No. 121 THE MIRROR March, April 2013

Upcoming Retreats with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

2013 Mexico Tsegyalgar West May 8–12 “The Wisdom Light of the Base” Retreat

USA Dancers from Kunsangar North who participated in “Dancing Under the Stars” at Tashigar South. Los Angeles May 17–19 Dzogchen Upadesha “For Freeing Illnesses of the Body”, Ten-zhi Lus-kyi Gegs-sel Tashigar Sur: The Tara Mandala, Pagosa Springs, CO May 24–26 TBA New York City Hidden Jewel May 31–June 2 Scott Diamond Longsal Ati Gongpa Ngosprod estled in the rolling green and gold Rinpoche arrived several days before the hours of singing and dancing to contempo- Tsegyalgar East hills outside of Cordoba, Argentina, first Retreat and his every word, gesture, rary Tibetan pop songs. During his previous June 7–12 Tashigar Sur holds a very special and activity was an immediate transmission visit around Losar 2012, everybody at Tashi- Teachings on the “Khorde N place in the hearts of everyone who has of The Dzogchen Teaching. From the time gar Sur enjoyed this in its early phase, but Rangdrol” from the Dra Thalgur had the great fortune to spend some time of his arrival, he referenced the earliest now after a full year in which the activity June 13–23 there. A magical ambience pervades the Dzogchen Tantra, The Dra Thalgyur, while – or practice, if you will – had evolved and Santi Maha Sangha 1st Level Gar and its surrounding pastoral landscape. casually discussing the necessity of work- developed in Tenerife and other locales into Exam and 2nd Level Training The earth beneath your feet literally glis- ing with circumstance. It was clear that a complete set of 108 songs, with an ever tens with crystals and minerals. The vast Tashigar Sur presented the ideal circum- expanding series of choreographed group Russia blue sky is endless and fills with stars each stance to listen, reflect, and contemplate dances (at the time of this writing, there Kunsangar North night. Horses wander gracefully through the Teachings in a very relaxed, open, and were 27). This experience unfolds on many June 28–Jul. 5 the fields and gaze at the people as they friendly environment. A traditional Argen- levels, including outer, inner, and secret! As “Green Tara practice according pass through the entrance gates. There is tinian asado was arranged and the earliest with everything, Rinpoche has completely to the methods of Outer Tantras such a strong feeling of warmth and inti- arrivals congregated to eat, drink, and enjoy. integrated the singing and dancing into the combined with Anuyoga and its macy being with Rinpoche and The Com- The time everyone shared at Tashigar Teaching of Dzogchen. He explained that Ngang Gom instructions” munity in a place out in the country that Sur cannot be described, from the begin- “the word ‘dharma’ means all phenomena” Crimea feels like it rests gently in its own world. ning, without conveying the incredible and and if people “came to a dharma center and July 19–26 This year at Tashigar Sur, we gathered to- central experience of “Canciones y Danzas only saw statues” then it would be a stiff Kunsangar South Retreat gether for a month in the beginning of au- Tibetanas”: almost every single evening for and static situation. Singing and dancing to tumn for an amazing non-stop dance of joy. the entire month – before, during, and after these modern songs, whose lyrics are often >> continued on page 8 the Retreats – Rinpoche led us into several >> continued on page 15

Content Teaching by H.H. Dalai Lama ...... » Page 9 Simhamukha Retreat . . » Page 2 Artists: Jaqueline Gens . . » Page 10 Editorial ...... » Page 3 Borobudur Adventures . . » Page 13 International Gakyil Meeting ...... » Page 3 The Dance of Life . . » Page 14–16 SSI Digital Archiving International Dzogchen Project ...... » Page 6 Community News . . » Pages 17–27 THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

2 Simha mukha Retreat Tashigar South March 22 2013 Excerpt from Day 1

ood day for everybody everywhere. So here we are in Tashigar South and the retreat is starting. We are Gdoing a retreat to learn how to do the practice of Simhamukha. Very often we use the two practices of Guru Dragphur and Simhamukha. For that reason, I thought it might be a good idea that we use this teaching of Simha- mukha for this retreat. Then it becomes easier for every- one, instead of learning something complicated each time. When we use one practice we concentrate to learn how to integrate it. This is very important for practitioners to learn in general. Most people are going after different names and titles. There are infinite titles and practices. If we are not inter- ested in the essence of the teaching, we are not getting into the real sense of the teaching. For that reason it is also important to learn the essence of the Simhamukha practice and dealing with that. Of course, if the practice is presented in different ways that means there are also different trans- missions. If you receive different transmissions of the same practice, that is good, it is not bad at all. But you are only learning different ways of doing practices and then you lose the essence, because there is no difference in the real sense. I will give you an example. In Vajrayana teaching, for ex- ample, you know about lower Tantra of Kriya and Ubaya Tantra; there are hundreds and hundreds different kinds of practices. When we go to a little higher level, there are Chakrasambhava and Kalachakra. When you go after names, then you might think, “Oh maybe Hevajra is better than Chakrasambhava”, for example. For that reason people concentrate outside instead of integrating and going inside. Then they chase different kinds of teachings everywhere. If you are a teacher who is carrying a lineage, then it is important you receive different kinds of transmissions, because in that way you can give transmissions for oth- ers if there is some request. If you have not received the Photo: D. Suchamda transmission, you cannot give it. Sometimes people come to you and say, “Oh I received this Yamantaka teaching”, and perfect way. To receive initiation does not mean receiving a duction of karma is overcome. If we are doing Simhamukha they give you a book and ask that you give them the trans- blessing. With the initiation the teacher is showing you how that way it means we are being in a pure dimension. If we mission. When I looked at this book I realized that I never you transform and how you get in the pure dimension. We are doing Guru Dragphur it is the same. If we are doing Ka- received that transmission. Even though I am considered a need to receive the information of how to transform when lachakra or Hevajra, it is also the same. teacher, I could not give that transmission. For giving trans- we apply transformation practice because if we do not have When we are in a pure dimension there is no one con- mission you should have received it, should have practiced that knowledge, then we are just living an ordinary life with trolling you or asking, “Which kind of passport do you have it, you need to have that knowledge, and then you give it. dualistic vision. Dualistic vision is how we live in time and to come here?” This is called realization. So then you can So this is useful if you are becoming something like the space in general. For example, if you want to see something understand, integration means that, then you know that and maintainer of the tradition of the school. I don’t think you you need to open your eyes, the same for hearing and for all you give value to any kind of practice, instead of making a are interested in that. Maybe you are interested for having contact of senses with objects. On the physical level we are collection of practices. So it is very important to know that realization, doing any kind of practice. completely dependent on our organs of senses. when you follow Vajrayana teaching, this is a very impor- In this case, you should go into the essence, otherwise For example today, the day of Guru Padmasambhava, tant point. If you are following Dzogchen, you can do any you lose it. I can give you an example: In the teaching of when we invoke Guru Padmasambhava, he must be in front kind of practice, there is no problem. But the principle is not Vajrayana we have something very important called the of us, that is his commitment. Guru Padmasambhava is en- transformation; if you like, you can transform. The principle three roots. When we are doing a Vajrayana style retreat, lightened and he is not lying. So it is sufficient we have that of transformation is that we are working with mind. namo guru bhaye, namo deva bhaye, namo dakini bhyae, confidence, but when you are invoking Guru Padmasamb- Being in a state of Dzogchen means that we are directly guru, deva, dakini, these are the three roots. In Tibetan hava, can you see him in front of you? If you can see him being in a state of contemplation. The concept of mind in we say that the root of receiving blessings is the Guru, that means you are very developed because ordinary people Dzogchen is only the starting point, not the application of the Teacher. This is just like in the Dzogchen teaching, the cannot see Guru Padmasambhava. What we see is impure the main practice. In Vajrayana it is different and for years essence of all practices, when we are using method, like vision, karmic vision., the production of our karma. We are and years they apply mental concepts. First receiving the Vajrayana style transformation, then we need to transform. doing transformation like Simhamukha, like Guru Dragphur, initiation and then instruction, followed by a long-term per- To transform, we must know a method. This method for because we transform mentally once we have received that sonal retreat. What should you do in this case? First you which we receive an initiation is called deva and dakini. transformation method, and then we do the visualization. learn the development stage, that means how you transform Deva is a general name and form of the male like Guru We are not thinking that we are in this hall, we imagine from being in the impure dimension to emptiness, then you Draghpur, dakini is an elevated practice with wrathful that we are in the pure dimension of the mandala, the man- construct the mandala and then the manifestation of dei- manifestations like Guyajnana, and Simhamukha. These are dala of the nature of the five elements, like five lights, and ties. You have perfected all that capacity, which means you methods for transforming. this is not the material aspect. So we cannot see Guru Pad- have realized the development stage. It takes years to get For example, if we are doing Dzogchen practice it is not masambhava, but we can create the visualization. This is there. After that you should do the accomplishing stage - necessary to transform because the Dzogchen teaching is called doing visualization for having that realization. what you did until now looks a little like fantasy. You have the path of self-liberation. Self-liberation is different from When we received that initiation the teacher introduced closed your eyes, you are in the pure dimension, you have transformation. Transformation means you are still using that method to us. The teacher empowered that. For that constructed the mandala, you are manifesting the deities, mental concepts; you are not going directly from mind to reason, we have that connection and when we apply it, we etc. You have developed this development stage, but once nature of mind. Maybe you don’t have that capacity or may- can have that possibility of realization. If we are doing Guru you open your eyes and look around still there is this di- be you did not receive that transmission. We use mental Dragphur, in the same way we are manifesting as Guru mension. Nothing has changed. concepts to transform impure to pure. When we are getting Dragphur. When we are doing Simhamukha, in the same Now what should you do? You know that it is not sepa- in a pure dimension then we can get in our real nature eas- way we are doing dakini manifestation, but always in a pure rate, your existence and what you are doing with this prac- ily. This is the traditional Vajrayana system. So transforma- dimension. So we are training for having that pure vision. tice. In your physical body you have chakras, channels and tion is an indispensible method we should apply. Having total pure vision totally is the dimension of Sambo- energy, different kinds of energy, the five elements, prana So you see in Vajrayana we need to receive initiations gakaya. Sambogakaya means being in the pure dimension energy and kundalini energy. Something alive. When you and if we do not, we cannot apply Vajrayana practices in a of the five elements. It means the impure vision of our pro- >> continued on page 4 THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

The International Gakyil GGAAKKYIYILL 3 Meeting of the International Editorial Gakyil Tibetan friend concluded after reading everything available in the news to try and understand the motivation in the sense- chaired by Enrico Dell’Angelo and Aless bombing in Boston, Patriot’s Day, Monday, April 15 – a public Roberto Zamparo, with Gakyil holiday intended to be joyful, hopeful and fun that ended in devastating members of Gars and Lings pres- misery and suffering aimed at a population of totally innocent bystand- ent from different locations, in ers and participants – that we are deep in the Kaliyuga. the Merigar Gonpa, on April 2, on the last day of Khyentse Yeshe’s According to Wikipedia, Kaliyuga is defined as: teachings. Kali Yuga (Devana¯garı¯: [k∂li jug∂], lit. “age of [the demon] Kali”, Enrico Dell’Angelo: Hello, I am or “age of vice”) is the lastक of लिय%ग the four stages the world goes through as Enrico, and I work for the Inter- part of the cycle of yugas described in the Indian scriptures. The other national Gakyil. We convened this ages are Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga. meeting in order to give an update Kali Yuga is associated with the apocalyptic demon Kali, not to be about what we are doing in terms Merigar West meeting of the lings with Enrico Dell’ Angelo, April 2, 2013. Photo: L. Gräf confused with the goddess Ka¯lı¯ (read as Kaalee). The “Kali” of Kali Yuga of integrating the organization of means “strife, discord, quarrel, or contention.” the Dzogchen Community on an international level. The action taken by these two young men in Boston had a horrific effect, I would like to ask each of you reflecting the qualities described by the Wikipedia definition of Kali- to introduce yourself in order to yuga: “strife, discord, quarrel or contention.” Apparently their motivation know who we are and where we was related to religious zealousness. However, what seems to missing are coming from. in this so-called “religious” action is the understanding that religion is (About twenty people from intended to benefit human kind – all religious faiths profess this prin- Bologna, Roma, Venice, Torino, ciple – not destroy it. Milano, Tenerife, Brescia, Munich, In this issue of The Mirror, we offer some features that discuss the Berlin, Amsterdam, Slovakia, Bar- nature of religion and the common aim among all the world’s religions, celona , Russia and Czech Repub- a way to relieve tension and discord through understanding. Of course, lic introduce themselves.) His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the great spokesperson for religious toler- ance and love, tells us: Standardizing all DC statutes As you may know, we have start- “Among the followers of theistic religions, you have Jews, Christians and ed this work to develop a global those who accept a creative God - Christianity believes in the Trinity, integrated organizational struc- International Gakyil meeting at Merigar West on April 20. Photo: C. Gnecchi Islam believes in a single Allah and so forth. But all these different philo- ture of the Dzogchen Community sophical views have the same message for us, the message of love and with the aim of having a unified vision. This is what we are try- specific Gar. For example, we have compassion, how to be a good person through the practice of love and membership system. Rinpoche ing to do and what Rinpoche has Merigar West whose related Lings compassion and I always try to give this message wherever I go.” established this new organiza- asked us to do for many years. are mainly located in Western Eu- tion, called International Dzogchen Twenty years ago he wrote a book rope; we have Merigar East with a This is excerpted from a teaching given by His Holiness at the Fribourg Community (IDC), in October 2012. about the Dzogchen Community number of Lings that are specifi- Forum in Switzerland on April 13 attended by one of our editors, that you The idea is now to gradually adapt in which he explained what he cally related to it; and then Kun- can read in full on page 9. all the statutes of the different was expecting to see in terms sangar North and South, Tashigar We also have a report on a seminar “Building Peace through Learning Dzogchen Communities around of organization. In that book, we North and South and Namyalgar and Understanding – A dialogue between Buddhism and Christianity” the world to the International can see that all the main princi- North and South, Zamling Gar and organized by the World Buddhist Culture Trust in Hyderabad, India in Statute. This does not mean that ples of the functions of an orga- so on. March this year. Lama Doboom Tulku, founder of the WBCT, said that we are aiming to have identical nization are explained and clear- At the moment, there are the objective of the Trust is to make a significant contribution towards statutes all over the world because ly expressed. But, in one way or things that are not clearly defined. building peace and harmony in the world through inter-religious dia- there are widely differing circum- another, we have managed not to For example, there are a number logue at different levels. stances in different countries. We hear this, or not to read these in- of names of Lings that Rinpoche Representing Chögyal Namkhai Norbu at the seminar, Fabio Andrico are aiming to have the different structions properly. Several years has given over the years that do presented a very relevant concept at this moment in time: statutes complying with the main ago, Khyentse Yeshe tried to im - not correspond to legally estab- principles that are stated in the plement some work in order to lished organizational entities. As “In times like these, which in so many ways seem difficult and challeng- International Dzogchen Communi- have the Community comply with a matter of fact, the Tibetan word ing, it is more imperative than ever that we, as inhabitants of planet ty Statute, which has been signed Rinpoche’s vision, but, at that “Ling” indicates a place and, there- earth, find ways to be tolerant with one another and learn how to col- and approved by Rinpoche. time too, we managed not to hear fore, at present, there are many laborate for the well-being of us all. What is the main principle of very well. Lings’ names around the world We have to understand that evolution, and not revolution, is the this work? It is to reflect, at an Following Rinpoche’s request, used by groups of Dzogchen Com- way forward. Evolution is based on collaboration, not competition. It is organizational level, the idea that we are trying to do something munity members. From an orga- not and will not be the fittest who survive and evolve better, but rather Rinpoche has presented to us at this point, and with this base nizational point of view, though, those who learn to understand one another and to collaborate.” about the organizational form of that we have created of the Inter- the criteria by which a Ling is the Dzogchen Community, which national Statute, we are now try- created were not defined. We hope that in some way the messages in these articles will offer he introduced through the sym- ing to implement this properly, at Rinpoche has now clarified some solace that knowledge, understanding and dialogue can help create bol of the Gakyil. There is a princi- an international level. So in order that, in general, in order to have peace and harmony among all people of the world, whatever their faith. ple that is related to the meaning to make things short, because it is a Ling, there should be a legally of the Gakyil and Rinpoche has late, I would like just to point out established organization. That Editorial Staff always insisted on implementing the few main steps that we are means there should be a statute, the organizational work of the going to implement in the next and there should be a place where community through the Gakyil. few months. the practitioners of the Commu- There has been discussion over nity can meet and implement ac- that there will not be the possi- the International Gakyil. The In- time about whether or not this is Criteria for creating a Ling tivities together. It does not mat- bility for that Ling to be part of ternational Gakyil will submit the an effective way to do things, but I Now we have Gars and Lings and, ter if the place where Community the unified membership system letter to Rinpoche, and if Rinpoche think that most of us believe that according to Rinpoche’s vision, the members meet is not owned by and that place will not have the approves, he will give it a name. this is an ideal form of organiza- International Dzogchen Commu- the Ling. It is sufficient that it is right to receive a share of the IDC After that, the interested people tion that really reflects Rinpoche’s nity, which is organized through rented. As a general criteria, in membership fees. should draft and eventually regis- vision about the Community and these Gars and these Lings. The the new regulations that will be From now on, for example, if ter the statute on the basis of the so we should try to implement it. Gars are the main seats of the issued very soon (to avoid con- there is a group of Community guidelines provided by the Inter- What has happened, unfortu- Dzogchen Community and the flict of interest and other possible practitioners that would like to national Gakyil . nately, is that these indications organizational reference point sources of confusion) a Ling can- create a Ling, they should ask that Rinpoche gave us have not for a specific geographical area. not be established in the private Rinpoche’s authorization (it is Integrated membership system been effectively integrated into The Lings are the local organiza- residence of one of the members. Rinpoche who decides if a branch Of course, as I said before, we can- the work of the Community in the tional structure of the Dzogchen These are the main criteria that of the Community is allowed to be not expect statutes to be identical different social and socio-political Community. Most of the Lings, should be observed and respected. created or not, because this is the in all the different countries. The circumstances around the world, in general, are related to the Gars If there is not a legally registered Dzogchen Community following laws are different, so we have to hence, at the moment, we do not in such a way that a number of statute, the Ling is not integrated Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s teach- understand that. But we will pro- have an organizational form that Lings, sometime located in differ- into the general organizational ing). The written request should vide guidelines about the main effectively implements Rinpoche’s ent countries, are connected to a structure of the IDC. This means be addressed to Rinpoche care of >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

