THE MIRROR The International Newspaper of the Dzog-chen Community Issue 12, November 1991

USA The Future of the Dzog-chen Community The Dalai expresses intention to visit Our Community is based on the during talk in New York teaching and the spirit of the page 4 teaching, it's not just an ordinary organisation. This Community exists within a society which is New York hosts the always moving ahead and changing. Initiation The teaching tells us how to work page 6 with circumstances and that is why we always try to improve and to integrate as much as possible in Tsegyalgar appeals society. revoked building permits I've heard many people say that the page7 Community is getting too oganised, it's not like it used to be once. Certainly you may feel that it was USSR more simple and natural but you The city of Ulan Ude in have to understand that we are going Buryatia welcomes the ahead in society, we are not going backwards. Going back to the beginning means cancelling page 5 everything. If one person thinks only about themselves and refuses to accept France society, I'm not saying that couldn't A tribute to the great be a solution. But I can say for sure master Dilgo Khyenlse that this is not a solution for society who passed away or for the maj ority of people. Rather recently we have to consider what the condition of society is and how to page 5 integrate the teaching in society. That's why we've organised the Community and we are trying to Australia organise it better to function in Intensive practice retreat at society. That's true integration. the That's why we need at least a page 6 minimum of organisation, not to The symbol of the Dzog-chen Community, original design by Rinpoche (graphics Renata Nani) remain behind everyone. Up till now I've always committed request for people's opinions. About that the time is not yet ripe for it. I want to decide everything by Venezuela myself like the father of a family. twenty percent of the people who Our Community is not yet mature so myself. The people interested have But it's not sufficient to think that I replied said they thought mese ideas it's useless to carry out my ideas for to decide and take responsibility. Merida elects new Gakyil commit myself and no-one else were very interesting, but about the international Community. But I want very precise ideas on how we page? needs to bother. There are things thirty percent replied with criticism. Merigar, Tsegyalgar and Tashigar should continue the Community. that have to be done, things that Most people kept quiet and I don't are all concretely in existence. With Today I'm just giving information involve a commitment. If the know whether or not they are in all of our sacrifices wehave acquired to communicate that during the Spain Community is to continue everyone agreement with my ideas or are just land, houses and things to maintain. Christmas retreat we want to have a Experiences of the retreat must be responsible. too shy to say anything. The principle of this is always for meeting to decide how we can at Babia Last year I wrote a letter informing Anyway my original idea was to the maintainance of the teaching. continue. page 10 people of my ideas on how the form a kind of commission to Therefore, I haven't the least So now you have time to think and Community could continue, to ask examine all these ideas but when I intention of renouncing all of this. to communicate this to all those people what they think about them. saw these kinds of criticism I thought Certainly we will have to find a who are interested. Lithuania I've received a few replies to my better of it because I'm convinced solution of how to do iL It's not that pages 8 and 9 A letter from the Dorjeling Book reviews Feeding the Demon M (Best Wishes andLonß Life Community in Vilnius to Ü^amf^ai 9frrßu Rinpoche page 16 My Tibet - a text by the Dalai More and more scientific and Lama, photographs by Galen medical research is proving the on Mis 'Birthday Rowell concrete effects of negative thought December 8th Poland On a Spaceship with Beelzebub patterns on our health. We all have Increasing interest in by a Grandson of Gurdjieff - our personal demons who undermine From the (Dzog-chen Community David Kherdian our positive efforts and wreak havoc page 6 page 12 in our lives. The varieties are infinite and right at this very moment as you Retreat at Merigar Tape Archive are reading this and as I am writing with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Italy Safeguarding the teachings for the it several demons are present around future: information on the Audio us, waiting for the secondary causes December 23 to January 5 Reports on the practice Cassette Archive at Merigar which will allow them to eat. weekends at Merigar page 7 page 13 information page 3 pages 3 and 9 2 The Teaching is Beyond Cultural Limitations

Babia, Spain, September 28th 1991 much in happiness. When we are Human beings in general are very happy, we enjoy it and feel it is very limited. The knowledge of real. But if you know that happiness enlightened teachers such as Buddha is unreal and is in time and related to and Christ is beyond limitations, but circumstances, when you have they transmit knowledge to people problems you are never too upset who have limitations and who because you know what the situation therefore limit everything. So their of Samsara is like. So for that reason understanding doesn't correspond we must understand our real to the real meaning of the teaching. condition. That is the source of all the different The teaching is only for discovering traditions, schools and religions. our real condition. It is transmitted If we exist in the real meaning of the and applied with many different teachings we know that the purpose methods, reUtedtodifferentcultures and goal of all teachings is to and attitudes, but you shouldn't be discover our real condition. Teachers too linked to cultural behaviour or transmit in many different ways attitudes. because they have to transmit Culture is useful for knowledge, but according to the culture in which the culture of an individual is more they are teaching. Every country important than a culture presented has its own culture and knowledge officially. I'll give you an example: and everyone has their own if you go to aTibetanmonastery you characteristic point of view and will see Tibetans walking around ideas. So to transmit knowledge a chortens, using prayer wheels and teacher must understand the situation doing prostrations. They do these of those to whom he is transmitting. things because they consider them For example Buddha Sakyamuni as ways of accumulating . transmitted knowledge through Some people interested in the Indian culture. Understanding this teaching who visit Tibet think that Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche (photo Liano Graf) we can understand many things such that is the main point and they try to as the Yogatantra style of teachings. are still using those images today if a teacher is giving a deep teaching with a teacher and do a learn to do all the things Tibetan For example, Vajrasattva or but you shouldn't think that they are explanation of the Nature of the research to discover our condition. people do, and when they come back Avalokitesvara or are said to the principle; they are symbols, they Mind most people are unable to The teacher is an expert in this and to the West they continue to do be Sambhogakaya manifestations. are secondary. understand and are not interested. has experience of the knowledge of those things and claim they are Sambhogakaya means the If you go to a Western restaurant A few people think they have very the teaching. So the teacher does an following Tibetan teaching. Butthat "dimension of qualification". That you will find knives and forks on the high knowledge. They think "my analysis to discover the cause. Then is only a secondary thing related to means they are manifestations table, whereas if you go to a Chinese school is like this; I don't need that just as a doctor gives medicine which Tibetan behaviour. Following a through the essence of the elements. restaurant there will be chopsticks. or I cannot accept that". They close we take and advice that we follow, Tibetan teaching doesn't mean you But a manifestation must have a If you only had chopsticks in a themselves and remain blind. They when we follow a teaching we must become a Tibetan, that you throw form, because if there is no form we Western restaurant it would be very are unable to see that anything else apply the advice of our teacher. The away your own culture and accept have no idea. Look at how inconvenient. You need a knife and exists. They always have a kind of teaching is a kind of medicine for another. Culture is like a language. Dharmakaya is represented in the fork to eat a big beefsteak whereas rigidity and hold onto their idea that overcoming our dualistic vision and I communicate knowledge of teaching. Dharmakaya means the you don't need a knife at all in a they cannot accept anything else. ego, which is like our illness. Dzog-chen to you, but you don't "dimension of " or all Chinese restaurant because the food That is characteristic of ego. It is not We are always living in our limited speak Tibetan, so I try to speak your phenomena, all existence. The real is already chopped up. so easy to transmit to such people. dimension as if we are building abig language. It is not so easy for me but condition of all phenomena is That is what is meant by using Even if you want to transmit castle of our ego and living in it, it is important for communication. emptiness, nothing. But if you talk methods in accordance with the something good and useful they feeling very strong and safe but in I don't only have to know your about nothing, what idea can you circumstances: we use the methods reject it and argue for their point of reality it is not so, as we will discover language but also your culture. My convey? One couldnt convey any we need. That's why we have view. one day when all our ego-building knowledge of your culture is not idea of a dimension, particularly if different teachings and methods. It That is why Buddha started by collapses. Then we get upset That complete but I transmit through the you talkabout YOUR Dharmakaya, doesn'tmatterthatdifferentmethods teaching about Suffering, because if is why we need to discover the cause. little I have learned about it. That's YOUR real condition. You are a are taught in different cultures and you explain that there is suffering, That is the same as explained in the how we transm it the teachings. Also human being so you have a human religions, the most important thing no-one will argue with you. teaching the Noble Truth of the you must know how to enter into dimension. When introducing the is to know the real meaning of what Suffering is common to everybody. Cause and the Cessation. It's no use knowledge and how to apply the Dharmakaya to a human it is is being transmitted in the teachings. Also we all agree: we don't like it. having medicine unless you take it. methods. represented as a human body. Of Sometimes it's not so easy to That's why Buddha first explained It's not sufficient just to receive a The teachings are beyond culture, course that doesn't mean that the understand. Suffering and then research into doctor's advice; you must follow it. beyond form and language, but we Dharmakaya has a human body, but In some traditions the teachings are what the cause of Suffering is and It is only by using and applying it learn and discover through culture if humans are learning about transmitted directly and clearly, then how we can stop the cause. For that you get the benefit. This is the and language. Our potentiality, our Dharmakaya, it is represented as while in others in a more roundabout that purpose he explained many Cessation. We stop the Cause. real condition is like the potentiality having a human body. If an elephant way. This is because many people kinds of methods and paths Finally effects manifest; we don't of a mirror which has the capacity of is learning about Dharmakaya, the cannot understand directly. It is according to the capacity of the have any more of that suffering in infinite reflections, but we cannot form of Dharmakaya will be better to use methods that are people he was teaching. our condition. have the direct experience of this represented as elephant-shaped. appropriate to the individual A good That is the real meaning of the Four In Samsara everything is the same. capacity. We can only discover it Sambhogakaya manifestations are example is how Buddha Saky amuni Noble Trams, the Noble Truth of Sometimes we feel we have no through the reflections in the m irror. even more specific in their forms taught when he explained the Four Suffering, the Noble Truth of the problems, we are happy. Of course, Reflections are not the potentiality and clothes and colours, etc., and so Noble Truths. Cause, the Noble Truth of the if we have no problem that is fine, of the mirror, they are only they are presented through a culture. Cessation and the Noble Tram of but nobody can really say they have manifestations of that potentiality. Buddha taught to Indian people and The first Noble Truth explains the Path. That is very useful for no problems as long as they are in Similarly, our culture, our language, that is why Tara, Avalokitesvara, Suffering. Suffering is not the everybody. the limited condition of having a our attitudes, our work, everything, Vajrasattva etc. are presented in the essence of the teaching but it is very physical body governed by energy are like reflections. Through these form of Indian princes or princesses. useful for the understanding of That doesn't mean following a kind and mind. We are living in time, relative things we discover our It doesn't mean that that is their common people. Most people are of religion or limited school. It is time is related to circumstances. potentiality. That is the real purpose form. If Buddha had lived in China very limited in their ideas. They only a simple way of having Today I feel happy because of of the teaching. If you discover your instead of India, Vajrasattva would think they know everything and that knowledge and understanding of our positive circumstances, but there is potentiality, of course you discover maybe have had a long beard and their ideas are perfect and so they condition. no guarantee that my circumstances all causes of all effects. If you have black clothes; if he had transmitted cannot accept anything else or if If I am ill, I know I am suffering and will be good tomorrow. If the some problem, you can discover its in the West, maybe the they begin to mink of accepting a I don't like it and want to be cured. circumstances are negative we get cause. That is the root of everything. Sambhogakaya manifestations new idea, they like to judge and But if I am not a doctor I don't know upset. When we discover there is So that knowledge is useful for would have been presented like argue. That is a characteristic how to cure myself. So I go to a also suffering, not only happiness, everybody. Not just for "spiritual" Greeks or Romans. manifestation of ego. We are living doctor because I consider a doctor we become upset. Why are we so people who are only interested in Teachers transmitted in specific in our ego and manifest this aspect to be an expert who knows the cause terribly upset when we have a following teachings and doing cultures and historical periods. We frequently. People also come to the of illness, and knows how to cure it. teaching with their limited ideas so In the same way we follow the problem? Because we believe very practices.

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 3 RETREAT AT MERIGAR Shitro and Simhamukha Teachings at Merigar by Maria Simmons with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche On the morning of October 26, Namkai Norbu Rinpoche led the December 23 to January 5 practice of the Shitro which is a gongter of the great terton Namcho During the first week, there will be teachings and Mingyur Dorje. The Shitro is part of practice on the Dzog-chen Semde. a series of teachings belonging to the path of transformation, with During the second week, explanations and introductions to Norbu Rinpoche will give Yangti teaching. the stateof the and particularly to Dzog-chen. The most famous cycle of this teaching is the The participation quotato cover expanses for the retreat is Lit 220 000 for rediscovered by Karma Lingpa the errore retreat, or Ut.20.000 for each day. There is a fee of Ut, 10,000 called Zhi-khro dgongs-parang-grol for the request to be a member of the Associazione Gutturale Comunità ("The state of self-liberation of the . Inscription will take place an hour before the teaching starts. peaceful and wrathful manifest­ During the teaching sessions, children should be left with the child ations"), a part of which, the Bar-do minders Those who need to use this service, which ts free, should make thos-grol is generally known in the advance booking by phone to 0564-966837. Western world as the Tibetan Book From now on you can book hotel accomodation by telephoning of the Dead. Merigar 0564/966837. This will give you a better service than ringing an agency and gives Merigar the opportunity to earn a The simplest and most essential way percentage on the bookings. of practising this complex teaching is to use Mingyur Dorje's gongter, of also known as Nam-chos (the teaching appearing in space) which different ways of practising the ordinary attainments are the relative A.S.I.A. Projects he received directly as a mind transformation and purification for actions of the five Buddha families, In collaboration with the Centro per Orientamento per lo Sviluppo Volontario transmission from Vajrasattva and the benefit of both dead and living which we can practise as necessary (C.O.S.V.), the Association for Solidarity in Asia (A.S.I.A.) is preparing then dictated, at the age of thirteen, beings. depending on the circumstances.The the summary of the project for the village of Khamdogar which was to his disciple Chags-med Raga On Sunday afternoon, we perform ed main principle of the practice is to submitted at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the end of October Asya. Rinpoche emphasized the Simhamukha practice for the benefit recognise our own primordial state for consideration and funding. During the feasibility mission undertaken in fact that in order to apply this of the living. in that of the manifestation. September of this year by A.S.I.A., the Tibet Developing Fund members teaching, as is indeed the case with Rinpoche explained the symbolism Rinpoche also pointed out that a have again expressed their agreement and intention to assist A.S.I.A. in all Tantric teachings, it is of wrathful manifestations in wrathful manifestation such as carrying out the project. indispensable to receive the three general, and their importance for Simhamukha is totally beyond all types of transmission: first of all the concepts and that it is mistaken to After the summary of the project has been presented to the Ministry of realization. The manifestation itself actual transm ission or Lung, then, if equate wrathful with ordinary Foreign Affairs, a full-fledged document will be prepared by A.S.I.A. and represents clarity, and the wrathful possible, the initiation, and finally dualistic aggression or nervousness. C.O.S.V. for the Ministry. aspect is a symbol of the movement the instructions on how to practise, Then Rinpoche gave the precise As to the project related to Galenteng village, during the feasibility mission ofcwrmind.Thesupremeatoinment develop and realize the teaching. instructions necessary for this undertaken by a consultant of A.S.I.A. in September, the authorities of is finally to reach total realization Rinpoche then explained the practice, which we then did together. Sichuan province have decided that they would like the project to be through the manifestation. The implemented only through the private funds of Prof. Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Purification of Sang Lungta by Adriano Clemente actions that have provoked either harmony to be re-established At Merigar during the second the various classes of non-human between the practitioner and all Translators wanted weekend in November, Namkhai beings (e.g. polluting a spring, or forms of existence. Rinpoche taught Norbu Rinpoche transmitted a burning foul smelling substances) The Shang -Shung Institute in Arcidosso is looking for translators three kinds of melodies for applying teaching concerning the sang or else "the five divinities of the the practice, while on Sunday who can make simultaneous translations from Tibetan to English practice of the great Dzog-chen individual" (personifications of morning, he transmitted a series of and English to Tibetan for the Seminar on Tibetan Language which master, Adz am Drugpa Grondul various types of forces or energies). essential for increasing will be held in Italy in November 1992. Pawo Dorje (1842-1924). When came to one's "lungta", or in other words the All translators who would like to offer their collaboration should The very brief text encapsulates the Tibet, he appreciated the value of force of the elements of the luck, get in touch with: "Seminar on Tibetan Language", c/o Istituto principles and characteristics of this this native tradition and included it prosperity and health of every Shang-Shung, Vìa degli Olmi 1, 58031 Arcidosso GR, Italy, ancient practice which dates back to among the practices of individual. The "lungta" can be Telephone (564) 966 940. the tradition as it was prior to Buddhism. Adz am Drugpa's text represented by coloured flags printed Buddhism. From the earliest times, involves a visualisation of oneself with the figures of a tiger (air), an the "sang" rite, or the burning of as the peaceful form of eagle (fire), a lion (earth) and a aromatic plants, has been practised Avalokitesvara. This provides a dragon (water) at the four comers, MERIGAR PROGRAMME in order to purify all manner of means of contacting the four kinds while the central figure is of "the impurities and contaminations of guests (as in the Chod), to which fine horse" with the naming December contracted as a result of undesirable offerings can then be made, allowing wish-fulfilling jewel. Dec. 1, Sunday Morning Karma Yoga. Afternoon Karma Yoga. Dec. 5, Thursday 18.00 New moon. Shitro practice. Dec. 7, Saturday Morning Practice of Green Tara with COABIT: Faggio Rosso Project Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. No offers were made for the Faggio the Faggio Rosso if we acquire it. lire. (4.5 million U.S.$). Afternoon Practice of Green Tara with Rosso at the auction held on 4th This will be decided in a general From that one can deduce the value Nauikhai Norbu Rinpoche. Ortober.-Thedaleior the next auction meeting by those who have bought of the investment of about 2 billion Dec. 8, Sunday Morning Norbu Rinpoche's birthday. was fixed for 14th December this shares. lira now required to purchase iL So Tara practice. year and the starting price was We want to emphasize that although those who consider taking part in Afternoon Entertainment. lowered to Lit 2,080,000,000 ($ this operation is being undertaken the project should think about, how Dec. 14, Saturday Morning Intensive practice of Dorje Legpa 1,664,000 U.S.) This means that by the housing co-operative much the value of their shares will dedicated to the whole instead of 100 shares at 30.000.000 COABIT, it is not necessary to be a increase once we have acquired the Community. lire each we will now only have to member of COABIT in ordertobuy property and begun to run the Afternoon The same as the morning. find 70 to raise the necessary capital. a share in the Faggio Rosso. activities. Dec. 15, Sunday Morning Intensive practice of Ekajati and We already have 33 people who are A limited real estate society will be We would like to invite everyone to Naggon for peace in the world. willing toparticipat e in the project. set up ad hoc whose capital will be reflect on this new situation, also Afternoon The same as the morning. We will need 45 shareholders who the hotel complex and therefore the considering the possibility of a group Dec. 16, Monday 18.00 Padmasambhava day. Ganapuja. are Community members in order to economic risk of the members will of people buying a share together. Dec. 21, Saturday 8.00 & 18.00 Full moon. Long Life practice be able to manage the project. We be that of the shares they buy. Please don't hesistate to telephone C.L.V. can sell the remaining shares to Do not forget that the value of the for any information: Dec. 23 Afternoon Beginning of the retreat with people outside the community. hotel complex has been officially Giovanni Boni 0522/880803 (lunch Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Remember that so far it has not yet estimated by the surveyor of the law time) or Leopoldo Sentinelli 06/ Jan. 5, Sunday Morning The retreat finishes. been decided what will be done with courts of Grosseto at about 5 billion 3005000 (office hours).

