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Home , Dark retreat, Gandavyuha, Lhamo, Melong, Namkhai Norbu, Ngagpa

No. 122 THE MIRROR May, June 2013

Upcoming Events with Chögyal

2013 Crimea Kunsangar South July 19–26 “Kunzang Monlam’’ (the Invocation of Samanta Bhadra) Open webcast Singing with in his home on Lower Khandroling. Photo: P. Barry July 29–31 Examinations of the Base of Santi Maha August 2–9 Training of Santi Maha Sangha Level I “Relax in Everything Romania Merigar East August 16–23 “Man-ngag Tag-drol ”, You Do.” a precious Teaching Margaret Jasinski of Rigdzin Jyangchub Dorje Open Webcast he weather was at times damp, but many generous contributions were made to novices. This communal sharing of culture, this condition did not dampen the assist the in Community development. The movement and sound was a fun and light Germany spirits of the 250 or so retreatants auction was followed by an evening of Ti- hearted occasion. Berlin T who gathered at Tsegyalgar East in Con- betan singing and dancing. The subject of which was Khorde August 30–September 1 way, Massachusetts to be present at Chö- Rinpoche generously invited the Com- Rangdrol. The following is a summary of “The Evolution of Ati Yoga” gyal Namkhai Norbu’s 542nd retreat from munity to join in Tibetan singing and danc- Rinpoche’s teaching: Open webcast the 7th through the 12th of June. ing. For this purpose he made a collection of Rinpoche opened the retreat by saying Italy There were many practice opportuni- 108 songs by contemporary Tibetan artists. that we live in the relative dualistic condi- September 6–13 ties available. Each morning started with a The subject matter of the songs includes tion that is based on our sense of time. The Merigar West program entitled ‘Breathe and Relax’ led by the themes of homeland, language, the re- state of is not in time and space; “Zhilam Drasbui Nadyig”, Naomi Zeitz, Fabio Andrico offered an in- union of Tibetans, and reverence for the it is atemporal. Rinpoche’s teacher, Chang- Terma of R. J. Dorje troduction to Yantra Yoga in the afternoons, Dalai and Buddhist practices which chub Dorje explained Dzogchen to Rinpoche Closed webcast during which there was also Dance for are the foundation of . Cath- in a conversation; this communication was beginners led by Catherine Diamond. Jim erine Diamond and Matt Schmookler led the very precise, yet delivered in a non-intellec- September 28–30 Valby offered an explanation of Short Thun Community in the dances while Rinpoche tual way. Rinpoche understood Dzogchen practice and Jyangchog on Sunday. The Khandroling Coopera- sang along. Rinpoche was very encouraging through this transmission with Chang- Open webcast tive sold an array of beautiful hand made and advised the dancers to move in a re- chub Dorje from which he understood, “You throughout the retreat. laxed way. This was a first exposure to Ti- discover one, you discover all.” This is the After the Ganapuja for the New Moon, an betan dancing for many of the Community. real condition for all (phenomenon) >> continued on page 4 auction was held on Saturday. In a half hour The veterans were much appreciated by the >> continued on page 8

Content

Khandroling ...... » Page 2 Adventures . . » Page 13

Editorial ...... » Page 3 The Golden Longsal . . . » Page 14

International Gakyil . . .» Page 4 Tsegyalgar East & West . . » Page 15

Artists: Jan Cornell . . . . . » Page 9 International Dzogchen Community News . . » Pages 16–27 A Garland of Letters . . » Page 10 THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

2 The Importance of Khandroling and the Vajra Dance Tsegyalgar East Gakyil Meeting June 10, 2013

he Song of the Vajra is very important for Dzogchen practitioners. Particularly at Tsegyalgar East – this Tplace is very much connected with the Song of Vajra. I want to explain just a little how important it is so that everyone knows. The Song of the Vajra is related to one of the sixteen tan- tras of the Dra Thalgyur. The Dra Thalgyur is a very ancient teaching and the source of the Dzogchen teachings. In the Dra Thalgyur there is something called the Nyida Khajor tantra and in that tantra it explains that most practitioners realize in the state of the of dharmata, in the state of Dzogchen. So in this case there is an explanation of the Song of Vajra and it says that the Song of Vajra is very im- portant for knowledge to arise, to discover our real nature. Discovery of our real nature is very important for integrat- ing in that state. When we succeed to integrate we have total realization. So the Song of Vajra is really very important. All Dzogchen masters and practitioners know that very well. Also in this tantra it says that we need to sing and dance the Song of Vajra, and we need to integrate that with our physical body. But of course in this tantra, it does not say how we should sing and dance. In the Dzogchen teaching you know very well this should be our attitude; there are no rules. As with Photo: P. Barry everything, we should work with circumstance and our ex- perience as practitioners. There is nothing particular said in sions to hear the Song of Vajra. Slowly, of course, I learned it sunshine and shining brightly. Then, in my idea, I am think- the tantra about the way to sing and dance. in my dreams, and then I started to use and sing the Song ing this is a sacred place of the and we should go When I was thirteen years old, I received this teaching of of Vajra myself, because I discovered this is something very and visit this place. Then I am saying to all my students of Dzogchen called Nyingthig Yazhi, this series of Nyingthig, important. But I did not meet anyone who sang the melody Singapore, we should go and visit this mountain, this sacred and at that time I had a dream and in my dream I dis- like in my dream. place, and everybody was happy. And then we were walking, covered there was the Song of the Vajra, with its singing When we started the Dzogchen Community retreats there were mountain roads and slowly we went to the top. and melody. In my dream I was with my Uncle Khyentse and I was giving Dzogchen teachings, but I did not teach We almost arrived half way up the mountain and I saw on Rinpoche. The next day I told him I had this kind of dream the Song of Vajra at the first retreat. At the second retreat the hill there was a very nice temple but to go to the temple and he asked what kinds of words this sound had. I didn’t I spoke about the Song of Vajra and said there is also a there was a very long staircase and I thought, “Oh, this tem- remember all and I only remembered a few words. I told possibility to sing it. Then some of my students insisted; ple is wonderful, maybe we can visit it. I want to know how him what I remembered and he said that my dream was I agreed and taught it. [You know this retreat we are do- this temple is.” I was looking near by and there was a young a different kind of Song of Vajra, this we can find in the ing today is the 542nd retreat! [Applause] That does not in- Chinese lady. Then I asked her, “Do you know what temple tantra of the tagdrol; there exist different kinds of clude Dzogchen conferences, etc. these are precise retreats this is?” And she said that she knew that Kangkar Rinpoche of tagdrol. Then I said that it really seemed like something including the training of Santi Maha Sangha.] This is the built the temple. So that dream was something connected very important – I asked him to teach me how to sing it. He principle of Dzogchen. to that day I was with Kangkar Rinpoche. said no he didn’t know it. He said he knew this and Later many people asked me where I learned this Song Then I said, “Oh this is something important. Kangkar transmission of the teaching, and so I asked him to give me of Vajra and who taught me. At that period I did not ex- Rinpoche is my teacher and we need to see this temple.” I the transmission. plain my dreams and I kept them secret. For many years I asked her if we could go and visit it. She said of course we Then Uncle Khyentse gave some transmission of the tag- did that. I did not say I found the melody in my dreams. I could go. Then we went. I turned and said loudly to all my drol. That was first. But at that time I did not know how to said, “Maybe I learned from someone, from the students of students, “We go and visit this temple.” Then I started to sing, I had only heard singing. Sometime later I had this Adzom Drukpa” and maybe people believed that. [Laughter] climb the very high staircase and when I arrived near the kind of dream and Uncle Khyentse said, “Maybe you can ask That is the simpler way – otherwise people create things entrance, there was a fat Chinese lady sitting on the chair your Uncle Togden”. Togden was a student of Adzom Druk- and ask more questions and then for me it becomes a prob- and when we got there she prepared a kind of a paper. She pa. My uncle thought maybe they used the Song of Vajra. lem. At that time I kept these things secret. gave me the paper and I understood we should pay and I [You know my Uncle Togden. I wrote a biography of him, Later I had dreams with teachings of longsal, indicating prepared money. Then she told me we didn’t need money. which we published; he is the one who manifested rainbow that I can teach this melody and way of singing. For ex- She gave me the paper and on it were two or three very an- body. See the , The Life and Realization of a ample, you might go to other Dzogchen teachers and they cient Chinese words but I could not understand them. The Tibetan Yogin, Togden Ugyen Tendzin, Published by Shang are giving courses and instruction, but no one is singing the fat Chinese lady said, “Enter, enter.” I was happy we could go Shung Editions and North Atlantic Books]. Song of Vajra. Why is that? Everyone knows that the Song inside. Then we entered. We saw from the inner entrance Togden said he didn’t know the melody, he had heard it of Vajra is most important and the essence of the Dzogchen of the temple immediately inside and there was a very big sometimes when they were singing, so I asked how were teachings, but there is not a traditional way of using the white statue and it seemed to be , but not the White they singing it and he said he did not know but something a Song of Vajra. For me it is very important for developing Tara I knew. Then I went directly inside and looked well at little “like this”, and he sang but it was not that melody. Then knowledge, integrating that state, etc. For that reason, I use the statue and it was not Tara, but I did not know whom it my Uncle Togden said maybe I could find some explanation and teach the Song of Vajra. was, I didn’t know this statue. of this song. Of course later, I discovered that one of the stu- Then later, the Dance of the Song of Vajra developed. Then I went a little ahead and I saw underneath there dents of Adzom Drukpa wrote down the Song of Vajra, the This is another thing. Firstly, when I was in Singapore many was writing. It said, “Goma Devi la namo”, meaning pay hom- melody, and also there was a method of the dancing, and a years ago, I was invited to a Sakyapa Dharma Center, so I age to Goma Devi. And I thought it was strange that Kang- book. I read the book, but this is the more traditional way. In went there and explained the teaching of , also kar Rinpoche used a statue of Goma Devi, because the up- the monasteries they sing and dance in the traditional way, Dzogchen, and how the principle is the same. Among these desha teachings he gave are not in this of Goma not in the direct way like we do. So I never found anyone people there were some old students of Kangkar Rinpoche. Devi and there is no connection of these teachings to Goma who knew or taught me the Song of Vajra. Kangkar Rinpoche was the teacher of the 16th and Devi. I was very surprised. Then I went to the left side and Then later my dreams slowly developed because I re- also one of my teachers. He was a very good teacher. there was a staircase, just like in Tibetan temples, and I ceived the transmission of Dzogchen from my teacher Later these students asked me about the Mahamudra went to the statue and put my head on the left knee of the Changchub Dorje and then I understood how to deal with of Kangkar Rinpoche and I explained and these were the Goma Devi statue and I did an invocation and then I thought Guruyoga, being in dreams with awareness and experienc- secondary causes from that day that caused this dream: I I should go do a guruyoga for integrating in the state. But ing something concrete. In my dreams I had many occa- had a dream on a mountain there was a bright rock, lit with >> continued on page 4 THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

3

>> continued from previous page then from rocks, from everywhere, came this sound very when I did this I saw in the left hand there is a crystal ball, loudly and integrated in all. Then I sang the Song of Vajra and in the crystal ball there was the complete letter of the and remained. Editorial longsal, and there was a very bright light of the five colors. We went ahead just a little singing Song of Vajra, each All the lights were moving. And then I thought this statue syllable, and that energy was turning in my physical body he first issue of The Mirror was printed in far off is really living wisdom and something very important. and I felt something, something concrete, which I had never March 1990, just before the visit of H.H. the 14th Dalai I sat in front of the crystal ball and started to do - experienced before. Then we sang the Song of Vajra and it TLama to Merigar in Italy for the opening of the Shang yoga of the unification state. At that moment all our stu- was almost finished and I woke up. I thought, “This is fan- Shung Institute and the inauguration of the Merigar Gonpa. dents arrived. They were sitting everywhere and when we tastic.” When the Song of Vajra finished he also told me, “Oh In that first issue the editors explained that the newspa- pronounced A and did Guruyoga in the unification state, this is something very important, this teaching, knowledge, per was called ‘The Mirror’ as a symbol of the essential and in that state we sang the Song of Vajra. When we sang and experience you have had, in this dimension, in this practice of Dzogchen to which it was dedicated. It was in the Song of Vajra, there was a very strong sound and all place. We have had this kind of experience in the past, in black and white, 16 pages on glossy paper and printed near integrated with the sound. When we arrived at half way our human condition. So this is something very important.” Merigar and, in the very first issues, published information through the Song of Vajra, immediately my aspect of feeling He told me this and then I woke up. and articles from the Dzogchen Community mainly in Italy and seeing changed. After that I woke up. I didn’t know why So I thought this was something very important, but I and Europe where the greater number of members were I had that dream of Goma Devi in that period, it was myste- still had no precise idea. Then once I had two important at the time. rious for me. Then I told my students about this dream and dreams during my retreat at Khandroling, which began the For several years the newspaper continued to be produced they asked me why Goma Devi and I said I had no idea. It dreams of the Dance of the Vajra: I am in a place very simi- in Italy until 1995 when the main editorial office moved to was mysterious also for me. For more than two years I did lar to this place, and I am hearing the sounds of the Song of Tsegyalgar East in Massachusetts, USA and the paper was not have a reason why I had this dream. Vajra, then I am going somewhere, a kind of passing place, printed and mailed from there. The move also meant broad- Then later when I arrived at Tsegyalgar East and I was and then I arrived there and saw there was a , and ening horizons with more material coming in from the con- doing a retreat on the land on the top, in my retreat cab- there was a group of dancers and then slowly, slowly I went tinuously expanding Dzogchen Community in the Americas in, and then I had the second Goma Devi dream. This was because I discovered they were singing and that was the and beyond. Paper copy still reigned supreme in the publish- something important. I was somewhere walking in a very sound I heard. When I arrived there was a kind of teacher ing world as the internet was just in its birth throes. nice place with very nice trees. I have these dreams in gen- and students learning and the teacher was explaining. The In 2004 The Mirror entered the electronic age with its eral and when I have these dreams, they indicate the long- teacher welcomed me very kindly and then they said, “We first online issues at .com. The paper version was sal teachings. There were many crystal rocks, many green are applying the Dance of the Vajra.” I was very interested still printed and read since electronic publishing was in its trees, and little red flowers everywhere. When I have these and asked if I could participate and learn and they said of early stages, most people were not ready to read a news- dreams the longsal teachings appear in a rock or some- course you can learn, and they taught me some movements paper online and some did not even own a computer. The thing. But in this dream I was there and I heard some- and explained a little how the mandala is. Then we danced. Mirror in paper form flourished and enjoyed readership one singing the Song of Vajra somewhere and I was going They told me about the correspondence of the inner and throughout the growing DC. slowly ahead and singing the Song of Vajra. The song was outer mandala, how we should pass, how it is connected In keeping with the times, in the last three years, we re- almost to the end and it seemed there was no one around, with the Song of the Vajra, connected with the movements, modelled our website and currently have a complete archive but I integrated and was also singing. Then I went ahead different places, representing our channels and in of all the issues of the newspaper that have been published. and arrived near a rock. At that moment the Song of Vajra our inner mandala, etc. Our homepage has the most updated program of Chögyal was finished and then I saw some movement and all these Then I understood something, but I could not learn very Namkhai Norbu’s retreat schedule. We have a News sec- beings singing. These were not human beings, but a little well and I asked Joe, who was often coming to help, to bring tion with recent and important news items regarding the strange beings. They looked like penguins – their way of me some ink or colors for making a mandala. There was International Dzogchen Community and we publish several walking – but the face was not a bird, it was human , a place in the woods we used for cooking and I thought I recent teachings by the Master on our homepage. Our re- with long hair, and they were walking and moving. I saw should make the mandala there. Then I more or less under- vamped website can also be easily accessed and read on these beings were in many places. Then two of them came stood how the mandala should be. With the next dream I mobile devices and, in addition, is available in English, Ital- near by. I wanted to ask who they were and where we were. learned a little more and I went there early morning and ian, Russian, Chinese and Polish. In other words, we – the In my dreams many times I can communicate in Tibetan the dreams and dance were developing more and more and staff and the many people who work with us around the and whoever replies in Tibetan. I am speaking Tibetan but I wrote everything down one by one to remember. So that world – are doing our best to bring you our Master’s Teach- they did not reply. I tried to speak English and Italian, but means the Dance of the Vajra is developed here in this place. ing and Community News easily and in your language. they did not reply. Then one of these beings, a little taller [Khandroling] This place is something very important for that. The Mirror has become part of membership in the IDC than me, held my hand, and I was not afraid, and I thought For a long time we sang the Song of Vajra and it did not at almost all the Gars – if you are a member, you are en- maybe he wanted to communicate something. I was with seem the timing was so important, but then when it be- titled to free access to The Mirror online. For many years, this one and the other one went away. And then some of came linked to the dance, to the movements, it came out the Gars also provided free paper issues of The Mirror to them were flying. They also had wings. that the timing is very important. Then the Song of Vajra their sustaining and meritorious members, and some still I observed the being’s hands and they were not like hu- became that thing, the melody, linked to the dance, and it do. In return for this service, the Gars have supported the man hands, there were only four fingers and it seemed four became very precise. So all the dances I have tried to write newspaper financially. However, with the increasingly diffi- eyes, but there were not really four eyes, there was some- down, but I have not completely finished. Later I returned to cult global economy, some Gars have decided that they can thing like eyes drawn on the forehead. Then another one Italy and in Merigar the dreams continued again. Then later no longer afford to provide paper copy for their members was coming near by and he spoke Tibetan and said, “You I discovered something interesting. For example, when we and are cutting back on their support. This means that we are welcome here”, and I spoke Tibetan but they didn’t un- are dancing in the mandala, we start in the red line, every- are printing and mailing fewer and fewer copies each issue. derstand. And then I said, “I am very fortunate you speak body, male and female, all, and when we are combining the This ongoing trend means that quite soon we may have to Tibetan”, and he said, “Yes my life before was in and I outer mandala, the outer mandala is here at Tsegyalgar East stop printing The Mirror and simply concentrate on the on- remember.” Then he said that this is a little special place of and also at Merigar West; and both places are on the red line version. However, before we reach this point, we would Goma Devi. I was very surprised. Then I asked where Goma line. This is the origin of where the dance developed. There like our readers to be aware of the situation. If The Mirror Devi was. He said, “Goma Devi is up there on the rock.” I said, are many of these kinds of things we can learn. is not included in your membership and if you would like to “I would like very much to see Goma Devi, can you help me?” It is important that you do not think that other teachers receive the paper version, you can subscribe on our website He said of course he could help me. Then I was very happy do not use the Song of Vajra singing and dancing like we for 20 euro – just login with your username and password and the other two beings that were with him went away. do, and therefore it is not authentic. Sometimes people have and click on Upgrade Subscription to Receive Paper Issues. Then we walked two or three steps and my guide started this kind of idea. You must understand that this is some- You can also talk about the situation with your local Gakyil flying. I could not fly. He went a little ahead and then he re- thing really very important. In the Dance of the Vajra, the and consider ways in which your Ling or Gar could help. turned and he said, “Oh I am sorry, I forgot you cannot fly.” mandala is corresponding. We have three kinds of , We look forward to hearing your feedback and hope you Then we walked. We walked slowly and the road seemed and the first mandala corresponds to this globe because we enjoy this issue! made of material like the inside of a conch shell. While we live on the globe. The mandala corresponds with the indi- were walking I asked him how he knew Tibetan and he said, vidual and the dimension, this is not only in the Dzogchen The Editors “Oh, when I was in Tibet, my name was Tennyi Lingpa.” In teaching, but you can see in also, when you learn [email protected] Tibet there are two or three tertons with this name. One Chakrasambhava. There are three kinds of Chakrasambhava [email protected] of the names of the famous terton Jamgon Kongtrol the introduced and for each of these there is an explanation. 1st, he was a terton and one of his terton names is Tennyi There are twenty-four places; most places are recognized in Lingpa. There is also a terton in the Bön tradition with the India, Tibet and , because in ancient times we did not is not only correspondent to the globe. The globe is in our same name. have much knowledge of the Western world and our globe. solar system. Also corresponding with the solar system is We were talking a little and going ahead and then once Today the world has become small. We can visit and com- our inner mandala. When we go a little more, we think of we arrived at the entrance of the rock, he said that inside municate everywhere and we can understand everything. In the universe. We don’t know how the universe is. Also the was Goma Devi. I thought Goma Devi would be something ancient times it was difficult, we did not know very much. universe corresponds to us. In the Dzogchen teaching most like a person, but when we entered inside it was the same We have a word in Tibetan that means human, gonami, but important is integration; how we integrate outer, inner, ev- statue like in Singapore. I was very surprised and I remem- literally it means black hair, and if a person does not have erything, being in the state of contemplation. For that rea- bered the dream of Singapore. Then I went and paid hom- black hair, that being is not human. In ancient times they did son, the Vajra Dance is very important. Also in the teaching, age and then after this, the person who guided me said I not know non-black haired humans existed. We used this in the Nyida Khajyor tantra, it says, “In the Song of the Vajra should go and stay in front of Goma Devi, where there was word so much in ancient writings saying gonami, gonami, there are the six liberations.” The six liberations are that a stone triangle. He told me to go and sit on this triangle and we translate it as human being. That is an example. you sing, hear – those also make the cause of the liberation and do Guruyoga. I said ok and I went there and sat on this So this is our condition and we have not much knowl- for sentient beings. If you are eating something empowered triangle and I did Guruyoga practice with A and was in the edge. In the Song of Vajra it is really very important that it with the Song of Vajra, it is also the cause of liberation.  unification state. In that moment, the guide began to sing is correspondent, and not only in India and Tibet and ‘sa- the Song of Vajra. He sounded ema kiri kiri very loudly and cred places’. Sacred places exist everywhere, so the dance Transcribed and edited by Naomi Zeitz THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

The International Gakyil GGAAKKYIYILL 4

and development of the Global Membership the documents themselves (which International Dzogchen Gar, and with the creation of a le- One key element of the transi- need to be in that format to com- gal and organisational structure tion to a fully global Community ply with legislation) we intend to Community Progress Report for the International Dzogchen is the way in which we become put the meaning in more essential Community which aims to fully members; so the plan is that in form for ease of understanding. s recently announced in embody Rinpoche’s image of the future we will become members This should all be ready very soon. the Mirror online and by International Coordination Mandala of the Community. Ex- and maintain our membership Anorbunet, the new Inter- Committee citing times also to join a Gakyil, through the International Com- Communication national Gakyil is now operative. We are a substantial Global Com- whether of Gar or Ling. As well as munity itself, and through that We are very close to having a ba- Enrico dell’Angelo has been joined munity, with local organisations the usual range of skills needed- will follow our membership of a sic IDC website up and running. on Red by Roberto Zamparo and in place. The role of this ICC is to for communicators, retreat organ- particular Gar, and maybe also a This will then become the main Scott Townell, and Ricardo Kogel establish clear channels of com- isers, project and financial manag- particular Ling. The International place where members can ac- and Keng Leck have joined Mark munication in both directions be- ers – this time of bringing the IDC Database, which is currently be- cess up to date information on Farrington on Yellow. Libor Maly tween the International Gakyil and into being needs Gakyil members ing brought up to date in collabo- progress with the transition to a and Julian King-Salter are on Blue. the Gakyils of the Gars and Lings. with particular interests and ca- ration with membership coordina- global organisation. All the docu- We met at Merigar West in April Of course we can communicate by pacity, tors around the world, plays a fun- ments will be accessible there, as (in person or by Skype) to estab- email with each other, but most the capacity to find enjoy- damental role in this, and there is well as the simpler explanations. lish a base for working together important is to meet together, ment in understanding, adapting a separate article giving more de- In the meantime, we have already and to prioritise and allocate the especially in the context of Prac- and registering legal statutes and tail on this. For example, it will be the Mirror, the Mirror online and tasks to be done. We adopted this tice and Teaching retreats with documents, and in working with possible for all members to log in norbunet for communicating di- as our statement of purpose: Rinpoche, so this (European) sum- a greater level of organisational and access their membership de- rectly with all members. The Da- “In spirit of service to Master mer some members of the IG will interaction amongst all the Gars tails online. The timeline and the tabase already contains a shared and Community, and in collabo- participate in meetings at Meri- and Lings, details of precisely how this will file with ICC contacts for each ration with all members of the gar’s East and West, and Kunsan- and the capacity to understand work in practice will need to be Gar and Ling and the structure of Sangha, we endeavour to bring gar South (including then repre- that this legal structure and or- worked out in consultation with Lings and Gars world-wide (if you into practice Rinpoche’s vision for sentatives from Kunsangar North) ganisational framework is what the Gars and Lings through the are aware that your Ling is not yet the organisation of the Interna- with representatives of the Gars will give our Community the free- ICC. registered, please contact Roberto tional Dzogchen Community.” and all their related Lings. In this dom to grow and flourish as the as soon as possible!) and this is Our aim is to work with you way we can present in person, an- Master wishes. Statutes and protocols the main channel for communica- and all members of the Commu- swer questions and discuss what If you have the professional It has been a monumental task tions with the Gakyils of Gars and nity, to establish a functional and needs to be done to bring the IDC skills and life experience to deal to create the Statute of the Inter- Lings. Your comments, feedback dynamic international organiza- into concrete existence. Julian in with and enjoy this work, of es- national Comunity in a way that and input are always very wel- tional structure for the Dzogchen Australia, Keng Leck in Asia, and tablishing the bone structure fits the law of the land and is come. Email addresses have been Community, operational to an ef- Scott and Ricardo in the Americas and base of our Community, in compatible with the Principles of set up for direct communication fective level and able to provide can also arrange to meet with the collaboration with the Interna- the Dzogchen Community which with IG members, as follows: relevant services; and to put in Gakyils and interested members tional Gakyil, then please consider Rinpoche has given us. Also the [email protected] place the systems that will enable in those areas in the same time whether now may be the time to precise protocols for becoming [email protected] the DC to flourish as an organiza- frame, according to the possibili- step forward! a member, and for the Gars and [email protected] tion founded on the principles of ties. As well as service Lings to be established as branch- Also the IG Secretary can knowledge and awareness rather through the Gakyil, it is always es or affiliates of the IDC, these be contacted on secretary@ than on hierarchy and rules. We Renewals of Gakyils also possible to support in other are quite complicated documents, dzogchencommunity.org will try to enhance communica- of Gars and Lings ways, as so many already do! which can be quite daunting. But tion, participation, transparency We are in an exciting time for our the essence can be more simple and accountability. Community, with the purchase and straightforward, and alongside

