THE MIRROR

Newspaper of the International Community July/August 2006 • Issue No. 81

BARCELONA SPAIN Teaching Retreat from October 26th to 30th Longsal Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod Upadesha of Introduction to the State of Ati (A ti’i dgongs pa ngo sprod kyi man ngag)

Gonpa at Merigar R.PIRO CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU,‘LONGSAL NAMKHAI GYALPO’RETREAT For more information see page 12 MERIGAR, AUGUST 9 - 15, 2006 Web site: www.dzogchen.es sun and a double rainbow framing Dzogchen view could not be by Liz Granger Mt. Amiata as seen from the arrived at through logic but Gonpa. through experience. or the second week in On the second day of the retreat, On the fifth day of teachings August, Merigar was privi- spoke about the impor- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gave a DZOGCHEN RETREAT IN BRAZIL Fleged to host the second tance of Guru and how comprehensive and detailed SÃO PAULO, NOVEMBER 3rd - 7th 2006 summer teaching retreat given by essential it is to go beyond intel- overview of Gonpa or meditation Chögyal Namkhai Norbu this lectual knowledge and acquire starting with the concept of medi- year. The title of the teaching that real understanding. He talked in tation in sutra and passing on the with CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU RINPOCHE Rinpoche had chosen was the some detail about his studies as a Mahayana and Tantrism in which ATI’I NADZER - THE VERY IMPORTANT POINTS OF ‘Longsal Namkhai Gyalpo’. young boy and young man and movement is integrated into the DZOGCHEN ATI Namkhai Gyalpo (byang chub some of the teachings he had calm state. He dwelt at length on and other Dzogchen instructions sems nam mkha’i rgyal po, The received but said that all of this the 4 aspects of meditation in the Primordial State of the King of was eclipsed by the direct intro- Dzogchen , passing on to a Details and more information see page 15 Space) is one of the lungs or main duction he received from his Root precise elucidation of the 4 Da in texts of Dzogchen Semde which Master, Chang Chub Dorje. Then the and finally the 4 Rinpoche received from his uncle he went on to recount the three Chogzad of the Upadesha, with R who had received it from Kunga dreams of clarity he had had about strikingly clear explanations and Palden. The teaching given in this the teaching over the years and examples. RETREATS WITH retreat, although closely related to the reason he considered that he In the penultimate session of CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU IN the original lung, belongs instead should transmit it to his students. teaching, the Master spoke about ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY to the Longsal Cycle of teachings During the teaching session on conduct or attitude illustrating that Chögyal Namkhai Norbu the third day the Master told those how this differs in different tradi- NOVEMBER 2006 - JANUARY 2007 rediscovered through dreams over present that real knowledge of tions according to the capacity of a period of 30 years. The entire Dzogchen goes beyond all limita- the individual. He said one of the Buenos Aires, Argentina teaching was transmitted by open tions and can contribute univer- most important types of conduct November 10 – 12 webcast around the world while sally to resolving today’s prob- in the Dzogchen Upadesha is that Uruguay about 450 people attended the lems of wars and conflicts. He of the bee, tasting the nectar- November 17 – 19 retreat at Merigar. went on to talk about working essence of different flowers until Tashigar South, Argentina The retreat began with exception- with different types of experi- it discovers its real nature. He December 4 – 7 Santi Maha Sangha Base Level Exams ally cold wet weather for August ences and gave some examples. went on to say that the rule of December 8 – 12 Santi Maha Sangha First Level Training with participants huddled in rain- The morning session concluded conduct in the Dzogchen teaching Retreat at Tashigar South coats and blankets perhaps to with an empowerment of Guru is essential to be present in every December 26 – January 1 remind us of the impermanence of Yoga. moment of our lives, rather than Teaching is the Upadesha of the Introduction to the State of Ati. all phenomena, including the In the next session of teaching losing ourselves to distraction. Closed Web cast warm Italian summer. During the Rinpoche explained the first 2 On the final day of the retreat, opening afternoon session, verses of the Namkhai Gyalpo Rinpoche spoke about the Fruit For more information see page 15 Rinpoche gave an introduction to lung and spoke in depth about the according to Sutra and lower the teaching and later participated different points of view in the Tantra, Tantra and Dzogchen. He in a Ganapuja on the occasion of Hinayana, Mahayana, Tantra and pointed out that it is a gradual JANUARY 2007 the full moon. During the after- Dzogchen, giving many examples progress through different levels LIMA, PERU noon the drizzling rain gradually using both symbols and talking and various Bhumis in Sutra and became a downpour. But, as has about some of his personal expe- even in Tantra whereas in WITH CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU often happened in the past, as the riences. He warned about the dan- Dzogchen the Fruit is considered Ganapuja drew to a close, the gers of mere intellectual study and to be a single Bhumi, the discov- clouds parted to reveal a brilliant said the understanding of the continued on page 7 CONTENTS

Teaching: Excerpt from the Ati Nadzer Special Retreat with Practice Chögyal Calendar Shine and Lhagtong in the Dzogchen Way Namkhai The Fire Dog January 19 – 23, 2007 Norbu Reorganziation Year pg 2 Project of Yeshi pg 9 For more information contact: Namkhai and pg Paula Sablich: [email protected] Luigi Ottaviani 3 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

ood morning everyone. peace!” That is an artificial peace. Today is the last session of Maybe it can last one or two or Gthis retreat. First I would ten years, but it is not really like to give you a little advice peace. Real peace is something about how to work with practices. we can only have if we respect It is very important to be aware each other. You see, for example, and integrate your understanding in nations, in countries. For of the base, path and fruit into example, China says it has fifty- your existence. We live in time, three minorities. But what does time is passing and if we do not that mean, “minorities”? integrate the base, path and fruit Minorities mean people that are into our existence, our knowledge different in their cultures, atti- remains only intellectual and tudes and languages. Why do doesn’t help us very much. they all have to be called Chinese? That is not paying Four Mindfulnesses respect. Many countries do the It is very important to be present same thing, not only the Chinese. with the four mindfulnesses in If there is a nationality, cultural order to have more concrete inte- identity, history, language, etc., gration of these mindfulnesses we can understand and we must into our lives. The first mindful- respect that. So you can under- ness is to know that since we are stand what it means to pay respect human beings, we have this good to a dimension. If you pay respect occasion to follow the teachings; to all different kinds of nationali- also that we have a teacher, trans- Rinpoche teaching in the Merigar Gonpa J. GRANGER ties, people, etc., there will not be mission and situation, all perfect- a problem; there will always be ly. As Buddha said, how the peace. We don’t respect someone future will be depends on our past just because they want power. actions. Our actions depend very much on our presence. We need Importance of Dzogchen to have the awareness of the pre- We are Dzogchen practitioners cious human condition because if Ati Nadzer Retreat and Dzogchen practitioners are we are distracted we don’t make Excerpt from the June 15th Talk developing something in this good actions; world. If we imagine that some- The second mindfulness is to June 9-15, 2006 day all the citizens of the world know that we have that good con- will become aware, that is just a dition, but that good condition is nice fantasy. In a practical way, it in time and time passes very is not so easy, but it also does not quickly. For example, you can see mean it is impossible, because that what we did last year seems things are always possible if we like it happened only yesterday. For a student, for example, there good, that contributes to society know that there are other people, develop our awareness and When we think “What will I do is a duty to finish his or her stud- and likewise, if you do something each with his or her own dimen- knowledge. tomorrow?” or “What will I do ies. If you don’t study, in our soci- bad, in the same way, it is harm- sion. When I arrived in Italy, for exam- next year?” it seems only a little ety, you won’t be able to do any- ful for everybody. We know just ple, there was not a single person while before it is already next thing. If you want to practice and like our self, correspondent in Respecting Others who knew what Dzogchen was. year. So time is passing very be free from samsara, you must numbers, there is number one. We Part of our awareness is paying Of course they didn’t know the quickly. We have to understand do your duty. Everybody wishes start with number one, two, and respect to everyone’s dimension. sense of Dzogchen and the func- that our lives are really very short. to enjoy him or herself, to follow three and on to infinite numbers. Sometimes when someone is very tion of the Dzogchen teachings. A person might think, “I want to his or her wishes. But there are For each of us, when we are in powerful, or when we are falling Today you see that there are many do something with my life,” and also responsibilities. If there are society, we are number one. in love, it seems there is only one people who know of Dzogchen, imagines his or her life will be these responsibilities, then we If there are problems, for exam- dimension, not two. Some people and even if they don’t know the very long, but sometimes our life must take them on, or we won’t ple, you do not have to search for who have a lot of power don’t real sense, the practice or the can be only one day more, maybe have this possibility. We must be the guilty party. We have strong care about other people; they only knowledge, etc., they understand one week, maybe one year more. that Dzogchen is something There is no guarantee. It is much important, some essence of the better to be aware and do one’s teaching. So now everybody says, best first for one’s own existence A kind of evolution is possible in this “Oh, we want Dzogchen teach- and then to try and benefit others. ings!” And even different kinds of We also know the mindfulness of teachers who do not really belong cause and effect, of karma. Even society if a few people, generation after to the Dzogchen tradition also though we are just passing time, become Dzogchen teachers. That we are not passing time without generation, slowly develop knowledge of is the condition, but there is also doing anything. Our mind never the possibility to develop. Just stops, so we are always accumu- like a lottery, it does not mean lating many negative karmic the Dzogchen teachings. that just because I buy a ticket, I potentialities. We follow our will win. But there is also no minds and then we act and pro- guarantee that I won’t win, duce negative karma. We also because there is always that pos- need to have mindfulness of the aware in daily life. egos, and none of us ever thinks, recognize their own dimension. sibility too. situation of transmigration. Buddha represented this as za “I am the guilty one,” we always Also when people fall in love, In the same way, we know we are Transmigration is not happy but ‘chag nyal ‘dug, the four think, “I am innocent, but there is although there are two people, at in this society and that society is involves many kinds of suffering. moments when we are eating, sit- a guilty one,” and we want to do that time there seems to be only so limited. In this society if one, In the condition of transmigra- ting, walking and sleeping. These some research and discover who one dimension. After a few years, two or three people slowly, slow- tion, samsara, suffering is end- are the four moments in which we that one is. That is what we do in though, they discover that there ly develop knowledge of the less. The only way to help and must be aware, even if we are not ordinary life, but this is not what are two dimensions after all, and Dzogchen teachings, generation free ourselves is to follow the always governed by the state of we should do. If there is a prob- then even being in those two after generation, of course there teachings, do practice, realize instant presence. We can always lem, the first one you should dimensions together is not com- could be a kind of evolution; it is ourselves and help other sentient learn and apply presence. To learn check is yourself. You are number fortable. It’s better that we know possible. So for this reason it is beings. So these are what are ordinary presence we don’t need one, and then you can go on to from the beginning that everyone very important that all those who called the four mindfulnesses. to go to any special place or to check the other numbers, two, has his or her dimension and that follow the Dzogchen teachings have any particular circumstance. three, and so on. we respect that. should try to understand the real Applying Presence Applying presence is a much bet- On the other hand, you should not sense, get into the real sense, and We should not only learn the ter way to live in samsara; we always think that you are the World Peace respect to each other. This is what words and make analyses, but need to always be aware. To be guilty one. Some people have this If we know how to respect differ- you should do in daily life, most- also maintain a presence of these aware means to know how the sit- problem; if there is something ent dimensions, we can have ly importantly. mindfulnesses in our daily lives uation is. wrong they always think they are peace in the world, peace in the with the knowledge that we are guilty. There is no reason you group, peace in each person. Transcribed and edited by Lauri distracted and are adding on should always feel guilty and Many people say, “What should Denyer many negative actions. If we Number One accuse yourself. The important we do to make peace in the know that we are distracted and In society many individuals live thing is to check yourself, not world?” They decide to have time is passing, we are more together. In this society, the most accuse someone. If everyone does some sort of agreement, and then aware and things become more important thing is our self, num- this, things become more relaxed the leaders get together and shake concrete. ber one. If you do something and very simple. That means you hands, and say, “Now we have

2 The Reorganization Project Mother of All Buddhas “Collaboration” Tara Retreat at Merigar with Yuchen Namkhai and Costantino Albini Developed by July 12 - 15, 2006 Yeshi Silvano Namkhai from the International Gakyil Luigi Ottaviani from the Shang Shung Institute by Liz Granger

n mid-July, about 200 people participated in a four-day IGreen Tara retreat at Merigar led by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s daughter, Yuchen Namkhai and one of Rinpoche’s most senior students, Costantino Albini. It was a unique opportunity for many of Rinpoche’s older students as well as a number of ‘new’ people to deepen their knowledge of this practice of the ‘Mother of All “The concept of collaboration is something very wide. We need learning, there is no collaboration where Buddhas’ and participate in ses- there is no possibility to learn and to learn we have to understand our own limits. Rinpoche has already sions of group practice. repeated these things many times during retreats. In order to learn you have to be able to ask. In order to be Participants in the retreat were able to ask you have to know what you don’t know. In order to know what you don’t know, you have to know also fortunate to be able to do what your limits are and to know yourself. their sessions in front of a small Everyone has the capacity to create complications in their lives and do complicated things. Making things statue of Green Tara that had, in simple is not something everyone can do. So in order to facilitate collaboration you must be able to simpli- the past, been given by the master Tara Statue from Namkhai Family R PIRO fy. In order to simplify you need to make the problems smaller. So if we can start with ourselves and see our- Adzom Drugpa to Yuchen selves more simply then we can do this for other things. The example is if I have a small problem and a big Namkhai’s grandfather. ego the problem becomes very big. Everyone says this, it’s not just something from the teachings.” Yuchen guided the morning sessions with clear and concise instructions and advice as we sung the melodies of the invocations together and she Yeshi Silvano Namkhai, from a Gakyil meeting at Merigar July 2006 explained the various stages of the practice. On the opening morning she spoke at length about how the Green Tara practice is connected with her family. During the other morning sessions she patiently guid- eshi Namkhai and Luigi Ottaviani have recently introduced a document called “Collaboration” to the ed the visualization during international Dzogchen Community. This document is a culmination of three years work and is a mod- the practice. Yern interpretation of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s blue book on the base of the Dzogchen Community In the afternoons, called “The Principles and Guidelines for Practitioners and Gakyil members of the Dzogchen Community”. Costantino gave more in- This book is essential reading for all who are interested to participate in the Community’s life. (see page 19) depth explanations of vari- Yeshi says that in reality Rinpoche’s original approach was a very modern one; so modern that it was not cor- ous aspects of the practice rectly understood by most of the Dzogchen Community in the early 1990’s. It seems that there was no sim- and tried to bring the ilar example to refer to. The Dzogchen Community was not yet ready for this highly developed, non-hierar- unruly choir of voices to a chical and holistic approach to managing our large and rapidly growing international Community that spans more harmonious intona- continents and cultures; that because of its vastness invites a natural tendency towards a non holistic approach tion of the verses and that can be implicit in the nature of our seemingly broad cultural differences. mantras. He taught the cor- Yeshi and Luigi want to help create a Community that truly reflects the power and vision of a master and rect pronunciation of the scholar of the stature Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche - a master unique in the world. Yeshi says that the invocations to Tara empha- Dzogchen Community should reflect the dynamic ‘culture’ of this Master and until this point it has not. It is sizing the importance of the aim of Yeshi and Luigi that through this reorganization project we create an international Community that the rhythm and our inten- does that. tion when we do them. He A main motivation for this effort seems to be that in order to enhance Rinpoche’s health and extend his life, Yuchen Namkhai R PIRO gave an interesting expla- he needs to be able to stop traveling so much. Therefore, Yeshi created a primary and already very success- nation of the eight fears or ful focus of the reorganization: the webcast. The webcast serves as a beneficial tool on many levels. One is hindrances and the way in which they manifest and also spoke on dif- that Rinpoche can stay in one place, which is very good for his health, another is that many people around ferent occasions of some of the myths of Tara through different Kalpas. the world have the possibility to receive transmission and teaching “live” and finally, the webcast can be a He also spoke briefly about Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s dream in which good opportunity for communication, collaboration and introduce people to the teachings and encourage peo- he received the invocation to Tara that we use in the Dzogchen ple everywhere to make a commitment through membership. Community prac- The reorganization project is not about money, but about understanding Rinpoche’s vision and focus on tices. knowledge and culture. Yeshi and Luigi are interpreting Rinpoche’s vision and helping us to understand it; The whole retreat then we can apply our understanding in a practical and functional way. was a wonderful Yeshi talks about the importance of commitment and loyalty to the Community as something of utmost combination of prac- importance in the reorganization effort. The emphasis on membership as a base is not for financial reasons; tice and explanations he says anyone can make money if they put their mind to it. on various levels that The emphasis on membership relates to our need to understand the importance of our commitment to could be enjoyed by Rinpoche and the teachings. On this solid foundation everything can flourish. Our Community will become both new people and what he calls one ‘culture’; a Dzogchen Community culture based on a common understanding of values, older followers. principles, style, expectations, experiences and goals in relationship to our Master and his teachings. Yeshi Yuchen’s story on the says, as well, that a positive culture makes any organization and people involved feel better, helps everyone first day of the retreat face difficulties and change, brings enthusiasm, and improves the sense of responsibility. about the connection The actual and practical aspects of this project have to do with collaboration and communication using mod- that her family has ern technological tools. All of this is explained in the Collaboration document. Community workers and col- with Tara clearly laborators will have access to tutorials that will help them enter this technological world with confidence. If showed all those pre- we want to succeed by developing and managing our myriad activities, projects and properties around the sent how important Costantino Albini R PIRO world, we need to enter this modern age. Yeshi and Luigi have developed a method and the support to help this practice is for the us to do that. Their approach is based on problem solving and a well-known business model called the Master’s family and the Dzogchen Community in general. Thank you Balanced Scorecard, a holistic approach that focuses on balance and harmony, like the Gakyil system devel- Yuchen and Costantino and, most of all, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for oped by Rinpoche so many years ago. This Balanced Scorecard system was developed by Norton and Kaplan sharing your knowledge and experience with us. at the Harvard Business School, has had great success for more than thirty years and is still the leading sys- “Before I explain the Green Tara practice I think it is very important to tem in the field today. explain how this practice is linked to our family. In order to explain this An important development as a result of the reorganization is that the International Gakyil has been improved I will tell you a little story that is the story of my family. and will function as a support for both Rinpoche and the local Gars and Gakyils. The International Gakyil Before our master, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, was born, his father (my consists of people who are experienced and close to Rinpoche, so that he can have their direct support. Yeshi grandfather) was a young man and had been married to my grandmoth- Namkhai is now leading the International Gakyil composed by Fabio Andrico for Blue, Karin Koppensteiner er for a short time. But he was very ill and had been so for some time for Red and Mark Fulton for Yellow. The work of the International Gakyil will be to examine and support the and never managed to get over this illness. And so my grandmother, Dzogchen Community as it tries to fulfill Rinpoche’s wishes and to help us increase our knowledge. The who often went to visit the famous master, Adzom Drugpa, went to International Gakyil certainly provides important feedback for our Master, but most important overall are the Adzomgar, which was the residence of this master with his disciples, Community’s projects and members because the project is the unique moment where expectations meet real- and since she was very devoted to this master - she was his disciple - ity and members because they are the Sangha. she asked him for some help for my grandfather. In conclusion, the Dzogchen Community must realize that this is an important and crucial moment for our At the beginning my grandfather was quite skeptical about this and was future in the teachings. Rinpoche has offered us the possibility to continue through this highly creative, well- not very devoted to this master because he had tried everything and had developed and impressive Collaboration project. Yeshi and Luigi have worked tirelessly and selflessly to cre- gone to other masters and tried other cures but without success. ate something that reflects the vision of one such great master, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, and at the same time So the master, Adzom Drugpa, performed a ritual for liberation from be accessible to all committed members of the international Dzogchen Community who realize the precious negative provocations. This ritual healed my grandfather and from that nature of what we have received and want to help in the continuation and preservation of these most mar- moment on he became a disciple of that master. During the healing rit- velous of teachings for all time. ual Adzom Drugpa also gave my grandfather a different name in order to protect him from the negative provocations of the Eight Classes. Naomi Zeitz for The Mirror This name was Drolma Tsering. Now we know that in Tibetan ‘Drolma’ is the name for Tara, Tara in general, not Green Tara and continued on page 6