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 4 The Dalai Lama to visit Tibet The 9th Khalkha Jetsun Dampa The Tibetan language radio station In Mongolia, the spiritual leader, Khalkha Jetsun Dampa, held a position in New Ycrkhascorifirmed the news similar to the Dalai Lama in Tibet Since the time of the Russian revolution, that when the Dalai Lama visited when Mongolia became linked to the U.S .S.R., Jetsun Dampa disappeared. the University of New York on 9th Marry people feared that he had been assassinated. From that time, it was October, he said that he wished to forbidden to recognize the reincarnation. visit Tibet. His fear is that new With the gradual change in politics, the monasteries became interested in generations of Tibetans might not obtaining permission to recognize the reincarnation. be able to stand the Chinese Recently, during a visit to the Prime Minister of Mongolia and representatives occupation and that a disaster could of the monasteries, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan government and the result Secretary of State for the Office of the Dalai Lama became very interested He said that he had been in contact in this issue and requested the Dalai Lama to give official recognition of the with the Chinese government for reincarnation. over eleveny ears, during which time The Dalai Lama has given recognition to Jampal Namdrol Choekyik he had always expressed optimism Gyaltsan as the 9th reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dampa. for the possibility of a peaceful solution inTibet and had taken every opportunity to express the wishes of the Tibetan people. He recalled how, New York Impressions in order to resolve the difficulties of the Tibetan people, he had spoken by Giacomella Orofino with the Chinese government, but The first light of dawn slowly colored the sky of New York and the spires that, sad to say .their way of thinking of the skyscrapers shone in the morning like crystals in a thousand colors. of the Tibetan government was not In the fresh morning air, hundreds of people rushed along the paths of in harmony with the thoughts of Central Park from all directions. I followed the flow with great interest, other peoples. everybody seemed to be pushed by a mysterious force; in the air there was Asa result he had encountered many a recognizable sensation of joy and excitement. difficulties, but in the end, in Across the "Strawberry Field", on the floor of the small square there was a 1987-88, he had made a petition mosaic mandala and the verses of John Lennon's song "Imagine all the designed to form the basis for an people", but there was no time to stop. The crowd continued its rush, it was agreement with the Chinese The Dalai Lama at Merigar, 1990 (photo Modonesi Namkhai) already 6.30 am. government Earlier on, when he no hope, he concluded. journalists from around the world While I was going down the street, I could hear Tibetan horns blowing with had contacted Ting Shaoping, he The Dalai Lama then said that in the should be allowed to go with him. vibrant sounds that reminded me of the magic of the Himalayanmonasteries. had been told that, with the exception light of the urgency of the situation, This could bring real benefit, he Then I arrived at Sheep Meadow, a large lawn where people were gathering. of the question of Tibetan his latest idea was to see if he could added; however, even if the Chinese It was already day. At the four corners of the meadow, there were monks independence, an agreement could make a brief visit to Tibet, and that decided not to accept this latest standing on enormous stones dressed in red with traditional yellow hats and be arrived at on any matter. This was this was now his hope. proposition, the act of making the blowing long horns as if inviting everybody to a solemn rite. It was not the principle on which he had based If he could visit Tibet, he continued, proposal had brought no displeasure possible to count the number of the people, somebody said to me that there his proposal, although at that time firstly, his trip would certainly help to him. were about 4000. And yet there was no confusion, everything seemd to be the proposal itself had certainly draw attention around the world to On another occasion, in reply to a harmonious, everybody seemed to be friends with each other. They were all disappointed many Tibetans. the situation there and help shed journalist, the Dalai Lama said that there for the same reason At a certain moment the Dalai Lama, a Buddhist Despite his considerable hopes for light on the matter. And if Chinese if he were not permitted to go in the monk called Tenzin Gyatso, arrived. the situation, no concrete result leaders were to come with him, then way he wished to, then there would In total silence, he bowed to the crowd with his hands together and actually came from the proposal, this would be a good thing as well; be no sense in his visiting Tibet. He everybody stood up and repeated the same gesture to greet him. Then he sat and as far as the Tibetan people are in fact, this would give them the also reminded journalists that he down on a cushioned rock, took off his glasses, smiled and stayed in concerned this was a great pity. chance to understand directly what was an adult person entitled to human meditation for about twenty minutes. So did the people. They all stayed still The Dalai Lama went on to say that the real situation is, which would rights, and that wherever he went he sitting on the grass cross-legged, deep in silent meditation. The rays of the on 10th March, on the occasion of certainly be a step ahead. Secondly, tried to have good relations with the sun were reflected in the distant skyscrapers. the anniversary of the revolt in expressing his concern for a possible people. The Dalai Lama dressed in a simple red robe and sitting on the rock, Lhasa, he had announced that if impending disaster, the Dalai Lama Stressing the fact that although he resembled a stone sculpture of Buddha. Ata certain point he shook his head, China gave no precise reply to his said that if he had the chance to go had strived for many years to find a put on his glasses and made a gesture that seemed to say, "Here we are", and second proposal then the proposal and explain how things stand, the satisfactory solution to the situation, went away quickly after having affectionat bowed to the crowd. It was an itself could no longer be considered peril might be avoided. he had as y et received no reply to his important moment of collective meditation but it was also a sit-in with a valid. This is his hope. earlier proposal. significant political meaning. The peace of the world had been evoked in the No reply has yet arrived, he said. He He underlined, however, that if The Dalai Lama said that his most just and noble way one can think of. The Dalai Lama, like Mahatma also mentioned his proposition to Tibetan people were to speak of intention for the future was to Gandhi, like great figures in history, stands for his politics and peace, with send a group of Buddhists to Tibet their problems with him during the withdraw that particular proposal such a great courage and dignity that public opinion cannot remain insensible. to take responsibility for the search visit, then the Chinese must on no and to aim for the complete This was just one of the numerous events happening in New York this for the reincarnation of the Panchen account torture them as a result of independence of Tibet. When asked October associated with The Year of Tibet. The Kalachakra Initiation was Lama: when the reply came after this. Furthermore, it is vital that they how long it m ight take to realise this an event of greatest importance in which more than5000people participated. three months, the answer was no. should be free to have direct contact objective, he said, "Maybe five New York pulsated with events linked with Tibet. In the city there were 15 So, here again, there seemed to be with the Dalai Lama, and that years, maybe ten". exhibitions of art and photography, all of greatest importance. Many activities were organized such as dance performances, theatre, poetry readings and numerous conferences in which famous scholars from all over the world participated. There was a Tibet film festival where films from Highlights of the Year of Tibet 1991 Asia, Europe, and the U.S.A. were shown. There were courses of art, painting, sculpture, calligraphy, silk applique techniques and even shows Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet International Tibet Conference, The Future of and workshops for children IBM Gallery of Science and Art, 590 Madison Ave., Tibet: The Path to Democracy: Organized by the The New Yorkers were notably interested and the shows and exhibitions NY., US.A. Norwegian Tibet Committee, The Academy of were visited by a great number of people. October 15 - December 28. Science, Oslo, Norway. The Dalai Lama said before leaving New York that Tibetan culture belongs Exhibit by monks from Namgyal December 9 -10. to everybody and that its destruction would burden the whole of mankind. Monastery, IBM Gallery of Science and Art, 590 Children, Environment, Future of Tibet: I had already heard this same message from another great master who has Madison Ave., New York, NY., U.S.A. Conference organized by the Norwegian Support given his life to the service of the Tibetan cause, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. November until December 28. Committee and the Tibet Support Committee - I don't hide the fact that I felt a certain emotion when, in his final speech, The Sacred Mountain of Tibet - On pilgrimage to Denmark, Oslo, Norway. the Dalai Lama declared that this event would remain in history because it Kailash: Photo exhibition by Russell Johnson and December 9-10 was held in front of the principle of the Five Tibetan Buddhist schools Barbara Iertelli, Nicholas Roerich Museum, New 90 Year Celebration of the Nobel Peace Prize: His including the Bonpo which brings to the fore the indigenous pre-Buddhist York, NY, U.S.A. Holiness the Dalai Lama and other Nobel Laureates tradition which was born in the ancient kingdom of Shang-Shung. The November 24 - December 15 will be present and taking part in the celebration, meaning of this is already well-known to me through Namkhai Norbu Film Festival on Tibet: Concluding the Hamburg Oslo, Norway. Rinpoche's work, whose political value is now very clear as the spiritual Tibet weeks, sponsored by the Tibet Support Group, December 10 leader of Tibet has shown. Amnesty International and , Abaton Tibet Weeks: Exhibits, Performances, Films and When leaving New York and seeing the skyline of Brooklyn disappear, I Cinema, Hamburg, Germany. lectures on Tibet Santiago, Chile. had a sensation of having participated in something great and important and November 25 - December 8 December 10 -15 that maybe there is still some hope for the Tibetan people.

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 5 Impressions on the Dalai Lama's visit to Ulan Ude

by F anda Malikova first time that booklets about His Holiness, the Mandala, the great porch again and were listening to Chita region. Although we did not His Holiness arrived in Ulan Ude on Buddhism, badges with Buddha thanka with the image of 11 faced His Holiness when suddenly the have an opportunity to go there, we the sunny Sunday morning of the images and pictures of the Dalai Avalokiteshvara and all attributes electric power was cut off. First, His received some information about 14th of July. It was his fourth visit to Lama have been sold in such a were set on the porch of the temple. Holiness tried to speak without a the visit of His Holiness to Aga Bury atia although the previous three place. The weather was hot and The lamas were there too. All other microphone, but this was too Buryat National District. In were carried out under totally there was no shade, but several tens people remained outside. But when difficult. So he began to recite the particular he made an ascent of the different circumstances. of thousands of people including it started to rain, His Holiness , "Om Mani Perne Hum", holy mountain Alkhanai and His visits have grown into a real children were sitting patiently. proposed moving inside the temple. and we all recited it together with consecrated this place at the summit festival for the Buryat people and His Holiness gave a speech filled At firstonl y the lamas and part of the him. Soon after the electric power They say a curious incident occured also for all Russians and people of with his great love for all beings. Buryat population were permitted was turned on. while His Holiness was staying at different nationalities who consider This lasted for an hour and a half to come inside, but His Holiness In the afternoon His Holiness left Aga Datsan. themselves Buddhist or feel and was translated from Tibetan insisted that Russians should be for Atsagat village, the birth place The place where the meeting with sympathy with Buddhism. In spite into Mongolian and from Tibetan invited into the temple and Russian of Agwang ( Ngawang ) Dorjiev, His Holiness was to take place was of the fact that the leaders of the state through English into Russian. In translation was organised. the eminent Buddhist religious surrounded by guards. For entering, didn't take part in the reception of his conclusion, His Holiness So instead of staying out in the rain figure, and Tutor of the XIII Dalai a special pass was needed. Arid His Holiness and the central bestowed his blessing and granted we found ourselves safe inside, Lama. Atsagat is an hours trip by quite unexpectedly a white goat mass-media almost didn't mention lungs for certain teachings. All those where we could sit down on carpets car from Ulan Ude. A small in appeared. He was trying to get this event, the local officials did their who attended repeated the mantras and cushions and above all near His honour of Agwang Dorjiev had been through the guards. Of course, they best to make arrangements for His of Shakyamuni, Padmasambhava, Holiness. erected. In connection with this stupa didn't let him pass, but people began Holiness to meet people and to ensure , Vajrapani, Avalok- His Holiness began to give teaching. His Holiness said that a person such to laugh and advised the goat to go his personal security. iteshvara, Tara, Amitayus, He spoke Tibetan which two of his as Agwang Dorjiev was worthy of a and get a pass. The goat walked This fact is very wonderful because Hayaghriva and the Migzem after translators rendered into Mongolian greater memorial. about and found a sheet of paper. we have become accustomed to a His Holiness. It was like a dream. and English. In the meantime the His Holiness conducted the He picked it up in his mouth and negative attitude towards religion and On the 15th of July, His Holiness weather became a little better and Ganapuja ritual and then gave a cam e back to the guard. Everybody religious people. We have took part in the "Maidari Khuzal", His Holiness proposed to go outside. speech during which he talked about was laughing and the goat went experienced oppression to the full the celebration in honour of He said with humor, "It seems we the spiritual unity of the Buryat through the barrier. extent at the Ivolga Datsan haveestab li shed anew traditi on now, people and the Tibetans. This unity, His Holiness tied a white kata Now the 250th Anniversary of the Monastery, about an hour away by leaving the Mandala outside the he said, is stressed by the similarity around the goat's neck, and asked acknowledgement of the Buddhist bus. In the afternoon he visited the temple while we all hide inside." in their mode of life. Nature in that the goat be fed till his natural Church by the Russian State (under Buryat religious art exhibition and We accomodated ourselves on the Bury atia resembles that of Tibet and death and prophecied that it would the Empress Elizabeth the II ) was consecrated the statue of the porch and His Holiness continued our peoples are one people, "We be reborn as a Lama. celebrated. And though we see that "Zandan fuu", the "Sandal his teaching. I would like to note even have the same food." His On the next day the goat with the much of this is a formality and for Buddha", which was displayed here the wonderful ability of His Holiness seemed to be moved when white kata round his neck joined show, nevertheless we think it is a there. According to the legend, this Holiness to gaze with a smile into he took and broke a piece of dried the group of people who were going display of positive change. statue was carved in sandalwood in the eyes of each person, so you milk skins. He also pointed out the to the place where His Holiness When we arrived in Ulan Ude we the time of Buddha Shakyamuni. cannot help feeling that he is similarity between the destinies of gave teaching. He humbly lay down didn't know yet where we could meet The statue had belonged to Tsugol addressing only you. (And this was the two peoples. there and seemed to be listening His Holiness and as we are ordinary Datsan and after the destruction of even the cause of some funny The 19th of July was the last day of attentively. people we don't have access to go this datsan it was stored in a arguments between certain His Holiness* visit to Buryatia. In On the 22nd of July a everywhere we want We learned depository till now. participants of the meeting who the morning he conducted a press-conference was held in the that the meeting was to take place in His Holiness spent each morning argued that His Holiness had only Ganapuja ceremony in the temple Aga Datsan. His Holiness made a the stadium that afternoon. This was from July 15th to 19th at Ivolga smiled at him or her.) of Ivolga Datsan. There were not short speech in which he said that the first time that we had visited a Datsan On the 17th he began to On the morning of the 18th the very many people and all of them he would bring his contribution to stadium because we have never been conduct the Avalokiteshvara second part of the Avalokiteshvara were permitted to enter the temple. the cause of the revival of Buddhism 8ports fans, and I think it was also the initiation (wang). The throne for initiation was given. We sat on the Next day His Holiness left for the there with great pleasure. The Great Master Rinpoche