which at the same time provides all members’ data for local check and and complete their own personal Dzogchen Membership members with essential services. updating. data and, possibly, complete the The responsibility of managing Skill Seek section, making their Database Project Current situation the database ID remains with the skills somehow available to the After uploading the majority of local Gakyils for privacy reasons. Community. he membership database is Gar and/or ling affiliation. This members and cleaning up major The Courses and Events and In parallel, the link with Ser- an essential element in the information can be accessed and mistakes, we can say we are still Skill Seek sections are still empty. vices will be developed. Tpreparation for and future revised by each members him in phase 2 of the plan, being in The formal passage to IDC smooth running of the Interna- or herself, or by the Responsible communication with the DB Re- Future steps membership is not precisely de - tional Dzogchen Community. person nominated by the Gakyil sponsible person from nearly all After the check by Gars and Lings, fined in time yet (legal and orga- The database, located in the of a particular Gar or Ling Gar/Lings. aimed mainly to ensure correct nizational aspects have to be set- http://dzogchen.me site of Inter- 2. As a central place for the provi- The DB or Membership Respon- membership type and presence of tled), but the system can already national DC, currently has more sion of services to members, in- sibles who are themselves present correct members in the Database, be used. than 8500 entries, many of which cluding The Mirror, closed Web- in the database as members are the system will be open to all still do not correspond to present casts, webcast files and replays, already authorized to access their members to log in to self-correct members. This is a stratification other Community publications files; that is, Merigar W & E, Nam- of the “old” (2007–2009) Commu- eg Merigar Letter, Event regis- gyalgar, Singapore and Japan. nity Database (Shang Shung Insti- tration (including a dedicated Data entry has not yet been tute – Luigi Ottaviani) and recently section for SMS booking and pa- completed by all Gars; data for the Chögyal uploaded excel files for 2012 and perwork) and communications American Gars has not been re- Canary Islands, Tenerife some 2013, supplied by Gar and to members. vised since 2008. There is no data Namkhai Norbu Lings worldwide (some are still 3. As a SkillSeek resource, where for China, and Taiwan. Kunsan- Schedule November 15–18 totally missing like China). members can choose to regis- gar has its own DB and should be Dzamling Gar Inauguration The project to create a new Da- ter the particular skills they can linked soon. >> continued from page 1 Open webcast tabase was an initiative of Meri- make available to the Commu- The Gars and Lings who have December 5–9 gar West Gakyil. It was compiled nity from time to time, either supplied new data could now be Chudlen retreat by Thinley Koblensky (till version as Karma Yoga or on some other given access to correct and up- UK Open webcast June 2013) with contributions from basis. date the information they have London Enrico Dell’Angelo and Roberto supplied. October 3 December 26–January 1, 2014 Zamparo (and maybe others). It To be successful this system will The underlying logic is a geo - Public Talk Kyim was technically realized by Artur need to be fully used and imple- graphical coverage of Gars, with (zodiacal new year) retreat October 4–6 Z˙ółkowski (Admin) and his staff. mented by the Gars and Lings as Lings referring to Gars (but not Anu Ati London, Camden Centre The project, which was begun their primary membership data- with their own precise geographi- teaching and practice Dzogchen Teachings in October 2012, has suffered some base, and sole site for taking regis- cal borders) accordingly to the mainly according to Rigzin Longsal Ati Nadzer delays, partly for checking entries trations for all retreats and events. shared excel file available to Gars Changchub Dorje’s Terma Open webcast and also making sure it aligns to It is not intended to be a du- and declared Lings. teaching the new IDC. plication of what already exists in Gar Responsibles (= Gar Admin) Spain Open webcast This database project now has the local organisations, but rather can be given access to their own Barcelona a threefold purpose: is intended to become fully avail- Gar members’ data for local check October 9–13 1. As a record of all International able to replace existing systems. and modification and Ling Re- Kyungchen Khading (Tib. 2014 Dzogchen Community mem- In effect, each Gar and Ling has sponsibles (= Ling Admin) can also khyung chen mkha’ lding) bers, with their name, contact its share of one common resource be given access to their own Ling of Vimala Mitra January 10–14 details, membership level, and Closed webcast Sorig Lhandus Tshogschen THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

ASIA

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ASIA Onlus Association for International Förderverein ASIA Deutschland e.V. Via San Martino della Battaglia 31 Solidarity in ASIA, Inc. c/o Gisela Auspurg 00185 Rome, Italy ASIA, Post Office Box 124, Königswieser Str. 2 Tel +39.06.44340034 Conway, MA 01341-0124 USA 82131 Gauting Fax +39.06.44702620 Phone: 413.369.4153, Tel.: 089 / 127 630 32 [email protected] Fax: 413.369.4473 www.asia-ngo.org [email protected] www.asia-ngo.org/en/

guarantee healthy Let’s Get Them and quality food, prepared in safe to School hygienic condi- To raise a child it takes tions and a new a whole village cafeteria that can acc o m m o d ate n October, we launched our the students and Let’s Get Them to School cam- teachers during Ipaign which was designed to mealtimes but achieve two objectives: to support which can also be the studies of 500 Tibetan no- used as a place for madic girls and raise the money meetings, games needed to start work on the con- and group activi- struction of a new cafeteria and ties. We are plan- a new kitchen for the girls at the ning to construct Golok school. a building of 421 The first objective was achieved square meters us- successfully in March. Thanks to ing techniques of the contributions of many, and bio-architecture the activities of all our friends and passive heat- and supporters we were able to ing using the en- provide more than 500 girls with ergy produced by a “long distance parent” who will the sun. In order support them in their studies. to be regulated, Now it is important to reach passive systems our second goal: to start the work require the ac- of enlarging and renovating the tive participation Golok school. of those using The school is located 23 kilo - them and hence meters from the city of Raja and the development from the monastery of the same of an “energy con- name, below the sacred moun- sciousness” which tain of Amnie Machen. It can be should be transmitted by the proj- work and will coordinate it with committed to this project, the world. In Como, Modena, Venice, reached by a dirt road about 8 km ect. the Italian architect. The local Ti- goal is not so far away and diffi- Cuneo, events and meetings have from the main road. The buildings The local community, which betan community will partici- cult to reach. In a village everyone been organized that have been that have been constructed over gives a strong symbolic value to pate in the work by giving a hand knows each other and everyone very different from each other yet the years cover an area of about the girls’ school and recognizes with the laboring and making is together. In a village everyone all have as their common denomi- 2918 square meters. its importance and prestige, is their resources available in order participates for the common good nator the desire to do something The school has 12 classes with very active in supporting each to facilitate the transportation of according to their possibilities and concrete so that the Golok girls 556 students, 25 teachers and 16 intervention and will be closely construction materials and equip- capacity. If we imagine ourselves will have a canteen and a kitchen. support personnel, guards, cooks, involved. The organization of the ment. The work will be carried becoming this village then each of To participate in the campaign etc.. There are 16 rooms for the space will be discussed with the out in the spring and summer us can put into play his/her abil- you can: staff, 16 for the teachers and 40 school management in order to because the harsh Tibetan winter ity, talents, ideas. In other words, · Make a donation by credit card rooms to accommodate the girls. respect local customs and the makes it impossible. to support this campaign, you using the ASIA website: Over the years the number of needs of students and teachers. 122 thousand euro are neces- can get involved with a donation www.asia-onlus.org female students has increased The construction materials will sary to start the construction or you can invent a way to become or by bank transfer greatly, and the extreme weath- have a quality certification and work, and, as of today (June), we a small or a large village that is to ASIA Onlus er conditions have deteriorated will be purchased on the local have already collected around committed to helping these girls IBAN: IT 27 M 01030 72160 structures, therefore a new inter- market. An Italian architect will 25,000, a large amount, especially grow in a healthy environment. 000000389350; vention by ASIA can no longer be oversee the work as well as car- in a difficult economic time like Some of our friends have enthu- BIC/SWIFT: PASCITMMXXX put off. rying out a technical mission of the one we are experiencing. But siastically embraced this idea and · Using your own energy to At this stage, the priority is on-site monitoring. A local tech- if we imagine ourselves as a large some small and large villages are organize an event, a meeting, to build a new kitchen that will nician will regularly monitor the village that interacts with and is springing up in Italy and in the a fundraising dinner.

>> continued from previous page

January 24–28 April 4–10 Ukraine, Crimea India Argentina Int. Ludroi Tshogschen Longsal Thodgal teaching June 6–14 August 27–31 November 21–27 retreat Kunsangar South retreat Retreat at Doboom Tashigar Sur retreat January 31–February 6 (For this retreat, those who Rinpoche’s centre Russia Brazil Tibetan Culture Event really believe they have the June 20–28 December 5–9 at La Laguna base of the Tregchod should Kunsangar North retreat September 2–11 Sao Paolo retreat February 21–23 make a request to attend to the Dzogchen Community Dzamling Gar Gakyil who will USA Singapore Peru Yantra Dagther conference coordinate the retreat.) July 4–6 September 17–21 Lima New York retreat Singapore retreat December 17–21 Feb. 28-29 Italy Peruvian retreat Festival for ending Merigar West Tsegyalgar East PRC the Melo 3930 April 24–30 July 11–13 September 26–28 Venezuela Merigar West Retreat Mandala Hall Inauguration Shanghai retreat of Ati Yoga Dec.26–Jan. 1, 2015 – Wood Horse Melo: 3931 – Tashigar Norte retreat May 7–13 July 16–20 October 1–7 March 2 Guru Amitayus teaching and Tsegyalgar East retreat Main Ati Yoga retreat at For the year 2014 there is Losar Festival Chudlen practices Samtenling Italy not yet information about the March 7–11 Romania Merigar West Australia Teachings. For that reason, Ati Yoga retreat at Meriling May 23–31 July 31–August 2 October 20–26 we do not yet know about the Open webcast Merigar East retreat Changchog retreat Namgyalgar North retreat nature of the webcasts. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Shang Shung Institute

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Shang Shung Institute Italy Shang Shung Institute Austria Shang Shung Institute UK, Shang Shung Institute of America Località Merigar Gschmaier 139 The London School of Tibetan 18 Schoolhouse Rd 58031 Arcidosso (GR, Italy) 8265 Gr. Steinbach, Austria Studies P.O. Box 278 Phone : +39-0564-966940 Office: 0043 3386 83218 The London Centre for the Study Conway, MA 01341, USA [email protected] Fax: 0043 3386 83219 of Traditional Tibetan Culture Phone (main-Anna) 413 369 4928 www.shangshunginstitute.org www.shangshunginstitute.org and Knowledge Fax/Bookstore 413 369 4473 www.shangshungstore.org www.ssi-austria.at www.shangshunguk.org www.shangshung.org

area of Merigar, and are advised to Ka-Ter Tibetan do so early. Brief News from the Language Training 2. Advanced level Shang Shung Institute, Advanced level students translate Russia n 2013 it will be the 11th anni- To give the possibility to the in groups with the tutor and fo- versary of the Ka-Ter Transla- practitioners of the Dzogchen cus on all aspects of the language e are happy to an- to operate on May 29. More than Ition Project. Community to study Tibetan as well as translating theories and nounce that Shang 40 students of the 4-year Tibet- As project manager of the language, the Tibetan Language techniques. They will read and WShung Institute, Russia an Medicine Program have just Ka-Ter Translation Project I am Trainings have become a major translate straightforwardly one had been recently legally regis- started to learn the Four Medicine pleased to inform you about the aspect and task of the Ka-Ter sentence each, the text is more tered as a non-profitable associa- Tantras and the basics of Ku Nye upcoming Tibetan Language Translation Project of the Shang complex both grammatically and tion in accordance with the Rus- massage. Thanks to Dr. Wangmo’s Training that will be held at Meri- Shung Institute Austria for already in terms of content. The aim is to sian law. This way the numerous continuous effort, the Internation- gar West in summer 2013. more than one decade. produce refined translations ready ongoing projects of the Russian al Shang Shung Institute is making Everybody who is qualified The Tibetan Language Training to be published. branch of the International SSI are the genuine ancient knowledge of is welcome to participate in this focuses on the Course fee: € 45.00 getting the legal base, essential for Tibetan Medicine available to in- wonderful occasion to gain more language and is divided into two Food and accommodation are not the future development and the terested students on two conti- information and insight into the levels: Intermediate and advanced. included in the course fee. All realization of the Institute’s main nents. meaning and value of Tibetan lan- A course for beginners will be participants are requested to in- goals: the preservation of the Ti- There are still many things to guage. taught separately in a more com- dividually book their stay in the betan cultural heritage and the do and many projects to realize pact fashion, the dates are yet to area of Merigar, and are advised promotion of the Tibetan culture for Shang Shung Institute, Russia. Very best wishes, be defined. to do so early in all its manifold aspects. We continue to rely on the bless- Oliver Leick According to the wishes of our ing of our Teacher, the support of Director of the Shang Shung 1. Intermediate level Instructor Dr. Fabian Sanders precious Master, Kunsangar North, our members and invaluable help Institute Austria The Intermediate level is intended After studying for more than one of the Gars of the Internation- from volunteers all over the world! Project manager of the for students who have already as- twenty-five years the languages al Dzogchen Community, beauti- You are always welcome to par- Ka-Ter Translation Project similated to a certain degree Ti- and cultures of China, India and fully located on the banks of the ticipate in our activities; feel free betan grammar and are able to Tibet in both academic and tradi- Klyazma river near , has to contact us at Ka-Ter Translation Project of start translating. tional ways Fabian teaches Tibetan become the main seat of the SSI, [email protected] the Shang Shung Institute They receive relatively simple Language and Culture at the Uni- Russia. Austria texts and can analyze the text and versita ‘Ca’ Foscari in Venice. He Here, the School of Tibetan The Shang Shung Institute, 11th Training for Translators formulate translations, individual- has also been teaching language Medicine of SSI Russia, headed Russia board from Tibetan ly or in groups. and translation courses for the In- by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, started August 10th–September 4th 2013 Their work is checked and cor- ternational Shang Shung Institute rected in group sessions and ev- for many years. ibetan is a eryone may ask the tutor for clari- the Austrian branch of the Shang Everybody needs to register and the sheer beauty of the fication. The purpose is to famil- Place Shung Institute, all participants first. Without registration and a TDharma is mirrored by the iarize students with texts, gram- Like in the last years the courses or have to be at least an Ordinary valid membership we cannot ac- clarity and imaginative creativity matical structures, and syntax in trainings of the Ka-Ter Tibetan Lan- Member of the Shang Shung In- cept students wishing to partici- of the Tibetan language. For this their actual context. guage Project will take place at the stitute Austria in 2013. pate. and many other reasons the study Course fee: € 85.00 Shang Shung Institute Merigar, Italy. The membership-fee and the You can register and get your of Tibetan language represents a Food and accommodation are not course-fee have to be sent to the membership here: crucial step towards a closer rela- included in the course fee. All Requirements Shang Shung Institute Austria be- http://www.ssi-austria.at/shop/ tion with the Teachings. participants are requested to in- As the Ka-ter Translation Proj- fore the end of July 2013. shopframee.php dividually book their stay in the ect is managed and financed by

we make it following this crazy most assiduous and reliable stu- Tibetan intensive way of learning? dents, Giorgio Dallorto, to guide a Hours, sessions and days one hour calligraphy class, teach- Intensive Course passed very fast, just as life flies, ing us how to draw the beauti- for Beginners and we were all quite amazed ful curves of Uchen script. So, at that we were still there, listening, the end of the day, after having Merigar West writing, asking, and sometimes translated and almost understood June 22–28 understanding! Yes, the miracle how many sentences of tradition- Romain Piro was about to happen, the way al Tibetan texts are constructed Prof. Sanders was explaining to us – mainly all from ancient teach- fter three trips to the was working and the grammati- ing, covering very deep and main holy Himalayas Tibetan cal construction of classical Ti- subjects, such as: ”the Alanguage was still a very betan was getting brighter, more which transcends the knower and hermetic and dark area to me and “friendly”. And even if, of course, the known”, “to me, with trembling starting to properly learn the ba- we were not able to translate all voice, the Mother asks permis- sics of it should have been a prior- the words in a sentence, now we sion”, “through the power of pre- ity for a long time. But you know were able to instantly see the im- vious Karma, afflictions emerge”, how it goes: priorities always find portant parts of the sentence - the “if you go to the land of Tushita, themselves put after other more verbs, the subject, the object and those on 2 legs are not considered important ones, and life goes on Amiata, all year long! A true per- and structure of a syllable, wow! especially all the particles in be- as human”, “from the Buddha the this way, and you never learn Ti- formance. Prof. Sanders was not kidding, he tween that show you what kind of Dharma, from the Dharma the betan. We were a dozen people at- went fast and intense, no joke, and sentence you have: a description Sangha”, “all phenomena from the But this time and for once, all tending the first meeting, where I thought he had made a mistake of place, time, a location, a defi- beginning are completely pure!” secondary causes were united, Fabian give us this heavy 44 pages on the level of this course, think- nition, etc. GREAT! We, I, tried to etc. - we were even able to write and the “three samsaric com- (front/back) document as a sup- ing we had all had three months understand something, remember them, with calligraphy pen, re- pounds”, work-time-money, were port for our week, obviously we training already! But no, he knew something, and trying to decipher specting the very precise propor- favorable and I could sign in to were not going to use it all. perfectly what he was doing, a beautiful magical Tibetan became tions of any letters and characters. follow the course with Professor We were all more or less real “crash course”, a full deep immer- so much fun! No need to tell you how proud we Fabian Sanders, who, previously, beginners, and quite surprised to sion for eight days, that is his way! Luckily, in the program and were! Feeling like wise students in I just knew as the only person spend only 1 hour learning all to- We were all very happy and ex- to help us to “relax” our minds a a monastery in northern Kham! riding a high cylinder motorbike gether the 30 letters of the Tibet- cited with this idea, but would our bit after four hours of attention, on the dusty dirt roads of Monte an , the accents/, brains stand the rhythm? Would Prof. Sanders asked to one of his >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Shang Shung Institute

7 Dominic Kennedy Shang Shung Institute Australia – First Year y first impression of Over the last three years, I had Dominic was of an el- the privilege and joy of working ince our inauguration in best for us to use local teachers, Megant and graceful man, closely with Dominic. He had been 2012, we have registered as due to costs of bringing SSI teach- elegant not only in his build but involved with the inception of the Sa Not for Profit Incorporated ers from overseas. also blessed with a fine intellect. I Shang Shung Institute in London body in Queensland, and have now We were asked (by Dzogchen first met Dominic in the mid in 2010 and became a co-Director registered with ASIC in order to be Community of Namgyalgar) to ‘70’s at the FWBO Buddhist cen- with myself and Oliver Leick in able to have activities in all States organise an event in Brisbane, as tre, situated very near the ro- the summer. Dominic was also an and territories of Australia. The part of Elio Guarisco’s highly suc- mantic and overgrown Highgate Associate Lecturer with the Open regulatory framework is changing cessful visit to Australia; it fea- cemetery. He became known as University in Religious and Classi- here at the moment and it seems tured an introductory song from Kuladeva on becoming an Order cal Studies. Through his academic our third step will be to register Tenzin Choegyal, a talk by Elio on Member of the Western Buddhist connection with Dr Ulrich Pagel at with the Australian Charities and Awakening on Dying, and a show- Order in 1977. SOAS, the School of Oriental and fore he went to hospital and was Not for Profit Commission, which ing of My Reincarnation. This was Later in 1993, Dominic con- African Studies, (he and Dominic diagnosed with a brain tumour will become the only body we will reasonably well attended and very tacted me wanting to come to a were at SOAS at the same time in in early December 2011. Dominic have to report to in future. When well received by those who came, Mandarava practice at Princess the late ‘80’s, doing post-gradu- was a remarkable man and the the time comes, it should be fairly but did not quite cover costs- a Helena’s where we met regularly ate work in Tibetan and most gentle and peaceful of men. straightforward for us to adopt the good learning experience for our in the ‘80’s, and we renewed our studies), a successful programme His total faith and commitment to Statute of the International Shang organising Committee all the friendship. The practice of Manda- of talks organised by Shang Shung Rinpoche and the teachings will Shung Institute as the basis for same. rava, connected with long life, be- UK was instituted at SOAS in 2010 surely carry him in good stead. our Australian rules, and formally We had been hoping to bring came a pivotal practice for Domi- and is currently still running. He died peacefully at his home become the Australian branch of Topgyal and Tsering to Australia nic during his illness. It was Dominic, in collaboration in the early hours of the morn- an International organisation in Dec/Jan 2013–4 to enjoy their Subsequently Dominic, togeth- with Dr Nathan Hill of SOAS, who ing. I quote the words of his long- Our courses have got off to wonderful dance workshops, but er with his wife Caroline and son was responsible for inviting Chö- standing friend, Dr Mike Thomas reasonable start, and have covered sadly it seems we cannot raise Joe, went to a retreat with Chög- gyal Namkhai Norbu to be a key- written shortly before he died: costs. This is a good foundation enough sponsorship to make it yal Namkhai Norbu in September note speaker in the ‘, Shang- Dominic “is sinking deeply into for building on. The next Thang- happen this time. 1994, held in a colourful Mongo- shung and Early Tibet’ conference himself as the link between con- ka painting weekend with Karma Carey Idle is establishing a lian yurt in Wales. Dominic lived in September 2011. This conference sciousness and biology weakens. Phuntsok will be in October. We good working relationship be- locally and we would meet up and proved very successful attracting He is very peaceful. His last act are currently in the middle of an tween the Australian Tibetan sometimes see each other out top academics in the field. Later in this life is being played out in introductory Tibetan Language Medicine Association and SSIA, walking on Hampstead Heath. in 2012, Dominic once again issued his beautiful and carefully pre- course over 6 Sundays with Tser- and it may be that in due course I always admired Dominic for an invitation to Chögyal Namkhai pared front room surrounded by ing Wangchuk, which has 4 par- ATMA will provide the regulatory his calm and even demeanour. Norbu to come to London and par- striking images, hangings and ticipants at Namgyalgar North, framework while SSI provides the That admiration swelled to a pro- ticipate in a conference on ‘Pad- . It’s like a hermitage in and 6 others around Australia by training in Tibetan Medicine for found recognition of the extraor- masambhava: Different Aspects’. Tibet, with his family and friends webcast. For the time being it is Australia. Watch this space! dinary qualities of courage and This talk will take place on the next door and good support from equanimity which he displayed 3rd October at ASIA House and the NHS. So far it is a very good over the last eighteen months be linked to the conference now death… Caroline is magnificent.” Issue dedicate to Dzogchen in the since he was diagnosed with the taking place at SOAS on 14th Sep- Dominic, in the manner of Religions international scholarly peer re- most aggressive form of brain tu- tember. your life and your dying, you have view journal Religions. mour. He was fearless facing his Dominic’s death is a great been an inspiration to us all! Our Special Issue You can cost-free download illness. Dominic had a refined sen- loss to us, not only personally thoughts and love are with you, Dzogchen and share/post the full-text open sibility and natural eloquence: that but also professionally. He had a Caroline, Joe and Niall. access from here http://www. the tumour affected his linguistic deep knowledge of Buddhism as mdpi.com/2077-1444/4/2/306 skills was indeed tragic. Nonethe- well as of the Classical World and Born 6th February 1955 ostantino M. Albini has less he wrote copiously, often in a published a paper on ‘Indo-Greek Died 16th June 2013 just published the article Best regards very articulate manner and it was Links and Buddhism in Bactria COn Dealing with Destruc- Paolo Roberti di Sarsina always possible to follow what he and India’, a talk he delivered to tive Emotions through the “Path was trying to communicate. the Buddhist Society, the day be- of Self-Liberation” in the Special

in any religious hierarchy, choos- tional spiritual creativity flour- The Cloud ing instead the austere yet joyous ished against a backdrop of social >> continued from previous page lifestyle of a wandering and and political unrest. Although the By the end of the seven days, of Nectar remaining in solitary meditation biography is filled with descrip- in addition to having success- By Yeshe Dorje retreat for extended periods until, tions of wondrous visions and fully read, learnt and translated Translated from Tibetan upon his passing, he attained the dreamlike encounters, its vividly almost all the 44 pages of the by Oriol Aguilar Rainbow Body. frank presentation of the life of manual, the miracle occurred: we In this important scholarly Pema Düdul conveys a sense of were now very familiar with tra- he Cloud of Nectar is Oriol work, through his substantial In- proximity and relevance rarely ditional Tibetan scriptures! And Aguilar’s annotated trans- troduction Oriol Aguilar precisely found in works of this genre. we all had this great feeling of Tlation of the biography of places his subject in that fertile Available now from understanding and knowledge - Nyagla Pema Düdul, a 19th cen- time and place in which both the www.shangshungstore.org what was dark became brighter, tury master, tertön, and well- struggle to preserve traditional and a fantastic new field of study known exponent of the practice learning and practice and excep- was now in front of us. So thanks and realization of Total Perfection a lot to Prof. Fabian Sanders and (Dzogchen) written by his direct his great method of teaching how disciple and contemporary, Yeshe to read Tibetan, also to Giorgio, Dorje. Born in the rugged eastern maestro of calligraphy, and to all Tibetan region of Khams, despite toward his attackers, he would Books on Asia: those from SSI who organized the an auspicious birth accompanied renew his quest for bodily and course, Carla Gnecchi and Kamil by miraculous signs and prognos- spiritual sustenance. Increas- Buddhist Practice Selwa. tications, like the great 11th cen- ingly recognized for his spiritual Philosophy At the very end of the course tury mystic , as a father- attainments, he sought and ex- I came to Prof. Sanders to thank less youth Padma Düdul suffered changed teachings with some of Art him again and tell him how much great personal loss, severe depri- the region’s leading figures of Language benefit I had got out of this course vation, and repeated violence. A Buddhist and Bön learning and Culture and he told me that having under- social outcast, his early attempts practice. Generously sharing his Travel stood this will also help us a lot to obtain spiritual instruction spiritual treasure with rich and for understanding and memoriz- were cruelly thwarted. poor, he gathered a large num- ing all the practices that we are Time and again, following a vi- ber of followers and founded Kal- We are pleased to deliver any new and antiquarian books using in the Dzogchen Commu- cious beating as he struggled to zang monastery, which survives to on Asia, remote publications, or hard to find titles. Ask for nity. avoid the starvation that claimed this day. But despite his fame and our actual stock list! Garuda Books Switzerland Bookshop. his brother’s life, with an aston- considerable spiritual influence, Peter Eisenegger•Garuda Books•[email protected]•Fax 0041 56 648 40 88 ishing display of empathy even Pema Düdul never held a position THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Shang Shung Institute

