation with the Gakyil. often making our collective prac- tice difficult, but also makes the Yantra Yoga To secure your place please send a non-refundable deposit of 83 Euros assistance of newcomers almost with Fabio Andrico, June 29 – August 14, 2004 impossible. Riga, Latvia for residential or 45 Euros for non residential. Cheques should be made out to Dzogchen Community UK and There’s no need to elaborate addressed to: Rowan Wylie, 29 Almoners Avenue, Cambridge CB1 much on this issue here since, as KUNSELLING RETREAT SCHEDULE 8NZ. Telephone 01223 473 428. it can be witnessed, these kinds of Summer/Autumn 2004 Should no place be available your check will be returned. obstacles are more or less the Wales, UK Please let me know if you will be learning the male or female part. same as the ones that other local Dzogchen Communities are also The UK Gakyil would like to announce the following events at our Rowan Wylie (Red Gakyil) facing. Yet, it has also been quite new retreat center Kunselling in Wales: evident that most of these so- SUMMER AT DEJAMLING called obstacles are not really August 2-8 anything concrete in themselves, Dance of the Vajra Second Part with Stoffelina Verdonk but rather, they are coming from Dear all, the perplexed patterns of attach- ment and aversion that are per- August 20-29 If you’re staying in Europe this summer, you’re warmly welcome in Santi Maha Sangha Base with Jim Valby forming in our very own minds. Dejamling - our Dzogchen Community center in the South France We thought that perhaps if we (near Montpellier, in the beautiful Cevennes mountains)! September3-6 could continue this practice, which aims especially towards Dance Retreat of the Six Spaces, Cindy Faulkner under Prima Mai’s There are some of our High Season Activities: supervision the elimination of those two rest- less delusion provocateurs, then JULY maybe we might as well become October 27-30 1st - 7th - The Vajra Dance of the Song of the Vajra Retreat Dr Nida will be teaching Mantra Healing in London a little bit more able to deal suffi- Contact: ciently with the particulars of the Stoffelina Verdonk situation. November 1-9 Tel : +33 5 65 49 53 89 Kum Nye Massage First Level with Dr Nida We asked Rinpoche if he thinks Email: [email protected] it’s a good idea for us to organize We also offer comfortable facilities for individual and dark retreat. another series of sessions and we July 7th - The International Day of the Vajra Dance of the Song of the received a warm, positive answer. Vajra For further details email: [email protected] or call 0044 1223 Therefore, we immediately set out to make it happen. 473 528 July 24th - 31st - Mandarava Long Life Practice Retreat (With the web cast from Margarita if technically possible & the Vajra This next series of 3 Guru Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Practice Retreat Dance practice) Dragphur 24hour non-stop prac- with Jim Valby tice sessions are: Kunselling, UK Contact: Joan Ponsich, [email protected], Tel : +33 1 43 89 43 89 - SEPTEMBER 23, Thursday or Nadia Poureau, [email protected] - OCTOBER 23, Saturday Dates: Friday August 20, 10AM, until Sunday August 29th, 2PM Hope to see you soon in Dejamling! Venue: Kunselling Retreat Centre, in Powys County, mid-Wales. We DO need your active partici- The French Gakyil pation and support. Regarding the course Jim says: Everyone who has received the “We will study & practice the essence of Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen YANTRAYOGA COURSE for beginners transmission of Guru Dragphur a presented by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in his “Precious Vase”. We with ELKE GLANDER in Germany from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is will have 4 sessions each day: 9-10:30AM, 11-12:30, 4-5:30PM, 6- welcome to join in. 7:30PM. During the 4-5:30PM session each day we hope to practice July 16th - 18, 2004 for beginners, Krankengymnastikpraxis Preuss, We surely hope that this action Yantra Yoga and/or Vajra Dance. In the evening session we will study Herzog-Spitalstr. 5 in München. may also inspire other Dzogchen Dzogchen Tantras ending with an abbreviated Chöd practice.” The course will start on Friday at 19:30 and end on Sunday at13.00. Communities around the globe to Fees will be 95 Euro for non-members, 80 Euro for members, book- take turns in continuing this series For updates and details see: www.dzogchencommunity.org ing in advance (until 15.6.) 85 Euro for non-members, 70 Euro for of sessions in the future, whenev- members (also 70 Euro reduced). er they feel that it’s mostly neces- Cost of the Course: GBP400 (600 Euros) full board residential with Please remit to the account of the Dzogchengemeinschaft sary and appropriate to them. In discounts for members. Deutschland e.V., Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf, Knt.-Nr.: 11047891, this way, the focus of benefit may The non-residential cost will be GBP200 (300 Euros). BLZ: 30050110, IBAN DE 40 3005 0110 0011 047891, SWIFT/BIC be directed to every next local In case of hardship, working discounts may be available subject to DUSSDEDDXXX Dzogchen Community that will agreement. undertake this organizing. And For those interested in attending, please ensure your place by booking For registration, accommodation & more information please con- through this, perhaps, everyone as soon as possible. A non-returnable deposit of GBP80 (120 Euros) tact: Regine Zettler, [email protected], tel: 0049-(0)89- may experience (and better residential, GBP40 (60 Euros) non-residential is required. Checks to 74298244 understand) that we are all inter- be made payable to “Dzogchen Community UK”. connected and interrelated to each Deposits must be received by August 1st, after which date verbal other, as the vital parts of the very bookings will be considered invalid. New Web Site same one big mandala. Lithuanian Dzogchen Community Please send your hours of partici- To book contact: pation (this time in GMT time Peter White The Lithuanian Dzogchen Community is developing a web site where zone) to: [email protected] 35 Finchams Close, Linton, Cambridge, CB1 6ND basic information is also available in English. Details about the participation Tel: 07900 496909 If you are administrating web site of your community and you have can be found at: Email: [email protected] reference list of all communities around the world, please include http://www.tsegyalgar.org/fea- Lithuanian community to the list as www.dzogcenas.lt. tures/24h.html Detailed course information Thomas Beaver: Thank you! All weekly updates will be posted Email: [email protected] on Tsegyalgar website and Norbunet.

12 international community news Retreat of Vajra Dance practice in Switzerland New Gakyil Styria/Tirol August 7-14, 2004 Elected at the Autumn Retreat in Salzburg on 11/8/03 Dear Vajra Brothers and Sisters, The Geneva Dzogchen Community is pleased to announce a Vajra Blue Gakyil - Siegi Schwaiger Email: [email protected] Dance practice retreat in Switzerland. Red Gakyil - Gabi Leik The retreat will take place in the old Chartreuse de la Pardieu near Yellow Gakyil - Oliver Gstöttner Email: [email protected] Bulle from 7 - 14, August 2004, and will cost 15 Swiss francs (10 Euros) for the location of the hall. Vajra Dance of the Song of the Vajra, Part One Accommodation cost 36 Swiss francs (23 Euros) for a double room July 3-9, 2004 per night and per person and 45 Swiss francs(28 Euros) for single Vienna, Austria room. The Mirror with Rita Renzi under the supervision of Prima Mai Possibility to put 3 tents for 19 Swiss francs (11 Euros) per person. Newspaper of the For more details please contact: International The course will start on July 3rd in the afternoon, and finish on July Jocelyne Carasso Dzogchen Community of 8th at noon with a Ganapuja. The afternoon of the 8th and the whole Tel: 00 33 (0) 450 35 1142 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu 9th of July will be reserved for intense practice. Email: [email protected]. or Monique Leguen Costs: 170.- Euros Tel: 00 41 (0) 22 797 37 21 Main Office: 135.- Euros for members PO Box 277 100.- Euros for people with little money Conway, MA01341 The New Gakyil of Finland USA If you wish to come, please register, and please, as the number of par- Tel: 413 369 4208 ticipants is limited, we would ask you to pay 30 Euros in advance BLUE Fax: 413 369 4473 together with the registration to: Mika Sillanpää Email: [email protected] [email protected] Kontono, 44.846-4, Meinl Bank BLZ 19240, SWIFT MEIN AT WW, To the name of Hannes Binder. (Viennese Yellow Gakyil) RED European Office: Reija Lilja The Mirror For further information, registration and accommodation please con- [email protected] Merigar tact Elisha Koppensteiner at: Arcidosso Email: [email protected] YELLOW 58031 GR Tel: 0043/676/796 83 16 (is a cellular phone so quite expensive to call, [email protected] Italy Email: [email protected] New French Gakyil The Dzogchen Community Contact Person in Finland Tel: 39 3298865292 Marja Sakari Fax: 39 0564- 968 110 YELLOW Rysäkuja 5 A 6 Marie-Hélène FOA (treasury) 00980 Helsinki Editorial Staff: Finland Naomi Zeitz, RED Tel. 358-9-3415334 Tsegyalgar Jean-François AYME (President) Email: [email protected] Conway, MAUSA Hubert KOTOWICZ Liz Granger Michel TOUVERON MERIGAR ACCOMODATION AND RECEPTION SERVICE Merigar Arcidosso, Italy BLUE FOR PEOPLE WHO INTEND TO COME TO MERIGAR FOR Margot BERTRAND (secretary) RETREATS OR COURSES OR JUST VISITING AND PARTICI- Literary Editor: Nadia POUREAU PATING IN ONE OF MERIGAR’S PROGRAMS John Shane GAKYIL HELPERS If you need accommodation in a local hotel, boarding house, or a pri- Advisors: vate room with other practitioners or if you want to rent an apartment Adriano Clemente Blue or a house for a week or longer we have our own accommodation ser- Anna Eid Francois Calmes vice to help you. Laurent Stemmler Barbara Paparazzo Des Barry Anne Lambiel We can also advise on transport from the airports, give train schedules, Jim Valby Beatrix Orbaiceta information and booking of rental cars and other questions related to Marie Christine Dauge your travel to Merigar. Eric Maestracci Layout & Design: N. Zeitz We speak English, French, German and Italian: Yellow Illustration: Laurent Maurice MERIGAR ACCOMODATION SERVICE Wood Monkey Christina von Geispitzheim Bepe Goia Red Email: [email protected] Laurent Soen Telephone office: 0039 0564 957542 Web Site Managers: Anne Zuker Mobile phone: 0039 339 1370739 Hélène Lafage Malcolm Smith Ermanno Lagana John Herr Catherine Duez Christian Cabassut Printer: Turley Publications Palmer, MA Longde Cabin Available PASSAGES USA

Paldenling, Poland Distribution: MARRIED Tsegyalgar at As one of our practitioners is finishing his long retreat, the Longde Conway, Cabin in Paldenling is free. Everybody is welcome. Raffaella Blasi and Mateusz Kocylowski MA, USA were married at the Town Hall in Arcidosso For people interested in doing a retreat there, we have prepared a web on June 5, 2004, in the company of family page with relevant information: and friends. The wedding party celebrated Subscription Rate/6 Issues: the new “sposi” at a local restaurant, danc- $35US available http://www.dzogczen.pl/longde/ ing the tarantella to the foot-tapping tunes through of a troupe of Neapolitan musicians and Tsegyalgar Vajra Dance and the Dance of the Liberation of enjoying the romantic melodies of a group 35 Euro the Six Lokas, Amsterdam of Rumanian travelling musicians. through Merigar Orangerie in Abcoude, 10 km. from Amsterdam in the Netherlands Visa and Master card welcome Friday, September 17 – Sunday, September 19th, 2004 The schedule is: Friday 19.00 till 22.00 hr. All material ©2004 by Saturday 10.00 - 22.00 hr by The Mirror Sunday 10.00 - 15.00 hr. Reprint by permission only We finish with a Ganapuja at 16.00 hr. We reserve the right to edit Including breaks for drinks and food (bring your own). all subsmissions

For registration, description of itinerary, low fees and accommodation in Amsterdam please contact: Ans Swart, Tel: 0031-020-6162763, Email: [email protected]

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 13 international community news russia&kunsangar