The International Gakyil

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>> continued from previous page and national level, he will grant main things, in terms of docu- Creating preconditions for One thing I have forgotten to points that should be included in the use of the name and of the mentation, that will be sent out. organizational management say is that we have also now final- the statute. For example, it should logo to the different Gars and to The creation of the International ized the membership regulations be stated that the association, the the different Lings on the basis of The Coordination Committee Dzogchen Community does not for the IDC. We will soon send it Ling that has been created, wher- specific prerequisites and condi- The last thing I would like to com- imply implementing a top down out for your comments, hopefully ever in the world, belongs to the tions. The people responsible for municate, before I finish, and let centralized approach from now within May. International Dzogchen Commu- those Gars and Lings will have you ask questions, is about the on. On the contrary, the idea is to So this is what I needed to nity, which is a group of people to sign the protocol in which it Coordination Committee, a new create the preconditions for hav- say. It was important to commu- following the teaching of Chögyal is stated: “Such and such a Gar or organizational body of the IDC ing members of the DC partici- nicate this face to face because Namkhai Norbu. It should also be such and such a Ling is granted that has been defined in the In- pating more actively in the life of if we start to send out emails it stated that people applying for the use of this name and this logo ternational Statute. How is this the Community and feeling more would probably give another im- membership through that spe- on the basis of the following con- Coordination Committee sup- ownership. This implies the cre- pression and there would be the cific association, which belongs to ditions…”. And, of course, those posed to function? All the repre- ation of specific communication risk of creating misunderstanding the International Dzogchen Com- protocols will reflect the princi- sentatives of the different realities channels and tools that will en- and people starting to think that munity, will become members of ples that are explained in the In- belonging to the Dzogchen Com- able us to get feedback, to ex- there are orders coming from the International Dzogchen Com- ternational Statute, which are the munity – at the moment we have change opinions, to participate in somewhere. There are no orders, munity, not only members of that guiding principles that Rinpoche Gars, Lings, we have ASIA and the a more direct way in the matters this is a network, and we should specific Ling or that specific Gar. has established for the Dzogchen Shang Shung Institute – should of the Community. This is crucial: try to collaborate and implement That means that we will have Community. be represented on the Coordina- if we do not establish this kind of things together. an integrated membership sys- Please understand that this is tion Committee, which will have communication, if the sense of tem, which is one of the main not done for the sake of imple- a consultative function. For exam- ownership is not reinforced, there International Database objectives that we are trying to menting bureaucracy, or for the ple, now we are going to produce is no future. Roberto Zamparo: I would like to achieve through this work. We sake of business, but that these these protocols regulating the You all know very well how dif- remind you about the database will not be members of Merigar are necessary measures aimed relationship between Gars, Lings ficult it is nowadays to get only a that we are going to use for the West or Merigar East or Tashi- to protect the Dzogchen Commu- and the International Communi- few people to work on a Gakyil. membership system. The base of gar North or South any more, nity. If we do not have this kind ty. We will send these out to all Nobody volunteers. But not be- the membership system will be a but members of the International of structure or if we do not have the members of the Coordination cause people are bad, because if new international database that is Dzogchen Community so charters the name and the logo protected, Committee and ask for feedback we look around all over the world, going to be uploaded soon. Within should be conceived in order to al- any person could wake up tomor- within a limited frame of time. we know how many things have the next month we hope to open low for this possibility. row with a good idea and decide For example we will say: “Please been done, and this is because of it to the people in charge of mem- to start a ‘Dzogchen Community’ let us know your comments with- Rinpoche’s work and also because bership at the Gars and Lings. We Use of the Dzogchen Community using the name and the logo that in two weeks, one week, ten days of the generosity, the good will, have already officially asked all logo we are using and that would not regarding this document that we and the good intention of many the Gars and Lings in the world to Another set of procedures that be something that we can ac- have produced“. This will enable people. It is not an issue about send us the name and the address will be implemented very soon is cept. That is also something that the overall DC to participate in the people being bad, but it is an issue of the person in charge in order related to the use of the name and could cause a lot of problems in process and will enable the Inter- about the fact that we, Rinpoche’s to know which people can have the logo of the Dzogchen Com- the future, if it is not properly ad- national Gakyil to make informed students, have not been able to access to this database. So I just munity. Last year a manual about dressed. decisions. The other ideas under- put in place practical systems that wanted to remind you to send us the branding and the use of the We should think in advance lying the creation of the Coordina- would enable the proper manage- the contact details of the person branding was distributed. We are and create preconditions to avoid tion Committee are related to the ment of an organization and the in charge of membership for this now going to produce specific con- problems in the future. This is one need to enhance communication, efficient participation of the mem- international coordination. tracts or protocols through which part of the work that we are try- to ensure broader participation bers of the Dzogchen Community. To contact Roberto: Roberto the right to use the name and the ing to do. I hope very soon we will and transparency. We now need to work together Zamparo [email protected] logo of the Dzogchen Community be able to send out these kinds of and not to expect passively that will be granted. This means that documents and you will have the there will be a top down approach Transcribed by Sarah Theiss since Rinpoche is the owner of possibility to see them and make and that the so-called Internation- Edited by L. Granger this name and the name has been your comments. These are the al Gakyil will find all the solutions. registered at an international level We have to work together.

>> Simhamukha Retreat continued from page 2 human being. His birth and death, everything manifested the Mahasiddhas. They know very well that the Vajrayana use visualizations you feel that, something alive. Now you normally. teaching is very precious because we can have realization are integrating this with your visualization in the develop- When Buddha was giving a teaching in Sarnath, anyone in a lifetime. For example, even in the Lower Tantra and ment stage. You see it takes a long time still, when you are who was interested could go, listen and receive teachings. belonging to Vajrayana, it says if you apply method, practice, integrating totally and then you are using mantras. Mantra Today in our dimension we have many important teachers. everything in a perfect way, in sixteen lives you can have is sound and sound is the origin of all manifestations from They are giving many teachings and people who are inter- realization. No one exists who says we can have realization emptiness. That is why it says with any kind of practice you ested go and receive that teaching. In the same way Bud- in a lifetime. This is only in the Higher Tantras. For that should do a quantity of the mantra. This is the development dha taught that way and this is called oral transmission. reason it is very important that we know how to get directly and accomplishing stages for integrating and in the end you Someone wrote down what Buddha taught. This was called into our real nature. So Mahasiddhas have infinite compas- are not remaining separate in the development stage or ac- Sutra later. Sutra is the conclusion of the event of the teach- sion for ordinary people who have no capacity to see the >> continued from previous page complishing stage. Now the manifestation of the realization ing. Someone came and listened to the teaching of Buddha, pure dimension. is something like a Mahasiddha. Now with this integration they wrote it down and that is called Sutra. We do not call it Most Mahasiddhas did practice and followed teachings in there is the state of the Mahamudra. So you see Dzogchen Sutra, but we are doing many transcriptions of our retreats. the same way we are doing. For example, in the biography and Vajarayana are very different. There is not much difference. This is the characteristic of of Virupa, for years and years Virupa did transformation fol- In Dzogchen it is considered that any kind of path is re- the oral transmission. lowing Hevajra practices; chanting mantras, doing personal lated to Dzogchen. In a teaching in general, you should un- Vajrayana is not that way. For example, in the Kalachakra, retreat, etc., and at the end being in the state of Maha- derstand; in Tibetan we say beyond the worldly condition. we say that Buddha Shakyamuni manifested the Kalachakra mudra – the non-dual of the development and accomplish- Even in the worldly condition we can have some higher-level and taught as Kalachakra. It does not mean Buddha is ex- ing stage. In that moment he finally understood how the obtainment. But this is not total realization. We say beyond plaining and someone is going there and listening. Buddha real state of realization is. The first thing he did was throw that worldly condition when we are in our real nature, then manifested in the pure dimension. We are ordinary people his mala in the toilet because he chanted mantras for years we can have total realization. In any kind of path that exists and have no capacity to be in the pure dimension, so how and years using this mala. Not only did he throw his mala, in our dimension that kind is called jigten le depa, which can we receive that teaching. Only people who realize a but at the same time he sang Doha, this Mahamudra knowl- means beyond the worldly condition. This is also in the high level of realization like Mahasiddhas can directly re- edge. This is an example of getting in the real knowledge. Dzogchen Teaching and included in Dzogchen. In Dzogchen ceive that transmission of the transformation. It is not oral For that reason Mahasiddhas know that ordinary people nothing exists that is not related with our condition. transmission, no one is explaining. If you are reading a Tan- cannot see and hear the pure dimension.  Buddha Shakyamuni taught two different types of teach- tra, in many of these important Tantras it says: “Oh there ings: Sutra and Vajarayana. Buddha taught Sutra teachings has been this Samantabhadra, there is Vajrasattva who asks Transcribed and edited by Naomi Zeitz and the two vehicles of that teaching are Hinayana and Ma- Samantabhadra and Samantabhadra explains.” This is a way hayana. These are called oral teaching. Buddha manifested of presenting teaching. Because our attitude is that way, so just like a normal person. We are thinking that Buddha is we can understand just a little. The teaching is presented an enlightened being, and he is enlightened. But Buddha that way for ordinary people. No one has explained a single was a prince in India, and then he applied the practice and word at the end of the Tantras. So that way of presenting manifested that realization. After that Buddha did not dis- makes us understand how the real sense is. appear, he taught all oral teachings of the Buddhist Sutra. Transformation manifestation is called the natural sound. When Buddha gave teachings he was just like a normal hu- Sometimes for integrating we have different kinds of man- man being. Sometimes when you read some books of Maha- tras and this is the symbol of the natural sound. So through yana you say Buddha has many qualifications and different manifestation we have already received that transmission. ways of manifesting, but in the real sense Buddha was a The initiation method we are using in general, the famous initiation, presented by Mahasiddhas, this is the work of THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

ASIA

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

In Support of ASIA

Andrea Sertoli

Dear members of the Dzogchen Community:

have noticed that lately there have been a few communica- I tions regarding ASIA and the work they are carrying out in Ti- bet. I hope nobody will mind if I add my “2 cents” to the conversa- tion, mostly because I have been around since ASIA’s foundation in 1988 and its early days. Some 25 years later since its beginning, ASIA is still around and kicking, but – perhaps – now that our Community has grown to a size that was hard to imagine at the time – not all of us are in the position to appreciate the caliber, the length and the significance of ASIA’s performance over a quar- ter century. A performance that has not only had, through more than 150 projects implemented, an anybody’s thinking. These out- ment financing. How complex and thorities’ ever-present suspicion number of events have resulted impact on more than half a mil- standing results have been paved with obstacles was the path and the necessity to being loyal to in a severe belt-tightening on the lion Tibetans, but that also re- reached over 25 years of hard of navigating through bureaucra- the mission of helping Tibetans to part of Chinese authorities in the flects magnificently on the origi- work and no little sacrifice by cies, as much as it was learning maintain their culture and bring regions served by ASIA. As a mat- nal intention and vision of Rinpo- ASIA staff. I can tell, because I “how to ask” the public. And how help and relief to their hardships. ter of fact, most non-profit organi- ché, and – by extension – to the have seen almost all of it. Even delicate and difficult was the im- But in recent years, it has got zations have been banned or have Community as a whole. In a way, in the early days, when Develop- plementation part, working with worse on all sides. Financial cri - seen their ability to operate re- ASIA belongs to all of us, mem- ment Aid was somewhat “fash- Chinese authorities. If anything, ses in the West have shrunk the stricted to a minimum. Because of bers of the Dzogchen Community. ionable”, I saw how difficult it was it has constantly been like walk- ability to access governmental a number of fortunate – as much But, as they say, it was not a for a young non-profit to get ac - ing a razor-blade fine line, trying funds or receive donations and as foreseeing – decisions, ASIA re- “walk in the park”, if that’s what cess to sponsorships and govern- to keep balance between the au- sponsorships. And even worse, a mains one of the very few orga- nizations with a reasonable ca- pacity to operate. It is one of the Please let 2013 be the year that you very few that raise the hopes and A Message too actively participate in helping the expectations of the Tibetan to insure that Tibetans are able to population. It is critical not to let from ASIA continue their traditional culture them down. When people come to Supporters and learn skills that will help lead the point of burning themselves them, as well as their families, out alive to express the extent of their of poverty. Thank you so much! distress, we can perhaps imagine Dear Mirror Readers, To start your sponsorship right how every little piece of hope and now, you can relief becomes so very significant. ave you ever wondered Pick up the phone and call An- ASIA’s campaign to give 500 what it means to become drea Nasca with credit card/debit young girls the opportunity to Han ASIA sponsor? Why card info at 413.204.3556. attend school has been success- do people do it? How does it feel Mail a check to ASIA, P.O. Box 124, ful. This is fantastic! However, I when a connection is made? Here Conway, MA 01341-0124. think that we – as a Communi- are some thoughts and insights Make a payment via PayPal to ty – should make no mistake: this from one of our newest sponsors, [email protected]. is a never ending work. The extent Curzio Aloisi, from NYC: To sponsor a child, for ex- of the need is overwhelming and ample a young girl in the Golok there is certainly no shortage of “was not interested [in becoming ASIA sponsor Curzio Aloisi. School for Tibetan Nomad Girls, projects that deserve contribution a sponsor] in the beginning. First it’s only $ 400 USD/year. To spon- to ensure their implementation. off, I didn’t have the money. How ing that through my support I With just over a dollar a day, you sor a monk, nun or elder, it’s only This is ASIA’s work, but it also the could I sustain someone in anoth- can change someone’s life for the can start a sponsorship – now. $ 300/year. work of our Community, simply er part of the world, when I can better, warms my heart and really And help ASIA to meet one of People living in other countries because in every bit of ASIA’s ac- barely take care of myself? I live makes my day. our most important goals in 2013: can contact directly ASIA Head- tions, there is the inspirational, vi- in a very tiny room in Brooklyn! I know the people at ASIA well. starting lots of new sponsorships quarter in the person of Roberta sionary input of Rinpoché. Would But then, I have wanted to help I even briefly interned for them a) For the children and orphans Caminiti (Email: adozioni@ASIA- you like to join the effort, then for a while. The circumstances to when I was living in Rome. They in the schools we’ve built and onlus.org – Tel: +390644340034) chose among the options http:// do so manifested... so I just did it. I know what they’re doing, and I am repaired in remote regions, or visit the website www.ASIA- www.ASIA-ngo.org/en/ . was compelled to do it, and it felt very happy to support Yangtso get b) For the monks and nuns with ngo.org. very good. an education and keep her marvel- their study and practice in the P.S. This message is exclusively Now, in the process of writ- ous cultural identity with ASIA’s monasteries, With kind regards, a personal one. It has been writ- ing my first letter to Yantso Kyid, I help.” c) And for the respected elders ASIA America ten on an early morning out of will tell her about my life here in who need support to live their spontaneous motion and it only NYC, mostly a good life, but lots of How many of you have thought lives with some dignity and reflects my personal experience hard work... Sometimes you lose of becoming an ASIA sponsor but comfort. and opinion. the meaning of it all, so know- just haven’t gotten around to it? THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