The master Dilgo Khyentse devoted his life to working for the with each individual according to Rinpoche passed away on the night benefit of beings. This he did with that person's needs. All who had of the 27th September in Bhutan, tireless energy, filling each and every any contact with him will feel a after a short illness. He was not only day with a constant series of sense of loss at his passing, and a one of the leading masters able to activities. Anyone who had the sense of enrichment at the example transmit the teachings of Dzog-chen, opportunity to observe him would of his life and teachings. While the Great Perfection, but one of the remark that he never wasted a praying for his swift return, the very few remaining Lamas who had moment, and this while maintaining only way we can begin to show our undergone the complete traditional an unhurried serenity that affected gratitude is to put those teachings training in study and practice actually all those around him. When he was into practice. in Tibet. He was the holder of a vast not conducting ceremonies, giving S. Gethin, Editions Padmakara, number of teachings, which he had teachings and empowerments, or Peyzac le Moustier, France received from Lamas of all the giving individual advice and schools of , and guidance to his numerous students, A Prayer for the Swift which he had subsequently put into he would be writing lucid of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche practise during a total of twenty-two commentaries on important texts or years meditation in retreat. saying prayers and meditating. An by As a result, he was a fully realised important part of his activity lay in Om swasti master, the leading exponent of the preserving and spreading theBuddha Pemajungne ngonang kar kyi wong Rimé or non-sectarian movement, Dharma, through the construction Bimai gyutrul osel do ngak ling to whom Lamas of all schools went and restoration of and Trulpai dashel nyur chon ten tang to receive teaching. He was equally monasteries, and through his many droi an accomplished scholar and poet, visits to all parts of South Asia and and an important discoverer of the West. In France he established a Trinle tarchin dasok je dzin sol spiritual treasures (terma) who centre for the traditional three-year revealed and transmitted retreat, and for many years his Om swasti. Padmasambhava's most profound students there were able to benefit Lord of the dance, true oral teachings. incarnation of the wisdom-mind of guru, Shechen Gyaltsap Rinpoche, from his guidance. manifestation of the Lotus-born, Khyentse Rinpoche was born into Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. He and other great teachers. After marry His extraordinary presence, Radiant embodiment of the surras the Dilgo family in Kham, Eastern was thus an incarnation of such key years in retreat, during which he simplicity and humour never failed and mantras, magical emanation of Tibet, in 1910. He was recognised figures in Tibetan Buddhism as stayed in isolated' mountain to inspire those who saw him, and Vim al amitra, as an extraordinary incarnation by Vimalamitra, King Trisongdetsen, hermitages and caves, he was asked he gave the same attention and caring May the moon-like face of your the famous Lama, Mipham and Jigme Lingpa. by Khyentse Chokyi Lodro to teach concern to anyone who came to seek emanation swiftly arise; Rinpoche, and later enthroned in The first part of his life was spent in and transmit what he had received his advice and blessing. This great Continue to the end your activity Shechen monastery as the study and meditation with his root and experienced. From then on he teacher somehow managed to relate for the teachings and for beings, and guide us all, we pray.

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 6 Yantra Yoga at the Wat The Dalai Lama visits Hamburg, Germany

by Caroline Heintze approximately 4,500 listeners in the his teachings but missed long On October 6th and 7th, HisHoliness Congress Center hall. passages while he talked on a general the Dalai Lama visited Hamburg on This building is, on other occasions, introduction into Buddhism which the invitation of Thubten one of the most anonymous, cool was very theoretical and Ngawang of the 'Year of Tibet' places you can find, but on this philosophical, giving a quick glance initiative. foggy cloudy Sunday, even here a at the profound theories of cognition The Dalai Lama gave talks on Tibet festive atmosphere arose as if friends in Tibetan Buddhism. and on Buddhism, a Khadampa had gathered on a special occasion. As I learned, they have a lot in Initiation, answered journalists' The warmth and kindness that were common with what is taught at questions, opened a photo exhibition almost tangible in the Dalai Lama's Western universities currently. His and met Tibetan people who had presence gave me a strong feeling of Holiness also mentioned the link gathered here from all over Germany blessing. And, sure enough, others between the Buddhist view (and and even from neighboring states. had a similar experience although experience) and the findings of Despite such a tight programme and they might use other words to recent years in the fields of being in transit from a recent visit to express it. neurobiology, atomic physics and Mongolia and Lithuania on his way Another even more striking psychology. to the Kalachakra Initiation in New Inside the Sala at the Wat (photo John Orme) impression was given by his body This was underlined by some York, the Dalai Lama managed to language. In every instant his explanations of Prof. v. Weizsäcker by Laurence Mills infect almost everybody with his movements, gestures, the way he who is a well-known authority on It is now six days since the Yantra Yoga retreat with Fabio Andrico ended laughter, calmness and kindness. used his whole body were in physics (and became quite popular and I have had time to reflect on what practices we learnt and performed and His simple presence really caught harmony with his words and with as the organiser of an interreligious what benefits we received. everybody in some way, either the the sound of his voice. Almost like congress in Toronto once, where all After leading two weekends of retreat in and around Melbourne and giving group of journalists and a song, a flowing rhythm, his body of the worlds "main" religions were a day of Yantra Yoga teaching in Sydney, Fabio arrived at the Wat for ten photographers at the press was in complete accordance with represented). days of practice. Our group was, considered over time, shaped like the conference or Prof. von Weizsäcker his talk. His Holiness has left. I still keep this traditional seed of barley, small at both ends and larger in the middle. We (brother of the present I can't imagine an expression of blessed feeling and some of his last began with ten or twelve, swelled over the weekend to twenty-five and then 'Bundespräsident') who honesty and integrity more direct words in my mind, "Be more decreased to five or six. Some of us had met Fabio on retreats led by accompanied His Holiness and pure. sceptical". And I will read something Rinpoche, when he had taught Yantra Yoga but no one quite knew what to throughout his visit, or the I must admit that I enjoyed most of about modern physics. expect this time. He proved full of surprises! On the evening of Tuesday, 8th October, we began, according totradition , with the Tundus. Thereafter our days were divided into a period of explanation and practice after breakfast, Yantra Yoga after mid-morning A Polish visitor recounts break, lunch and time to settle it down with the OM A HUM Dance at three and, about 4.30 pm, more Yantra. In the evening we did the short Tun and twice did Chod. Recently, the Dzog-chen religions and through this freedom Aleksander's first contact with the The OM A HUM Dance was performed over and over and even my wooden Community at Merigar has had more teachers of marry different traditions Dzog-chen teaching was through legs started to get the feel of it A complete cycle lasting one and a quarter and more contact with practitioners started to visit and teach in Poland. reading "The Crystal and the Way hours was a feature of Sunday morning when Fabio decided to change the in east Europe, including the One of the first Buddhist teachers to of Light", teachings of Namkhai order of the practices. The mandala had been waiting for this celebration for U.S.S.R. During these last days, visit Poland was a master in Norbu Rinpoche. He says that m any a long time but now a few of us have some idea what to do with it Aleksander Skwara from Poland has 1975 and the first group formed people are interested in Dzog-chen In the various Yantra sessions, Fabio made us stretch and pull and push. been visiting and working at Merigar around his teaching. In the late '70s, teachings but their only contact is Some of us suspect that he had rubber where most people have unbending and has given The Mirror some other groups started following other through reading. bones! As a result of all this, a few of us needed massage to help various sore background information on life and masters. Today, in every Polish city In Krakow, Jacek Sieradzan is parts of our bodies. We were fortunate in having some skilled masseurs who spiritual groups in what has there is at least one Buddhist group. translating Dzog-chen texts into managed to elicit shrieks from their patients and grins from Fabio! remained, until recent times, an In Lodz, for example, there is a Polish and to date has translated The firstperio d in the morning offered various delights such as rushen of unknown area of Communist Vaj rayana Karmakagyu group and 'The Crystal and the Way of Light", body, speech and mind, an explanation of night practice, some semdzin as Europe. Aleksander comes from a Korean Zen group. "The Cycle of Night and Day" and well as some of the ngondro from "The Stairway to Liberation". Combined Lodz and this is his first visit to Another reason for the increasing "Zen and Dzog-chen". with all the other things we learnt during the day, we found more than Merigar and Italy. He has been a interest of young people in religious While other traditional Buddhist enough to keep us alert - but we were very tired by the end of the day. Dharma student for many years and groups is the economic difficulties groups are established there, people But mis was not all that was to happen. We were privileged to share in says that there is a great interest in of life. There seems little chance of interested in practising Dzog-chen several days of Judien. Those who had received the Mandarava practice Buddhism inhiscountry.The reason changing this and none of enjoying have only had contact with the transmission got up at 4.30 in the morning and started a little later seated on for this has been the attempt of the a good future. Young people find teaching through books and they are the grass facing east. The 'nectar' we received at the end of the practice had State to weaken a very powerful and little meaning in life and this reason not clear what it really is. For this the obvious result for me of quelling hunger almost completely. political Catholic church. In order has given rise to an increasing reason, they look forward to When Fabio phoned Norbu Rinpoche from the Wat he received the news to do this, the government has, for interest in spiritual and religious Namkhai Norbu visiting at a future that the eldest daughter, Maria Soledad, of an Argentinian practitioner had many years, given free rein to other groups. date. died. Due to this tragedy, for four days we assembled soon after lunch and dedicated Shitro practice for her benefit This was done in the Dzog-chen House which some are now calling Norbulingka. Also performed there was FINE QUALITY BLACK & WHITE POSTCARDS the ganapuja on the day before Fabio left, by which time we had shrunk in OF TIBET AND ITS PEOPLE numbers and felt more like a family. After the Ganapuja we took Fabio for a bushwalk, climbing Mount Stupa and admiring the retreat cave just below its summit. Maybe he fell in love with mis little cave, anyway he stretched out his arms to embrace the boulder out of which it is hollowed. He would like to do a prolonged retreat there. After admiring the view from the top and circumambulating the ruined stupa there, we scrambled down to Susanya's cabin and then further down to the 'top house' and a cup of tea. Afterwards we visited another cave in the Taken by Brian Beresfordofthe English Dzog-chen adjoining National Park and saw the site where in future there could be a Community. Three of these photographs appeared Dark Retreat. in the last "Mirror". They were 'Namkhai Norbu Having seen the mountain top, Fabio decided next day to make an Rinpoche with the remaining residents outside the to the local guardians before going, a practice which took us about two ruins of Ralung monastery, Central Tibet' (page 7). hours. Having purified the land and made all our offerings, we descended Lucia front the Merigar Community'Th e hand of Padmasambhava holding a vajra in to make lunch while our visitors packed their bags. After giving and is selling the licence and equipmentth e mudradIspelling all negativities' (p10); 'Masked receiving gifts it was time tosa y goodbye and another retreat was finished. for a tea room dancer, Ladakh' (p10).There are two series - people People came from far away - Melbourne (500 miles), Adelaide (800) and of Tibet (8 cards) and rituals of Tibet (8 cards). Mulhimbimby (500), and now they were gone. Everyone had contributed so in the centre of Arcidosso. Cost is £3.00 perset of 8. For overseas orders 20% much to the retreat's success with Fabio working harder than all of us. We Large beautiful garden with fountain.shoul d be added for postage and packaging. greatly appreciated his generosity in sharing with us so much of the precious Kailash Publications Teaching. And we thank Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche even more for sending Lucia Sblendorio, 58031 Arcidosso GR, Italy. 118 Haverstock Hill, Loudon NW3 2BA Fabio on this long teaching mission which reached us at the Wat Tel. (0564) 966936. Tel: (071) 586 7372, Fax: (071) 431 0311

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 7 The Audio Cassette Archive An Update on the Road Situation Tsegyalgar, Conway, Massachusetts