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we find Zhang Zhung's written A Night at language, sacred ornaments, rock carvings, healing practices, music, the Rubin and magical divination techniques. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu The two remaining volumes Presents the North are not yet available in English, American Edition of though their translation is ongo- The Light of Kailash ing. The second installment focus- es on the so-called intermediate Paola Zamperini period in Tibetan history, from the origin of the first Tibetan human n Wednesday, May 27, 2013, clans and tribes, all the way to a colorful crowd of muse- the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet. Oum goers, scholars, dhar- Lastly, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in ma practitioners, and art lovers the third volume researches the Dr Phuntsog Wangmo thanks former director Paola Zamperini at the end of the Tsegyalgar East convened at the Rubin Museum of later historical period. His discus- Retreat, June 12, 2013. Photo: P. Barry Himalayan art on West 17th Street sion and analysis of the complex in New York City for the book Photo: D. Zegunis interactions between Bon, Tibetan New Board of launch of the North American edi- and Chinese and Indian historical the brilliant scholar and erudite tion of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s origins of the kingdom of Zhang and cultural exchanges and in- academic he is. This occasion was Shang Shung A History of Zhang Zhung and Zhung – a vast area of Western teractions is truly fascinating and memorable also because it marked Institute USA Tibet, Volume One, published by and Northern Tibet in an area that ground breaking. the first official collaboration be- North Atlantic Books in May 2013. includes Mount Kailash. According to the original sched- tween the Shang Shung Institute Jeff Krouk Director Originally released in English by In this first tome Chögyal Nam- ule for the event, Chögyal Nam- for Tibetan Studies, Shang Shung Patrick Dierking Treasurer Shang Shung Editions in Arcidos- khai Norbu investigates, with ac- khai Norbu was supposed to give Editions, and the Rubin Museum. Matt Hayat so in 2009 with the title The Light ademic precision and erudition, a twenty-minute introduction to Given the success of the event (all Naomi Zeitz of Kailash, this text is the first the mysteries of Zhang Zhung's the book, to then open the floor books sold out in a matter of min- part of a three-volume revolution- Bon religion, a set of shamanistic for a Q & A session followed by utes and great attendance), the or- Many, many thanks to the outgo- ary work about the origins of the and animistic beliefs and practices book-signing. But Rinpoche de- ganizers of the evening have de- ing director, Paola Zamperini for her Tibetan Culture. More than 1,900 only recently studied by a hand- cided to give a very precise and cided to collaborate in organizing many years of dedicated service. pages in length in the original Ti- ful of academic scholars. Offering detailed overview of the entire more events, from formal lectures betan, it was originally based on a critical analysis of a vast array of trilogy, and treated his audience to demonstrations of Yantra Yoga a series of lectures that Rinpoche literary and primary sources, Chö- to a fifty-minute lecture that daz- and Vajra Dance, so stay tuned for Rare footage of Chögyal Nam- gave in 1988 at the University of gyal Namkhai Norbu discusses the zled everyone with its details and more exciting events in the not so khai Norbu’s 1988 journey to dis- Nationalities in Beijing. Counter- role of the Bon traditions within precise historical references and distant future! cover the ruins of the Zhang Zhung ing the long-held idea that Tibet's Zhang Zhung's lineages, dynasties, quotations. It was a rare treat es- For more information about the Kingdom http://www.youtube. pre-Buddhist indigenous culture and culture, unveiling the roots of pecially for his dharma students, book, see http://www.shangshung com/watch?v=8CMlxwvjFEU was primitive and undeveloped, A Tibetan Buddhist culture as well who appreciate his work and gen- publications.org/2011/03/the-light- To learn more about the Rubin History of Zhang Zhung and Ti- as of modern-day Bon religion. erosity as a Dzogchen teacher, but of-kailash-a-history-of-zhang- Museum visit bet illuminates the rich cultural Among the objects of his inquiry do not necessarily know him for zhung-and-tibet/ http://www.rmanyc.org

>> Relax… continued from page 1 five elements that form all mani- all experience to find the limits of In Dzogchen we notice through directly for itself. In our dimension whereas in dualistic vision we are festations. the mind. When we arrive at this observing our experience. As we there are many ‘sweets.’ When we constantly in cycles of acceptance Rinpoche requested that prac- limitation we have the potential to get more familiar with experi- discover one, we discover all. and rejection. From this teaching titioners do Guru Yoga. The term break this limitation in the confi- ence, we become less distracted The following comes from with Changchub Dorje, Rinpoche ‘Guru Yoga’ translated from Ti- dence of Dzogchen. because the mind is more relaxed; Rinpoche’s teaching on The Rush- became dedicated to Dzogchen. betan means understanding our There are neither rules nor in this relaxation it is less inclined en of the Dra Thalgyur Tantra. The Dzogchen has three paths, real nature. The practice of Guru vows in Dzogchen. The teacher to go after ideas and concepts. methods of this tantra don’t rely which correspond to body, speech Yoga puts the student and teacher directly transmits the essence of When we are relaxed enough to upon specific method. The Dra Th- and mind; these are the three in the same state (true nature) at Dzogchen which is beyond the be in a state of contemplation we algyur Tantra advocates being re- existences. There are Dzogchen the same moment. In the same mind. Using Dzogchen method can observe without evaluation laxed with body, voice and mind. teachings for each path; yet the moment there is no duality; this there is no confusion because the how each phenomenon is natu- The mind depends on the phys- most fundamental and important is the precise alignment of the mind is not involved in evaluation. rally integrated into its own con- ical body and on energy. When we practice is Guru Yoga. The sound- Dzogchen method. All practices We notice our condition. When dition. In this natural state the are familiar with the physical body ing of “Ah” in the practice of Guru are governed by the state of Guru thoughts arise we notice we are mind is not disturbed because it, we also get familiar with our en- Yoga corresponds to the primor- Yoga. Any kind of movement is conditioned because we are refer- too, is integrated in its own condi- ergy and in this way we also get dial potentiality that everyone practice. Everything can be inte- encing something in the past that tion. This direct experience is not familiar with the mind because possesses. Guru Yoga helps prac- grated into Dzogchen. Guru Yoga has made an impression on our intellectual, it is something alive. mind and body are connected. For titioners get familiar with this po- functions through transmission mind; whereas in our primordial For example, if we do not know example, the tantra suggests find- tentiality. Sound is the origin of all because it develops our capacity potentiality our mind is like a mir- the taste of sweetness we can- ing the limit of the body through emptiness. From sound emanates to be in our real nature and to be ror. It can reflect infinitely, but it not ask someone to explain it. It physical exertion. When fatigue light from which emanates the relaxed in this state. We use our is not affected; there is no impres- is through experience that we sets in the mind does not func- minds to develop capacity. We use sion made on a mirror. discover sweetness which speaks >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Artists in the Dzogchen Community

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which I can continue my own cre- Jan Cornall ative work. When I began teaching writing Wr iter/ in the late 90s, I was inspired by Performer Natalie Goldberg, whose classic text, “Writing Down The Bones”, combines the wisdom of y earliest contact with Buddhism with creative writing anything Tibetan would techniques. I took Natalie’s ideas Mhave to be the Lobsang a step further developing a meth- Rampa books I read as a teenag- od called meditative writing, de- er. Of course we all believed they signed to take writers deep into were written by a real Tibetan sense memory. From there they Lama, not the son of a plumber are able to evoke all the elements from who had never been out of needed in the craft of writing; the England, let alone been to Tibet. confidence of voice, the descrip - Nevertheless, his stories left a tive detail of scene and setting, strong impression on me. interesting characters and a page When I was 21, I had my first turning story. shocking experience with imper- As well as leading retreats and manence when my boyfriend of workshops I run mentoring pro- 6 months died from a drug over- possessions, before leaving it be- words spoke to me as if he was ing Tsewang and his then part- grams for writers and each year a dose. With great foresight or per- hind somewhere. sitting before me. I’d given up per- ner Sabina Lauber to collaborate number of them land publishing haps premonition (and without I spent 3 years in Oregon, writ- forming and was concentrating on writing a one man play based contracts with major publishing ever discussing it with me), he ing songs and playing percussion on writing; working on a surreal on the story of Tsewang’s journey houses. While I became more in- had asked another friend that if he in an all women Latin jazz band comedy about a couple trapped in out of Tibet, his time as a monk volved in supporting other’s cre- were ever to die, to please do the called Baba Yaga. We made an a room trying absurd and inge - in the ’s monastery, as ative process, I enjoyed writing in readings from “The Tibetan Book album and went on tour on the nious means to escape their do- factory worker in Australia, finally the short form again, returning to Of The Dead”. The friend came and west coast. When I came back to mestic reality. I used Trungpa’s becoming a musician/performer. writing songs and spoken word performed some rituals in our Australia with a bag full of songs, story of the monkey imprisoned I’d met Tsewang years before at and performing them at festivals bedroom, and left the book with friends encouraged me to ap- in an icehouse in my play. As long a Tibetan Youth Conference and in the Asia Pacific. me. I did the prayers and readings ply for the position of writer in as Monkey batters against the had given him a brochure about Taking part in the “Joy Of Be- for the forty-nine days and at the residence at the Pram Factory, a walls they remain hard and im- CHNN. He joined the next re- ing Here” Festival at Merigar in end of that time received clear theatre collective which was in- penetrable. As long as he screams treat and soon became a good 2011 has to rate as one of my best signs that his transition was com- strumental in changing the face and complains and carries on, friend and active member of the festival experiences. It was such plete. While this must count as of Australian theatre. The musi- there is no way out. But when Dzogchen Community, cooking for a great opportunity to collabo- my first real contact with a signif- cal I wrote, called Failing In Love he gives up the struggle and falls Rinpoche every time he visited rate with other DC artists and to icant Tibetan Buddhist teaching, Again, was a big hit, and the pi- down exhausted, he finds the wall Australia and playing and singing experience a creative meeting of and it seemed like a nice idea at ano player and I toured a cabaret is not solid after all and his arm Tibetan songs with him (you can minds within the Sangha. One of the time, it remained simply that; version of it around Australia. It can penetrate it as if it was air. In hear them on the CD, “Gawala – those collaborations came to fruit I was juggling teacher training by was the end of the 70s; the sex- the play, the househusband char- How Happy”). Brian Joyce, now my recently when singer/songwriter day and life as an actor in an un- ual revolution and feminism had acter, enthusiastically explains to ex, agreed to direct the play, with and DC member, Gabriela Arnon derground theatre group by night. left their indelible mark, spiritu- his career woman partner, how Sabina producing. We had a fruit- and I led a workshop, “Singing Up A few months after Paul’s death, ality was becoming popular and while doing the housework, he ful workshop and rehearsal period Story” together in Paris. I gave them both away and went various were visiting Aus- discovered the concept of empti- with a season at the Sydney Op- As for the future, I’m working to live in a banana shed with my tralia. Muktananda, the Reverend ness. “This is not, not, a chair, this era House and other venues from on a travel memoir set in Viet- brother in the tropical north, at a Moon, Ananda Marga, Maharishi is not, not, a table” he goes about 2000-03. nam and Cambodia, which follows place called Mullumbimby, where and Bagwan Shree Rajneesh, all pointing at objects, trying to ex- We soon began work on our the footsteps of the French writ- a decade later Rinpoche was to had big followings, but theatre plain, hoping she will share his next project called “Bardo”; the er Marguerite Duras, publishing give his first Australian teachings. was my temple. We had plenty of excitement. She is not impressed, story of a chodpa who was also a book called “Archipelagogo” – It seems I was quite good at meaningful and mystical moments as the house is still a mess. the caretaker of a burial ground. songs, poems and stories penned turning up at places where Tibet- in darkened spaces experiment- The character was voicing my As he worked, laying the bod- during my travels in Indonesia, an were coming and going. ing with light, atmosphere, sound, own euphoria and relief at final- ies out for sky burial, he would and planning new creative adven- When I traveled to the USA in the ideas and taking our audiences ly finding a way off the dualistic explain the stages and visions of tures for Writer’s Journey. I have mid 70s one of the places I head- and ourselves on magical mystery treadmill of pleasure/pain, happi- the Bardo to the layperson. We a Spirit of Writing retreat that I ed for was Boulder, Colorado, but tours. It required total commit- ness/sadness, good/bad etc. at a presented a work-in-progress at hope to run at Namgyalgar North finding nothing there continued ment and we put our art before all time when I was finally ready to a multicultural festival in Sydney, and South and would be happy on to Mexico. Unbeknownst to else. Not surprisingly when I met hear it. I read more of Trungpa’s however funding cuts meant we to offer it to other gars, lings and me, Chögyam Trungpa had set up my director/performer partner, books, learned how to meditate had to put it on hold. Sadly, we communities. his Vajradhatu Centre in 1973 and Brian Joyce, we wrote a part for (TM style) and began searching for lost our leading man when Tse- I finish writing this in Morocco opened University there our daughter who was then only a spiritual teacher. wang passed away unexpectedly on our writer’s retreat at the Fes in 1974. I even visited one of his eleven weeks old, and later went In 1988 I took myself and my in 2007. Sacred Music Festival. Practicing meditation centres in Vancouver, on tour with 5 shows between us. kids to a retreat Around this time my creative guruyoga in my room before our hoping to learn how to meditate, After the tour we settled down and there met some Dzogchen focus shifted to Indonesia. I began busy day begins, thigles explode but no instructors were around in Newcastle, and with my son Community people who said leading writer’s retreats in Bali from the mosaic walls, the Ti- that day; I sat on a cushion until I Louie on the way, I found Trung- if: you like Sogyal, you’re going and took part in a literary residen- betan knot design graces intricate got bored, then left. But I carried pa’s book again, promising myself to love Namkhai Norbu! I met cy in Jakarta with an arts collec- plaster cornices and light and rays Chögyam Trungpa’s book, “Cut- this time I would actually read it. Rinpoche the following year in Ky- tive called Komunitas Utan Kayu.I of the elements stream through ting Through Spiritual Material- That moment didn’t come for an- enton and the rest is history. wrote a novel set in Bali between the coloured glass windows. Ev- ism”, around with me for several other couple of years, when in the I continued to work in com- the bombs (“Take Me To Paradise”), erything is fine in the state of years, never really reading it, but grip of a personal crisis I pulled munity theatre, writing plays and and collaborated with a number Kuntuzangpo! guarding it as one of my prized his book off the shelf. This time, musicals and working in film. In of Indonesian artists, musicians the timing was right. Trungpa’s 1998 I was approached by Tenz- and writers. I recorded a jazz po- http://jancornallportfolio. etry CD called “Singing Srengenge” blogspot.com/ with poet Sitok Srengenge and pi- >> continued from previous page we sound Hum our dimension is Rinpoche avowed that there anist Imel Rosalin. tion in its familiar way; it does not integrated and obstacles related are many secondary conditions In the years following my first dominate. After physical work we to voice are purified in their own yet we relax, do our best and en- writing retreat in Bali in 2004, I do the corpse pose, nyalwa, to re- condition. joy life. As he carefully opened the founded my company Writer’s lax. In this pose breath is natural Slowly, slowly as we gain ca- gift presented to him by the Com- Journey and added other inter- and the mind is like space. pacity our doubts begin to disap- munity he said, national destinations – Fiji, Cam- With the voice we sound Hum pear as we are in complete con- “You relax in everything you do.” bodia, Laos, Burma, and most re- many times; the mouth is not too fidence and integration with all cently, Morocco. I feel fortunate opened or too closed. We do this phenomenon. If we lack in confi- that my time serving on Dzogchen in a relaxed way. We do the sound- dence in our capacity we use the Community Gakyil has given me ing of Hum until we feel presence mantra Om A Hum both mental- good grounding in all the skills I so that we realize without think- ly and verbally and we use Vajra need to organise my creative ad- ing that everything is emptiness breathing to integrate breath and ventures, giving me a base from and everything is unreal. When vital energy. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Focus on a Garland of Letters

10 A Garland of Letters Scripts and symbols of the Merigar Gonpa

Giorgio Dallorto

To Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, who is different from but identical to the divine architect Vishwakarma. The Unique Golden Syllable more commonly known as the Longsal letter. Photos: L. Granger utwardly it is called the Gonpa, dgon pa, a Tibetan of self-liberation of the six lo- transmission, the Master of the right, there is a stack of protec- essence of all the wisdom dakinis, Oword that means ‘a silent kas in Lentsa script, an ancient whole Dzogchen Community. tive talismans made up of protec- the fourteen syllable mantra of place’ or ‘place where people meet tive seals and diagrams, includ- Simhamukha, written in Sanskrit to practice’. ing symbols such as the phurba, Lentsa script, in vermilion red. Inwardly it is called the Temple parasols, jewels and treasure vas- On the right of the main mantra of Great Liberation Through See- es. These symbolic diagrams of there is a blue letter NA, in Lent- ing’, ‘du khang mthong grol chen the sipaho (srid pa ho) have the sa script, representing the class of . function of harmonising aspects Naga (klu), the gods of the water Ultimately it is known as the Temple of the Great Contempla- tion, ‘du khang ting nge ‘dzin chen mo. The purpose of this article is to make known and to deep- en knowledge of the beauty and wisdom represented by the writ- The east portico, the main entrance. ing and symbols in different cal- ligraphy within and without the Indian decorative writing called Then the letters of the three Gonpa. This wonderful structure Rañjanaˉ. This written form de- lower realms of existence start was designed and created in all its rives from Guptan Braˉhmıˉ script, with a vermilion red SHA repre- finest details – each with its own which evolved in Kashmir in the senting the perfectly pure space precise meaning – from the mind eighth century and was diffused of animals, SA in a white trans - of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. among the Newars during the parent colour like a crystal sym- The uniqueness of the Gonpa eleventh century. According to bolising the perfectly pure space at Merigar lies in its octagonal there are sixty- of the or hungry ghosts, Kalachakra monogram.

linked to the year, the month, the element. The Longsal symbol is day and the hour and liberating on the left. from adverse conditions. On the north-west side we find Turning in a clockwise direc- the Dharani mantra once again, tion around the Gonpa, we come with a dark blue MA, correspond- to the south-east side of the build- ing to the class of Mamo, on the ing where, once again, we find the right. This side is the direction of same Dharani mantra in Lentsa the deity of the wind, Vaˉyu (rlung script that is depicted on the beam lha). The Longsal symbol is on the over the top of the stairway. On the left. right of the mantra there is also On the north side, in the centre The six syllables with Longsal and Gakyil above. the black and white letter RU in of the panel, we find the astrologi- Lentsa script because this cardinal cal diagram of the Wheel of Tem- form, which distinguishes it from four types of traditional ancient and finally MA in brown, corre- point – south-east – represents poral Existence containing the the traditional rectangular form of scripts, among which the Rañjanaˉ sponding to the perfectly pure a class of beings called Ruks¸i or twelve animals in the outer circle, Tibetan meditation halls. From the and the Vartula are supreme. space of hell beings. Each of these Tsen (btsan) that are linked to the the eight parkha in the middle eight petalled lotus flower orna- Rañjanaˉ is still utilized for the in- letters, as well as the symbolic let- fire element and the fire divinity circle and the nine mewa in the menting the centre of the ceiling, scription of Sanskrit texts, partic- ter at the centre, is portrayed in- Agni (me lha). On the left is the centre. On the right there is the eight great beams or rays spread ularly in Nepal and Tibet. side a five-coloured thigle. complete Longsal symbol. monogram, OM Aˉ HUˉM, painted in out delineating the points of the At this point it is important to Below the six letters in shining Continuing around the Temple gold in Lentsa script while on the octagon and representing the four point out that in describing the gold we find the Ushnishavijaya- in the same direction we come to left there are the All-Powerful Ten cardinal and four intermediate scripts and symbols in the Gonpa Dharani mantra, OM PADMOS¸N‚ ˉÏS¸ A the south side where we find the syllables of the Kalachakra mono- points. The glass pinnacle, rising we will consider them from the VIMA LE HUM PHAT (tsug tor Dharani mantra repeated on the gram. above the lotus, represents the view of the observer. Hence, the nampar gyalma) written in San- beam over the entrance, with the Then on the north-east side zenith, while the lotus flower in- six letters of self-liberation start skrit Lentsa characters. This is the blue syllable YA in Lentsa, repre- we find the Dharani mantra with laid in the floor below, indicates on the left of the observer: the mantra that we can place above senting the class of Yama or Shin- the red letter TSA, in Lentsa, cor- the nadir. Altogether they make first letter 'A is white and repre- up the ten directions that indicate sents the perfectly pure space the entire universe in Buddhism. of the divinities. The second let- Our description of the Gon- ter A, turquoise green, symbol- pa, which starts from the broad ises the perfectly pure space of stone stairway in the east, follows the asuras. The third letter HA a precise route and makes an is sapphire blue and corresponds outer khora (circumambulation) to the perfectly pure space of hu- in clockwise direction around the man beings. These three repre- Golden Dharani. outer Mandala, an inner khora sent the higher realms of exis- within the inner Mandala, and tence and are separated from the a doorway in order to receive a je (gshin je), on the right and the responding to the class of the finally enters the centre of the three lower by the symbolic let- blessing and for protection, and complete Longsal symbol on the Tzati and the Jungpo (‘byung po) Mandala, the main inner hall. ter of the luminous clarity of the by walking under it even a single left. on the right and the Longsal syl- universe. This symbol, called the time, we purify the negativity of After this we come to the lable on the left. As we have seen, The outer Mandala ‘unique golden syllable’ and com- the obstacles that have accumu- south-west entrance with the six of the eight sides of the Gonpa Arriving at the Temple we climb monly known as the Longsal let- lated over a thousand eons. Above usual Dharani mantra, the letter have the Dharani mantra because up the ‘Stairway to Liberation’ ter, is similar to a BAM joined on each and every entrance to this SHA, in a dark red colour, symbol- they are main entrances through leading to the main portico fac- the right and left by letters simi- Temple we will see this mantra. ising the class of Raks¸asa (srin po) which people pass. ing east, the direction in which lar to a CA and a reversed CA. It Directly ahead at the main en- or Shaksha, on the right and the With this we conclude the de- Lord Buddha was gazing when he symbolises the absolute condition trance to the Gonpa, we find once Longsal symbol on the left. scription of the calligraphy and reached enlightenment. Adorning and represents the essence of the again the six letters with the cen- On the west side, the mantra symbolic signs on the external the crossbeam at the top of the heart of the dakinis, the Rigdzin tral symbolic letter. On each of the on the main beam is no longer Mandala of the Gonpa and return stairs we can observe the letters of the direct, symbolic and oral supporting pillars to the left and the Dharani but that of the vital >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Focus on a Garland of Letters

11

>> continued from previous page back to the main entrance in the east at the top of the stairway from where we began.