Shang Shung Institute

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

in and select something that is in- Digital teresting. [The idea of the archive as Archiving something that cannot make prof- Project it, or be self sufficient, is closely linked to the idea of the archive Fabian Sanders as a place where you put things, leave them and forget about them. he SSI digital archive is the But if you think you can make place containing the history these things work and come alive, Tand the memory of all as- then of course it is useful and a pects concerning the teaching of great resource for its users. It can Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and Ti- bring financing and donations, betan culture at whatever level not only from the public and the they have been produced with the Dzogchen Community, but, if we support of the Dzogchen Com- have well-structured data and munity and the SSI. Everything cataloguing, other academic insti- should be contained there and not tutions may be interested for in- be fragmented because fragmen- vestigation and collaboration. As tation means non-accessibility long as we have chaos, they will and when information is basically not step in because there is noth- hidden it is useless. Of course this ing to offer.] does not include, for example, re- The basic idea is that the user stricted teachings that have to be will have a search box and a cata- hidden up to a certain point, but logue or index, a list of things that it means that the material is ac- were added recently, for example. cessible to people who have the Through the search box you can requisite to access content which © A. Siedlecki/Shang Shung Institute, 2012 also look for things according should be found in a single place to many criteria based on topic, for the whole international Com- The Input virtual school for these things. be stimulated to invest and with place, time etc. But most impor- munity and Institute. Basically we have three parts We already have so much mate- that we can build a lot of interest- tantly – and this will be quite an The archives should be under- to the archive: the input, the re- rial that just needs adaptation. ing things. innovative idea – we would like to stood not as a storehouse where pository where data is stored, For example, in Conway they have Up to now we have been ‘build- develop a technology that makes you put things you don’t want to and the output where we reach filmed two full semesters of Tibet- ing castles in the air’. The po- it possible to search inside the have in your house and just for- people. In the input we have most an medicine and if we can just in- tentiality is the greatest part of content of digital files. Of course get about them, but rather as the importantly Chögyal Namkhai tegrate this it will make wonder- Rinpoche’s heritage in coming this needs a lot of work and for digital aspect of the library. It is, Norbu’s teaching, the retreats and fully usable online courses. I am to the West, teaching Western- this we will take advantage of the in fact, a library, but what is de- so on, which have an articulated, not saying that this excludes or ers and bringing Tibetan culture, kind collaboration of Dzogchen livered to people is not only the complex events based structure completely replaces the teacher/ which even in Rinpoche’s life, be- Community people, so that we can physical paper books but also the related to texts, audio, video, pic- pupil relationship, but whenever fore he left Tibet, was very self have searches by key words in Ti- audio and video materials that we tures. Then there are the second- something is organised regard- contained. This is a very unique betan because the Tibetan words store, catalogue, make searchable ary things like explanations of ing different aspects of Tibetan feature today because no other are the source. Doing a search in and thus accessible. these teachings or practices done culture, it can be recorded, put in traditional culture has been al- a non-Tibetan language means In the end there should also by other people that are related the repository, and classified ac- lowed to continue unspoilt or un- that you cannot be sure you are not be a distinction between the and can come together in the sys- cordingly. changed without a strong influx searching for the correct term be- kind of support we are giving out. tem cataloguing. As a return the possible fi- of external non-traditional ide- cause in different languages Ti- We are delivering content and Then secondarily there are nancing that comes in – because ologies as Tibetan culture has. Up betan terms have different trans- whatever degree of refinement other more specialised things, like of course it will not all be free, to the 1950s Tibetan culture was lations. If, for example, you search we reach is another thing behind concept-centred material such as we can give some material for free completely closed. But circum- for tregchod or semzin, you will it. Even the multi-media – work is Santi Maha Sangha teachings by and then with more advanced stances obliged people to open up definitely find what you are look- done on material from the archive, Rinpoche, retreats with other SMS material people pay something – and export their culture. ing for. We are already working on sub-titles are added, a beginning teachers and so on, Yantra Yoga, can be reinvested: for example, an From the moment that a kind of glossary, which we have and an end is made, a package is Vajra Dance and all these kind of online course on how to paint a Rinpoche started to teach we to develop further. created – can go back to the ar- things that come into the archive thangkha, interviews with people have, more or less, everything he If, for example, you search chive where they are served to as inputs where they are organ- in Nepal and Tibet to record the has taught for more than 30 years. semzin, you will get a list of people. It is not useful that they ised and catalogued. knowledge that they have and that This is an enormous heritage and links, hyper-texts, for example, take a different road altogether. Then there are other things is at risk of getting lost etc. This a really rich asset that we need to the title of a file with information Of course there is the need to like language courses that we are would be one more brick in the get out to interested people. If we on ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘who’, ‘what’. continue delivering physical sup- trying to produce now that can be construction of this virtual SSI. agree that inner spiritual and a You can click on it and go to the port from multi media material included in the multi-media sec- Everything that comes in will more organised understanding of particular file and the particular like DVDs and USB drives and so tion. For example, I would like to be put in the repository, cata- the world, of the history and the place in that file where Rinpoche on, but more and more, if we come design a nicely useable language logued and from there it can go fate of beings is interesting to hu- is talking about that topic in that out of this digital ‘middle age’ we course for which we have already to the public. This public is not man culture and heritage, then I retreat. It will be like an index to are in now, things will be deliv- prepared a lot of material. Then only the Dzogchen Community. think that Tibetan culture needs the audio and video files because ered on the internet which will the material from The Mirror, When Rinpoche asked to create to be preserved as a living tradi- the problem with the audio and make it much easier to make fast- from ASIA, from local journals of the Five Science Academy in Lon- tion, something real within peo- video files is that they do not con- er products. For example, it is very the lings etc., all of that should be don I think he considered having ple’s minds. tain semantically exposed index- easy to make different language included, can be indexed, become contents that can be given out es of what happens inside the file. sub-titles and things like this, searchable and is a wonderful re- universally to anyone because Browsing the digital library/ This is something we would like which can be added and then put source. there is no problem teaching Ti- archive to add so that people can search, in the repository where they are In addition we have materials betan art, language, medicine etc. Users will be able to go to a page can listen to a whole retreat but ready to be delivered with the vid- that are related more strictly to to the public. When people are in- such as the ‘SSI Digital Library’, for can also listen to a particular topic eo files. I do not think it is a wise the mission of the SSI, basically terested and see the value of Ti- example. It might be a good idea across different events. This will idea to separate these things. The materials that concern other sci- betan culture, according to their to change the name from ‘archive’ really make a difference to the ac- only thing is that we have to find ences of traditional Tibetan cul- possibilities, they get involved and to ‘digital library’ because most cessibility of information. It will a perfect, useful and ‘well-tuned ture such as medicine, art, lan- may like to continue their inter- people have the idea of an archive involve a number of big problems to our needs’ technical solution guage, logic aside from dharma, ests. So our users, our customers, as something that is out of circu- but if we strive in that direction that makes this possible. or inner meaning. As Rinpoche’s our donors, the people who are lation and not accessible, whereas wish, we could set up a kind of interested in Tibetan culture will with a digital library you can go >> continued on page 8 THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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iarize students with texts, gram- morphology, word production and Ka-Ter Tibetan matical structures, and syntax in Tibetan basic grammar. their actual context. Every day we will have a two- Language Course fee: € 85.00 Language hour lesson in the morning 10- Training Food and accommodation are Course for 12 am and another session in the not included in the course fee. All afternoon 2–4 pm. In addition, Dear all, participants are requested to in- Beginners for the first time, a course in Ti- n 2013 it will the 11th anniver- dividually book their stay in the Merigar West betan calligraphy will be included sary of the Ka-Ter Translation area of Merigar, and are advised 22–28 June, 2013 4–5 pm. I Project. to do so early. 22–23 June – Introduction Starting from a general intro- As project manager of the 24–28 June – Intensive duction to the structure, history, Ka-Ter Translation Project I am clarity and imaginative creativity 2. Advanced level Course sacredness and place of the clas- pleased to inform you about the of the Tibetan language. For this Advanced level students translate with Prof. Fabian Sanders sical Tibetan language, we will upcoming Tibetan Language and many other reasons the study in groups with the tutor and fo- study the alphabet and the basic Training that will be held at Meri- of Tibetan language represents a cus on all aspects of the language he Tibetan Language rules of reading and writing. Then gar West in summer 2013. crucial step towards a closer rela- as well as translating theories and Course for beginners will we will consider lexical morpholo- Everybody who is qualified tion with the Teachings. techniques. They will read and Tbe an intensive, week long, gy and word production before we is welcome to participate in this To give the possibility to the translate straightforwardly one course in two parts. There will be spend the rest of the time study- wonderful occasion to gain more practitioners of the Dzogchen sentence each, the text is more a weekend with a general intro- ing basic grammar. information and insight into the Community to study Tibetan complex both grammatically and duction and the first steps in read- Participation in the course and meaning and value of Tibetan lan- language, the Tibetan Language in terms of content. The aim is to ing and writing that will be free assimilation of its contents will en- guage. Trainings have become a major produce refined translations ready and open to all. Following this, able students who wish to partici- aspect and task of the Ka-Ter to be published. the rest of the course will include pate in the intermediate transla- Very best wishes, Translation Project of the Shang Course fee: € 45.00 tion course held, like every year, at Oliver Leick Shung Institute Austria for already Food and accommodation are Merigar from August 10 to Septem- Director of the Shang Shung more than one decade. not included in the course fee. ber 4, 2013 with the Ka-Ter project. Institute Austria The Tibetan Language Training All participants are requested to at the Shang Shung Institute Meri- Project manager of the Ka-Ter focuses on the classical Tibetan individually book their stay in the gar, Italy. Costs: Translation Project language and is divided into two area of Merigar, and are advised to The weekend of 22–23 June – gen- www.ssi-austria.at levels: Intermediate and advanced. do so early Requirements eral introduction and the first A course for beginners will be As the Ka-ter Translation Proj- steps of reading and writing – will taught separately in a more com- Instructor ect is managed and financed by be open to all for free. Ka-Ter Trans- pact fashion, the dates are yet to Dr. Fabian Sanders the Austrian branch of the Shang The cost of the full course, 24– be defined. After studying for more than Shung Institute, all participants 28 June, which includes morphol- lation Project twenty-five years the languages have to be at least an ordinary ogy, word production and basic of the Shang 1. Intermediate level and cultures of China, India and member of the Shang Shung In- grammar, is 100 euro per person. The Intermediate level is intended Tibet in both academic and tradi- stitute Austria in 2013. The course will also be avail- Shung Institute for students who have already as- tional ways Fabian teaches Tibetan The membership-fee and the able in webcast with free access Austria similated to a certain degree Ti- Language and Culture at the Uni- course-fee have to be sent to the during the weekend and a cost of betan grammar and are able to versita ‘Ca’ Foscari in Venice. He Shang Shung Institute Austria be- 120 euro 24–28 June (with pre- 11th Training for start translating. has also been teaching language fore the end of July 2013. enrolment and a password for the Translators from Tibetan They receive relatively simple and translation courses for the In- Everybody needs to register webcast). texts and can analyze the text and ternational Shang Shung Institute first. Without registration and a To enroll, please contact: August 10th–September formulate translations, individual- for many years. valid membership we cannot ac- [email protected] 4th, 2013 ly or in groups. cept students wishing to partici- The course will be held at Mer- Their work is checked and cor- Place pate. igar, Arcidosso GR, Italy. Tel. +39 ibetan is a sacred language rected in group sessions and ev- Like in the last years the courses You can register and get your 0564 966940 and the sheer beauty of the eryone may ask the tutor for clari- or trainings of the Ka-Ter Tibetan membership here: www.ssi-austria. Visit the Shang Shung Ka-ter TDharma is mirrored by the fication. The purpose is to famil- Language Project will take place at/shop/shopframee.php Project website

New Book and eBook what Gomadevi means... Jñana- ing the practice, the second part Gomadevi Guru Wisdom Dakini Gomadevi dakini is what we call instant contains the text of the practice, Retreat presence; it is our real knowledge, complete with illustrations for the Practice Dzogchen Master Chögyal Nam- our understanding. If we are not visualization and with instruc- Materials khai Norbu dreamed of an ala- present in that state, Jñanadakini tions for the use and the timing baster statue of Wisdom Dakini does not exist.” of ritual instruments. by Chögyal Namkhai Guru Gomadevi on the night of The Appendix contains in- Norbu January 9, 1985, in Singapore. This Essential Instructions for the structions for ritual offerings and was the first in a series of seven Practice of Gomadevi the benefits of the practice. he Jñanadakini Gomadevi dream termas revealing the pre- (with illustrated practice texts, practice belongs to the pre- cious Goma devi teachings to him. now available as ebook only) CD or Downloadable MP3 Tcious cycle of teachings en- This new book contains the The Gomadevi practice, which can The audio contains: titled The Luminous Clarity of very first teachings on Wisdom be combined with the Dance of · Explanation of the short practice the Universe, Heart Essence of Dakini Guru Gomadevi given by the Song of the Vajra, has been · Long practice the Dakinis (Klong chen ’od gsal Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. As ex- transmitted in long, medium, and · Medium practice mkha’ ’gro’i snying thig), received plained by the Master discoverer short forms. This book contains · Short practice by Master Chögyal Namkhai Nor- himself during a retreat at Tashi- all three versions. The practice can bu through revelations in a series Outer, Inner, and Secret Practices gar Norte, Margarita Island, Ven- be done using ritual instruments All products are available on the of dreams in the period from 1985 of Guru Wisdom Dakini. Other ezuela, in March 2004, the text such as the damaru and the vajra shangshungstore.org website to 2007. Jñanadakini teachings were pub- is a precise transcription of these and bell, or only with the vajra and To purchase any books or re- The root text was published lished in Longsal Teachings, vol- special teachings. bell, or even without ritual instru- cordings on Gomadevi, you must in Longsal Teachings, volume VI, ume VII, with the title The Wish- When he gave these teachings, ments, simply with mudras. have received the Longsal initiation in The Action of Guru Jñana- Fulfilling Jewel, Thigle of the the Master said: “We must under- The first part of the book con- or the oral transmission (lung) for dakini, and in volume VIII in The Mind of the Guru Wisdom Dakini. stand what Jñanadakini means, tains essential instructions for do- this particular practice.

Main Office: PO Box 479, Conway, MA 01341, USA * Tel: 413 369 4208 * Fax: 413 369 44 73 * [email protected] * * European Office: The Mirror, Istituto Shang Shung, Merigar 1, GR 58031 Arcidosso, Italy * Tel: 39 32 98 86 52 92 * Skype: lizmirror * [email protected] * * Editorial Staff: Naomi Zeitz, Tsegyalgar, Conway, MA, USA * Liz Granger, Istituto Shang Shung, Arcidosso, Italy * * Literary Editor: John Shane * * Advisors: Adriano Clemente, Jim Valby * * International Blue Gakyil Advisor: Fabio Andrico, International Publications Committee * * English Language Advisor: Liz Granger * * DC Brand Design: Paolo Fassoli * Design & Layout: Thomas Eifler * * Printer: Turley Publications, Palmer, MA, USA * * Distribution: Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA, USA * * Subscription Rate/6 Issues: 25 printed, 15 online. Available at melong.com * * Visa and Master card welcome * * Online Mirror: www.melong.com * * All material © 2012 by The Mirror * * Reprint by permission only * * We reserve the right to edit all submissions. THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

Shang Shung Institute

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the maximum number of dances I would like to suggest that the We also would like to express and songs to practitioners in a Gakyils organize regular singing our thanks to all the people who short period of time. and dancing of the 108 songs and give their support and interest to dances either before or after the the promotion of Tibetan songs 10 May 2013: Peace in Tibet Con- Ganpuja in the respective place and dances. Without your collabo- cert in Moscow. for at least one hour. We could ration our readiness to teach alone also spice up our private par- means very little. 5 July 2013: Performing the Tashi ties and ceremonies with Tibetan Thank you all once again. Shoelpa dance particularly on be- Songs and Dances and foods fla- Our thanks also to The Mirror half of the Tibetan Community in vors. In this way, the strength of for publishing this article and the Italy for the opening ceremony of Dzogchen comes together - we readers for taking the time to read H.H. the Dalai Lama’s birthday. can really make differences . it. Tashi Deleg!!! Brief meaning of this opera Finally offering our infinite dance: Tashi Shoelpa is the old- prostrations from our three doors, Topgyal and Tsering Dolker lyrics in Tibetan and the Drajyor est opera company in Tibet. This we would like to thank Venerable Italy, Merigar Tibetan Songs system for those who don’t know dance originally appeared in a Rinpoche la and Khando la for giv- Our contact – E-mail: how to read Tibetan. Venerable dream to the Fifth Dalai Lama ing us the opportunity and unre- [email protected] and Dances Rinpoche has given us reasons in 1645. The performer, wearing lenting support. [email protected] Workshop and why singing and dancing Tibetan a white bearded mask, repre- Skype: tsetopolo songs are important. Tibetans are sents Saint Thangtong Gyalpo, the Performances communicating and expressing founder of Lhamo/Tibetan opera, Topgyal and Tsering Dolker their actual condition of life and who reputedly lived for 140 years the situation of Tibetan culture and also symbolizes long life and e are happy to pres- in Tibet through melody or songs good health. The purpose of this ent our Tibetan Songs and so it is very important to sup- dance was to raise funds for the Wand Dances Workshops port them to safeguard Tibetans construction of Iron Bridges over and Performances programmes and Tibetan culture. The source the mighty rivers of Tibet in order from April 2013 till January 2014 of Tibetan culture is the Tibetan to benefit the masses. to everyone in the International people and it would be a great pity Dzogchen Community and out- to lose Tibetans and their culture 21–23 June 2013: Workshop at side. not only for Tibetan people but for Merigar West. The source of all our positive the people of the whole world. He energies in our activities comes often tells us to give our hands 15–16 July: Workshop at the from the blessing and guidance and support to Tibetans in as Shang Shung Institute in London. of Venerable Rinpoche la (Chögyal many ways as possible. Namkhai Norbu la). We know very August: Dejamling and Merigar well how much importance Ven- Our Schedule is as follows: West. erable Rinpoche gives to singing 27-29 April 2013, Moscow: Two of Tibetan songs and dancing, espe- us will be joined by vajra broth- 26 December 2013: Australia. We cially those songs and dances that ers and sisters from Rinchenling might do some performances at have very specific messages con- to perform Tibetan dances select- the Woodfork Music Festival on nected to Tibetan Culture and the ed by Venerable Rinpoche at the behalf of the Dzogchen Commu- Tibetan people. World Dance Olympiad in Moscow, nity there. Venerable Rinpoche has also on behalf of the Dzogchen Com- collected and prepared 108 Ti- munity. After this we will give a January 2014: Workshop at betan songs and dances over the workshop on Tibetan songs and Namgyalgar in Australia. last couple of years with corrected dances. Our intention is to teach

>> Digital Archiving continued from page 6 the idea of service and product – we should be able to overcome streaming is a service that the Chögyal them. user does not own, while a user Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Of course this will be linked to pays for, downloads and owns a Namkhai Norbu the International Dzogchen Com- product. Of course, it would also The Master Who Revealed Schedule 2013 munity database or another de- be good to stream the products Dzogchen to the Western vice in order to establish people’s although it is important not to >> continued from page 1 rights to access particular infor- have these two – the multi-media World mation. There will be degrees of and the archive – overlapping but A message from Alfredo Colitto, Crimea accessibility, types of hierarchical rather have a clear distinction. Fabio Maria Risolo Kunsangar South subdivisions of access. For exam- The user will get the service, the and Paolo Roberti di Sarsina August 2–9 ple, only people who have attend- streaming, and for the product Santi Maha Sangha Training ed certain retreats will be able he will go to the shop and buy it. e have the great who is the Italian assistant to to access the material from that But the website is also a shop – pleasure to inform the editorial project of Reli- Romania retreat. This is a basic notion of for example, a person may want you all that the gions Special Issue “Dzogchen” August 16–23 W Merigar East Retreat samaya, for one’s own protection the Chod practice as a finished first article of the Special Is- which has been launched after and for the good of everything. product and also get it from the sue “Dzogchen” of the interna- the publication of my previous Germany We will start with trying to archive. It is possible to relate ser- tional peer-review, scholarly, article on Rinpoche. August 30–September 1 implement a selection of topics vices and products. open-access journal called Re- Berlin Retreat that are open. For example, when The content of the archive ligions has just been published. http://www.melong.com/ Rinpoche talks about sutra, tan- should be in streaming because The title is: Chögyal Namkhai files/pdf/religions-04-00230. Italy tra, and Dzogchen, in general that otherwise people may start to Norbu. The Master Who Re - pdf September 6–13 is an open purely doctrinal topic download the entire archive (this vealed Dzogchen to the West- Merigar West Retreat and does not involve any practice. that can be done with digital cop- ern World. Being a full-text Paolo Roberti di Sarsina September 28–30 So let’s say one searches tan- ies), which would not be correct open-access article, you can Zhitro practice and Jyangchog tra, one of the results the person regarding copyright or undue dis- download the article cost-free may get will be ‘sutra, tantra and semination of material. for dissemination within the UK Dzogchen’ as a topic. He clicks on If you talk about multi-media Community as well as in in- October 3 ASIA that and he might go to a closed material, basically it does not leave stitutional fields. I express my London, House, 6.30 pm retreat but can only listen to the the archive because you use ma- gratitude to Fabio Maria Risolo Lecture Padmasambhava & part in which Rinpoche explains terial that is there, work on it and the Light of Kailash volume 2 that topic and nothing else. put it back together with the ma- Oct. 4–6 terial from which it is taken, giv- London, Camden Centre Streaming ing it a new sense and new organ- Dzogchen Teachings Another important thing that has isation. You make something that Longsal Ati Nadzer been proposed is that people do can be served by the very same not download the physical files system, which is the most logical Spain but get them in streaming, which and organic way to look at it. October 9–13 means that the files are streamed Barcelona Retreat through the web. This comes from THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