Kunsangar News Kunsangar 142500 RUSSIA, Moscow region Our dear friends! Pavlovskiy Posad, RUPS,a/ya 13, BF “Dostoyanie” Kunsangar sends its warm regards; many kind words and wishes to Nina Rusanovich, Secretary achieve maximum progress in practice to everybody! Tel /Fax: 7 096 43 21156 This current year was not easy for us. We faced plenty of external diffi- Tel: 7 901 900 36 46 SANTI MAHA culties similar in many respects to the problems of Tsegyalgar. We did Email: [email protected] SANGHA not understand right away that the cause of our bad luck was within our- Base level Practice selves. Trying to be in the state beyond all the limitations, we did not always realize the external factors. Last year all our efforts were focused The Russian Mirror Retreat with on adapting Kunsangar to rules and regulations of the country, and at Jim Valby The Dzogchen Community of Kharkov (Ukraine) is going to publish the same time keeping the minimum tax payment. The main goal for us Tsegyalgar, Conway, was to keep Kunsangar as the place where Dzogchen teachings would a Russian version of “The Mirror”. We have asked Rinpoche and he be being maintained and transmitted. It really took a great deal of time, supports this idea. Massachusetts effort and financial resources to change the situation. July 1-6, 2004 At the present moment, the Gakyil is working on elaboration of further The editorial board will consist of 3 people: strategy of life in Kunsangar, taking into account the principal problems Tsegyalgar, The Dzogchen - The editor-in-chief - Valery Botsula (the elder Kharkov DK, was one and past mistakes. Nevertheless, Kunsangar was functioning (except for Community in America, is of initiators of the invitation of Rinpoche to Russia in 1992); a three-month period) almost all this time as the place of teachings and pleased to announce that Jim practice. Valby will lead a Santi Maha - The associate editor - Mironenko Igor (3-rd level SMS, practicing For a period of time, all retreats took place in Moscow instead of Sangha Base Level Practice since 1994); Kunsangar. It can be said that this complicated situation erased misun- Retreat in Tsegyalgar, Conway, derstanding and the lack of co-ordination in relationships between peo- July 1-July 6, 2004. - The associate editor Larissa Radcheko (practicing since 1996). ple, which easily arises under such circumstances. We discovered that Dr. Jim Valby has been a student we were all together in one boat and that the teaching was the most of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu since important thing for us. The Moscow Dzogchen Community held a Santi 1982. Jim is an authorized Maha Sangha Base Level retreat with Igor Berkhin, including Yantra Moscow Web Site instructor for the Base Level of Yoga with Victor Krachkovsky. In December we had an unforgettable Santi Maha Sangha. Jim earned retreat of the Dance of the Song of the Vajra with the enigmatic Adriano Dear Friends, Welcome to the new web-site of Moscow Dzogchen Community his doctorate in Far Eastern dal Borgo and “our” Ludmila Kislichenko. By a strange configuration Studies under Herbert V. of circumstances, the retreat was held in the Theatre Center on (MDC) “Rinchen-ling”: Guenther at the University of Dubrovka where the dramatic story with hostages had happened. The Saskatchewan and translates Mandalas were kept in a room from which the terrorists were leading http://www.dzogchen.ru/mdo/ Dzogchen Tantras. He presents their video recording, and we were dancing in a foyer of the same hall the methods for practice with where, in October 2002, tragic events that shook the world took place. great clarity, warmth, and humor. Retreats in Kunsangar recommenced from the middle of January 2002. Here you can find both in Russian and English the information about MDC and the latest news. There is a small photo gallery as well. At the time of the Losar celebration, we had a Santi Maha Sangha Base Program Level retreat with Igor Berkhin and the theme was “Karma”. It was very With best regards, Moscow Dzogchen Community “Rinchen-ling” Date: July 1st (Thursday) - July cold (- 25 C) and beautiful outside; everything was snowed under up to 6th (Tuesday) our knees. We were walking on small narrow paths made by someone who had been walking there before. Russian winters are severe... and t s e g y a l g a r e a s t & w e s t again… Spring. Everything is rising, the birds are singing, the trees are filling with sap and the flowers are blooming. In Kunsangar there were about Tsegyalgar, Dzogchen Community in America, Practice session: 8:30-10am, 50 people on the day of Garab Dorje. We go on… 18 Schoolhouse Road, Conway, MA 01341 10:30am-noon, 5:30pm-7pm At present, the most important tasks are the right arrangement of docu- Tel: 413-369-4153 | Fax: 413-369-4473 ments on realty and land, as well as obtaining Kunsangar’s financial Email: [email protected] Vajra Dance & Yantra Yoga prac- independence. Now we are coming closer than ever to the necessity of tice hours will be confirmed. right work on the external level, taking into consideration all our “spe- cific Russian peculiarities”. The Kunsangar Gakyil has already offered Tsegyalgar Summer & Fall Program Who may attend: three financial programs that may help Kunsangar become self-sustain- 2004 The Base Level Training is open ing. to all interested persons who have One of these programs is a regular voluntary sponsorship. Our idea is to JULY: received transmission from attract as many members of the Community as possible who would July 1st - 6th Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. invest a certain voluntary sum every month, with the intention to sup- Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Practice Retreat with Jim Valby port the place of the Teaching transmission. On the last Saturday of Khandroling Karma Yoga (as part of SMS practice retreat) July 1-6th, Cost: every month, the yellow Kunsangar Gakyil presents a complete report 2-4PM $150 for the 6 days or $25/day about their expenditure. There are nearly 30 such people. We are also Pre-registration is recommended. elaborating some other programs. We hope to meet with Yeshe July 7th Thank you. Namkhai to discuss a question of financial independence under the The International Day of the Vajra Dance of the Song of the Vajra: Tel: 413-369-4153 favorable circumstances of place and time. We have a lot of projects. At Fax: 413-369-4473 the end of this year we plan to build a public swimming pool at July 9-13 (3 to 5 days) Email: [email protected] Kunsangar. We hope it will become another Kunsangar adornment and Mandarava Retreat with Nina Robinson additional source of financing. (People can stay for 3 or 5 days) Accommodations: A “planting of greenery” project has now begun in Kunsangar. Near Rinpoche’s house and Gonpa, amazing “northern” roses, other perenni- July 17-August 1st* see schedule below Dormitory: $10/night al and annual flowers and herbs were planted. A little bit later you will Mandarava web cast direct from Margarita Island Please contact: Cindy the Geköes see these beautiful sights in photographs and we hope you will enjoy to reserve space at: them. July 26th Email: [email protected] From the very outset, Kunsangar was a not-for-profit organization and Video Anniversary transmission acted as a Charitable Fund “Dostoyanie” dealing with social, cultural Shopping, cooking and cost for and health related activities. The Russian Dzogchen Community was AUGUST: meals will be shared onsite. leading, and keeps on leading by means of CF “Dostoyanie” charitable August 6-8 or August 20-22 (exact schedule/dates will be announced activity, in the field of social assistance, mostly in the territory of soon) Dorm is limited to 20 people. Pavlovsky Pasad Region. This is done basically by supporting estab- Vajra Dance retreat with Anastasia McGhee (Tentative) lishments of social and cultural spheres: schools, children’s homes, hos- For more information how to get pitals. At the present moment we are rendering charitable aid to invalids SEPTEMBER: to Tsegyalgar and all about other and a country youth center. They wrote about us with gratitude in a local September 10-14 Accommodation please visit this newspaper and a few articles were published with warm words of our Chöd Retreat with Constantino Albini link: activities. http://www.tsegyalgar.org/fea- We resumed collaboration with The Social Questions Committee of the September 18-19 tures/InfoPractical3.html Pavlovsky Pasad administration. In August, 2004, the Charitable Fund Introduction to Contemplation with Constantino Albini “Dostoyanie” plans to give, on a charitable basis, the “Pine Forest” that Workshop in New York City ADDRESS: belongs to its premises and territory of cultural and sanitary center, to Tsegyalgar, The Dzogchen the summer ecological international camp under the auspices of the Tsegyalgar Mandrava WebCast Hours Community in America European Union program, “The Youth for Europe”. The realization of P.O. Box 277, Conway, MA this project, we hope, will help us to solve many problems connected 17 July 5-7PM 25 July 9-12AM 01341 with our interaction with our external surroundings. 18 July 10-12AM 26 July 9-12AM Of course, we co-ordinate all the strategic projects with Rinpoche. His 19 July 9-12AM 27 July 10-12AM patience is endless and there are not enough words to express our thanks 20 July 9-12AM 28 July 10-12AM and infinite love for the Precious Source. 21 July 9-12AM 29 July 10-12AM Thanks to all practitioners of International Dzogchen Community for 22 July 10-12AM 30 July 10-12AM support and participation. 23 July 9-12AM 31 July 10-12AM 24 July 8-12AM 1 Aug. 10-12AM On behalf of Kunsangar Gakyil, Natasha Maximova

14 international community news MANDARAVA Retreat in Khandroling Tsegyalgar, Conway, Massachusetts Chokyi Nyima’s 2004 East Coast Teachings with Nina Robinson (Merigar) JULY 9-15, 2004 Friday night, July 9; Saturday, July 10; and Sunday, July 11. Tsegyalgar, The Dzogchen Community in America, is pleased to announce that Nina Robinson, of The Friday Night Teaching: The Dharma Belongs in Everyone’s Merigar, will lead a 3-6 days MANDARAVA CHÜDLEN retreat, in Khandroling. Heart The requested number of registrants necessary for organizing this retreat was reached in a record 24 hours. 7:30 PM Karuna Center, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu warmly supported our initiative. 25 Main Street, We hope that others who are interested in participating but who still have not registered will do so soon Northampton, Massachusetts. to give us some idea of how many people to expect, allowing us to better organize it for you. Please register even if you live in Conway area!! Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche will speak on how to enrich our own lives and the lives of those around us by cultivating the five noble quali- When: July 9-15 ties: forgiveness, contentment, rejoicing, the good heart and mind- 3 days (extendible) to 6 days. fulness. All five qualities are within the realistic reach of each of us. Where: At KHANDROLING Due to the purification character of this practice, we decided to organize it to take place in the cleanest The Saturday & Sunday Teachings: The Essence of Dzogchen. environment. Our first choice is Khandroling (Tsegyalgar), second, (in case of a bad weather), the Saturday, July 10: 11:30 AM -1:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Schoolhouse (Tsegyalgar). Sunday, July 11: 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon & 2:00 - 4:00 PM Who may participate: all interested practitioners who have received Mandarava transmission from At The Dzogchen Community in America Chögyal Namkhai Norbu are we invited to join us. 18 Schoolhouse Rd. Conway, Massachusetts. Cost: $100 (3days) | $180* (6 day) // $30/day * payment plans will be available for all those with financial difficulty. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche will give a special teaching on Vital Pre-registration is recommended. All donations welcome. Tel: 413-369-4153 | Essence by Shakya Shri. This text covers the most important points Fax: 413-369-4473 | [email protected] on Dzogchen in a very practical hands-on fashion. Rinpoche has remarked about the text, “You could gather information and knowl- Food: edge on Buddhism for decades and yet not understand this simple Shopping, cooking and cost for meals will be shared onsite. text. On the other hand, this short text is enough to reach complete Note: Mandarava diet may be applied as part of this retreat. enlightenment in just one lifetime.” Accommodation: Dorms*: $10/night Khandroling camping: $5 The cost for Friday night is $25 and the cost for Saturday and Sunday is $125. Please contact: [email protected] to reserve space. * Dorms are limited to 20 people. The registration address is: CNR Teachings For more information on how to get to Tsegyalgar and all about other accommodations, please visit this P.O. Box 332 link: http://www.tsegyalgar.org/features/InfoPractical3.html Northampton, MA 01061. MANDARAVA weekend retreat KARMA YOGA AT KHANDROLING, BUCKLAND, MASSACHUSETTS At this weekend retreat, we will be guided in the Short & Long Mandarava Practices together with Summer 2004 mudras, use of instruments, making of the dadar, application of Chüdlen Practice, etc. Further information will be soon communicated to all participants registered for this retreat. This season at Khandroling, we will begin with preparing the site for the new universe size Mandala, so that the actual construction can Nina Robinson is a long-time student of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Nina was asked by Chögyal Namkhai coincide with the Santi Maha Sangha practice retreat. Here are the Norbu to lead the Merigar Mandarava Retreat over Easter of 2003 and has been invited to various places dates we will be coordinating work there. (There is a bulletin board to in Italy and all over the world to lead Mandarava practice retreats. We will benefit from her experience, give instruction for those working at other times.) which she will share with us.