The inner Mandala Since the construction of the Tem- ple in 1991, the building has been enlarged while maintaining its Vermilion red mantra. original octagonal form, and so we find that the same and Mandala correspond respectively side where on the east side of the central axis of the Gonpa, we find nephew of the famous Pan- syllables that were painted on the to those in the same cardinal di- cross beam enclosing the north once again the eight syllables – dita. After the death of the latter, external part of the original struc- rections on the outer Mandala de- vestibule we find the six letters of 'A RU YA SHA NA MA DU TSA – Phagpa took his place at the court ture were repeated on the corre- scribed above, that is, the multi- self-liberation of the six lokas in in Lentsa script, corresponding of the Emperor Khubilai Khan as sponding external sides when the coloured RU in the south-east, the Lentsa script. On the main beam to the eight classes, inside eight his spiritual advisor. The Emper- building was enlarged. blue YA in the south, the red SHA we the Dharani mantra in golden perimetral panels. At the base of or wished to create a new script Passing through the sliding in the south-west, the blue NA in letters is repeated just as on the the pinnacle, there is a multi-co- that could be utilised throughout glass doors of the main entrance the west and the dark blue MA in external corresponding beam, loured eight petalled lotus, four his Empire and ordered Phagpa to in the east, on the beam directly the north-west. with the Longsal symbol on the petals of which point in the car- create one, issuing an edict to this end in 1269. Phagpa set about the task immediately. Since he was Ti- betan, he turned to the script that he knew best and on the basis of the form of the Tibetan letters and the Yuguri script he devised what has been variously known as the ‘square’ script or Phagpa. He changed the form of the Tibetan 24 golden syllables in symbolic script. to a square box-like shape and adjusted the script to in front of us we find the by now When we enter the vestibule in left and the letter TSA in vermilion dinal directions while the other be written from top to bottom and familiar Dharani mantra in golden the north with the stairway that red on the right in Lentsa. On the four point in the intermediate from left to right. Phagpa script letters, with the syllable A, the goes to the lower floor, we find cross beam just before the east directions. Each petal displays a was used officially for a hundred first syllable of the eight classes four panels, one in each direction, entrance we find the six letters syllable in gold in Lentsa script – years during the Yuan dynasty. of the universe representing the decorated in different ways. On of self-liberation repeated once the blue petal in the east depicts The ceiling can be divided into vital essence of the devas, in shin- the cross panel in the north-west, again. the syllable E, the red petal in the three sections: the upper, the ing silver in Lentsa script on the there are three thigles, with the right, and the Longsal symbol in blue HUˉM in the centre, the white gold on the left. We are in the in- OM on the left and the red Aˉ on ner Mandala of the Gonpa, in the the right in Lentsa. Opposite, on east section, and facing left, on the cross panel in the north-east, the cross beam, we can observe within three thigles we find the three symbols, each inside a five- complete Longsal symbol in gold coloured thigle: in the centre the in the centre, the symbol resem- symbol of the Longsal, on the left bling a CA in silvery white on the a symbol resembling the Tibetan left and the reversed CA in red on letter CA or the Latin number 3 the right. in bright silver that represents On the panel in the south, over the essence of all the aspects of the stairs, on the left we see the method, the pawo or male prin - Longsal symbol in bright gold ciple, while on the right the same within a thigle, and in the middle symbol as if in a reflection in ver- of the panel the mantra of the vi- milion red, symbolising the inti- tal essence of millions of wisdom mate aspects of energy, the pamo dakinis written in fourteen syl- or female principle. lables in Sanskrit Lentsa charac- Turning to the right, on the ters in bright vermilion red on a crossbeam there are three thi- blue background. On the right is gles with a larger one in the cen- the letter DU in black which rep- tre containing the letter HUˉM in resents the vital essence of the Sanskrit Lentsa, bright blue like a Rudra or düd demons, support of sapphire, symbolising the vajra of the dominion of the Yaksha, in a the Mind of all victorious Rigdzin thigle. (rig ‘dzin). In the thigle on the left Opposite in the north direc- we see the syllable OM in Sanskrit tion, in the inner part of the pan- Lentsa, bright silvery white in co- el, the mantra of ‘total liberation Phagpa script on the lour, symbolising the vajra of the through seeing’ that the glorious octagonal ceiling of Body of the victorious Rigdzin. In transmitted direct- the Gonpa the thigle on the right is the syl- ly through a vision to the great lable Aˉ , vermilion red in Lentsa terton (treasure finder) Mingyur At this point we have returned west MA, the yellow petal in the middle and the ceilings of the two script, symbolising the vajra of Dorje when he was twelve years to the east cardinal axis where south WAM, and the green petal main vestibules in the north and the Voice of all the victorious Rig- old is depicted in symbolic script we see the Longsal symbol and in the north YA. The colours of east. On a background of three dzin. in twenty-four syllables painted in the six letters of self-liberation these four petals correspond to colours, white, turquoise and red, Continuing in a clockwise di- gold. The mantra is taken from the with a three coloured Gakyil in the directions and colours of the symbolising the three active ele- rection around the inner Mandala supplementary text of the Yoga of blue, yellow and red, painted on four Buddha families while the ments of water, air and fire, the of the Gonpa, looking up at that the Peaceful and Wrathful Mani- the glass window high above the syllables are associated with the mantra of the Song of the Vajra part of the ceiling that was once festations (shitro) of the Namchö entrance. The three colours of the perfection or completion stage of winds around the upper section the roof of the original Temple, we teaching of Mingyur Dorje. Gakyil symbolise the ‘three doors the practice of Ngöndzog Gyalpo. of the ceiling. The mantra, in the see the shining golden letters that Symbolic script can be ex- ‘of body, voice and mind of those The petals in the intermediate version used by the Venerable Ad- resemble the Tibetan CA, the mir- pressed in a variety of languages who are on the path, of the three directions display the syllable 'A in zom Drugpa, starts in the west at ror image of the CA and a letter such as Sanskrit, Tibetan and Da- of body, voice and mind of the south-east, HO in the south- the panel of the twelve Primordial that is similar to the TibetanBAM , kini symbolic language, and con- realised beings as well as those of west, HA in the north-west, and Masters and is written from top to resembling a drop of water, with sists of a symbolic coded form the three dimensions of Dharma- YE in the north-east, which repre- bottom, left to right, in a counter a crescent moon ornament on top which clearly awakens the mind kaya, Sambhogakaya and Nirmana- sent the ultimate principle of the clockwise direction to cover the repeated many times and scat- of the terton who will understand kaya. four Da of the Longde teaching. entire upper section of the ceil- tered on a blue background that it suddenly and spontaneously The ceiling of the entire Gonpa ing. After completing the round is luminous like the sky. while it remains incomprehensi- The Centre of the Mandala is beautifully ornamented in Phag- of the upper section, it continues The mantras, syllables and ble to an ordinary person. Entering the centre of the Man- pa script, also known as Horyig, from the same point in the mid- symbols that we find on the dif- We conclude the circuit of the dala, the main hall of the Temple, which takes its name from Chö- dle section in the west to finish in ferent beams around the inner inner Mandala on the north-east within the pinnacle or zenith, the gyal Phagpa (1235–1280 AD), the >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Focus on a Garland of Letters

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>> continued from previous page of the Buddha accessible in Tibet- horse and the precious general as * the centre of the middle section an, since the pre-existing writ- well as the eight auspicious sym- Song to our Root Master in the north-east. In other words, ten form was difficult to employ bols united in a single symbol. the mantra starts from the figure and its grammar was inadequate. Finally on the right side of the Venerable Chögyal Namkhai of in the panel of Uchen is mainly used for book figure of Samantabhadra on the Norbu the Primordial Masters and ends script for , often west panel of primordial masters, over the figure of Sachen Kunga carved in wood for printing. a careful eye may notice the tiny Nyingpo in the Sakyapa panel. We can note this Uchen el- dedication in the words of Naga-     Where the Song of the Vajra egantly written below each and juna for increasing and wis-    finishes, the Phagpa script contin- every figure depicted in the pan- dom, written in beautiful Khyuyig,                ! "     #  $ %   &   '  () * +  ,  +- . /  01  2  ,    +   3405*6  7 4 89  9  49 :   ; <  =  9    

Dharani mantra from a woodblock in Uchen script. > ?@ -6    ues with the first mantra of the els dedicated to the main mas- a cursive ‘Umed’ or ‘quick writing’ A B   92 C 9  Thos-grol terma of the twenty- ters of the various Indo-Tibetan used for notes, letters and gener- ' 1   :  9C 9B #  five thigles that Chögyal Namkhai traditions. Therefore, under each al use, painted by Dugu Chögyal Norbu received from his root mas- of the masters of the different lin- Rinpoche, the master artist who C ; D 9 ter Changchub Dorje. The other eages and the Guardians connect- painted the panel dedicated to the E * 9   F9G9   twenty-four mantras that liberate ed with them, we find their names twelve primordial masters. through seeing are depicted on in Uchen followed by the classical So to sum up, we can find sev- HI6  JK L #  the remaining part of the middle expression of homage, la namo, eral different scripts in the Gonpa, .   MK    9 section in the main hall and con- which means ‘I pay homage to’. namely Lentsa used principally tinue on the ceilings of the two There are also very large Uchen for the mantras, Uchen, used to N     3 $9> /   vestibules, concluding with the letters on the sides of most of the identify and render homage to the  &  :  9   O9  twenty-fifth mantra and the OM Aˉ eight main columns supporting Masters, and Phagpa square script HUˉM in the outer vestibule of the the roof. Observing the columns over the ceiling for the Song of the  east entrance. from the centre of the Gonpa and Vajra, the Twenty-Five Thigles, P9 6  In the outer vestibule in the starting from the west near the the Six Spaces of ta bhadra   north with the stairway going to throne in a clockwise direction, on and the mantras for reversing the Q  2  940 9  the lower floor, we find the mantra the left side of the first column we condition of the Six Lokas. In addi-  of the Six Spaces of Samanta bhadra can see the famous white A that tion the mantra of ‘total liberation R – 'A A HA SHA SA MA – and the we use in Guruyoga, on the left through seeing’ of Namchos Min- mantras for reversing the condi - side of the second the red BAM, gyur Dorje can be seen in sym- tions of the beings of the Six Lokas on the right side of the third the bolic terma script. 1. To you, my very kind Root Master, union of all masters and – the divinities, the asuras, human blue HUˉM, on the left side of the To bring this article to its con- enlightened ones, wish-fulfilling jewel beings, animals, the pretas and the fourth the red HRÏˉ, on the right clusion, we would like to recall all Emanation of Adzom Drugpa and awareness-holder, sovereign of hell beings. The Phagpa script ends side of the fifth the green TAˉ M, the Masters who have come to this the Dharma with the mantra AOˉ M, the essence and on the left side of the seventh precious Temple to give teaching, I pray with fervent devotion of body, voice and mind. of the seed syllable that is linked the five-coloured syllable AOˉ M. starting from our precious master to the master Ngöndzog Gyalpo, Each of the seed letters is depicted Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and His 2. Crown ornament of the sages of the universe, concluding with the symbolic syl- within a thigle of five colours. Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th You are graced with the beauty of knowledge and realization, lable PHAT, known as the syllable On the same eight support- Dalai Lama, who inaugurated the Crown of the Dzogchen Teaching of instantaneous liberation. At this ing columns, we can find the very Gonpa by giving the first teach- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu point we conclude our description diffused and famous Eight Auspi- ing there, the Sangwai Gyachen May you live for hundreds of eons. of the Phagpa script. cious Symbols: (gSanga-ba rgya-chen) or ‘Great Up to here we have seen many · the Parasol representing power, Secret’ from a collection of the 5th 3. My Root Master, light that liberates the six kinds of beings mantras and syllables in Lentsa, royal status and general protec- Dalai Lama. They were followed One and the same as the glorious Enlightened One the Namchös Mingyur Dorje terma tion from the elements; by many other masters from vari- Adorned with the excellent major and minor signs: in symbolic script, and the Phagpa · the Golden Fishes that symbol- ous lineages of the Tibetan tradi- May all your wishes be spontaneously realized. square script covering the ceil- ise the two sacred rivers, the tion among whom we would like ings. Finally we come to the most Ganges and the Yamuna, as well to remember in particular H.H. 4. My Root Master, Lord of the Teaching important and most used form of as happiness and abundance; and the late H.H. Pe- With love and compassion you have bestowed the Ati, Total Perfection, writing used in the Tibetan world: · the Wish-Fulfilling Vase, symbol nor Rinpoche, heads of the Sakya The essence of the Teaching of the Enlightened One, Uchen or Tibetan capital letters. of long life and prosperity; and schools respectively. On the beings of the Kali Yuga. The Tibetan Uchen script is aes- · the Lotus which stands for pu- May this Temple continue to thetically one of the most pleasing rity especially spiritual; be blessed by the Lotus Feet of 5. With the firm foundation of loyalty, of the Indic scripts. The graphs are · the Conch Shell spiralling to the the Masters and enriched in the In order to protect the culture of our people, without any prejudice, called Uchen, ‘with a head’, refer- right represents the Buddha’s present and in the future by the You have thoroughly researched ring to the horizontal line at the teachings spreading in all direc- practice of innumerable and The history of our ancient civilization. top of many of them. This system tions; of the whole Dzogchen of writing was created at the time · the Endless Knot, a sign of the Community. 6. Kind Root Master, of Tsongtsen Gampo (617–699 AD) interconnectedness of all; Through your all-seeing activities by his minister, Thonmi Sambho- · the Banner of Victory standing English translation and editing That cause a rain of nectar to fall upon us ta, who went to Kashmir to study for victory over obstacles and by Liz Granger May we swiftly be in the state of enlightenment. Sanskrit and Buddhist literature. disharmony; Thonmi learned the Lentsa and · the Wheel which represents the Composed by Topgyal Gontse and Tsering Dolker, at Merigar West 2012 Wartula Gupta scripts from the Buddha’s teaching. Errata and sung in Tenerife in December 2012. For original lyrics in Tibetan master Devavidyasimha and when On the exquisitely carved gold please contact us. [email protected] he returned to his homeland, he painted throne from which the On page 16 of the last issue of The Our heartfelt thanks to Saadet Arslan, Elio Guarisco and Susan devised a Tibetan alphabet con- Master gives teaching, on the Mirror, issue 121, we mistakenly Schwarz for their kind translation into English. If anyone in the Dzogchen sisting of 30 , 4 vowels front panel are depicted the sev- published the Tibetan text of ‘The Community would like to translate the Song in their own native lan- and 6 extra letters for writing the en emblems of royalty: the pre- Song to our Root Master’ by Top- guage then they are most welcome. You can even create music for the translated Buddhist texts. He also cious golden wheel, the precious gyal and Tsering Dolker instead Song in your own style. composed a grammar text based wish-fulfilling jewel, the precious of the ‘Dzamling Gar Song’ as the on Sanskrit grammar in order to queen, the precious minister, the caption indicated. Our apologies With many Tashi Delegs!!!!!!!! make the vast and deep teaching precious elephant, the precious for our poor Tibetan. Topgyal and Tsering Dolker THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Adventure

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before me the vajra walls, beyond Borobudur: the mountains, and all about, the colorful movements of people, Adventures of their voices like music. With quiet a Pilgrim mind, I experienced this vivid dis- play with contentment and joy. (Part III) What I hadn’t realized was that I’d positioned myself right next to Lynn Newdome a stairway and was in the middle of traffic. People stopped at the On a month-long to sight of me, sitting in the same ancient Borobudur in Java, In- posture as the Buddhas. Many donesia, Lynn continues study- took my photo, others tried out ing its thousands of panels of my meditation position, and wom- relief sculpture. Viewing them en handed me their sweet babies one by one, she has reached the to hold on my lap. Third Level Gallery, where seeker On my last day I visited the meets his final teacher, candi for a final pradaksina, am- Samanta bhadra. bling along, not caring what relief For more information: http:// went where, or how it related to www.borobudurpark.co.id/temple/ what. The sculptures were so ex- borobudurTemple. quisite to me that even the stones’ porous texture was beautiful. I Javanese man sweep- source of that dream was now ac- I wasn’t about to wait until the ing shopkeepers, children, artists. reached the Upper Terrace, where ing the third level asked tually happening… next day to get to the top. Paus- During the evenings I feasted on a guard recognized me and cheer- Aabout my book. When I The following day I’d intended ing at the highest East Gateway, music of the gamelan, standing fully called out, “Satu bulan!” showed him the Gandavyuha, he to re-view the third level, but be- I noticed that its latticed pattern right next to it, where I could hear, Walking among the , I felt smiled, and said, “Buddha good.” I fore I knew it, was already in the was the same as ’s palace see and feel the sparkling layers that these Buddhas, whether per- replied, “Mohammed good.” Using Fourth Gallery, having been inex- on the Third Gallery, entry to the of sound. Enchanted by the ele- fectly formed or eroded down to a few words, we communicated: I plicably drawn through its open primordial realm. gant Javanese dance, I was aware pebble, were manifest in this world was Buddhist, he was Muslim, his archways of flames and magical Beaming at the guards, I rose friend was Catholic, and in Indo- creatures. I found myself kneeling to the magnificent Upper Terrace. nesia all religions were at peace. before each panel of innumerable Before me was the grand cen- Of like mind, we spoke: “Buddha, and Buddhas, scenes tral , surrounded by rings Mohammed, Jesus...all teach to of Samantabhadra’s vows.1 Curi- of smaller stupas. As I turned to make us good... All teach peace, ously, I noticed a guard, then sev- pradaksina, vajra bells marked so there is not conflict.” eral guards, always staying within the boundary to the outer world, volcanic peaks came into view, and all above was vast sky. I slowly circled, moving around the border of heaven and earth. The next day I spent hours on the Upper Terrace, circumambu- lating its three raised platforms holding bell-shaped stupas. It was only then, by standing right next to a stupa and looking directly into it, that I could see the seated Buddha within. Not all of the stat- ues remained whole, but by peer- it had been performed this same as anchors of the dharma. I found ing closely into a diamond-shaped way for thousands of years. This a spot to meditate (this time not opening, I could see a Buddha’s truly felt like a wondrous dream, next to a stairway). Knowing that hands in dharmacakra, wheel- and I knew that when I left Indo- I’d soon leave, part of me wanted turning . nesia, it, more clearly than other to firmly imprint the view in my The evening of August 18 dreams, would disappear. mind forever. I gently let it go. marked the end of Ramadan. It I grew to love the Javanese peo- Later that afternoon, I ventured was a clear and beautiful night, ple, warm, generous and eager to for the first time to the western and from all the mountains I share their heritage: my hosts at landscape of Borobudur Park, an heard fireworks and a thousand Manohara, who greeted me daily area I hadn’t been aware of. To my voices raised in praise, prayer and and encouraged my fledgling Ba- surprise, there were great open- joy. For the remainder of my stay, hasa Indonesia; the gamelan mu- air pavilions, perfect for large Borobudur would be alive with sicians who, with patience and group meditation and, farther the sight and sounds of tens of humor, tried to teach me not only along, winding pathways leading thousands of people. Each day their instruments, but also Java- to smaller, more isolated pavilions. I joined a continuous parade of nese, the traditional language of I realized that as much as I’d ex- Indonesians in colorful clothing, their island; Robertus, a Catho- perienced at Borobudur, there was scarves and umbrellas, climbing lic artist, who heard the Islamic yet more to discover. to the top. Children peeked into prayers as Gregorian chant; Agus, On August 29 I returned home, the stupas and reached out their guard at the candi, who pointed feeling vital and enriched. Of hands to try to touch the Bud- out and demonstrated the dhar- course that afterglow couldn’t last dhas. Families posed for macakra mudra photos, of Indonesia’s indefinitely. In fact, on the morn- spreading their arms wide as if to Buddha; and Tami, a arti- ing I returned to work, my Indo- Having a mutual understand- my sight. Were they watching me express, “What a beautiful world!” san’s friend, who explained the Ja- nesian glasses fell off and broke. ing of world peace was easier than because I’d peeked into closed Over the next two weeks, each vanese way to me – that although But in so many ways, Borobudur deciphering the rest of the Third areas of the third level? Or was morning I started at the East Gate we can’t control what happens to continues to be with me. From Gallery. Sections were closed off this just the quietest place for and retraced the path through the us, we can choose how to respond, the open-air pavilions, I recognize for restoration, so I repeatedly had their break? Regardless, we were Galleries before ascending to the and to “smile.” that surrounding walls don’t truly to go back down to the second friendly, and it felt appropriate to top. At first referring to my notes Indonesians had always told me, obstruct limitless space. From the level, then climb up again at an- have guardians accompanying me and books, I’d eventually put them “You can’t meditate at Borobudur,” Islamic calls to prayer, I’ve estab- other gateway. Reaching the cre- here. That day, for the first time, I away. My pradaksinas became meaning, I think, that it wasn’t lished four meditation sessions scendo of my exhaustion, my legs wasn’t tired when I reached the leisurely strolls as I’d gaze to the isolated or quiet. But on my next- which shape my daily life. And became too tired to lift my heavy South Gate. At ease with myself left and right, appreciating the to-last day, I finally felt comfort- from the leap which began as my body. Nearly overcome with weak- and my surroundings, I simply sculptures anew for their beauty able enough to practice medita- unlikely impulse to travel to a far- ness, I grabbed the rail and started observed, not particularly trying and detail. Approaching the top, tion on the Upper Terrace. I found away place, I’ve given wings to my dragging myself up. Suddenly and to understand. the clarity of the upper stupas a relatively quiet spot among the dreams and learned to soar. strangely, I recognized the expe- That afternoon, August 14, increased, the central stupa, the stupas and gradually took off my rience: it was my life’s recurring after two rigorous weeks, I at form of perfection. shoes, crossed my legs, and placed 1 The Bhadracari, or Ten Vows of dream of pulling myself up stairs last finished all 1,460 narrative I spent my afternoons walking my hands in meditation mudra. Samantabhadra. in utter fatigue. Somehow, the and 1,212 decorative reliefs, and among adjacent villages, meet- Next to me were the Buddhas, THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Tsegyalgar East

14 The Golden Longsal Day Interview with Jim Smith about the making of the golden longsal symbol

hy was the Longsal Symbol chosen for the WVajra Hall spire or what does it mean in our lineage? J Smith: In our lineage the Long- sal symbol represents the Termas of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Some Photo: P. Barry years ago, he said that maybe we should place the Longsal symbol at plate. We made three copies of the top of the Vajra Hall. He asked this wooden template – one copy that we have a Longsal made of for the welder to work from, the The golden Longsal Symbol was installed on the Vajra Hall on Khandroling in Buckland Massachusetts on June ? 2013. Photo: P. Barry

Ganapuja on the day of the installation of the longsal symbol on the Vajra Hall at Khandroling. Photo: N. Zeitz iron and gold. That was many years other copy for myself [Jim Smith] and had the idea to go with fiber- ago before we started building. to create the foam dimensional as- glass which is very strong with Can you explain the design chal- pect. The third copy went to make some flexibility that could easiiy lenges of creating an iron and gold the letters or wings of the symbol. encompass these forms. We end- spire of the Longsal symbol and ed up finding a company in Cleve- how you arrived at the present The interior circles represent land, Ohio. Originally, I thought, design? thigles while the two wings indi- we were going to supply them with just a drawing but then I agreed to supply the foam and wooden forms to make moulds from. So we sent all the templates to Cleveland – the three different Photo: P. Barry pieces consisting of metal frame, foam core, and wooden letters. Everyone did an incredible job in people. When it was installed, There were some issues at first with heartfelt dedication – even many people were crying. but in the end everything was re- the welder. Everywhere it’s been Jacqueline Gens for The Mirror solved very nicely – they filet (ed) seen it has initiated something Tsegyalgar East, June 2013 the foam off the plywood and then they sandwiched it to the metal framework and then applied the fiberglass skin over it. They then sanded the surface smooth which was afterwards gold-leafed in 24 Drawing by Jim Smith. carat gold sheets of 4 x 6 inches applied to the fiberglass in a tra- J Smith: Well, years went by af- cate a letter of the dakinis. At that ditional manner and then coated. ter our initial conversations with point we began to see the sym- Finally, the company shipped the Rinpoche and the actual construc- bol in a circular thigle, similar to finished spire back to us. Once tion of the Vajra Hall project. When what is on top of a stupa. Once Rinpoche was in residence at Tse- we began to consider the over all the metal manufacturer received gyalgar East, we found an auspi- design for the spire, the Vajra Hall his wooden template, he made cious date to hoist the Longsal team sent Rinpoche blueprints of the skeleton armature from stain- spire to the top of the Vajra Hall the building with various sizes of less steel with an interior steel with a crane. the Longsal so that he could see designed for high stress to with- the actual scale. We asked him to stand the environmental impact What was your experience like www.jcrows.com choose among the various options over time. Simultaneously, I pro- working on this project? between four to ten feet. He chose duced the foam model of the up- J Smith: I went through a gamut the eight-foot version. I then made per thigle and inner Longsal while of emotions primarily pure joy to J. Crow’s® a wax model to show him. Once John Foster made a wooden mock- have the skills in order to par - Mulling Spice Folk Medicine we came up with a scaled draw- up of the two letters/wings. ticipate. It was sort of like really Tibetan Medicine ing of the Longsal that Rinpoche beautiful to be in the time and had chosen, we then put it on the What was the actual production place to make an offering—with SpicedCider.com computer and made a two dimen- process? the intention to adhere to propor- fax or phone: 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 sional drawing exactly to scale, in J Smith: To produce the final tional consideration and for the [email protected] order to create a plywood tem- piece we investigated fabricators spire to last as long as possible. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Tsegyalgar East and West

An Excerpt from the Introduction to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu One Hundred and Eight Tibetan Songs

was born and grew up in Tibet, where my opportunity to study Tibetan culture was good...... I While I was living on the delightful island of Tenerife in Spain in the year of the female metal hare (Western year 2011), in the mewa year 3928 that marks the beginning on this planet of the history and culture of the Tibetan peo- ple, I was watching videos of Tibetan songs on the internet when by good fortune I heard a pleasing modern Tibetan song called “Melodies of Truth” sung by Sherten, a singer of Dancing in the Gonpa new songs living in eastern Tibet, and another singer, the at Tsegyalgar East. Photo: P. Barry young girl Tsewang Lhamo . Hearing this song, I realized that not only was it pleasing, a great love of and loyalty to their country; … as a result, I selected the words of 108 songs, and wrote but that these new Tibetan melodies also have the special a commitment to the ; them down according to my capacity in an orthography in value of communicating in words the aspirations and the the importance of preserving the major and minor fields standard usage for the Tibetan language. happiness and suffering of the Tibetan people and that this of knowledge, above all the spiritual teaching that is the I express my deep gratitude to all the male and female expression is perfectly connected to the authentic nature of essential wealth of Tibetan people; singers for popularizing many songs that have the great Ati Dzogpa Chenpo, which is endowed with a power beyond the preservation of the environment in which Tibetans live; value of expressing the important concerns listed above. limitation. From that time onward I clearly understood the the preservation of knowledge of ancient and contemporary Regardless of whether one is Tibetan or not, if all those importance of taking a serious interest in the new Tibetan history; and who have a love for Tibetan culture can take an interest in songs and the new dances related to them, and I started to the hope that before long the Tibetan people, each individual these new Tibetan songs, this attitude will certainly be of act accordingly. living inside and outside Tibet, first among them the sa- help to the Tibetan culture; therefore I earnestly request all Having taken this strong interest in current Tibetan mu- cred great holders of the Tibetan teachings, may reunite such people to keep this in mind.  sic, I listened to the songs again and again and clearly rec- based on the firm commitment of unity among all the ognized that most of the male and female Tibetan singers people of the three regions of Tibet. From Dzamling Gar concentrated on several distinct and important points, for Chögyal Namkhai Norbu example:

“nomadic camp”, Baja California Sur style, a big white tent mount- The Base for ed on the beach of one of the best spot of the Sea of Cortez. Perfectly the Gar organized by Hortencia the man- Development ager of Hotel Buenavista, happy to meet again with Rinpoche, to Monica Patiño and Giorgio Minuzzo see him so strong and in good condition, enjoying swimming in fter a long time of count- the natural hot waters of the pool less visits to the land, of the hotel, enjoying the taste of Ameeting with local peo- Mexican food. Five long days of re- ple, professionals, collaborators, treat on “Zhinang Yeshes Dronme Gakyil meetings to understand (Tib. g.zhi-snang ye-shes sgron- the land where it is located Tse- me) The Wisdom light of the gyalgar West in Mexico; after lis- Base”, enriched by a public pre- tening many times to the words sentation from Juan Rovalo of the of Rinpoche, his comments, his feasibility study for the develop- vision and that of Khyentse Yeshe, ment project of the Gar, a very finally with the help of the com- Making plans for Baja land. Photo: H. Mao choreographic presentation of the authorization exam of six new in- structure of the Dzogchen Com- structors from North America and munity, while a Development Costa Rica that received the Fist Committee organized by Carol Level Yantra Yoga Certificate from Fields with expert collaborators the Master, a group visit of more like Juan Robalo and his “TOA’s” than one hundred at the Gar with colleagues will integrate a team Ganapuja led by the Master, and of experts and hopefully of karma evening training on “traditional yoga collaborators in coordination and pop” Tibetan Songs and Danc-

pany TOA (Taller de Operaciones This presentation was made to responsibility to both the Inter- Ambientales, a collective of mul- the Master Chögyal Namkhai Nor- national Dzogchen Community as tidisciplinary people directed to- bu one day before starting the re- well as to the preservation of the ward issues of project design fo- treat in Baja California on the sea environmental legacy. The Master cused on integration with ecology of Cortez. “It was a good move”, expressed his vision of living the and environment), the Dzogchen the Master commented, when he land, to cultivate where is con- Community of Mexico and the saw the impeccable model which ducive, make retreat cabins, the West Coast managed to make a realized the enormity of the land, protection form the hot climate to great presentation of what this the streams, the downspouts, the spend a few hours protected from with the Gakyl of Tsegyalgar West es under the tent on the beach. vast land of the Gar of Tsegyalgar orientation, the glens, the levels the sun to carry out certain prac- and the International Gakyil. There All in all, it was s very auspi- West, which qualities, advantages, of the mountains and hills, etc., tices. will be many small and large proj- cious visit of the Master to help all the environment, even including and also performed a large study The first step will be to review ects, opportunities in which we all of us to understand better the Base the erosion done by the passage of the fauna and flora of this land with the International Gakyil the can participate. for the Development of the Gar. of cows, is. rich with endemic species, dem- legal status of the Gar to adapt An auspicious beginning of a onstrating that we have a great it to the new international legal wonderful retreat, a journey at a THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

International Community News

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Merigar West West Arcidosso 58031 phone: 39 0564 966837 [email protected] Merigar GR Italy fax: 39 0564 968110 www.dzogchen.it

Works in Progress

n recent weeks Merigar West has been full of worksites in our Iattempt to make it more welcom- ing and functional. There are several teams that are working led by Mig- mar, and anyone who wants to come and help is welcome as there is so much to do. As everyone who comes to Meri- gar knows, Merigar was really lacking a large common room where various types of activities could take place or even just a place to meet and socialize. The climate in Merigar means that we Migmar and the team working on the new common room. Photo: L. Granger Painting the Gonpa ceiling. Photo: R. Nani can only stay outdoors a few weeks during the year and for this reason we for practices such as Changchog or Summer at Merigar West workshops between different gakyils We look forward to seeing you at needed a closed space that is warm. ritual purification for the dead. At the This summer at Merigar West we will based on their color in order to go Merigar West! This project is to meet this need. moment the foundations have been have different types of activities, ad- more deeply into some topics and Work is already coming to an end and laid. When there are more donations dressed to different kinds of people share experiences. this summer the new space will be we will be able to move forward to with different needs. During the summer we will ready for use. complete the construction. In September we will have two re- have three Teacher Training courses The three retreat huts are a bit Finally we have started the resto- treats with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. (two on the Vajra Dance and one on shabby – one needs regular mainte- ration of the paintings in the Gonpa. This year our Master will also be Yantra Yoga), several courses/retreats nance work, another needs the roof This year will be a first part during holding retreats at different Merigar to deepen certain practices such as Meeting MW Gakyil and redoing and the third to be complete- which we will begin to restore the West Lings (Berlin, London, Barce- Mandarava, Yantra Yoga Kumar Ku- Lings ly redone. We did some fundraising for ceiling and the large beams of the lona), so for Europeans there will be mari, the practice of the Twenty Five this project and now, thanks to gener- inside of the Gonpa. We will be using great opportunities to be able to re- thigle, and the . This is in the meeting between the Merigar ous donations we have the money to watercolors and natural pigments. The ceive teachings and meet him. hope of meeting the needs of many West Gakyil and the MW Lings get all three huts in working order. ceiling will have more opaque shades On the occasion of the first retreat practitioners to follow explanations A is being organised and will Two will be ready by the end of July, and the current colors will be lightly with the Master in September we will and practice a little more in the sum- be held at the end of the September the third hopefully by the end of the sanded to allow for greater adherence be organizing a meeting between the mer, when it is easier for everyone to retreat with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, summer. of the new paintings. Lings and the Merigar West gakyil. have days off. most probably on Saturday September We have started the construc- These are different types of work In particular, we will have a meeting We are also continuing with our 14 and Sunday September 15. tion of the first cinerarium of the whose goal is to make Merigar with the International Gakyil who “alternative” holidays with a week During the meetings, there will be Dzogchen Community, a small build- friendly and suitable for practicing all will present the new statute and dedicated to Vajra Dance and another several workshops on the main issues ing near the Gonpa, where there will together, for doing individual retreats different protocols that will help to to Yantra Yoga, open to all who want concerning the Dzogchen Community be a place for several hundred urns and even getting together in an infor- realize Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s to have a first experience and also to at the moment which will be in col- with the ashes of practitioners. The mal way. In short, a real meeting place project regarding the International those who want to do days of inten- laboration with all the west European cinerarium will house the ashes of for old and new practitioners. Dzogchen Community. In addition we sive practice and days of holiday with Lings and the International Gakyil. practitioners, and become a reference are also working on a series of small the family. Contact: [email protected]

Dzamling Gar Urbanización Playa Paraiso Avenida Adeje 300, 38678 Adeje, Tenerife phone (+34) 635 21 11 19 Dzamling Gar Parcelas 12 and 13 Spain [email protected]

Update on Developments contribution they have given to the Dzamling Gar New Gakyil his is a very special moment share together not only the challeng- at Dzamling Gar design of the new project, in particu- for all of us, when the great es, but also the capacity for integra- lar Benedetta Tagliabue as designer of We would like to present the Gakyil of Tenthusiasm for manifesting tion in practice, the generous smile of fter our days of cleaning and the project. Dzamling Gar: our beloved Master’s dream for Dzam- our Master, and also His greatness and Karma yoga at the Gar in We have arranged for a survey of Blue: Ana Sánchez blue.gakyil@ ling Gar also has to be tempered by geniality, the comfort of His presence. AFebruary and March we set the current state of the water sup- dzamlinggar.net practical considerations and waiting We are all very fortunate to live to work to prepare the new project to ply and electric grid, contacted local Red: Michele Salvatore red.gakyil@ for all the bureaucratic procedures in such times, and we would like to be submitted to the Public Adminis- businesses and done various cost dzamlinggar.net which need to be fulfilled before the express our commitment in mani- tration for various permissions. At the estimates of the works necessary for Yellow: Sol Cañero yellow.gakyil@ construction continues. festing and consolidating Rinpoche’s end of May, we presented the project the first phase of the work. dzamlinggar.net Meanwhile, we are also looking vision for the Dzogchen Community and on June 20th in the city hall of The first phase will consist of the forward to the program of activities and Dzamling Gar. Adeje, we met with the mayor and finishing of the Geko’s house and for the next season of retreats in In the Dzamling Gar song, our administrators in charge of examin- preparing an area suitably equipped have decided that, through the com- Tenerife. We hope the organization Master has given as a complete teach- ing and approving projects in Playa to put up a large tent, where we will pany Meriling sl, we will also be able to of these events can be an exercise ing. Practicing it, we sing along: Paraiso and they gave approval for the hold our first retreat at the Gar. Our put our members to work in order to in manifesting the essence of the Come to Dzamling Gar! first phase of construction to begin. plans are to have this phase complet- reduce costs as much as possible. Global Gar, in representing the whole We want to enjoy this happiness While we are still waiting for ed before the end of September 2013. So if among our experts in this Dzogchen Community. together! Rinpoche to define the program for The second phase will be making field we have someone who wants So, in this moment, we would like his next visit to Tenerife, we will be a house inhabitable for the Master, to take the time (I suggest at least a to present ourselves and also invite Sending warm regards and many going ahead with preparing the infra- another for catering and one to serve month) to work for us at the Gar, he you to participate with us in all these tashi delegs, structure for the retreat. as a guesthouse. or she should send his/her resume activities. The organization of the The Gakyil We would like to express our Contributions from practitioners, ei- and conditions and we will answer as retreats involves a lot of work and [email protected] gratitude to the Enric Mirallies Foun- ther in terms of money or actual work, soon as possible. Please send them to dedication, and if you can offer your www.DzamlingGar.net dation of Barcelona for the valuable will be very welcome. In this regard, we Giovanni Boni [email protected]. help, it will be most welcome! We will THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

International Community News

17

Merigar East 23 August 907005 phone: 0040 746 26 08 61 East Asociatia Culturala Constanta [email protected] Merigar Comunitatea Dzog-Chen Romania wwww.dzogchen.ro

Preparations for the summer “Guru Yoga, Being Aware and Col- Estonia retreat at Merigar East laborating with Circumstances: Inte- grating Daily Life as a Path” A new Gakyil of Thadrulling, Estonia he Merigar East Gakyil is in the During the retreat we will discuss has been elected and approved by middle of the preparations for diverse circumstances of our life, Rinpoche. Tthe summer retreat with our understand how we can organize our Below you can find our contact beloved Rinpoche! This was the main life being the context of the path, how details: topic of our 4th meeting in the Gar we use concrete practices etc. And Maaja Zelmin – blue gakyil end of March. we will resolve doubts and difficulties [email protected] We still are looking for karma through intensive dialogue. Kristina Rahumeel – blue gakyil yogis and team leaders for the Gonpa This is a perfect opportunity for assistant and Meribar!!! newcomers and all those who want Our newest initiative Fund Rais- to deepen their understanding of the Alar Kukk – red gakyil ing for Merigar East – Virtual Bricks path. [email protected] starts with the retreat on 16th August. Registration via our website soon Katri Ojasoo – red gakyil assistant All participation in the development available! www.dzogchen.ro works of Merigar East is very welcome! Dedicated to the construction of Additionally, 20 % of your donation Elerin Uibu – yellow gakyil Virtual Bricks – these high quality a dormitory, 2 stupas, 2 sang khangs will go to support Merigar East’s par- News in brief [email protected] printed cards have been thought as and the extension of the Gonpa roof ticipation in the Global Gar in Tenerife. Last weekend we participated in the Merike Soome – yellow gakyil assistant an on-going fund raising campaign at Merigar East and for the benefit of Thank you so much for your choice Body Mind Spirit Festival in Constanta. to enable all Merigar East members all sentient beings. to support our Community – together It was the first time that this event and friends to take part in the realiza- Virtual Bricks are offered in the we can make it happen! was organized in this near city. tion of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and value range of 10 euro, 20 euro, 50 euro August 24th–25th, just after the Our Gar is growing more and Khyen tse Yeshe’s vision. and 100 euro cards. retreat with Rinpoche, Merigar East more beautiful: during springtime the invites you all to the retreat with Longsal drop behind the Gonpa was kling infrastructure and a storage Alexander Pubants: completed just as the water sprin- room were built.

Slovakia >>Wangdenling

Stupa in Wangdenling Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. In case he is Summer 2013 Program for not able to come, then it is possible Wangdenling, Slovakia s stated in the Mahaparin- that H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, June 28–30 irvanna ( version): head of the Nyingma school, will SMS base retreat A“And why, Ananda, is a Tatha- come and consecrate both gonpa and with Steven Landsberg gata, an Arahat, a Fully Enlightened stupa in Wangdenling in the autumn July 11–14 One worthy of a stupa? Because, of this year. Regarding the process of Chöd retreat Ananda, at the thought: ‘This is the construction we are in touch mainly with Nina Robinson stupa of that Blessed One, Arahat, with Rinpoche, then Giovanni Boni, Autumn Fully Enlightened One!’ the hearts of Migmar, Artem and Natasha from H.H.Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche many people will be calmed and made Izhevsk, Russia and Merigar East. Shitro empowerment according to happy; and so calmed and with their · stupa main supervisor: Migmar Namcho tradition and other trans- minds established in faith therein, Tsering, Merigar, Italy missions and empowerments. at the breaking up of the body, after · stupa main sponsor: Marek Riesz, Date and time to be announced. death, they will be reborn in a realm Bratislava, Slovakia For people who would kindly be of heavenly happiness. And so also at · project coordinators: Marek Guga willing to support the stupa project the thought: ‘This is the stupa of that and Lukas Chmelik, Slovakia in Wangdenling, you can do so via Pay- Pratyekabuddha!’ or ‘This is the stupa · architectural project: Giovanni Boni, pal on www.wangdenling.sk / please of a disciple of that Tathagata, Arahat, relics placed within them, has the and inspire well-being and joy for the Italy and Merek Guga, Slovakia indicate: offering for stupa or on Wang- Fully Enlightened One!’ or ‘This is the power to restore the earth’s energies whole region in which they are built. · Slovak architect in charge: Marek denling bank account:1018129026 / 1111. stupa of that righteous monarch who and to help balance the elements. In According to the indications of Guga, Slovakia IBAN: SK2511110000001018129026 ruled according to Dharma!’ — the this way, the construction of stupas Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, work on the · Donors of relics: Chögyal Namkhai SWIFT: UNCRSKBX, hearts of many people are calmed helps to prevent natural disasters, Stupa will start on 1st July 2013. Prepa- Norbu, Merigar, Italy. Ven.Dhamma- Account name: Dzogchen, and made happy; and so calmed and wars, famine, and diseases and they rations such as cutting the tree of life dipa (Thomas Peter Gutmann), Czech Adress: Bystrický rad 1, 96000 Zvolen, with their minds established in faith help to balance the natural forces that (sogzhin) were done last year and this Rep., Karma Lhundrup Slovakia therein, at the breaking up of the promote health, prosperity and well year we have started to coordinate Rinpoche, Dharamsala, India, Tibetan Thank you and all the best. May body, after death, they will be reborn being. It is said that developing a posi- the project, collect the necessary sub- association Slovakia / Lubomir On- the merits from your good intentions in a realm of heavenly happiness. And tive attitude and praying for the peace stances, relics, texts, making tsa tsas. drus, Slovakia, Bratislava, etc. and actions help you and all beings, it is because of this, Ananda, that and happiness of all sentient beings in If the circumstances are auspicious, For more info please visit our web- and be the cause of temporary and these four persons are worthy of a the presence of such a sacred object we will manage to build the stupa in site: www.wangdenling.sk ultimate hapiness. Anybody who has stupa.” can help to extend one’s life and to the early autumn of this year. If not, stupa-slovakia.blogspot.com a wish to contribute an authentic relic A stupa promotes peace and pacify sickness. the late autumn or in any case next or you can join our Facebook Group: or a gift or donation or karmayoga harmony by purifying and subduing Visiting and venerating stupas, year. We are going to collaborate with stupa / slovakia / wangdenling work is most welcome. negative forces. In the Buddhist tradi- e.g. by circumambulating them in a other Buddhist groups in prepara- For any ideas, suggestions and tion, it is believed that the construc- clockwise direction, also ripens one’s tory weekend workshops such as the comments please write to the coordi- tion of stupas, with the sacred vases potential to attain enlightenment. preparation of several hundred tsa nators: [email protected] or and other precious materials and They create a peaceful environment tsas. For consecration we have invited [email protected]

Kunsangar North North Moscow region, phone +7(985) 769-18-52 [email protected] Kunsangar Pavlov Posad, Bolshie Dvory +7(916) 213-97-50 http://kunsangar.org

New Gakyil Camp Kitchen

On Saturday July 6, 2013, after the by Elena Fokina sang and serkyem practice with he camp kitchen at Kunsangar North was organized Rinpoche, the new Gakyil of Kunsan- by 5 people, including Irina Nabivacheva, Dmitry gar North was elected. T Bednin and Roman Metlin. The very same team was Blue: Yana Bekshibeava, Ellen Hertz, here last summer. The food is varied, cheap and very tasty. Olga Orlova From time to time people come here for karma yoga to Red: Jury Gatsuk, Romario Grachev, help cooking and stay for the rest of the retreat because Olga Mitiguz the kitchen workers are friendly and it is a pleasure to Yellow: Andrey Mitin, Tatiana Zolotareva, work with them. Christina Maikova The gakyil with Rinpoche. Photo: L. Vasilyeva The Gakyil of Kunsangar South has invited this team to organize a similar kitchen for Rinpoche’s retreat there. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

International Community News

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Buryatia >>Namselling

Namselling Retreat Centre, Buryatia

Dear friends!

o you know that the Interna- tional Dzogchen Community Downs land on Lake Baikal? It is a small area (1200 m²) in Bezi- myanka village, on the east coast of the lake, 180 km from Ulan-Ude. This beautiful place is perfectly situated 200 m from the coast of shallow Non- ame Bight. The bight warms easily in the summer, is closed from northern winds and just 1.5 km from the open Baikal shore, with its sandy dunes We plan to make the Retreat two Dance retreats with Yana Sokolova, in the winter house (oven, floors- For contributions: and pines. Also there is Goryachinsk Centre available for accommodating a Yantra yoga retreat with Zhenya Rud ceilings, doors-windows etc). · QIWI-valet No. 9246526885; resort, famous for its thermal sources 30 people and collective practices in and some various small group and To complete everything, we need · Yandex Money, and healing mud, 13 km from Bezimy- summer and 15 in winter, respectively. personal retreats during the last years. approximately 500,000 RUR (11,650 €) account No. 410011656213926; anka village. The complex includes: There is a lot of work to make the We have this amount partially, and · Account Sberbank Maestro The area was acquired and present- · Gonpa with Mandala (another Man- Ling fully efficient and comfortable it would be nice if our Vajra Kin find No. 67628009 9003490281 ed to Rinpoche in 2001, and received dala might be outside under the sky) for practitioners. The basic tasks are: opportunities to support this project (acc/holder PAVEL GALKOV, expires 03/14) the name Namselling from our Teacher. without heating finishing and revetment, construc- with their contributions. We really Please inform us about any financial Since than we have gradually equipped · residential houses partially ready tion of beds in the summer houses, appreciate any amount you can con- contribution made it with the necessary facilities. You can for living, they require inner finish- provision of the necessary facilities tribute! Contact details and queries see it in the following album. ing, and the winter house is a bare for the bath-house, summer-kitchen Everyone is welcome to participate +7-924-652-6885 https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/ framework under the roof. construction and storage building, in this the realization of this opportu- [email protected] 104628003279287620525/albums/58 · soon there will be a bath-house and heating and insulation in the Gonpa, nity – welcome for practices and rest, 78967583793002945?authkey=CIyx summer kitchen also. boring a water well, with the greater to enjoy the unique purity and fresh- Kundrolling Gakyil, Ulan-Ude and hLm57In4Vw In spite of these severe conditions number of tasks being interior works ness of these places, and be inspired Geke retreat centre Namselling several retreats have been held here – by the magical energy of Baikal.

Russia, Sochi

Welcome to Sochi! thus, miraculously, we had the money We estimated the costs, it was quite We started with clearing the area, work, on warm evenings we went to needed for its purchase. a sum for us and we thought about and we wanted to order the frame the sea to relax and enjoy the sunset. By Ekaterina Nubaryan In a month the mandala was taking a loan. We wrote to Rinpoche itself to be delivered from Mongolia. Now the gonpa construction is nce, on a lovely summer day delivered to Sochi. This brought up about our idea and he answered: “It But then one more miracle happened: coming to an end. We only have to in- a group of practitioners from the question: where are we going to is very good. You try to do things re- a man came up and proposed the stall windows and doors, tread paths, OSochi city went to a training dance? After unsuccessful search- laxed way and then things go better”. construction project and was ready to tidy up the area around and put up a retreat on Vajra Dance with the in- ing for premises we decided to build We decided to begin little by little manage it. We were able to do every- fence. In the future we plan to paint structor Lyudmila Kislichenko. It was a temporary structure on a piece of and act according to the circumstances. thing with our own hands. the gonpa. the first substantial introduction to land belonging to one of the practi- We created a webpage. The more peo- It was a wonderful time when So volunteers still have a great op- dance. By the end of the retreat, we tioners. We discussed a lot of options: ple learned about the project the more we could communicate with each portunity to participate in the realiza- were eager to have a mandala in our what kind of building it should be? At attention we got. People began to get other, share one space where differ- tion of this project. own city. Many of the retreat partici- last we settled upon a yurt, only with involved, some gave financial support, ent people worked together – practi- Our Facebook Group: www.facebook pants expressed a desire to help us, slightly modernized construction. others helped personally and up to this tioners and non-practitioners, people .com/groups/395621830493752 day we have done without a loan. of different social status and age. After

Namgyalgar PO Box 2014 Central Tilba [email protected] South Dzogchen Community NSW 2546 www.dzogchen.org.au Namgyalgar in Australia Phone/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668

“…Westerners have not much Rabgyi: I am not sure but I think so. I English. But it brought more confu- see we didn’t just come for the SMS experience with Dharma, and don’t know anybody who did it before sion, we didn’t really understand what Scholarship Program, but also to get a the SMS scholarship changes me. At that time I was still studying they were talking about, we had really better life. That is different from West- their life…” the Base Level of SMS. I came for the poor English skills at that time. Oth- erners who have already a safe place scholarship program with 2 other erwise people came at the Gar mainly to live and come to do this program Interview with Thubten Rabgyi on the Tibetan Monks. They left the Gar af- to do retreat, not to study SMS. only for spiritual reasons. 27 of May 2013 about SMS Scholarship ter 6 months. I stayed alone then for When we arrived in Australia, we another 6 months. Arnaud: Could you tell me how was were really happy, thinking that it Arnaud: Hello Rabgyi, could you tell integration within the Dzogchen was a Great Country! We stayed quite us when did you start the Santi Maha Arnaud: How was your study while Community at Namgyalgar? a while with Rinpoche and it helped Sangha Scholarship please? there were the 3 of you? Rabgyi: It is a long story. But first you us communicating with the Austra- Rabgyi: Hello Arnaud. Yes, it was in Rabgyi: We mostly studied between need to know how was our situation. lians. But as soon as he left, we faced a April 2003, coming from Nepal, after us, because our English was very lim- We came from Tibet, and it was a hard lot of difficulties due to the language. being invited by Rinpoche. ited. We worked with the Tibetan ver- life there. Even when we exiled to After my 2 friends left, the Geko left sion of The Precious Vase. However, Nepal and India, it was still a very dif- as well, and in the same time the few Arnaud: Were you the first scholar to some people wished to help us with ficult life. Many Tibetans are dreaming practitioners who helped us at the do this program? our English and our study of SMS in of a peaceful place to live in. So you >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