Dialogue among Spiritual Traditions

9 H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama The Main Message of All Religious Traditions is the Practice of Love and Compassion

The following is an excerpt from ple within Buddhist philosophi- a teaching given by H.H. the Da- cal schools, the Prasangikas and lai Lama on Saturday April 13 2013 Svatantrikas accept selflessness of at the Fribourg Forum in Swit- the person but not the selflessness zerland. of phenomena while the Chitta- matra and Madhyamika assert the he different religions have selflessness of phenomena as well. different philosophical views, So for those who follow the Chit- Tbut all of them acknowledge tamatra philosophy, the assertions that love is something that every- that are given in Chittamatran phi- one likes and that gives happiness losophy are more suitable to them. to people. Then there is also the Some Chittamatran masters have teaching of tolerance and forgive- rejected and criticised the Madhy- ness and so the main message of amika view because they say that all these religious traditions is the nothing exists ultimately and they practice of love and compassion. are nihilists. So within Buddhism In order to help us cultivate love itself we have these different phil- and compassion and to feel con- osophical schools. vinced about it, there are the dif- From this lesson we can learn Photo: L. Granger ferent philosophical views. that there are different religious For example, in the theistic re- traditions in accordance with the bates between these different an- are used as academic centres for So now we have to find ways to ligions they say that God creates mental dispositions of their differ- cient Indian spiritual traditions or study, for Buddhist philosophy, to approach, to educate these non- everything. Christians say that ent followers. Among the follow- philosophical views. I saw some promote religious harmony and believers. As I mentioned earlier, this very life of ours was creat- ers of theistic religions, you have contradictions in religious con- develop mutual learning, that is finding a method that brings per- ed by God and so because of this Jews, Christians and those who cepts but, as I mentioned earlier, okay. Non-believers can also par- manent happiness or calm mind theological view and belief, what accept a creative God – Christian- the purpose is the same. ticipate because they are not on a mental level, that, I think is you feel is closeness to God, the ity believes in the Trinity, Islam There are plenty of people aiming to propagate Buddhism. I very important. Since these people Creator, and accordingly as you believes in a single Allah and so who really became wonderful think I would like to mention that. do not believe in religion, we have feel close to this all-infinite love forth. But all these different phil- people because of their faith, like There are many Tibetan monks to find an approach that does not of God then what this philosophi- osophical views have the same the late Mother Teresa, the late here so please keep in your mind depend on religious concepts, I cal view actually inspires us to do message for us, the message of Thomas Merton, who was a won- that these are not Buddhist coun- think a secular [approach]. is to cultivate more love and com- love and compassion, how to be derful Christian monk, and many tries so if you find one individual In the west some of my friends passion and to strengthen our a good person through the prac- others. Such good qualities, such who requests something, then have the view that ‘secular’ means love and compassion towards oth- tice of love and compassion and good human beings came out of you may be overjoyed and try to something negative towards reli- ers. We have many Christian and I always try to give this message their faith. All these religious tra- build something, but you should gion. But according to Indian un- Jewish practitioners who really wherever I go. ditions have the same potential to be careful. That is important. derstanding about secular, it is not serve others in society and so they We have to think seriously. The produce good human beings so it More than 99 percent of Ti- at all negative towards religion but are really helped by their religion. concept of one religion, one truth is sufficient reason to respect and betans are Buddhist. But among rather respects all religions with- Whereas the religious tra- and the concept of several truths, admire and appreciate [them]. Tibetans there may be some indi- out any preference to this or that ditions that do not believe in a several religions is itself a contra- I myself am a Buddhist. Some- viduals who, due to their mental religion, and also respects non- theistic God or creator God, their diction. There is no third choice. times I discover that I am a disposition, are more attracted to- believers. This is why India’s con- understanding is that causes and Either you accept one truth, one staunch Buddhist – there is no wards Islam or Christianity. Simi- stitution itself is based on secular conditions bring about pain and religion, or several truths, several more contradiction. Then out of larly among the millions of Chris- concepts. India is a multi-religious pleasure and, therefore, when you religions. Both are very important. our respect for other traditions, tian brothers and sisters, some nation and you must respect all do something good it has a good Now how can we reconcile these? whenever I give some lecture on individuals – from a Buddhist religions. For a thousand years, effect on you and when you do In terms of a single individual, one Buddhism, for example like here viewpoint – due to their imprints the Sravakas, the nihilists, have something bad, accordingly, it has truth, one religion is very relevant. [in Switzerland] – this is not a from past lives have more inter- usually been criticised, but, at the bad consequences on you. There- In terms of community, then sev- Buddhist country, it is basically est in and find more effective the same time, people respect them. fore the non-theistic religions eral truths, several religions are a Christian country – therefore I Buddhist approach. Then, in the This is secularism according to In- teach the positive things, that is very relevant. Whether we like it or always make it clear that people individual case, if you really feel dian understanding. to say, to help others. So when you not, the whole world will not fol- of this country should keep their that, the individual has the free- So we have to find a secular create causes and it brings about low one religion. That is reality, so own traditional faith rather than dom to choose. However, you must way to educate these non-believ- happiness in others, that in turn we have to accept several different change. In America, in other Euro- keep genuine respect for your tra- ers about inner values. And that brings happiness to you as a con- religious traditions. So in terms of pean countries and also Australia ditional religion, your country’s will be very useful in secular sequence, and when you do some- community we have to accept the I always make it clear. I never try religion. That is very important. education, which is universal. If thing that harms others, that ac- concept of several religions, several to propagate Buddhadharma. Then another thing. There are we find a secular way to educate cordingly brings harm and nega- truths. That is important. In the Buddhist tradition, in obviously, I think, a number of warm-heartedness it will very tive consequences to you. So the Sometimes we just follow our Gunaprabha’s Vinayasutra it says people who are actually not much much fit into the secular educa- philosophical views are different own faith in order to confirm one that unless someone comes to interested in religion and, in fact, tion field. Any type of education and may be contradictory but the truth, one religion and only that you and requests you for teaching are not believers. Some of them about moral ethics based on reli- main message is the same. way, that thinking is relevant [for you should not go ahead and give are even atheists, anti-God. Re- gion cannot be universal. The Buddha himself gave dif- us]. Meeting with other traditions, teaching. Then also in a sutra it cently I saw a report that men- Therefore in the last few years ferent teachings, such as the we simply reject them, which says that unless someone comes tioned that over a billion human we have committed ourselves to three Vehicles – the Sravakas, the sometimes causes problems. Then to you and requests teaching beings out of seven billion are further research on how to intro- Pratyekabuddhas and the Bodhi- how can someone be reconciled you should not go forth and give non-believers. That is quite a big duce these secular ethics into the sattvayanas – and then regard- [with this]? By respecting and ac- teaching on your own. But there portion. Whether these non-be- modern educational curriculum, ing the philosophical aspect of cepting several truths, several re- are exceptions, of course, when lievers accept religion or not, that how to educate from kindergarten the teachings there are the four ligions, while following one’s own you can tell that what you teach, is up to them. But the problem is up to university level. That I think philosophical schools within Bud- practice, one truth, one religion. what you actually express to oth- that when these people have no is something that is important dhism. The Buddha himself gave Here we make differences between ers about Buddhism being a good interest in religion, they also have and relevant in today’s world. these teachings, these philosophi- faith and respect: faith in one’s religion and so forth might be 100 the impression that concepts of cal understandings, different phil- own religion, respect to all reli- percent helpful to somebody, that love, compassion and forgiveness This excerpt was transcribed osophical views of the different gions, then there are no problems. you can actually see that it can are part of religious practices. and edited from a recording of schools according to the different According to my own experi- help, then there is an exception So since they have no interest in the teaching, in which, in parts, needs and mental dispositions of ence, I am Buddhist and from my to go forth and give teaching. religion they completely neglect H.H. the Dalai Lama speaks in his followers. childhood from when I was 6 or 7 Sometimes I have some reser- these values. English, while in others, he If you look at the different views, years old I had already started to vations about things such as the Whether you accept religion speaks in Tibetan and is translat- the different means, or techniques study Buddhadharma. I also stud- construction of big Buddhist in- or not, that is up to the individ- ed into English. Any mistakes in that are taught in the different ied the writings of a lot of Indian stitutions and Buddhist temples ual. Without religion there can be this teaching are entirely due to philosophical schools, for exam- masters, very critical sorts of de- in non-Buddhist countries. If they some very nice sensible people. the transcriber/editor. L. Granger THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

Dialogue among Spiritual Traditions

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to live coexistent way have more Building Peace through chances to survive. In the concluding session, Shri Learning and Understanding Radhakrishna Ghatttu, an Abhi- A dialogue between Buddhism and Christianity dhamma teacher from Hyderabad talked about need of reviewing March 10–11, 2013 the scope of the essentials of reli- gions. This was followed by a pre- An interim report substance) hidden in our differ- sentation by Prof. M P Mathai from orld Buddhist Culture ent religions that makes such a Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedbad. Trust (WBCT) organized deep relationship possible. It is Prof Mathai made the following Wa 2-day dialogue semi- not just about commonalities. It points: nar on “Building Peace through is about the “source”, the “sub- Religion has become a stron- Learning and Understanding: A stance”, from which fullness of ger (and sometimes a threatening) dialogue between Buddhism and life overflows. We believe that presence in human affairs today Christianity” on March 10 and 11 the more relevant way for in- than in the last century. As the at Henry Martyn Institute, Hy- terfaith dialogue is to recognize, world is getting globalised fast derabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. preserve and promote the truth Lama Doboom Tulku (left standing) with other presenters. the peoples of the world and their The seminar was conceived as an or any values found in the fol- cultures are encountering one an- event with limited participants lowers of the world religions. er is crucial for bringing peaceful both dealt in great length with other as never before in human from public, giving maximum The third quotation was from atmosphere in the vicinity. He re- Love and Compassion in Bud- history. It is even argued that the time and space for inter-action Swami Vivekanada: It is necessary called that at times even among dhism and Christianity. future of humanity is going to be among the speakers and with the for the different religious groups followers of one tradition of reli- On the 2nd day, March 11, determined by the clash of ‘reli- keen participants. to be acquainted with the tradi- gion, people belonging to sub divi- Prof. John S Moolakkattu, Direc- giously defined civilizations’. Re- On the first day, March 10, Lama tions, ideals and history of one sions refuse to join in chorus to tor of the School of Gandhian ligions impact human thinking Doboom Tulku, Founder Managing another, because cultural inti- recite a common scripture just Thought and Development Stud- both negatively and positively. Re- Trustee introduced the theme of macy will pave the way towards because they come from different ies, Mahatma Gandhi University, ligious fundamentalism is identi- the seminar in the following lines: communal peace and harmony. lineages. Kotayam, Kerala made the first fied as one of the most dangerous I am happy to introduce the idea Introducing the organizing He mentioned that Art and Cul- presentation on Forgiveness. He threats to human survival today of the seminar with a quotation body, the founder of the trust said ture related activities, and cross pointed out that in the last two and nuclear eschatology and re- from His Holiness the Dalai Lama: that World Buddhist Culture Trust cultural contact works are taken decades the concept of forgiveness ligious fundamentalism are now Although there are philosophical (WBCT) works on inter-religious by him not as life style but as a in other (than Christianity) faiths seen as almost inseparable. We differences among our religious and intra-Buddhist dialogues at life mission. came to be examined carefully af- must also see the positive side of traditions, they all have the po- different levels (mostly basic and Professor Darrol Bryant from ter the term became an important the resurgence of peoples’ interest tential to help their followers to humble levels) aiming to make a Waterloo University, Canada de- topic in psychology, philosophy in religions wherein we see that become more compassionate, significant contribution towards livering the key-note speech said and politics. more and more people are expe- better human beings. This is the Building Peace and Harmony in that the real learning and dialogue Fabio Andrico, a Yantra Yoga riencing religious pluralism – ap- ground for mutual respect that the world. between traditions requires an en- Master from Dzogchen Commu- preciating the vitality, beauty and inspired me since 1975. He recalled fondly an event counter with the living tradition. nity, Italy made a presentation on influence of various religions on He also quoted from the Arch- called “meeting of the minds” or- He focused on his encounter with the subject. He was present there the lives of their adherents. So bishop Helder Camara of Brazil ganized by him as part of the Fes- (1) the Chogye Order in Korea & as representative of Chogyal Nam- the question how persons and who said: We have to enter into tival of Sacred Music in Bangalore Soto Zen tradition in Japan, (2) Ti- khai Norbu, the world renowned communities holding radically dif- deep dialogue. We have to be in 2000. This event was attended betan Buddhism in India, and (3) Dzogchen teacher, and founder of ferent world-views can come to in relation, to live in relation, by among others, religious lead- Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka. the International Dzogchen Com- understand and appreciate each to conceive ourselves as rela- ers like HHDL, Scientists, think- Prof. Krishnanath, a thinker, munity. Fabio’s paper dealt with others’ positions assumes crucial tional being. Thus we will put ers, and public figures to address writer, seeker and solitary won- the point that compassion is a significance. In this interconnect- our “personal” truths in deep on common concerns. He stressed derer chaired the Session two of selfless form of love; wisdom is ed world where human destiny is dialogue, so that they become the need of enduring efforts for the first day of seminar and gave beyond “I” and others. He also said inextricably tied together religions universally valid truths. If we building dialogue process for un- an address of great significance. that the evolution theory “the fit- should learn to encounter in cre- have to “live-with-the other” (and derstanding among religions. He Fr. Varghese Manimala, Director test survives” is being shaken as ative and peaceful ways; this is a not I live and you live) then we also pointed out that not only of Henry Matyin Institute, and the there are good number of ex- sine qua non for human survival have to identify clearly that “ho- inter-religious but intra-religious paper of Prof. Lobsang Tshewang amples to show that those learnt and progress. And it is obvious moousios” (that one indivisible contacts and respect for each oth- from Leh read by Susan Bryant, that inter religious dialogue is the only way open to us to achieve it. The models which dominated the attitudes of Christian churches Building Peace to other religions have undergone a sea change over the centuries, Fabio Andrico from conservative exclusivism to liberal inclusivism and there The following is the paper pre- from to pluralism. It was a virtu- sented by Fabio Andrico, one of ally universal assumption among the main Yantra Yoga instructors Christian churches that Christian- in our Community, given at the ity is ‘unique’, ‘absolute’ and ‘final’ seminar ‘Building Peace through and there was no salvation except Learning and Understanding – A through the Christ. Liberal inclu- dialogue between Buddhism and sivism recognised the co-validity Christianity” in Hyderabad, India of the salvific value of other faiths in March this year. Fabio attend- but the superiority and perfect- ed the event as a representative ness of Christian faith was im- of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. plied in a subtle manner, betray- ing a kind of sanctimoniousness. n times like these, which in so Fabio Andrico (left) with other presenters. The pluralist position, on the oth- many ways seem difficult and er hand, goes well and far beyond Ichallenging, it is more impera- Knowledge, even in its limited based on true understanding of It is important to be fully Christian uniqueness and absolut- tive than ever that we, as inhabit- meaning of “know-how,” or know- the basic needs of human be- aware that we have to start from ism, rejects the doctrine of extra ants of planet earth, find ways to ing things, is a cardinal point of ings and everything else that sur- personal evolution, which means ecclesiam nulla salus and accepts be tolerant with one another and our modern society. Information is rounds us, with and through re- to take responsibility as an indi- other faiths as equally authen- learn how to collaborate for the a very valuable asset in our times. spect, tolerance, and collaboration, vidual – not to be egotistical and tic. Thus it has paved the way for well-being of us all. But knowledge, meant as the ca- will we all be able to enjoy those self-centered. We have to under- meaningful dialogue among differ- We have to understand that pacity of knowing, should be inte- basic needs and to achieve peace. stand that we need to develop all ent living faiths of the world. evolution, and not revolution, grated with compassion and un- Then, material progress, with the evolutionary qualities in our- Thus the seminar came to is the way forward. Evolution is derstanding of human nature, the all the innumerable gifts that is selves first. an end with this befitting sum- based on collaboration, not com- spiritual dimension of our exis- bringing and will bring in the It can be done in an interde- ming up of the dialogue idea; and petition. It is not and will not be tence. Mere material progress will future, will be an evolutionary pendent dynamic with what sur- chanting of Mangala Sutta by Shri the fittest who survive and evolve not bring happiness, peace and progress. rounds us, but it remains the first Ghattu and melodious chant by better, but rather those who learn understanding. To foster peace and understand- unavoidable step, the foundation a group of Tibetan monks from to understand one another and to Only when we will learn to ing, we need evolution, both on the for the development of a concrete Mundgod. collaborate. have a really profound dialogue personal and on the global level. >> continued on page 12 THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

Artists in the Dzogchen Community

11

empathetic person. I observed his in New Hampshire and Mexico, Art and the process up close, which inspired while observing some classes in me to take a natural approach to printmaking, I thought wow I can Teachings my writing based on his Mind do that or more like, “I want to do Interview with Writing training and his aesthetic that.” The instructor invited me to Jacqueline Gens echoed in William Carlos Williams’ make a simple monoprint. So I just no ideas but in things. He always made a huge abstract calligraphic encouraged me to write especially gesture like in Zen first stroke, 1. How did you encounter the in the style of surrealism, which inspired by Chögyam Trungpa’s teachings? Can you tell a little of I am only now beginning to un- style of dharma art. I remember your history? derstand from the context of the everyone gathering around as we Early on in my childhood I felt Teachings as manifesting from the peeled back the blankets to show very connected to Tibet through unfabricated mind. the print and we saw that it was various books my European par- In my youth I read and wrote very nice – so I just put my thumb ents had around the house by au- poetry and later attended many in red ink and “signed” the picture. thors like Alexandra David Neal poetry classes while at Naropa. This experience was very power- and Lowell Thomas, an adventurer I even got an M FA in poetry al- ful and a manifestation of the kind who traveled to Tibet in 1949 and though, to be honest, I am not of art I am interested in. photographed the country ex- that prolific or ambitious a writer. I was reminded of Gary Snyder’s tensively. I used to look at these I started writing poetry seriously final lines to his life’s work Moun- pictures for hours, which must Jacqueline with her friend Ati. when I was 14. Around then I made tain and Rivers Without End have awakened something in me. a list of my life goals – “to write My mother’s Russian family es- died, I moved from Boulder to New Community. It seemed time to get pecially had ties to Asia for three York City to work full-time for the my life back after over a decade generations. I even had a great, poet, Allen Ginsberg. During a of serving such a charismatic per- The Lilac Thief great aunt who was a pure land Kalachakra in New York City with son like Allen. This move brought nun living in China. So there was His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I re- some significant changes in my This year I looked for lilacs some cultural recognition to the connected with Tsultrim Allione, life. Things did not work out in off the beaten track teachings. whom I had already met through the Community as expected and in places no longer tended – Around age twenty in 1970, Allen and became introduced to for several years I cleaned hous- I actively began to seek practi - the Chöd practice and later the es for a living and cooked at the A different kind of boundary, cal information about the Teach- Dakini Simhamukha practice be- Putney School while undergoing long rows where once houses stood, ings. Thomas Merton and other longing to Chögyal Namkhai Nor- therapy, since I had given up my lots now empty. popular writers being introduced bu. Then everything clicked and I well paying job with Allen. Yet, I to Zen in the early 1960’s here found practices that agreed with always remain grateful for my ex- I love the deeper purple of old bushes, in the US shaped my interests. me for the first time. For a cou - periences in the Dzogchen Com- their crushed bloomets falling into my hand Finding information about the ple of years I did these practices munity, which serves through the taken from gnarled bark bearing heavy plumage. Teachings was not so easy and day and night using a video of blessings of the lineage to help in it wasn’t until I read Chögyam Rinpoche whom I hadn’t yet met. one’s development, even at times I am the local lilac thief, that one who stops to follow the scent of unseen blossoms.