June 29- July 6 If you wish to participate please register by calling Tsegyalgar Office: Construction of the Mandala (laying down 2X4’s, carrying & 3/4” 413-369-4153 or by email to [email protected] as soon as possible. plywood and pounding it together with sledge hammers, screwing the plywood down). Tsegyalgar, Dzogchen Community in America, Karma yoga of SMS participants from 1:00 PM-4:30 PM, but more 18 Schoolhouse Road, Conway, MA 01341 helpers are needed all day these days to get it done. When done, peo- Tel: 413-369-4153 | Fax: 413-369-4473 ple can prime it, lay out the Mandala, and paint it (Vajra Dance Email: [email protected] Retreat Aug 6-8)

July13-15 Dance of the Song of the Vajra Use excavator to clear cabin sites and dig holes for concrete piers. with Anastasia McGhee Setting up forms and pouring concrete into them. September 3-8, 2004 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA July 20-22 Build a cabin and a thödgal cabin, rehab the tool shed at the pond into The Dzogchen Community of New Mexico is very pleased to announce that we will be hosting a begin- a handicap accessible cabin, and finish the bathhouse. ning course in the Second Part of the Dance of the Song of the Vajra, taught by Anastasia McGhee, 2nd- level local instructor, in early September of this year in Santa Fe, New Mexico. July 27-29 -continued Aug 3-5 - continued WHEN: September 3-8, 2004 (precise schedule to be announced later; on workdays, teaching sessions Aug 10-12 -continued will be in the evening to allow more people to attend) Aug 17-19 -continued WHERE: Santa Fe, New Mexico Aug 24-25 -continued COST: Sliding scale US$165-225 (pay what you can within that range; if you can pay more than the min- imum, that would be very helpful) Weekends in the Fall -continued CONTACT: Julia Deisler, Email: [email protected]

Santo TO REGISTER: Send check or money order for $100 US (deposit) or for the entire amount to: Tsegyalgar Red Gakyil The Dzogchen Community of New Mexico c/o Julia Deisler Green Tara in California PO Box 1838 Green Tara Practice at the Dondrup Ling Center Santa Fe, NM 87504-1838 Wednesdays 7PM 8:30PM USA Wed July 14, 2004 (Checks should be made payable to The Dzogchen Community of New Mexico.) Contact: Stephanie Kim 707.319.7600 Note: Registration is limited to 20 people.

In order to practice the Dance of the Song of the Vajra, a practitioner should already have received the viisiitt transmission of the Dzogchen Teachings and the “Lung” of the Song of the Vajra from Chögyal Namkhai The Miirror Norbu. on lliine @@ www.. mellong..com

15 T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 15 international community news New Gakyil, Baja California, Mexico b aja days

Stayed tuned for Baja driving instructions courtesy of John Bidleman in future All the personal details of the people issues of The Mirror. on the New Gakyil of Baja California, Mexico have been removed from this photos by Anastasia McGhee article due to security issues that have arisen in November 2014.

Yantra Yoga in Santa Fe, New Mexico August 19-22, 2004

The Dzogchen Community of New Mexico is pleased to announce that Lynn Sutherland will be teaching a course in Yantra Yoga August 19-22, 2004, in Santa Fe, NM. We will review the preliminary practices that are essential for build- ing a strong foundation for Yantra Yoga. Then we will focus on the First Series (The Four Characteristic Conditions) and, time permit- ting, the Second Series (The Four Profound Applications). Emphasis will be on cultivating presence and awareness while devel- oping and deepening our understanding and experience of the breath, within both the yantras (movements) and the pranayamas (breathing practices). WHEN: Thursday 19 August through Sunday 22 August 2004, beginning Thursday evening WHERE: Santa Fe, NM (exact location to be announced) COST: US$100-150 sliding scale; pay what you can within that range. (If you can pay more than the minimum, that would be very helpful.) CONTACT: Julia Deisler at [email protected] TO REGISTER: Send check or money order for $50 (deposit) or whole amount to THE DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY OF NEW MEXICO c/o Julia Deisler PO Box 1838 Santa Fe, NM 87504 USA

Checks should be made out to THE DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY OF NEW MEXICO

In order to participate in this retreat, a practitioner must have already received the transmission of the Dzogchen Teachings from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and have prior experience with at least the Eight Movements.

16 international community news PIONEER SETTLERS NEEDED FOR BAJA $25,000 Challenge Grant for Baja, California DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY LAND by Carol Fields As many of you know, we have in mind. Our land is just starting closely with the local members been given a wonderfully large to be settled and developed, and of the Dzogchen Community and The kind anonymous donor of the last two years’ challenge grants has (3,000 acres) and beautiful piece the people who are there in the Gakyil, also requires some super- notified us that there will be another very generous challenge grant this of wild ranch land in Baja beginning need to be the out- vision of local workers. year for the Baja Winter Gar Project, in the amount of $25,000. We must California Sur, Mexico, near the doors type. 2. Provide a friendly continuous match this amount to release the money. We have been very successful towns and beaches which are presence on the land, as caretak- in matching $20,000 in previous challenge grants over the last year. most attractive to tourists and to 4. Prefer those with easy-going ers and observers, and interface So, let’s all row the boat here for a spectacular result of $50,000 this ex-patriots who have retired personalities, who will enjoy with visitors and neighbors, act- year for Baja!!!!!!! there. Small groups of rural conversing positively and casual- ing as positive representatives of vaquero families live scattered ly with the locals in the area, will the Dzogchen Community. Land Update: throughout the valley where the not be overly paranoid or worried 3. Keep Gakyil and local We are currently collecting contractor bids for the completion of the 22 land of San Miguel is located. It when something new or chal- Community informed of land casitas on the San Miguel land, to be solar-powered, plus activation of is a forty-five minute drive to the lenging comes up, and who like and road concerns, suggestions, the water system and cistern. There are tentative plans to sponsor forest international airport from the to work. observations on trespassing, service ecological workshops for the local residents dealing with preser- property on a rural, dirt road, fencing, cattle, wild animals, vation of trees and shrubs and finding alternatives to cattle grazing. We which is sometimes challenging, 5. Skills which are of use in this changes due to weather, resource expect to hold our first compost toilet workshop soon! and periodically can be closed environment: garden and plant use, water flows, neighbor con- during the rainy season (August - cultivation; eco-touring; hospi- cerns, guest accommodation and We are planning to have the next Baja retreat with Rinpoche in April of mid-October). tality; construction; healing and management, etc. 2005, on the land, and will need to have camping facilities, parking, tent Currently, we are in the process health; familiarity with water and 4. Manage eco-tour and camping cabins, the teaching space, working kitchen, and hopefully, the casitas, of planning the completion of 22 solar systems; tent and deck guest traffic, and assist in devel- prepared. Several high-clearance vehicles will be needed for those one-room casitas already on the installation; shopping for sup- oping these programs. residing on the land, and we have put out a notice to find 2-5 “pioneers” property, the water system, the plies; cooking; engineering or 5. Help to ready the land for to be the first Community members to live on the property. The good toilets, and other related build- fix-it mechanical background; events to be held there by the news is that the highway engineers are intensively conducting further ings. trail-building; leading practices; Dzogchen Community. repairs this month at multiple spots on the Naranjas Road, which leads We are looking for 2-to-5 mem- supervision of workers; general 6. Meet and practice regularly to the property. bers or close friends of the outdoors background; general with the local Dzogchen Dzogchen Community who manual labor background; and Community. To be part of this spectacular project (see pictures at http://bajasang- would be comfortable living in interfacing with the culture at 7. Carry out defined roles con- ha.org), please send your contribution made out to the Dzogchen this wild and unspoiled land- large in Baja which is friendly, scientiously and consistently: Community West Coast, and mark it “Winter Gar Fund.” Address it to: scape, and who would be able to and low-key. such as cooking and shopping; Dzogchen Community West Coast, 2748 Adeline, Suite D, Berkeley, commit themselves to a stay of a obtaining supplies; hospitality CA 94703 Contributions are fully tax-deductible in the U.S. and will be minimum of 6 months, but COMMUNITY WILL PRO- and management of guests; phys- promptly acknowledged. preferably a year. VIDE ical work of all kinds; building; 1. Vehicle(s), gas, and repairs for gardening and plant care; setting The success and joy of this venture now rests in your capable hands! QUALIFICATIONS: transportation to and from, as up communication system; man- Many thanks for your support in all its forms! 1. Those applying must speak well as around, the property. agement of workers, etc. Spanish and are preferably bilin- 2. Food expenses. 8. Those working on the land The Baja Gakyil ([email protected]) gual in Spanish and English. 3. Assistance with visa, car will be expected to commit to a insurance, etc. job description and to have peri- Mandarava Chüdlen Retreat from Margarita Island 2. Having a history of attending 4. A sheltered place to live on the odic discussions with the local July 17 - August 1, 2004 retreats with Rinpoche and prac- property. Gakyil members about their California Schedule ticing with other Dzogchen 5. Personal support—we have a progress. Community members—highly very friendly and supportive What: preferable. group of people in Baja who are If you are interested in this The entire Mandarava Chüdlen Retreat from Margarita Island will be working on the land project, and opportunity, please send a com- live web cast for the first time ever. 3. Familiarity and ease with the who like to practice together. munication of interest to one of desert outdoors—able to use an They are very familiar with all the following people, and include Where: outhouse, water filtration, tent or details of living in Baja. This is a a resume or history of your back- Dondrub Ling, the home of the Dzogchen Community West Coast tent cabin or unfinished wonderful group to work and ground with the Community and 2748 Adeline Street Suite D dwelling; drive a truck or van practice with! Plus, there is a full your work and skill background, Berkeley, CA 94703 with clearance and 4-wheel drive Baja Gakyil, with members also as well as what you wish to gain Phone: (510) 644-2260 over rough roads; cook on a in California and Mexico City, as from this experience. We would camp stove; be away from town well as Baja. like to hear from you by July 31, for days at a time; O.K. with wild 6. Retreats with Rinpoche—one 2004. July 17 Sat 5-7 PM July 25 Sun 9-12 AM When: animals such as large lizards, is scheduled for April 2005, and Local time: 2-4 PM Local time: 6-9 AM wild pigs, wandering cows and one may be scheduled earlier Contacts: July 18 Sun 10-12 AM July 26 Mon 9-12 AM 6- donkeys, and the occasional than that. Carolyn Bass, Local time: 7-9 AM Local time: 9 AM snake; are physically hardy and 7. Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance [email protected] July 19 Mon 9-12 AM July 27 Tues 10-12 AM able to do physical work, walk Retreats with certified members Andres Orvananos, Local time: 6-9 AM Local time: 7-9 AM distances on rough desert trails, of the Dzogchen Community [email protected] July 20 Tues 9-12 AM 6- July 28 Wed 10-12 AM etc. A plus if you own your own (projected for November 2004 in Carol Fields, Local time: 9 AM Local time: 7-9 AM camping equipment. A double- Baja). [email protected] July 21 Wed 9-12 AM 6- July 29 Thurs 10-12 AM plus if you own a high-clearance Local time: 9 AM Local time: 7-9 AM vehicle. DUTIES: Thank you, July 22 Thurs 10-12 AM July 30 Fri 10-12 AM 7- 1. Provide support for and take The Baja Gakyil Local time: 7-10 AM Local time: 9 AM We know that for some people, part in work-parties and projects July 23 Fri 9-12 AM July 31 Sat 10-12 AM 7- this describes a paradise, but for being conducted on the land. Local time: 6-9 AM Local time: 9 AM others, this is not what they had This requires working very July 24 Sat 8-12 AM Aug. 1 Sun 10-12 AM 7- Local time: 5-9 AM Local time: 9 AM getting from here to there..... Registration: At the door, $20 per session. Advanced enrollment, $15 per session. Advanced enrollment for the entire course, $180 = 16*15* 75% Advanced enrollment must be received by June 24. To Baja California, Mexico from Europe A Journey Made in 2003 Please make checks payable to: Dzogchen Community West Coast. Please put “Mandarava” in the by Cristina von Geispitzheim memo line.Please send checks to Dzogchen Community West Coast, 2748 Adeline Street Suite D The airline I flew was Iberia; the route was from Rome to Madrid, where I changed aircraft to Mexico Berkeley, CA 94703 City. In Mexico City I made a nice stop over for a day and than took Aeromexico to San José del Cabo. Contact person for this retreat is: Without a stop over in Mexico City it is also possible to proceed directly from Rome to San José del Cabo, Stefanie Kim but it becomes a bit long and all the way it would be about 22 hours on the road. The cost was 650 Euro Tel: 707-319-7600 round trip, which is quite convenient considering the long distance from Rome to Baja California. Email: [email protected] I checked out other solutions, for example passing through Houston or Dallas, with Continental or other American carriers, and from Europe it is possible with British Airways. From Europe the most convenient Other Items of Note: for timing and cost was Iberia. Also it was a very comfortable aircraft on the route Madrid-Mexico City, Chüdlen pills will be available. the seats seemed bigger than most other companies and they have a contract with Aeromexico to guaran- The price has not yet been determined. tee this booking.