Enzo Terzano, who at present is transmission.) Namkhai Norbu background noise which is a sign by Barbara Paparazzo responsible for the Audio Cassette Rinpoche holds the copyright to all that some of them will soon become On September 16, the Buckland Zoning Board of Appeals voted to revoke Archive, answers some questions his teachings.'If copies of teachings demagnetised and some already are. Tsegyalgar's building permits for the guardian cabin, gate and shed. They about what the Archive consists of, on tape are made, they must only be This is happening to recordings of did this on the appeal of a Buckland resident, Linda Putnam, who is friends what its problems are and what sold with the knowledge of the local the early retreats and it can also with our neighbors on the Mary Lyons Road in Ashfield. Our permits were provisions are being made to Gakyil and not privately. All money happen to more recent ones, denied on the grounds that we do not have 200 feet of frontage on a public conserve the recordings of the ñom their sale must be given to the especially those recorded with way. retreatsofNamkhaiNorbuRinpoche Dzog-chen Community of the amateur equipment or on out-of-date We are appealing this decision to the Massachusetts Land Court. We will as well as possible for the future. country. or poor quality tapes (where you argue 1 ) that it is a public way because of its public use (re: the Mary Lyons Q. What is involved in running only need to shake the cassette to Birthplace landmark etc.) and 2) that, in any case, we do not need frontage Q. What does the Audio Cassette the tape Archive? dissolve the registration). on a public way because of our status as an educational/religious institution Archive consist of? A. The acquisition and cataloguing It is painful to know all this, to know which exempts us from zoning. A. The "Nastroteca" of Merigar is of all recordings of teachings given there is a magnetic wind that can At the same time we will ask the Buckland Planning B oard to deem the road the most complete archive of by Rinpoche all over the world; blow away all the recordings of the suitable for our use regardless of its status as a public way. originals and masters of sound recording retreats held at Merigar, teachings made with such All of this could take at least six to nine months after we begin our appeal. recordings on magnetic tape of the recording practices; taking care of equipment It is most important to note that this decision on behalf of the ZB A is in no Dzog-chen teachings given by and, when necessary, updating Until now no real provisions have way a reflection of the town's feelings towards us. In fact several older long Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche at retreats recording and duplicating been made for the adequate time residents of Buckland spoke on our behalf. and conferences all over the world equipment; buying virgin tapes conservation of the existing material It is estimated that the legal costs for this appeal will be in the range of from 1976 until now. The Archive (about 2,000 a year), copying, on magnetic tapes. $ 10,000. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated! They can be sent also contains teachings given by packing and posting all the copies That is why we have been studying to the following address: Tsegyalgar, P.O.Box 271, Conway, MA 01341 other Tibetan Dzog-chen and tantric requested; managing the finances of how to make new shelves that keep USA. masters, both Buddhist and Bon, as all this and keeping the accounts. the tapes as separate as possible well as conferences and courses on Q. Is anything being done tò from each other, why we have been Yantra Yoga and Tibetan medicine. conserve the recordings of the old looking for a safer place to house the Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Tsegyalgar in Conway in the United retreats held by Rinpoche which archive and why we have already will give a short retreat on December 6,7 and 8 States also has a very well organised are in danger of becoming started to duplicate recordings of at Tsegyalgar. tape archive but with slightly fewer demagnetised? the early retreats onto best quality For information contact: recordings than Merigar. It is still A. In recent years we have often tapes using good equipment Dzog-chen Community Tsegyalgar not clear whether a similar institution thought about giving the tape Q. What are the future projects is planned in the other gars. It would Archive a better situation than it has for the tape Archive? PO Box 277, Conway, Mass. 01341, USA be excellent if all of the main gars in at present Magnetic tapes are rather A. With the kind assistance of the the world kept a complete Archive delicate and suffer from extremes of people of Tsegyalgar, we are in the for the following reasons: to avoid temperature, and also especially process of buying a new good the risk of losing recordings through from external strong magnetic fields quality, high speed tape duplicator Tsegyalgar Gakyil Meets demagnetisation, fire or other and the synergic magnetism from America to make copies for accidents; to provide easy access to resulting from the juxtaposition of everyone who requests them. We At a recent meeting of the Tsegyalgar Gakyil, a number of issues were the teachings to all practitioners; cassettes lined up on shelves. In are also using better quality tapes discussed. The secretary, Sara Renner Handly was re-elected although the and to avoid the astronomical these circumstances what is both for masters (TDU-OR) and position of secretary has changed and the working hours are now fewer with customs tax on sending copies of registered on the tapes is in serious copies (MAXWELL UR-90) instead additional hours of secretarial work distributed among the Gakyil members tapes abroad. danger of being lost. of the old Certon tapes which have when necessary. Q. How can one have access to the At present the tape Archive is on a given many problems in the past. In the dark cabin, the wood stove is in the process of being rebuilt and once tape archive? platform built under the roof in the We also plan to acquire a new tape completed should be good for at least five more years. A. Any member of the Dzog-chen " Merigar house where both summer recorder and to repair and overhaul The Gakyil is try ing to find and purchase a tarpaulin on which they can paint Community can listen to recordings and winter the temperatures are not the old equipment. the mandala for the Song of the Vajra Dance. There was also a discussion by making a request to the keeper of ideal for the conservation of tapes. I have also started to organise all the about the possibility of buying an old bank building consisting of three the archive. We have made second This problem, together with that of recent material and hope to make an floors, first floor commercial, second floor residential, and third floor a copies for this purpose. Community the radiation emanating from the inventory and catalogueoflhe whole ballroom. Since it is a major project, the Gakyil decided to gather more members can also buy copies of video of the computer which is under archive as soon as possible. information and continue discussion at later meetings. recordings of retreats or parts of the platform and other incidental Q. Do you do all this alone? Tsegyalgar has begun talks with a sanitary enginner for the design of an retreats of which they have had factors has already caused A. Not quite. I must thank various alternative waste water disposal system. It is a complicated issue that transmission. (Those who already irreversible damage to the people who give me a hand in one requires much planning and before the Gakyil can submit their plan for possess recordings of the teachings recordings of the precious teachings way or another Fabio Polvami, approval they must have a clear idea of ultimate usage and how many people should remember to respect and given by Rinpoche in early retreats. Pietro Aconte, Mariolina Terzano and cabins they intend to service. The decision was to pursue this question maintain their transmission by not I recently listened to some of these and especially Mauro Mobilini who at a later date. making mese recordings available in order to identify them and found duplicates the cassettes at the speed to anyone who has not had the that they were partly drowned in a I still don't understand. Merida Community in Venezuela STATION HILL PRESS The Merida Dzog-chen Community has elected a new gakyil, which was The Cycle of Day and Night approved by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. The constitution of the new Gakyil An Essential Tibetan Text on the Practice of Contemplation is as follows: Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, translated and edited by John Myrdhin Reynolds A clear presentation of the Dzog-chen practice of being in contemplation 24 hours a day. Includes original Tibetan Director Michel Dubourdieu text with full commentary. $10.95 paper, 128 pages, illustrated. Blue Mayda Hocevar Serf-Liberation Through Seeing with Naked Awareness Blue adviser (old gakyil) Elias C aprii es An Introduction to the Nature of One's Own Mind in the Dzog-chen Tradition Yellow Rafael Guia Translated and edited by John Myrdhin Reynolds Foreword by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Yellow adviser (old gakyil) Maria Dolores Gonzalez This is the first authentic translation of the core text of The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation. Red Carmen Rivas Davila $14.95 paper, $19.95 doth, 240 pages, illustrated. Red adviser (old gakyil) (Three different Community How to Love Yourself when You Doni Know How members took turns with the red Healing All Your Inner Children gakyil during the last period) Jackie Bishop, M.S. S Mary Grunte, R.N. This book takes the premise that each of us carries around an inner child on a step further describing ah interior model of the individual based on the metaphor of the family. $10.95 paper. We have repaired the darkroom that was completed inJulyl990ina private house, but which, until now, could not be used because of water and light If you order any books from Station Hill Press that are advertised in "The Mirror", a large percentage of the sale leaks and because it was too noisy. Now the dark room is functioning and goes to "The Mirror". Just send your order directly to Station Hill Press with this advertisement Send total cost will be used for retreats beginning the last week of September. of books in US dollars by International Money Order, credit cards, etc. plus shipping rates: We have other projects that will be announced as soon as they materialize. First book - UPS $ 3.00, Book rate $1.50, Foreign surface $3.00, Foreign airmail $12.00 Each add'l book - UPS $ .50, Book rate $ .50, Foreign surface $1.50, Foreign airmail $7.00 Merida Dzog-chen Community, Apartado postal 483 Station Hill Press, Barrytown, New York, 12507 U.SA Tel. (914) 758-5840 Fax. (914) 758-8163 Merida 5101, Venezuela

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 8 The future of the Dz If the Dzog-chen Community is to Continue, the Peoj.

Lastyear.NamkhaiNorbuRinpoche are interested in the teaching have to it's better to have all this or not. If where they know extremely well So if people are really interested, wrote a letter asking for people's do is to understand and discover this you think it's really of no use maybe how to make money for their how should they participate, and ideas about a booklet he wrote in and know how to work it out. I know we could in fact go back to how it up-keep. We have studied and tried how can we continue? 1985 called "Fundamental very well that many people criticise was "once". Going back to the to do this but up to now we still Up till now I've always committed Principles of the Dzog-chen and gossip and make scenes. If I beginning means cancelling haven't succeeded. That means we myself like the father of a family. Community" describing his were to follow up those things we everything. I don't know whether don't know how to do it, we don't But it's not sufficient to think that I proposals on how the Dzog-chen wouldn't be able to do anything. I that would be possible or not but if have that capacity. We shouldn't be commit myself and no-one else Community could continue. This think things are not only like this in people really don't like the way 'fixated only on organization and needs to bother. These are things message was sent to all the Gakyils the Community but also in society things are becoming, we could try. money. Money is relative. In life that have to be done, things that around the world to be distributed and life in general. So personally I But you shouldn't think it should be there are many relative things. If involve a commitment. to Community people. don't get at all discouraged, even as it was in the sixties, with today I'm hungry the-most urgent Then many people don't know that During three days of teachings and though many problems exist, conditions and people's mentality thing is to find a good meal. But a we've taken on Merigar Two, where transmission of Vajrapani from because I have to make the choice: as they were in those days. If one good meal isn't my aim in life; it's we're doing a lot of work during November 1st to 3rd at Merigar, to do or not to do. To do something person thmks only about them selves something relative related to today's these days. It will be mainly for the Norbu Rinpoche spoke about the you have to have the courage to go and refuses to accept society, I'm situation. Li the same way money is activities of the Shang Shung need for people to consider how the ahead with it, or not do iL But if you not saying that couldn't be a something relative in life. Institute. We have plenty of ideas Community has developed and the don't do it you have to see what the solution. It could be a solution for Therefore our main aim is not just to and good intentions but we also have necessity of taking responsibilityfor consequences would be, and, one person. But I can say for sure make money. However we don't debts to pay for these things. We shaping the future. therefore, what the benefits are. that this is not a solution for society say we are not interested in it either, want to develop all these things but because it is useful and one needs it we don't know where the money is in society at the moment. coming from. As long as I'm alive I For example, before we had this will try to remedy the problems of Gonpa, when there was the same money. But that isn't the solution, number of people present as today, as you know. If the Community is to there was already a problem to find continue everyone must be a place to sit and we couldn't sit as responsible. I see many people who comfortably as we do now. Now we are interested in the teaching butnot have this comfort but certainly it in the Community, and above all not also has its consequence. We have in what the Community is doing. sacrificed a lot to succeed in doing I'm not saying everyone isn't this and now we have to maintain it, interested but many people don't and we also have to finish it. We take any interest. I think that's a want to paint all the original mistake because if the Community of Dzog-chen on the ceiling and we no longer existed they would finally want to paint the walls in the realize, "what a pity 1" But as long as characteristic Tibetan way. Not only it does exist they take no interest in that but we still haven't done iL anything to all the land around. We There's also a group of people have to plant trees and make belonging to the Community who flowerbeds. Then in the capannone are not interested in taking any we have lots of books that have been responsibility themselves, but are collected over more than twelve always ready to criticize those who years, mostly books on Dzog-chen do take on a responsibility and do teachings. We also have many something. That is very negative, precious, rare manuscripts. But if because it is discouraging to those you look at how they have been left there you'11 see that we haven't even managed to co-ordinate them. They also need to be protected from being The welcoming sign at Tsegyalgar, USA. ruined, they need adequate cupboards, a wooden floor to get rid Merigar, November 2nd 1991 I've heard many people say that the or for the majority of people. Rather of the damp, and a place where it is Our Community is based on the Community is getting too organized, we have to consider what the possible for people to read and study teaching and the spirit of the it's not like it used to be once. But condition of society is and how to them. Then we need someone to teaching; it's not just an ordinary what do they mean by "once"? integrate the teaching in society. take care of the library. Otherwise kind of organization. This "Once" when we had just begun Remember mat I've explained this why have we made all these Community exists within a society Merigar there was only the yellow hundreds of times and I have not sacrifices to collect these books. which is always moving ahead and house with one room to sleep in, the only explained but I also try to apply Now we have this land and we are changing. The teaching tells us how rest was completely uninhabitable. iL That's why we've organised the building the dark retreat house, and to work with circumstances, itnever Downstairs had been a stall for cows Community and we are trying to we have a program to build several teaches us how to be stubborn or and we spent many days shovelling organise it better to function in cabins for personal retreats; we want stuck in one way of behaviour. That out the manure to clean it up. This society. My principle certainly isn't to develop the Shang Sluing Institute is why we always try to improve and was the condition "once". But when that I'm very attracted to as a place to study and where many to integrate as much as possible in it was like that there were very few organization, but nor am I books can be translated into Western society. of us. anti-organization, because I know languages; and we have Shang We all know very well that there are Certainly you may feel that it was that we are living in society and one Shung Editions which is trying many problems, but I never get more simple and natural but you has to accept the conditions of fundamentally to publish as many discouraged by having to deal with have to understand that we are going society. That's true integration. books as possible of the teachings. a few problems. I can also say that ahead in society, we are not going That's why we need at least a We are also trying to maintain that is my nature. I'm well aware backwards. Now we are several minimum of organisation, not to Tibetan culture as we can see how that we are living in Samsara; not thousand people, we can hardly go remain behind everyone. many problems and dangers there living in Paradise beyond all back to how we were "once". We are not saying we want to do are. We are trying to do something problems. In fact if there were no Merigar now has a lot of land and things better than others, I really in this respect in Eastern Tibet problems I'd be more worried, I'd several buildings whichhave all been don't believe we can manage mat. through our organization called wonder what was happening. Of acquired with much sacrifice But at least we can try to follow the A.S.I.A. All of these things are of course problems exist but they can especially the Gonpa, and certainly way others do things! But as y ou can common interest to all people. I all be resolved; there has never been there is a commitment and a see in certain things we don't manage have tried to initiate many things, a problem that was not linked to responsibility involved. So all of it. For example there are many but I can't realize all of them alone. cause and effect What people who you must think sincerely whether groups and associations and centres A distant view of Merigar, Italy. From left: "capanni

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 9 og-chen Community )le Interested Have to Decide and Take Responsibility

who want to contribute something. I asked for suggestions. If someone If someone comes here and actively says I don't like it because I think it does something and criticises things should be like this, that's fine by me. that are not going well, certainly I It's not that I said that the don't mind that, in fact I'm very organization has to be the way I say. pleased. But if someone is not I simply, like anyone else, presented interested in doing anything but my opinion to ask if it was alright. criticise, it's as if they are just trying But most people kept quiet and I to block everything. don't know whether or not they are Last year I wrote a letter informing in agreement with my ideas or are people of my ideas of how the just too shy to say anything. Anyway Community could continue, to ask my original idea was to form a kind people what they mink about them. of commission to examine all these At least I have an idea. I'm sure ideas to study which would be best others also have their ideas but to carry out But when I saw these no-one wants to reveal them. There kinds of criticisms I thought better are many reasons for this. Some of it. Because I'm convinced that don't want to say anything because the time is not yet ripe for iL People they think, "I'm not the master, nor don't understand yet If there's no am I one of organisers of the land it's useless to think of sowing Community". So passively they keep seeds because nothing will grow quiet. Others who might be and one will only find problems. interested aremaybeabitshy.Many Our Community is not yet mature so people in the Community are like it's useless to carry out my ideas for that. They are afraid to come forward the international Community. But and do something because they are evenifldon'tdo any ofthese things, afraid of what people might think, Merigar, Tsegyalgar and Tashigar or that the master might not like it, are all concretely in existence. With or that others in the Community all of our sacrifices we have acquired The main house at Tashigar, Argentina might criticize them. land, houses and things to maintain. guidance. The people interested have really feel that the house is mine or shouldn't continue. But if anyone I've received a few replies to my The principle is always the to decide and take responsibility. that I am responsible for it certainly does have that idea, you can say so. request for people's suggestions. maintenance of the teaching. I want very precise ideas on how we I won't be interested in its There are a few people who feel About twenty percent of the people Therefore I haven't the least should continue the Community. I maintenance. So you have to Merigar is a burden. Before there who replied said they thought these intention of renouncing and want to know what ideas people understand that the possessions of was nothing to be responsible for, ideas were very interesting and could cancelling all of this. Certainly we have, and how many people are the Community belong to everyone but now they feel forced to carry this be useful for the future and they will have to find a solution of how to really interested in the continuation who is interested, not just me. great weight on their shoulders. If made suggestions for modifications. do it. It's not that I want to decide of this Community. Many people do things for the you really feel Merigar is a burden, But about thirty percent replied with everything by myself. It depends on That's what I want to know. Today Community as if they were doing have a rest, relax. Even if you don't criticism,sayingthatthe Community the people who are interested. The I'm just giving information to me a favour. But it is really in the come and participate for a while we has turned into a card-carrying club, Community is not in my interest, it communicate that during the interest of that person himself as don'tmind. So you shouldn't worry and that it is completely contrary to is in the interest of the people who Christmas retreat we want to have a well as of common interest You about it But if you do want Merigar the teachings, and it's become a wanttorealize themselves, who want meeting to decide how we can must all remember that otherwise to continue, you should show your horrible organization. I don't much to follow the teachings and practice. continue. So now you have time to there's no way to go ahead. willingness by taking some like this kind of reply, because I From the beginning I have been think and to communicate this to all From now until Christmas there's responsibility otherwise it's didn't ask to receive only criticism; willing to collaborate and give those who are interested. time for everyone to think about it. meaningless. So I want to ask you Shall we continue the Community Also you can ask other people what all to commit yourselves to this and as it is or should we do it in another they want to do. When we have this to communicate it to others. way? For example, should Merigar meeting please bring your clear continue as it is now or should it be ideas. We'll continue according to Please send your suggestions to modified in some way? Because at the decisions made then I don't Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, present Merigar isn't working think it's a good idea not tocontinue . Merigar, 58031 Arcidosso GR, perfectly; certainly there are many I don't believe anyone thinks we Italy things to modify and change. But change is part of our awareness. As I said before we should work according to the circumstances. Vajrapani Teaching I don't have the least idea that by Adriano Clemente something unalterable has been During the firstthre e days of November, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche gave established. We can change all the a teaching on the practice of Vajrapani related to a terma (hidden treasure) ideas and all the programs. The that had been rediscovered by his uncle Chokyi Wangchug (1910 -1963), principle isn't to establish an emanation of the great terton and Dzog-chen master, Jamyang Khentsei something; the principle of the Wangpo (1820 - 1892). The terma had originally been concealed by Community is to continue the Lhalung PalgyiDorje, the celebrated yogi and disciple ofPadmasambhava, teaching and give the possibility to on Mount Lhalung Paldo near Galen in east Tibet and was rediscovered do retreats etc. in the early 1950s following dreams and signs which led to a small stame All of this needs money. It's not that of Vajrapani being unearthed, which is now in the safekeeping of we can say to people, "You're Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche himself. The teachings of this tantric Anuyoga participating so bring som e money ". cycle are divided into three series: the external, internal and secret. The The principle isn't just that The external series, of which we received an informal transmission, includes principle is to find a way of raising a Guru Yoga with meditation on a peaceful form of Vajrapani, white in funds. If everyone commits colour and identical in essence to . The internal series is themselves to finding a way to based on the practice of blue ' wrathful ' Vajrapani, and regarding this we continue we won't find much received an 'empowerment' through the terma's statuette. The secret difficulty. If I really feel responsible series, which Rinpoche mentioned only in passing, is linked to a joyful for a house, even if I don't have form of Vajrapani in union with Guhya Jnana. As well as receiving much money I find some way to specific instructions on the first two series, we had the chance to practise resolve the problem of how to together with Rinpoche the essential sadhana of the peaceful and wrathful main house, Gonpa, lower right Rinpoche's house. (photo Mario Maojietti) maintain my house. But if I don't forms of Vajrapani.