T HE M IRROR J ULY/AUGUST 2006 3 Shang Shung Institute International Institute for Tibetan Studies

The Shang Shung Institute of Italy is happy to PRODUCTS • Za Ti for agitation, nervousness, insomnia, to inform the Dzogchen Community of its upcoming Audio / Video rebalance rlung: two tablets after each meal and in courses and sales items. Here’s a list of some of our most popular cd’s & dvd’s serious cases two tablets before bedtime as well. 110. COURSES FOR 2006-2007 as well as the most recent digital remasters. • She Shi for digestive problems, acidity, to improve Amitayus (CD audio): a set of 2 CDs by digestive heat. Not indicated in case of ulcers. 110 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu with explana- • Padma 28 (Basic), ideal to improve blood circula- tion and practice of the teaching tion and the immunitary system, good prevention of this long life practice discovered by against brain stroke, heart stroke and cancer. 134 TIBETAN KU NYE MASSAGE COURSES Nyagla Pema Dundul. Conway, Massachusetts 1984. IN ITALY • Calmalung: (rGun Brum 7) dry cough, bronchitis. 120 1 October 3-12, 2006: ARCIDOSSO (Merigar) 27 Venue: Associazione Culturale Comunita Dzogchen Ati Lamgyi Ngöndro (MP3 audio): The Shang Shung Institute has Given by Patrizia Piccini Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's teachings collaborated with local farmers of Cost: 550 euro including course material given in Merigar, August 2002 plus an Mount Amiata to produce a line of Enrolment: Shang Shung Institute, Merigar, 58031 audio CD of the practice led by Adriano massage oils that correspond to the 1 Arcidosso (GR), Italy Clemente is included. Duration: 5 hours 49 min. 20 three humors (rLung - wind, Trispa Tel: 0564-966940 Guru Yoga of White A (CD audio): the -bile & Badkhan - phlegm) of Email: [email protected] practice sung by Chögyal Namkhai Tibetan medicine and are excellent Norbu and repeated three times. It for Ku Nye massage. 110 September 2006-March 2007: PERUGIA includes an extract of the 1985 teach- For more details and a complete list of our products Given by Michele Corrado ings in Nevada City. 112 see our online website! The course consists of 9 weekends on the following Santi Maha Sangha: Preliminary Practices Printed Materials dates: of the Base (CD audio): Adriano 21 September introduction to Ku Nye at 21.00 Clemente performs the preliminary Thangkha of Gomadevi 30 Sept.-1 Oct. beginning of the course practices in a private recording. 112 The SSI has received the author- 21-22 October 2006 ization to reproduce posters of a 25-26 November 2006 new! The Thugthig of Jnanadhakkini beautiful of Gomadevi by 13-14 January 2007 (mp3 audio): teachings Chögyal Glenn Eddy. This painting is very 10-11 February 2007 Namkhai Norbu gave in Merigar from special because of the presence of 17-18 march 2007 the Longsal cycle of teachings in August the inner mandala. It constitutes Times: 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm. 2005. Also contains the practice led by Rinpoche in a very useful support for the Venue: Palestra Aletheia, via Vietnam, Perugia. Crimea. Restricted item: requires transmission of this Gomadevi practice transmitted by Rinpoche twice in Cost: 360 euro which includes course material, text, specific teaching. 118 Margarita and once in Argentina so far. The poster DVD new! 25 Longchens: Preliminary Practices and a smaller booklet size version, will be available Enrolment: Shang Shung Institute, Merigar, 58031 of the Base (mp3 audio): teachings this June. Arcidosso (GR), Italy Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gave related to Large: 15 small: 12 Te l : 0564-966940 the terma of Changchub Dorje in Email: [email protected] Barcelona, Spain 2005. Also contains the practice Michele Corrado Tel. 339-1084991 led by Adriano Clemente. 118 Primordial Masters Poster new! [email protected] Chöd (DVD): explanation of the practice Dugu Choegyal Rinpoche painted the twelve primor- The last three seminars dedicated to revision, in- given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Japan dial masters of the Dzogchen for Merigars depth study and a final qualifying exam are planned in 1993 (in English) and explanation of the gompa and is now available as a digital print. It meas- for September, October and November 2007. The practice given in Merigar in 1990 (in ures 210x22.5cm and is simply breath-taking! 125 dates are still to be decided. These seminars have Italian). Practice guided by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu been purposely planned for a period in the future so with damaru and bell. Advice of Adriano Clemente that students can practice and deepen the knowl- (Merigar 1999). 125 edge they have acquired. Shitro (DVD): explanation of the practice November 2006-April 2007: ROME given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Given by Michele Corrado Merigar in August 2003, during a private The course consists of 9 weekends on the following recording. It contains images useful for visu- dates: alization. 125 4-5 November 2006 Three Tuns - Tundus, Tundrin and Tungyas (DVD): 2-3 December 2006 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu explains and practices the 20-21 January 2007 three tuns. 125 T-Shirts with calligraphy from Chögyal Namkhai new! 24-25 February 2007 The Dzogchen Community Video Journal Norbu 24-25 March 2007 (DVD): a way to feel more in touch with the Beautiful hand written calligraphy from our precious 14-15 April 2007 community and see developments in the var- Master. Yeshe - primordial wisdom (blue shirt), Times : 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm. ious Gars. The Video Journal is published Tsering - long life (red shirt), Sherab - wisdom (blue Venue : Zhenpheling, via Giovanni Miani 5, 00154 quarterly (every three months) and is available by year- shirt) and Tashi Deleg - good luck (white shirt). Rome (near the Piramide underground stop) ly subscription for 1100, includes postage. While supplies last. 120 Cost: 360 euro which includes course material, text, DVD new! The Three Paths of Liberation (DVD): Enrolment: Shang Shung Institute, Merigar, 58031 The first of a series of six DVDs on the fun- Arcidosso (GR), Italy or [email protected] damental teachings of the Santi Maha CONTACTS Te l : 0564-966940 Sangha. From the teachings in Tashigar Email: [email protected] North, Venezuela Jan.-Feb. 2006. Contains visual aids such as pictures, photographs, symbols, etc. to The last three seminars dedicated to revision, in- Email: further illustrat the topics Rinpoche explains. 128 depth study and a final qualifying exam are planned [email protected] for October, November and December 2007. The Tibetan Medicine dates are still to be decided. These seminars have Food Supplements Tel.: +39-0564-966940 been purposely planned for a period in the future so Fax.: +39-0564-968110 The Shang Shung Loc. Podere Nuovissimo that students can practice and deepen the knowl- Institute continues the edge they have acquired. 58031 Arcidosso (GR) production of "food supple- Italy For any further information, please contact: ments" made by a laboratory located in Arezzo in Tuscany. [email protected], They have proved to be very helpful since the very begin- Tel.: +39-0564-966940 ning. Some of the most appreciated products are:

4 Shang Shung Institute Update

Article by Namkhai Norbu. Paola Zamperini, Thus, the Istituto Shang Shung spawned Shang Shung Institute - USA its US branch located in Tsegyalgar, [email protected] Conway, Massachusetts, and another

Luigi Ottaviani, counterpart located in Austria. Translators working L GRANGER Shang Shung Institute - Italy Due to various factors such as geographi- [email protected] cal distance, local realities, different The Translators’ Training Oliver Leick, financial conditions, and other specific Shang Shung Institute - Austria circumstances, each of these three June 21 to July 28, 2006 [email protected] branches started and carried out its own Merigar, Italy independent projects, specializing to a any of our Vajra brothers and certain degree in particular fields. Thus by Fabian Sanders Dzogchen Tantra” or, “I translated the work sisters have by now become the Shang Shung Institute in Merigar has of this or that Master”, because our (my) Maware of the fact that for the past become the main archive for our Master’s he fourth session of the translation knowledge, let alone realization, can frankly couple of years, a vast reorganization has teachings; the Austrian branch of SSI is course organized by Oliver Leick not be reasonably compared to that of the been taking place in the Dzogchen Com- now the heart of the Ka-ter translation from the Shang Shung Institute, Aus- great of the past and present. Will I munity as part of our teacher’s vision to project; while the North American branch T tria, took place at Merigar this past summer. survive the deed of misrepresenting the update the very important task of protect- has recently launched the first four-year About four years ago, at Rinpoche’s sugges- teachings of the Great ? Yes I will; ing, preserving and spreading the incredi- degree in Traditional Tibetan Medicine in tion, the Shang Shung Institute began orga- concepts and words are always misleading bly precious Dzogchen teachings that he the West. As mentioned before, however, nizing and financing a three year course with and illusory. We do our best, but readers are has been so generously imparting to us for thanks to Rinpoche’s urgings and advice the aim to educate some people in the diffi- advised that mistakes and misunderstand- the past thirty years. Perhaps, though, not both to the members of the Dzogchen cult and demanding art of translating primar- ings are always possible. everyone in our Community realizes that Community and to the Institute, we have ily Dzogchen texts from the original This year’s text is a treaty on the Vajra body the winds of change are sweeping also all become aware that we need to work Tibetan. by Yanggonpa, a disciple of the twelfth cen- through our Shang Shung Institute as well, together and collaborate more if we really The responsibility to share his vast knowl- tury Master Godrakpa, who is understood so it is about time that we, as SSI represen- want to succeed in our task. edge in this field was given to Elio by some to be an ante litteram proponent of tatives, told you a bit about the work we As communication technologies have Guarisco, whose more than thirty years of the non sectarian point of view, known in have been doing in this direction. improved dramatically over the past few experience, the fruit of the efforts of his recent years as Rimé. In this text Yanggonpa As some of you may already know, the years, we have become increasingly able great teachers and his own, and his remark- presents the subtle constitution of human Shang Shung Institute is a cultural non- to communicate even without having to able ability to work hard, were put at our beings of which, as he explicitly states, he profit association without political aims travel in person to meet one another. disposal without reserve. Three years and had direct perception by the power of his that was founded by Chögyal Namkhai When we started exchanging more and three courses later, we students were still far realization. The aspects of the initial forma- Norbu with the specific goal to make more information about the work that from competent translators and the need tion of the Vajra body at the time of concep- known and protect the frail heritage of each branch was doing, we found so was felt to continue with this undertaking. tion, its development through the ten phases Tibetan culture for the sake of present and many overlaps and resonances, which, For this reason a fourth course was held this symbolized by the ten forms of the descents future generations. In Chögyal Namkhai while showing all that we have in com- year at Merigar. of the god Vishnu, birth and the subsequent Norbu’s words, “the Shang-Shung mon, also proved to us that if we worked Translating is not an easy task. In particular stages of life, are all described. Then the Institute exists for the preservation of together, since we are walking on the the Tibetan language is so different from author goes on to describe all the subtle Tibetan culture. Through the Shang- same path, we could achieve a three-fold European idioms that it is nearly impossible channels, the plexuses (cakras), the cycles Shung Institute, we are trying to do some- result. As Rinpoche stated when he was to fully represent all the meanings, nuances, of the movement of the Lung (prana) in thing to maintain the survival of Tibetan doing fund-raising for the Merigar subtleties, or the levels of meaning, interpre- them, in harmony with the breath, the times culture and understanding. Shang Shung, Gonpa, many drops become an ocean, tation and the literary and poetic beauty of of the day, the lunar phases, the yearly path the name of the Institute, reflects the and thus we realized that if we truly want original texts in another language. of the sun and so on. source of Tibetan culture and history - it to fulfill SSI’s mission, we have to Furthermore, the most apparent quality of The problems we had to face this year were was known as a great empire throughout become a bit oceanic as well. Thus the Tibetan, is that it is the most suitable vehicle of a different sort of those encountered in the Orient and the study of Shang Shung three boards of SSI have become one in for the transmission of the Dharma. This the previous sessions. The grammar was not is extremely important if we are to under- many ways. This means that, while being makes things even more complicated for the too difficult, but the editions we were read- stand the great antiquity, the unique always mindful of the different cultural translator. A thorough understanding of ing are full of misspellings and scribal mis- nature and the universal importance of and social circumstances we operate in, Dharma language in the various contexts - takes; furthermore the text is scattered with Tibetan culture, past and present.” our projects will be always collective. We Sutra, Tantra, Dzogchen or the different quotes from the which are very dif- Over the years, the Shang Shung Institute are about to launch our new website that schools for example - is absolutely required ficult to understand, especially when read has grown in various ways that have ful- will unite our identity. We are designing a and there should be a reasonable certainty out of context and without an authoritative filled its mandate, not only in Italy, but single membership card for all our that the words of the author are never mis- commentary. also globally. As the teachings of our branches. We are planning cultural understood. Nevertheless this motley crew of future Master spread throughout the world, so events, such as conferences and exhibits From this point of view the method of trans- translators got fascinated by the text and did the involvement of practitioners in the that will be the product of our three-fold lation we have adopted is quite challenging from time to time people were seen gazing very important mission to bring the collaboration. We want, in short, to make and enlightening (though unfortunately not in the serene Merigar sky outside the win- ancient knowledge of different aspects of SSI one of the tools to make Tibetan cul- in the Dharma sense); each one of the par- dow in search for a clue, or heard tittering Tibetan culture, from literature to medi- ture more alive in the world. Of course, ticipants translates on his own as much as he triumphantly and unexpectedly when the cine to language, while archiving existing to do this we need your help! can and at the end of the session we read thought arose in them that not only the material on the verge of destruction as together and compare the results of our words of some sentence had become clear, well as the precious teachings of Chögyal efforts. It is interesting and meaningful that, but the meaning as well. apart from the natural mistakes of the For the first time the group was divided in ‘beginners’, the possible correct versions two in order to accommodate a couple of are often more than one, sometimes similar, promising new entries to whom an interest- sometimes very different in meaning. Here ing and slightly easier text on dream inter- Errata the experience and knowledge of our tutor pretation was assigned. Elio would discuss sets in to accommodate the proper meaning the translation with them in separate ses- in the proper context and selecting the most sions. Page 5, Mirror Issue 80 correct interpretation. Sometimes problems I wish to take this occasion to announce The title of the retreat on page 5 of the last issue of The Mirror, are left open for further investigation or wait once again that the first text we translated - issue 80, was incorrect and the correct title is Ati Nadzer’s for the advice of some even more competent well, mainly Elio translated it - On Birth, Transmission. authority, ideally Rinpoche himself. Life and Death, by our precious Master, has But alas! We are but simple individuals now been published in English, and a few under the yoke of the conceptual mind, local versions should appear soon. I also Omission biased by unnecessary thoughts that we hold wish to sincerely thank Rinpoche and all the Some of the photos on pages 12 & 13 of issue 80 were also taken dear as if they were our own life-essence, sponsors and donors who contributed to this by by Elena Ihilck. Sorry for the omission. and so our (I should rather say ‘my’) trans- wonderful project and allowed us to light a lations are necessarily the fruit of this limit- little candle to guide us in the immense pro- ed condition and reflect it in every respect. fundity of Tibetan Literature. And so it can be a heavy burden to take the responsibility to say, “I translated a