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 17 international community news s o u t h am e r i c a ta s h i g a r no r t h & s o u t h

TASHIGAR NORTH Tashigar North Vajra Dance Courses Calle Bolivar Nro 32 Valle de Pedro Gonzalez August 4 - 11 Municipio Gomez, Isla de Margarita Tashigar South Dance of Song of Vajra (Part 2) Venezuela Rosa Altamirano – Secretary with Adriana dal Borgo Tel: 0058 4165800 Comunidad Dzogchen Email: Tashigar Dance of the Liberation of 6 Lokas [email protected] Calle pública S/N with Carmen Rivas: Tashigar North Gakyil: Tanti 5155 July 2 - 6 [email protected] Pcia. de Córdoba Argentina Santi Maha Sangha Practice Retreat Peru Tel & Fax: 0054- 3541-498 356 with Jim Valby Email: [email protected] October 30 – November 10, 2004

The Dzogchen Community of Peru is happy to host a SMS Practice Retreat with Jim Valby in Lima from October 30 to November 10, 2004. Anyone wanting to participate please contact: [email protected]

New Gakyil, Geköes & Secretary of Tashigar South

Yellow Mario Cech (Treasurer) Maria Garcia Ruvira

Blue Marta Trillo Diana Montenegro Daniel Simonelli

Red Martin Bortagaray ( President) Jose Poncio Happy Retreatants at SMS Base Retreat in Merida, Venezuela Fireflies Seen and Unseen Cleris and eat lunch in the midst of forest trees with New Gekoes: Luis Olivera in the Andean Night leaves almost the same size as the wheels. We were A Santi Maha Sangha Retreat being introduced to the sensitivities and the dangers Secretary: Rosa Altamirano with Jim Valby and Friends of traveling in this enormous land of high peaks and steeply farmed valleys. How to Use the Ritual Drum by Jerri Bassi We reached the end of the road and as planned by Prima Mai teamed up with several other folk and four mules had spoken with Rinpoche at 6AM the morning of who carried most of our food and gear along a track uring our visit in Tashigar Norte in Venezuela/Margarita island my departure for Merida, and when I told him for another hour before we all reached the farmhouse in March 2004, on several occasions Rinpoche explained how where I was going Rinpoche immediately painted safely; it was close to dark. Our time there was to use the small ritual Drum. To make it brief, I believe it was I greatly assisted by Philomeno, who managed the a picture in my mind of flying into this fairly narrow, D not the first time Rinpoche gave this explanation, but it was the first high Andean valley where jets cannot land. I felt mules amongst many other things and his wife time I understood it in a more concrete way. good knowing he knew where I was going, and set Pancha who was constantly available. When you have the chance to practice together with Rinpoche, it’s off for the airport on a warm, breezy Margarita morn- What a process, arriving into such a new envi- good to closely observe his movements performing mudras and/or ing. ronment, the other side of Pico Bolivar. The world using ritual instruments even when you think you know more or less I arrived to the little Merida airport and after a always seems different from the other side! We soon how by heart. while saw Jim’s face appear on the other side of the settled into our rooms, set the fires and cooked a Rinpoche also mentioned that when doing Naggong, to end this cycle glass screen while I was waiting for my bag to meal. Settling into retreat time means simplifying one plays the Drum (action) with one single beat and not with many appear out of the darkness of the baggage area. Jim’s and relishing the time to observe the mind and aris- beats, as if one is playing the ritual bell. warm and knowing face was soon joined by Rowena ing experiences. Besides respecting the indication offered in practice texts of using a Hill, our Andean Mountain host, who had the wis- Whilst sitting on the grass banks surrounding the different force with the swinging sounder, the Drum turns towards dom to acquire an old mountain home some thirty house, the night was revealing its shadowy forms. oneself during practice phases of ‘invitation’. The swinging sounder years previously. Then fireflies appeared and disappeared in a random is played inwardly and the borders of the outfacing part of the Drum, There I was, having arrived in time to climb dance of light. Relaxing in this experience I discov- which has a higher and sweeter sound. aboard one of three Jeep’s that would take us to dis- ered why I had made this effort to attend this SMS During practice phases of ‘offering’, the Drum is facing to the left of cover more of the teachings, the mountains, each base retreat. My attention, to applying the practices your right side. The swinging sounder is now playing the part closer other and ourselves. We were nine people including in new environments and understanding rigpa, is to the center of the Drum, which will have a deeper and compact Cleris, our very experienced driver. My bag was somewhat like these invisible creatures of the night. sound. thrown leisurely atop the jeep and we headed out to There is light and there is dark and yet I never saw During practice phases of ‘action’, the Drum is also facing toward the outskirts of Merida where we met with the sec- the firefly itself. Here our intention was to study and oneself. The swinging sounder though, is playing outwardly and in ond Jeep; we were now fifteen. Here we collected practice, to know and test what we know in practice. the center of the Drum, which sounds the deepest sound on the Drum. what we needed and the usual extras and continued Jim’s teaching is rooted in deep commitment, knowl- on an upward journey above Merida and around the edge and experience. His humorous style made peo- Hopefully these diagrams will help clarify: famous mountain, Pico Bolivar that stands at 5170m. ple want to do more practices. His melodious We drove up through farmlets and country houses, Tibetan songs to the Maestro moved me profoundly; banana trees, mountain frangipani, bullocks and at that point I found myself wanting more and could inviting mules. relax in the soulful gift I was receiving. When we arrived at a mountain farm/coffee Some Semdzin practices took us off separately house we met our third Jeep with Rowena’s son, high on the ridge, in the ruins of old rammed earth offering Andres and grandson, along with Catharine and our buildings, on rocks in the river or in little grazing food, for the forthcoming seven-day retreat. Now we paddocks. One day a large cow came in to see me in were complete and confident together, traveling in response to my soundings, she thought there was an convoy for the next three hours, down a steep valley invitation to something. By the time she came up to and up a narrow ridge to the end of the road. The me she was an imposing size, but my experience of road was rough in places and on several occasions it fear soon abated and she chewed grass for a while. seemed like the best decision was to walk and let the The quiet of the valleys is still happening as I write Jeeps and their drivers negotiate very difficult ter- this piece at home. Such a treasure. Thank you Jim for saying yes so often, thank you rain. We needed to check the wheels on several occa- action sions, swap tires with folk on the way who knew Rowena for your persistence, and thanks to Rinpoche for being our guide.

18 international community news Namgyalgar Gakyil, Australia Mandarava Retreat in Margarita BLUE Jan Taylor (Vice-President) Diet and behavior information: Paul Mortensen Kamalesh Raeannon Diet: light food, like rice and cooked vegetables, boiled or grilled fish, fruit juices and coconut water. If somebody feels hungrier or has spe- YELLOW cial needs it is possible to eat more. Peter Phipps (Treasurer) Ivan Barker (Co-Treasurer) Proper food will be available in the Gar’s kitchen for retreat RED Behavior: it would be very important not to drink alcohol, not to get Joanna Tyshing (President) tired with physical efforts, not to lay down under the sun and not to Jean Mackintosh smoke. Vacancies exist on Red and Yellow. The cost of the retreat is 180US$, it would be very good for the Expressions of interest to join the Gakyil can be lodged with the President or secretary. Community if people pay in dollars. It is recommended to register at the Tashigar Norte some days before retreat starts. People will get the Chüdlen pills at the moment of registration. Namgyalgar DzogchenCommunity in Australia PO Box 14 Central Tilba, Warm greetings, NSW 2546 Tel/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668 Tashigar Norte Gakyil Email: [email protected] Web site: www.dzogchen.org.au namgyalgar & pacific rim Namgyalgar Updates Namgyalgar’s Easter Practice Retreat sleeping bags in the tents and caravans poised upon Easter, 2004 the hillsides. AudioVisual Archive by Antonia McGarity and Viki Forscutt On the last night of the retreat, following a bar- Thank-you to Phil and Veneta for their earlier work on the archive. becue, the remaining retreatants ventured out from Many thanks to outgoing member of the AV committee: Charles. Santi Maha Sangha and Yantra Yoga practice under the trees and away from the gazebo fire onto Easter SMS Retreat retreat, led by Angie Gilbert and Mathew an open field to do the Chöd. With torches in hand, An SMS retreat led by Angie Gilbert on the contemplation of the Four Long, was held at Namgyalgar over the East- seated around a fire beneath a starlit sky, people did A a vigorous Chöd that included an extremely short Immeasurables and Chöd practice was held at Namgyalgar over Easter er weekend in April, the theme of which was “Work- and attended by 25 people who benefited from Angie’s clear, concise ing with behavior, focusing upon the cultivation of form taught during the retreat. In the early morning explanations. At the retreat, Mathew Long gave Yantra Yoga instruc- Bodhicitta and letting go of the ego”. on the last day a Sang practice - which is becoming tions and Jean Mackintosh guided Vajra Dance practice. Some practi- The retreat was attended by approximately thirty more popular at Namgyalgar - was performed at the tioners traveled from as far away as Perth and Brisbane to attend the enthusiastic practitioners, some of whom traveled Sankhang, not far from the new retreat cabin situat- retreat which overall was very successful and enjoyed by all partici- long distances to participate, making it one of the ed near the coral tree in the saddle. The retreat ended pants. largest practice events at Namgyalgar for some time. with a final Thun on loving-kindness followed by a Annual General Meeting Though there was only a small gathering of people at Ganapuja that included the Marme Monlan that The AGM was held at Namgyalgar during the Easter SMS Retreat and the Thundrin practice to open the retreat on Friday reminds us of inter- dependence and potentiality. attended by approximately 30 people. night, the numbers swelled the next day with the Coincidentally as the balimta was being offered, a At the meeting the 2002-03 audited financial accounts were tabled arrival of many more Vajra kin from near and far. It large old goanna lizard that came strolling purpose- along with reports from the President, Treasurer, Secretary and Gakyil. had been some time since the Gar’s infamous bush fully along, paused for a moment outside the Gonpa, This was followed by an open discussion regarding the situation and kitchen - which just seems to go on and on - became then turned and scuffled off, hauling itself up a wall future of Namgyalgar with suggestions being made concerning possible a hub of Vajra family social activity. Once again, through the Vajra Garden. income generating ventures which could help the Gar become more huddled together inside this rustic “humpy” nestled Scheduled into the retreat was the Annual self-sufficient, and ideas about how to attract more people to visit, amidst the eucalyptis trees, brothers and sisters General Meeting at which the audited financial attend practice retreats and settle near the Gar. enjoyed lively conversation and catching up with accounts were presented, along with reports from each other over tasty, healthy meals which they Namgyalgar’s office bearers. Following the official shared in the preparation of. business there was an open discussion regarding the Namgyalgar Projects : Aimed at helping to overcome the ego-ridden situation and future of Namgyalgar. In particular Dark Retreat Cabin dualistic self, each day of the retreat included ses- people talked about the need to have a long-term The foundations of the dark retreat cabin have been laid and work is in sions on the contemplation of the Four vision for the Gar and how financially viable progress, set to be completed within the near future. This cabin will Immeasurables, Chöd and Yantra Yoga. Gently and schemes might be created to help sustain it. Issues have a dual function with a small light retreat room for Longde practice calmly SMS teacher Angie Gilbert spoke about were raised about the lack of people and under-uti- as well as the dedicated dark retreat section. Equanimity and Loving-kindness which was con- lization of the Gar, about its isolation and how far templated in the context of the Short Thun. In her away many practitioners live from it. This led into a Geköes Cabin direct way, Angie also led people through explana- lively brainstorming session in which people sug- Presently minor modifications to the design of the cabin are being final- tions of the Chöd punctuated by the Guru Yoga verse gested possible income-generating activities and ized for submission to the Council for approval. Construction on the with Machig Labdron. Angie’s skill of structuring ways of attracting and assisting more people to visit, cabin is expected to start by mid-winter this year. the retreat in such a way as to hold everyone’s atten- attend practice retreats and settle near the Gar. Ideas tion and inspiration, aided by her measured leading about practitioners possibly living together either on Gonpa Shrine of the practices, was much appreciated by all in the Gar or nearby in shared accommodations of A design for a shrine table in the Gonpa has been accepted. This project attendance. some sort, with a view to supporting each other and is seen as part of the completion of the Gonpa and will be built as soon In the context of cutting the ego and developing practicing together in their older age, were flagged. as funds are available. Donations to help finance the shrine’s construc- the heart, the new teacher Mathew Long led the The Namgyalgar Gakyil is now considering ways to tion are most welcome. Yantra Yoga which was very refreshing and relaxing. further investigate and explore some of these ideas. Complimenting the main practices of the retreat, Overall it was a most positive and enjoyable Future Gakyil meeting dates : each day before the evening meal, several people retreat in which a cluster of Vajra kin greatly bene- July 24 in Melbourne danced the Song of the Vajra around the Mandala led fited in deepening their practice and understanding Sept 25 at the Gar by Jean Mackintosh. In the evenings, after dinner, of the teachings, and reconnecting with each other people gathered around a large open fire in the gaze- and with their wonderful victorious Gar. bo to do Chöd practice, before snuggling into their PASSAGES Born: Geelong Hospital Arya Dewa Namgyalgar Retreat Program Bellarine St Geelong Phipps was 2004 born in Melbourne Melbourne on Aug 12th - 22nd Aug Lectures: August 13th & 19th March 22, Michael Katz Tour 7 – 9 PM Melbourne University Private 2004, to the 442 Auburn Rd. Hawthorn chants on the Sydney th Workshop: August 15th Mantra Lecture: August 20 9.30 AM – 4 PM Faulkner Park Healing CD 7 – 9 PM The Buddhist Library 65 Toorak Rd South Yarra and into the arms of overjoyed parents Suzana Dewa and Peter 90 - 92 Church St Camperdown st Phipps. Arya smiles wide-eyed at her brother Gabriel, her sister Sylvia Workshop: August 21 Lecture $20 per person Concession $15 and her dog Oki, sleeps snuggled between her mum and dad, and is 9.30 AM – 4 PM Rigpa Fellowship 3/822 George Workshop $100 per person Concession $80 simply too beautiful for words. She reminds us of things that we’ve St Sydney forgotten and are trying to unlearn our way back to. As our Tibetan friends say, Arya still remembers everything and knows a lot more Geelong Saturday Sept 25th 2004 th than we ever will in our human lifetime. It is for this that we not only Lecture: August 14 SMS retreat at Gar adore her but also deeply respect her. 7 – 9 PM The Lindell Theatre