Jacqueline Gens

poetry, sing, and be thin.” Rather The space goes on odd goals, in retrospect. Well, the But the wet black brush singing part came with the Teach- tip drawn to a point ings. Poetry was already in the lifts away works. So far I haven’t achieved my final goal of being thin except I took many courses after that. I for my 20’s when I would starve have a huge box of prints of sev- myself. I remember that the Zen eral editions made by an atelier in poet Phil Whalen used to say that Montreal. people would forgive you of any- For papermaking – I just love thing except being Fat. I find that it. It’s messy, wild and provocative, true. These days that is what I am an ancient art form that has a liv- working on psychologically, prac- ing organic aspect to it. In Dard Handmade paper from the Khandroling Paper Cooperative. tice wise, health and artistically, Hunter’s famous book, The Histo- and with medicinal plants, even ry of Papermaking, he describes Trungpa Rinpoche’s book, The Sometime in the early 1990’s, I when the meaning is obscured as mantra and chüdlen. how an early emperor of China Myth of Freedom that I knew I finally met Chögyal Namkhai Nor- it was then. Since 1994 I’ve been a wanted to cut out the hearts of had found something. At the time bu in person through Tsultrim member of Tsegyalgar East while 3. You have a variety of creative famous poets to empower the I was working in a factory and in when he came to New York City to living in Southern Vermont. About methods you use, poetry, calligraphy paper made for him. this book he has a sentence about teach at Columbia University. I im- four years ago I moved to Conway printmaking and papermaking. The empress, however, suggested how even people working in fac- mediately felt connected to his en- so that I could learn Yantra Yoga Can you talk a little about each maybe just recycle their writings tories could get enlightened. That ergy and had a wonderful dream and participate more fully in the one in relation to what inspired instead and spare the poets. Here grabbed me! It was published in an about meeting him again in a joy- Gar’s activities. each one and how they differ as at Khandroling Paper Cooperative, almost neon bright orange cover ful reunion; only it was a different well as how they compliment we are learning the craft with the so it literally did jump out at one face and body than his this life- 2, How have the teachings and work together? intention of recycling sacred text, and grab your attention! time. Later when I saw photos of informed, or not, your artwork? Naturally each discipline has a The Mirror with Dzogchen Teach- A few years later, after gradu- the Merigar Gonpa, I recognized Mainly, after being introduced to level of craft that must be learned ings, and substances with the ating from Smith College in 1981, the person in my dream. the Dzogchen teachings, I had a and accomplished. I’m totally im- intention to create a secondary I immediately applied to the mas- Around that time, I became strong desire to make art of all patient so I rush to learn some cause to the teachings. A similar ters program in Buddhist Studies part of the first Gakyil in New kinds. I had many strange dreams basics, and then I jump in. I don’t notion for sacred uses. at the newly formed Naropa Uni- York City, which coincided with of making a special kind of paper consider myself very accom- The great thing about paper- versity to study Tibetan and San- Rinpoche’s introduction to his raining down on me in a kind of plished in any of these disciplines, making is that anybody can do skrit. I really enjoyed my years at Santi Maha Sangha teachings. For luminescent cascade of differ- but I love the process and con- it. I recently watched a video of Naropa where contemplative arts me, those were wonderful times ent colors. As I was living in New tinue to learn. I’m a great fan of disabled children making paper – were very prominent especially when a dedicated group of us York City working for Allen Gins- the Japanese concept wabi sabi or they were so happy grinning from poetry in the Jack Kerouac School practiced together all collective berg, I began taking some courses the perfection of imperfection in ear to ear. If you look at our slide of Disembodied Poetics found- practices and on special weekends here and there in bookmaking, pa- nature and art. I like to see what show of the papermaking work- ed by Allen Ginsberg and Anne and we often went to Tsultrim’s permaking and letterpress print- emerges in an experimental ap- shops at Khandroling Paper Co- Waldman. house outside the city. She was ing with the mind that later in proach without being too judg- operative, you see the same joy. Eventually, I became a bit disil- and is very gifted at creating a life when I retired I could return mental, but still maintaining a All of the Tibetans in our Com- lusioned with the whole dharma practice environment. to these crafts. Working for the critical eye to learn from. munity are very gifted at making scene and just couldn’t relate In 1994 I decided to move to late poet Allen Ginsberg too was On printmaking – some years paper. Because there are endless with the traditional Karma Kagyu Tsegyalgar East, as the editor of a great influence since he was a ago when I was a literary pro- applications for making paper, we ngondro. After Chögyam Trungpa the Mirror, to be closer to the serious practitioner and deeply gram director for an arts institute >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

Artists in the Dzogchen Community

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>> continued from previous page Generally, I go for several years fo- worked for Allen Ginsberg for 5, Is there anything that as the paper cooperative. It was real- are experimenting with different cusing on either work, practice or many years. Can you talk about an artist you have found as a ly great to have the support of the kinds of techniques and products. art. In my fifties, I studied for two your life inside that art/dharma limitation to your art – like Gakyil and use of the schoolhouse Poetry – it’s a long story. Who masters degrees - a really fool - world and how it affected you maybe serving on the Gakyil basement as a temporary studio knows why one is compelled to ish decision I now think in retro- and your art? or working for Shang Shung to kick-start our efforts. That was say the “unnamable” or go down spect. But I needed some creden- Both Chögyam Trungpa, my first Institute and having no time or a huge inspiration to our process. into the root cellar of one’s mind tials professionally for my college teacher, and Allen Ginsberg were energy left to be creative or was In the end, artistic collaboration looking for cabbages. Several la- in order to preserve my director’s huge influences. I’m so grateful that activity inspirational and is a lot more fun than expected mas when they first met me status. I am not terribly integrated for the contact I had with them did it get some kind of juices and seems to be a new part of our asked if I had written any poems. or disciplined to manage every - in my thirties. They collaborated flowing? Community culture. So let’s con- So I must have some karmic pro- thing altogether. With retirement along with Anne Waldman on de- That’s a tricky question and relat- tinue and make art together! pensity. Poetry at this point is I have gotten rid of the work com- veloping a philosophy of dharma ed to your earlier question about more connected with my practice pulsion. Sometimes I have to really art that really interested me, es- waxing and waning, Sure, being 6, Is there anything we have left as a manifestation of mind. In re- restrain myself from taking things pecially the notion First Thought, on the Gakyil or working for SSI out you would like to say! cent years, I have started working on, as I do love to do administra- Best thought, which many people or even one’s full-time job can I personally feel that the arts are more with spontaneous modes tive work, to make things happen. still misunderstand as to mean limit one’s time for other activities one of the important activities where I meditate on the subject Founding the first M FA program in spontaneous and lack of “revision.” like practice and making art. My for the development of one’s per- and then release my focus and see poetry was very rewarding. I also Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, on the own personal rhythm in the Com- sonal practice and also a means what emerges. All my Losar po- loved working with SSI for years other hand, has on occasion men- munity tends to be on for several to give back to one’s culture and ems are written that way with an in service to the Tibetan medi- tioned this slogan in his teachings years in the center of things, then communicate the essence of the undertow of mind training, which cine program. These were hard to on the clarity of pure perception, off for several years more on the Teachings as a kind of entre. Mak- emerges in the content of the give up but now it’s all I can do to which is far more accurate than fringes of our mandala. As you ing art can be joyful and a way to poem. I am hoping soon to work manage my health and have some statements by literary critics. can imagine, being on the fringes get outside conceptual thinking on all 60 of the animal/element time for a little practice and mak- During the years I worked for is more productive for personal without imposing judgments or combinations to finish before I die. ing paper or writing a poem. Ginsberg, he was in the process of projects. On the other hand, being self-deprecations. That’s what we Lots of people like these so maybe Getting old is an interesting developing mind training for writ- in the center of Community offer- are trying to do with the Khan- these can be my anonymous con- process of choosing how to spend ers based on slogans like Atisha’s ing service, is good for personal droling Paper Cooperative by mak- tribution to the lineage. one’s limited energy, especially if famous slogans called the Mind development and good relations ing something with your hands as Now seems to be a period in my there is illness involved. One just Writing Slogans, which I’ve used with the guardians. in the original meaning of poeisia life when I am combining all these has to let go of a lot of things for many years. They are all over Artistically, my main limita- from the Latin – it’s poetry in mo- forms. So we’ll see what happens. and also rearrange one’s sense of the internet these days. For me, tions are to do with acquiring tion. For me the artistic process is For me it is more an experimen- identity acknowledging that one the Naropa Institute, now a Uni- the level of craft and techniques about OTHER, creating a bridge tal process – a “love letter to the is now entering a different stage versity, was a highly inspirational I need to bring to fruition some of from THIS to THAT. So art and world”, as Emily Dickinson called of life. In the Dzogchen tradition and artistic place, a bit wild rather my inspirations and imaginings. practice naturally go together. it, connecting to a larger heart. there is the metaphor of the old than purely academic which is Now I am trying to learn Tibetan man basking in the sun – noth- better for poets (in my opinion). To calligraphy and different fonts as http://khandrolingpapers. 4, Has your artistic life gone ing to do, nowhere to go, no one to be honest I was more interested well as gold leafing techniques. blogspot.com through periods of waxing and call. Just remaining in the natural in Allen during his mature years Sometimes my financial situation waning and then re-forming? state. as a teacher of poetry at Naropa limits my ability to take courses. How do you see the cycles of than in the Beat writers with the I am not very handy so I often creativity correspond to the 5. You have a very interesting exception of Philip Whalen. Diane need to rely on people who have place you are at with your history of being around for di Prima, and Gary Snyder – those that gift to execute some projects. practice? the end of the beat generation who were practitioners of some Some people in the Community and the dharma bums, and you kind of meditation. have been so enthusiastic about

>> Building Peace continued from page 10 lution, with compassion, aware- ligions and Ideologies, human be- interconnected. Everything and All we have to do is to free our- evolution that can really bring ness, and understanding. ings move through time, make everyone should, and will, evolve selves from our self-centered ig- peace and respect to mankind, Free from ignorance of our real history and shape the future. Hu- when we start from “Number One,” norance. With wisdom and com- and heal the environment we are sacred nature. This is wisdom. man beings are to evolve if the ourselves. With compassion, love, passion we can all be free from living in. Wisdom is beyond “I” and oth- world has to become a place of understanding and collaboration, intolerance and selfishness, live in We have to observe and dis- ers. It is a condition of wholeness, peace. anything can happen. a better world where future gen- cover ourselves. We need to study based on the concrete under- We human beings have our There are no barriers, no bor - erations have the opportunity to and learn how to bring change in standing that all is interdepen- body, energy and mind, that is our ders, no limits. experience true evolution. us and in the world around us. dent, connected, not separated. dimension, and these three poten- We must apply what we learn In wisdom, evolution reaches tialities should be in balance and and concretely experience it, in or- its natural condition of compas- harmony. This is also the purpose der to develop true understanding. sion, knowledge, and love with- of the teaching and practice of Only through presence and out effort. It is not an intellectual yantra yoga, to help balance our awareness can our learning be- construct: rather, it is a natural, body, energy and mind. come real knowledge, and can we spontaneous manifestation of our When our potentiality is in govern and enrich our life and the essential nature, the fulfillment of harmony we can help others to life of countless sentient beings as spiritual evolution. find the path to harmony and well. Not only learning and under - peace. Not only our three poten- We have to evolve and be ac- standing are of paramount im- tialities are interdependent, but tively dedicated to the well being portance between Buddhism and all sentient beings, all forms of of others to listen to others: only Christianity, but among all reli- life on earth and on the universe, then can change take place. gions and ultimately all human what we see and what we do not Then, and only then, there can beings. Human beings follow re- see, all is interdependent all is be tolerance and respect . As I understand it, in Bud- dhism, compassion is a selfless form of love that consists in de- siring the wellbeing of all sentient Books on Asia: beings. Happiness, in other words, is Buddhist Practice found in the happiness of others. Philosophy In Christianity it is said: love others more than you love your- Art self. That is powerful and compas- Language sionate love. Culture But we also need to develop Travel compassion and love in and to- wards ourselves. We have to dis- cover what it is real love. As we We are pleased to deliver any new and antiquarian books learn to know and understand on Asia, remote publications, or hard to find titles. Ask for love, we also have to allow our- our actual stock list! Garuda Books Switzerland Bookshop. selves to develop this higher form Peter Eisenegger•Garuda Books•[email protected]•Fax 0041 56 648 40 88 of love, the real fruit of true evo- THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

Adventure

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first day I followed Sudhana as ments and multi-armed Buddhas. Borobudur: he met monks, then a banker, a Finally, that afternoon I completed lay woman, a seer, a girl... I made the Second Gallery, and Sudhana Adventures it less than a quarter of the way met his 51st teacher, Maitreya. of a Pilgrim around, but felt peaceful as I That evening I wrote in my viewed, studied and contemplat- journal, “After a day of reading (Part II) ed. The following day I was con- and viewing stories of wondrous Lynn Newdome tinuing my concentrated efforts beings, abilities and displays, I when something made me look feel like I’ve walked into one of Having settled into a retreat-like up. Above me, I finally noticed those scenes… The dharma is experience at the Manohara Ho- the seated Buddhas of the walls, so close, and the world becom - tel http://manoharaborobudur. watching over me all along. ing so transparent, as if the veil com/ in Java, Indonesia, Lynn I’d arrived in Java during the between fixed view, solid reality, spends her days viewing and month of Ramadan, when Mus- and miraculous display is being studying the thousands of relief sculptures in Borobudur’s four ascending galleries www.borobu durpark.co.id/temple/borobu durTemple. (Lynn welcomes your comments at vajrarose@ comcast.net.)