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 10: Experiences of the Retreat in Spain, September 1991 The Last Day

Babia and the sea: although the sea by Alexander Viazhikovtsev, from the Meditation Centre Vidyadhara, is hidden behind the mountains, one Padmasambhava Fraternity, Buryatia. could feel its presence in the softness I had hoped to be in time for the last day of the retreat in Spain. Good fortune and moisture of the air when the sun was with me, and some unexpected and wonderful things happened as a was shining. result of a number of coincidences. I walked into the gonpa just at the The swimming pool was much moment of the beginning of Rinpoche's concluding talk and Ganapuja. In appreciated and Rinpoche enjoyed Russian we say "off the ship and straight to the ball". The collective singing it a lot, often swimming together under the arches outside the gonpa was so very moving, beyond what I with the many students from far imagined from the tapes, and when I listened to the invocation to Guru away countries like Venezuela and Padmasambhava, my Slavenian soul could hardly keep back the tears. To the United States, as well as write about Rinpoche is very difficult and may be unnecessary. We need Germany, Holland, Engl and.France simply to be with him, to hear and to contemplate. Each one of us cither and, of course, Italy. already has or will have his or her own special experience of relationship After lunch there were more with him. It seems to me, the most subtle thing is to feel and to take in this teachings in the big rectangular mysterious essence of direct transmission. Maybe it is, as with so many room with arches and balconies and things in the Dzog-chen teaching: on one side it seems we can return to the big windows all round allowing us simplicity of the primordial state of being, so spontaneously and easily, yet to see the empty sky whilst chanting from the other side it seems this awareness meets many obstacles and the Song of the Vajra. difficulties because of our being closed, limited or distracted. If we open, Every evening after the teaching Rinpoche can enter, awakening the begirmingless and innate but sleeping A session of Y antra Yoga at Babia (photo Jean Mackintosh) session, Rinpoche led a Chod presence and we should try only to continue in this state, releasing or by Maria Gracia Pelayo Many of the people at the retreat practice in a special room designed integrating any hindrances and disturbances. Babia is situated in undulating hills were receiving teachings from to make sound more powerful. In Russia we experience discomfort, in the West we experience comfort, for in the south east of Spain in Rinpoche for the firsttim e and were Everyone, including the new both the principle is not to be distracted, not to lose the presence and Andalucia on the edge of the very appreciative of his teaching students was totally involved and selfsameness in any situations, especially when " we jump from the fire Mediteranean. It was designed for style. On his way to Babia, Rinpoche the place was full of energy. through the hole in the ice", as it happened with me. the teaching of Gestalt Therapy. had stopped off in Madrid to give When a group of people from After the retreat I had some days of rest in Babia and I had a lot of new The owner, Ignacio, who designed two public talks in the "Ateneo" a Almeria asked Rinpoche's impressions from just two days with Rinpoche and the Community. Maybe it made a point of harmonising the well known academic institution permission to open a centre, he later when English comes more easily I hope I can write more. comfortable living quarters with the with a long and distinguished reminded them to be open minded beauty of the surrounding history. The many non-practitioners and to receive other lamas whom ight countryside. Claudio Naranjo, a who came were highly impressed be in the area and to listen to other The Sand Mandala at Babia well-known Gestalt therapist who by Rinpoche's clarity and were teachings. used to work with Fritz Pearls at the greatly interested by the teachings. Babia used to be a Sufi camp by Naomi Zeitz Esalon Institute of Big Sur, Timewise, the retreat was very nicely hundreds of years ago during the 8 The sun poured down strong and hot as we measured and sweated and drew California, teaches various organised. We started the day at centuries in which the Arabs stayed and dug in the sand in Babia; the place of the retreat in southern Spain. disciplines there. He had already 6.45 with the purification practice there. Their own guardians had a The beautiful rocky red golden hills stood like guardians against the clear met Namkhai Norbu and received of the Six Lokas for the first 3 days, very harmonious attitude towards blue sky, reminiscent of the landscape of the south-west of America. Dzog-chen teachings. Ignacio had and thereafter with Shi tro practice, the Guardians of Dzog-chen, as we As soon as we started the mandala, it began to manifest its own energy, as heard about Rinpoche's fame as a following Rinpoche's indications. felt very protected. It seemed to me if we were merely the 's tools to make concrete the energy needed for Dzog-chen Master and hoped he Then at 8 o'clock, there was Yantra as if the earth was soft, magic and people to experience the Dance of the Vajra. would come to teach at Babia. Their Yoga with Laura Evangelisti who silky and as if celestial beings where Our tools were two spoons, some string and a stick We worked from early wishes came true and Rinpoche came especially from Meri gar. She constantly passing by, changing our morning until the dark. Time didn't seem to exist. Our energy increased graciously accepted their invitation is an excellent teacher with an gross human nature into a more strongly. After digging small trenches that delineated the form, we filled to hold a retreat in Spain. The fruit extraordinary balance of gentleness subtle one. them in with white talc. Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche visited the mandala the first evening after his arrival and viewed it by flashlight He made some was a splendid experience of and firmness. When the weather was After the retreat finished,w e rested inaugural steps. Then the mandala was empowered and we were ready to integration with the Teachings and fine (as it was for most of the time) for a day with a few people. The last dance. Two folks of Great Britain became the keepers of the mandala and the Teacher. we did Yantra Yoga at the top of evening in Babia there was a were inspired by the colors of the hills to go hunting for stones and earth with Rinpoche spoke on all the different Babia, where the view combined magnificent sunset tok be seen from which to make the colors. They found v ery soft and subtle colors representing paths of Buddhism, including , with the delicate fragrances of the the top of Babia, the purple rays the five elements and filled in the spaces. In the center, different rocks and and the natural way of pure air. changing the light of the day. flowers and stones in a variety of patterns evolved daily. Dzog-chen. Rinpoche clearly After Yantra Yoga, there was time The nextday we went withRinpoche At first it was a bit tricky to dance on the sand with small and not so small explained the way in which for breakfast before the teachings to take the train from Murcia (a trip obstacles of stones protruding here and there. After a little light rain and one Dzog-chen Teachings are connected started at 10 o 'clock, beginning with by car of 150 km) to Barcelona. or two heavier showers, the surface of the mandala became danceable and with Tibetan culture and how they the Song of the Vajra in order to Thank you Namkai Norbu Rinpoche the energy more complete and inviting. People were there for instruction are to be found both in the Bonpo listen to Rinpoche's words in the for coming to Spain and giving us early in the morning and later in the afternoon, but all day long you could and Buddhist traditions. However most relaxed state possible. the teachings, for sharing with us find small groups of people journeying to the mandala to practise the Dance their origin does not belong to any In thesparetime around lunch some your wisdom, clarity and of the Vajra. Like the entire retreat in Babia, the mandala also reflected the tradition but is beyond traditions, people studied the Dance of the compassion. For teaching the way striking and powerful elements of the land of Southern Spain. It possessed going back thousands of years, Vajra. The mandala was laid down to integrate ordinary life and practice the subtle beauty that at first glance appears dry and rough, and then emerges coming to the earth from other onaspot overlooking themountains making every minute of our rich and soft and strong. The mandala and the Dance of the Vajra was one planets in the language of Oddiyana. which form a natural wall between existence 'the Practice'. aspect of a very special retreat in Spain.

TIBETAN THANKAS Park Hotel Mandarava, Vajrapani, Guardians, Simhamukha Swim & Sunbathe eat, drink and dance. and other divinities. Ride on horseback Silk frame. We import vajras, bells and other Tibetan articles or just walk and talk on request. in the natural surroundings. (Contact before February 1992) Park Hotel Capenti, 58031 Arcidosso, Italy FABIO ORESTE Via OSTIENSE, 162, ROME 00154, TeL (0564) 967355 ITALY. Tel. (06) 5757571

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 11 Khyungdingar News fromRando l Gar, Buryatia by Nickolai Dudka Sunrise heats the cabin's cast side the boards a pleasant ache against my We are happy to send our greetings get up and open both doors to clear back and best wishes to all of you, our away the night's air a lizard risks a scurry past Vajra brothers and sisters, from the peregrine screes from a nearby cooper's hawk settles on the highest Buryatia in Russia, and inform you tree redwood about our life.practice and,of course, set some water to boil on the calls and falls away our problems. campstove crows grumble from an invisible My name is Nickolai Dudka and sit on the lawn chair to waken distance I'm writing this article with the a flock of finches chi tters through the tomato and cold chicken madrone the flies express an interest a little intention to tell you of my own every flutter audible in the silence wine in the cooling loosening air experience of our meetings and yantra on the shaded deck chod to the gathering darkness scared practice. But first of all I want to mockingbird swoops with the wave of to death offer an apology for the style of the the vajra and again and one more time article. I'm not a writer nor a heat swells amid the drone of insects thickened night and distant suns journalist. I simply want to give a steaming coffee and buttered bread warm beings spinning through deep short outline about us. over a view to the mountainous north space As we reported to you in one of our a jay chuckles from the feathery cedar pinholes through to the blazing mirror last letters (published in "The xitro for my first lama meteors streak the milky inky way expanded now to fill all the space crawl to the bed weak with Mirror" no.6,1990), we are a group razor sun scrapes to its zenith so much falling into the sky of people who live in Buryatia and trench broom pops and crackles to the land of the soaring garuda study and practise the Dzog-chen woodpecker taps his morse code I bow teachings. the air tightens I sing From September 3rd to 5th, we deer rustic out of sight gathered together to have our First pasta zucchini and rest Kathy McGrane group practice and to discuss some wash a few things problems. Our centre (or Gar) is hang them to dry on a bunji cord located about 200 km. from the city simmering sun gone past its apex Poems a walk down the hill through of Ulan-Ude, where another part of rattlesnake grass Look no more the group lives. Early on Tuesday Practitioners from Randol Gar (photo Nicholaí Dudka) ticks hitch a ride only carry your gaze morning, we all ^went to white moths and thistle seeds waft profoundly to the center Novokizhinginsk and after five "Baikal-tso-Gar". The idea of our white empty wall and upon a table past where you will hours travel by train we finally union was to practise together, study an offering of incense). vultures wheel slowly rendevous the gathered together. the teachings and move on the path After this we prepared for a short their blackest shadows scale the trees million forms of your Here I want to describe our Gar and together. And every person in the Puja and the women made a great slip and scramble up goat rock humanity its inhabitants. The head and heart group tries to help the others as and delicious lunch. It was a real a moss-hung oak, a of the Gar is Serafini. He and his much as possible. lightening-splintered cedar feast! wife Farida, work very hard from cool current rises from the plunging I remember each poem We had a wonderful meeting with Next day we continued and did the valley deeply early morning to deep in the night Fabio Andrico in Leningrad in the Tun and tried to do some Yantra oceanic sky for longde where you met me on translations, helping everybody middle of the summer. There was a movements. And all the time we the falcon drop from their aerie by the river; who can't read Tibetan or English. practice seminar on Yantra Yoga. I have been followed by the spirit of soar and circle above me and your gifts They also have a plot of land with tried to receive all I could from this event and our union. male clockwise/ female the greatest treasures herbs and a vegetable-garden Fabio and I thought about those After this, we discussed very many counterclockwise empty holes When we arrived in the village, we people who could not arrive at this questions. We considered another three times shrieking filled completely met two men from Novosibirsk seminar from our area. It's clear that name for the Gar and we decided on time and sound cease by your vision. (central Siberia), one man from in Buryatia many people expected a "Randol Gar". We spoke about our pointed redwoods rise in carved rows Leningrad, and one from Irkutsk. lot from Fabio because the best way the very air expands "newsletter" in Russian and the Altogether we were ten people. The eyes bigger than my head senseless journey to understand a practice is to meet a possibility to publish and reprint I turn back to the cabin beautiful Master first night we discussed the medium real practitioner and, on the other material from other sources and so a monarch lands on the path ancient wisdom Tun (Tun Drin) and the most hand, he was the first messenger on. opens and folds himself to the closing growing fear important points of the Dzog-chen from Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. sun panic, crying teaching. Unfortunately, not one of That's why the second point in the For further contact, here is our squat and slide down the rock's back looking everywhere us has had transmission from meeting inNovokizhinginskwasmy address: ramble round the stony but in your eyes Namkai Norbu Rinpoche yet, but story about the seminar and the Randol Gar climb the hill past pulsing ants' nests the mirror we are interested and wish to practise Yantra exercises. So, next morning dragonflies cruise the wild grasses c/o Nickolai Dudka no time and hear the teachings. That's why we started with Tun Drin. stretch out on the woody-fragrant Taezhnay Street, 26 only death we met about two years before and deck We sat in Serafim's small room in Novokizhinginsk, 671454 at that time we called our group rest my head where the lama sat Naomi Zeitz front of an (the letter A on the Buryatia, USSR.

Tashigar pays homage to the Little Tara

Tashigar, October 17th, 1991 father, Hugo and her little sister with us till here. Her Vajra brothers In Tandil, at the age of 14, Hugo Guadalupe. and sisters of the Argentine and Olga Palacio 's daughter, Maria She was present in February, 1990 Community cry this precious loss Soledad Palacio, died. She was hit at Tashigar when we celebrated the without solace. by a car and after a period of five Tibetan New Year a few days after However, her beautiful image days of unconsciousness, she left the purchase of the land. She was remains in Tashigar, in the sky, on her body on October 5th, as the sun present, too, with her family at the rocks, in the flowers. rose. Tashigar's inauguration on Casually, one week after her death, Her father practised Phowa for her December 26th, 1990. we started our first work toprodu c e and the Dzog-chen Community of She enjoyed swimming a lot and an income: honey. Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Tandil playing with Norbu Rinpoche in the We set up a beehive and we gave it are practising Shitro for her. swimming pool. One day, Rinpoche her name, "Little Sangye Drolma". Maria Soledad took at nine lost two golden rings in the pool. She has gone. But we are happy years of age during a 'Tara Retreat" She dived and found them at the because we know that, helped by led by Lama Sherab from the Karma bottom. She was so happy ! The wind her parents, she used her precious , near Bariloche. spread her laughter over the trees... human existence in the best way She received the name "K. Sangye She participated in all the activities possible: practising Dharma Drolma" and from this moment, during retreat She practised Yantra diligently from an early age. wemether every time me teachings Yoga with Fabio, she attended the May your infinite Wisdom were given in Argentina. Teachings, she painted the mandala be manifested again among us We used to see her seated in a and learnt the Vajra Dance. for the benefit of all sentient perfect lotus position near her On October 5th, she died. She walked beings.