T HE M IRROR J ULY/AUGUST 2006 5 continued from page 3

asia ‘Tsering’ means ‘long life’. Although it is a feminine name, PROJECT OF LONG DISTANCE SUPPORT FOR my grandfather used it for the BUDDHIST AND BÖNPO STUDY AND PRACTICE COLLEGES rest of his life because the master had given it to him and to protect Support for the Monks at Simda Gompa: An important himself from negative provoca- contribution towards the survival of the cultural patrimo- tions. ny of Tibet. Since he had become a disciple of Adzom Drugpa he also used to Simda Gompa, situated in Chamdo Prefecture, in the Tibetan go to Adzomgar and receive Autonomous Region, is one of the most ancient monasteries of teachings from this master. And the Nyimapa tradition in East Tibet. this master not only gave him Founded 800 years ago as Dzogchen Gompa, in the past it teachings, he also gave him a housed more than 400 monks and represented an important statue telling him that if, in his center for the transmission of the Dzogchen teachings for cen- life, he needed help, he only had turies. After being totally destroyed during the Cultural to do the practice of Green Tara Revolution, in 1985 it was partially rebuilt by the local commu- and this practice would help him nity. to realize all his wishes. In 1997, during his trip to Central and East Tibet, Chögyal The statue in this story is the one Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche visited many villages and monaster- we have in front of us on this ies and after verifying the numerous problems facing the inhab- altar. It is here today because our master, Chögyal Namkhai Simda Gompa Study College itants of these areas, asked ASIA to help in the reconstruction of Simda Gompa. Thanks to financial support from the Dutch Norbu, has expressly asked for it to be here on this special occa- n 2004 ASIA began long distance Embassy in Peking, in 2002 ASIA set up a College for the study of the 10 traditional sion. support for Tibetan monks Continuing this story, after sever- belonging to the traditional Bud- sciences, built a library for the collection of I ancient sacred and organized al years of marriage, my grand- dhist and Bönpo study and practice parents had had four daughters colleges in Central and East Tibet. courses for students and teachers. The Lamas patiently began to give courses on Buddhism but no sons. So my grandfather From ancient times, Tibetan monas- had a retreat cabin built near the teries have had an extremely impor- and traditional subjects, bringing the Monastery successfully back to its original house and invited a famous tant role, not only as religious institu- monk to come there to do a tions but also as centers of culture historical role as a religious and educational institution. retreat of Green Tara. This monk and education for youth. The monas- spent a year there in retreat doing teries were the only institutions At present there are 64 monks at the Monastery from all areas of Tibet, Amdo, the practice of Tara, reciting the where children and young men could 21 Praises of Tara, reciting the learn about Buddhist philosophy as Kham and the Tibetan Autonomous Region, 6 Trulkus (Reincarnations) and some monks mantra of Tara 100,000 times, well as history, grammar, prose and until one day he had a dream poetry and all the various forms of who have obtained the title of Khempo (Doctor of Philosophy) and can teach the from which he understood that knowledge such as medicine, astrol- that year a son would be born. He ogy and other aspects of the ancient young students. In 2006 ASIA began a campaign of long dis- dreamt that next to the fireplace Tibetan civilization.During a later in the kitchen there was a plant phase at the practice colleges, they tance support with the aim of finding sustain- ers for another 26 young monks at Simda with three flowers. The biggest had the opportunity to learn and flower was bright yellow and inherit religious traditions and prac- The Library Gompa and for the monks of other Buddhist and Bonpo study and practice colleges. With was in bloom while below this tice the teachings under the guidance of there were two other flowers that expert masters. hadn’t opened yet. And in fact, It is in this context that ASIA has inter- that same year our master was ceded to bring the practice and study col- born and in the following years leges back to their original role of pre- his two brothers. Of course you serving and transmitting the ancient can imagine how happy my Tibetan culture through reconstruction or grandparents were. restructuration of colleges that were At that time it was common to destroyed or damaged during the cultural ask a great master what name to revolution. In recent years, the Chinese give to people’s sons and daugh- government has opened up and made ters. But they didn’t do this. They some concessions in the field of religion chose their son’s name on their which has brought about a distinct revival own and they called him in the activities of the Tibetan monaster- Namkhai Norbu, which means ‘ ies. This has been directed, however, jewel of the sky’ because for almost exclusively to the reconstruction them, this had been the gift of the of temples and religious places and to an Tara practice. increase in the number of monks at the Of course, later on he was recog- expense of safeguarding local cultural nized and different names were traditions. Moreover the lack of older given but Namkhai Norbu is the qualified lamas and monks means that only name that our master has religious knowledge cannot be transmit- used during his life. ted to the new generations This (little story) was to explain how the practice is linked to our The Intervention Young monks in the distance support program family and how it is now con- of ASIA Onlus 192 euro you can provide learning material, food, basic nected to you because we are all here together, we have the pres- At the request of health assistance and heating and give a young monk the ence of our master and we have Chögyal Namkhai the statue.” Norbu Rinpoche possibility to study under the and according to guidance of the older monks the subsequent fea- who are the holders of tradi- tional culture and the ancient (Yuchen Namkhai, Merigar, July sibility study car- 12th, 2006) ried out by ASIA, a spiritual teachings of Tibet. project was drawn up for the construc- tion of accommo- dation for the monks, of temples that can also be used as classrooms and the supply of teachings materials and equipment for Simda Gompa monastery lessons.This interven- Information from: tion has allowed the older lamas and monks to return to the colleges. [email protected] or www.asia-onlus.org The young monks chosen to follow the course of traditional studies ASIA Onlus - Via San Martino della Battaglia, 31 have become part of the long distance support project that ASIA started 00185 Rome, Italy in 2004 at the Colleges of Galenteng, Simda Gompa and Dzongtsa. Tel: 0039-0644340034, fax 0039-06702620 Starting this year, the Colleges of Trama and Seghe Namdrak have been added to the project.

6 Merigar Retreat continued from page 1 ery and understanding of our real condition once the Master has book reviews introduced it to us. The Fruit is not constructed or produced but like the sun with its infinite rays, “Blazing Splendor: th although at times it may be exile, when His Holiness the 16 visited Sikkim, the obscured by clouds, it is already The Memoirs of daughter of one court official was horrified to discover that the Urgyen Rinpoche.” there and not something created. Karmapa actually ate food and defecated. Tulku Urgyen com- Rinpoche went on to give some Compiled, translated ments, “They had expected him to be a deity without a real phys- and edited by Eric Pema practical advice to those present ical body” (p. 326). reminding them once again of Kunsang and Marcia In addition to having physical bodies, it seems that lamas too can Binder Schmidt. Nepal: the importance of Guruyoga for be vexed by their families. Concerning his father, who was a keeping one’s samaya and for Rangjung Yeshe guru, Tulku Urgyen admits: “One tends to have less appreciation Publications, 2005. maintaining the transmission. He and pure perception for a when he happens to be one’s own spoke about diminishing our Distributed by North father.” Commenting on his children, Tulku Urgyen says that Atlantic Books. (ISBN attachment by considering every- while Chokyi Nyima could be persuaded best by reasoning, his thing to be like a dream and then 9627341568, 432 pages brother “was impossible to discipline.” On one with glossary) talked about the similarities occasion Tulku Urgyen dangled him out of a window by his between falling asleep and the ankles, threatening to drop him if he didn’t behave, yet he moment of dying and closed the he now deceased Tulku “remained defiant” (p .327) session by giving transmission of Urgyen is the father of four Of all the teachers and gurus that Tulku Urgyen mentions, the one different lungs. sons, all of who teach T of most relevance to Westerners is His Holiness Gyalwa Among the many people gath- Dzogchen in the West. Tulku Karmapa, who visited the United States and Europe to perform ered in the Temple of Great Urgyen was one of a tiny minority the famous Black Hat Ceremony in the 1970’s. The Karmapa was Contemplation for the teaching of lamas (including Chögyal very well known by such lamas as Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Kalu was a young Lama, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche) to give Rinpoche, and Chogyam Trungpa (the latter two now deceased). Anam Tulku Thubten, originally “pointing out instructions” to Westerners without first requiring that they In the book Tulku Urgyen relates an anecdote about the Karmapa, from Golok who is currently liv- complete the preliminary practice of ngondro. which I have heard before from someone who claimed to have wit- ing in the US and has a center in This is not a book of teachings—at least not in any formal sense. Rather th nessed it. The 16 Karmapa was well known for his aviary and his California. Other people were it is a narrative of Tulku Urgyen’s childhood and adult years in Tibet, as affection for his numerous pet birds. Tulku Urgyen relates that he saw both old and new students from well as a much briefer section about the years spent in exile. The book a sick bird of Karmapa’s die, and it did not simply slump and fall to the Italy, Europe, the Americas, begins with a section on “Spiritual Roots,” discussing Gampopa, the ground, but sat up straight for three hours. An attendant said, “It’s in Australia and different parts of 15th Karmapa, Tulku Urgyen’s terton great-grandfather Chokyur samadhi,” and stated, “when the Karmapa is around” any bird that Asia. The entire teaching was not Lingpa, his grandmother, his father and his two uncles. The remainder passed away “sits up for a while after death” (p. 270). only an encyclopedic overview of his life narrative is also organized mainly around gurus and teachers In another amusing anecdote Tulku Urgyen relates that the Karmapa of the View, Application, Attitude he met. Some of their names might be familiar to a few gray-haired “used Khampa slang for swearing,” and on one occasion Karmapa was and Fruit in Dzogchen and in the Western dharma students. But, most of them are more likely to be so certain of his clairvoyant prediction that he told Tulku Urgyen, “If other Buddhist paths, but was known by Tibetologists. Fortunately, the glossary at the back of the I’m wrong, I’ll take on all of your bad karma” (p. 275). illustrated with several fascinating book has mini-biographies of all the main characters. accounts of Rinpoche’s early life Within this framework, Tulku Urgyen recounts many anecdotes that by Paul Bail and experiences given with give the reader glimpses of the culture at the time. One interesting story Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s great illustrates some of the misconceptions that were prevalent. After the power, lively sense of humor and immense compassion. Thank you from the heart, once Review of Vajrakilaya, a famous wrathful numerous texts. again, Rinpoche, for the gift of Tibetan Treasure deity in the Tibetan pantheon who As the tradition has developed, your teaching. Literature: is closely associated with with terma now being discovered Revelation, Tradition, . Each of these in America and other parts of the and Accomplishment in texts is accompanied by an intro- world outside Tibet, the tradition Visionary Buddhism duction that tells more about the has expanded to claim others by Andreas Doctor authors and the texts that are pre- beside Padmasambhava as with him. The place where the sented in translation. The book authors who hid texts, particularly uncle indicated the text was hid- Published 2005 by Snow contains a very useful bibliogra- his consort, Yeshe Sogyal. den was way up on a sheer Lion Publications phy that provides an extensive However, all these texts generally mountain face. The uncle was a listing of books in English about make the claim of coming from large man and had to have four the tradition. This illustrates the the eighth century. other men help him to get up the growing body of literature that Over the years there have been mountain. He finally stopped and said the text was hidden in the he terma tradition, which began in 1979 with Eva extensive commentaries regard- solid rock just above them, he has a thousand year history Dargyay’s “The Rise of Esoteric ing these texts and various tax- took a knife and, after a few in Tibet, is but one branch Buddhism in Tibet”. Another onomies have evolved to catego- T book about the tradition that rize the different types of terma. moments of silence, threw it as of a genre of visionary literature hard as he could. Amazingly the that goes back to the earliest Bud- comes highly recommended as a One of these systems showed knife stuck in the smooth rock dhist writings and beyond. What detailed scholarly study from the eighteen categories of terma texts expanse of time from face. He said that this was where makes the terma tradition unique Tibetan point of view is Tulku and each of these categories has Padmasambhava to those people the text was hidden. Some of the is its basic premise that it consists Thondup’s “Hidden Teachings of eighteen subdivisions. These tax- at those times in those places men fashioned a ladder out of a of teachings hidden by Pad- Tibet”. onomies have included categoriz- where and when these particular tree trunk and one of them masambhava in the eighth centu- The basic principle of the tradition ing them according to whether teachings are needed. climbed up to where the knife ry. These were written, often in an is that Padmasambhava, the they were found in the earth, the The book Tibetan Treasure was sticking out of the rock. unknown script called dakini lan- founder of , water, the air, or in the mind of the Literature: Revelation, Tradition, When he pulled the knife out a guage, and hidden by his mystical who is deeply revered by the revealer or even in regards to the and Accomplishment in Visionary portion of the rock came out with powers to be discovered at auspi- Nyingmapa sect who believes that container of the text that was Buddhist by Andreas Doctor it. He called out and said there cious times by reincarnations of during his time in Tibet in the revealed. It will be interesting to describes the terma texts as was a smooth round ball hidden his heart students who then eighth century he hid terma teach- see how Western scholars react to enlightened visions of esoteric in the rock. He was instructed not ‘remember’ the teachings and ing all over Tibet, hid these texts. this visionary genre and what sort practice that have the purpose of to touch it, several people held a write them down for public con- He then trained a group of twenty- of taxonomy they use to classify liberating those who are diligent blanket out under the ladder and sumption. Padmasambhava five disciples who were instructed these texts. One obvious classifi- in their practice. His book has the young man used the knife to entrusted the teachings to super- that during their future reincarna- cations for these texts is to distin- three sections: first his literary pry the ball out and let it drop natural beings known as dakinis or tions they should find and reveal guish those that include sadhanas introduction to the terma tradition down into the blanket. The uncle nagas who kept them safely hid- the hidden texts. They believe that contain detailed visualization as a genre of Tibetan literature, then wrapped the ball in a white den until the time they are needed. these texts are “time sensitive” instructions and those that are second his translation and com- scarf. He held it up for just a The texts are often written on and were hidden so that they hagiographic, telling the life sto- mentary of a text by Lama moment and everyone could see small slips of yellow paper which could be revealed when they were ries of the saints Mipham (1846-1912) and third a it was a luminous white globe have a few syllables of dakini lan- most needed or would be most There are wonderful stories in the translation of a terma text by about the size of a grapefruit. The guage inscribed on them. The ter- effective. lives of the saints about how they Chokgyur Lingpa (1829-1870). text was obviously hidden inside ton, the person who reveals the Then starting in the eleventh cen- discovered different texts and in The first of the translations, by the globe. text, is then able to produce a large tury Sangye Lama became the these accounts the revealer often Lama Mipham, is a short com- In the tradition of sacred or volume of texts from these few first terton and started a literary finds move than a simple text. mentary about the authenticity of canonical literature of Buddhist highly charged syllables. tradition and a distinct genre in Chögyal Namkhai Norbu tells a the various terma texts. It is titled, for a text to enter the canon it had The Tibetans consider these Tibetan Buddhist literature that story of the discovery of a terma “An Investigation of Treasure to be directly connected to the teachings, which often include a continues to the present. From in his book The Crystal and the Revealers”. The second text is an Buddha. The Pali texts are the sadhana or detailed meditation then to now literally thousands of Way of Light. He relates how one actual terma revealed by one of oldest surviving canon of the instruction with mantras, a “short these texts have been revealed. of his uncles had announced he the most famous tertons named teachings of the Buddha fol- lineage”. That is, other medita- Some writers claim there have was going to discover a hidden Chokgyur Lingpa (1829-1870) lowed by the Mahayana canon, tion instructions are past down been 108 major tertons and 1008 text, a terma, and told everyone in titled, “The Practice Manual of which was followed by the through a long succession of minor terton and each terton can the community they were invited Combined Activity: From the Tibetan or canon. teachers and students while these reveal any number of texts and to come along. So when he went Single Kila of Innermost Mind” While the Pali canon makes the come directly across a great and includes a sadhana about many of then have revealed there was a large crowd that went continued on the next page