he following day I was ready to enter the first of Borobu- Tdur’s four Galleries, corri- dors of relief sculpture wrapped around the candi’s mandala- shaped outer edge. I planned to view each panel one-by-one be- fore ultimately reaching the top. But the corridors turned con- hitian Women, my favorite paint- My logical mind told me that to stantly right then left, and I con- ing. Again and again was the pre- cover all 1,460 reliefs arranged tinually got lost in their labyrinth. sentation of a central Buddha in in ten series along both sides of With little opportunity for shade teaching mudra, with monks to the four levels, I’d need to average and hot sun overhead, sweat his right and lay men and women sixty panels a day. This, however, rolled down my back. Pushing on, to his left. To me this conveyed, even emphasized, that Buddha taught to secular practitioners, and not just in the monastic tra- dition which established the Bud- dhism we know today. During my fourth day in the First Gallery, I viewed the scenes of the Lalitavistara4 and listened as Indonesian tour guides, women and men, recounted the stories of Buddha’s life. It was wonderful, hearing the dharma spoken in so Dhyani Buddha. many languages – English, Indo- nesian, French, German, Japanese… lims, about 88 % of Indonesia’s lifted, or shed in stages.” I saw I found that these Muslim guides population, observe the fast of elephants stroll across the lawn demonstrated more openness to- not eating or drinking between at breakfast…met the artist who ward Buddhism than most West- sunrise and sunset. This was a taught these elephants to paint… erners, and with a greater under- time of relative quiet for Borobu- and white bats appeared in the standing than many Buddhists. dur, but that day I learned that night sky, dancing like butterflies… Buddha's family. Among them I heard, “Buddha is the tranquility would come to an The next day I viewed the Third the last and greatest Buddha for end on August 19, when the close Gallery’s balustrade, where deco- wouldn’t leave much time to be after two hours I paused to check now, (but) there were many Bud- of Ramadan would be celebrat- rative reliefs of multiple bodhisat- on the Upper Terrace, so I came up my “progress,” only to find that I dhas before him, and the next ed with the holiday of Idul Fitri tvas alternated with the narrative with the alternate plan of making hadn’t even made it to the South Buddha is Maitreya,” and also, and a week-long school vacation. scenes. I felt enveloped in a circle one circumambulation, i.e. view- Gate, a quarter of the way around. “This Buddha was born as a man, Hoards of people would come to of enlightening beings. On the in- ing one series, per day. Taking a deep sigh and allowing but “Buddha” is a title. Everyone visit, and not just from Java, but ner walls, Sudhana approached Again entering through the the heat to soak in and relax me, can become like Buddha.” from all over Indonesia’s islands. the closed gates of Maitreya’s East Gate and greeting the lion I continued. It took almost five Borobudur’s second, third and Abruptly, I realized that I’d like to palace, and slowly, panel by panel, pair, I climbed to the First Gallery, hours to complete the series, back fourth levels all portray the Gan- finish the Galleries before then, to the gates opened wide. Once in- counting 124 stairs, some near- at the East Gate where I’d begun. davyuha,5 a teaching of Buddha have a few quiet days on the Up- side, Sudhana experienced towers ly as high as my knees. A small I was utterly exhausted, with sore perceived by celestial beings, but per Terrace. within towers, each larger, grand- sign with a left-pointing arrow knees and aching back… and filled not humans. This long and de- But at the close of yet another er and more ornate. I gave up try- said “Pradaksina,” 1 and I turned with gratefulness for this pre- tailed sutra describes a boy’s day, I still hadn’t made it halfway ing to follow the words of my book left into the passageway. To both cious, incredible opportunity. quest to attain enlightenment in a around the Second Gallery. The as he returned to his first teacher, sides, the inner walls and balus- Each day I persisted in this single lifetime. Sudhana’s journey teachers’ visions became more Manjusri, then met his final guide, trades2 were covered in dense way, spending four days on the takes him through many lands to and more extraordinary, climax- Samantabhadra. Merging minds, sculpture, with open sky above. First Gallery’s four series. Gradu- meet 53 spiritual guides. Striking- ing in fantastic tales of the Night Sudhana entered the realm of the Using homemade tools – a map ally I got more familiar with the ly, about half of these are women. Goddesses. Each woman described primordial Buddha. numbering the panels and a bind- ancient iconography and was able His teachers are Buddhist and non- vast attainments over countless er of small captioned pictures – I to identify bowls, lamps, flowers Buddhist, religious and secular, of lifetimes and limitless worlds. Even 1 The practice of circumambulating a started the task of identifying the and jewels. I recognized symbols all ages and social classes, and from so, each concluded with “…but this stupa clockwise. reliefs. This was often difficult, as of different classes of beings: the various vocations. None claims to is the limit of what I know. To tru- 2 In mapping Borobudur’s Galleries, centuries had worn at the sculp- shaved heads of nuns and monks, own the “truth”; each explains her ly learn of enlightening practice, “balustrade” indicates the outer wall. tures’ details. Slowly I was able to ornamented crowns of royalty, or his wisdom, then sends Sudha- go on to see (the next)…” 3 Stories of noble deeds of pre-Bud- correlate each with its descrip- wild headdresses of yaksas, and na on to meet the next. By my fourth day on the Sec- dhists. tion, study its meaning, then snake-headed nagas. The upper galleries are entered ond Gallery, my mind was pretty 4 Sutra of the life of Buddha, as he told stand back to appreciate it. These The Northwest balustrade via narrower, steeper staircases much “blown.” Sudhana continued it. depictions of the Avadanas3 and was particularly intriguing, with and elaborate gateways crested meeting guides – women, men, 5 This Sanskrit sutra is also the final Buddha’s past lives, the Jataka- sensual images of bodhisattvas with gaping-mouthed kalas. On boys and girls – and the panels book of the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Ornament Scripture). mala, included many pictures in relaxed postures, joined by the Second Gallery I sat on stone became increasingly difficult to with babies and of families. In women dancing or caressing. I benches built into the walls while figure out. I was aware, though, 6 Entering the Realm of Reality: the these worldly scenes, humans and saw graceful devis bearing trays looking at panels and reading cor- of an overall transformation tak- Text, a translation of the Gandavyuha by Thomas Cleary, Shambhala Publica- animals all acted with generosity of fruit beneath their breasts as responding passages from Enter- ing place, as elements of Vajrayana tions, 1989. and kindness toward each other. Gauguin’s inspiration for Two Ta- ing the Realm of Reality.6 That emerged – mudras, tantric imple- THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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also you and others, all people can enjoy. De gyid nam du. Nam means together. Rol means The New Models of the Vajra enjoy here. Dra la xi bar xob – and then every- thing goes well. Everything goes well because Dance Costumes we are not doing something in a dualistic way, Drawings by Prima Mai The not fighting or struggling to obtain something. We are dealing with how our real nature is, our nature as it manifests, we are working with that. Of course then everything we manifest is Song of positive. Sam don drub par xog means we hope that all our desires manifest because there are all these kinds of conditions. Dra xis lhun gyis Dzamling grub nas means with our fortune, all automati- cally manifests. Everything automatically mani- fests because everybody in the Dzogchen teach- ing, since the beginning, has infinite potential- Gar ity. If we have this knowledge and we are in that state, of course it manifests. When we are missing that, and we do not have this kind of “The sun of Samantabhadra is knowledge or understanding, it does not mani- shining in our real condition.” fest. When you do practice and you concentrate too much on which is the action mantra, for A spontaneous talk by Rinpoche giving a more example, you are too concentrated on dualistic detailed explanation of the Song of Dzamling vision. If you really have knowledge, everything Gar following one of the dancing sessions manifests, if you are in its real nature. Tashigar South in March 2013 Sometimes when we do a retreat; by retreat I do not mean that I am a special person and am lin means globe, this globe, where we are. Kyon from doing this retreat I have this condition, is, you remember, total, whole. Kyon means all. Zam but through the retreat we are learning and ap- Zling kyon gyi is the entire globe, zog qen dus de, plying the Dzogchen teaching. We are trying to you know, means the Dzogchen Community. When we say be in that state. There are many people who Dzogchen Community, we are not considering a group or already have this kind of knowledge and are in organization – it is not that. Dzogchen dus de is Santi Maha that state. Each time we do something of this Sangha. Santi Maha Sangha is what we are learning and kind, good signs manifest. through that we are trying to become more aware and less If we do serkyem or something, for example, limited like people are ordinarily. Dzogchen, dus de, means we need just a little rain. At the beginning and where the entire Dzogchen Community is on this globe. at the end, almost everywhere we are doing re- Zam ling kyon gyi zog qen dus de we repeat two times. treats, there is a little rain. Rain and this kind of That is interesting when we are singing. weather means the local guardians are moving. Dzamling Gar la ji gyog gan gyog de lhod du peb xog. The local guardians’ dimension is space. For that We are creating Dzamling Gar in Tenerife; the Gar of the reason they are moving and it means they are Pamo (female). globe. Dzamling gar la, la it means we are also creating happy and they are coming, and making contact Dzamling Gar. Ji gyog gan gyog means as soon as possible, with us. That is a very small example and the not slowly, or maybe next year. But when we say to come rain is a symbol. as soon as possible, it does not mean that you should get So, everything can manifest without effort. nervous and you stressfully force to come soon. That is not Also, there is nothing to be surprised about. It the point. The point is to come as soon as possible in a re- means that we have this kind of knowledge and laxed way. De lhod means relaxed. Peb xog, means please something is developing, that is good. For that come. Why? It means please come because we repeat it reason, when we apply these things, then dra two times. Dzamling Gar la ji gyog gan gyog de lhod du xis lhun gyis grub nas – all fortune is auto- peb xog. matically manifesting. Qyog gun las nam par The reason, ga gyid zom jyun lag, is that Dzamling Gar gyal means we have total victory. Victory means is a fantastic dimension that is manifesting. Ga it means that what we want, what we wish, manifests. light, also, love, gyid means happiness. Zom jyun means all It is not that we are struggling to obtain that. manifests here; ga gyid zom jyun lag. All manifests here, We are not making particular effort. There is so for that reason, please come. It is true, we are not only no need for effort, we are in our real nature saying it. Some times people think that it means that be- and then everything manifests. This is the first cause Tenerife has nice weather and a nice condition for group. people, etc., that all manifests here. But those are second- Now the second group is a little different. ary things; it is not that way. There are so many secondary Ned jag gi dob xug lhan jig du dril dan means things, altogether and manifesting, that’s why we now have we are practitioners who are being in the the birth of Dzamling Gar. If there were not these kinds knowledge of Santi Maha Sangha. The Dzogchen of conditions it would not so easy really even to think to Community is Santi Maha Sangha and therefore create Dzamling Gar somewhere, it would be impossible. a perfect community. Everyone, the group and For example, two years ago, I had no idea of Dzamling Gar. individuals, have primordial potentiality. That is When I was staying in Tenerife, and we were doing a retreat, related with our circumstance and our poten- it all came out that here must be Dzamling Gar. That means tiality. that many things are manifesting because there are the So ned jag gi dob xug means our energy, our secondary causes. effort, everything. Lhan jig du dril dan means Pun sum cog jyun lag means that it is something related we are putting it all together. Putting it together to a human being, for example. We have three existences; doesn’t mean that we organize by fighting and body, speech and mind. All our existence is included in this, struggling; not that way. Being together means in our condition. Pun sum means these three aspects are just like when we do Guruyoga. When we do perfected here. When an individual is going deeper into Guruyoga, in that moment, thinking this or knowledge, then the three kayas, dharmakaya, samboga- that does not distract us. We try to be in a state, kaya, nirmanakaya, our three qualifications of the primor- the primordial state. That is our real nature. So dial state, etc., that we have relatively in our body, speech, lhan jig du dril means we are being in that kind mind; when we have all that we need, all the necessary of state, and we repeat that line two times. This Pawo (male). things related to body, speech, mind, then everything is per- is very important for practitioners. fect. Ga gyid rol la peb dan. Also, the teacher introduces to the student, which not organizing or struggling to do something, but it is our Why are asking you to come here as soon as possible? means: zog qen dus de yon, to all the Dzogchen Communi- self-perfected qualification, the real nature of each of us. Ga gyid rol la you know already before, ga gyid zom jyun, ty. Yon means everyone, all individuals, as well as the group. Being in that state is the real point of view, the real state is that there are lovely things, and happiness, everything is All our potentiality and everything is in the same state. So of the Dzogchen. We try to be in that state and continue then called ga gyid. Rol la it means enjoying. Gag yid rol la we repeat that also and ask to be that way; we ask that two in that state. peb dan is come here, enjoy happiness and everything. This times. Gag yid zom jyun lag - you know already there is all A tii da gong gyon means that Ati is the state of is the reason to come. circumstance, nothing is missing, and we have this kind of Dzogchen. Zam lin la de gyid hon means if we are that way, De gyid nam du rol means that we enjoy together this possibility. For that reason, with our awareness, we need to even if there is someone who does not follow the Dzogchen happiness and all good things. Not only I want to enjoy, but be in that unified state. Dob xug lhan means then we are >> continued on page 16 THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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The winners from Tashigar North and South performing in the town of Tanti.

>> continued from page 1 And of course, in the evenings exam and the level one training ated about the new Global Gar in offering and Serkyem together. Af- concerned with raising conscious- there was singing and dancing deepened their understanding Tenerife. The choreography for the terwards, under a cloudless and ness about the life of the Tibetan led by Rinpoche. All in all, very and commitment to the Teaching. dance continued to develop dur- pristine midday sky, Rinpoche led people, really challenges limited full days and nights practicing to- Each evening, singing and dancing ing the month in Tashigar Sur, us in a sing-along of some of the expectations and pretenses of a gether! In true Argentinian style, to Tibetan songs continued, which and by the end there were three Tibetan songs we has done to- conventional “spiritual” retreat. In there was also time for the occa- Rinpoche thoroughly integrated distinct sections that matched the gether so many times. This was essence, it also gives everybody a sional late night barbecue with with the all aspects of Dzogchen; verses of lyrics. After one of our followed by a midday pizza picnic, collective forum to integrate the local favorites like asado, chorizo, under the tireless guidance of the last nights dancing, Rinpoche il- which everyone enjoyed together. experiential knowledge transmit- and red wine. seemingly superhuman Adriana luminated and inspired everyone As Rinpoche waived goodbye, we ted by the Maestro in a whole A couple nights later, the danc- Del Borgo, the dancing became in- with an extended half hour com- wondered if we would get togeth- new way. As the first formal set ers got to show their stuff again creasingly refined and everybody mentary on the Dzamling Gar er one more time that evening of Teachings, “The Simhamukha in a public theatre in the town of brought more and more presence song’s lyrics, completely relating for more singing and dancing. Of of Ayu Khandro”, got underway, Tanti, which was attended by the and awareness to their participa- each word to the key points of the course at 5 pm, Rinpoche got right it was obvious that singing and town’s residents. In addition to the tion. Dzogchen Teaching (see article). to it! That last night, the fifty or dancing together each night was performances, there were public The day after the conclusion of After this Teaching, Rinpoche sixty people remaining at Tashigar given equal importance as part of demonstrations of Yantra Yoga, the SMS level one training, Fabio laid out the next day’s program. danced together, their movements, the Retreat. Based on the laughter narrated by Fabio Andrico, and Andrico led a five-day Yantra Yoga We gathered in the morning to timing, and rhythm harmonized erupting from Rinpoche and the the Vajra Dance of the Six Spaces course for prospective instructors. fill and consecrate the large Green perfectly with the music and with dozens of people who continually of Samantabhadra. It was a great It was the first time a Yantra Yoga Tara Statue that belongs to the Gar. each other, the culmination of so participated, there was an over- many nights singing and dancing flow of happiness in being togeth- together. Noting how well people er and developing knowledge of did each dance, Maestro noted how Dzogchen in this way. much people had learned. The Simhamukha of Ayu Khan- On the final morning, as Rin - dro was a fantastic and precious poche was leaving for the airport, Teaching that Rinpoche gave for big group gathered on the lawn one week. He received this Anuy- of his house and bid him farewell oga practice from the great yogini with one last dance. Rinpoche de- when he was a teenager in Tibet parted with a big smile, and ev- and she had already spent decades eryone expressed their tremen- in dark retreat. A few days into dous gratitude as he headed to the Teaching, we were all delight- the airport. It was a truly amazing fully surprised when Rinpoche month spent living together in the revealed that he would also share Transmission of Total Perfection. his own commentary on the prac- Each day and night was a con- tice that was recently found in- tinuously unfolding opportunity side the Simhamukha text when to integrate Rinpoche’s Teach- he asked his translator Adriano All the performers from "Dancing Under the Stars" at Tashigar South. ing. If you live in South America, Clemente to retrieve it from the it is wonderful to have this gem library in Merigar. In a very di- way for the local people to enjoy Teacher Training had been given Then, following the Maestro’s plan, of a place near you. If you live in rect and practical way, Rinpoche making contact with Community at Tashigar Sur, so yogis were we walked past the campground other parts of the world, consider gave detailed explanations of the of Tashigar Sur. thrilled to have this opportunity into the hillside, where the Tashi- a visit to Tashigar Sur, it is truly Simhamukha practice that dispels In the days that followed, twen- to go into a precise and detailed gar Sur’s new Stupa had recently one of the great manifestations of obstacles within the context of ty-five individuals who had come immersion in the practice. Al- entry been completed. There, we Rinpoche’s vision for the Interna- the Dzogchen Transmission. The from many countries (including though participants were tired practiced the Riwo Sangcho Smoke tional Dzogchen Community. Gonpa was full of people from all Japan, Poland, The US, and Italy) sat after long days of intensive yoga, over the world listening closely for the Examination of the Base again a dedicated group would and receiving the Teachings, it Level of Santi Maha Sangha. SMS gather with Rinpoche each eve- was cozy but never felt crowded Base Instructors Ricardo Sued of ning to sing and dance. The Mae- (another special feature of Tashi- Tashigar Sur and Steve Landsberg stro often stopped to explain the gar Sur). In the mornings, there of Tashigar Norte administered meaning of a song, or a dance, was Yantra Yoga led by Carolina the oral exam, based on the study and relate them to the Teachings, Mingolla, before the Teachings. In and practice of The Precious Vase. or simply to burst into laughter the afternoons, Adrian Mascherpa Everybody celebrated successfully with everybody. Each of these from Buenos Aires taught The passing their exams and joined moments was extremely precious, Dance of Three Vajras. There were another forty people (who were and each person who stayed on as presentations about the ASIA On- repeating the SMS training) for the weather got colder and the lus philanthropic work in Tibet, the Santi Maha Sangha Level One leaves fell from the trees felt very as well as the Tashigar Sur envi- Training. Rinpoche’s eight-day fortunate to be present. The last ronmental development project Retreat with this relatively small dance each night was The Dzam- dedicated to the reforestation of group was intimate and profound. ling Gar Dance, which was done to the Gar and the surrounding area. Participants felt that the base the song Rinpoche recently cre- Dancers from Kunsangar North. THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

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fiercely to the high energy beats good! In the end, the home team “Tashigar of house/techno music, it was of Tashigar South/North won the clear that the dancers had really judges over. All the dance teams Dancing under prepared seriously and were giv- exchanged hugs and then joined the Stars” ing it their all. They ran through together for a large spontaneous a rapid-fire medley of dance dance accompanied by the live mu- Dance Competition at styles and musical soundtracks. sicians. The following day, Rinpoche Tashigar South, Argentina Next up was the Tashigar team, addressed the participants and March 30, 2013 whose bright costumes evoked told them the competition is only the movie Avatar and combined a relative aspect, but the most by Scott Diamond live musicians with recorded important point is the collabora- sound. Their routine was a the- tion that was involved to bring so t Tashigar South, after atrical dance journey that felt many people together to dance in the Ganapuja concluded very contemporary and true to this event. There was a lot of work Athe Simhamukha Retreat, Tashigar North and South Dancers, The Winners! the culture of South America, and the dancers all prepared ex- there were several days of excit- like something choreographed tremely well and demonstrated not ing events. Many students from Ukraine’s Kunsangar and Rus- panel of judges were chosen from for Cirque De Soleil. Last but not only their skill as dancers but also Russia and Ukraine had come to sia’s Kunsangar were the defend- the Gars of other countries, with least was the Kunsangar North an open loving attitude towards one compete with students from all ing champions. Both dance crews, two from Namgyalgar, two from team, who were classy and ex- another demonstrating a sense of over South America in “Tashigar as well as the Tashigar South/ Tsegyalgar, and two from Meri- tremely tight in their execu- total integration without bias. The Dancing under the Stars”, the lat- North team (which combined for- gar. The event was webcast to tion of a broad range of dances event was a wonderful manifesta- est installment in a big ongoing midable Latin dance forces from the teams’ fans all over the world. and musical styles. Scores were tion of the worldwide Community international dance tournament in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Ven- Rinpoche drew numbers to de- recorded on the basis of each growing closer and developing their which teams from different Gars ezuela) were there to win, and all termine the order in which each teams quality of presentation and capacity to manifest together. perform elaborate dance routines, three teams spent many hours in team performed. dance performance. in their own costumes with origi- the days leading up to the com- From the moment the Ukra- The competition was extreme- nal choreography. petition rehearsing their moves. A nianian Team came out dancing ly close because everyone was so