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 12 BOOK REVIEW Legendary Images of Tibet "My Tibet" a text by His Holiness Dalai Lama on his memories of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet, and his recollections of his Tibet earlier life in Lhasa. He speaks about Photographs and introduction by the culture of Tibet, the people, the Galen Rowell. Thames and nature and wildlife in relation to the Hudson, Great Britain, 1990. philosophy of the nation as a whole. This is a book of exquisite He says, "As a boy studying photographs, taken oyer the years Buddhism, I was taught the by Galen Rowell during his travels importance of a caring attitude in Tibet. towards the environment. Our Galen Rowell has travelled widely practice of non-violence applies not in Tibet since 1981. He is an just to human beings but to all acclaimed photographer who in sentient beings • any living thing 1984 received the Ariseli Adams that has a mind." award for his dedication to "In Buddhist practice we get so wilderness photography. He has used to this idea of non-violence devoted his life to wilderness and the ending of all suffering that exploration and photography. With we become accustomed to not a great understanding and love for harming or destroying anything wild places and wild life, Rowell indiscriminately. Although we do sensitively portrays this in his not believe that trees or flowers photographs ofTibeL His motivation have minds, we treat them with in producing this book is to cultivate respect. Thus we share a sense of worldwide interest in the universal responsibility for both Grazing lands beside the Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River in Western Tibet (photo Galen Rowell) preservation of Tibet's vast natural mankind and nature." landscape, its wildlife and ancient the dark storm clouds over the high and woman smiling and laughing as kiang ninning at full speed on the "In my Five Point Peace Plan, I culture. He states that, "the Tibetan rocky Anye Mochin Range to the ihey go about their everyday life. plains, His Holiness with sheer joy have proposed that all of Tibet Plateau is one of those remaining black, purple and golden hues of And as well as people, mere are also told Galen Rowell, "We have always become a sanctuary, a zone of peace. legendary wild places, such as the twilight at Lake Manasarovar; all many photographs of Tibetan considered our wild animals a Tibet was that once, but with no Sergente Plain, the Galapagos the photographs show the beauty of wildlife. There are hords of Golok symbol of freedom. Nothing holds official designation. Peace means Islands and the Yosemite Valley Tibet's vast landscape. The dark horses taken in 1981 in Amdo, a them back. They run free. So, you harmony: harmony between people, that must be preserved for their own siena sky, the golden moon and group of Kiang wild asses taken in see, without them, something is between people and animals, sake for everyone instead of being different tones of blue in the Paryang Valley, a group of Drong, missing from even themost beautiful between sentient beings and the altered for the short term benefit of photograph entitled "Moon over wild Yaks which are only seen in landscape". environment. Visitors fromal l over a few. So, too, should the Tibetan sacred lake Manasarovar, Western West Tibet on mountain passes. "The land becomes empty, and only the world could come to Tibet to culture be allowed to endure in its Tibet, 1987" is like an exquisite There areNawa.Tibetanblue sheep with the presence of wild living experience peace and harmony. natural environment." painting. Galen Rowell's in the Rongbuk Valley, and the white things can it gain full beauty. Nature Instead of building big hotels with The beautiful photographs of Galen photographs are works of art which lippeddeerinAmdo. There arebirds; and wild animals are many stories and many rooms, we Rowell show the depth of colour in bring to us all the beauty of nature in the Trung Trung or black necked complementary. People who live would make small buildings, more the landscape, the subtle moods of this high plateau and mountain crane, the gho or lammergeir, the among wildlife without harming it like private homes, that would be in the high plains, the changing light country. brown headed gull and the eagle aremrannony with the environment better harmony with nature." Anyone who is interested in seeing over the mountains, the spacious As well as photographs of natural owl. Galen Rowell invited His Some of that harmony remains in these fine photographs and reading blu e skies and sunrise with its golden wilderness, there are also many Holiness the Dalai Lama to comment Tibet, and because we had this in the more as His Holiness speaks clearly light falling on lakes and mountains. photographs of the people of Tibet, on the photographs and His past, we have some genuine hope for and simply about ecology and Tibet From the soft green of the lush from different areas, involved in Holiness' comments appear the future. If we make an attempt we amongst other subjects, should pastures of Amdo and the pink and different occupations, nomads, underneath each photograph, can have this again." obtain a copy of this book. violet rhododendrons in the Kama pilgrims, lamas, people in towns, bringing Ufe arid perspective to mem. Throughout the book there are small Valley, east of Mount Everest; from people in the streets, Tibetan men On seeing the photograph of the chapters of talks by His Holiness the Jean Mackintosh

BOOK REVIEW Experiencing the Work

On a Spaceship with Beelzebub immediately find what they were common with the majority of the the sacred and weighty burden of meaning to him personally. I found By a Grandson of Gurdjieff by looking for when they first began group's young members, he the work almost alone on the planet. myself in awe of his ability to David Kherdian. their search for a Gurdjieff group: respected them, admired their There's a special flavor to his maintain contact with his own needs, Globe Press Books N.Y. 1991. they found groups, but not ones they robustness and felt their enthusiasm. writing, which carries so well a great while keeping his work aims When I first read Mr. Kherdian's felt they could work in. They visited He sensed that they shared the most deal of what is unique about foremost in his mind, for it was that sympathetic book 'On a Spaceship Wim Nyland's group, and important quality, one which Gurdjieff's teachings. I had an very thing which I couldn't seem to with Beelzebub - By a Grandson of Claymont and spent over a year in levelled differences, a common aim. immediate sense, when I began to do myself. I very much enjoyed his Gurdjieff, I was so full of Lord Pentland's group, before Thus he and his wife spent seven read, mat he knew what he was insights, hard earned as they were enthusiasm. I wanted to tell the entire finding one which was rightfo r mem productive years on the farm, talking about, and had something for him. He explains extremely well Dzog-chen Community to read it, in Oregon, under the direction of an printing books, digging holes, valuable to communicate. There the significance of first, second, and sure that it would speak to everyone elderly woman named Annie Lou painting walls, building, doing are many descriptions of the third forces, and how energy is as it did to me. It is hard to imagine Staveley. exercises and Movements, reading experiences of the work, what it was created in their interaction. There a more genuine account of being in "On the surface she appeared to be a "Beelzebub", asking questions, like, what he went through All are are some very good sections about "the work", and the blessings and sweet old lady "Mr.Kherdian writes. being with others, liking what "it" beautifully articulated, and stir chief feature and false personality. difficulties of group life and having "She was even ingratiating, but did not like - in short, doing what responses of varying degrees of He does not try to get inside the a teacher. I would hope it would without condescension or one does in a Gurdjieff group in intensity, as they bring forth feelings of anyone else but himself, mean something to any reader as it is self-conciousnes.s. She was order todiscove r one's true nature. memories of forgotten practices and allowing the other figures in his so well written, thoughtful, and full intentional, deliberate and He also continued his own writing. exercises; some surprise me by their story tob e somewhat shadowy. This of insights but j ud ging from the dizzy self-contained, and I knew this was He mentions Mrs.Stavely's often descriptions of what could be done gives a sense of the individual nature review in the New York Tunes Book the result of the work." Later he repeated words, "Sometimes I feel within the framework of a group, of the spiritual path, the lack of Review, in August, there are some said,"She was everything and more like we're the only ones working," other than how we did them. I reliable reference points in others. people who won't get much out of iL than we could have hoped for in a meaning that only their group was suppose what is most amazing are It is the intense personal-ness of the It was written with those in mind teacher." engaged in the true, unadulterated, the similarities between our group description which gives it real who are of the third generation of Mr. Kherdian was a poet and writer living work. Kherdian's own belief and this one, evolving seperately, impact, and allows one to contact so the Gurdjieff work, the of some reknown when he began was that this could not be true - if isolated, after their departure from clearly one ' s own experience, while "grandchildren of Gurdjieff", and it this particular phase of his life. The this group existed, and no one knew the mainstream work. I appreciate reading it. After several years on may have some signifigance as well group was made up primarily of they were there, then surely others Mr. Kherdian's perspective as an the farm, both he and his wife began to the wider community. younger people, in their early must exist as well, even if no one artist, on what the priorities of his to feel hampered by the form of David Kherdian and his wife, the twenties to thirties, most of whom knew of them. This seems very life were in the context of the farm, work the group and Mrs. Staveley illustrator and author of children's were looking for a lifestyle as well reminiscent of the Conway Gurdjieff neither belittling or avoiding other represented. books, Nonny Hogrogian, did not group'sestimation of itself, carrying tasks, nor neglecting what was of as a teaching.Thoug h he had little in continued on page 15

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 13 Feeding the Demon by Tsultrim Allione something very pragmatic for our suddenly you start feeling very a threat that it will collapse or be yourself asking for a cigarette. He The Chod practice was taught by lives today. insecure, then you can'tthink about taken away. There is no real tells you you are strong enough to Machig Lapdron, a renowned When we hear about demons there's anything else. relaxation here. Even if you can go into a smoky bar, why should Tibetan yogini of the 11th century. atendencyto mink,''this is aprimitive Then the demon tells you things are miraculously maintain the passion you be controlled by him anyway? In this practice, after various Tibetan belief which has nothing to going to follow their familiar pattern and hold the object of your love all So you go and suddenly find yourself preliminaries, the practitioner do with me." Or we conceptualize and you will be abandoned. This is your life, you will ultimately be with a cigarette in your hand. He performs the offering of the body something very intellectual about a familiar experience, you've felt it separated by death. says how pleasurable situations — this is the essence of the Chod attachment. Then we visualize some all before. Your fear feeds and From the point of view of Chod all become even more pleasurable practice. "gCod" literally means kind ofTibetan looking demon beings strengthens the demon. Sometimes samsaric existence is plagued by because of smoking. Or the "to cut," referring to cutting coming to eat However, as is often this demon takes over to such an demons, only when we are in a state conversation is exciting and attachment to the body and self the case when Tibetan methods are extent that murders are committed. of are we free from them. The agitating and you are drinking wine clinging (bdag-'dzin). First the truly understood, they reveal Usually, however, we simply more obsessed we geL the more the and suddenly you feel you have to practitioner visualizes the themselves to be a very sophisticated become obsessed with jealousy and demon is slurping up the energy. have a cigarette. consciousness leaving the body, way of working with energy. may do crazy hum iliaungjhings We can have hundreds of demons When we don't smoke the demon through the top of the head and More and more scientific and medical because of iL possessing us at one time, but it all starves and becomes really cleverat transforming itself into a wrathful research is proving the concrete This demon assures you that he is gets back to the basic fixation on getting us to feed it. It starts talking dakini. This wrathful dakini then effects of negative thought patterns the only one who will always be dualism. In the above example the tous when we are distracted enough takes her crescent-shaped hooked on our health. We all have our with you. He will never abandon basic problem is the attachment to just to have that one cigarette. The knife and cuts off the top of the personal demons who underm ine our you like everyone else will. Then the loved one.When there is problem is, everytime we feed a head of the body of the now positive efforts and wreak havoc in you think, "Well, if I'm going to be attachment, there is inevitably demon, in this case everytime we unconscious practitioner. This skull our lives. We have demons telling us left ultimately, let's get it over with, suffering. What we have idealized have a cigarette, we give it life force, cup is then placed on a tripod of we aren't good enough, demons and at least I'll be with my familiar in the West as romantic love is so the second cigarette is much three skulls, over a flame. The rest fearing death and sickness, we have friend, Abandonment, instead of this attachment. This grasping can take harder to refuse, the demon has of the body is chopped up and placed the demons arising from our karmic been fed and is stronger. into the skull, which vastly expands. patterns and early childhood, which In the Chod we take the demons Then the whole cadaver is plague us day and night. We have the outside of our body, give them a transformed from blood and entrails demon of perfectionism who drives clear form and feed them whatever into nectar which is then fed to us to exhaustion and is still nothappy. they want, and so our life force is no every conceivable kind of being, We have the demons of heroin, longer drained. In.the case of the satisfying every kind of desire these cocaine, alcohol, tobacco and all Abandonment Demon, we cou Id see beings mighthave. One of the levels addictions and obsessions who are it as a little dark blue vampire with of entities offered to are the demons, 'the monkey on our shoulder'. We sharp teeth. The Tobacco Demon obstacle makers andkarmic debtors have the demon who is always might be seen as a thin yellow man After all beings have taken their fill starving, driving us to obesity. The with an evil face who is lonely and and have been satisfied, the varieties are infinite, and right at this frightened under his seductive practitioner reminds himself or very moment as you are reading this veneer. The way you see your herself that the offerer, the offering and as I am writing it several demons demons is personal. Ithasnothingto process, and those who have been are present around us, waiting for the do with how they should look, but offered to, are all "empty," and secondary causes which will allow how they look when you close your seeks to remain in the state of the them to eat. eyes and give these experiences a Dzog-chen view. The ritual ends This does not mean that experience form. We are making them with further teachings of the true is demonic in itself, rather it is the conscious and dealing with them nature of mind and some ending attachment to the experience which with awareness. prayers for the eventual attainment blocks the state of awareness that is Disease works the same way. When of the body of light. the demon. When we freeze we are in a negative state everything Machig Lapdron's Chod practice experience out of fear of gets muddled up. When we are in a includes all three yanas: nonexistence, this blocks the natural state of marigpa, non- rigpa, then renunciation of attachment and state. Freedom from dualism doesn't negative energies can attach accumulation of merit through mean that everything turns into a big themselves to us which match our offering the body, the , mush of oneness. It means that we energies. It is like fitting a key into the compassionate selflessness of give up the manipulation of drawing a lock. There must be a receptive feeding the body to all beings, the towards us, pushing away from us, situation for a disease to embed , the transformative and ignoring that which will neither itself. This can sometimes be the visualization of Vajrayana, and enhance us nor threaten us. Chod fear of the disease itself. So when finally the view of Dzog-chen and makes these responses conscious and our condition is weak or stressed, all this within a form descending leads to a state beyond dualism. we get sick easily, we are like a from Bon. So in reality the entire Demons feed on negative thoughts, magnet for the Demons of Sickness Tibetan path is represented in this drain our life force, and come most or negative spirits. profound practice. frequently when we are unaware, In the summer of 1988 we were The drum used in the Chod practice Thanka representing Machig Lapdron (photo Modonesi 4 Namkhai) asleep. Not literally asleep, rather travelling across T ibet with Namkhai is similar to the drum used by daydreaming or obsessing about shaky insecure place." So then you Norbu Rinpoche and a group of more Siberian shamans. It has two sides many forms: possessiveness, something or someone. A sloppy find yourself breaking up with your than seventy people on a pilgrimage and two pellets hanging down on jealousy.paranoia, pride, passion or negative emotional state or simple loved one, or pushing them toward to Mount Kailash, the most sacred either side which strike on opposite control, it does not lead to happiness dis tract edness leaves us wide open someone else. and difficult to reach mountain in sides as the drum is played, as we are lead to believe. It is honey for an external demon to attach itself. Tibet. During our thirty-two days symbolizing the union of opposites. All the time the demon is feeding on a razor blade. They begin by planting suggestions on the rough tracks in uncomfortable The purpose of the practice is to you suggestions and you are feeling The demons connected to addiction in our minds. buses I saw clearly how disease overcome attachment and more and more drained, but there is are more and more prevalent these connects to mental states. It was accumulate merit with the added For example the demon of something very attractive and days. For example, the Demon of especially clear because we were in benefit of being able to heal the abandonment starts suggesting that familiar here too. The demon is Tobacco comes at us very subtly a very isolated environment. sick, end epidemics, and be the person you love is going to leave always there for you, he is a familiar when we try to stop smoking and Everything was being generated impervious to contagious disease. you, and that thought is held onto presence, the pain is a smelly nest in tells us how one cigarette will really within. The people who were the The bell represents the wisdom of because of attachment, thus the which you've made your home for make us feel better, less nervous, most afraid of sickness, became the Prajna, the primordial ungenerated demon gains a foothold and begins to a long time. more comfortable. The Tobacco sickest. If someone got caught in matrix, and the thigh bone trumpet eat and grow stronger.Then the demon After the relationship ends the Demon says he will always be there emotional turmoil in anger, they which calls the spirits echoes back suggests that your lover is, perhaps demon is mere, telling you, "I told for us when we get angry or would be sick the next day. to the cemeteries of India and Tibet, right at this very moment, with you so, my voice is the only one that frustrated, and besides smoking is I experienced this myself. I had been a reminder of . someone else, in fact not only arc you can really trust, the only one cool, sexy and doesn't really hurt doing my best not to get involved One of the offerings which is made they with them, they are in bed with that tells the truth, stick with me." you, on top of the power of the with all the anger and upheaval that during the practice is to demons, them having a great time and talking By this time the demon is fat and physical addiction there is the was always going on in the buses obstacle makers and karmic about your faults. At mis point when strong and you are weak and sick. onslaught of advertisements. Even and tried to keep my mind relaxed. debtors. It is this offering which I you really start getting upset the This is how attachment works. Even if you think that you do not want to I was not getting sick. Then one day wish to talk about as I have found it demon feasts on that attachment. when the relationship is working smoke any longer, the Tobacco we were almost at Mount Kailash very important. I feel it contains The demon starts making suggestions out, mere is still a tension and battle Demon takes over when you are without you even noticing it, then to maintain the high of passion and upset or unaware and you find continued on page 15