T HE M IRROR J ULY/AUGUST 2006 7 Review of Tibetan Literature continued from previosu page WORLD WIDE TRANSMISSION DAYS claim to be the historical record of religious authorities and the devo- Lingpa and Karma Lingpa, all ABOUT THE WORLDWIDE TRANSMISSION the teachings of the Buddha given tional community of followers. from earlier times. He says that to his followers while he traveled Thus these are not texts like other everything you need to know is Newcomers who want to participate in the worldwide transmission around India even these texts have books written, either hagiographic included in the texts these tertons must be truly interested in the Teachings transmitted by our Teacher, a rich visionary tradition where a or about religion or history, but revealed and that it is much better Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, and practiced in our world wide large part of the canon are teach- are scriptures revealed from the to stay with their revelations than Dzogchen Community. Participants in this Transmission should try to ings that are given by the Buddha higher realms of the liberated to accept the teachings being pre- receive Teachings from Rinpoche in the future. After having received but are not associated with his enlightened awareness. sented by “new” revealers. the Transmission, they should also try to train and collaborate with the human disciples. Rather they are Lama Mipham’s text is about the The last section of his book deals Sangha of the International Dzogchen Community of Chögyal teaching he gave at the request of authenticity of these scriptures with Chokgyur Lingpa who Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. the gods and in some cases he and the possibility of fraudulent revealed thirty-nine volumes con- Originally, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu had the idea of a “Transmission went to the god realm to deliver elements presented by imposters. sisting of over a thousand titles. at a Distance” because he wanted to help people in different situations, these teachings and in others the He points to some warning “red He gives a brief biography of who could not travel at that time to meet the Teacher. The gods came to visit him where they flags” that distinguish the fraudu- Chokgyur Lingpa who was nearly Transmission will enable them to practice the Dzogchen Teachings requested certain teachings. In lent tertons from those who are illiterate and, like many tertons, transmitted by Rinpoche without needing direct contact with the some cases some enlightened authentic. He writes from a point revealed his first texts at an early Teacher at that time. deity gives these teaching and the of view within the tradition and age and went on to reveal thirty- Buddha is simply present when fully accepts the premise of the seven major earth treasures. Here is a summary of how the Live-Video-Empowerment works: they are given. revealed texts. However, he also These included many objects such The texts of the Mahayana tradi- realizes and points out that there as mirrors, statues, sacred sub- To receive the World Wide Transmission, new students need to partic- tion did not begin until centuries have been imposters and that stances, skulls and objects such as ipate with an experienced student who will host both the preliminary after the death of the Buddha but there are signs that indicate Padmasambhava’s crown, ear- explanation as well as the actual practice. A long-time student of they use this same literary devise whether a terton is real or not. rings, onyx boxes and garments, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, well in advance of the event, to attribute their texts to the These include things such as; (1) even undergarments, worn by should give the explanations. Buddha. One very famous exam- the names of wealthy patrons Padmasambhava. Many of these Hosts of Empowerments with the videotape should be members of the ple is the Heart Sutra which is a appear in the text usually embed- were revealed in public with large International Dzogchen Community. text given by the enlightened ded in some prophetic exclama- crowds in attendance. The teach- For new and interested persons, it is important to have seen the expla- deity figure of Avolokitesvara tions, (2) they present their texts ings he revealed were given by nation by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche that is also on the video- who appeared while the Buddha to the highest religious authorities deities such as Tara, exalted mas- tape, in advance. They should also have the possibility to clarify any was sitting in meditation. and lobby for its acceptance, (3) ters of the past such as doubts about the practice on the videotape with some serious, dedicat- Ananda, who was present at the they find attractive women who and of course from ed older students of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche before the time, took the opportunity to they indicate are religious emana- Padmasambhava himself. He Empowerment. question Avolokitesvara who was tions suitable for becoming con- worked closely with two other Exactly at the given time (see timetable) at your place, you start the kind enough to deliver the teach- sorts, and (4) they denounce any very famous teachers of his time, Transmission Video at the starting point of the part of the Anniversary ing we call the Heart Sutra. adversaries as “deceitful demons”. Lodro Thaye of . At that moment – worldwide- students and newcom- There is, of course, a division So, if fame, wealth or women and Khenyse Wangpo and the ers start to practice this session of the Thun together, which ends with between those Tibetan Buddhists appear to be the object of their quest three of them were influential in the dedication of merits. who accept these texts as part of it is a sure sign you are dealing with the Rime ecumenical movement. the canon and the skeptics who an impostor. He shows how the biographies of Please contact your local Community for details. are unwilling to accept the texts at There is a story by a well know Chokgyur Lingpa tell as much or face value as teaching of Nyingma Rinpoche who tells of a more about his past lives as they Padmasambhava. The hunter who was high in the moun- do about his historical life. Nyingmapa School has been the tains outside his village. He was In some cases there are ex post GLOBAL TIMETABLE most enthusiastic in accepting and sitting with his gun watching for facto prophecies revealed in the cultivating this tradition. By the an animal when he saw a lama termas. For example a text twelfth and thirteenth centuries from his village making his way revealed in the sixteenth century, ANNIVERSARY OF ADZOM DRUGPA critics had arisen in other schools up the mountain far below. As he which purports to have originated 9th Tibetan month – 25th day who attributed the texts to watched the lama came up the in the eighth century, provides Wednesday 15th November 2006 “demons and Gyalgong spirits” mountain till he came to a very prophecies about events in the and declared that those who study rocky place and where he poked thirteenth century! The texts often 01.00 Wellington, Auckland and follow these teachings are around and hid something among include exaggerated religious 02.00 Hawaii afflicted by “leprosy and psychot- the rocks. The hunter was curious polemic with statements such as, 03.00 Fairbanks ic fits”. The critics have argued so after the lama left he went “hearing the name of this teaching 04.00 San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver that these texts do not have, “spir- down and searched among the puts existence in tatters” and 05.00 Denver, Salt Lake City, Pagosa Springs, itual continuity with India”. The rocks and found that the lama had claims that reading the text, Edmonton Nyingmapa apologists argue that hidden a small statue that was “gives rise to undefiled wisdom”. 06.00 Chicago, Mexico City there are demonstrable common- wrapped in an expensive katag, a One association he makes but 07.00 New York, Conway, Montreal, Atlanta, alities with Indian Mahayana white ceremonial scarf. The does not deal with in any detail is Detroit, Havana, Kingston, Indianapolis, Ottawa, Lima, Quito texts and these texts simply con- hunter was very aware of what how the sadhanas that form the 08.00 Caracas tinue an ongoing tradition of rev- was going on so he carefully basis for the visionary practices 09.00 Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, elation and that since the teach- removed the statue and defecated that characterize Vajrayana medi- Santiago ings are from Padmasambhava, in the katag and returned it to its tation are from these revealed 12.00 GMT, London, Dublin, Lisbon who gave initiation and empower- hiding place. Back in the village texts. In this manner any instruc- 13.00 Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Madrid, ments regarding these teachings he learned that the lama had tions for what to visualize in a Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Brussels, Geneva, Prague, Salzburg, to the twenty-five students who declared that he had a vision and practice and the mantras that are Stockholm, Budapest, Vienna, Warsaw went on to reveal them, that they was going to reveal a hidden trea- used in that visualization come 14.00 Helsinki, Athens, Ankara, Beirut, Jerusalem, do, in fact, have continuity with sure. The lama invited the whole from these visionary texts and it is Vilnius, Johannesburg Indian Buddhism. Nonetheless village to come along and every- just this visionary aspect that 15.00 Moscow, Murmansk, Baghdad, Kuwait City, even within the Nyingma tradi- one followed him up into the gives spiritual authority to the Riyadh, Tashkent tion there are those who admit, mountain to the spot where he had practice. 16.00 Kabul “spiritual fraud is a real possibili- hidden the statue. When they got It seems readily apparent that 17.00 ODDIYANA, Islamabad ty”. there the lama did some ceremony these are religious epics not his- 17.30 Delhi, Bombay The apologist hold that these hid- and then in a very ceremonial torical annuals and that while they 17.45 Kathmandu den texts are mnemonic devises manner reached into the hiding may contain elaborate accounts of 18.00 Dacca and that the contents of the vari- place and pulled out the katag.He the lives of people like 19.00 Bangkok, Jakarta, Saigon ous revelations are validated by carefully unwrapped it in the pres- Padmasambhava and Yeshe 20.00 Singapore, Beijing, Lhasa, Manila, Hong their “soteriological value”, i.e. ence of the whole village and after Sogyal their value, as history is Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Perth that those who practice the teach- that he earned the name, “The very limited. The techniques for 21.00 Tokyo, Seoul ings revealed in these texts Revealer of Shit”. writing the texts have some simi- 22.00 Brisbane, Vladivostok become enlightened masters thus Mipham’s final recourse to deter- larities with the more modern 22.30 Adelaide demonstrating the validity of the mine if a terma is authentic is the phenomenon of automatic writing 23.00 Kamchatka, Melbourne, Sydney texts. Other defenders take the word of a “powerful person” who and even channeling. Although tact that all teachings, like all is a recognized spiritual leader these seem to be experiments that other things, lack any intrinsic who declares that it is valid. One have had no lasting effects and existence and ultimately fold back is left with the “leap of faith” have produced little of literary Special Practice Calendar continued from previous page into the dharmakaya, the ultimate since authentication is beyond value. While the terma have a tra- spiritual realm. And from this objective verification. It is inter- dition of one thousand years and a they conclude that claims based esting to note that he places some huge body of literature that is purification practices so try to do “Purification of the Six Lokas” as on the recorded documents of his- of the blame for fraudulent texts mythic and epic in many ways. much as possible. You should also try to do a Ganapuja with your Vajra tory are ultimately no more real on the “deceit of gods and We in the west are just getting our brothers and sisters. that those from esoteric sources, demons”, so even his criticism is first glimpse into this vast corpus that historical claims have no couched in language that accepts as some of its major works are TIBETAN NEW YEAR – FIRE BOAR more validity than those revealed the basic premise for the transmis- being translated. in enlightened vision. Finally they sion of these texts from the spiri- say that all sacred literature origi- tual realm. He goes so far as to Reviewed by J.M.White nates from a non-historical frame- name tertons that he considers work and that “ultimate authenti- authentic; among them are Nyima cation” rests on acceptance by Ozer, Guru Chowang, Ratna

8 Special Practice Calendar Fire Dog Year October 2006 - February 2007

7th Month, 30th day Ganapuja, with the transforma- Fri. 22nd Sept. 2006 FULL MOON This day is tion of the Dakini Simhamuka, 8th Month, 30th day considered to be the day to and recite her heart mantra as st DARK MOON Annular solar Sat. 21 Oct. 2006 honor the Lord Buddha in many times as possible. eclipse. This day is ideal for general, and it is one of Otherwise you can do a Medium purification practices. Try to do DARK MOON This the best days to do the Thun either collectively or per- th either the Purification of the Six month, the 30 day is Long-life Practice with sonally. Lokas or the Namchos Shitroi double. This day is the Dakini Mandarava Naljyor, the Yoga of the Peaceful excellent for practising in particular. Generally th th and Wrathful Manifestations, the “Purification of the the best moment to do 11 Month, 30 day th either collectively or on your Six Lokas” if you know this kind of practice is Fri. 19 Jan. 2007 own. Try to do a Ganapuja as how to do it. Otherwise between 7 and 8 in the well, if possible. you can do the Medium or morning but if you don’t DARK MOON This is an excel- Long Thun or a Ganapuja. have this possibility, then do lent day to do purification prac- it in the afternoon or later in the tice so try to do the Purification of 8th Month, 10th day evening when you are free. It is the Six Lokas and a Ganapuja in th rd Mon. 2nd Oct. 2006 9 Month, 3 day also a good day to do a Ganapuja. the evening. Wed. 25th Oct. 2006 mas- ter of great masters such as This is a special day of Guru Changchub Dorje and Ayu th th th th Padmasambhava; therefore you This is the anniversary of Rigdzin 10 Month, 25 day 12 Month,10 day Khandro. Therefore, when it is 7 th th can do the Guruyoga of Jigmed Lingpa (1729-1798), a Fri. 15 Dec. 2006 Sun. 28 Jan. 2007 pm in East Tibet on this day, Padmasambhava. If you have great Dzogchen master who was Chögyal Namkhai Norbu will time and the possibility you can the author of many books, among Today is a Dakini day and the This day is the anniversary of give the transmission of do a Ganapuja with the Guruyoga which is the Longchen Nyingthig, anniversary of Tsongkhapa Guru Padmasambhava’s corona- Guruyoga with the specific prac- and the Long-life practice of which he wrote after having con- (1357-1491), who made a synthe- tion as Prince of Orgyen at the tice linked to the anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava together tact with through sis of the previous schools and invitation of King Idrabhodi. We Adzom Drugpa. In this way the with your Vajra brothers and sis- visions. Therefore, on this impor- founded the Gelugpa School. It is can perform a Ganapuja collec- transmission will be live because ters. Otherwise you can do the tant day, you should try to do a very beneficial day for reinforc- tively or do the Long-life prac- the transmission has no distance. Long-life practice “Universal Akar Lamai Naljor, the Guruyoga ing the energy of the universe so tice, “Universal Wisdom Union” Rinpoche will transmit and Wisdom Union”. with the White A. try to perform a Ganapuja with either collectively or personally, throughout the world people who your Vajra brothers and sisters. If according to circumstances. do the practice at the same there are no other practitioners th th moment will be in the transmis- 8th Month, 15th day 9 Month, 9 day nearby you can do the Medium st sion and will thus receive the th th Sat. 7th Oct. 2006 Tue. 31 Oct. 2006 Thun on your own, transforming 12 Month,11 day transmission. This practice into the Dakini Simhamuka and Mon. 28th Jan. 2007 th should be done at the appointed FULL MOON This is an impor- This month the 10 day is miss- reciting the heart mantra as many time together with your Vajra tant day to do the Long-life prac- ing. This is a special day of Guru times as possible. This is a good day to do a brothers and sisters or, if that is tice of Amitayus, “Union of Padmasambhava. It is also the Medium or Long Thun with an not possible, alone. (In Italy, this Primordial Essences”. It is best to anniversary of the 16th Gyalwang intensive practice of the mantra Karmapa and of Tertön Sogyal, a practice will be done at 1 pm.) 10th Month, 30th day of Ekajati. do it early in the morning and a th Ganapuja in the evening. previous reincarnation of Sogyal Wed. 20 Dec. 2006 Rinpoche and discoverer of many SEE THE GLOBAL terma. It is therefore a good day to TIMETABLE DARK MOON This is an excel- 12th Month, 15th day (see previous page) nd 8th Month, 19th day do the Long-life practice of Guru lent day to do purification prac- Fri. 2 Feb. 2007 Tue. 10th Oct. 2006 Padmasambhava “Universal tice so try to do the Purification of Wisdom Union”, which is included the Six Lokas and a Ganapuja in FULL MOON This is in general 9th Month, 30th day This is an important day for the in the Medium or Long Thun. You the evening. a day for honoring the Lord Mon. 20th Nov. 2006 practice of Ekajati, so try to do a can do this in the usual way or, if Buddha, and in particular an ideal Long Thun with your Vajra broth- you have the possibility, you can day for the Long-life practice of DARK MOON This is a good th th ers and sisters, or if that is not do it with a Ganapuja. 11 Month, 7 day Guru Amitayus, “Union of day to do Namcho Shitroi Naljor, th possible, you can do a Medium Wed. 27 Dec. 2006 Primordial Essences”. If possible the Yoga of the Peaceful and Thun alone reciting the heart try to do a collective Ganapuja th th Wrathful Manifestations, in the th mantra of Ekajati as many times 9 Month, 15 day This month, the 8 day is miss- with your Vajra brothers and sis- th morning. It is also an important as possible. Sun. 5 Nov. 2006 ing. This is a special day for ters in the evening. day for the practice of Ekajati, so doing the practice of Ekajati so FULL MOON This is a day of try to do a Long or Medium try to do a Long Thun, collective- Thun, reciting the heart mantra of th th 8th Month, 25th day the Buddha and a good day to do ly or alone, reciting the heart 12 Month, 18 day Ekajati as many times as possible. th Mon. 16th Oct. 2006 the Long-life practice of mantra as many times as possible. Mon. 5 Feb. 2007 Amitayus, “Union of Primordial This is a Dakini day and also the Essences”, either collectively or This is the anniversary of the 10th Month, 10th day th th anniversary of two great Dzogchen individually according to your 11 Month, 10 day great Dzogchen master Longchen Thu. 30th Nov. 2006 th masters, Rigzin Kumaraja, who possibilities, in the morning and Fri. 29 Dec. 2006 Rabjam (Longchenpa, 1306- transmitted the Dzogchen teach- in the evening a Ganapuja. 1363). On this very important day This is a special day of Guru ings to Longchenpa and to the third This is a special day of Guru try to do the Guruyoga Akar Padmasambhava, the day on Karmapa, and of Rigzin Tsewang Padmasambhava called Padma Lamai Naljor, Guruyoga with the th nd which he arrived in central Tibet. Norbu (1698-1755), a great 9 Month, 22 day Gyalpo: it is the day on which he White A, either collectively or th It is considered that on this day, at Dzogchen master of the Sun. 12 Nov. 2006 arrived in the capital of Oddiyana personally. the end of the 8th century, King Nyingmapa School. It is therefore and became prince to King Songtsen Gampo, the ancient an excellent day to do Akar This day is the important celebra- Idrabhodi. Therefore it is an king of Dharma, vanished dis- th th Lamai Naljor, the Guruyoga with tion of Buddha Shakyamuni’s excellent day to do the Guruyoga 12 Month, 25 day solving into a statue of th the White A. If you can do it in descent to earth from the realm of of Padmasambhava with a Mon. 12 Feb. 2007 Avalokiteshvara. Therefore it is the morning, that is best. Then, if the Divinities. It is called Ganapuja. good to do the Guruyoga of you have the time, you can do a “Lhabab Tuchen”, the Great Time Dakini Day. This is very positive Padmasambhava with the Long- Medium or Long Thun later in the of the Descent of the Divinities. It day for reinforcing your energy life mantra and a Ganapuja. th th day, with an intense practice of is an ideal day to do a Ganapuja 11 Month, 15 day and creating a stronger contact Otherwise you can do the Long- rd Simhamuka, or a Ganapuja, if with your Vajra brothers and sis- Wed. 3 Jan. 2007 with the energy of the universe so life practice “Universal Wisdom you have the possibility. ters. If there are none nearby, you try to do a collective Ganapuja can do a Short or Medium Thun Union”. If it is possible, the best FULL MOON Today it is impor- with your Vajra brothers and sis- on your own. moment to do the Guruyoga is tant to try to do the Long-life ters. If that is not possible, try to early in the morning between 7 8th Month, 27th day practice of Guru Amitayus, Union do a Medium Thun alone. In and 8. You can do the Ganapuja Wed. 18th Oct. 2006 of Primordial Essences, in the either case recite the heart mantra 9th Month, 25th day later in the afternoon. usual way, and, if possible, a of Ekajati as many times as possi- th 10th Month 11th day Fri. 1st This is an important day for the Wed. 15 Nov. 2006 Ganapuja. ble. Dec. 2006 practice of Ekajati, so try to do a Long Thun with your Vajra broth- The 25th is a Dakini day and also This is an important day for the th th th th ers and sisters, or if that is not the anniversary of the great 11 Month, 25 day 12 Month, 30 day practice of Ekajati. th th possible, you can do a Medium Dzogchen Master Adzom Drugpa Sat. 13 Jan. 2007 Sat. 17 Feb. 2007 Thun alone reciting the heart (1842-1924), a previous reincar- nation of Chögyal Namkhai This is a day of the Dakinis in Today is the last day of the Fire mantra of Ekajati as many times th th Norbu. He was a disciple of 10 Month, 15 day Mon. general, so if you have the oppor- Dog year. It is a special day for as possible. th and a 4 Dec. 2006 tunity practise a collective continued on previous page