1 >> Song of Dzamling Gar continued from page 14 main point for practitioners is to try to integrate when you teaching, not dealing with Dzogchen, they also have the po- have the base. So jyod it means that – we in our life in an   tentiality of being in their real nature, and therefore every- ordinary way. If you have a shop, for example, you need to         one in this world can have benefit and happiness. When go everyday in a shop. Then you think, “Oh, I am not doing           there is no happiness and we limit and struggle, this creates practice.” Going to a shop and working is also your practice   problems; it is completely contrary. if you in a state of Dzogchen. This is part of your chopa,   Dra la xis bar xog, sam don drub par xog is the same your attitude. With any kind of attitude we enter in that  as before. state of the practice.   Ran gyud gyi nal lug gyas nas means that everybody, Ran gyud nal lug, so, when we are in that state then  one by one, has our real nature and that is the state of the any kind of attitude, knowledge, everything is in a Dzogchen      Dzogchen. We know that and we are in that state. Even in way. Of course then, that progress is everywhere; there is       this moment if there are only ten people who have the real no need for us to become missionaries. Being a missionary     knowledge of Dzogchen, for example, maybe next month, is negative in the Dzogchen teaching because you are con-  next year, there will be twenty. After two or three years ditioning people. It is not necessary to condition anyone. If  maybe there are one hundred. Time goes ahead. In that way, you are good practitioner, you show how you are. If there are   knowledge develops slowly, without struggling or condition- ten people, and you are a Dzogchen practitioner, you are the  ing or doing something like that, but knowledge automati- most relaxed of the ten people. Day after day, they discover     cally develops. This says ran gyud gyi nal lug gyas nas – that. Why are you always relaxed and not worried about      automatically increasing that knowledge. problems? Dzogchen practitioners know very well that we   Zam lin gun zhi de la rol means slowly all the world are in samsara.  is in that kind of peace. The peace of the world can really Many people say, “Oh, this year we have problem, on the 2  manifest in this way. This is unique. Only talking about 12th of December the whole world will be destroyed, what         peace doesn’t correspond. First we invite and secondly we we should do?” Many people ask me. I am not saying there                     ask what to do. You remember, in the teaching there is also is not a problem. Maybe there is something, it is possible.            base, path and fruit. Now is the third. But you don’t need to worry for that. There is no reason  A tii gon don ran gyud la dril dan. Ati means that the to worry in this way. It’s very important we know how the  primordial state is the state of Dzogchen knowledge. Gon situation is and go ahead. In that way slowly everyone devel-  ran means the real sense of Dzogchen, not in an intellec- ops and we can really understand and there will be no need  tual way, but we have that knowledge. Ran gyud la dril dan of any kind revolution, or changing or doing something. We     means we integrate that knowledge in our condition. Most slowly develop. Our time is not very long. Maybe we dis-          people are not integrated, only learning in an intellectual appear after one hundred years; after one hundred years      way. They think, “Oh, now I know this or that.” It doesn’t not one of us will still be on this globe. But the Dzogchen  work. Even we learn only one thing, we integrate that and teaching will never disappear. That knowledge, if we are  it becomes something useful. Particularly, we really need working and dealing with people, will continue for centu-     to integrate the knowledge of the state of the Dzogchen ries and centuries. This kind of evolution can perfect all    Ati, and then we can really have evolution. So I am asking sentient beings. So we know that and should apply it. This     please, everybody, try to integrate in the state of Dzogchen. is something very important.        This is really the sense. Then gag yid zon jyun lag, you know already that de ga     Ran gyud nal lug dog jyod gyis zam lin xi de la kod xog. gyas jyun lag means manifesting everything in a perfect  Ran gyud nal lug means our knowledge, our understanding, way. Ran gyud nal lug la jyor dan – each person is in the  3  of being in real our nature. First is dog. Dog means you un- real condition. Nal lug la jyor means to try to be in our real          derstand, not in intellectual way, but concretely. You discover condition. When you are in that condition, gun san gi ni ma         how your real nature is. Jyod means that you not only know xar means the sun of Samantabhadra is shining in our real             it, but then you remain in this knowledge. Jyod it means condition. This is a realization also – it is the fruit, when we   you also integrate your day and night into your life. You do say base, path and fruit. Dro gun de xin gyid nas means  this without limitation, because you cannot integrate in a all sentient beings are not fighting or limiting anyone. And  limited way. If you limited, you are never being in the state slowly this knowledge is spreading and developing. All sen-  of Dzogchen. You know first of all if there is limitation, and tient beings find happiness. Dro gun de xin gyid nas dan de  then you go beyond that. So when you are being that way, yi bal la rol – then they can definitively benefit, not provi-     beyond that kind of limitation, then you can understand sionally, and have happiness, etc. This is also how we apply      that what you are doing, everything you do is relative. If benefit for others. This is the meaning of this song. This is a  you sit for hours and hours like a statue of Buddha, without kind of teaching in a real sense. Ok, now it is finished.   movement, or if you dance or work or do something – there   is no difference. Transcribed by Catherine and Scott Diamond   ཤ It means that in the Dzogchen teaching we integrate. In Edited by Naomi Zeitz  the Dzogchen teaching, fortunately we have the capacity   and possibility of integrating. For example, in Sutra teach-         ing, this does not exist at all. But in Vajrayana teaching,      partially, sometimes, there is just a little something, some ཏ integration, but not totally. In the Dzogchen teaching, the The Tibetan text of the Song of Dzamling Gar.    THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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

What’s Going On At association that would result in nu- “new” people, repeating the week of Regulations on the Use of the norme/legge_130_2001.pdf) or the Merigar West merous tax advantages for members Yoga Holidays – given the success it Cinerarium country of origin. A report on projects past, present, including being able to deduct dona- had last summer – and introducing The specific form of the urn is not future tions. The application for approval will for the first time a week of Dance Hol- Introduction specified. be submitted by July 2013 in order to iday. Then there will be base courses The Merigar West Associazione Cul- As per current legislation, the urn Red Gakyil have it approved by 2013. open to all. We are also organizing a turale Comunità Dzog Chen, on the must have a plaque bearing the name The most important work was car- The 2012 balance and 2013 budget few “open” days during which we can recommendation of Master Chögyal and dates of birth and death of the ried out in the autumn with the have already been presented. The defi- present Merigar to tourists and all Namkhai Norbu, has initiated the member. renovation of the roof of Zhikang cit forecast seems to have improved those who are curious to understand building of a Cinerarium, a building Transport to the Cinerarium of (Capannone) and the inclusion of new since costs were reduced in the last what we do. After the middle of July to house the cremated remains of the Associazione Culturale Comunità skylights for greater illumination. The months of 2012. we will have the instructors meeting. members of the Community. Dzogchen at Merigar West will be renovation work was necessary due For the kitchen we are organizing Another novelty is the courses in the responsibility of the legal heirs to some leakage in the archive of the an alternative. We have contacted a webcast for those who are preparing Conditions for Access or those who have been appointed library and the Mandala hall. Around caterer, the La Peschiera association, for the SMS exams, which are a pilot In order to have access to the Ciner- by the member as will the expenses the same time the foundations for and are in a phase of experimentation project. The Gakyil is working to cre- arium a member should have followed involved. the dark retreat cabin were laid. and therefore have not yet made a ate the right framework in which to and fulfilled some practical indications The Associazione Culturale Co- Construction has been interrupted final decision. What is certain is that, make them in order to standardize the when he/she was still alive and of munità Dzogchen at Merigar West for lack of funds, but will be resumed whether we continue or not with the management with the SSI brand. sound mind. will accept delivery of the urn at the thanks to recent donations. Cinerarium. Recently a pellet stove was in- 1. The member must have been reg- stalled in the office at Serkang (Yellow istered with the Associazione Cul- Obligations of the Dzogchen House) and a thermal heating system turale Comunità Dzog Chen or the Community on the upper floor, which saves mon- International Dzogchen Community, The Associazione Culturale Comunità ey and heats the rooms well. Work on at any of the centers, Gars and/or Dzogchen at Merigar West will keep a the Cinerarium was stopped because Lings of the International Dzogchen special registry of the urns stored in of frequent rain and snow, but has Community. the Cinerarium. now resumed. 2. The member must have followed at It will provide for their mainte- In the meantime Migmar and his least one of the Master’s retreats. nance and material care. team have started work on building a 3. The member must have declared It will periodically activate and per- new hall for meetings alongside the or left instructions in their will form special rituals of the Dzogchen refectory that will give us the chance asking the Associazione Culturale Community as directed by Master to be pleasantly and comfortably to- Comunità Dzogchen and/or the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. gether even in the colder months. International Dzogchen Community Among some of the smaller works to accept their cremated remains in Decisions of the Dzogchen will be the creation of a cement plat- the Columbarium. Community form for the external mandala on 4. The member must contribute to The Gakyil of the Associazione Cul- which a sort of cover can be put on the costs of construction and/or turale Comunità Dzogchen at Merigar and off easily. Karma Yoga at the yellow house. Photo: K. Selwa maintenance of the Cinerarium in West reserves the right to decide on Finally, the restoration of the one of the following forms: the acceptance or not of cremated paintings in the Gonpa is expected to catering experiment, it is increas- The Gakyil regularly uses some · by having made a donation of at remains, according to various factors, start at the beginning of June until ingly important that participants for communication tools including the least € 500.00; for example, satisfaction of the above mid-July. courses specify on enrolment if they online newsletter that works well · alternatively, the legal heirs can conditions for access, problems aris- One of the projects that the Gakyil want to stay for lunch or not in order and has had unanimous success, and make the above donation; ing with the legitimate heirs, avail- would like to carry out in order to to buy or order the correct amount of continues to come out about every 15 · by having left a bequest or having ability of adequate space, etc.. reduce costs at Merigar concerns the food. So it is really important to bear days. It will continue to publish an- appointed the Associazione Cul- cleaning. Currently there is a com- this in mind: if we want to have lunch nouncements and reminders about turale Comunità Dzogchen as their A. C. C. D. at Merigar West, Arcidosso, pany that takes care of this but we at Merigar we need to book! courses and activities. heir, subject to the rights of the February 11, 2013 would like to reduce these expenses For the Merigar Letter the Gakyil “legitimate heirs” to the inheritance, with partial self-management, and we Blue Gakyil has accepted the request to continue for an amount equal to or greater Notes on the Last Will and want like to know who of the local We are promoting more active par- to publish at least one issue per year than € 500.00. The accompanying T e s t a m e n t Sangha would be willing to cooperate. ticipation in the organization of the in paper form. The objective of the notes give more information about The decision of the member to ask the Ganapujas by the local Sangha. We Gakyil is to achieve harmony and syn- this. Community to accept their cremated Yellow Gakyil have prepared a chart where people ergy between the means of commu- remains at the Cinerarium must be The Gakyil has appointed Roberto can sign up as coordinator of a Ga- nication currently in use: the Merigar Specifications for Access formalized in the form that current Zamparo and Daniela Garbo as audi- napuja. We also think that it will be Letter, The Mirror and the newsletter. The cremated remains must be con- Italian legislation allows. tors of the accounts and they will be useful to have a small reminder list- We are working on the creation of tained in appropriate urns, of types The Merigar Cinerarium is in- invited to each Gakyil meeting. ing the things that need to be done. a new website for Merigar that will be and characteristics conforming to Ital- tended as a final destination for urns The membership is suffering a Direct contact: the Gakyil has com- more functional and richer, to replace ian legislation (http://www.governo. containing ashes. It is not the respon- bit in this period of economic crisis. missioned Gloria Pera as an assistant the current one. it/Presidenza/USRI/confessioni/ sibility of the Associazione Culturale These days we are running a final to carry out interviews to assess The Collaboration website could Comunità Dzogchen at Merigar West check but it seems for now that there specifically the degree of satisfaction be a useful tool for exchanging in- to cremate or to transport the urn to is a drop in membership, both nu- and collaboration within the Sangha formation but for now it still has not leads to direct contact between the the Cinerarium. merical and quality (from sustaining and between the Sangha and the taken off, and not many people have Gar and the Lings in order to achieve The member is required to make a to ordinary members, from meritori- Gakyil. There are already a dozen registered. The gakyil will have to a greater harmony and a more effec- will, which can be public, in the pres- ous to sustaining) although we have or more interviews from which the think about something to make ac- tive coordination. Up to now we have ence of two witnesses (neither rela- tried to urge the gakyils at the vari- Gakyil has extracted a summary, in cess easier and management more hosted the Gakyils of Naples, Rome, tives nor beneficiaries of the will), or a ous Lings to work in-depth with their order to highlight the key points to understandable. Venice and Bologna. We will continue holographic will, that is issued, dated members about this. be answered. The Gakyil is evaluat- Regarding Facebook we would like by extending the invitation to the Eu- and signed (with name and surname) To comply with safety regulations ing the proposals, including external to make an important point: many ropean Gakyils. entirely by the member in his/her we are making some additions to the interventions, workshops, to give an people open pages without extensive We would also like to inform you own handwriting on a simple sheet of work area such as installing handrails adequate response to the most urgent knowledge of the potential (and the that we have made an official invita- paper. In the case of holographic will etc. Early in the summer we will or- things. dangers) of the web. For this there tion to HH the Dalai Lama together it is advisable to file the original of the ganize courses in first aid and fire se- There has been a major event held was a day course on this topic con- with all the neighboring towns to will with a notary, while retaining a curity. Most probably Migmar will be locally: the event of Losar organized ducted by M. Grazia Florido. If there pay another visit to Merigar and the copy. in charge of security on site, as well by Claudio Maritano went well with are requests, we will repeat the Amiata area. We are now waiting for Depositing the will with a notary as several other people who currently the participation of 60–80 people. experience that was much appreci- a response. may be a safer way to protect the work at Merigar. From this result we may think about ated so that those who wish to can Some final important information wishes of the member. We are changing our accountant repeating the event. create and manage pages and profiles about fundraising. We are collecting for the association and have chosen We have drawn up a rich program for themselves or for the Community important contributions, but we have a professional specializing in moni- of activities throughout the year. efficiently without causing damage or not yet reached the point that allows toring and advising associations like Briefly: there will be three Teach- confusion. us to complete the work, especially ours, the management of which is ers Trainings, some in-depth courses In addition, we have set about to for the Cinerarium. So we urge you to different from a normal commercial for both Vajra Dance and the Yantra have a couple of representatives of carefully read the Regulations about activity. With the new accountant we Yoga. Most importantly there will be the Gakyils of the Italian Lings at each the Cinerarium that have just come out. plan to ask for legal recognition of the two weeks dedicated to opening to Gakyil meeting at Merigar West which Your donations will be invaluable! THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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Discover the Secret of the After an introduction Kyentse Buddhas Yeshe began to explain the text of- Retreat with Khyentse Yeshe ten using examples that are part of March 29-April 1 2013 at Merigar West modern Western knowledge, such as mathematics, physics and chemistry, by Matteo Maglietti or even literature and cinema, to ain and clouds covered the sky clarify a teaching from the Tibetan during Kyentse Yeshe’s Easter tradition, using, as always, his clarity Rretreat at Merigar West, but the and intelligence to make obvious to us special atmosphere that is felt at every what he wanted to communicate by retreat in the Gonpa was not affected, means of familiar examples. an atmosphere of laughter, meeting The language he uses creates a friends, acquaintances and vajra broth- bridge between the Western point of ers and sisters once again, a warm and view and the Tibetan tradition while welcoming atmosphere that was not his direct way of exposing our con- spoilt by the inclement weather. ceptual limits is a stimulus to over- During this retreat Kyentse Yeshe coming our mindset and providing explained the terma of Jigme Lingpa us with new ways to understand the (1730–1798), Yeshe Lama (rdzogs chen world around us. khrid yig ye shes bla ma), which is The retreat passed in a flash, show- part of the Longchen Nying thig se- ing the power of impermanence, but as ries. Yeshe Lama has become the most always they were precious days. comprehensive manual of Dzog Chen meditation in the Nyingma tradition. Photo: L. Gräf