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 14 Interview with Yangthang Rinpoche

Interview conducted on January 1st earth treasures; and Jigme Pawo had is that there is not necessarily any progressively worse until things wordliness isthepredominantforce, 1991, by Des Barry, with the very Dag Nang - just a few termas. reaction to suffering or happiness. degenerated to the point where then it attracts even more of that So kind help of Sanjay Khadro who Were these termas of the Dzog- A lot of people who have no Dharm a human life expectancy is less than a it is a situation where it becomes translated for Yangthang Rinpoche. chen Teaching or also ofTantrism training at all find when things are hundred years, and there is an more and more difficult as it always The Palyul tradition of East Tibet is like Anu Yoga or Ma ha Yoga? bad, or something horrible happens abundance of delusion. What people is, for people toaccomplisfiDharma , part of the Nyingmapa school of The revelations of Lhatsun Namkha to them, they think, "Oh no, this is do now is based on deluded and even though Dharma is TibetanBuddhism. Recently, Sanjay Jigmewere all explicitly Dzog-chen, the worst", and they suffer horribly perceptions entirely, and so the available, there is no time to really Khadro translated a book, The in that the Dzog-chen terminology from it. It isn'tnecessary to feel like reason why this is called the Du Mik practise. However, to be able to Garden of Precious Wish Fulfilling was used predominantly throughout that Then on the other hand, if Ma meaning the Degenerated Time, practise in the way that things were Trees, which gives the biographies them. However, there was something really great happens to or the time of the dregs, is because in days gone by is very difficult of many masters of this tradition everything there: Maha, Anu and som eone, then ordinary people with life expectancy is practically gone; almost anywhere now; but in the mcludmgmeTertc^MmgyurDorje. Ati Yoga cycles for Sadhana ordinary minds get all excited: and pure view and clarity are gone type of an environment of these In the Dzog-chen Community, Practice, Guru Rinpoche practice, it's the same reaction, but in the because it is replaced by delusion; countries that are so materialistic, it Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche has given and all these different things. There opposite direction It isn't like that there is no radiance of the body; no is really even more difficult. I have many transmissions from the cycle was also a practice called Rigdzin either, I don't have that kind of awareness or anything like that. It is noticed that a lot of Westerners have of teachings which was revealed by Sogdrub. Even if practices were of experience ofhappiness. So, through as if the essence has completely a really profound faith and strong this great terton, who is also a very Maha Yoga they were presented in the kindness of Dharma, there is an evaporated and there is hardly aspiration which is very pure, yet important figure followed by the anything left, just like the bottom of probably there are very few of them Palyul Tradition. the pot, the residue. It is like the who will be able to become pure In the west the Palyul tradition has very end of the times of perfection. practitioners. I don't see a lot, but I been represented chiefly by Penor What does this mean for someone do see a few, and they are really Rinpoche and Gyatrul Rinpoche. In who is a practitioner at this faultless. So the Dharma is Washington D.C. there is a major particular time? Does it make it spreading, but I do see how difficult center of this tradition called more difficult to practice or more it is to translate into western Kunzang Osel Palyul Changchub powerful? languages, and people who cannot Cho Ling. Its director is Jetsunma The difference in this time is that to read the original scriptures cannot Akong Lhamo, who was born to an receive results from Dharma practice even relate to the bu lk o f the doctrine; American family in Brooklyn, New is very difficult- and not possible they have to wait and see when it is York, and recognised as a of other than through the Dzog-chen translated into their language, and the Palyul tradition by Penor teaching. No other results can be this is a process which is laborious Rinpoche. Recently this center was obtained before you leave your body, to say the least So it takes a lot of host to a Dzog-chen master called that is, while you are still alive. This diligence just to be able to relate, Yangthang Tulku. This master was is why Dzog-chen is different; and it and so that alone, because there is so scheduled to give a series of is so extraordinary because of the much interest, shows a lot of transmissions of the Ratnalingpa Buddha's prayers from before. He enthusiasm, which I have seen this series of terma. However, when he prayed that during this time, this year and I think it will continue to was in California, he gave the time that we are in, this extreme spread and grow. But the practice initiations of the Nying thig Ya Shi, degeneracy, Dzog-chen would be part is difficult. There will probably and this was received with such very potent It's unlike any other be only a few pure practitioners. enthusiasm there, that he was teaching and it does produce results One last question: what advice requested to repeat these while the human being is still alive, would you give to readers of "The transmissions in Washington. Many in their short little life expectancy. Mirror", those who aspire to the of the Dzog-chen community of the The results will come. practice of Dzog-chen? East Coast gathered in Washington If you take the Buddha's doctrine My advice to the Dzog-chen for these initiations from the Dzog- and divide it into 5000 years, there Community is to guard the law of Padmasambhava Sampa Lhundrup (graphic by Bruno Irmici) chen Upadesha. are 1500 years after the Buddha cause and result carefully; because Yangthang Tulku was born in Dzog-chen style; likewise Anu equal balance, an awareness and passed into Paranirvana. The time it is in dépendance on this that Dzog- Sikkim and was recognised as the Yoga.buttheDzog-chentermswere that state of mind is very useful in all is that of the "resultant experience". chen arises; and to tame the delusions reincarnation of Terton Dorje so prédominent throughout these situations. That is, during the first 1500 years, of the mind stream. In fact, not just for Dzog-chen practice, but we have Dechen Lingpa from Dhomang in termas that they were even found in / remember H.H. Dudjom people practising the doctrine would to understand that on all the Tibet. He was then taken back to the Dharmapala practices. Then the Rinpoche always used to say that be able to obtain results from their progressive stages of development Tibet by Sogtrul Rinpoche where termas of Dhomang Terchen are we live in the "dregs of time", and practice during their life, and achieve of the different vehicles of the path, he recieved many teachings from mostly Mana Yoga and Anu Yoga. I would like to ask you, Rinpoche, liberation Many did, obviously; whether they are the lesser vehicles, Khenpo Pema of Palyul. He There were two volumes that were to explain a little about what that countless and realized beings the greater vehicles, or the ultimate eventually succeded Sogtrul all on Dzog-chen, but these are lost. means in general, and for were produced. Then after the 1500 vehicle, Dzog-chen, one is meant to Rinpoche as the Abbot of Dhomang Rinpoche, as someone who aspires practitioners in particular. years of the resultant stage, then the be taming the mind: eliminating monastery. to the practice of Dzog-chen, I know It is a very involved question because next 1500 years is the period of pride, eliminating aggression, The following is an interview with how often I am distracted, and don'tt o understand what the "dregs of teaching and compassion. During eliminating attachment, eliminating Yangthang Rinpoche, whichhevery find myself in, or manage to time" means, one really has to that period very few would be able the conflicting emotions. If this is kindly agreed to give forThe Mirror, maintain the state ofRigpa, Pure understand all of time to make a to experience the result ina lifetime, occurring, then it means that one's while in Boston, Massachusetts. Awareness; the question comes to comparison That involves how the but it is still possible. Right now we Dharma practice is proceeding Could you say something about the me and many others in the Vf est, world came into being which is a are at the very end of that 1500 year successfully. tradition of which you are a lineage how do you manage to maintain broader discussion. This world period. It's practically over. Then the next 1500 year period is that of holder, Rinpoche? your practice during times that are system came into being in The way to do this is totak e care in "accomplishment". The final 500 It is very long if you were to trace it particularly difficult? Dzog Den which means "All is the preliminary exercises which are years is the time only of "signs". all the way back to the Buddha, For great meditation masters, there Complete". During that timepeopl e themselves meditation, because they The only thing that will be seen of which you can do. To mention the is no difference between equipoise lived three countless eons, and the humble us; and they bring us around the doctrine are physical signs: like three most recent: my predecessor (meditation) and thepostmeditation size of their bodies was 12,000 arm to the focus. For instance, the the belt of a monk, or a shaven head. was Terchen Dorje Dechen Lingpa, experience. It is one and the same spans. There was no sun and moon meditation on the four awarenesses, This will indicate the doctrine, but prior to that Trakten Jigme Pawo, experience. That's not what I claim because the body had its own it is extremely important to run that'sall. In other words it will have and before that Terton Lhatsun to be, but in my experience one radiancethatgaveall the light They through them at least once every practically vanished. From now until Namkha Jigme who opened the attempts to join formal meditation was no separate food to eat. The day; considering the precious then, it's all the degenerate cycle, hidden door of Sikkim, and first practice with the post meditation merit was tremendous. It can't even human rebirth, impermanence, the because human life expectancy is revealed the termas (hidden period. The experience that one has be compared to what we have now. infallible truth of cause and effect, going down to ten years - only ten treasuries of teachings) that were of Rigpa while sitting formally is That gives you an idea how different and the suffering of cyclic existence. years, that's it- their body will be as buried in Sikkim. meant to be maintained when one it was. Then take refuge and generate arises, and throughout the path of big as a toe or a hand span. Were the majority of these treasures Then in Kalpa Nyi Den ("Second Boddhi citta. Refuge should be very conduct. So, in a difficult situation, Rinpoche, what is your impression sater (teachings buried in the earth) Kalpa") everything went a step strong in our mind. We should if there is no opportunity for formal of the West and Western Dharma or gong ter (teachings hidden in the down. They lived for two countless have unfailing faith toward the sitting, then one simply maintains practitioners? mind stream of the Terton)? aeons and everything was cut in three jewels, and we should have the awareness derived from formal They were Dag Nang (Pure Vision half. Then in Kalpa Sum Den (Sum It feels, obviously, as if wordly developed some sense of sitting in whatever you are doing. teachings). The Dhomang Terton, means Three in Tibetan) it went concern is very, very profound in . In fact if we're able The main benefit of Dharma for me the previous incarnation, discovered down from that, and got Western countries. Because continued on page 15