T HE M IRROR J ULY/AUGUST 2006 9 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS merigar west Dzogchen Community in Italy Merigar West CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT THE MERIGAR WEST COMMUNITY 58031 Arcidosso (GR) October 2006 - January 2007 Italy Tel. 39 0564 966837 Email: [email protected] The letter A indicates events that are particularly Teaching Retreat on the “Longsal Web site: www.dzogchen.it indicated for those having their first contact with the Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod” Upadesha of Dzogchen Teaching. Introduction to the State of Ati For people who are genuinely interested in the With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Teaching, it is indispensable to meet the Master. This (Closed webcast) NEW VAJRA is possible by following one of his Teaching Retreats DANCE CLOTHES or by participating in one of the worldwide Direct NOVEMBER 2006 AVAILABLE Transmission days. Regarding the webcasts, we would like to specify Thu. 2 – Tue. 7 November NOW! that the term “closed webcast” means that in order to Dance of the Vajra Course for be able to access it, one must be a member, while Beginners - Part 1 There are new Vajra dance “open webcast” indicates that it is a teaching that can With Adriana Dal Borgo clothes at the very affordable be accessed by anyone directly through the Internet. The course starts on November 2 at 4pm cost of 170 euros. If you are However in order to follow the Teachings at a Gar or a Cost 240 Euro, with discounts for members. interested please contact: Ling of the Dzogchen Community, it is indispensable to . The have a membership card. Wed. 15 November Vajra Dance Clothes can be At 10.00 used for special occasions like SEPTEMBER A Explanation of the Padmasambhava Guru Yoga the Worldwide Day of the practice Dance of the Vajra, but if you Wed.27–Sun.1 October know the Dance well you can Advanced course of the Dance At 13.00 use the clothes for a complete of the Vajra - the Six Spaces of Audio and video webcast of the Thun of practice and not just & the Dance Worldwide Transmission of for training. of the 3 Vajras, regular & Guru Yoga on the occasion of irregular the anniversary of Master Those who have experienced Led by Prima Mai Adzom Drugpa with Chögyal dancing with them have said it The course starts on Wednesday 27 September at Namkhai Norbu is a very special experience of 16.00 integration, especially if the Cost 200 Euro with discounts for members Sat. 25 – Sun. 26 November group is complete on the Mandala. Intensive retreat of OCTOBER Chöd practice Payment can be sent to: The retreat starts on Monte dei Paschi di Siena (Bank) - Arcidosso (GR) – Italy Fri. 6 - Sun. 8 October Saturday 25 November at 10am IBAN: IT36M0103072160000000708609 SMS First Level explanation and practice retreat BIC: PASCITM1G99 Led by Jim Valby DECEMBER 2006 Account nr. 7086,09 in the name of Adriana dal Borgo The retreat is reserved for those who have passed the Address: c/o Federica Mastropaolo Base Level exam Fri. 8 December Via Sangemini 96 - 00135 Rome Italy Cost 120 Euro, with discounts for members. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s birthday Tel: 0039.320-0731650 Email: [email protected] A Fri. 13 – Sun. 15 October Fri. 8 – Sun. 10 December Yantra Yoga 1st Level course of explanation and Intensive practice retreat Long-life Practice of the practice Dakini Mandarava Led by Tiziana Gottardi and Sergio Quaranta The course starts on Friday 13 October at 16.00. Tue. 26 Dec. – Mon. 7 January 2007 PASSAGES Cost 120 Euro, with discounts for members. Audio and video webcast from Tashigar South, Argentina of the Teaching Wed. 18 - Sun. 22 October Retreat on “Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod: Upadesha DIED: Dance of the Song of the Vajra Course for advanced Of the introduction to the State It is with great sadness that the students of Ati” With Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Dzogchen Community of Led by Prima Mai (closed webcast) Merigar announces that Lucia The course starts on Wednesday October 18 at 4pm Boschetto died on August 30, Cost 200 Euro, with discounts for members. 2006. She was thirty-seven years old and was from Venice, Italy. Thu. 26 – Mon. 30 October Lucia met Rinpoche in 1998 at Audio and video Webcast from Barcelona of the Merigar.

Namkha course with Liane Graf N ZEITZ

Advanced Vajra Dance with Adriana dal Borgo September 1 - 6, 2006

10 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS

SMS Level One Training Merigar N ZEITZ New Gakyil and Gekö of Merigar with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu August 25 - 29 2006 Dear Members,

We would like to inform you about the election of the new Gakyil of Merigar, which took place on August 15, 2006 at the Gonpa in the presence of Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.

The New Gakyil

Blue Gakyil Lucia Antonelli (director) Marzia Spinelli Rita Renzi

Yellow Gakyil Giorgio Dallorto (vice-director) Anna Prisco

Red Gakyil Fabio Tommasoni Antonio Di Giammarco Yvonne Richter E JOUAN Migmar (advisor) Advanced Yantra Yoga & Variations course with Laura Evangelisti at Merigar August 3 - 7, 2006

New Gekö Fabian Rawnsley

The Master reminded us very clearly about the commitment of the Gakyil to collaborate with Ambienti Web and with all the Lings and Gars, emphasizing the importance of continual com- munication among those who take on this responsibility. He also advised us to establish the role of a permanent advisor, Migmar, for the Red Gakyil who would be a constant reference point and who is an expert in the functioning of the Gar. First of all the new Gakyil of Merigar would like to thank the members of last year’s Gakyil for their work and then, in an attempt to pursue the direction indicated by our precious Master, to propose as an objective improving communication with the Lings, the Gars and members in general. With regard to this we would like to remind you that the Gakyil is at the service of the Community and that anyone who would like to give advice, express doubts or has questions can write to the Gakyil at . If people have doubts concerning the practice, the Gakyil will see to it that the question is for- warded to the official teachers or to a person within whose competence it falls; if, on the other hand, they are organizational suggestions or ideas, they will be examined and taken into con- Advanced Kumbhaka course with Fabio Andrico at Merigar August 18 - 20, 2006 N ZEITZ sideration. We would particularly like to mention that in winter Merigar is a place of practice open to all those who would like to hold retreats. If a group of practitioners would like to organize a short retreat, they can communicate beforehand (about a week in advance) with the Gakyil who will indicate a suitable space.

Greetings to everyone The Merigar Gakyil

Advanced Vajra Dance and Teacher Training Course with Prima Mai and Adriana dal Borgo

Mandarava and Tsalung practice retreat with Elio Guarsico August 18 - 23, 2006 Merigar S PARK Kumar Kumari Course with Laura Evangelisti at Merigar September 4-5, 2006 R PIRO

T HE M IRROR J ULY/AUGUST 2006 11 INTERNATIONAL RETREAT WITH COMMUNITY NEWS CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU BARCELONA, SPAIN ACCOMMODATION SERVICE AT MERIGAR OCTOBER 26 to 30, 2006 Longsal Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE WHO INTEND TO COME TO MERIGAR FOR RETREATS Upadesha of Introduction to the State of Ati OR TO FOLLOW COURSES If you are looking for accommodation, airport transfer, local car hire or only logistic assistance, you OTHER ACTIVITIES can contact the following information and reservation service: October 27-30, from 8 to 9:30am: Accommodation Service Vajra Dance course of The Three Vajras with Adriana Dal Borgo (Information available in English, German, French and Italian) Information service and reser- October 27-28, from 6 to 7:30pm: vation of accommodation during retreats, local transport, & logistic solutions: Introduction to Yantra Yoga with Fabio Andrico October 27-30, from 8 to 9:30am: Christina von Geispitzheim Yantra Yoga advanced practice with Laura Evangelisti Email: [email protected] MORE DETAILS: Tel: 0039 0564 957542 Mobile phone: 0039 339 1370739 The retreat will be held at C.E.M. La Mar Bella Avinguda Litoral Mar, 86-96, 08005 Barcelona. We cooperate with local hotels, family pensions, residences, agriturismo, Community members who Bus 41 - Subway L4 (yellow) Stop Poble Nou. have rooms or houses to rent or sublet. Also we can advise on car rental (at airports or locally), on the best itinerary and time tables of trains and buses, and we have now a circuit of residents who Complete retreat: 200Euro offer various useful services like transfer from the airports, local taxi service, translations, baby sit- Discounts: ting, etc. 50% reduced members, 20% ordinary members, 100% sustaining and meritorious members. Dejam Ling To attend the retreat you must be a member of the Dzogchen Santi Maha Sangha 1st level Training Community with Jim Valby REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION by Yvonne Richter explanation, with a lot of opportunities for a good laugh. Jim continues to emphasise that we shoudn’t On-line at the Cultural Association of the Dzogchen Community n July there was a lot of activity in the French become fanatic by doing only SMS practices and in Spain web page: www.dzogchen.es Community center located in the beautiful sacrificing other important practices like Vajra Cevennes Mountains of Southern France. Dejam Dance and Yantra Yoga. To complete the practices of I th Ling is special, not least because it holds a handwrit- the Base (7 Lojong) and to go on with the other e u r o p e ten copy from Rinpoche of his Longsal Terma SMS Levels, we must learn Kumbhaka, so we were Namkhai Gyalpo. It is quite isolated and cannot be inspired to learn Yantra Yoga in the evening. Emily reached by public transport, but once you are there taught us mainly the 8 Movements and the Rhythmic passages you will love it. Breathing. Jim was a great example again when he Courses started on the 2nd of July and went on with- joined us doing Yantra Yoga. We are super fit now BORN: out interruption until the 18th. The warming up was after walking up and down the steep slope to reach Viktoria and Sebastian an intensive Yantra Yoga course on the preliminary the beautiful Vajra tent covering the Mandala, where Kozlowski welcomed their groups with Emily Coleing. This was followed by a we did Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga. new baby Marta Nikita into 2 day workshop with Michael Katz: 35 practitioners, Our Santi Maha Sangha sessions were held in the the world on July 26th 2006 mostly French, walking around with sunglasses, Gonpa of Dejam Ling, a big cosy living room with in Poland. adorned with fancy children’s toys and trying to feel yellow walls, blue-sky views, wooden floor and that everything is a big dream. Thirty-five people are many carpets and cushions. You will feel very com- a lot for Dejam Ling, but for only two days it was fortable if you ever visit Dejam Ling. manageable. Now it is the 17th , and most of the SMS family has The SMS retreat started on the morning of the 7th gone but Emily’s students of Yantra Yoga have Asociación Cultural de la Comunidad and lasted 10 intensive days. There were 15 practi- returned and we are learning the 1st and 2nd groups tioners from 10 countries around the globe, some as of Yantras together with a 3 year old girl and of Dzogchen, Spain far as USA and Australia. In addition there was a course the cat. NEW WEBSITE: small group to help with the retreat and with Karma SMS training at Dejam Ling first started with Base www.dzogchen.es Yoga on the land. In total we were 18 more or less Level Training in 2003, held by Jim Valby and then grown up humans, 1 five-year-old boy- who was by Constantino Albini in 2005. We have continued YELLOW GAKYIL shooting everybody with his water pistol- and 1 cat with the 1st Level in 2006 and hopefully we won’t [email protected] who showed up right before the courses started. wait until 2009 for Jim to show up again. Thank you [email protected] The schedule was very full. In the morning, so much! [email protected] Stoffelina Verdonk taught the Dance of the Three We have been a harmonious Vajra family these days. Vajras – the regular as well as the irregular version. Thanks to Stoffelina, Emily, Catherine “The Angel” RED GAKYIL [email protected] The mandala was quite crowded; a lot of Pawos and to Laurent Maurice, assistant to the French [email protected] wished to lean the Dance, maybe because Jim was Gakyil. Special “Merci” to the whole French com- [email protected] giving a good example. On the 10th Day, we had a munity for this great opportunity. fantastic complete Thun of the irregular Om A Hum. Dejam Ling is such a great place to do personal BLUE GAKYIL Also the cat was participating, but until now hasn’t retreat that 2 practitioners decided at the last minute [email protected] quite mastered the steps! to stay on, in spite of a now empty fridge and no car. [email protected] During the day we had 3 sessions with Jim of 1.5 Our parting words to them were: “Don’t eat the cat!” [email protected] hours each. About 60% was practice, alternated by

passages

DIED August 26 at 6am, our Vajra Sister Prado Melchor passed away in Talavera de La Reina (Toledo), Spain. She was ill with cancer. Starting from this evening a prac- tice of Shitro will be held every day at 8:30pm until the practitioners of Talavera de La Reina do a complete cycle.

DIED: Guido Innocente died with clarity and grace in London on September 7, 2006. Please remember our precious Vajra brother in your practice.

12 INTERNATIONAL m e r i g a r ea s t COMMUNITY NEWS

A Wonderful Springtime in Crimea! Mandarava Chudlen Retreat with Nina Robinson April 20th - May 6th, 2006