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 19 international community news Namgyalgar Gakyil Update Communicating within the Sangha Part III April 2004

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu visit 2005 by Dorothea Franck as a kind of discovery procedure respond to him in special ways Rinpoche has informed the Namgyalgar Gakyil that he will not be vis- for blind spots, they are still not when he takes it out of its box. iting the Asia - Pacific region in 2005. In light of this the Blue Gakyil pleasant, but at least no longer Somehow, I had a hard time is planning a retreat program for summer 2004 - 05 for the Gar which V. Vajra-family useless. believing this, and I tried to find will be publicized when confirmed It is obvious that most of the When we make the comparison to out whether I could get any things I said in the previous parts the family situation, we must not response from the animal. It was- Tibetan Medicine Program of this essay are not necessarily we forget that the analogy is only n’t interested in our gestures, Dr. Nida will conduct Tibetan Medicine courses in Australia between specific for the exchange between half-true. While we students even when I ticked on the glass. December 2004 and February 2005 which include: Ku Nye Massage members of the Sangha. Their might feel and behave somewhat But I decided to spend some time Levels 1: 2: 3, Mantra Healing Level 1 and Dream Analysis. The full relevance rather derives from the similar to how we did as children, in front of the terrarium and program will be publicized when finalized. fact that communicating with fel- our Master is not like an ordinary watch it. After a while, I saw that low students, while sometimes parent. Even if in a given dispute the movement of breathing was Namgyalgar’s 10 year anniversary strangely easy, at other times can my opinion might contain some slightly noticeable in the coiled The Gakyil is planning a celebration for Namgyalgar’s 10th be particularly difficult. It seems real understanding and the up body. It had a very strange way Anniversary to be held at the Gar in early 2005. as if we meet all our best friends teacher even confirms this in of breathing: inhaling seemed and our best “enemies”. In this some way, the Guru is never “on slow and normal but the exhaling Namgyalgar Gakyil Changes respect it very much resembles a my side” - nor for or against was not one continuous smooth Many thanks to outgoing Namgyalgar Gakyil members Steph Kerr, family, where in case of differ- yours, because he is not on any movement but it went in bits and Lily Giblin and Maggie Camfield, for their generous contribution to ences emotions tend to rise high. side. He is impartial, non-dualis- pieces in a strange, irregular, stut- the Community. Welcome to new Gakyil members Jean Mackintosh There is an additional problem. tic and non-judgemental. He has tering rhythm. Looking for a way on Red and Kamalesh Raeannon on Blue. Just because we realize the a special, i.e. a specific relation- to feel closer to the snake I start- immeasurable value of these ship with every one of us. While ed to imitate this and followed the teachings and hence the profound we know this rationally, it is hard snake exactly with my own commitment for its pure preser- to really base our emotions and breathing. Nothing happened for vation, we feel justified in getting behaviour on this conviction. quite a while. But then all of a Dreaming and Awakening very worried and angry if others Nevertheless we can remind our- sudden the snake made a dramat- 2004 Australian Tour interpret the Masters words in a selves of it when necessary, ic quick movement and shot its Dr. Michael Katz “wrong”, i.e. a different way. Of because there is an immense dan- head forward to the glass on the Editor of Dream Yoga and the Practice of Natural Light course, we do have to communi- ger there: that the spiritual con- side where I was standing. It Author of The White Dolphin cate our concern when we see that nection to a teacher rather feeds raised its head and opened the things go wrong. But we have to our ego than destroying it. mouth moving the forked tongue Sponsored by the Dzogchen Community of Namgyalgar mind the famous words of Atisha: We might also suffer from the towards me. I almost jolted. But “The Dharma has to be applied in opposite syndrome, feeling then I steadied myself and just Tour dates: the way of the Dharma”! This extremely insecure, unworthy, stared back, after all, there was Aug 13th - Aug 21st, 2004 means in the first place that we unlovable, stupid and immature thick glass between us. We have stay relaxed and remain in front of the master, naked and exchanged glances for quite a Sydney open in the communication. This transparent in all our misery. while. I was convinced that the Lecture: August 20th is the more difficult the more the Sometimes in the proximity to the synchronized breathing had 7 PM - 9 PM The Buddhist Library things at stake really seem to mat- master we feel like the lost son brought about this contact. 90 - 92 Church St Camperdown ter. But being present and relaxed coming home, at other moments So if the co-ordination of such a Workshop: August 21st is more important than any other we feel like under an X-ray basic process provides a kind of 9:30 AM- 4 PM matter, because in a noisy, angry machine or cut open on the oper- contact between species, how Rigpa Fellowship inner state the soft inner voice of ation table, all our shortcomings much more should this be the 3 /822 George St, Sydney our intuitive wisdom can hardly and hidden flaws totally exposed. case among humans? As I said come through. I am sure we are totally “seen”, earlier, trying to understand Geelong in more ways than we can imag- another being is like visiting Lecture: August 14th “God is on our side – the ine. But at the same time we have another planet. But the teachings 7 PM - 9 PM The Lindell Theatre Guru is on my side” to realize that we seriously under- offer methods to bridge the gap. Geelong Hospital Let’s stay with the family com- rate the compassionate capacity Communication with a snake Bellarine St Geelong parison. As children, we all want- and impartiality of the master if might indeed seem a hard case. ed to be daddies or mummies we feel judged and rejected. Why But among our fellow human Melbourne favourite. We all want to be rec- would we follow a teacher if we beings there are definitely per- Lectures: August 13th & 19th ognized and loved. We want to would not find special qualities sons we find hard to love and 7 PM - 9 PM Melbourne University Private feel special, deserving a special like unlimited compassion in respect. Well, in extreme cases 442 Auburn Rd. Hawthorn relationship with the parent or the him? we have to find extreme reme- Workshop: August 15th master. In cases of conflict we The case of insecurity causes per- dies. 9:30 AM - 4 PM Faulkner Park want to feel: Daddy/God/the haps fewer problems towards I received a lesson recently that 65 Toorak Rd South Yarra Guru is on my side! other Sangha members, but it is a was profoundly painful and beau- Also if we feel not respected mirror image of the problem of tiful as well. Death is an existen- Dr Michael Katz is a psychologist (B.A. Lafayette College, M.A.; enough by Sangha members, we the spoiled child. In both cases tial situation which functions like Psy.D. New York University) who has studied Ericksonian hyp- feel deep indignation. How can a we project our own limitations a crystal-clear mirror. I had the notherapy, Reichian therapy, Gestalt, Embodied Dream Imagery and Vajra brother or sister do this to and fears onto someone who is privilege to attend a dear old aunt psychodrama. He has practiced and Dzogchen me! And we might feel jealous beyond these limits. of mine in her very last days. meditation since 1974, and is a long-standing student of Chögyal when we see the master give spe- Asking myself: when did I really Namkhai Norbu, a Tibetan master of the Dzogchen tradition. He edit- cial attention or show a smile to help her and when did I fail, I ed and wrote the “Introduction” to that master’s definitive book, another person, and not to us, and Hard cases: realized that it was all a question Dream Yoga and the Practice of Natural Light. He has also written a think like a spoiled child: This Breathing with a snake of good listening - especially novel, The White Dolphin, which publicizes the plight of marine isn’t fair! Just like we cried when when there is no more talking. mammals. He currently lives in New York City and since 2001 has our brother or sister got a (seem- There was a profound contact. lectured and led workshops throughout the USA and Europe on lucid ingly) bigger piece of chocolate! There are other ways of commu- But there were also moments dreaming for personal growth. This will be his first visit to Australia. Behavioral advice usually goes nication in the Sangha than talk- when I was hiding my helpless- primarily to the “active” person: ing and arguing. Doing practice ness and hidden panic behind Publications: do not hit your brother or sister, together is also a way to commu- busy action like pushing her to eat Norbu, Namkhai, Dream Yoga and the Practice of Natural Light, do not hurt the other person, be nicate, and a highly relevant one. and drink when she had clearly no Ithaca, NY, aware of the needs of others. But The co-ordination of the actions desire to do so. It’s like skating Snow Lion Publications, 2002. 2nd edition, Edited and introduced by the maturity of the receiving side of body and voice also co-ordi- over thin ice: we fear to break Michael Katz. is just as relevant! For example, nates the energies in the group. through a hole when we stop and when you feel hurt: don’t assume Thinking specifically of stand still. While in fact we could Katz, Michael, The White Dolphin, Psychology Help Publications, too quickly bad intentions. We Rinpoche’s advice to co-ordinate break through the hole and learn 2001 should look for the reasons why our breathing at certain parts of to fly! the other person might feel justi- the collective practices, because it Besides these insights I received a Lectures fied to raise a critical voice, and creates a kind of resonance or link gift. I realized that you can love Lectures will outline how Dream Yoga and the practice of the “natur- check our own sensitivities and between us, a strange memory more profoundly than ever when al light” fit into the context of Tibetan Buddhism as well as delineate sore spots, where we get defen- came to my mind. you are a witness of dying. We all the various psychological systems used in dream work. Dr Michael sive or furious or deeply hurt. A long time ago I was visiting an know the old rule “de mortibus Katz will instruct on exercises drawing upon both Chögyal Namkhai This is a very efficient way to eccentric pop musician and his nihil nisi bene.” (Only speak well Norbu1s Dzogchen tradition and psychological methods that assist us gain insight into our trigger spots: family in England. He especially of the deceased.) This not only a in actively and creatively working with dreams. The exercises taught the weak point where past experi- cherished a pet snake, which was wise rule of conduct but also a at the lectures will not require attendance at a workshop in order to be ences, and particularly a lack of lying motionless in the middle of realistic observation. When useful. However the workshops will deepen and extend the dream self-acceptance, causes dispro- a large terrarium. It didn’t seem to someone has died and even more work. portionately emotional respons- take notice of us trying to get its when we see someone dying, we No pre-registration is required to attend the lectures, please pay at the es. If you manage to consider attention. The owner claimed the are naturally inclined to see the door on the night. these not too pleasant situations snake would recognize him and continued on page 22