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 15. Experiencing the Work practice when we are under stress, When we visualize feeding our International Dzog-chen Contacts continued from pagel2 because once the negativity gets a demons whatever they want, ARGENTINA Azamgar: West Coast: foothold, it is harder. Sometimes a invariably once the demon is fed, it They had gone as far as they could Buenos Awe* AldoOneto Dzogxhen Commamly with it, and experienced restlessness small flash of a negative emotion, a disappears. There is a moment of Comunidad Dzog-cben ViaCanafcttoTO e/o Rutbann Corwin and discomfort that was neither quick uprising can cause big exhiliration followed by frightened c/o Alejandro Chaoul Milano P.O.Box 439 productive nor resolvable. Their problems. feeling. Who am I without my Pasc» Colon 11312°U Novato^ California 94948 teacher had been very ill, and didn't struggle? Ihavehadthisbigproblem 1426 Buenos Aires JAPAN Since, in the practice, our body has Masud* Toshiaki New Mexico: seem to be able to work with them been cut up and has become a for so long it's my occupation. Ta$dil:ï 5-6-7 Kichijojii Kita- Dzog-chen Community any more in a real way. Group substance which fulfills any desire, In the Chod practice after the offering Dzog-chen Communita Machi c/o Cynthia JUTS relationships had crystallized and the demons can eat and eat until is complete and everyone is satisfied, c/o Hugo Aníbal Palacio Musashino-shi Route 9, Box 6JXX stagnated. Their response was they are satisfied. They are fed there is a poem about the nature of Espagaa 883,7000 Tanda Tokyo, 180 Santa Pe, N.M. 87505 neither sentimental nor callous: they through visualization. By taking things as they really are. So that the AUSTRALIA MALAYSIA Hawaii: looked for a way to continue that our obsessions and attachments empty feeling is replaced by the Victoria: . Community Dzog-chen Susan Indica didn't feel like restriction, but were outside of ourselves and seeing their view. Themind is described as being Patricia Chandler Malaysia Tham Wye Min 165 Kunhak Street unable to. At one point Mrs. Stavely like a mirror, like a clear and 47LCaninng$t 8669CKlebang Kecnü lUiula, Hawao 96734 form, they become conscious. It is N. Carito«, VIC 3054 75200 Melaka said she felt like she was standing in the unconscious formlessness which cloudless sky, beyond definition and USSR their way, in their light is so destructive. Once we can give explanation, beyond karma and New Sooth Wale«: Moscow: "It feels more like someone is sitting something a name and form, its defilements. So the temptation to Community Dzog-chen Ian Baker Vladimir Maikov on my chest," his wife said. They power over us is much less, and if fill in the space created by the c/oHamUh Gregor SIT. Box 1373 SovjeUkaya 14-7 6 Grant SL Kathmandu Zheleznodorzbny moved back to the east coast and we can take it one step further and absence of the demon is exchanged Woodford. NSW 2778 Moscow region began to live normal lives, trying to feed these thought forms what they for an experience of pure, free NEW ZEALAND incorporate the understanding they want, they truly lose their hold on awareness, the mind as a mirror. AUSTRIA Sonth Island. Latvia:; had gained, in an effort to carry out us. This is the relative value of the Toward the end of the practice it Dzog-cheo Österreich Laze Morell ktorrdn Sergey Mayevictt says that demons continue to arise, Postfach 60 POLätieAkaloa Str. Plata 26. Room 31 what Gurdj ieff taught: the necessity Chod practice. «200 Gielsdorf Banks Peninsula Riga226016 of giving to others what has been When Machig Lapdron flew into but self-clinging does not follow South Island Latvia gained. They wanted to do what the Demon's tree and he came to kill and in this way through love and DENMARK they saw as the real work for them - herwithhis army of ferocious spirits, compassion they evolve. Community Dzog-cbea Auckland: Buryatia: being influences in the world through Even though we feed the demons cfo JensRaxmossen Mario Franchini Randol Gar instead of being afraid, she offered Pilegard Alle 3 8/148 Howe St . c/o Parida Malikova their work on themselves, not them her whole body. They could consciously, that doesn't mean they 2770 Kastrup preemans Bay, Auckland 26, Tayozbanaya St remaining isolated in a community not devour her because she was won't come back. Just because we Novobzhuiginsk of like-minded people. egoless. She had no fear, so there refuse a cigarette oncedoesn'tmean FINLAND NORWAY Buryatia 671434 What I thought after reading the that demon is gone. However KarsaLiisaPuonti Conuronity Dzog-chen was no conflict and therefore they Visantie 19 Gordon Cranmer LITHUANIA: book is complicated. It stirred many could not attach themselves to her. eventually, through love and 05400 Jokela 4157 Utsteìn Kloster Dorjeling memories of a particularly vivid time This is also a good example of how compassion, the demons evolve and c/o Antan as Damelius in my own life. It may indeed be that disease works. When we are afraid are liberated. The shadow is brought FRANCE SINGAPORE P.O.Box 1183 certain forms of the work were only to light through acceptance. This is Perpignan: JànOaa Vilnius of a disease we draw it to us, we Isabelle Bienfait 585 Nmlh Bridge Road Lrthnania for certain times, and if this is the create a link, we visualize it coming real love, accepting the shadow and 9 Rue Jean Racine apt 15-04 Blanco Court case, I feel glad to have been there at to us. We feed the demon of disease letting it evolve into something else. Perpignan 66000 Singapore 0718 VENEZUELA one of those times. I also feel lucky through fear. ElizabethKublerRoss, The more we deny the shadow, the Caracas: Plouray: SOUTH AFRICA Ingrid Beriet to be able to experience, from the who works with the dying says she more our lives are ruled by it. The offering, the offered and the Dzog-chen Association Danyl Van Blerk Apartado 60580 Chacao armchair, a different life in the work. can often tell what disease a person La Fontaine Neuve 11 Upper Rose Su A - 1060 Caracas David Kherdian had the sense to will die of, because it's their greatest offerer are all empty. We are told 56770 Plooray Newlaods, 7700 Capetown abandon the vehicle once ithad taken fear. If I'm terrified of cancer, I that in the view there was never a Menda: him where he wished to go; he was begin to visualize myself with problem, a problem maker or a GERMANY SPAIN D»og-chea Community not attached. He loved the work, solution to the problem. The whole Sonya Burgmeier Estabanel Curro Apartado Postal 483 cancer. Vorfeier Lech 27 Ronda General Mirre 162- Menda 5101 and honored his teacher, and in doing If the demon is fed through the Chod thing is pierced, the bubble of illusion 8900 Augsburg 7E ÌA so saw thathehadtoleave something practice, it need not attach itself to is popped. And at this point you are 08006 Barcelona WEST MALAYSIA GREAT BRITAIN ChongKwokKee behind. His difficulties manifest the our bodies. The monster is going to ready for it, because through the rigorousness of following the inner body offering you have let go of Richard Eagteton SWITZERLAND 11-A Jalan Jujor eat one way or another. If we feed it 72 Woodland Gardens Aline WtnterbéTg 115 T. Baku Ampang terrain where he found himself truly anger and frustration,i t will continue everything you are clinging to and London, NW 10 3UA Schwaraenburgstr. 6 SeUogor on his own. His book doesn't spell to bother us; if we feed it love and can therefore begin to experience 3007 Beni . . GREECE YUGOSLAVIA out arrything for anyone else. It isn't compassion it will evolve. By loving what it is beyond attachment. The an expose, or a self-help guide. It is absolute value of the Chod is that it EvangelopulosLìakos TAIWAN R-OrC Belgrad: the demon, it melts. 10 PorythechtuQu Street Mr. CH. Yen Jovanovic Zelika a book of the work, about the work, The tension is in the duality, and brings us into the moment, to our 10433 Athens 4th Floor N» 333 Zeleni Venati from the work and I heartily pushing the demons away makes true condition which is underneath Lung Kiang Road Beograd recommend it to all who are on the more suffering, or pretending they the ego's battle. HOLLAND Taipei path of self liberation. Stiebtins Dzog-chen SLOVENIA don't exist makes a greater battle, Eventually this process ends in the Johannes Vernulstraat 44" USA Chang-cbob Santi Mata Lauri Marder only an underground battle which Body of Light. When the 1071 NE Amsterdam Tsegyalgar Saligna can be more insidious than a direct transparency of all that arises is seen Dzog-chen Community PO Box 19 Feeding the Demon battle. ITALY Tsegyalgar,POBox277 62250 PTUJ as Dharmakaya, when it is Mengan Conway, Mass, 01341 Slovenia continued from page 13 The demon is our creation. Its entire experienced with this view on all Co muniti Dzog- c ben and we were up very high and hadn't existence depends on the amount of levels, the Body of Light is anatural Arcidosso, 58031 GR eaten a real meal for a while. energy we give it Whenever we outcome. Many people were nauseous with disconnect from our awareness, the To me the Chod is a great practice Interview with Yangthang Rinpoche altitude sickness. Then some of the demons begin to eat When we are when there are epidemics of all kinds continued from page 14 people on my bus insisted on opening in an awake state, we dance on the around us, the forces of advertising, to establish awareness of the nat­ practice to remove negative karma up cans of smelly fish on the buses. demons, they are no longer a television, cinema and society's ure of emptiness, Bodhicitta and afflictions. Finally, it is extremely That made the nauseous people feel problem, the battle is over. beliefs lead us toward our demons spontaneously arises. Anyone who important to rely upon the Lama's really sick. I judged these people as The dismemberment process through fear and attachment The has realised emptiness posseses blessings; and so to do Guru Yoga. being really egotistical and I got experienced in the Chod practice, Chod gives us a very powerful way unobstructed compassion, When you do Guru Yoga, you reach angry. I got involved in this anger, when one voluntarily gives up one's to work with ourselves. It gives us unceasing compassion. The a point where you take the four and felt really justified. The next body in order to feed the demons of a very concrete tool todea l with our realization of emptiness is the basis empowerments, and then your mind day I was sick. self clinging, karmic debtors, own negativity and a way to help for Dzog-chen practice. There is and the Lama's mind become one. It I could have manifested anger, obstacle makers and fears, is similar others. no Dzog-chen practice until one is in that state that one enters into gotten my point across, but not really to other shamanic practices where The results of the Chod are also very realises emptiness. If one has Dzog-chen awareness: equipóse. It hooked into it myself. I would have the shaman who has been real on the relative level, it is not realised emptiness, one has is through the blessing of the Lama, communicated and would not have dismembered by certain diseases can merely a philosophical or Bodhicitta. So Bodhicitta also is and at that moment of the mingling gotten sick. I saw this many times then heal the very diseases that have psychological theory. Sickness can the basis of Dzog-chen practice. with the Lama's state of mind that on that pilgrimage, attachment devoured him. be cured and obstacles removed. It's absolutely essential. So we Dzog-chen actually begins in the would lead to some kind of attack. If we can free ourselves of the This is made possible through the should keep this in mind. formal sense. This is how to proceed This is the principle of demons in demons we have fed, we can help blessings of the guru Namkhai And another essential for Dzog- in the practice. Therefore it is the Chod practice and why a good others possessed by those demons. Norbu Rinpoche and all those who chen is to have accumulated merit, important to include the outer and practitioner of Chod can go into an We can heal the diseases that we have gone before us back to Machig and to have purified obstructions, inner preliminaries, and to tame the area where there is an epidemic and have ourselves experienced. Lapdron, precious mother, whogave so it is important to do the Mandala mind stream. It is like preparing a not become infected. Freedom from conflict feels great these teachings a thousand years practice to accumulte merit. It is field. You don't start planting seeds For this reason it is important to do and also unsettlingly unfamiliar. ago. important to do the Vajrasattva until the field is prepared.

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12 16 O.Sel.Ling Retreat Centre PRACTICES FOR SPECIAL DAYS

by Jean Mackintosh It is important to try to try to communicate with allcoronatio n as Prince of Orgy en at the invitation of King The candles bum softly and their light falls on the stone walls of the cave room. practitioners, linked to the same transmission, throughIdradholi . We can perform a Ganapuja collectively, or Above the bed is the solid rock of the mountain and built around it are white-washed entering together into the state of contemplation. In thisdo the Long-life practice, Universal Wisdom Union stone walls with a small window overlooking the far mountains. Prom outside the way we all develop the potentiality of the transmission (U.W.U.), either collectively or personally, according front door one can see the lights of two villages twinkling far below on the other side we have received, and through that we also develop ourto circumstances. of the mountain. On a clear day you can see through a gap in the mountains to the understanding and ability to integrate practice into daily sea and beyond to the hills of Africa. O.Sel.Ling is a retreatcentr e in the Alpujarra life. Tibetan date: Western date: Mountains of Spain, south of Granada and very near Mount Mulhaœn which is 12th Month, 10th day Wednesday January 15th Spain's highest mountain and some days the misty clouds float across and surround FULL MOON It is in general a day for honouring the Lord Buddha, the centre. The air is clear and the view is precious. The centre has stone cabins built Tibetan date: Western date: around the mountainside. There is a central stone building that contains the kitchen, and in particular an ideal day for the Long-life practice "dining room, library and offices. Here baskets of food are prepared and delivered to 10th Month, 15th day Thursday November 21 st of Guru Amitayus, Union of Primordial Essences the people doing retreatsi n the huts each lunch time. People come from all over the This is an important day to do the Long-life practice of (U.P.E.) world to do retreats at O.Sel.Ling. It is open to all religions and beliefs. Anyone who the Dakini Mandarava. The best time for this is in the wishes to do a serious retreat is welcome. People do retreats here that last from a few early morning. FULL MOON days to five years. There is a resident Tibetan, Geshe Tenpa Dhargye who gives Tibetan date: Western date: teachings every day for those who wish to attend. They are translated from Tibetan Tibetan date: Western date: 12th Month, 15th day Sunday January 19th by the resident interpreter, Thubten Tscring, a Nepalese Sherpa, who came to 10th Month, 24th day Saturday November 30th This day is the anniversary of the great Dzogchen O.Sel.Ling with Geshe Tenpa Dhargye nine years ago. There arc a few people who This is a Dakini day, and the anniversary of Tsongkhapa live at the centre, who do the cooking, serve meals, organise courses, drive people master Longchen Rabjam Longchenpa (1386-1363). to buses, translate teachings, organise the library etc. Most of these people have (1357-1491), who made a synthesis of the previous On this very important day try to do the Guruyoga A come to the centre to give their time and energy in this way and have stayed on to schools and founded the Gelugpa school. Try to perform Kar Lamai Naljyor, Guruyoga with the White A, either -support die work of O.Sei.ting. a Ganapuja with your Vajra brothers and sisters or the collectively or personally. The centre was established when three disciples of Lama Yeshe, Paco, Maria and medium Tun personally. In either case recite the heart Francois after meeting Lama Yeshe in Ibiza, wanted to establish a retreat centre. mantra of the Dakini Simhamuka as many times as Tibetan date: Western date: Lama Yeshe approved of this plan, and said that the centre should be open to people possible. 12th Month, 25th day Wednesday January 29th of all religions who wanted time, space and peace to develop their inner Ufe. For six This is a Dakini day, so try to perform a Ganapuja with years these people put all their energy into building retreatcabins , the main house NEW MOON the transformation of the Dakini Simhamuka together and even the road up the mountain. Following this, His Holiness the Dalai Lama Tibetan date: Western date: with your Vajra brothers and sisters. made an unexpected visit to the centre and named it O.Sel. Ling which means "Place 10th Month, 30th day Thursday December 5th of Clear Light". Otherwise you can do a medium or short Tun in the Lama Yeshe belonged to the Gelupa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism He was bom in This is an important day to practice Namchos Shitroi usual way. 1935 and spent his life from six years old to twenty-five years in in Naljyor, the Yoga of the Peaceful and Wrathful Tibet with over 10,000 other monks. When he was 25, he left Tibet for India and soon Manifestations. It is best as always to practice it NEW MOON became involved in teaching . He established a centre in Nepal collectively, but you can also do it personally. Tibetan date: Western date: called Ko pan where he and Lama Zopa taught many western students. 12th Month, 30th day Monday February 3rd In 1975 he and Lama Zopa organised the Foundation for the Preservation of the Tibetan date: Western date: This is a good day for purification practices. Therefore Mahay am Tradition. Centres in western countries then were set up to preserve the 11th Month, 10th day Monday December 16th try to do Purification of the Six Lokas. principles and teachings of Mahayana Buddhism Lama Yeshe has a plan for city This is a special day of Guru Padmasambhava. If you centres where people could come after work for meditation, peace and relaxation; and residentalcountr y centres for longer courses and short retreats,an d where have the time and possibility it is good to do a Ganapuja Tibetan date: Western date: people c'Ould form a community and raise their families in a spiritually motivated collectively with your Vajra brothers and sisters, 12th Dble Month, 10th day Thursday February 13th environment. He also wanted monasteries to train monks and nuns and retreat otherwise you can do the short or medium Tun personally. This is Guru Padmasambhava day. If possibile do a centres in more remotearea s where people could do longer retreats. O.Sel.Ling is Ganapuja with a Guruyoga and the Long-life practice one of these places. Lama Yeshe bad many Western students and he saw the different FULL MOON of Padmasambhava (U.W.U.) together with your Vajra places fulfilling différent functions to serve the needs of different people at any one Tibetan date: Western date: brothers and sisters, otherwise you can do a medium time and the individual at different times in that person's progress. He wanted to 11th Month, 15th day Saturday December 21st Tun alone. create a setting for the universal family welcome in whatever part of the world it This is an important day to do the Long-life practice of happened to be. the Dakini Mandarava, Life's Cycle of Vajra, (L.C. V.). FULL MOON Lama Yeshe died in 1984 and now Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the head of the organisation. Eleven months after Lama Yeshe died on the 12th February 1985 in Tibetan date: Western date: Granada hospital, a fifthchil d was bom to Maria and Paco, two of the disciples who Tibetan date: Western date: 12th Dble Month, 15th day Tuesday February 18th founded O.Sel.Ling. He is now Lama Osel, and after living for some time at 11th Month, 25th day Monday December 30th This is a good day for the Long-life practice "Cycle of O.Sel.Ling centre, he went to India to begin his monastic education. The story of This is a day of the in general, so if you have the Life's Vajra" (C.L.V.). The best time for this is early Lama Osel is recounted in the book "Reincarnation", by Vicki Mckenzie, Bloomsbury opportunity perform a collective Ganapuja, with the in the morning. In the evening you can do a Ganapuja Publishing Ltd, 2 Soho Square, London WTV 5DE, 1989 (Paperback). transformation of the Dakini Simhamukha, and recite collectively. Anyone wishing to do a retreat at O.Sel.Ling should write or telephone firstt o make her heart mantra as many times as possibile. Otherwise all the appopriate arrangements. The centre also holds courses in summer and you can do a.medium Tun either collectively or Tibetan date: Western date: holidays, for which registrationi s necessary. While diere, one must keep the , not to kill, not to steal, not to engage in sexual misconduct, not to lie and personally. 12th Dble Month, 25th day Thursday February 27th not to take intoxicants. This is a Dakini day so you can do a Ganapuja A retreat will be held at Christmas from December 25th to January 5th: "Por que NEW MOON collectively, transforming yourself into the Dakini sufrimos y como logramos la felicidad" given by Lama Tenpa Dargye and Neil Tibetan date: Western date: Simhamukha and reciting her heart mantra as many Houston, an Australian monk. 11th Month, 30th day Saturday January 4th times as possible. If this is not possible you can do a O.Sel.Ling, Centro de retiros, 18412 Bubion (Granada), Spain. Tel. (958) 763088. This day is the anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava's long or medium Tun either collectively or alone.

Letter from Lithuania THE MIRROR by Antanas Danielius Vilnius on the invitation of our Now we are waiting for next summer The International Newspaper of the Dzog-chen Community There are about twenty people in President V. Landsbergis. He spoke and we hope that Namkhai Norbu founded by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche Lithuania practising Tibetan to our Buddhist Community, held a Rinpoche will come to Lithuania Buddhism. public lecture at Vilnius University then. We believe that we can Published by the Associazione Culturale Comunità Dzog-chen. A year ago we established our and met with representatives of successfully organize a retreat for The Mirror, Merigar, P.O.Box 47,58031 Arcidosso GR, Italy. Institute of aiming various religions (nottospeakabout all Dzog-chen followers from the Tel. and fax 0564-966608 . at more fruitful collaboration and official meetings). Some of us had a former USSR as well as from other awakening public interest for rare opportunity to hear him all this countries. Direttore responsabile: Raimondo Bultrini Tibetan religious culture. time. Also His Holiness gave us a Further information can be obtained Editorial desk: Liz Granger, Naomi Zeitz, Tiziana Gottardi, Yvonne Last June we organized an special present - two thankas with from: Zuiker, Jean Mackintosh, Nina Robinson, Anna Eid exhibition, in which 108 objects of his own inscriptions. Antanas Danielius (President), Lay out: Shang-Shung Edizioni (mostly thankas) by Since the number of people who are Lithuanian Institute of Buddhist Printen Tipografia 2A, Arcidosso Buryat, Mongolian and Tibetan interested in Dzog-chen and try to Studies, artists were shown and seen by some practise it is growing constantly, we P.O.Box 1183, Vilnius, Lithuania, © 1991 Ass. Cult. Comunità Dzog-chen. decided that our Dzog-chen three thousand people. Phone: (0122)771375, Registrato presso il Tribunale di Grosseto al a 5/1990 del 26 Aprile Community (Dorjeling) should be Recently we were happy to meet (0122) 773040 1990 His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai the principal organization, and our Fax: (0122) 353017 Institute, a part of iL Lama during his three day stay in Telex: (064) 261137LUVNSU This newspaper is not for sale

NOVEMBER 1991 ISSUE 12