he spring was a little late seemed to be singing the melody this year in Ukraine and of the practice together with us. Tparticularly in Crimea, so We did three thuns of Mandarava the stormy Black Sea and the practice a day, and besides that damp wind met us in the Malyi Viktor Krachkovsky gave thor- Mayak village. It was the same ough explanations on Yantra place where Chögyal Namkhai Yoga, which made a great support Norbu last year has conducted a in learning the Chudlen breathing retreat on the precious teaching of practice. Jnanadakini from Longsal At the retreat Nina gave us two Thugtig. Therefore it was the per- postcards, one for Merigar West fect location for having a Mandar- and another for Rinpoche - so that ava Chudlen retreat with Nina all of us could send our regards to Robinson. the Community and gratitude to About a hundred practitioners our Master for this precious Santi Maha Sangha Base this progress, we also block the ing with oral, symbolic and direct from Ukraine, Russia and teaching. Level Retreat possibility of manifestation of the transmission of Dzogchen. Jim Lithuania gathered to practice this After two weeks the retreat as with Jim Valby primordial state for ourselves. said that we don’t taking refuge in wonderful and powerful terma of such was over, but the practition- March 17 – 27, 2006 Thinking of this, we remembered our experiences or in something Rinpoche for two weeks. Nina’s ers stayed and continued the prac- St Petersburg, Russia different wrangles between Vajra else conditioned by time. We are explanations were very clear and tice, because we had another brothers and sisters and we under- taking refuge in a direct instant precise, and her loving kindness, wonderful occasion to follow rom May 17 to 26 in St. stood that all these dualistic con- presence of and improving endless sense of humor and deep Dzogchen teaching — listening to Petersburg, Russia, there ceptions of our mind are just our capacities. Without that all the explanations brought up the real Rinpoche’s explanations of Ati was a Santi Maha Sangha blocking the possibility to discov- activity of the Community and F er our state of rigpa. Gakyil will resemble simple inspiration and understanding of Lam Nad Ngondro. It was impos- Base Level retreat with Jim Valby. the practice in all the participants. sible to find a fast Internet con- The retreat was near St. Peters- There was also a very interesting bureaucracy. And her stories about how the nection for receiving video, so we burg, in the picturesque place of explanation by Jim about how we Jim talked a lot about Yantra Yoga Dzogchen Community was start- had only the audio signal via the Karelian Isthmus. Though the do the practices. We shouldn’t and that it is a method of attaining ed, how Merigar was built filled GPRS. Luckily the signal was weather was quite cold and rainy, think that the practice is some realization and not just physical us all with the feeling of belong- stable and we managed to listen the atmosphere of the retreat was kind of formal ritual or a competi- exercises. And in the Yantra Yoga ing and continuity of the to all the retreat and did the prac- warm and interesting, like in any tion of who is faster to attain real- course, marvelously leaded by Community since its early days in tice of Purification of Six Lokas other retreat with Jim. And the ization, or whose realization is instructor Victor Krachkovsly, seventies and eighties and till with Vajrasattva collectively, as matter is not only that Jim, as usu- better. We stay in the real sense of practitioners had a possibility to now. was explained by Rinpoche. al, gave his explanation in lively what we are doing, in direct trans- study or get deeply into this It was a wonderful time and place These three weeks in Maliy and easy manner, and his transla- mission, in a state of Dzogchen. method of attaining of our pri- for the practice - the air was fresh, Mayak (which literally means tor Igor Berkhin did a very precise In any practice we are going mordial state. Jim said that he the sea was clear - so clear that Small Lighthouse) gave to every- and good translation. beyond the dualistic idea of sub- does Yantra Yoga routinely him- dolphins came very close to the one the unforgettable experiences At this retreat Jim touched on a ject and object, relaxing more and self, underlining it importance in shore. I remember Nina especial- of the practice, which might real- couple questions that are very more in our primordial state and his own practice. ly enjoyed to watch them playing ly serve as a lighthouse, showing important for all practitioners. not accumulating tensions of our It is clear that all Jim teaches in the waves as their white bellies us the way towards the real sense One of these questions – what is ego. about is based not on theoretical were glittering with gold in the of the Teaching of our Master. the direct introduction and how The interesting thing is that in knowledge, but on his own expe- rays of the setting sun. The we should work with it? From the most of the practices, such as rience. Jim was just sharing his nightingales in the evening very beginning we are in the Purifying of Six Lokas, we can experience, that’s why his expla- Dzogchen teaching, we know that use different approaches of Sutra, nations were always interesting the enlightened knowledge Tantra and Dzogchen. We at least and lively. Though there were a includes all our experiences and purify all to emptiness, like it is in lot of people on the retreat, there all manifestations, pure and a Sutra, and we transform like in were a little more than sixty prac- impure - already present in the Tantra and, finally, we self liber- titioners regularly. And those who primordial state’s wisdom. Jim ate like in Dzogchen, though out- were on this retreat were really gave a very precise explanation of wardly in time we are doing the lucky, because they had wonder- when we spend our time on same action of purifying. Also ful possibility to extend their searching for enlightenment Jim explained that we shouldn’t understanding. The organization somewhere out of our own state just purify abstract lokas; we of the retreat was good, with or we believe that there is a pure notice that we have these passions fundraising for Merigar East and and impure dimension, which we in fact, which are the causes of half of the money from this retreat have to purify, that we block the these six lokas and purify them. will go to buying a Gar in Crimea. possibility to work with the trans- Summarizing all the aforesaid, the We hope that Jim Valby’s retreats mission in that way and we create main thing, as Jim explained to will take place at the Crimea Gar, obstacles for our own primordial us, is the introduction in our state because the benefit from it for all state. If we achieve a success in of rigpa and staying in it, guided practitioners is incontestable. our practice and we feel proud of not with our fantasies, but work- t s e g y a l g a r ea s t & w e s t

Tsegyalgar West Baja Mexico passages Dzogchen Community West Coast 755 Euclid Ave. Berkeley, CA 94708 USA Email: [email protected] [email protected] Web site www.bajasangha.org 23 people attended the Mandarava Retreat with Nina Robinson at Khandroling, Tsegyalgar Buckland, Massachusetts, USA (both photos above) Tsegyalgar, Dzogchen Community passages in America, BORN: PO Box 277 In early September of 2006, Conway, MA 01341 MARRIED Evangeline Andasia Dean Rafal Borkiewicz married Dorota Kukla on June 24, Truitt (big, bouncy and bub- Tel: 413-369-4153 2006 in Boston Massachusetts, USA. bly) was born to Sam and Fax: 413-369-4473 Kim Truitt, joining her sister Email: [email protected] Indiana Truitt along upper Web site: www.tsegyalgar.org Hudson Valley, New York State, USA.

T HE M IRROR J ULY/AUGUST 2006 13 INTERNATIONAL SANTI MAHA SANGHA BASE LEVEL RETREAT COMMUNITY NEWS at Tsegyalgar West in Baja Sur, Mexico December 15, 2006 to January 8, 2007 Santi Maha Sangha Schedule JIM VALBY will teach the SANTI MAHA SANGHA BASE of Jim Valby LEVEL, 2006 covering Sutra, Tantra, and Dzogchen, two sessions a day.

October 6-8, 2006 Merigar West, Italy, SMS First Level ANASTASIA MCGHEE will teach THE DANCE OF THE THREE VAJRAS Nov 3-5, 2006 Kundrolling, New York City, SMS Base (regular version) at the beginning of the retreat.

Nov 10-19, 2006 Seattle, Washington, SMS Base BODHI KRAUSE will teach THE DANCE OF THE 6 SPACES OF SAMANTABADRA after Christmas. Dec 4-12, 2006 Tashigar South, Argentina, assist for SMS Base Exam & Level One Training LYNN SUTHERLAND will teach YANTRA YOGA, including the Yantra Preliminaries, the First and Second Series of the Main Practice (pranayamas and yantras) and the Vajra Wave. Santi Maha Sangha Retreats at Khandroling, Tsegyalgar Auspiciously, from December 26 to January 1, 2007, we will also by Sean Quinn Oni McKinstry instruct- have the WEBCAST of Rinpoche’s retreat Longsal Ati’i Gongpa ed the Level One stu- Ngotro, the Upadesha of The Introduction to the State of Ati. All his past August, dents. The sessions were inclusive cost (retreat, campsite, food and airport transportation) is Tsegyalgar hosted an held on the Universal $350US/Week, $60US/Day Tintensive Santa Maha Mandala up in the open Sangha retreat at Khandrol- air. It was very special to Dzogchen community membership discounts apply. ing. Practitioners from be instructed on the eight (40% sustaining, 20% regular, 5% introductory) around the globe came to movements and the experience this sacred land. beginning Yantra on such Pre-Registration and Inquiries contact: [email protected] The retreat was structured so a magical space. The that there were 4 days of 4 weather was ideal; nei- LUMBINI GARDENS sessions, one Vajra Dance, ther too warm nor too A privately-funded, intentional, and residential community being one Yantra Yoga and 2 Santa cool, but comfortable. formed by members of the Dzogchen Community, in Baja California Maha Sangha. Early morn- The biting insects did not Sur, Mexico. ings at the dew covered Uni- interfere with the instruc- versal Mandala, the ever- tions Vase. There were morning and umbini Gardens is a privately funded, intentional, and residential cheerful Bodhi Krause greeted There were a few students who afternoon sessions, with time in community being formed by members of the Dzogchen Commu- practitioners. For the Base Level were new to Rinpoche’s teach- between for a delicious, filling hot nity, in Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a few memberships retreat, Bodhi guided the students lunch and a swim in the cool pond ings. One could see how deeply L still available. Currently we are forging ahead rapidly with plans for our through the dance of Om Ah Hum. Jim’s presence and clarity in artic- waters. In each session, Jim gave modest houses and 10-acre permaculture garden next to the little town It was wonderful observing folks ulating concepts that are beyond insight into how to work with the of La Ribera, 3 minutes from the beaches of the Sea of Cortez. new to the practice experiencing words and symbols touched them. Master’s transmission. Jim, in his We would like to invite additional potential members to explore the the dance. The opportunity to Bodhi, Naomi, and Oni were very delightful style, explained clearly opportunity of joining Lumbini Gardens, though spaces are definitely learn the steps on the Universal kind and helpful, as always, to how the practices are to develop limited. We have a total of 20 memberships, some of which are shared Mandala where the dance was those of us less experienced in the capacity. These methods are for among several individuals. We expect to begin planting our garden in revealed is a rare treat. The energy, practices. Many thanks to all who getting familiar with primordial November of this year and to commence construction of our first hous- as always, is electric on the man- participated in this program. If all presence, not to obtain enlighten- ing cluster in 2007. dala. With much gentle guidance, goes well, this Santa Maha ment. As the teachings state, Our current membership is very diverse, with members of different Bodhi was able to get some of Sangha Retreat will be held again everything is already the wisdom. ages, single individuals, and families, retirees and professionals. What these stiff beings to be fluid, at Khandroling next summer. The essence is transmission. we all have in common is that we are members of the Dzogchen almost graceful, with the Dance. Please mark your calendars and The late afternoon session was for Community, students of Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, dedicated to the After a light breakfast (ah the make your way here to experience Yantra Yoga. Naomi Zeitz taught practice and preservation of the Dzogchen teachings, very interested in tsampa!), Jim Valby expounded first hand the beauty and the for the Base Level retreatants and creating a beautiful, affordable, and ecological living environment on on practices from the Precious magic of this special space. the rural outskirts of La Ribera, and interested in participating in the development of the Baja Gar (Tsegyalgar West), which is 45 minutes NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THE TSEGYALGAR BOOKSTORE from Lumbini Gardens. We encourage those who are considering joining us to check out our The Tsegyalgar Bookstore is excited to report that words of the teaching. The final Phonetic Index website (lumbinigardens.org), and if interested, to visit the site. La the new Snow Lion reprint of teachings from The indicates the correct pronunciation of every Tibetan Ribera is shown on google.earth - we have the 10-acre open field at the Mirror entitled “Dzogchen Teachings,” is now avail- syllable. SW intersection of the La Ribera and Cabo Pulmo roads at the begin- able through our online store through the following *You can buy this book from our online store fol- ning of town. link: lowing links from: Costs thus far: $6,575 to purchase a share; upcoming, $6,600 in gen- http://www.tsegyalgar.org/bookstore/bookstore.html eral assessment which can be paid as a lump sum, or over one or two http://www.tsegyalgar.org/cgi- years in monthly payments. The assessment will cover improvements bin/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store On Birth, Life, and Death preparatory to building, some garden expenses, building of common- _Code=T&Product_Code=SL163&Category_Code #227E use buildings, such as a Gonpa/kitchen, creation of parking area, water =book $24.50 storage tank, etc. We project that houses (maximum of 1,300 sq. feet) PUBLIC BOOK will cost somewhere between $15,000 and $25,000 to build, depending or by going to the “Books” section at This book presents the basic principles of traditional on the building materials and methods chosen and the size of house. http://www.tsegyalgar.org/bookstore/bookstore. Tibetan Medicine that enable the reader to grasp Over time there may be additional assessments, depending on group html some of the main points regarding Birth, Life, and needs. Death. This book, produced thanks to a close col- Members are expected to take part in most of the monthly conference Dzogchen Teachings laboration with the Ka-Ter Translation Project of calls and to try to make their way to the occasional face-to-face meet- Published by Snow Lion Shang Shung Institute-Austria, also contains the ing, as well as to become part of a working committee. Through these concise, clear, direct, and precise whole original Tibetan text. We are in the process of developing our governance processes in accor- explanations and instructions not available else- dance with Diana Leafe Christian’s “Creating a LIfe Together - where, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu makes these pro- *You can buy this book from our online store follow- Practical tools to Grow Ecovillages and Intentional Communities.” We found teachings accessible to everyone. All the chap- ing links from: are also in the process of selecting our decision-making protocol, as ters contain beneficial instructions for both begin- http://www.tsegyalgar.org/bookstore/bookstore.html informed by C.T. Butler’s book, “On Conflict and Consensus.” ning and advanced students regardless of which tra- If you are interested, please contact the head of our Membership dition they may follow, and insights into the genuine Sang Offering and Serkyem of the Eight Classes Committee, meaning of important subjects related to Sutra, #234E Janet Janka at: [email protected] Tantra, and Dzogchen. $12.00 Order Number: SL163 RESTRICTED BOOK Price: $16.95 This book contains explanations by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu of the Sang Offering written by If you would like to place an like to order Drajyor Adzom Drugpa and the Degyed Serkyem practice order for one of these books, or All of our contact info is below. #232E composed by Nub Sangye Yeshe. The Sang rite any other, please email, fax, or I look forward to hearing from $8.00 purifies the obstacles and negative forces linked to phone in to me the following you! PUBLIC BOOK the place in which one lives, because the local information: The Word “drajyor,” or “writing of the sounds,” guardians and their energy also influence the individ- Anna Bartenstein refers to the writing of the different syllables that ual. Serkyem is a rite for making contact or com- 1. Your billing and shipping Tsegyalgar Bookstore compose words so that we can pronounce them cor- municating with the Eight Classes and particularly addresses P.O. Box 82 rectly. In this book Chögyal Namkhai Norbu illus- with the local guardians. The texts of the practices 2. Your VISA or MC number Conway, MA 01341 trates in detail his own system for transcribing the are included. with expiration date (it is not USA Tibetan letters to enable the practitioners of the secure to send this information in Tel: 413-369-4473 (Ph/Fax) Dzogchen Community to pronounce correctly the *This book is not included on our online store, and is an email) Email: [email protected] invocations of the practices and the most recurrent only available through phone, fax, or email sales. 3. The list of items you would

14 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NEWS The Brazilian Dzogchen Community is very pleased to announce: DZOGCHEN RETREAT IN BRAZIL: SÃO PAULO, s o u t h am e r i c a NOVEMBER 3rd - 7th 2006 Tashigar South Comunidad Dzogchen WITH CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU RINPOCHE Tashigar ATI’I NADZER - THE VERY IMPORTANT POINTS OF DZOGCHEN ATI Calle pública S/N and other Dzogchen instructions Tanti 5155 São Paulo, November 3rd - 7th 2006 Pcia. de Córdoba Hotel Della Volpe Argentina Rua Frei Caneca, 1199 Tel & Fax: 0054- 3541-498 356 Phone (hotel): +55-11-3549-6466 Email: [email protected] Cost of the retreat: Tashigar North Full participation: R$300 (= aprox USD 140 or 110 Euros, at today’s official rates) Finca Tashigar or R$100 per day Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar The main retreat is from 10h to 12h. Valle de Pedro González. Isla de Margarita There will also be Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance classes for beginners and explanations of the practices in Tel: 00 58 295 415 5800 the afternoons. Email: [email protected] Web site: www.dzogchenvenezuela.org Information in English about the retreat and about São Paulo at the website: www.dzogchen.com.br

TASHIGAR DEL NORTE – FUN IN THE SUN!! by Diane Campbell e have shared with you slope with a stunning view of the the building of Tashigar sea. The Gakyil is now planning a TASHIGAR SUR, ARGENTINA del Norte, and many of swimming pool for Rinpoche, W December 26 2006 - January 1 2007 you have visited the Gar for teach- and has recently constructed a ings. We are still growing and private road from the entrance CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU building and developing every gate to Rinpoche’s home. Retreat day. We reflect on the accom- But even more than the list of Longsal Ati’i Gongpa Ngotrod plishments here and sometimes accomplishments above, we UPADESHA OF THE INTRODUCTION TO THE STATE OF ATI cannot remember when there was would like to communicate to you only a dream. The reality is con- what we have experienced as the Buenos Aires – Argentina th th crete, functional, multi-dimen- absolute joy of TdN and November 10 – 12 2006 sional and fabulous. Margarita. It is just gorgeous! It TEACHINGS FOR THE THIRD MILLENIUM The Gonpa holds up to 500 peo- is a happy and peaceful place. It is ple, the Comedor is a wonderful a place alive with practice. It is a Information and registration place for hanging out, meeting, place of retreats, a regular sched- Email: [email protected] eating (TdN café food is fantas- ule of daily and weekly Dzogchen tic!) playing bagchen, dancing. practice. It is a place only 5 min- Montevideo – Uruguay th th The Churuata is a magical place utes from a wonderful beach November 17 – 19 2006 for Yantra Yoga and other special where we gather and swim and PRECIOUS DZOGCHEN TEACHING practices. The gardens are lush sing together the Song of the with tropical flowers and trees Vajra, and then finish with silly Information and registration: blossoming everywhere. The splashing and playing Shariputra Email: [email protected] whole TdN property is now with the Master. Sometimes there served by a wireless internet con- are all-night bagchen tourna- TASHIGAR SUR SCHEDULE nection. The aloe is healthy and ments. There are musical concerts juicy. The residential part of TdN with special compositions written Yantra Yoga Course – 2nd Level (called “The Village”) has paved especially for the occasion. We Course on 3rd and 4th groups of Yantras and their Pranayamas, with Amare Pearl, under supervision of streets and 19 beautiful homes have had samba, salsa and tango Fabio Andrico th th have been completed. We have contests, and amazing Tibetan December 14 to 17 - 2006 our own wastewater treatment singing presentations. We are plant for sewage disposal. We working hard, but we are also Yantra Yoga Course – 1st Level: have our own fresh-water system having more fun than anybody Intermediate Course on 1st and 2nd groups of Yantras and their Pranayamas, with Marisa Alonso th nd as well. We have a security fence, believed possible. Please join us December 18 to 22 – 2006 entry gate, Gar and PCTN offices. in this incredible experience! Rinpoche’s house sits on a gentle Vajra Dance Course: Course on the Dance of Liberation of Six Spaces Beginners Course with Nélida Saporiti DIED December 18th to 22nd – 2006 Ruth Lopez In her brief but intense passage Yantra Yoga Course with Fabio Andrico through this dimension, Ruth Course on the understanding and application of breathing Lopez met Namkhai Norbu January 3rd to 5th - 2007 Rinpoche and the Dzogchen Course on the understanding and application of kumbhaka Transmission in July 2004 at January 6th to 7th – 2007 Margarita Island. Ruth was 25 years old. Her travels through Information and registration: Latin America had begun three [email protected] years before and lasted more than www.tashigar-sur.com.ar two years until, in El Salvador, on August 12, 2006, she went to sleep with a mild stomach pain and she never returned to her phys- ical body. May she continue her trip to Total Realization with plenty of the blessings of the Transmission. n a m g y a l g a r & th e pa c i f i c r i m