International Community News

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>> continued from previous page hard was to go shopping, transport Rabgyi: The continuation of the SMS Linking Community Internationally You can be part of this program beginning went traveling. I was alone and all these things. Scholarship brings a lot of benefit for and Integrating Knowledge of the AU$ 600 supports a practitioner for then and had a great time studying Generally it was really a good year people. Also, I think that Rinpoche’s Teachings: one month and practicing in this wonderful land. for me. main aim is SMS. So if we can con- The Santi Maha Sangha If 156 people each gave AU$ 50 or At that time people didn’t come very tinue it is better. For that, I think Scholarship Program If 25 people each donate AU$ 312 or often to the Gar for practice. When Arnaud: Was this year a particular what we need the most is money. And If 7 people gave AU$ 1115 the year finished I was concern that starting point for you? then if we continue to develop the he SMS Scholarship began 10 That is one person’s support for a year! I couldn’t stay in Australia and had Rabgyi: Not really. Because I told you SMS scholarship as we are doing here years ago with Chögyal Nam- to go back to Nepal. Happily some Westerners have not much experience at Namgyalgar South, we need more Tkhai Norbu’s guidance and the Bank details practitioners around the Gar like Jean, with Dharma, and the SMS scholar- accommodations. Students need their support of Mark Farrington. Thupten Commonwealth Bank of Australia Johanna, Angela,... supported me fi- ship changes their life. They go in own space in order to practice and Rabgyi was among the first 3 refugee IBAN: 06265210032135 nancially, and Jean sponsored me fully new directions. Usually Westerners study well. I believe that it is more in- scholarship holders. BIC/SWIFT: CTBAAU2S to become Australian citizen. study and then work, do business,... If ternationally that we can support this The SMS Scholarship has sup- BSB/Account: 06 2652/10032135 they start going into a spiritual path, program. Every one on this planet has ported 10 scholars over this time, Recipients Name and Address: Arnaud: What do you think now about then their life changes a lot. For me, benefit because this scholarship ex- including 6 international students. Dzogchen Community of Namgyalgar the year you spent as SMS scholar? Tibetan, since birth a spiritual path is ists, and to develop it well we need Inc Operating Account Rabgyi: There is two different aspects very present. Most people consider a money. “Each individual’s contribu- 131 Wagonga St to this. spiritual path is very important. I was tions are like the many drops Narooma NSW 2546 The first is about practice. It was a monk since I was very young, so my Arnaud: What could you say to inter- that make an ocean” very good. Even though I trained a lot work was to practice, keeping monks ested donors or applicants of the SMS (Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, “The Song Please contact us at: in Tibet for months and years about vows,... SMS Base was in the same scholarship? of the Vajra”, SSE, 2004, p 113) [email protected] Lojong, Rushen, prin- direction, so my life didn’t change Rabgyi: I want to say to people who ciples,... I had to prepare well since much. But what really changed my want to donate something: “Donate to I had to do exam with Rinpoche. life a lot was meeting with Chögyal the scholarship”, rather than construc- commitment. People who want to ap- the applicants are really serious and Because of my training as Monk, Namkhai Norbu. SMS also, but not the tion, building, statue. Especially if some- ply need to think very well. They need dedicated. Not just to accept any ap- it was not really difficult. But you Base particularly. I changed a lot my one is concerned about their spiritual to know very precisely the situation plication in order to bring energy for know, it was not only SMS Base, but way of thinking and behaving since I path. It is really helping someone’s life and commitment of the SMS scholar- the Gar. The applicant should be able the whole way Rinpoche is Teaching met him. on the path, to give the opportunity for ship. Make sure that any decision is to carry on SMS study in a very cor- that I was immersing myself into. And people who have no money nor time to something neither the applicants nor rect and serious way. Is it clear, are my that really was a powerful change in Arnaud: You have been living at Nam- practice. This person can do something the committee running the program answer right or not? my way of seeing and living. What I gyalgar from that time until a year concretely with SMS study. This kind of regret afterwards. I encourage anyone considered complicated Words and ago. So you had the opportunity to see donation is a great gift. Other donations old or young, but they need to be Arnaud: Thank you very much Teaching, Rinpoche made them easier the development of SMS scholarship are not useless, but personally if I have aware of the commitment. Rabgyi, it is perfect ! to understand. during the years and to live with all some money to give, it will be towards Also the people on the committee The second aspect is my life in different scholars. Based on what you the SMS scholarship. that decide which applicant to accept, Australia. It was bit hard, due to lan- saw, do you have any vision how this For people who want to apply, even need to think seriously. Some people guage and culture. Even the 6 months program could continue in the future? if it is a personal decision, I think it donate a lot of their personal income on my own was better, what remained needs to be understood as a serious for that. So you need to make sure

USA, New York City

Introduction of the State of color, form, idea or differentiation () and for this reason it should Ati Series of Longsal because the mind does not dominate; be cultivated. We are always free to The Retreat with Chögyal Namkhai it is not conditioned; it has no cause. be present even though life is busy. Norbu in New York City from Our mind in its true nature is like a As long as we breathe, we have the May 31–June 2, 2013 mirror. The mirror is not disturbed or possibility of ordinary presence. As changed by the myriad of reflections we dedicate ourselves to presence it Our real condition is perfected in all that are produced on its surface. When becomes effortless. Through presence, dimensions – even in New York City we are relaxed in this profound un- we know everything directly through derstanding our minds reflect space. direct recognition, not through the by Margaret Jasinski In the attitude of Samantabhadra filter of the mind; supported by pres- we can make contact with all mani- ence the mind can become more ew York City is very much festations without attachment and relaxed− this is self-liberation. As the reflection of the con- without the experience of rejection Rinpoche has said many times, in Ntinuous energetic flow of or acceptance. In Dzogchen we use the cultivation of presence we always nirmanakaya. This natural excitation Tashi Kaiser requesting the Teachings from Rinpoche. Photo: P. Barry our experience, whatever it is, we use work with circumstances and we do was complemented by the presence everything. Rinpoche emphasized the our best. of our precious teacher, Chögyal The following is a summary of this to gain this capacity. All potentiality importance of this. He said experience Rinpoche spoke of Guruyoga as Namkhai Norbu, as the New York teaching: is related to the senses, the chakras, is the perfect condition to discover our the practice of supreme purification. Dzogchen Community from May 31st Dzogchen is not and idea for the and the subtle energy channels of the real nature. As we discover our real Transmission is the empowerment to June 2nd hosted him. mind to evaluate; it is the essence of body. We develop the ‘third eye’ and nature we work with circumstance; that creates the potentiality to be in Through the course of the week- an ancient teaching that is neither ‘third ear’ etc. as we coordinate body, circumstance is the teacher. As we contact with our primordial condition end, Paola Zamperini made a presen- scientific nor intellectual. Rinpoche’s speech and mind. Noticing how the work with circumstance, we also pay or true nature. There are many prac- tation on the Shang Shung Institute teacher, Changchub Dorje taught that senses function helps us to gain in- respect to the dimension of others. tices, yet Rinpoche encouraged the and ASIA. In addition, an explanation in Dzogchen we are not analyzing sight into our primordial state which Rinpoche emphasized the ‘Song of practice of Guruyoga. He also spoke of Ganapuja was given by Dr. Jim which is an activity of the mind; fur- is beyond the usual dualistic and ana- the Vajra’ as a very important method of Night Practice. In the movement Valby and an introduction to Yantra thermore, in the cycle of life we are lytic functioning of the mind. because this song supports the dis- of natural light, presence continues; Yoga with Fabio Andrico. On Saturday very much involved in accepting and Our real condition is perfected in covery of our true nature. Through and so as we sleep we have the po- there was a Ganapuja followed by rejecting; this behavior is like two legs all dimensions. There is nothing to the ‘Song of the Vajra’ we integrate tential to discover our true nature the Dzogchen Community Auction. moving left and right. If we are not accept or reject. body, speech and mind as each syl- because in the sleep state we are not Members of The Tibetan Institute fol- aware of what we are doing, if we are Our real condition is like sunshine lable of the song resonates our inner conditioned by the mind. Through lowed this up with a performance for not aware of our condition, then we which eliminates all dark. It is like and outer mandala. These syllables the practice of we have Performing Arts and following that, a are rotely moving like soldiers trained the lotus flower that emerges pure resonate through space and time. a further opportunity. The senses are demonstration by some Community to march. and clear. It is like the depth of the The ‘Song of the Vajra’ is a method for not aggregated with the sense organs members of one or two of our Tibetan Through Dzogchen we discover ocean. Like the uninterrupted flow of receiving wisdom. The benefit of hav- while we are asleep and so clarity Dances. It seems the Tibetan perform- our inner condition. On the path of the river. Like the unmovable nature ing wisdom is that wisdom increases is magnified through working with ers really enjoyed that! discovery we use our senses. Our of the mountain and like a wave in clarity. With increased clarity we can dreams. In the day we integrate the On the first evening after Rinpoche senses are equipped for dualism; we continuous motion. We understand more easily enter into a state of con- awareness learned through dream arrived in NYC, the Community par- have two nostrils, two ears, two eyes these metaphors. A furtherance to templation in which we integrate our yoga. Rinpoche indicated that dreams ticipated in Tibetan singing and danc- and the ordinary experiences of our these metaphors is the profound un- state with all sentient beings. and day time living are not so differ- ing at Kundrolling, and on the last day, senses is duality; this dualistic man- derstanding that in the real condition Throughout his teachings, Rin- ent; we learn this as we practice and Sunday, as the venue was being bro- ner of perception blocks potential- everything is perfected in all dimen- poche stressed the importance of gain capacity. ken down, Rinpoche joined us again ity because it functions through the sions. While all phenomena are differ- presence in any moment. As we learn Rinpoche mentioned that people for some Tibetan singing and dancing. mind which continually validates it- ent, in the self perfected state natural presence, we develop our capacity. often wonder how the future will be. Rinpoche’s teaching was entitled, self through various forms of analyti- differences do not create disturbance Presence is for all thoughts and activi- To this he replied: ‘Introduction of the State of Ati Series cal thinking. When we go beyond the because in this state we are comfort- ties; it helps us not to be distracted. See how we are in this moment. of Longsal.’ limits of the mind we enter the di- able with all manifestations. In pure Rinpoche stated that ordinary pres- Everything is possible. We notice our mension of clarity; we use our senses dimension, , there is no ence is very close to instant presence condition. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

International Community News

20

Mexico »Pelzomling, Wandusling

Rinpoche Visits Mexico City six members and a Gakyil of six. So – with 600 tickets already sold – and and Tepoztlán how did they manage to attract so also fire on the mountains around April 24–28, 2013 many participants and organize such Tepoztlán that lasted more than two successful events? Preparations for weeks due to lack of rain. But a small, elzomling (Mexico City) and the retreat began many months ago. very dedicated and fearless group of Wandusling (Tepoztlán) wel- Many Mexicans have a great inter- people turned these seemingly nega- Pcomed Chögyal Namkhai Norbu est in spiritual paths but few know tive circumstances into opportunities. to Mexico City on April 24th. The next about our Master. So the Gakyils of Their attitude was: OK! So we have day the Master visited Casa Drolma, a Mexico City and Tepoztlàn did their to change the venue—that means beautiful colonial house in the center best to spread information – not more information has to go out, more of Mexico City, which Pelzomling only through all the usual Internet work – Ah! But also more people will shares with a yoga school. After tour- channels but also by placing posters know about it. OK. There is fire on ing the house, Rinpoche led a Guru two and half meters high by three the mountains so we’ll do Sang and Yoga practice in the Gonpa. Then wide in strategic points, pamphlets Serkyem. There is a possibility that he asked us where we do the Vajra everywhere, posters on bicycles and the local authorities will not allow Dance. In spite of the steep iron stairs information by word-of-mouth to ev- the retreat to take place as planned in he wanted to climb to the roof where The three-day retreat of teaching videos and Rinpoche’s transcriptions eryone they met – not only about the La Isla Hotel. OK. So we’ll make direct he immediately encouraged us to per- and practice was held there in the of modern Tibetan songs performed events in Mexico City and Tepoztlán contact with the town council and form some modern Tibetan dances. Hotel La Isla. On Saturday Rinpoche by young Tibetan artists, we sang but especially about Tsegyalgar West offer help for the fire fighters to ac- Later that evening, Rinpoche gave gave us two sessions. His teachings and danced. The whole group joyfully in Baja California and the retreat to quire some more adequate equipment. a public lecture entitled Dzogchen, were on Longsal Atii Nadzer, The Main participated, amongst laughter and be held near there in May. They also They did it and it made for a better the Real Condition of the Individual, Points for Discovering Rigpa, a terma nervousness, as this was a new expe- invited some instructors to try to relationship and collaboration with to almost a thousand persons in a revealed to Rinpoche through his rience for most. inform people and promote interest the local people. And, of course, just venue in the bustling city. Many of dreams and so, belonging to his Long- After the retreat a local group per- in the teaching and in the Gar. They before Rinpoche’s arrival in Mexico the people who attended the lecture sal series. There were also Vajra Dance formed a traditional Mexican shaman- employed professional help for things City there was a great downpour of were so impressed that they regis- and Yantra Yoga demonstrations. ic Fire Ceremony. We all participated, they were not able to do and also rain, cleaning the highly polluted air, tered for the upcoming weekend re- Almost four hundred persons at- honoring the four directions and the received generous donations from and before his arrival in Tepoztlán the treat at Tepoztlán and many were also tended the retreat. Most of them were elements and mostly having fun. members of the Community. As well rain also finally extinguished the last interested in going to the May retreat new and there were also many young We are all looking forward to the as providing the possibility to buy of the fires. near the local Gar, Tsegyalgar West in people. They were very enthusiastic next Mexican retreat in the Hotel tickets for the public talk on-line, a Thanks to the efforts and generos- Baja California. The selling of dharma about the Teaching, the Yantra, the Buena Vista, in Baja California, May group of people personally sold tickets ity of these few people and above all publications was also a success; we Dance and everything. About fifty 8th–12th when Rinpoche will teach and registered participants. Obviously, to the magnetic presence of Chögyal sold almost all of them…so interest more people attended the Ganapuja on The Wisdom Light of the Base – all this was achieved with the col- Namkhai Norbu, the large tent over had been aroused! on Saturday evening. Zhinang Yeshes Dronme (Wylie. laboration of all willing members of the tennis courts of the hotel was The following day we travelled to Then, naturally, we had Tibetan g.zhi-snang ye-shes sgron-me) and the Dzogchen Community. Financially packed with hundreds of people, Tepoztlán, in the State of Morelos. It songs and dances! Rinpoche told us of also will be visiting Tsegyalgar West’s they had to be quite daring—in fact who enjoyed this rare opportunity to is a village surrounded by amazing his reasons for encouraging us to use uniquely vast and splendid land. beyond hope and fear. receive these supreme teachings and mountains with a small pyramid on this peaceful means to spread aware- As usual, at the beginning there direct transmission from our truly the highest peak, which Mexicans ness of the plight of young Tibetans Beyond Hope and Fear were difficulties and obstacles to be qualified Master. consider to be a magical power place. who want to save their valuable The Dzogchen Community in Mexico overcome, including a last minute culture. Afterwards, accompanied by is relatively young and small: thirty- change of venue for the public talk The Dzogchen Community of Mexico

USA, Los Angeles

Retreat with Chögyal The Pino Namkhai Norbu in Los Angeles I am like a Pino he says May 17–19 2013 Suggesting we too should be anchored, solid, majestic n 2005, after a retreat with Chö- Drawing strength up from gyal Namkhai Norbu in Topanga, deep roots intertwined in the Ithe Los Angeles Community start- soil and rocks of the earth ed to awaken from its sleepiness to to the sharp needles, green and bright form a Dzogchen Community. It was with vitality difficult. Los Angeles is an endless We too should be evergreen series of mini-towns strung together no matter the dark of winter across enormous distances. Finding or the bright sun of summer one place that is central to everyone The snow and heat ornaments is daunting. Yet, last year, the group to our true nature came together, and a Gakyil formed. Connecting the earth to the sky The retreat in Pasadena in 2012 proved that an urban setting could work and Michael Hass propel our momentum tremendously. Los Angeles Retreat, May 2013 From that point we found a venue in Glendale, central enough, and con- ducted regular meetings. In May 2103, Singing Tibetan Songs with Rinpoche in Los Angeles. Photo: N. Des New Los Angeles Gakyil the retreat at the Glendale Civic Cen- ter was an astounding breakthrough. on Saturday, that’s exactly what hap- gorgeous musical kinesthetic moment just as could never have been planned Blue: Michael Hass, Art Flynn, There were around 200 people at- pened. Not an Armenian wedding, but was exhilarating. There was Rinpoche, or expected. Ahhh, so THAT’s why we Daniel Jordan tending the teachings with Chögyal a huge dance and music jamboree. leading the songs, and the dance floor ended up on the Armenian wedding Namkhai Norbu on Adzom Drugpa’s Spontaneously, a projector was set up is filled to overflowing with all sizes, dance floor in Glendale! Perfect! Red: Beth Stiller, Sanford Bardwell Advice for Dzogchen Practitioners. The to display the lyrics, and videos were shapes, ages and stages of dancing Dewey Ambrosino venue was set in a dance floor usu- played with new music from Tibet twirling strutting whirling beauties, ally employed for Armenian weddings, and dancing led by Matt and Svetlana. taken up the moment, awakened fully Yellow: Gregg Johnson – Treasurer and, following the afternoon session The smiling laughing happiness and in presence of movement and sound Suzi Fung, Darryll Kahn

Main Office: PO Box 479, Conway, MA 01341, USA * Tel: 413 369 4208 * Fax: 413 369 44 73 * [email protected] * * European Office: The Mirror, Istituto Shang Shung, Merigar 1, GR 58031 Arcidosso, Italy * Tel: 39 32 98 86 52 92 * Skype: lizmirror * [email protected] * * Editorial Staff: Naomi Zeitz, Tsegyalgar, Conway, MA, USA * Liz Granger, Istituto Shang Shung, Arcidosso, Italy * * Literary Editor: John Shane * * Advisors: Adriano Clemente, Jim Valby * * International Blue Gakyil Advisor: Fabio Andrico, International Publications Committee * * English Language Advisor: Liz Granger * * DC Brand Design: Paolo Fassoli * Design & Layout: Thomas Eifler * * Printer: Turley Publications, Palmer, MA, USA * * Distribution: Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA, USA * * Subscription Rate/6 Issues: 25 printed, 15 online. Available at melong.com * * Visa and Master card welcome * * Online Mirror: www.melong.com * * All material © 2012 by The Mirror * * Reprint by permission only * * We reserve the right to edit all submissions. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

International Community News

21

USA, Colorado >>Tara Mandala “Dam Trog” Relationship Created between Dzogchen Community and Tara Mandala

Debra Travis

delighted group of 200 ors for the directions of the mandala residents, volunteers and they represent. The stain glass win- Aparticipants were elated to dows each have a white letter AH in welcome Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to the center surrounded by traditional Tara Mandala, May 23–26, 2013. He Tibetan decorations. arrived with , his Rinpoche gave an introduction to old student who founded Tara Man- Dzogchen teachings and to the specif- dala, a 700-acre center in Southwest ic practice of Dug Kar Gyalmo (gdugs Colorado in 1993. The last time he was dkar rgyal mo) a thousand armed, there in 1999 there were no build- thousand headed manifestation of the ings, only a stupa dedicated to Nyagla Great Mother Dharmakaya, Yum Chen- Pema Duddul, which he consecrated mo who removes obstacles and offers on September 9, 1999. Now there is a protection. Rinpoche had chosen this beautiful three-story mandala temple, practice from Khandro Gongdu Nying a residential building that comfortably Tig le (mkha' 'groi dgongs 'dus snying houses 40 retreatants, 8 other resi- gi thig le) the terma cycle of Nyagla Photo: D. Zegunis dences, 7 retreat cabins and a large Pema Duddul. community building which houses Rinpoche explained that he re- Khyentse Wangpo had told her to give clear blue sky and no wind. The leaves of laughter singing and dancing until the kitchen, dining room, store and ceived this transmission from his the young Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on the trees had just come out, and it was time for dinner. The evening offices, as well as greenhouses and teacher, Ayu Khandro, when she the teachings of the Khandro Sangwa the newly installed temple gardens ended with a mutual benefit auction. a children's temple. Rinpoche arrived was 113 and he was 14, and she had Kundu, his Gongter of Vajra . were blooming. Rinpoche and Lama The next morning, Rinpoche con- from New Mexico where he had ac- received it from her teacher Nyagla The Khandro Sangwa Kundu was a Tsultrim walked down to the place in cluded the explanation of the Dug Kar- climatized for a few days with the Pema Duddul. The hundred-year span Yangter from the dakini Jomo Memo front of the temple where the cere- mo practice and gave the transmission Dzogchen Community there and then between them made no difference in (for details of the life stories of Ayu mony was to be held, holding hands as for the practice. At the end Rinpoche drove up to Tara Mandala, stopping for terms of transmission. He received Khandro and Jomo Memo see ‘Women they did everywhere they went over was given body, speech, mind, accom- lunch at Lama Gyurme's new Tibetan many important teachings from her. of Wisdom’ by Tsultrim Allione). the time he was at Tara Mandala. Dur- plishments, and enlightened activity cultural center in Santa Fe. It was a At first, Ayu Khandro refused Beginning the next day, which was ing the fragrant juniper smoke offer- offerings by the Tara Mandala Sangha. glorious spring day as he approached to teach him even the teachings on Dakini Day, Ayu Khandro gave him the ing of the Riwo Sang Chod ceremony, As he left Tara Mandala, the road was Tara Mandala and he was welcomed Vajra Yogini he had originally re- Khandro Sangwa Kundu empowerment the purifying smoke went straight lined with students waving katas and by two billowing clouds of 'sang' fra- quested along with his mother and and gave many other important teach- to the temple and, for the entire cer- singing joyfully. During his visit he grant juniper smoke at the gate and sister Sonam Pundzom. However in ings for two months. Then she gave emony, circled and swirled around the suggested hat Tara Mandala become a another 'sang' offering at the temple, the early morning the day after they the Kha Khyab Rangdröl teachings three-story mandala never going in “Dam Trog” of the Dzogchen Commu- and fluttering katas held by rows of had arrived as they were preparing from Nyagla Pema Duddul from which any other direction. nity, meaning a Fellowship, an excited students. breakfast at their campsite below her the Dug Karmo that was just taught at After the ceremony, Rinpoche was associated organization that operates On the first day, he toured the retreat hut, Ayu Khandro's attendant Tara Mandala comes. She also gave her given a tour of the community building, independently but shares many prac- temple and had lunch at Lama Tsul- came and requested Rinpoche to Simhamukha Gongter and ended with and then after breakfast, the teachings tices and transmissions with teachers trim's house. That evening, the retreat return to see her. This time, many a White Tara long life practice. began again in the main temple. He from both communities teaching in began in the Nirmankaya level of the more butter lamps were lit in her The following morning at Tara taught on the Dugkarmo practice for each other’s centers. Lama Tsultrim three-story temple, which is a large hut, and she explain that during the Mandala was the day of the full moon half the morning and then, after a was happy to accept this suggestion, round space edged with red lacquer night she had an auspicious dream in of Saga Dawa, the most sacred day break, explained and performed the so now the two organizations are columns ornamented with carved which her teacher, Jamyang Khyentse of the year in the consecration of the temple ceremony. bound by the relationship of “Dam and painted corbels and life sized Wangpo (1820–92), the reincarnation accompanied by an eclipse, which In the afternoon, everyone gath- Trog” and we look forward to future statues of the 21 Taras. The three- of Vimilamitra, as well as an extraor- made it even more auspicious. The ered again in the temple, and Rinpoche exchanges and development of this story temple is built in the form of dinary practitioner, scholar and one of day dawned as the full moon set over introduced his project of collecting, special relationship. a mandala with four doors and stain the founders of the Rime movement, Peak, a small mountain in the singing and dancing to modern Ti- glass windows in the appropriate col- came to her. In her dream, Jamyang center of the land, with a completely betan songs. The temple became full

Tashigar North/ Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar Tel: 0058 0295 2580332 Norte Finca Tashigar Valle de Pedro González [email protected] Tashigar Isla de Margarita www.tashigarnorte.org

Tashigar Norte Update Dorji Kar, depending on those who maculture dry WC in the camping area. the Santi Maha Sangha base practices. Norte is buzzing with activities. We come. We try to meet the needs of Our Tashipark kids project is on sum- Please contact us if you are interested hope to see other practitioners from ere at Tashigar Norte it is a people who are not so familiar with mer vacation and we will start again in in participating – in exchange for all around the Dzogchen Community very quiet time, not many the entire Dance Tun. Every Wednes- September when the schools start. Karma Yoga we offer room and board joining us here. Tashigar Norte is a Hpeople around and perfect day, after the Dance, Rolando Carrasco Meanwhile there are the usual to a maximum of 5/6 people. perfect place to deepen your prac- for relaxing and practice. The weather gives explanations and leads the Chod. maintenance works and we are cur- We are in full mango season and tice and avoid cold winters or overly is very mild and the sun, wind and a On Saturday at 6.00 am up on the top rently repairing the roof of the “com- as soon as the kitchen re-opens after crowded summers. And last but not little rain maintain the temperature of the hill, we practice the 25 Spaces edor” (refectory). the roof works, we will make mango least the exchange rate from Boliva- around 27 Celsius, 80 Fahrenheit. of Samanthabadra, and then at 8.00 We are organizing a Course of Six chutney and mango pulp to sell during res to Dollars and Euros is very good, We have decided to apply all the we do Sang and Serkyem with Marina Spaces of Samantabhadra with our our Ecoferias. We are also making the so it's also very cheap! practices that are recommended in Kashkurowa, and after the Ganapujas resident Vajra Dance teacher, Bodhi lavatory area of the dormitory more our little precious Tibetan calendar. there are Tibetan dances and songs. Krause, at the end of July. The blue comfortable, as well as the little kitchen. All is fine Everyday there is a Dance Tun at On Sunday morning we do Karma gakyil is developing a program to of- So even in the summer time with Kuntuzangpo 6.30, or we practice the 12 A, Kalong Yoga – our next goal is to finish the per- fer 72 days of studying and practicing no more than 15 people, Tashigar Tashigar Norte Gakyil

Tashigar South Tanti 5155 Phone & Fax: 0054 - 3541 - 498 356 Sur Comunidad Dzogchen Tashigar Pcia. de Córdoba [email protected] Tashigar Calle pública S/N Argentina www.tashigarsur.com

New Gakyil and Gekö Community trying to organize strate- Blue Gakyil: Marisa Alonso, Martin Red Gakyil: Yellow Gakyil: gies to enhance our participation. Deagostino, Eduardo Rodriguez Ricky Sued, Emanuel Lopez, Noe Riner, Luisa Duri, ashigar South recently held the We commit ourselves to work to- Collaborators: Adolfo Portillo, Manuel Mendelievich Miguel Ángel Tramontin Annual Assembly to renew the gether taking each one a piece of the Graciela Gonzalez, Beatriz Rossi, Collaborators: Camilo Acosta, Collaborators: Adriana Battisti, TGakyil and Gekö. We had three responsibility and finally came out a Ana Garcia, Paula de Raedemaker, Stella Maris Rodriguez, Marta Trillo, Solana Alonso meetings where we talked about the Gakyil of nine people and twenty col- Cristian Cabral, Sergio Oliva, Graciela del Vechio, Milton Garro, maintenance and development to laborators conformed this way: Ruben Garcia, Nelida Saporiti, Griselda Galmez, Claudia Harkan, Gekö: Delia Dos Santos short and long term of the Gar and the Paula Lucientes. Carolina Mingolla.

THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

International Community News

22 Courses

Merigar West France >>Dejamling

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How noto TheDejamStress. employee Ling?Where in is has3 it? days? How no Theanswers.Dejamthe luggage employee Ling? Stress will in rises. comes has3 days? The noto womananswers.TheDejamthe luggage employee Ling? ofStress thewill in rises.company, comes has3 days? The noto womananswers.Dejam Ling? ofStress the in rises. company, 3 days? The womanpointinganswers.The employee of atStress Oliver the rises. company, has(always The no smilingpointingwomananswers.The employee of atStress and Oliver the quiet),rises. company, has(always The no is smilingpointinganswers. atStress and Oliver quiet),rises. (always The is Yantra Yoga and its The three dimensions of body, smilingsaying:pointingwoman ofat and «Calm Oliver the quiet), company, (always down is dearsaying:smilingpointingwoman ladies, ofat and «Calm Oliver the look quiet), company, (always at down this is dearsaying:pointing ladies, at «Calm Oliver look (always at down this relationship to voice and mind that characterize dearmansaying:smiling ladies,next and «Calm to look you: quiet), at hedown this is verymandearsaying:smiling ladies,next calm and «Calm to and look you: quiet), silent…at hedown this is Tibetan Medicine human nature, have their correspon- verymansaying: next calm «Calm to and you: silent… hedown is verypleasemandear ladies,next calm do like to and look you: him silent…at he andthis is with Elio Guarisco June 14–16 dence in the , respectively everythingpleaseverymandear ladies,next calm do like to will andlook you: him be silent…at he fine». andthis is everythingpleaseman next do like to will you: him be he fine». and is in the tsa (channels), (winds) and everythingOliverpleasevery calm is do a like willvery and him be relaxed silent… fine». and manOlivereverythingpleasevery andcalm is do a like very willvery and him be patient:relaxed silent… fine». and by Gino Vitiello manOliverplease and is do a like very very him patient:relaxed and tigle (humours) on which our mental manyesOlivereverything his and issuitcase a very willvery has be patient:relaxed fine».been back!yeseverything his butsuitcase a will few has be hours fine».been he feeling of wellbeing that and physical condition and also the yesmanOliver his and issuitcase a very very has patient:relaxed been beforeback!yesmanOliver his andhis butissuitcase areturn verya very few has flight! patient:relaxed hours been beforeback!man andhis but return verya few flight! patient: hours Yantra Yoga produces is a com- experiences of the practice depend. beforeback!yes his his butsuitcase return a few has flight! hours been beforeback!yes his his butsuitcase return a few has flight! hours been mon experience for anyone who It is clearly important to have a more beforeback! his but return a few flight! hours T First lessOn before his return flight! has practiced it. In Vairocana’s text, precise knowledge of this dimension afterFirst Guru lessOn Yoga, lesson 1 afterFirst Guru lessOn Yoga, lesson 1 enriched by a commentary by Chög- and therefore we hope we will have afterThereFirst Guru is lessOn a Yoga, first lesson breath, 1 someThere is breathings a first breath, and more opportunities to deepen the top- ThereafterFirst Guru is lessOn a Yoga, first lesson breath, 1 yal Namkhai Norbu, one of the main asomeThereafter F lastirst Guru is breathings breath! lessOn a Yoga, first lesson we breath, and call 1 asomeafter last Guru breathings breath! Yoga, lesson we and call 1 aspects is the very precise explanation ics that were covered. athatsomeThere last life! is breathingsbreath! Bettera first we is breath, your and call breathing,thatasomeThere last life! is breathings breath! Bettera relaxed first we is breath, your and call of the benefits of all the Yantras, al- The course was attended by about breathing,thatsome life! breathings Better relaxed is your and breathing,deep,thata last life! etc., breath! Better relaxed better we is your andyou call though it is not possible to understand forty people, and in the afternoon, seedeep,breathing,thata last the life! etc., breath! life Better relaxed better «en we is rose your andyou call» seedeep,that the life! etc., life Better better «en is rose your you» (frenchseedeep,breathing, the etc., rainbow life relaxed better «en color!). rose andyou» how these effects take place without carrying on from the theory, there If(frenchseedeep,breathing, someone the etc., rainbow life relaxed better says: «en color!). «It rose andyou is» If(frenchdeep, someone etc., rainbow bettersays: color!). «It you is knowing the basics of Tibetan medi- were two sessions of Yantra: one with Ifraining...»,(frenchsee someone the rainbow life you says: «en color!). say «It rose is» : -raining...»,If(frenchsee Good! someone the rainbow / life «The you says: «en color!). sun say «Itrose is» : cine and tantric physiology. Laura Evangelisti for experienced -raining...»,(french Good! rainbow / «The you color!). sun say is : -shining»raining...»,If Good! someone / - «The Ok!you says: /sun say «It «The is : The course taught by Elio Guarisco practitioners and one for beginners stormshining»-raining...»,If Good! someone is /yelling!» - «The Ok!you says: /sun say - «It «The She is : stormshining»raining...», is yelling!» - Ok!you / say - «The She : stormisshining»- Good! crying! is /yelling!» - / «The Ok! «What /sun - a «TheShe lot is at Merigar June 14 to 16 was intended with Tiziana Gottardi. ofisstormshining»- Good! crying! snow!» is /yelling!»- /- «The Ok! «What Perfect. /sun - a «The She lot is / ofisshining» crying! snow!» - /- Ok! «What Perfect. / a «The lot / precisely to give participants the ele- Anyone interested in the subject of«Anisstorm crying! snow!» elephant is yelling!» /- «WhatPerfect. is sitting - aShe lot / in«Anofisstorm crying! the snow!» elephant isgarden...» yelling!» /- «What Perfect. is - sitting -Nice! aShe lot / ments to understand the function of can download the recording of the in«Anis crying! the elephant garden...» / «What is - sitting Nice! a lot inSome«Anof the snow!» elephant garden...» breathings - Perfect. is - sitting Nice! and / youSomein«Anof thesnow!» elephant become garden...» breathings - Perfect. isa - sitting Nice! « andbon / different Yantras and the tsalung that course at a cost of € 15 on request youSome«An elephant become breathings is a sitting « andbon youvivantSomein the become », garden...» breathings having a a - Nice! good«bon and the Master has transmitted to us. from the Shang Shung Institute. vivantcharacter,youSomein the become», garden...» breathings having seeing a a - Nice! good « andbon all vivantcharacter,Some », breathings having seeing a good and all character,thingsyouvivant become», as having perfection, seeing a a good« bonlike all athingsyouvivantcharacter, Dzogchenpa. become», as having perfection, seeing a a good« bonlike all athingsvivant Dzogchenpa.», as having perfection, a good like athingscharacter, Dzogchenpa. as perfection, seeing like all France >>Dejamling athingscharacter, Dzogchenpa. as perfection, seeing like all athings Dzogchenpa. as perfection, like hOw tO train FOr a Dzogchenpa. rythmichOw tO breathing train FOr ;-) rythmichOw tO breathing train FOr ;-) rythmichOw tO breathing train FOr ;-) StartrythmichOw tO slowly breathing train FO slowlyr ;-) toStartrythmic h trainOw tOslowly breathing yourselftrain FO slowly r and ;-) toStartrythmic train slowly breathing yourself slowly and toespeciallyStart train slowly when yourself you slowly and are ;-) young!especiallytoStart train ifslowly you when yourself were you slowly born and are young!especiallyStart if slowly you when were you slowly born are young!underespeciallyto train the if yousign when yourself were of youGemini born and are itunderyoung!especiallyto will train be the if easier yousign when yourself were offor youGemini you born and are .... itunderespecially will be the easier sign when offor youGemini you are .... it(Likeunderyoung! will be forthe if easier Oliver)yousign were offor Gemini choose you born .... preferably(Likeitunderyoung! will be forthe if easier Oliver)yousign the were of for Gemini day choose you born of.... preferably(Likeunder forthe Oliver)sign the of Gemini day choose of preferablyyour(Likeit will be forweekly easier Oliver) the bath for day choose you and of.... proposeyourpreferably(Likeit will be forweekly easier to Oliver) yourthe bath for day choosedouble you and of.... proposeyour(Like forweekly to Oliver) your bath choosedouble and proposeayourpreferably bet: weeklywhich to yourthe one bath day doubleof andyou of willaproposeyourpreferably bet: hold weeklywhich to yourthe his one bath day breathdoubleof andyou of willayour bet: hold weeklywhich his one bath breathof andyou willtheapropose bet: longest? hold which to your his one Dive breathdoubleof you in thewillapropose bet: tub, longest? hold which to taking your his one Dive doublebreathof turns, you in thea bet: tub, longest? which taking one Dive of turns, you in theandwill tub, longest?«DON’T hold taking his BREATHE Dive breath turns, in ANYMORE».andthewill tub, longest?«DON’T hold taking his BREATHE Dive Repeat breath turns, in ANYMORE».andthe longest?«DON’T BREATHE Dive Repeat in ANYMORE».theand process tub, «DON’T taking as BREATHE often Repeat turns, as possible.theANYMORE».and process tub, «DON’T This taking as BREATHE is often a Repeat turns, great as possible.theand process «DON’T This as BREATHE is often a great as possible.workouttheANYMORE». process and This as it is will often a Repeat great give as youworkoutpossible.theANYMORE». process a good and This capacity as it is will often a Repeat great give for as youworkoutthe process a good and capacity as it will often give for as Santi Maha Sangha 2nd Level Training with Jim Valby at Dejam Ling France April 20–27, 2013. youretentionworkoutpossible. a good and This and capacity it is rhythmic will a great give for breathing!!!retentionyouworkoutpossible. a good and This and capacity it is rhythmic will a great give for In the beautiful house of Dejam Ling in the Cevennes, a group of 10 practitioners coming from breathing!!!retentionworkout and and it rhythmic will give breathing!!!retentionyou a good and capacity rhythmic for various parts of Europe – Germany, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and France – breathing!!!retentionyou a good and capacity rhythmic for f ollowed the training of the 2nd level with Jim Valby. With humour, warmth and precision Jim breathing!!!retention and rhythmic breathing!!! may 20 2013 guided us through the practices and explanations of the text. We also laughed, ate well and may 20 2013 enjoyed the landscape! Jocelyne Carasso may 20 2013 Hereay we are! 3 days after. Herem we 20are! 2013 3 days after. Heremay we 20are! 2013 3 days after. DejamlingHeremay we 20are! is 2013 3the days Ling after. of “Please don’t realize rainbow dissolve and fixed ideas could vanish Dejamling is the Ling of DejamlingBeatitude...Here we are! is A3the days paradise Ling after. of thatBeatitude...DejamlingHere we you are! stillis A3the days paradise have Ling after. toof body today!” away. thatBeatitude... you still A paradise have to thatgain!Beatitude...Dejamling you but if stillis A youthe paradise have Ling breath toof SMS Second level retreat with Jim When I ask myself: What fantasy of wellgain!thatBeatitude...Dejamling it you but is in if stillis A youthe paradise have Lingmiddle breath toof wellgain!Beatitude... it but is in if A youthe paradise middle breath Valby in Dejam Ling in France in mine has collapsed? To give one ex- wellofgain!that nowhere it you but is inif still youthe ! If have middle breath not to it isofwellgain!that at nowhere it youjust but is in overif still youthe ! anIf have middle breath not hour to it May 2013 ample: I always felt somehow sad and isofgain! at nowhere just but over if you ! anIf breath not hour it isdriveofwell at nowhere it just from is in over the the ! anIf big middle not hour city it ofdriveiswell at nowhere Montpellier... it just from is in over the the ! anIf big middle notOnce hour city it confused or even hurt when friends ofdrive nowhere Montpellier... from the ! If big not Once city it by Birgit Gewehr ofyoudriveis at Montpellier... have just from over past the an thebig Once hour city few of mine were in no way interested in villagesyouofdriveis at Montpellier... have just from and over past hamlets, the an thebig Once hour city fewthe villagesyoudrive have from and past hamlets, the thebig city fewthe im Valby is a fantastic teacher, the teachings. When I do dedication villagesstonesyouof Montpellier... have ofand the past hamlets, Cevennes the Once fewthe arestonesvillagesyouof supportingMontpellier... have ofand the past hamlets, Cevennes only the Once fewthebig arestonesyou supporting have of the past Cevennes only the fewbig he went right into the essence, now, I try to understand in this very arelowstonesvillages supporting walls, ofand the along hamlets, Cevennes only slopes the big coveredlowarestonesvillages supporting walls, ofand with the along hamlets, chestnuts, Cevennes only slopes the big he never forgot the essence, he moment that all beings are already coveredlowstones walls, of with the along chestnuts, Cevennes slopes J coveredwhereloware supporting walls, sheep with along or chestnuts, onlydonkeys slopes big knocked us down with the essence, enlightened. This is dedication, it is arewherecoveredlow sleeping. supporting walls, sheep with along At or chestnuts, the onlydonkeys slopes top big of arewherelow sleeping. walls, sheep along Ator the donkeys slopes top of and he does this like a theatre player, a state of mind. And this is so great! areawherecovered stone sleeping. sheep track, with At or chestnuts,the the donkeys house top of isaarewherecovered stone based sleeping. sheep track, with in At or the chestnuts,the the donkeys hollowhouse top of isawhere stone based sheep track, in or the the donkeys hollowhouse so that we also had a lot of fun and It liberates me. Thank you Jim! Thank isofaare stone basedan sleeping. isolated track, in At the the the peaceful hollowhouse top of valley...ofisaare stone basedan sleeping. isolated track, in At the the the peaceful hollowhouse top of understood even complicated things you Rinpoche! valley...ofa stone an isolated track, the peaceful house valley...ofisYes basedan it isolated is in Dejamling! the peaceful hollow as in a dream. He was very strict: he And as real Buddhists are a para- valley...ofisYes basedan it isolated is in Dejamling! the peaceful hollow ofYes an it isolated is Dejamling! peaceful allowed no one to forget that he or she dox: part of the theatre play was also valley...Yes it is Dejamling! the end FOr the mOment! valley...Yes it is Dejamling! already has a rainbow body and that if that Jim asked Stoffelina before every the end FOr the mOment! Yes it is Dejamling! the end FOr the mOment! we don’t see this we have an obstacle. practice session not to realise rainbow the end FOr the mOment! the end FOr the mOment! Any pride of being on the second body today, because we would miss the end FOr the mOment! level vanished. We were thrown back her. And she stayed with us! Thank to the base, we were beginners! And you Stoffelina! Also for organising this by Catherine Duez as a beginner you have a fresh mind, retreat and practising the Vajra Dance don’t you? So heavy conditions could of Space with us. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

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Italy

Dance of the Six Spaces in Palermo

by Annemarie Clos icily is an island where people and civilizations from many Sdifferent origins have landed – the Phoenicians, the Greeks, Romans, Spanish, French, English. Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, it has become the destination of many travelers attracted by the beauty of its territory and the richness of its historical and artistic heritage. One of our Vajra sisters from Rome readiness with which the young And so now we will be doing the Yoga Festival in Merano The next day in the afternoon in came to stay in Palermo in 2012 for students from the Academy, wishing Dance of the Six Spaces in Sicily, too! the main square in Merano, under a her work as a teacher of contempo- to understand the meaning of the Let us hope that there will be n 4 and 5 May 2013, some luminous sky and sun, 6 Pamo and rary art history. This year, at the end dance through direct experience on more and more happy circumstances practitioners from Kunsalling 6 Pawo gave a demonstration of the of her course on Art and Spirituality the mandala, managed to memorize such as: O(Brescia) and Gyamtsholing Dance of the 6 Spaces of Samantab- in the 1900s, between East and West, the complete cycle of steps in such a The presence of our Precious Master (Venice) met at the Yoga festival in hadra which was attended by a large she thought of adding a workshop of short time. Not only did their learning The commitment and dedication of Merano, Alto Adige, to present yan- group of passers-by and participants dance on the mandala on June 8 and 9. take place with the utmost care and his chosen instructors tra yoga and the Dance of the Vajra. of the Yoga Festival. Immediately after, Since there was no mandala avail- great participation but it also ended The work done by the representatives We were also there to represent the 5 “yantrists” did a short demonstration able in Sicily she asked the commu- with a first approach to meditation. of the Gakyil Dzogchen Community at an event of yantra yoga on the mandala. After nity of Naples for theirs and brought If all this took place with amazing The wish to participate and col- that is very popular in Italy with “in- this Paola Pillon and Migi Capelli gave it to Palermo from Naples. In this way naturalness, we owe it to the prepa- laborate on the part of practitioners siders” of meditation/yoga. an introductory lesson of about an Christiane Rhein, a dance instructor ratory work done by Gabriella at the will give more and more sentient The first day there was an open hour on the Dance of the 6 Spaces from the Community, also came from Academy and the teaching of dance beings the possibility to come into class of yantra yoga for about an hour, with many people who, after see- Rome, and was able to teach the Dance by Christiane. contact with the teaching, in any part during which about 40 people attend- ing the demonstration, immediately of the Six Spaces to five practitioners It was obvious that all this should of the planet. ed a lesson in which Marco Baseggio wanted to try dancing on the man- from Palermo and 13 Fine Arts stu- happen at that time, in that place, in All of us in Palermo and the sur- and Carla Castellani together briefly dala. Then Carla and Marco gave a dents who were also eager to partici- the presence of those people, in cor- rounding area thank – with body, introduced the fundamental prin- yantra yoga lesson following on from pate in the course. respondence to the manifestation of voice and mind – those who have al- ciples of yantra yoga including the that of the previous day (second, third The Academy kindly let us set out the mandala, symbol of our very exis- lowed us to benefit from this precious origin and the transmission of this and fourth yantra of the first group). the mandala on the floor of the Cobalt tence, when all the circumstances are teaching. practice. After that, the two instruc- At the same time, on both days, Blue Room, at its headquarters at the in harmony with each other. May we all, in turn, collaborate to tors had the participants experience both in the morning and the after- Cantieri Culturali della Zisa. (website help it to disseminate. the 9 breathings that purify stagnant noon, some brave and disciplined www.cantieridellazisa) air, some lungsang and the first yan- practitioners manned a stand at the Palermo is not a city where things tra of the first group. There was not headquarters of the Yoga Festival with happen easily! However, in a short Italy, Turin much time for the explanations, but books, DVDs and other materials from time Gabriella succeeded in getting the quality of listening and responses the Dzogchen Community. the Municipality to give us a public of those who followed this short les- Overall, the experience was interest- space where we Sicilian practitioners son seemed very high. Having a lesson ing and enjoyable. It remains to be seen together with the students who had with two instructors seemed to be a how these seeds brought to events followed the course could meet twice very positive experience. such as the Yoga Festival will bear fruit! a month up to September, the time when we would have to give the mandala back to the Neapolitan com- Italy, Venice munity. But not only that, the Palermo students immediately asked if they could paint the mandala together with us! I remember how long it took me to learn this dance, years ago, and I am still amazed to think about the Santi Maha Sangha Base course held in Turin, Italy May 4–5, 2013 with Fabio Risolo.

UK

the mornings and afternoons covered the first three series. We practiced the pranayamas of the first three series Intermediate Yantra Yoga course, open to all, held in Venice 2012–13 with Marco Baseggio. This with John always in attendance, cor- is the sixth consecutive year that the Yantra Yoga course has taken place with the participa- recting our breathing and reminding tion of 10–15 participants. us that the main aim of the practice is the contemplative state. Italy, Venice After lunch we had time to walk the beautiful hills and relax in the warm spring sunshine on a couple of days and brave the winds and driving rain on others. Then, whilst digesting the marvellous food cooked by our chef Darek, John gave us a short class Yantra Yoga Course and activity, our particular breathing on the qualities of constitutional types with John Renshaw patterns and capacities, and distin- and how we could benefit from apply- guished various physical, energetic ing this knowledge in our lives. In the by Wayne Hunt and psychological characteristics to evenings some of us practiced with 5 day course of Yantra Yoga, produce an overall view of our domi- selected music where we realized including pranayama, with nant constitutional type. This helped an awareness of breath connected to Aa constitutional and medical us to know better our necessities and spontaneous movement. Second part of the Dance of the Song of the Vajra course (second weekend) with Rita Renzi in approach to practice was held at Kun- limitations so that we follow a teach- A wonderful time where old Venice 18–19 May 2013. selling, Wales. We completed ques- ing by collaborating with ourselves friends met again and new friends A wonderful weekend with Rita for a beginner's course that also turned out to be a lesson to tionnaires before the course in order and recognizing our circumstances. were made in the Place of Total Lumi- deepen our "approach" to the dance itself thanks to the participation of numerous practitio- to identify our constitutional types We practiced meditation with nosity. As is often the case, the time ners who had already done at least one course of this dance. Rita’s advice to us on breaking the habit of following – and copying – the more expert dancers on the Mandala was memorable. according to the three humors of movement linked to breathing and at Kunselling was felt to be too short This is in order to enter into a dimension of awareness of our own limits and doubts, overcome Tibetan medicine. We understood our the eight movements in the morning and so we eagerly anticipate a follow them and strengthen our own certainties, however fragile they may be. (by Sabina Ragaini) heart rate in various situations of rest before breakfast. The yoga sessions in up. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

International Community News

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UK

Vajra Dance part 1 on the nessed only by a handful of sheep to practicing and integrating it deeper Welsh Riviera munching on the grass nearby. into my life. By Ingrid Daniela Cozma The week was infused with beau- (There will be a weeks retreat of tiful moments, from the meals pre- all the Vajra Dances at Kunselling from e had a beautiful and pared with care by Rowan Wylie, to 17th–24th August. All who know at inspiring week at Kun- encountering wild horses on evening least one of the Dances are welcome! Wselling, learning the first walks across the hills, and admiring Contact Jane Weston weston402@ part of the Vajra Dance with Cindy a few glorious sunsets. Kunselling btinternet.com) Faulkner. There was not a drop of felt very much like home, complete rain for the duration of the week, so with an enticing library and fireplace. we danced in the glorious sunshine, As for the dance, it was a profound cooled by the Welsh breeze and wit- experience and I am looking forward

Czech Republic Kunsangar South

Dance of with Eleonora Folegnani May 25–26, 2013 Dobrˇichovice. “The Short and the Medium Thun of Longsal Thugthig of Jnanadakini” from the June 18 to June 23, 2013 with Enzo Terzano at Kunsangar South.