20 Love, Relationships words of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu & the Teachings Respecting Others and think they are like one indi- edged that they were two individ- ove is probably the most and can plummet us into the Rome, November 21, 2000 vidual and see all aspects of uals with their own dimensions, highly prized, most sought deepest depths of despair. Mirror Issue # 56 things in the same way. A year their own ways of seeing and after human experience Love is all-powerful. It can heal later it’s a little like that, and after being but wanted to collaborate Lafter sex. Or maybe for the the sick. It can calm the mad. It a few more years they are a little and be together, then they would nowing how to respect romantic, the top of the heap. can drive one mad. It can grow a the value and character of disillusioned and discover that have respected each other – espe- Love has many forms and exists flower. It can soothe a hunger and each thing is a part of our they don’t exactly see eye to eye. cially if they are people who are within a variety of contexts, some quench a thirst. Mothers sacrifice Kawareness. First of all, a practi- At the beginning [of their rela- following a spiritual path and more conditional than others. their own lives for love. It can tioner should know how to respect tionship] they want to be seated have a sense of these values. In There is the love of the parent for even raise the dead. the individual and, above all, oth- on the same chair when they are this way, if they live long enough the child, the child for the parent, It is interesting to really examine er practitioners, because each eating, even if they break the to become old people then they the lover and the beloved, love of love and the feeling - where love individual has his or her dimen- chair! After two or three years will be two old people who will country, love of God, love of comes from, where it goes, where sion. We have a great many prob- they definitely want two different be sweet to each other and respect nature, animals, art, food, choco- it resides in the body, etc. lems with this. We are constantly chairs, and after a few more years each other. But today that’s very late, etc., etc. You name it and we Examining love is a great practice forgetting to respect the dimen- they want two different beds. hard to do. love it. for a practitioner. Love contains sion of others, particularly people After a while, one house isn’t big Even if it’s not that way, it’s And then we relate to the and inspires great dualism and who are in couples. enough and they want two. very important that we under- object of our love. We in its purest form, an When both people in the cou- After all this time, all they stand that each person is an indi- objectify it, we all-embracing and ple are young and lovely then have really discovered is that they vidual with his or her own dimen- idealize it, we profound com- everything goes wonderfully. are two individuals, each with sion and way of seeing and being. long for it, we passion. How They are blinded by their passion their own dimension. If, from the grasp at it, we daily life in we use love is beginning, they had acknowl- judge it, we the mirror important. Love & Relationships cling to it, we What do we To Develop Love by Paul Bail fantasize want to do about it, we’re with our love as His Holiness the Dalai Lama The need for love. The need to suffocated by it, practitioners? By Excerpted from Mirror 8, 1991 feel related to someone or some- sometimes we leave it looking at love we can thing. This drives so many behav- or it leaves us, and we suffer. We examine the many facets of our “Many people say that human nature is violent, but I often jokingly say iors, some relatively sane, some have wars based in nationalism habits of attachment and aversion that observing our bodies, our fingernails and our teeth, etc., we can relatively “insane.” So much and “love of country”. We hurt and come out the other side with categorize men as docile animals. Also if we closely observe men’s money spent, hours of sleep lost, others through the exclusivity of a purified and more universal nature and the very existence of human communities, I think they arise tears shed, lies told, moments of our “love”. We create huge love - unconditional love and from the need for human contact and love. Even scientists say that the hope and fear, all in the name of chasms of separation because of compassion. Like our teachers. first couple of weeks are extremely important for babies with regards love. We hide parts of ourselves our “love of God”. We can find What we love in our teachers is to their relationship with their mother. This shows how even biologi- that we think will be unaccept- our muse and great creative inspi- their capacity to live in the state cally man needs affection. I think that affection, love and benevolence, able, so that we can be “loved.” ration through love. We can of unconditional love and pro- are fundamentally important.” How crazy! And the traits that ini- achieve enormous feats in love. found compassion and to transmit tially attract us to a lover are often We can become totally one point- that state to us. That is true love. the very things that later annoy us. ed and totally distracted in love. next topic How strange! And yet, we never Love is a strong basic human Naomi Zeitz for The Mirror totally give up on chasing love. emotion that feels infinitely good family & parenting Love is another topic I can get deadline: July 16 woefully confused about, right up Love & Marriage there with sex! An offering by Barrie Simmons SINGLE WHITE FEMALE DZ PRACTITIONER SEEKS Does love require another person, CYBER LOVER FOR EXCHANGE OF WELL-WRITTEN in order to manifest? When I am few weeks ago, while in New York for the marriage of our son LOVE NOTES. fully present, in that moment, isn’t Noah and his Sandra, I came upon the quotation attached, which that love? Or, at least, the ground seems to me to make great sense, in a book by Tom Malone. He Age irrelevant, looks irrelevant, unbearable personal habits that would and potentiality out of which love Awas one of the pioneers, with my friend Carl Whitaker, of an approach normally drive a lover away, not an issue here as it is preferable that can emerge? And when two peo- we call “experiential psychotherapy.” In one of history’s extreme we never meet. Fear of intimacy not an issue, fear of commitment ple are fully present to each other, ironies, they worked out their very humane way of helping in the mental could be if you don’t think you could commit to a few minutes writ- that’s the essence of love, isn’t it? health clinic at Los Alamos, part of the secret installation where the ing per day. Sexual preference not an issue either as I will accept love That seems simple enough, but Atomic Bomb was first being built. For years, they worked with ostensi- notes from all sexes then it gets more complicated. bly incurable schizophrenics, achieving remarkable results. Then they and sexual persuasions, but let me say up front, that depending on the There can be a moment of pres- developed a deep and effective mode of family therapy, which has response to this ad, even though I cannot absolutely guarantee I will ence with someone I’m passing healed thousands. NB: Nancy and I are celebrating our 50th wedding be monogamous, you will feel like you are the one and only in my life. on the street, and a moment of anniversary on December 16th of this year. I may however with your permission, share your love notes with other presence in a committed relation- DZ practitioners like myself who while they may be strong, beautiful, ship. I’d better not get these two From THE WINDOWS OF EXPERIENCE by Thomas P. Malone: radiant people in the prime of their lives, live each day untouched by mixed up, or there may be reper- the sweet words or tender hands of another’s love. cussions! “Instant karma,” as they “To stay married we have to... And while these men and women may be great practitioners and know say! Realize that marriage is ongoing hard work. There is no other way to be that love is a dream, love is a projection, love is a samsaric drug or just Some relationships seem more married. Understand that we marry the missing parts, the rest of us. too godamned painful to ever go there again, they still long for some “special” than others do, and this Being married to oneself would not only be a bore, but would almost simple love words to thrill them, to light the flame of Eros in their is part of the manifestation. guarantee our premature demise as a person. Realize that we have to hearts, so that they may go to their meditation cushion with a little Sometimes I have worried over learn from the ways in which we differ. The task is a significant portion skip in their step and greet the day thinking “ someone cares about me, the idea that exclusive relation- of our motivation for marrying this particular person. Decide that we are someone desires me, someone wants to talk to me, someone wants to ships are “attachment.” I got lost going to stay in the marriage. It is astonishing how few people ever share the innermost secrets of my soul!” in the concept that attachment was decide that. Realize that we are responsible for our own happiness and However please be aware that love notes will only be responded to if “bad.” But, there are many types unhappiness. Know that if our spouse is having a bad time, we have it is apparent that some thought has gone into them. The common and of special relationships in our something to do with it even though we may not be “responsible” for it. generic “love you” that is uttered at the end of every phone call and material life – parent and child, Bring something new of our person into the relationship every day. Our email message will not be accepted. Use of erotic imagery and student and teacher, lovers, life- living together healthily involves a constant renewal. Know without any metaphor is encouraged while pornography is not (initially) encour- partners. Each of these has its reservations that the greatest gift we can give our spouse is our genuine aged. own rules and codes. The codes love of ourselves. The greatest gift we can give our children is our love While a high quality of writing is sought, schmaltz and corny lan- are constructions, but so what? of each other. Know that if we want something, we must give it. If we guage will be tolerated and love notes submitted in broken English, in We can use constructions, can we want our spouse to tell us about himself or herself, we must tell them another language or from an unusual world location will be at an not, knowing them to be such? In about ourselves. If we want our spouse to listen, we must listen to our advantage because of the exotic nature of their origin. Married men the provisional world in which we spouse. Accept the fact that despite being male and female, both of us who respond to this ad will be encouraged to write love notes for their live, some constructions are “bet- are both masculine and feminine. Realize that play makes marriages. wives instead. If you find the thought of a cyber love letter exchange ter” than others — nourishing Without joy and laughter, marriage is simply an incessant dying. “ too intimidating but you still want to take part, why not write love food, a warm dry place to sleep, notes to yourself and just cc me in. I won’t respond to you directly but kindness and love in relationships...... suggested by Barrie Simmons will send my response on to someone else, they can send their While love, or any preference, is response to another, and so on, and in true Dzogchen style, the bene- “attachment,” clearly we can dis- fit of your love can be shared among many without you even know- tinguish between possessive, con- ing it. Errata trolling, selfish love and a more On page 2 of the last Mirror, issue 67, Georg Meschede of Munich, This is my latest solution to the question of loving in a post global, open, honest, unselfish love. And not Marie Krupp, transcribed the Web Cast Teaching. Apologies to post love/hate world. every relationship is a mixture of Georg. Maybe you have a better idea. I’d love to hear about it. I look forward these, at various moments. to receiving your first love note post haste, (seriously and not serious- And then again, there are The Santi Maha Sangha Retreat dates with Jim Valby in Merigar are: ly) yours moments of peace, when all dis- July 16 – August 12, 2004 tinctions become forgotten for the LoveLetterWriter, moment. Between craziness, and The correct email of Carmen Rivas on Margarita Island, Venezuela is [email protected] satisfaction, and peace – this is [email protected] how my life swings.