NEW SINGAPORE GAKYIL Tel: (65) 91528681 Namgyalgar Dzogchen Community in Australia Blue Mrs.Maria Delaney(Committee member) PO Box 14 Central Tilba Mr. Leow Chin Keat (President) [email protected] NSW 2546 [email protected] Tel: (65) 62450978 Tel/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668 Tel: (65) 97222295 Yellow/Blue Email: [email protected] Red Mr.Wen Fung Ringo (Treasurer) Web site: www.dzogchen.org.au Mr.Chuw Kum Kee (Secretary) [email protected] [email protected] Tel: (65) 81233556

T HE M IRROR J ULY/AUGUST 2006 15 international community contacts

ARGENTINA http://www.dzogchen.cz ISRAEL Tel: 011 52 624 15 07407 Pavlovskiy Posad, RUPS,a/ya 13, Tashigar Alex Polak Rodrigo Villalobos BF Dostoyanie Comunidad Dzogchen DENMARK Tel: 00972-52-6020374 Email: [email protected] Secretary Tashigar Anne-Grethe Nyeng Email: [email protected] Tel: 011 52 624 14 77525 Tel: 7 096 43 21156 Calle pública S/N Fax: 45 33 11 32 43 Tel: 7 095 740 79 98 Tanti 5155 Email: [email protected] Yael Rotbard Jardin de los Naranjos Email: [email protected] Pcia. de Córdoba Tel: 00972-52-2682291 Apartado Postal 395 Tel & Fax: 0054- 3541-498 356 ESTONIA Email: [email protected] 23400 San Jose del Cabo, BCS Moscow DC Rinchenling Email: [email protected] Estonia: Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Svetlana Kollyakova ITALY Tel: Skype name is AUSTRALIA Email: [email protected] Merigar Comunita Dzogchen bajagar_office St. Petersburg DC Sangeling Namgyalgar Dzogchen Secretary - Anna De Sole Email: [email protected] Community in Australia FINLAND Arcidosso, 58031 GR, Italy NEPAL Vicki Forscutt - Secretary Mika Sillanpaa Tel: 39 0564 966 837 Vikki Floyd Baikal DC Namseling PO Box 14 Central Tilba, Kuhankeittajankatu 22 Fax: 39 0564 968 110 G.P.O. Box 8974 Contact person Alexander NSW 2546 50190 Mikkeli Email: CPC 069 Vyaznetskovtsev: Tel/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668 Finland [email protected] Thamel Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Kathmandu Web site: www.dzogchen.org.au Adzomling Res.Tel: 00977-1-4270106 Samara DC. FRANCE Moreno Marcato (after 8.00 p.m.) Contact person Viktor Krecker: Gar Association Dzogchen Via Culasso 2 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Geköes of Namgyalgar Dejam Ling, Le Deves 14053 Canelli Tel: 61(0)2 4473 7770 F30570 St Andre de Majencoules AT 0141 NEW CALEDONIA SERBIA/EX YUGOSLAVIA Email: [email protected] Tel: 33-(0)467824490 Tel: (39) 0141 831002 As. Dzogchen NC. Jelena Zagorcic Web site: www.association- 378 rue Hypollite Passy Vojvode Stepe 280 AUSTRIA dzogchen.org Zhenphenling 98835 Koutio 11000 Beograd Homepage: www.dzogchen.at Dzogchen Community of Rome Dumbea 381 11 462555 GERMANY Via G. Miani 5 New Caledonia Email: [email protected] Dzogchen Community of Vienna Dzogchen Gemeinscaft 00154 ROME Tel: (687) 24 16 69 Elisha Koppensteiner c/o Helga Betz Tel. 0039 06 57300346 Email: [email protected] Ivana Radicevic Karaman Tel.: 0043 1 208-22-32 or Helga Betz Email: [email protected] Otona Zupancica 36 0660/817-13-28 Lindemannstr. 12 NEW ZEALAND 11070 Belgrade Email: [email protected] D-40237 Düsseldorf JAPAN NZ Dzogchen Community Tel: 381 11 604115 Tel+fax 49 (0)211 682657 Ms. Tsugiko Kiyohashi P.O.Box 90450 Email: [email protected] Dzogchen Community Austria, Email: [email protected] 5-11-22-301 Shimomeguro Auckland City Regions Web site: www.dzogchen.de Meguroku, Tokyo 153-0064 Email: [email protected] SINGAPORE Oliver F. Leick Tel&fax (home): +81 3 3712 1) Management Committee Gschmaier 139, A-8265 Red gakyil: [email protected] 7507 Paora Joseph format are: Gr.Steinbach Yellow gakyil: Email: [email protected] President - Edmund Tai Kwok Tel/Fax: 03386-8571 or 0676- [email protected] LATVIA Wah 3221365 Blue gakyil: [email protected] Padmaling Gabrielle Kearney Email: mailto:edmundkwtai@ Email: [email protected] , Gertrudes 5a, Riga, LV-1010 Email: [email protected] yahoo.com.sg [email protected] Oddiyana Shang Shung Edition: Email: [email protected] Tel: (65)64811308, (65)96373010 [email protected] NORWAY BELGIUM LITHUANIA Gordon Cranmer Vice President - Michael Foo See Katia Lytridon GREAT BRITAIN Dorjeling 4157 Utstein Kloster Mosteroy Jin 16, rue Paul Goedert Amely Becker Lithuanian Community Dorjeling Tel: 47 4 514705 Email: [email protected] L-3330 Crauthem Luxembourg 15A Langdon Park Road Email: [email protected] Tel: (65)96155886 ] Tel: 352 366591 London N6 5PS Community Web site: Tel: 020 8348 6253 Web site: www.dzogcenas.lt http://go.to/dzogchen.no Secretary - Wong Hee Kun BRAZIL Email: [email protected] Email: Dzogchen Community of Brazil - UK web site: www.redsandstone- Algis Lukosevicius PERU [email protected] São Paulo hill.net/dzogchen/ Architektu 176-44 Susana Belaunde Tel: (65)93672288 ] Web site: www.dzogchen.com.br LT-04206 Vilnius Calle Teruel 341 GREECE Tel: +370-614-18056 Miraflores, Lima Treasurer - Fan Chin General Contact: Hellenic Dzogchen Community Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] General contact email address: LUXEMBOURG Tel: (65)96711138 ] [email protected] Katia Lytridou POLAND Blue Gakyil: Otavio Lilla – Web site: www.dzogchen.gr 5, rue Joseph Probst Wspolnota Dzogczen Vice Treasurer - Lee Chee Teong [email protected] Junglinster L-6148 ul. Bruna 1/68 Email: [email protected] Red Gakyil: Regina Marques – Individual members to contact in 02-594 Warszawa Tel: (65)91397862 ] [email protected] Athens: MALAYSIA Email: [email protected] Yellow Gakyil: Heloísa Alessandra Baniasco, (+30) 210 Tham Wye Min Committee Member - Ms Sandra Paternostro – 8015419 8669C Klebang Kechil 75200 Paldenling Lee Siew Hwan [email protected] Dimitris & Anna Daskarolis, Melaka Lysa Gora 168 Email: [email protected] (+30) 210 3466861 Tel: 60 35 6162 38-230 Nowy Zmigrod Tel: (65)97928853 ] CANADA Nicholas Liber, (+30) 6977 Tel: 48 887957944 Peter Dimitrov 806369 Kwok Kee Chang Email: [email protected] Committee Member - Sam Chan Vancouver Panagiotis Stambolis, (+30) 6936 11-A Jalan Jujor, 1/5 Website: http://www.dzogczen.pl Teng Jiang Email: [email protected] 866070 Taman, Bakti Ampang Email:[email protected] Tel: (604) 684-4446 Phannie Xenou, (+30) 6977 Selangor, W. Malaysia Cezary Wozniak m 630540 Tel: 60 3 9847167 Ul. Emaus 33 Tel: (65)81136131 ] Eve-Marie Breglia 30-213 Krakow 107 Armadale Ave. Individual members to contact in MEXICO Tel: 012/4252700, mobile SOUTH AFRICA Toronto, ONT M65-3X3 Thessaloniki: Mexico City Ling 609222211 Darryl van Blerk Tel: 416 767 5252 Thanos & Dina Svoronos, (+30) Tabasco #67 (between Merida Email: [email protected] 104 Park Road,Walmer Estate Email: [email protected] 2310 828183 and Frontera streets) Cape Town Colonia Roma PORTUGAL 7925, South Africa CHILE HOLLAND Mexico City Vitor Pomar Tel: 27-21-4470129 Lorena Hume Web site: www.dzogchen.nl Tel: (011 52 55) 5511 0550 Fonte Salgada 713-Z Fax: 27-21-4221265 Marchant Pereira 1775 (under construction) 8800 Tavira Email: [email protected] A-22-Providencia. Santiago Carolyn Bass, Yellow Gakyil Portugal Tel: 056-2-474-4782 Martin Landsman, Groningen [email protected] Tel: 081 323780 SPAIN Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Angela Mijares, Red Gakyil ang- Email: Dzogchen Community, Spain Annalen Gall, Amsterdam < [email protected] [email protected] Apt. Postal 46220 CZECH REPUBLIC Email: Monica Patiño, Blue Gakyil 28028 Madrid Dzogchen o.s. [email protected] [email protected] Lydia Ferrera U Bozich Bojovniku 3 Tel: 011 52 55 581 30315 Rua da Nazare 2 Lella Guidotti Prague 2 HUNGARY 3A Cerrada de Juarez #33-1 Vila Facaia c/o Tenor Masini Tel: +420 603 529 784 Zsolt Somogyvari Colonia Tinajas Contadero 2560 Torres Vedras 20 Bajos Email: Szalmarozsa ter 8. Mexico City 05370 Tel: 351 61 911235 Barcelona 08028 [email protected] Budapest, H-1161 Tel: 00 34 93 4111563 / Mobile [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tsegyalgar West/Baja Gar RUSSIAN FEDERATION 639311640 [email protected] Scott Schroeder, Gakyil President Kunsangar Email: [email protected] Web site: Email: [email protected] 142500 Russia, Moscow region, continued on next page 16 international community contacts continued from previous page

SWEDEN UKRAINE Berkeley, CA 94703 New York City Dzogchen [email protected] Alexander & Pernilla Kiev DC, Ukraine Tel: 510 644 2260 Community Web site: www.dzogchen- Dobronravoff [email protected] Email: aha@dzogchencommuni- c/o Jane Fulton venezuela.org Ulrikedalsvagen 6i #201 tywest.org 220 East 72nd Street 224 58 Lund, Sweden Donetsk DC, Ukraine Web site: www.dzogchencommu- #20B Carmen Rivas, Gakyil President Tel: 046 13 70 34 [email protected] nitywest.org New York, NY 10021 PO Box Apartado Postal 123 Mobile: 073 655 1968 Email: Juan Griego Email: pernilla_liedgren_dobron- Kharkov DC Karmaling, Ukraine Miami, Florida [email protected] Margarita, Venezuela [email protected] [email protected] Dzogchen Community in Miami Email: Email: [email protected] Hawaii [email protected] SWITZERLAND USA Web site: Dzogchen Community of Hawaii Swiss German Region Tsegyalgar www.dzogchenmiami.org c/o Leilani Sim-Godbehere, Pablo Lau Rivera Peter Eisenegger Ed Hayes -Secretary 48-495 Kamehameha Hwy., Lhundrubgar Pba. Res. Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 277 Dominik Niceva Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744 Pedermales Av. Tel: 0041(0)419170245 Conway, MA 01341 Tel. (1) 305-726-9035 Tel: (808) 239-1165 Paez Montalban II Tel: 413 369 4153 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 1021 Caracas Swiss French Region Fax: 413 369 4473 [email protected] Tel: 58 2 4421434 Fabienne Rey-Duc Email: [email protected] Dzogchen Community of New Fax: 58 2 340643 Email: [email protected] Gakyil: [email protected]. Mexico Susan Indich Email: [email protected] Tel: 0041(0)273232393 Web site: www.tsegyalgar.org Marta Macbeth 129 Kaelepulu Dr. Kailua P.O. Box 9211 Hawaii, 96734 Elias Capriles Swiss Italian Region Alaska Santa Fe, New Mexico Tel: 808 261 3469 Apartado Postal 483 Julie Breukel Michel Peggy Leslie 87504 Fax: 808 524 4342 Merida 5101 Email: [email protected] Dzogchen Community of Alaska Tel: 505-986-1573 Email: [email protected] Tel & Fax: +58 274 2440026 Tel: 0041(0)917309991 PO Box 240063 Email: Email: [email protected] Douglas, AK 99824 [email protected] Jerene TAIWAN Tel: 907-364-2733 81-1081 Keopuka Mauka Rd. Merida Dzogchen Community Peter C.Y. Pan Colorado Kealakekua Hi. 96750 Apartado Postal 483 Email: [email protected] Pat Martin Lidian King Tel: 808 323-9714 Merida 5101 or Dzogchen Community of Alaska PO Box 1014 Email: [email protected] Fax: +58 274 2440026 [email protected]. PO Box 35805 Crestone, CO 81131 Juneau, AK 99803 Tel: 719 256 5263 Melinda Sacarob THAILAND Tel: 907-780-6643 Email: [email protected] 87-3139 Mamalahoa Hwy. Geoffrey Blake & Lynne Capt Cook Hawaii 96704 Klapecki Chicago Kundrolling - New York City Tel: 808-328-9473 33 Soi Lang Suan - Ploenchit Rd Lynn Sutherland 151 W. 30th St., #403, NYC Bangkok 10330 5717 N. Washtenaw Ave. Tel: 212-564 1024 VENEZUELA Tel: 66 (0)2255-5150 Chicago, IL 60659 Email: [email protected] Tashigar Norte Tel: 66 (0)2254-9061 Tel: 773 784 4168 Maya Stolkiner, Email: Finca Tashigar Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar Alex Souter Dzogchen Community West Kathy McGrane, Email: Valle de Pedro González, Isla de Bangkok Coast [email protected] Margarita Tel: 09 039 3992 or 02 742 1965 Dondrup Ling Michael Katz, Email: Tel: 00 58 295 2580 332 2748 Adeline St. Suite D [email protected] Email:

THE THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS OF YANTRA YOGA

by Emmanuel Jouan through the twist I was transferred to my erful practice, which contained all the little remain 10/20 minutes in the lotus position knees, tearing the anterior cruciate liga- I had understood of the teaching. I also real- without too much trouble. Of course, ments of my right knee. Even the skis were ly had a sense that I wanted to learn it cor- because of my condition, some positions destroyed, and yes, it did really hurt. rectly. are quite uncomfortable, but now that I After visiting several incompetent doctors Thanks to good circumstances, I was able know the system of Yantra Yoga better, I and waiting too long, it became necessary to go to Argentina to go and do an advanced know which positions and variations to to carry out an operation in order to “weld” course until the third group. During this practice as an alternative for any given type the ligaments together. The seven years course, on top of the two daily sessions, I of hold. after this operation were seven years of was doing Yantra in the early morning, a lit- Considering my capacity to attract physical pain. I finally visited a very good surgeon tle bit like a fanatic, but for me it was so problems, I also dedicate myself to seated and he told me that the first operation had powerful to be able experience the practice practice, which initially was difficult for been a mistake and that a second one was through the body, which up that point had me. Now I realize that the root of all my necessary, explaining to me what it was been more of a torture instrument. accidents is distraction and Yantra helps me about and I accepted immediately. Three Two months after this initial course, I had a to focus on those three aspects of my body, Emmanuel falling once again N ZEITZ days after the second operation the pain was skateboard accident in Paris; I was going voice and mind in a very spontaneous and gone. After six weeks of intense rehabilita- fast on the streets and a stone suddenly direct way. When we do Yantra it is very tion I could walk normally. For one year I stopped me, I flew two meters in the air and easy to notice one’s own distraction since ince an early age I have had accidents. was doing 1km in the swimming pool just landed with my right shoulder directly on the movement is coordinated with the Many times I fell from my bike, or with the legs in order to strengthen my knee the angle of the pavement. That was breathing and follows a precise rhythm. For Slooking at the right I didn’t see an and muscles weakened by six years of inac- painful. me this is a key point of Yantra Yoga. object coming from the left, hit my head, tivity. I really wondered if I was so unfortunate to I want to thank Rinpoche for his immense etc. I have had many such incidents and At that point, I was living in Cape Town, have just learned Yantra Yoga, and immedi- generosity and for presenting us with the therefore after a while pain became like a South Africa, where I had taken up surfing. ately destroy any possibility of practicing it. possibility of practicing Dzogchen and also “companion”, trying to tell me to be more It is there that I discovered the existence After few days I left for Margarita where the teachers who make Yantra Yoga a living careful, not to be so distracted in the same and coming visit of our Master to Cape Rinpoche was staying. tradition. mutilating manner! Town in November 2000. From as far as I I let my shoulder rest for a while, but I I was living close to the sea in the 80’s and can remember I was always looking for could not resist long trying to practice discovered windsurfing, which radically someone that was not parent, not friend, not Yantra again, and it proved fine. I just had International Contacts changed the perception I had of my body. girlfriend, never knowing who I was look- to be slightly slower, to listen to the reac- At that point I was eventually able to use ing for, but always carrying on the search. tions of my shoulder. In fact I have never List my body doing a quite physical and plea- The first day of the retreat all my doubts, seriously given up practicing Yantra surable activity, going in the waves, the questions and images from the past found because I also trained in rhythmic breath- wind and obviously every now and then their answers. At the end of the session of ing. That way after a year without trauma I some fantastic falls, but relatively less the second day, I made a second important recovered and persevered in the practice of harmful than what I was used to before. discovery: Yantra Yoga, which Fabio led Yantra Yoga. Also I went several times with some friends after Rinpoche’s teachings. I would have One year later, back in Tashigar Norte, I ? for skiing holidays, but for me it was more never thought that such an activity was went to meet the practitioners who were in an opportunity to be with my friends in open to me with my past as a “handi- Pedro Gonzalez and together we went on wonderful mountain places, an element capped” person. I tried nevertheless, and for the land to pick mangoes. I jumped and on If there are any errors in which I did not know so well. Eventually it one month I practiced the eight movements landing I twisted my left ankle badly. Here the international contacts had to happen, I fell quite severely in every day. It was wonderful! Even if I was I was, immobilized for one month, sipping list please February of 1992, close to the Mont-Cenis not so supple, it was still deeply relaxing to coco juice in the hammock! With the advice contact in France. I was going quite fast and in a do using my body, following the rhythm of of Laura Evangelisti I took up practicing mirror@ curve I could not avoid a bump. My skies the sequence and paying attention to the Yantra Yoga again, and now five years later tsegyalgar.org crossed but they did not detach from the breathing. and no major accidents on the way, I keep shoes as they should have, therefore I understood immediately that it was a pow- on practicing. Now on a good day, I can

T HE M IRROR J ULY/AUGUST 2006 17 HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE MIRROR @ www.melong.com

There are a variety of ways to subscribe to The Mirror. In some Gars and Communities The Mirror is includ- ed in membership. You need to check with your local Gar or Community to find out. Otherwise you can go on line to www.melong.com and there you can subscribe from everywhere in the world. We offer paper only for $35US, online only for $25US and $45US for both. You can also upgrade, if you receive a paper only copy with your membership you can upgrade on line paying $10US, and if you get an online only subscription included in your membership, you can pay a $20US upgrade and receive both. Only older editions of The Mirror can be printed out from the online version. If you live in certain countries in S America, please contact Naomi Zeitz at [email protected] for more information about possible rate reductions. Meritorious members receive both paper and on line subscriptions to The Mirror.

In the US you can write a check or call in, email or fax credit card information. Checks need to be made out to The Mirror. The telephone numbers to call in with are: Mirror Office: 413 369 4208 Secretary: 413 369 4153 and Bookstore:413 369 4473. The fax number is 413 369 4473. We also accept postal money orders and international money orders.

The postal address for main Mirror office is The Mirror, PO Box 277, Conway MA 01341 USA

In Europe please contact Liz Granger at: [email protected] In Australia and the Pacific Rim contact Jenny O’Donnell at : [email protected]

Southern Tuscany CASA TOSCANA

Town and country apartments, farmhouses, and villas for rent

Norbunet See online catalog: The Mailing List of the www.casa-toscana-glang.com International Dzogchen Community

Administrator: Loek Jehee [email protected] NEAR MERIGAR To subscribe BEAUTIFUL LITTLE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE send an email to: OF OLIVE TREES, VERY norbunet-request@mail. SOLAR AND PANORAM- dzogchen.ru IC POSITION, FOR SUM- MER RENTALS. FOR with the subject line: MORE INFORMATION, subscribe PRICES AND PICTURES PLEASE SEE www.sassaie-toscana.com, or call ALEXANDRA 0039 3481523372. DISCOUNTS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND FOR LONGER TERM STAY.

desdedesde elel sursur fine jewelry and vajra dance shoes

J.Crow's® Mulling Spice Tel: 0054 351 Folk Medicine-Tibetan 4880994 Medicine SpicedCider.com Email: fax or phone [email protected] 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 Cordoba, Argentina Adriana Battisti designer [email protected]

18 The practice of Dzogchen The Fall issue of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly presents an in-depth look at the practice of Dzogchen. Also in this issue: Ajahn Brahm explores the deep stages of letting go, or jhanas, and why they’re essential The Mirror on the path of enlightenment. V Mark Epstein looks at why , as Newspaper of the V International it is practiced in the West, doesn’t eliminate neurosis. Robert Aitken Roshi on the Dzogchen Community of profound implications of the Heart Sutra. V The inspiring poetry of Korean Buddhist Chögyal Namkhai Norbu poet and activist Ko Un.

Main Office: PO Box 277 Conway, MA01341 dharma USA Buddha Tel: 413 369 4208 K?< GI8:K@K@FE

Literary Editor: • Reviews of all the latest John Shane Buddhist books • Mahasangha News: the most Advisors: Subscribe today Adriano Clemente comprehensive coverage of Anna Eid Buddhist community news and receive four outstanding issues Barbara Paparazzo available today. of Buddhadharma–starting Des Barry with the upcoming issue– Jim Valby for only $19.95. Call toll-free 1- 877-786-1950 or visit Layout & Design: www.thebuddhadharma.com. N. Zeitz

Illustrations: Fire Dog by Bepe Goia pg 9 Many Buddhists, one Buddhadharma

Web Site Managers: new books available from sse continued from page 20 Thomas Eifler THE BOOK FOR ALL Malcolm Smith The Opening of the Gate to the State of Ati th INTERESTED IN THE Tashigar South, 26 December Printer: st Turley Publications REORGANIZATION OF THE 2000 – 1 January 2001 Palmer, MA USA DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY Euro 13.00

Distribution: “I received this teaching in a dream from my master Changchub Tsegyalgar at Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Dorje, but the teaching is not his, it is from Guru Padmasambhava, Conway, and explains in a very simple way how we can enter into the knowl- MA, USA THE DZOGCHEN edge of Ati. COMMUNITY One night I dreamed I was in the place where my master Changchub Foreword by Yeshi Silvano Dorje lived and in the dream I said to him, “In eastern Tibet there is a Subscription Rate/6 Issues: Namkhai big revolution, no one can lead a normal life anymore, and now all $35US available Euro 10.00 these turmoils are breaking out in central Tibet too, so even if we want through to practice we can’t, and if we want to learn the teachings and practice Tsegyalgar This book contains the main doc- Dharma we don’t get much chance: what can we do in such a situa- 35 Euro uments and teachings on the tion?” My master replied, “I gave you an essential teaching, con- through Merigar Dzogchen Community that densed, just right for this kind of situation; it is called Ati Gojed; ati Visa and Master card Chögyal Namkhai Norbu wrote or means primordial state, knowledge, go means gate, jed means to open, welcome said during the last twenty years, and so it means how to open the gate of knowledge. With this teach- therefore it is very useful to all ing you can not just receive the knowledge but you can apply it”. ON LINE MIRROR practitioners interested in www.melong.com.melong.com Dzogchen teachings and especial- Shang Shung Edizioni books can be ordered on-line visiting the ly to the most active members engaged in the Gakyils and other website All material ©2006 activities of the Dzogchen Community. www.shangshungedizioni.it by The Mirror This book was first published on behalf of the International Gakyil NB: The catalogue is subdivided in two main sections: BOOKS Reprint by permission only in 2001, but the present reprint is an abridged version because many FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC and BOOKS RESTRICTED We reserve the right to edit details and guidelines on the organization and management of the TO PRACTITIONERS. At the beginning of the catalogue you all subsmissions Dzogchen Community are now changing because of the reorganiz- find the option to click on for entering the section of books ing work in progress within the International Dzogchen restricted to Community. practitioners. Payment on-line through Credit Card (secure mode) or via postal order.

T HE M IRROR J ULY/AUGUST 2006 19 HOW I MET CHÖGYAL NAMKHAI NORBU

by Giorgio Dallorto free. Anyway, it was a beautiful At the beginning of August my with Yeshi, the son of the master. book about Hatha Yoga, and in friend Giuseppe and I loaded up Everyone was camping in tents hen I was about 23 the preface to the book it was my old Fiat 600 car with supplies, up on the hillside above the vil- years old I was working clearly stated that one of the and drove up through the coun- lage along the banks of a little Wfor the Fiat Company Indian masters who had been tryside of Piedmonte, the stream, a bit like a nomad that was the biggest automobile Theos Bernard’s teachers had Valgrana Valley up to the tiny encampment or gar. We would industry in Italy at the time with suggested that if he really wanted mountain village of wash ourselves in the stream in about 100,000 employees. The to know the roots of Hatha Yoga Campomolino not far from the the morning and people would company was based in my home- in general and to meet a real yogi, French border. cook on open fires in front of town, Turin, and I worked as a he should go to Tibet. This really In my mind I still have a very their tents. It was a bit wild and clerk in an office there. I was a struck me because this Indian clear memory of the first time I quite damp because it rained a lot technical designer so my life con- master was saying that if one real- saw Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. He that August. One evening I sisted of drawing 8 hours a day, 5 ly wants to know about Yoga, one was with Barrie Simmons and remember we all went walking days a week, 11 months a year should look for a Tibetan master. had just arrived at the little square together with the Master to a with a view to receiving a good It was this preface that really in front of the new Town Hall in a nearby hill above the village of pension and a watch when I was placed a little seed in my mind. jeep. He jumped out. He was Colletto. From there if you follow 60. Just before Christmas 1977, I saw Lama Yeshe from the Gelugpa dressed in regular clothes – I was the path in the direction of Colle My interest in Oriental spirituali- an advertising leaflet at the place tradition. The retreat lasted for a used to seeing Tibetan masters in Margherita, after about 20-30 ty arose in a roundabout way where I practiced yoga saying few days and even though I robes and this was the first time I minutes of walking there is a from a desire to do some kind of that there would be a Tibetan understood very little, I was had seen one wearing western group of houses called Batuira physical activity in my free time, lama giving Buddhist teaching impressed by the devotion spring- clothes. He was young, handsome that would later become the place but not just emphasizing the called ‘The Thirty-Seven ing out from the body of the mas- with finely marked Tibetan fea- of our hermitage and would be physical aspect of the body but Practices of the ’ ter and by the depth and the rich- tures and I was very struck by called Azamgar and later Azam working more with energy. Since during a retreat in Pomaia in ness of the teaching as well the him. He had a magnetic look and Ling. On the top of the hill above I was doing sedentary work I Tuscany. When I saw this leaflet I devotion that this master showed power and I understood right Colletto there was a little wanted to do something to get my thought it would finally be my towards the Three Jewels. I actu- away that I felt a close connection Madonna and we went up there body more fit. Then a friend of opportunity to meet a real Tibetan ally took refuge in the Three at first sight. and sang the Song of the Vajra at mine who had read a book about lama. This teacher was called Jewels at that time. At that time we were mostly a nighttime under the starry August Hatha Yoga suggested that I try it. Jampel Senghe, a Gelugpa So after this retreat I started on bunch of young longhaired peo- sky. I chose Hatha Yoga because it master who was living in Rome. my spiritual quest. ple (except for me) in our twen- This was my memorable first was bodywork but also worked So instead of going skiing for a Then through the kindness of ties and even younger and we meeting with Chögyal Namkhai with energy in a holistic way. And week, as all my work colleagues some personal friends, Aldo and used to follow the teaching in a Norbu that would set my feet anyway, at the time, there was lit- usually did, I went to Istituto Cristina, who at that time had a small room in the basement of the upon a clear path. Over the years tle choice in the type of bodywork Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia for restaurant called ‘Dorje Tibetano’ Town Hall. The Master gave I have followed the Master and available to the general public. the first time to follow a teaching in Milan, I received a leaflet teachings in Italian to just under his many retreats both in Italy and So I started to do a course with an retreat given by a Tibetan master. about a retreat with Chögyal 100 people. Among all those pre- around the world and when cir- Indian teacher in Turin. In Italy he Although I wasn’t aware of it at Namkhai Norbu who was to give sent I particularly remember cumstances brought about some was quite a famous Indian the time, Geshe Jampel Senghe a teaching at Campomolino in Laura Albini who was always sit- changes in my life, I left my 9 to teacher, George Dharmarama. I together with Chögyal Namkhai Piemonte, Italy in August 1978. ting in the first row of followers 5 existence in an office in the used to do Hatha Yoga at the gym Norbu was one of the first Tibetan This was to be the third big pub- right in front of Rinpoche. We north of Italy and came to live with him or his daughter and a lamas to reside in Italy and they lic retreat given by Rinpoche after would do a long thun in the morn- and work at Merigar. Now 28 small group of people and gradu- were close friends because they that of Subiaco in the summer of ing and another in the evening years later I have the good karma ally began to collect a few books worked together at the Ismeo 1976 and Prata in 1977. and then there were morning and to still be close to my root master on Hatha Yoga. Among them Institute for Middle and Far So even though I had planned to afternoon sessions of teaching. because I live not far from there was one book by Theos Eastern Studies and both had go on holiday to Spain that For me it was a kind of full Merigar, the main European Gar Bernard, a young American. been invited there by the famous August – a popular holiday desti- immersion course because the and I am able to dedicate my Unfortunately he was killed in the Tibetologist Prof. Tucci. nation for office workers – I sessions were long and intense daily life to the Dzogchen late 40s or early 50s in the disor- The Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa changed my mind and decided to and the whole retreat lasted three Community working in the ders in Kashmir when India was located in an old villa that follow the three-week retreat to weeks. Merishop and with the Merigar gained her independence and was looked like a castle in the Tuscan be given by Chögyal Namkhai Sometimes between sessions of Gakyil. This gives meaning to my divided and when Tibet was still countryside and was founded by Norbu in the Italian Alps. teaching I played table football life. new books available from shang shung editions INTERNATIONAL GAKYIL Chögyal Namkhai Norbu correctly. It contains also an Some people say that it is the important mantra and an invoca- bridge between our physical body NEWS THE VAJRAARMOR tion to avert negative conse- and the Body of Light, because Teachings on the Healing quences to your health in particu- many Dzogchen Longde practi- Mantra called Dorjei Kotrab lar circumstances linked to a spe- tioners realized the Rainbow cific date. Body. When our real physical New International Gakyil Euro 7.00 body dissolves in its real nature, that is, in the lights of the five ele- ments, the manifestation of that Since August 2006 the International Gakyil dimension is called Rainbow has taken up its work again! Body. This is one concrete expla- We now even have a President and two members in Yellow! nation of the term. Another expla- nation of Vajra Bridge is related Yellow International Gakyil more to the method of teachings. Yeshi Silvano Namkhai, Italy, and Gakyil President, The Dzogchen Semde works [email protected] mainly with direct introduction; Mark Fulton, USA, [email protected] the Dzogchen Upadesha, since one already has knowledge, Blue International Gakyil works mostly towards integrating Fabio Andrico, Italy and World, [email protected] In 2006 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in that state; the Dzogchen transmitted several times the very Longde is between these two Red International Gakyil precious healing mantra called methods, so it connects them like Karin Eisenegger-Koppensteiner, Switzerland, Dorjei Kotrab. He explained: Chögyal Namkhai Norbu a bridge. [email protected] “Knowing that this is a very important and very essential heal- ORAL COMMENTARY OF The projects of the International Gakyil will need a lot of col- ing mantra, Padmasambhava sin- THE ROOT UPADESHA ON laboration from the Dzogchen Community in the next six gled it out among all the different THE VAJRA BRIDGE OF months. kinds of mantras and concealed it LONGDE th th as a terma at Namke Trak, and Merigar, July 5 -9 , 2002 It would be very helpful if all contact persons of the Gars and later Dorje Lingpa discovered it. Gakyils for Ambienti Web and the IG (International Gakyil) If you know this mantra you don’t Euro 13.00 would send their names, email addresses and telephone num- need to go after ‘mantra healing’ bers to the Red International Gakyil as soon as possible. anymore, because this is the The method of Dzogchen Longde supreme ‘mantra healing’. With called Dorje Zampa – meaning it, you can benefit others, as well Vajra Bridge – has many different Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Many greetings to all as protect yourself.” explanations, but it is used a lot in Karin Eisenegger (red IG) This book contains all the com- the Longde practice, and it is DZOGCHEN TEACHINGS plete and precise instructions that characteristic of this teaching. Oral Commentary on the are needed to use it properly and What does Vajra Bridge mean? Longsal Terma continued on previous page

20