Ukraine, Kharkov >>Karmaling Russia

Events that took Place in Russian-Speaking DC in the last 2 Months

Krasnodar region, April 23–25: Kumbhaka and the 7th Lodjong with Evgeny Rud St Petersburg, April 26–28: VD Six Spaces of Samanta- bhadra with Tatyana Gerasimova Omsk, April 26–May 12: Mandarava practice with Sasha Pubants Moscow, April 27: presentation of Vajra Dance and Kumbhaka course in Kharkov by Roman Denisenko Tibetan Dances at “Hymalaya Heritage” exhibition From May 23 to 26 there was a kumbhaka course with the second level instructor Zhenya Odessa (Ukraine), April 27–May 1: Kumbhaka and the 7th Rud, held at the Kharkov Dzogchen Community (Ukraine) with 24 participants. The goal of the Lodjong with Evgeny Rud Vajra Dance of the Three Vajras with Yana Sokolova in Arkhangelsk, course was to obtain a real experience of kumbhaka and apply it with the training of the mind May 24–26, 2013. beyond thoughts (7th Lojong) and with Humkara's secret breathing method (3rd Moscow, April 29th: participation in World Dance group pranayama). Many thanks to Zhenya for the experience obtained during this course. The O l y m p i a d with Tibetan Dances explanations were very deep and detailed. The exercises were effective and easy to apply. We St Petersburg, May 2–5: VD Song of Vajra (1st part) are very glad that this course took place and hope for that it will continue! with Yana Sokolova Kunsangar South, May 8–12: VD Song of Vajra (1st part) Russia, Krasnodarsk with Tatyana Pronicheva St Petersburg, May 8–15: SMS Base with Alexander Gomonov Ulan-Ude (Buryatia), May 9–12: Kumbhaka and the 7th Lodjong with Evgeny Rud Irkutsk, May 13–16: Kumbhaka practice with Evgeny Rud Riga (Latvia), May 17–22: Full breathing open course and kumbhaka retreat with Evgeny Rud Santi Maha Sangha base course with Alexander Gomonov - Izhevsk Izhevsk, May 17–22 – SMS Base with Alexander Gomonov May 17–22, 2013. Donetsk (Ukraine), May 18–22: VD 12 A (study), Six Spaces and Three Vajra (correction) with Tatyana Pronicheva Moscow, May 18–19: presentation of Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga at the festival “Healthy Moscow” Dubna, May 18–19: VD Six Spaces of Samantabhadra with Yana Sokolova Volgograd, May 23–29: Mandarava practice with Sasha Pubants Moscow, May 23–29: SMS 1st level with Alexander Gomonov Yantra Yoga in the influence, discover experience of Kharkov (Ukraine), May 23–26 – Kumbhaka practice Krasnodarsky region khumbhaka”. (Natalya) with Evgeny Rud “We felt that Evgeny really inte- Moscow, May 24–25: participation in celebrating of Buddha by Natalya Makarova grated practice with life. Furthermore, Shakyamuni’s birthday (presentation of Vajra Dance and Dancing in the courtyard of the Nicholas Roerich Museum in Moscow pril 23–25 an intensive Yantra because Evgeny is an even-tempered Tibetan Dances, lecture about Three ways of liberation) on May 25 on the celebration of Buddha Shakyamuni's birthday. There is a stupa there. Roerich and his wife Elena were very known philoso- Yoga training “Khumbhaka and light-hearted person it is easy to Arkhangelsk, May 24–26: VD Three Vajra with Yana Sokolova phers and Nicholas was also a famous painter. AClarification and its practice be with him, to follow him, to practice Ekaterinburg May 31–June 6: SMS Base in 7th longong” was conducted In together…. I would like to say “Thank with Alexander Gomonov Krasny Guy village, Krasnodarsky you” from all my heart. (Oksana) Kunsangar North June 1–2: Yantra Yoga with Mira Mironova region. It was led by second level “I eliminated all my doubts about Kunsangar North June 13–16: SMS Base with Grisha Mokhin instructor Evgeny Rud. Participants khumbhaka and learned that no ten- Vladivostok, June 15–16: VD Six Spaces of Samantabhadra came from Krasnodarsky region, sion, no effort, no torture should be with Elena Stalnichenko Pyatigorsk, Sochi and Maykop. It was applied”. (Sergey) Kunsangar South June 18–23: Longsal Tugtig Jñanadakini really great! Below some participants “I understood how all Yantra Yoga with Enzo Terzano shared their impressions: is arranged, how to apply this method St Petersburg, June 19–23: SMS Base with Grisha Mokhin “Zhenya is a very inspiring instruc- in everyday life in order to integrate tor. He casts a spell by his relaxed body, speech and mind”. (Tatyana) presence and those who follow his After this training many of people saw a rainbow around the sun. Hooray! Oleg Tanakov guiding a yantra yoga group. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

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Russia, Moscow

Tibetan Dances in Moscow World Dance Olympiad. On May 10th E a Lha Gyal Lo Our teachers, Tsering and Topgyal, our level of skill and to learn more we danced at a concert in the ‘Tibet Most elegant circle dance (Nas kor) could not get Russian visas but in dances. Now the art of Tibetan dances by Elena Fokina and Andrey Vasilev Himalaya’ restaurant. On May 24th The Dance of Nagchu Gorbro spite of this they taught us by means is new for the Russian public so it ecently we had some very nice and 25th we danced at the celebration You can see videos of the perfor- of video and skype. They were very is very important to show authentic experiences of Tibetan dances. of Buddha Sakyamuni’s birthday. mances at: kind and helpful. Adriana helped too. dances. We would like to become ROn April 29th the Dzogchen The dances were as follows: http://youtu.be/8zNSNXXPNo0 We would like to continue this more professional when we perform Community participated in the 10th Arog Khampa http://youtu.be/QULNpgezlMU practice with them and to increase in public.

Russia, Omsk >>Tashiling

Retreats at Tashiling, Omsk Two weeks after Vajra Dance introduced Yantra Yoga to newcomers training we had another interesting and deepened experienced practitio- by Andrey Plotnikov event – Sasha Gomonov came to our ners’ knowledge of pranayama. We are he Omsk Dzogchen Community city to lead a two week Santi Maha always glad to see Victor in our city! has existed for several years. In Sangha course. It was Sasha’s fifth The last event happened in May – a Tspring 2012 we got our gonpa visit to Omsk in the last 3 years. retreat of Mandarava Dakini Long Life and on August 12 Chögyal Namkhai Mainly due to the course, our under- Practice with chudlen and tsalung, led Norbu gave the name of “Tashiling” standing of the Teaching increased by Alexander Pubants. We conducted to our community – in Tibetan “The and our community developed. We this practice retreat in Okunevo Village place of all good”. It gave us much joy appreciated Sasha for it and we feel in Omskaya region. The ancient power- and inspiration. After that we orga- real respect and love towards him. ful, mystical and beautiful place is well- nized 4 retreats: Vajra Dance, Santi city. It was the end of September and Six Spaces of Samantabhadra and the In January 2013 completely un- known in Siberia. This 12-day retreat Maha Sangha, Yantra Yoga and Man- the nice, warm golden autumn put us Dance of the Three Vajras. We appre- expectedly, just by the way, Victor gave us precious experience. We would darava practice with tsalung. in a great mood! In a warm-hearted ciated Anechka for her attentive and Krachkovsky visited our city. He con- like to thank Sasha for his patient ex- It was the first time that Vajra atmosphere we learned 2 dances patient attitude to us. ducted a short but intensive Yantra planations of practice and help in under- Dance retreat was conducted in our with instructor Anna Neyman: the Yoga retreat. For one week Victor standing Dzogchen and Anu Yoga vision.

Russia, St. Petersburg Russia, Volgograd

Mandarava Retreat in Volgograd May 23–29 a small community from the cities of Volgograd and Vojskiy guided by SMS instructor Alexander Pubans participated with great pleasure in a study and practice retreat of Long Life of the Immortal Jnana Dakini Mandarava. On weekdays practice was held in the evening and at the weekend from morning to evening. After studying theory we did several tuns of this practice to consolidate it. In addition to a detailed study of the mantras, visualization, and, most importantly, the meaning of this practice, Alexander also covered many other aspects of the Dharma in particular meditation, point of view, behavior, etc. Of course, during such a retreat, communication with instructor, an experienced practitioner, is priceless in terms of Santi Maha Sangha Base with Grisha Mokhin, St Petersburg, June 19-23, 2013. development as a whole ling and for its individual members.

China >>Samtenling

May 17–18, Draljor course with Elio Guarisco, Samtenling, Yichun China. May 19–21, Chöd course with Elio Guarisco, Samtenling, Yichun China. May 23–27, Mandarava Tsalung course with Elio Guarisco, Samtenling, Yichun China.

Japan, Tokyo Taiwan, Taipei >>Gephelling Australia, Sydney

Vajra Dance of 6 Spaces for beginners with Kyu Reiko in Tokyo, Japan, May 2013. On June 15 2013, we had Sang & Serkyem practice and monthly meeting together at Gephelling. Song of Vajra Dance Course Part 1 May 22–26, 2013. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

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New Zealand, Auckland Namgyalgar North

methods (the mechanics of practice). The difference is inside. In meditation, the first thing you meet is your mind. Tigle is your presence, integration and tigle are one – it is you, you are it. Practise sleep to practice death.” In the afternoon breaks, sitting on the grassy knoll site of the planned gonpa, with orange and black spotty winged butterflies fearlessly fluttering by, and green bog-eyed flies dropping in for a quick chat, some of us even dreamed that in the future when the Retreat on the Mandarava Tsalung, Auckland New Zealand May 3–5, 2013. gonpa is built, how all the students ‘Beauty of the Advice’ the subtle energy winds and channels should face the eastern sunrise and Namgyalgar North Elio Guarisco’s teaching at within. The teaching comes directly how Rinpoche’s throne should be ca- Namgyalgar North from the Teachings of Longsal which pable of pivoting … so that, when the our teacher, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, spectacular dusks and dawns arise by Robyn Catchlove received in four terma dreams begin- we would all bathe in the primordial n the middle of the grassy carpet ning in 1959, a terma that covers the elemental display. of an extinct volcano, encircled elements, constitutions, breathing, One early afternoon Maree Ploetz Iby ancient remnant shards called tummo, the shape, colour and nature and Tony Laurent ‘walked-the-talk’ by the Glass House Mountains, a group of prana, chakras, dream yoga, birth touring us round the proposed bui ld- of around 50 keen Down Under stu- to death and beyond. ing sites which include a superb gon- dents gathered…’twas the Water Snake Seeing the invisible wind rustling pa, a large community kitchen, dorms Mewa year of 3930 (2013) in the Earth through the leaves in the trees, and and seven independent retreat units. Horse month of May, and we were the sun-splash dappled white light This not only raised our awareness gathered at Namgyalgar North in the come through the window into the to the possibilities and opportunities Great Southern Land’s northern state teachings, you could have heard a pin being considered and offered, but of Queensland. drop as we did a merry dance upon also bought to light the hard selfless SMS Level 2 Retreat with Elio Gaurisco at Namgyalgar North April 27–30, 2013. Our fortune and excitement was the subtle winds of our crazy minds. work already in play to develop this because Elio Guarisco had kindly Following the two morning sessions important key of Rinpoche’s visionary SMS Level 2 Retreat worked together well for a smooth come to give us instruction on ‘The of continual practice, Elio with dis- far-sightedness. with Elio Guarisco retreat and gathered every evening in Yogic Exercise related to Clarity tinct clarity used the afternoon ses- As with all things good, much the luxury kitchen at the Gar, singing and Emptiness’ (otherwise know as sion to expand, explain and refine our too quickly the profound experience by Arnaud Coquillard songs, playing pagchen, telling stories Saltong). Elio, who by being literally knowledge after which followed an was over, and so although we were t was such a delightful gathering etc., with a deep feeling of friendship steeped in all things Tibetan for the evening Guru Puja. wishing it wasn’t so, we were all hug- for Elio’s SMS Level 2 course. From and fun. past 35 years, has become a revered The most succinctly these teach- ging goodbyes … From those there, Iall over the east of Australia, eight As I had just came back to Austra- international translator, highly re- ings can be portrayed is to borrow the distinct impression was that the of us came together to share five lia after a long waiting Visa process in spected author and esteemed teacher directly from Elio himself in the fore- entire week had been the best dream beautiful days at Namgyalgar North. France, this retreat helped me to deal of the highest of pathways, that of the word of his translated book, Creative of all, that is since Namkhi Norbu The opportunity for us to renew and with my difficult jetlag and to feel Santi Maha Sangha. Vision and Inner Reality, “….strikingly Rinpoche’s last Australian visit. …so deepen our study and practice of our at home once more. I really wish to As the makeshift gonpa sparkled clear and tangible for anyone inter- profound thanks Precious Gem Elio, Master’s precious Santi Maha Sangha thanks Elio once again for his quality with energy, and everyone gladly ested in or practicing the path to the many thanks hard working organis- teachings was indeed precious. We of instruction and the opening impact greeted each other, from the begin- natural state …. the (student) can ers, humble thanks exquisite nature felt very fortunate that Elio was able it had on my understanding. I hope all ning you could feel this teaching was approach them as an awesome and of Namgyalgar North, and ceaseless to be with us, and for his dedication of us will be able to go ahead with our going to be special. beautiful snow peak that suddenly thanks to the five elements both to the teachings. With his relaxed study in order to fulfill our Master’s And so it was, as by 6 a.m. the reveals itself to the climber as he or within and without us all. and open behavior, Elio created an vision. next and every crisp morning after she reaches the summit of a moun- Returning from that sweet coun- atmosphere of joy and sharing. We that, we all congregated to sit in the tain pass.” And further, another taste try air, that life of daily practice, that iridescent red dawn practicing with of Elio’s comments: “Don’t be different life of simplicity, once again we are all Tsegyalgar East Elio that which he was imparting whether you are alone, in the gonpa out there ducking and weaving in the to us: discovering our own natural or with other people. Don’t block modern madness of cities and towns, condition of luminous clarity through emotions. Work with yourself not but much more present now.

Tsegyalgar West

Newly Authorized Yantra Yoga Instructors with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in Baja, Mexico May 9, 2013 Left to right: Fabio Andrico with Jeff Sable – NYC, Josefina Robles – Mexico, Martina Kacurova – Tsegyalgar East, Christian Hidalgo – Costa Rica, Matthew Schmookler – Tsegyalgar Santi Maha Sangha Level 2 Training at Rinpoche’s home at Lower Khandroling from June 15–21 , 2013. West, Luke Karamol – Tsegyalgar West.

Tsegyalgar West

Yantra Yoga Supervision Course with Fabio Andrico at Tsegyalgar West May 1–6, 2013. 1st part of the Dance of the Song of the Vajra, Baha, with B. Krause May 14–19, 2013. THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Review

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NOT talking here of limited politi- terviews. Michaela Haas is a mar- the living transmission of our Dakini Power cal ideologies or politics that taint velous writer and storyteller who Master thrive? What do people the transmission but the actual- evokes the spirit and challenges of in our community really have to Twelve Extraordinary ization of an evolutionary process our times in vivid language. Her say about our community culture, Women Shaping the in combination with a deep rev- approach goes far beyond mere that is to say, about ourselves? In Transmission of Tibetan erence for the Tibetan traditions feminism. These women are not our heart of hearts we know we they represent or were trained only shaping the transmission have to evolve. in. The fruits of this impact can of the Teachings in the West but Well, the women portrayed in Michaela Haas best be summed up by the recent trailblazers in our western culture Dakini Power have pondered deep- Foreword by HH XVII international news generated by on a number of fronts in the fields ly some of these issues on behalf Karmapa Ogyen Trinley the first Tibet nuns allowed to sit death/dying, permaculture, and so- of the Teachings for decades. May- Dorje for their exam in the cial justice. They also all seem to be they have something to com- Snow Lion, Boston & tradition. have a particular that al- municate. Their hard won confi- London, 2013 There seems to be several lows them to withstand avalanch- dence and joy is infectious. 296 pages types of women portrayed in the es of criticism by less adventur- Fortunately, many of the con- book. They are ordained nuns in ous practitioners out to diminish cerns portrayed in Dakini Power Jacqueline Gens the vanguard (Jetsunma Tenzin their contributions. are being embraced by a whole Palmo, Pema Chodron, Karma Michaela Haas also does a great new generation of young Tibetan akini Power, Twelve Ex- past thirty years. And the story is Lekshe Tsomo, and Thubten Cho- job of portraying the unique con- Lamas including His Holiness the traordinary Women Shap- not over, by any means. dron); Tibetan women (all too few) tributions each woman has made 17th Karmapa who calls himself Ding the Transmission of The title of the book aptly por- authorized by their culture to to her particular lineage and how a feminist and has an active so- in the West by trays – Dakini Power, as an uncon- teach (Jetsun Khandro Ripoche, their personal and sometimes cial media site emphasizing ecol- Michaela Haas in many ways is a ditioned force of natural mind be- Dagmla Kusho Sakya); lay women painful spiritual development em- ogy – one of his principle inter- summation to date of the marvel- yond gender – unaltered and free practitioners who are mothers powered them on the path as well ests. Here’s what the Washington ous synergy of a feudal 17th cen- from concepts serving as the mes- (Tsultrim Allione and Elizabeth as serves as an inspiration to thou- Post on the matter of the Geshe tury Tibetan ethos mingling with senger of change behind this cul- Mattis – Namgyel) and wives/con- sands of others. And we are talking exams allowed for the first time western culture, mostly Ameri- tural transformation. The women sorts of recognized male teach- thousands here – men and women for Tibetan nuns had to say quot- can – what happens, the chal- portrayed here are on a mission – ers who teach (Sangye Khandro, who resonate with these unique ing the ever feisty , lenges, and the results when two all of them. Indeed, the context Chagdud Khandro and Khandro teachers at this point in time. “It’s just time they get their act cultural mindsets collide. While shared by all these women can Tsering Chodron). And then there Perhaps it is time that we be- together and give the nuns their individually each woman’s story best be defined as the recogni- is that hybrid between Zen and gin to think deeply about what full ordination! “ or as Pema Cho- is unique and an inspiration, the tion of the emerging feminine or Tibetan Buddhism in the form does a culture imbued with the dron might say, “There’s No Time bigger raison de etre this book in more standard terms a feminist of Roshi – a force all Dzogchen Teachings actually look to Lose.” serves is to show the evolution of perspective they each embody in unto herself! If people are inter- like. How do you define a culture the transmission of the Tibetan their role as authorized teachers ested, I urge you to read this book based on collaboration and equal- Tsegyalgar East lineages into new soil over the in the Tibetan lineages. We are and watch the various online in- ity? In what kind of culture will Jacqueline Gens, June 29, 2013

Programs Passages Born

France >>Dejamling Germany Sweden

15 Years of Dejamling! Journeys of Kalong Dorjei Kar Retreat 21 Taras Ludvig Sigeholt and Guru Yoga practices with Sasha Pubants Deepening Course of Vajra with instructor September 19–29, Höfen Name of baby: Ludvig Sigeholt Dance of Song of Vajra August 26–31 Registration: [email protected] Mother: Eva Sigeholt with Luda Kischlichenko and Accommodation: Father: Anders Carlsson Stoffelina Verdonk Contributions: Hans-Joachim Vogel, +49 (0)9166–99 53 11 Date of birth: June 3, 2013 August 1–7 Retreats: Donations are welcome [email protected] Where: In the city Malmö in Sweden Courses: Loooots of love and light to all Open Day of ASIA Tibetan dance: Donations are welcome Tibetan Medicine and vajrabrothers and sisters from in nearby town “Le Vigan” which is Vajra Dance course, August 1–7: Yantra Yoga Ludvig! sustaining Derghe, and presentation ordinary: 235 euro, weak resources: with Elio Guarisco and Saadet Arslan of aspects of Tibetan culture 147 euro, sustaining: 59 euro. September 20–22, Dargyäling Cologne August 10 Registration: [email protected] Housing: Open Day Dzogchen Dormitory: 8 euro/night and 1 euro Yantra Yoga, course for Community for sheets for that period. beginners presentation Yantra Yoga, Vajra Camping: 5 euro with Saadet Arslan Dance, public talk, My Reincarnation, : 10 euro September 27–29 in Munich concert in Le Vigan. Children for free Registration: gakyil-muenchen@ Then Festa 15 Years in Dejamling! dzogchen.de August 11 Dejamling is a precious Community place where we have been practic- Vajra dance, 6 Spaces of Course and Presentation of ing intensively. It has been evolving Samantabhadra Tibetan Songs and Dance through the collaboration of many with Karin Heinemann with Topgyal and Tsering practitioners for 15 years. It is October 4–6, Dargyäling Cologne August 12 situated in an isolated place in the Registration: [email protected] French hills of the Cevennes. Relaxation, Practicing, Kumbhaka and Yantra Yoga Singing Melodies of Practices, Be very welcome !!! The French Gakyil with Zhenya Rud Ganapuja and 24 hours of October 18–20, Dargyäling Cologne Protectors Germany Registration: [email protected] for all projects of Dzogchen Com- munity! Mind Training: Authentic Kumbhaka August 13–16 being with Oneself and with Zhenya Rud Authentic Being with Others October 25–27, Munich Webcast Teaching from with Elio Guarisco Registration: gakyil-muenchen@ Chögyal Namkhai Norbu September 13–15, Berlin dzogchen.de August 16–25 Registration: [email protected] Namkha 108 Chöd Yantra Yoga, course for with Viktoria Gerschevskaya in collaboration with Cvetko Jovanovic beginners November 12–19, Dargyäling, Cologne August 16–25 with Jan Böhm, supervised by Registration: [email protected] Laura Evangelisti September 17–22, Berlin Registration: [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 122 · May, June 2013

Maha Sangha exam. And I still hadn’t met Rinpoche even though I was following the How I Met webcasts. Then we went to Romania for a retreat. I am not sure that this was a good idea Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for a first retreat because at that time the Gar was just a field with some flowers and Nikol Stanisova I was totally shocked to find that this was a meditation centre! People told me to go and say hello to Rinpoche but I was very y life was very nice before and it We also had a very interesting experi- nervous. They told me that I could take is still very nice but before I didn’t ence of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compos- him a present but I couldn’t decide what Mhave any connection with teach- tela with a special passport in which you to get him and I spent a lot of time think- ing and I didn’t want to know anything collect stamps every time you visit a partic- ing about what to get him. In the end I de- about any religions. I was in Prague study- ular church or shrine on the way there. We cided to get him something for his health ing chemistry at university. I’m a chemical even got a type of diploma for completing and I got some herbal cream and a big bag engineer. Before I started chemistry, I had this pilgrimage although for us it was just of Chinese herbs. I stood in the line waiting wanted to become a teacher, but my par- another trip. When they asked us why we to greet him, wondering what to say. But I ents didn’t think that it was a good well- were doing such a long trip from Norway remember that it was a very nice moment paid job in the Czech Republic so I ended to get there, we said, it’s life. They asked us even though I don’t remember what I said. up studying chemistry. During my studies to write something in their big book about side and a couple of days before going there, I felt marvellous and after I just felt like sit- they said that I could also do other studies who we were and why we had gone there, they told me that there would be some kind ting and saying nothing. It was enough. It at the same time so I did double studies to and that is what we wrote because it was of webcast and they asked me to go with was something lovely, like a miracle, even become a teacher. just part of this long trip. them. I asked them what the topic of the though I don’t know what happened and I After university I started to teach 14–15 After about one month when we had webcast was and they replied that it was a was very happy that my friends had pushed year olds at primary school in Prague but travelled through Norway, the trip actually very important teaching by Chögyal Nam- me a bit to make me meet him because I only did one year teaching. During my stud- started to be like life because before that khai Norbu. I told them that maybe I could was very shy. ies at university and the year of teaching, my it had felt like a holiday. But after a month listen to part of it and, fortunately, during One year later in 2009 I did the SMS Base boyfriend and I had established a company everything starts to change completely and the webcast, Rinpoche gave transmission exam which was a very important point in to make educational programs for children you stop thinking about your mobile phone, and I received it. my life because after, I felt that everything and adults because after the ‘revolution’ in your mother, electricity, etc., because you I was more or less ready but I still had changed. I started to think differently the Czech Republic (1989), there was a great are on the road. thought that I wasn’t. I just sat and listened that I wanted to do something concrete for need for them. We wanted to help people So we finished this great trip and I saw to Rinpoche and afterwards they told me the Community, be more active. I wanted to learn English, mathematics, how to draw Africa. My boyfriend wanted to continue that now that I had received transmission offer my energy, knowledge and time to the etc., and we collected material, bought the through Africa but I didn’t so we went back and I said, what happens now? They told me gakyil and so I worked on the yellow gakyil rights, translated the material into Czech to the Czech Republic and I found another that they would explain at the cottage and in the Czech Republic for three years. After and produced CD Roms that we distributed job because my six months leave was over. I they did – the purification of the six lokas the exam I also visited Merigar West and thorough a network of supermarkets. We gradually got into a managerial job and time and we did a week of retreat. They would do East many times and have followed many started our company with three people but passed and I was thirty-three. That was four tuns a day, each about an hour and a retreats with Rinpoche. it grew really quickly and became quite a the age of Christ and I felt that something half and it was quite difficult for me. It was But before it was not easy for me to find dynamic story so I left teaching and became would happen. painful to sit for so long although it really my way. I just had the good circumstances a very busy manager. And one day after my birthday I was at was a purification because a lot of emotions of being in love, being pushed by friends, So I didn’t follow my dream and never a school for shiatsu and I met Juraj from came up. being present for the transmission. Now I did anything with chemistry, I only knew the Slovak community. We studied shiatsu Also I started to cook because it seemed am very happy I am in the Dzogchen Com- that water boils at 100 degrees centigrade! together and started to fall in love. He in- logical that we cook and eat together munity and intend to go ahead with the Maybe this is why I love cooking so much troduced me to the teaching and the trans- since we were all doing retreat. Actually, I Santi Maha Sangha. because the kitchen is like my laboratory! mission and I was so happy that I had met didn’t know it at the time but years later [This summer Nikol is cooking for the him because he showed me that there were they told me that they had secretly made ‘workers’ and staff at Merigar West.] other possibilities and gave me the oppor- bets on whether I would last out the week Then I moved from Prague to Brno where tunity to meet Rinpoche. of retreat. It was quite a hard week but I I was still a manager with a different com- At the time I really did not have a kind had a very good feeling with these people pany, managing some groups and being of philosophical feeling. Juraj moved to Brno and I started to attend the ganapujas and involved in buying and selling. Then I fell and he gave me some teachings to read but gradually I started to prepare for the Santi in love with another boyfriend who had a told me not to touch his dream to go from the most northerly point practice books. I had some in Europe to the most southerly, by bike. questions about what he And he asked me what I thought about his was doing and it started dream and I replied that it was perfect and to get interesting for me two weeks later he bought some equipment but I didn’t read any of and said, “Let’s go!” But I didn’t have a bike Rinpoche’s books. But I and when he asked me which one I wanted, I was still thinking and I said, “A red one,” and so he bought a red one. wanted to be sure about He was quite a good cyclist but I had following it because it is never done it before so we tried a cycling something serious. I was trip in the Czech Republic where it is totally busy at the time with Tai flat with no hills and I felt like a princess chi and about a year went because every day he would get me what- by when I was thinking ever I wanted. And again he asked me what about the teaching, I had I thought about his dream and I said, okay, an intention but wasn’t let’s go, if you think it is possible, although ready. I didn’t really believe it. Then in December 2006 In 2000 we started our trip in a small we went to the Slovak Re- city called Mehamn in the north of Nor- public, between Christ- way. At the time I thought I might not be so mas and New Year there good on this trip, but my boyfriend said not was a three day holiday to worry, that 50 % was about your mental and we visited our fami- level, 30 % is about equipment, and 20 % is lies and then went to stay training. So we started, but the first day I for a week in a cottage in only managed about 25 km. We made some the mountains with some rules for the trip such as when I said stop, friends from the com- we would put up the tent and finish the day. munity. I had met them Another rule was that he would cook and even though I wasn’t in put up the tent. So we did this for about the community yet and half a year because the trip was quite long they would come to our – every evening we would put up the tent house for ganapujas while and in the morning we would pack every- I was always out working. thing up. No hotels, no restaurants, just in I thought it would be very nature. We did about 10,060 km and finished nice to spend a week in Everyone Reads The Mirror! in Tarifa in the southern most part of Spain. a cottage in the country-