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 21 Some Reflections of Life at Zaragosa Beach, Margarita Island, Venezuela Dear friends we are getting excited how old could she be I’m sending you a little detail maybe 200 or 300 years old here from my life on the island who knows of Margarita she is very impressive where life often seems easier than anywhere else slowly it is getting dark it is colorful with music and above us the stars dancing in the streets and some light from the waning at this time people of Pedro moon Gonzalez I’m happy to be here participat- are celebrating their patron San ing Pedro who protects the fishermen The turtle has found her place drawing circles with her big fins all the streets and houses then she scratches (scrapes) into are beautiful decorated with the sand paper and plastic flowers shoveling deep holes and Zaragosa Beach, Isla Margarita handmade boats and so on... remaining seated people here are poor but cheerful A Day in the Life at Playa Zaragosa, Isla Margarita and friendly We can move closer with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu part of the daily picture of life She is totally busy depositing her are old huge american cars eggs by Monica Wittib with cheese, fish or chicken and prey? Perhaps out of their exis- often without number plates fried in oil. You eat it right there tence over thousands of years part of the radiator is missing there will be a hundred to hun- he activity in the morning by the stone wall and if you like they wonder what funny creatures and sometimes even the doors dred and fifty at Zaragosa beach builds you can put some green hot sauce have come to live on this planet? often people repair their cars in as the local people say up slowly until midday. on top of it. Ignazio clears the Let us all swim out to “Pelican the middle of the roads not all will survive T When I come down for breakfast table from my breakfast and pre- Island” and stay there with the The turtle is under protection of after the practice at about pares the others for lunch, putting pelicans without water and food. cows are walking along the the civil nature guard 9:30AM, the tall smiling Cabana salt and pepper, cutlery, and nap- We will catch fish like they do, streets alone we hear that some people might man is taking out the sun shades, kins on each table. although they will surely think sometimes I feel like in India eat her eggs and meat getting the lounge chairs ready, The bustle and noise come to how funny those beings are, in one sees four people together here two men feel responsible and pulling the speedboat to the a sudden standstill and everybody what strange way they eat fish. riding on one bicycle shore across the only tiled path- gets up as Rinpoche appears. He For a while, Rinpoche lies and it is hot We are very close and stay quiet way on the island surrounded by heads directly for his chair where very still on his back on the always hot somehow however “uba de playa” or “guagacom” he only shortly sits down to take waves, stretching his arms and one feels happy if the wind voice has spread the event trees. A small stone wall separates his red cap and T-shirt off and legs apart, singing the Song of the blows a bit stronger so more people are coming the white sandy beach from the apply sunscreen. Gustavo (a.k.a. Vajra and sometimes chanting we eat fish and chicken and promenade. While I head along Chocolate) starts to run busily mantras quietly. The ones who arepas She is still depositing her eggs the row of houses to Roger’s around taking orders for pina can withstand the cool water join freshly baked corn tortillas and nothing seems to disturb her Restaurant, Conde stops to kiss coladas and cocadas after the in and others swim around trying and a lot of papaya mangos and she seems to be deeply involved me good morning and to wish me swim. After that, Rinpoche to keep warm. Then the circle of coconut in what she is doing a good day, the shop owners wave immediately walks into the sea people slowly swims to the shore the ocean gets warmer every day out of their houses, the fruit-juice surrounded by the disciples, Now with Rinpoche. in wintertime the water is pretty after a long while she slowly seller says “hola”, Joaquin, one of something begins what I call the In between swims with cold raises herself the necklace vendors, prepares the “deep-blue-sea teaching” for Rinpoche, and sometimes there the locals go swimming for first she snorts (blows) jewelry on the stone wall, inviting those who are prepared to stay in are several, there are the daily time around Easter breathes heavily and deeply the passers-by to view his trea- the relatively chilly ocean for musical serenades and straw “she is crying” I hear a child sures and buy at such a good occa- about an hour. There will be bands, more stories, discussions One day we spent long time on saying sion. jokes, or games, just talking with of world politics, and salutations the beach I order eggs, cheese, arepas friends and stories that often of comings and goings. Then it’s evening with her huge fins she shuffles (corn flour cakes) and walk back develop into profound teachings. Rinpoche puts on his red cap and the colors of the houses on the the sand around her to get a small paper cup full of One day Rinpoche was mus- T-shirt, gathers his belongings, beach to cover the place where she has cappuccino con vanilla out of the ing about the pelicans who rest washes his feet in the bucket of the palm trees and the flowers been sitting machine in the corner shop. I quietly on a small fishing boats warm water waiting for him and are glowing drawing again a circle share the cheese with the white with their big beaks folded down strolls to the car with Fabio. The in the last sunrays cat that begs for food with its blue on their breasts, eyes darting here locals from Playa Zaragosa also the atmosphere makes us feeling Two cars arrive eyes. Small groups of practition- and there looking for fish. stop and call their greetings. Life happy their headlights irritate her ers stroll in, lingering here and Occasionally these prehistoric has changed since Rinpoche and the sun surrounded by golden soldiers come to keep guard there, saying hello to others, cran- looking creatures swoop up into his students arrived in Margarita. rays ing their necks to see what is the sky with their enormous The people disband into small changing into a bigger growing She tries to find her way back to going on and if Rinpoche is wings and dive precisely into the groups, some for lunch on the red ball the sea already at his usual place or in the sea, scooping up fish and swal- beach, some go home, some run slowly sinking into the ocean the eggs are lying half meter sea. The places in the shade of the lowing them whole. Sometimes to Juan Griego or Porlamar for It is calm on the beach under the sand palm trees are soon taken and you can see the fish wiggling in email and shopping, some look the restaurants are closed they will be dug out, that’s what some sit on the low stone wall. fear inside the beak. The pelican for rides, and some remain on the people have left we hear Someone puts Rinpoche’s white discussion with Rinpoche went beach to improve their tan or and brought to safe place plastic chair into the shade of the something like this: What might swim some more. And that is the Suddenly some children are there after two months the turtles sunscreen that forms a protection they think of us human beings typical day in the life at Playa shouting will slip out for two seats. You can hear Petra who take away all their prey and Zaragosa, Isla Margarita, with and pointing to the far end on the call, “Empanadas, empanadas”, eat it without working for it? Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. beach It seems that in her sing song style, before she What might they think when they there in the distance a huge sea she doesn’t find her way back to even appears, holding the big pot circle around our heads - do they turtle the sea in front of her belly. It contains for a moment consider us their at least 2 meters long we worry a bit triangles made of dough, filled is slowly moving walking and wish her to find her way home towards the beach Communication in the Sangha continued from page 20 it’s looking like a big moving Finally she reaches the border of rock the water she walks along the ocean beauty and the goodness of this person and this person’s life. We see the whole picture now, not the tempo- I’m amazed walks a bit into the ocean rary irritations or shortcomings. I made the vow to myself that I will apply this insight to people who are more had no idea that something like it seems that the lights from the difficult to love for me than this beloved old auntie. It seems like a morbid fantasy, but in fact, when you want this is still existing village irritate her to feel more accepting and loving toward a person you really don’t like, imagine them on we walk towards the end of the their deathbed. Your heart will open up. beach Five strong men decide to help The other day I heard a translation of a beautiful Iranian song. It sings about two windows caught up in a wall where some people from the vil- her in at a fixed distance. They were hoping for the wall to collapse so that the distance would vanish, knowing that lage already are standing and so she reaches the depths of the fall of the wall would mean that they too would break. Isn’t this a perfect image for our own process, in a distance the sea where in the end, all our walls will crumble and our limitations dissolve in Big Space? watching the spectacle respect- fully Here I’m sitting in the internet whispering with each other cafe it is terrible cold The huge water turtle slowly the air conditioning is blowing moves forward searching with affection and lots of regards after a little while she starts to draw a big circle Anna Eid

22 REFLECTIONS Dream Yoga and Death COMING BACK FROM THE Argentina where it was completely dry, cracks in the earth, people wandering thirstily looking for water. I by Michael Katz by Alicia Caballero heard a voice in my mind: “The next years the fate Merigar, August 2003 of beings will be decided, there are many people n December l995, the day after Christmas, who are still in the dark and should reach the Path. am looking out over the hills of Tuscany. The sun is rising in a cloud- my parents and I were traveling by car from You must do your work.” It asked me: “Will you less sky. In the distance is Merigar and I can also see the Maestro’s Asuncion, Paraguay to Cordoba, Argentina, remember?” O I said, “Yes” and a luminous journey began to some- house from the “pensione” we have rented. Last night as I drove 1.200 kilometers. Mid way into the journey we had a I terrible accident en route. place. When it finished I felt at home, inside the home from dinner at a friend’s house, a white owl flew near my car and lingered. I am reminded that I had a very similar experience with a white We left Asuncion when the sun rose. I drove until body. I had a wonderful meditation, no thoughts, no owl while visiting Hawaii a few years back. I had also presented a course midday and then my father took over. I was tired and feelings, no perceptions, and no intention, just con- on dreams there. Now I ask myself is this a dream. laid down in the back seat. My mother was sitting sciousness. It is the second consecutive summer that I have presented a sort of beside my father and they were talking when I fell After a while I realized I didn’t have contact and training on Dream Yoga at Merigar and now I am staying on so as to deeply asleep. The next memory was a strong throb- I worked hard to recover sight, sound, all the senses. participate in a Santi Maha Sangha course with Rinpoche. I feel a great bing at my forehead and everything became dark. I I tried to open the eyes but I couldn’t see, I became honor to present this material at Rinpoche’s invitation as his dream found myself in the middle of a dark space, like a to nervous and moving in my bed: “the computer is transmission is the heart essence gift, which he gives us his students. night without stars. I was very, very confused: not working” I said, my brother - who is a physician Although my capacity in comparison to his is like a candle to the sun, “Where are the people? Where are my parents? What - was at my side, “ Don’t worry Aly, we’ll fix it” Oh I hope to communicate something useful as Rinpoche has only two is that?” I looked to my front, back, left, right, down, my God, I couldn’t see but I recognized that voice. arms up, there was nothing. I didn’t know what to do. The sixth day of I sitting in my bed I started asking, There is something gnawing at me since the Dream course con- Never in my all life was I so desperate. “Who am I? Where am I? Amnesia, I couldn’t cluded, perhaps it is related to the strong emotions that welled up with- Up, in front of me, a light appeared, like a sun. It remember anything, but I knew very well one thing: in me as the course ended. I feel an urgency to write. As I begin the moved toward me and soon it reached me and went “I’m a practitioner and remember my promise, “I’ll theme becomes clearer. through me. I was in the middle of the light and felt do it”. Two of the participants in this year’s course were struggling with completely at peace. Coming back to my house I thought it was a cancer. One of them had remarked that all other fears are insignificant At that time, a video was going inside my mind nightmare, and could not believe the whole story, but to the fear of death. As I write I remember back now nearly fifty years. and I started seeing all my life in it - from the last it came back every night in my dreams. I thought I My mother is tickling me and I am nearly crying with laughter. These scenes lived that day after to the past, day by day. I was becoming crazy, so decided to write to Rinpoche years have passed impossibly fast and now it is I tickling my son almost was looking at scenes I had forgotten with many, asking his advice. to tears. I recall the year spent with Rinpoche in New York City as he many details, some I didn’t like. So many parties, He answered: recovered from leukemia. I think also of my teachers Dudjom dancing, enjoying and then driving drunk on the “ Oh, yes that represents the nature beyond the Rinpoche, Khyentse Rinpoche, Chogyam Trungpa and Lama Gonpo road. I felt ashamed and started crying. human condition, it seems terrible but that is a real who have passed. I am wondering if the white owl might be a personal The light was looking at the video with me, like situation, so it’s important to be aware that way”. reminder that death is our shadow. a Presence, and more than that it seemed to know It took me one year to recover, because I had a cere- It is our condition that we become so involved in our complicated everything about me. It was like God, so powerful, bral hemorrhage, blood going inside the brain, but I lives we forget the need to prepare for our death. Perhaps we forget that so wise, and so compassionate. It didn’t judge me. was lucky because it stopped at the last cover (mem- Samsara is an ocean of suffering and the preciousness of the human The clarity of my mind was judging me relentlessly. brane) and because the second vertebral bound was . I also prefer to put these considerations off. After all, tonight It was at my twentieth year, in high school, when I broken too, it took a long time recover the body’s there is the fine wine of Montalcino, but there is also the voice of the recognized the process: “I’m dying!” and realized normal functions. Maestro whispering about that famous tomorrow, a tomorrow that may that I had wasted my time and didn’t fulfill the goal. I told this story to my relatives and close friends, not come. There are also the students struggling with cancer, the years I begged: “ I shall do it! I shall do it! Give me anoth- but they didn’t care very much, may be they didn’t which pass more and more quickly, and the white owl. er opportunity”. Someone heard and the video believe me. So I think, “It better to shut my mouth It is something like thirty years I am practicing the Dharma. I have stopped and started going ahead, quickly. I saw and not talk about it anymore”. forgotten even the name of so many important secondary practices. I am scenes of the future – I suppose- places that I’ve But, this beautiful summer night at Tashigar, attempting to work with instant presence. Instant presence as Lama never been, people that I never met in terrible suffer- Naomi and I were talking about Death and I told her. Tarchen once reminded me, is something relatively easy to pick up but ing. For example, I saw women running along a She convinced me it was important to share with our difficult to carry. In the lives of the MahaSiddhas there are stories of desert, holding their children in their arms, fire Vajra Brothers and Sisters. So, here it is. those who upon receiving a direct introduction became instantly real- falling from the sky over them, wearing strange Thanks for listening, dear friends. It helps me ized. Guru Padmasambhava, for example, achieved the great transfer- clothes, and their heads covered by shawls. remember my promise. ence in his life. When I look in the mirror I don’t believe it will happen I recognized just one place: the north of to me. On the other hand I still have hope that I might do something at the time of my death. According to the teachers there are two particular opportunities for liberation at death. These correspond to the Chonyid and the Sidpai bar- dos. The opportunities at these times are directly related to the Practice orm & Emptiness: The Dalai Lama teaches the Heart Sutra • Meredith Monk on of Natural Light, and the Dream Yoga practices respectively. For exam- F dharma and creativity • Attending to the Deathless, by Amaro • Forum: ple, if one is successful with the practice of the night, one’s familiarity Bodhi, Jeffrey Hopkins and Jan Chozen Bays debate the law of karma • Community Profile: Foundation for the with “instant presence” may allow one to integrate with the natural light of our intrinsic nature. The famous unification of the “mother and son” Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition • Five teishos by Maezumi Roshi on breathing, energy wisdoms. and the practice of qi gong • Dharma Dictionary: Thanissaro Bhikkhu defines satipatthanna The other possibility for some sort of liberation is at the time of the • Thich Nhat Hanh explains why sangha is a deep spiritual practice • Norman manifestation of hallucinations, which occurs during the process of the Fischer on the controversy over “Nanchuan Cuts the Cat” • Roger Jackson reviews The Third Sidpai bardo. If we are successful in realizing that our nighttime dreams are illusory we have a strong base for realizing that the hallucinations of Karmapa’s Mahamudra Prayer • Readers’ Exchange: Being a Buddhist parent • Forum: the Sidpai bardo are unreal. , Joseph Goldstein and Judith Lief on the need for more full-time practitioners • There are also the more relative but still profound benefits of the Mahamudra teachings by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso • on awakening “the One dream practices for psychological healing. To illustrate I recount the Who Knows” • Diversity Practice at Spirit Rock • Pure Attention: A conversation with dream of one of the participants of the recent Merigar course. “She is examining photos with members of her family when she notices that S.N. Goenka • Eido Roshi on the “True Man Without Rank” • Ask the Teachers: What something is missing from several of them. She realizes that what is do I do when my practice isn’t working? • Dharma Dictionary: Charles Muller defines yogacara • missing are the images of the children. As she is struggling with cancer Unpublished teachings by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche • The centenary of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi • the inability to bear children has weighed upon her. Noticing that the photos are somehow strange she suddenly realizes that it is a dream. on the meaning of • Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche on the three kayas Now lucid she subsequently finds herself in a shadowy room something • The inspiring story of Dipa Ma • Gehlek Rinpoche on the practice like a root cellar and in front of her is a vampire. She realizes this is the of taking and sending • B. Alan Wallace on purity of the dharma • vampire who tormented her many times in recurring dreams during her Forum: Understanding Master Dogen • Vipassana teachings by U Pandita • From childhood. A vampire that preyed upon her sucking her blood but always leaving her with enough life so as to be able to return and prey Servants to Practitioners: Jan Willis on why things are getting better for the nuns of Ladakh upon her again. Now in the dream she confronts the vampire and tells it that she is not afraid. She takes it by the neck and chokes it. As she chokes the vampire it deflates like a balloon. The central place that dream experience occupies within Rinpoche’s Subscribe to Buddhadharma transmission and the unique opportunities of this practice leading to lib- THE PRACTITIONER’S QUARTERLY eration at the time of death means that the importance of these practices cannot be overestimated. It is for these reasons that I am personally inspired by the practices of the night, and that I am hoping there will in These are some of the great teachings and articles that have appeared in the future be increased possibilities for training within our world wide Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly. It’s the new practice-oriented journal Community. for Buddhists of all traditions. Four outstanding issues for only $19.95. Brought to you by the publishers of the Shambhala Sun. Call toll-free 1-877-786-1950 Or go to www.thebuddhadharma.com Price in Canada: $29.95 CDN. Foreign: $29.95 USD. 4 quarterly issues. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly, PO Box 3377, Champlain, NY 12919 USA Fax 902-423-2701

IMAGE CREDITS: BUNKO, UELI MINDER, ROBERT HOFFAN, ANDY KARR, JAMYONG SINGYE, DHARMA DRUM MOUNTAIN, JOYCE GOLDMAN, JANICE RUBIN, KARL-LUDWIG LEITER.

T HE M IRROR M AY/JUNE 2004 23 HOW I MET CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU

Luminous Mind connection. I went to the “You are calling Tsegyalgar, in Maine I started pulling up Meeting the Master library and downloaded an The Dzogchen Community in roots, getting rid of some belong- by Cindy Thibeau application for retreat to America in Conway, ings and storing others, to prepare Gampo Abbey and sent it in. A Massachusetts.” for my journey. A few days before uminous Mind first set me few weeks went by and I We finally figured out Snow I was to leave I looked at the map on the path to meet Chö- received a telephone call and Lion had made a mistake and to find the best route to Colrain, gyal Namkhai Norbu. had a phone interview. Another put Tsegyalgar’s number in Massachusetts. As I circled L few weeks later I was accepted place of Lingmincha’s number. Colrain I noticed that Conway Deep in the heart of a cold Maine winter night, snuggled in my bed, for a six month retreat starting Lucky me! Andrea then was just a short jaunt down the I was reading a book by the beau- in September. explained that they sometimes road from Colrain. Wow! What a tiful Kalu Rinpoche called In the meantime a friend offered Yantra Yoga courses coincidence, I thought. I’ll have “Luminious Mind”, and in it was had called and proposed that I with two wonderful teachers to drop by there sometime. Well, a short chapter on Dzogchen. It come and work for her in her from Italy and would I like one day I did drop by Tsegyalgar really sparked something in me center in Colrain, some information about their and I met Andrea (the secretary at and I thought, Dzogchen, that’s Massachusetts where she held teacher, Chögyal Namkhai the time), Damien (the geköes at what I want to study and practice! various teaching workshops on N ZEITZ Norbu and a list of his books the time) and Bob, and Bob spent That same night I mentally asked alternative healing. I consid- tured my attention and I really along with a complimentary several hours showing me around for a teacher in my life to guide ered it and decided to close my wanted to go. At the end of the copy of the Mirror. I said “Sure” the Gar and talking about the my practice. massage practice and go to work article was a telephone number and several days later a packet teachings, and they invited me to As winter turned to spring I for her for a few months before and an address in Virginia. I came. I noticed that on the list of a Ganapuja. It all felt quite magi- felt a strong urge to make a going to Gampo Abbey in the called and a woman named Namkhai Norbu’s books was cal. I came for a video transmis- change, to go and do extended wilds of Nova Scotia. Also during Andrea answered the phone and I “The Supreme Source” one of the sion. I started doing karma yoga. retreat, but where? I looked this time period I received a copy said I was interested in the Yantra same books I had just ordered Gampo Abbey started becoming a through Dharma magazines and of the Snow Lion paper and on Yoga course being offered. She from Snow Lion. Hmmm, funny distant memory. The following while reading Shambala Sun I the front page were pictures of a said, “We’re not offering Yantra coincidence. Also in the Mirror June Rinpoche came to saw a pretty advertisement for man doing some interesting Yoga this year, that will be next was a short story about the posi- Tsegyalgar. I met my Teacher. Gampo Abbey. Having read and movements along with an article year.” I said, “But this article in tion of Geköes in some far away reread and loved Chogyam about Yantra Yoga which was the Snow Lion says it is being country. How interesting, I Cindy is the current Geköes of Trungpa and Pema Chodron’s being taught at Lingmincha offered this summer at thought. I would love to do that. Tsegyalgar. books, that seemed like a good Institute in Virginia. It really cap- Lingmincha Institute.” She said So after many years of living

Baja Beyul continued from page 1 walked ahead a stretch to reconnoiter and we continued on At the root of the Shangri-La myth popularized by James contemporary English as: “When the iron bird flies and the our way. Hilton’s Lost Horizon, is the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of horse runs on wheels, the Tibetan people will be scattered After one hour we arrived at what has been termed as the “hidden valley.” This term has been applied to both leg- like ants across the face of the Earth, and the Dharma will the “Squatter’s Cabin”. It is situated on an arroyo and has endary locales, such as Shambala, and to well-known come to the land of the red men.” a spring running just above it. It is constructed of woven places, including Rolwaling, Khumbu, and all of Nepal. (In Now that Dharma has come to the West in a full sense, Pau D’Arco and Palm leaf. Fabricated almost entirely of fact, the Tibetan name for Nepal is “Beyul”). While the is it surprising that the attributes of recognition have fol- local natural materials, it was just large enough for a small idea is new to the West as such, there is always the idea that lowed? cooking area and a mattress. A corral tree and fruit trees the Beyul exists not just in Tibet, but in places on the entire The recognition of a Beyul in the West is more of a call were nearby. The location is easily the most remote place planet. Perhaps we see the extension of other dimensions in to participation than it is one of fantasy or speculation. I’ve been in for years. this concept. Beyul’s, at their core, have always been about Community Enclosed by mountain The Tibetan tradition of hid- whether it be Mahasiddhas or simple mountain people. walls on three sides, it had den valleys is generally traced Community where there are no limits. Where even the a nice exposure to the back to Padma Sambhava. earth itself participates. western sky. Looking The story is that, foreseeing a In the early 1900s, The Statesman carried the report by around I noticed that time of chaos, he and his stu- a British army officer of a very tall, lightly clad man with below the house the dents wrote their teachings in long hair who, when he noticed the Major, leaped down an arroyo formed a small books (ter-ma; collectively, extreme vertical slope and disappeared. The Tibetans back canyon with the vestiges the Rinchen Terzu) and that at the encampment showed no surprise at the Major’s expe- of flowing water. The they hid underground or in a rience, but simply explained that he had seen one of the house lay on a narrow cloak of invisibility, to remain sentries of the local “Beyul”. ledge overlooking the But Beyuls have a more pragmatic arroyo. Nathalie took aspect than just legendary. Today, in down some notes as I what is called by some, the “Dzogchen walked away from the Holy Area” (Central Khams-Derge’), house down a path where you will find what is perhaps Tibet’s the ledge opened up and New Baja Gakyil A MCGHEE cultural and Buddhist center. Near the followed the arroyo. mountainous region of this area you will While it seemed an ideal retreat cabin I couldn’t help but there until his future find about a thousand natural caves that wonder how much time was involved in just surviving reincarnations (the are still populated by practitioners of here. Certainly trips to town for food and other supplies Tertons ) rediscovered various disciplines. This area has been would consume an entire day each week. As Fabio, Nary them. He further pre- active throughout history (and beyond). and Nathalie started to arrive at the vehicle, Rinpoche dicted that in a time of At Gangtro Barma, the Snow looked up above the ridge tops and said, “This is nice, we war, Tibetans would Mountain’s middle lake cave, will keep it.” take refuge in “hidden Padmasambhava lived for three years. On the way back we ventured down another shorter valleys” deep in the He concealed many Dharma treasures in road that was a back entrance to the main arroyo he had tra- mountains. Among the this area. Many practitioners have versed earlier. As Rinpoche began to take in the scope of identified valleys are attained enlightenment there. Dzogchen the more than 3,000 acres, one got the impression that Khumbu, Rolwaling, Khenpo Choga Rinpoche has since while he was pleasantly surprised; he also seemed like he and Khanbalung (said rebuilt a statue of Padmasambhava in always knew about this place. Carol Fields had related her to lie somewhere to this cave. At the Beyul Jong caves, feeling that as she filled him in with the details of the long, the south of Khumbu). many secret yogis achieved realization. sometimes arduous process of the land decision and then Several of the redis- Padmasambhava discovered a sacred, transfer, he always seemed already completely aware of covered texts, includ- hidden Dakini city in the Galaxy Lake everything. ing Dorje Pagme of Beyul Jong. There is also Ekajati Later that night, under a full moon, the Mandala was Sabthig, Gongpa Lake, Rahula Rock Mountain, Vajra unfurled and dancers traced the sacred path for all. Sangthel, and Sadhu Cave and Padmasambhava’s Ludavina handed me a fire-made burrito and later, on his Khanbalung Lamyig, Fig Tree on the Land A MCGHEE Footprints. While we see a rich tapestry way to bed. Rinpoche seemed a bit tired but satisfied. His describe Khumbu and of legend and history, one can also find earlier remarks about a Beyul rung like a bell in my head Khanbalung, giving directions how to get there from Tibet. it as an area still very much used by practitioners and a as I fell off to sleep. According to Buddhist traditions, Guru Rinpoche actually local population that supports them. Beyuls are historically valleys that are hidden from visited Khumbu. At one point he flew to Akar-phug , a cave So while history and imagination regale us, we also people with ordinary vision. Nyingmapa tradition says that in Khumbila above Khumjung. Though Khumbu was then must be aware that there is a development possible, not just Padma Sambhava empowered 108 of these havens, places covered with snow and glaciers, Guru Rinpoche predicted in the individual but also importantly in the Community as where there was peace and prosperity and where spiritual that Khumbu valley would be a beyul. Khanbalung is a hid- a whole. The Baja Community, while new, has already progress was facilitated. “Lotus-land” or Padma Kod is den valley where people will age slowly. It has not yet received a directional gesture from Rinpoche. somewhere on the border of East Tibet and northeast India, been opened to people and sits at the center of a ring of hid- The worldwide Dzogchen Community ultimately perhaps Assam. Terma, or hidden teachings, describing the den valleys, like the center of a mandala. There are many shares what we do with that. As the world progresses in way to Pemako were revealed by Rigdzin Jetsun Nyingpo ways to get to it from all around. Khumbu is one of these many directions we as practitioners have a responsibility to (1585-1656) and also by Rigdzin Dudul Dorje (1615- routes. procure the resources for the continuation of the Dzogchen 1672). The Vimalaprabha is the source of a prophecy that is Teachings we have received. The Baja Beyul is definitely a There is much lore surrounding Beyul’s (spas-yul Tib.). also attributed to Padmasambhava, and often rendered into big piece of the future.

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