Germany Spain

New Ling by internet). If you are interested to be In joy at receiving the name Gelekling New Gakyil Dödjungling New Gakyils a member of the mailing list please from Rinpoche and protection khordo Dear all! write to [email protected]. on Buddha day we sincerely wish our new Gakyil of Dödjungling, ow that it has been approved e are very happy to inform As Offenburg is close to France and precious master long life with good Berlin, has been elected and by Rinpoche, we would like to you that our precious Switzerland (30 km from Strasbourg) health, that all his wishes be fulfilled A approved by Rinpoche. Below Nshare with you the names and Wmaster gave the name we invite especially the practitioners and the precious Dzogchen teachings you can find our contact details: contact details of the new members Gelekling to the new, upcoming Ling across the borders for practicing and will spread and develop everywhere. of the Gakyil of Kundusling, Barcelona in Offenburg in the south-west of collaborating together! Don’t be shy Let’s do our best to accomplish this! Blue: Jan Böhm and the local Gakyil in Madrid for 2013. Germany. about contacting us… [email protected] Of course Gelekling is part of the Of course there are lots of things to Wishing you all the best Gakyil Kundusling German Dzogchen Community togeth- do and organize (renovation, electing a The team of Gelekling Red: Hannes Strobl Yellow: Olaya Martínez er with Dargyäling (Cologne) and Död- gakyil etc.). We invite all practitioners Ilona Makrutzki + Ulrike Ebendt + [email protected] [email protected] and jungling (Berlin). But it should not only to collaborate by practicing, giving a Michael Möhle + Michael Voigtländer Lourdes Muñoz be a Ling located in the south-west hand, and last but not least, by financial Yellow: Thomas Eifler [email protected] of Germany. It should be open for all support. (For this you can make dona- Gelekling [email protected] (or [email protected]) interested practitioners to collaborate tions to the account of the German c/o Ilona Makrutzki and practice together. For this we want Dzogchen Community for ‘Gelekling’; Weingartenstr. 120 D-77654 Offenburg and all together: Red: Marc Benería to create a virtual space to connect account name: Dzogchen Gemein- mobile 0049 (0)151 25 32 13 32 (Ilona) [email protected] [email protected] and together on the special practice days schaft Deutschland e.V., bank name: Phone 0049 (0)721 46 36 39 or Isabel Vallejo to celebrate ganapujas together. (In the Stadtsparkasse, City/State: Düsseldorf/ mobile 0049 (0)178 137 42 61 (Michael) All the best and hope to see you [email protected] beginning it will be by telephone con- Germany, IBAN: DE 4030 0501 1000 1104 Mail: [email protected] soon in Berlin, ference as there is no WLAN yet, later 7891, SWIFT/BIC: DUSS DEDD XXX). Gakyil of Dödjungling Blue: Laura Aguilera [email protected] and Yanko Angelov Merigar East 23 August 907005 phone: 0040 746 26 08 61 [email protected] MerigarEast Asociatia Culturala Constanta [email protected] Comunitatea Dzog-Chen Romania wwww.dzogchen.ro Local Gakyil in Madrid Yellow: María Parra Merigar East Update · Totally dedicated to and focused on [email protected] the Gar and related activities; • More than 60 trees were planted in · Communicative; Red: Rosana Llorens our Gar in March by our geko – Ana- · Have good command of English and [email protected] tolie and assistance of villagers. Romanian; • At the end of March we held our · Be eager to learn and develop own Blue: Julia Giménez third Gakyil meeting at Merigar East skills to serve the Gar better, [email protected] and we are meeting in May once · Possess at least some basic knowl- more before the summer retreat. edge of construction, gardening, Please, feel free to contact us for any (pictures) infrastructure supporting systems questions that you might have. • This year we would like to build at (e.g. electricity, gas, water supply, With our best wishes to integrate least one stupa. sewage), IT and legal affairs; the Dzogchen Teachings in our daily life, One of the related key sub-projects · Have a valid driving license; Gakyil Kundusling is the hand-making of some 3000 tsa- · Have organizational skills (task & tsa figurines that each stupa will be time planning). filled with. This will be most likely This is how our actual Gekö con- carried out in Bulgaria and Poland Planting trees. cluded the essence of his experience over spring and summer time. in Merigar East: • By October 2013 we should lay the Here you can find more details on • It is also time to find a new Gekö foundation for the dormitory. what Gakyil role consist of: http:// The Gekö is the face of the Gar and “When working here it’s important The Gar’s resources are limited so dzogchen.ro/questions-and-answers representative of the Teachings. to focus totally on this place, to in- we kindly ask your support to make it Should you be interested, please This person is responsible for the tegrate with this place and feel it like happen: https://dzogchen.ro/compo apply by submitting a short letter continuous functioning of the Gar. your body. Being Gekö, the most im- nent/option,com_zj_donation/ with information about you, and your An ideal candidate for the role of portant practice is to BE Gekö, to do Itemid,101/id,4/view,campaign/ motivation to [email protected] Gekö should: in time what is necessary to do – this • Throughout the year a number of The Gakyil election will take place · Be a serious Dzogchen practitioner is a kind of Guruyoga for the Gekö.” dedicated people put their time and in Merigar East during the summer and the member of the Dzogchen Anatolie Carp, Gekö of Merigar East effort into various tasks required for retreat in August. Even though the Community (DC) for at least 3 years; a Gar to function. Merigar East, still actual election takes place in a while, · Be able to provide credentials from All serious applicants that are con- a very much developing Gar, is in a you could be involved a bit earlier and the senior members of the DC or fident of performing this role are need of new candidates to fulfill the gain some experience working along- Gakyil of the place where the candi- requested to email their resumes role of Gakyil for 2013/2014. We are side with the current Gakyil. date resides; and letters of credentials to: office@ hoping that you can be one of them. · Be patient and kind; dzogchen.ro Merigar East meeting, March 2013. THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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Kunsangar South South [email protected] Kunsangar http://kunsangar.org

The bungalow for instructors in the process of construction. New trees planted in the autumn need care. Installation of a water tank where water can accumulate in summer.

Kunsangar North North [email protected] Kunsangar http://kunsangar.org

North and became a Dzogchen Com- ent kinds of activities (including SSI humour. In spite of the fact that she Kunsangar North is glad munity member. Having big experi- Tibetan Medicine school and seminars is a newcomer to the Community, she to introduce our new Gekö, ence both in business and in tradi- of other spiritual groups), it was not is seriously interested in the Teach- Natalia Makeeva, to the tional Buddhism, she was very much easy to find the right person for this ing, listening all webcasts, practicing International Dzogchen impressed by and admired the spirit role. The KN Gekö has to collaborate Yantra Yoga and preparing for theSMS Community. of the Dzogchen Community and the and communicate with everybody: Base exams. This work at Kunsangar principles of awareness and collabora- with the Gakyil, with SSI representa- North is a precious opportunity for or many years Natalia worked tion, instead of a number of rules. She tives, with participants in DC events, Natalia to contribute to the Teaching as a financial director in a big felt a strong intention to contribute with other groups, with local authori- and at the same time to develop her Findustrial company. After she to the development of the Dzogchen ties etc. Natalia’s skills, life experi- personal practice. So, we wish her turned 50 she decided to finish with Community, so she was one of the ence and strong personality made us much enthusiasm, awareness and business and dedicate herself to prac- first candidates who applied for the choose her from 7 candidates – and patience! tice. The last several years she spent position of Gekö that came up in KN her 2 months probation period was You can contact Natalia through in Nepal practicing Chöd in the Bon for the first time after a 7 year break. really very successful. She is a re- facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ lineage and there met the Dzogchen As Kunsangar North is a place sponsible, well-organized person, and natalia.makeeva.52 teaching through the webcast. In 2012 with a big area, many facilities, estab- at the same time a very charming and she came to the retreat at Kunsangar lished economics and a lot of differ- careful woman with a good sense of

“Tashigar Under the The Russian team consisted of 13 The competition itself was ab- Stars” Dance Competition: people – 6 males and 7 females; the solutely wonderful! Everybody was Kunsangar North team ages were from 16 to 50, and there anxious about their team but there were people from Moscow, St Peters- was always a feeling that we are By Yanina Bekshibaeva burg and Gelendjik. When the team something unified and whole. “We” – it he idea of this project origi- for the competition was formed, we means not only the Kunsangar North nated from Rinpoche and Rosa, started the preparation – choosing team but the whole International Tand its main purpose was col- the concept of our performance, mak- Dzogchen Community. It’s difficult laboration, which is a very important ing costumes and of course hard re- to describe in words that fantastic aspect of the Dzogchen Community. It hearsals that went on for two months. atmosphere of friendship and love, manifested from the very start, when There was only one professional when all the participants were en- we were looking for the ways to make dancer among the 13 participants, and couraging each other. And the words possible our participation in this most of us had never danced on the that Rinpoche told us after the per- event. We organized a special lottery stage before. We appreciate and thank formance were the main reward for in the Russian DC where a lot of peo- very much our choreographer Roman us – there is nothing more beautiful ple took part, and we also got great Tsiganenko who trained us for this than the Maestro smiling! support from Rinchenling (Moscow) competition and always inspired us at and Sangyeling (St Petersburg). All the teams together: Kunsangar North, Kunsangar South and Tashigar. Tashigar Sur.

China >>Samtenling Namgyalgar PO Box 214 Central Tilba [email protected] South Dzogchen Community NSW 2546 www.dzogchen.org.au New Gakyil Namgyalgar in Australia Phone/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668

Blue: Wes Guo, Felix Geng Santi Maha Sangha experience within you. And most of Red: Ben Chen, Ming Yue all, karma yoga shows you what you Yellow: Tracy Ni, Jing Xia recisely two years ago, I was concretely understood and integrated. about to start the deepest and Namgyalgar South is the ideal place to President: Wes Guo Prichest journey of my life. make this journey a lifetime dream. Vice president: Felix Geng During Rinpoche’s tour in Aus- There is all you need to fulfill these Secretary: Shenguang Dorje tralia in 2011, I was granted the SMS three aspects of SMS. Scholarship. I was so happy and I spent my daily life in the care of grateful, but didn’t realize the extent Rabgyi Lama, an admirable example, of this opportunity. and the Gekö at that time. Hand in As I started a year of Study on the hand with him, the Gakyil and local Base and Level 1 of SMS at Namgyalgar Sangha, projects on the Gar flourished South, an uncontrollable anxiety filled while personal study and practices up my whole existence. A stress pres- went ahead slowly. ent for a long time, connected with Rabgyi and Arnaud with Namgyalgar South’s flags. Frequently tiredness arrived, and the worry of perfection, that I usu- the few weeks of holidays I spent ally controlled and hid. But this time I But my confidence in Rinpoche and the When you are studying SMS, it is a under the constant love and support wasn’t able to overcome the unbearable Teaching, assisted with the love and complete exploration of your life. The of my partner and vajra sister Nicki pain on my own. What to do? The idea support of the Sangha, made me stay instructions teach and remind you al- Elliott were essential for the continu- of stopping and going back home to day after day. Slowly helpful experiences ways of the essence of your aim. The ity of this year. France came into my mind a few times. manifested and my strength increased. practice makes the words a concrete >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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>> continued from previous page crucial for me to face my tensions and and stress in the past. Now it is re- help any of you who would like to un- looking for donors and fundraising You see, I never doubted the neces- to discover my potentiality to truly ally different, responsibilities are not dertake the scholarship. It is a good ideas. Please contact us if you wish to sity of our Teacher and the Dzogchen relax and love. so heavy and I am able to enjoy my thing to do at a personal level, but it contribute ([email protected]). Teaching to free ourselves from suf- A few months after the end of the whole life much more. is also one way to secure good under- fering. But these experiences showed scholarship, I passed the First Level I am infinitely grateful to Rinpoche. standing of our Master’s Teachings for Thank you all for your devotion in me that without virtuous companion, Examination and participated in the Many thanks also to all donors who future generations. our beloved Master, the path seems impossible to realize. Level 2 Training. I am now in France made through this scholarship, my We will soon have two SMS scholars Arnaud This year showed me how SMS is working and waiting for my visa to life a dream. at Namgyalgar South: Marek Jaks and one of the most efficient programs to Australia. I have never been able to I am now involved in the SMS Samuel Pearson. In order to go ahead observe deeply our condition. It was work continuously without suffering Scholarship Committee, and wish to next year with new applicants, we are

Namgyalgar 206 Glass House-Woodford Rd, Phone: 07. 5438 7696 North Dzogchen Community Glasshouse Mountains, Qld., 4518 [email protected] Namgyalgar in Australia P.O. Box 307, Glasshouse Mountains, Qld., 4518

Namgyalgar North Update the north, and since then the weather has been wonderful, sunny days and By Julian King-Salter cooler nights! ll has been quiet at Namgyal- Next edition will have full reports gar North for the period of of the retreat, and the Gakyil Strategic Aretreats with Elio Guarisco planning meetings which follow- down at the southern Gar, over Easter. meantime, enough to say that it is Not only quiet, but also unseasonally wonderful to have 50 people learn- wet! But two days before the start of ing and practicing together in the the Longsal Saltong retreat, also with Namgyalgar North Gonpa as we move Inaugural Shang Shung Institute Australia Elio, there was a brief but mighty towards development approval! Thangka Art course with Karma Phuntsog thunderstorm greeting us all back to March 22–24, 2013.

DCA Tsegyalgar East Phone: 413 369 4153 [email protected] East PO Box 479 Fax & Bookstore: 413 369 4473 www.tsegyalgar.org Tsegyalgar Conway, MA 01341 USA

Tsegyalgar East Updates Following our retreats with Rin- Summer Encampment khai Norbu from June 7–12, 2013. The poche, there will be a retreat on Program in Buckland program is limited to 6 participants For further information, contact s Spring approaches, Tsegyal- the Longsal Saltong Tsalung Practice Massachusetts who must submit an application to the program supervisor, Joe Zurylo at gar East is preparing for Retreat taught by Elio Guarisco held Three Months take part. [email protected] AChögyal Namkhai Norbu’s entirely at Khandroling from August June 1–August 31, 2013 Participants can expect to work Click on the link below to down- visit and retreats. The main retreat is 1–6, 2013. Please make your reserva- Daily Work Schedule and for at least four hours a day in super- load the application. scheduled June 7–12, 2013 in the Con- tions for camping or dorm space as Contemplation Practice vised Karma Yoga as they learn light http://tsegyalgar.org/localcenters/ way Schoolhouse. Rinpoche will teach spaces will fill up soon. A full roster of Free Retreat with construction work, forestry, and land- tsegyalgareast/khandroling/summer from what is considered to be the SMS courses including Base, First and Chögyal Namkhai Norbu scaping and land management skills. encampment/ most important of all Dzogchen texts, Second levels are scheduled through Senior practitioners will lead the Dra Thalgyur (sgra thal 'gyur). the rest of 2013 beginning in Septem- n Tibet, generations of practitio- weekly Yantra Yoga, Vajra Dance, The Teaching is called “Khorde Rang- ber through December with Jim Valby ners gathered together in sum- and other practices from the lineage USA, New York City >>Kundrolling drol,” which means, “self-liberation of and Steve Landsberg. We also hope to Imer encampments to practice, of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu from the samsara and nirvana.” have courses and practice retreats in work, live and play together in a com- Community on Khandroling and in New Gakyil Following the main retreat, Rin- Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance sched- munity dedicated to cultivating one’s our Schoolhouse Gonpa in Conway. A poche will conduct a Santi Maha uled throughout the summer, autumn awareness. Continuing in the same variety of Community social events On behalf of the New York Commu- Sangha Level 2 Teaching, June 14–21, and fall. tradition, the Dzogchen Community and programming will be announced nity, the 2013 Kundrolling Gakyil: 2013. Those interested in taking the Other programs include the vi- in Conway, Massachusetts is offering a as it develops. Level 1 exam can contact the SMS brant opportunity to live and work three-month encampment from June Participants must be prepared for Yel low representative in their country about at Khandroling under our annual 1 to August 31, 2013. rough camping in a rustic environ- Jason Baummann Montilla requirements. People planning on at- Summer Encampment program out- Participants must commit to one ment, as well as the physical capacity Oscar Montero, Treasurer tending the main retreat are advised to lined below. The Khandroling Coop is three months (one month minimum, to engage in the activities listed. Par- pre-register by May 1 in order to take currently planting and developing a from June 22) of living on the Commu- ticipants provide their own camping Red advantage of the discount. Visit the pilot farm project to cultivate 2 acres nity retreat land in Buckland, Massa- gear. Onsite facilities include fresh Curzio Aloisi main retreat page at www.tsegyalgar. on Lower Khandroling. Khandroling chusetts, Khandroling, and engaging potable water, a bathhouse with two Dan Brittingham org for schedules including Vajra Paper Cooperative has resumed op- in the daily karma yoga schedule. Par- showers and flush toilets, kitchen Tara Keegan, Vice President Dance, fees, housing information and eration. To read about further updates ticipants are free to take part in daily with gas stoves and propane refrig- online registration. Individuals new visit our Tsegyalgar website (www. group practices and the rich culture erator, several portable toilets and Blue to the Teachings or if they will be at- tsegyalgar.org) or Tsegyalgar East of Tsegyalgar East. There will be no outdoor showers. Jeremiah Aviles tending their first retreat may come for Community Blog (www.tsegyalgar. charge; participants will be provided The program is free for accepted Ed Goldberg, Secretary the first day free, then pay $ 25 per day blogspot.com) with two meals a day; free camping, applicants and includes free camping Tashi Kaiser, President afterwards. and free retreat with Chögyal Nam- plus two meals a day.

USA, Amherst

Picturing Enlightenment: Elizabeth Barker discovered a number For the practitioner, the Eight Mani- Tibetan Thankas at of pieces of Tibetan religious art in- festations of Guru Rinpoche are of par- the Mead Art Museum, cluding several rare thankas depicting ticular note and along side each there Amherst College, Amherst, the various manifestations of Guru is a detailed description of the images. Massachusetts Rinpoche, or Guru Padmasambava. Senge Dradog from mid 18th century, April 9, 2013 In the intervening six years she {pictured above} is an excellent ex- commissioned Camille Breeze to be- ample of the quality of the work and Report by Tom Burton for The Mir- ror gin a year’s long project to clean and profound devotion of the artist. Rather repair the fragile tapestry and canvas. than merely dwelling merely upon n Tuesday, April 9th, at the This catalog is a beautiful record of technical detail, the descriptions ac- Amherst Bookstore, we joined their efforts and a guide to any closer companying the photos reveal the OProfessor’s Paola Zamperini, examination one may choose to make. process of realization one would strive current Director of Shang Shung In- Mead Museum and Amherst for in a meditative state. stitute USA, Marilyn Rhei, Mead Mu- College have historically strong con- For more information about view- seum Director Elizabeth Barker and nections to the Dharma through the ing the thankas, please visit Master Restorer and Preservationist Dr. Paola Zamperini (center) and Marilyn Rhei, Editor (left) Photo: T Burton teachings of Robert Thurman in the www.amherst.edu/museums/mead Camille Breeze to celebrate the release 70’s and 80’s and Paola Zamperini of Picturing Enlightenment. Tibetan While searching through the Amherst College’s renown Mead Art today. This catalog is one of the fruits Thankas At the Mead Art Museum. many treasures in the storehouse of Museum in 2007, Director and Curator of their efforts. THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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

Daily Life in Tashigar Norte Shine and Lhatong at listen to his teachings on Shine and Tashigar North Lhatong. The master explained in ashigar Norte is special in March 8–15, 2013 detail the differences between these so many ways – because of two fundamental pillars of meditation Tthe teachings that have been by Eliana Civile according to the traditions of Sutra, shared, the termas that have been t Tashigar North we were Tantra, and Dzogchen. Although Shine discovered, the love and the energy very fortunate, once again, to and Lhatong are common principles and the abundant beauty of the place. Areceive and host our precious in all three of these paths, Rinpoche Also, Tashigar Norte is one of the few Master and his wife Rosa. It was an clearly pointed out the different ways places where we as practitioners can intimate retreat with about one hun- in which they are appliced. actually live a “normal” daily life in a New Gakyil. dred people, including a significant The projects going on at Tashigar Gar. group of new people who came to North were also displayed in a short Attending a retreat in the Gar is (and attend) classes in SMS, Yantra, these fine options for lodgings at the Tashigar North for their first retreat video screened for Rinpoche and all spectacular and exciting ……… I think Vajra Dance, Tibetan Song/Dance and Gar. You can also see more informa- with Rinpoche. Most of the attendees the people at the retreat. Everyone we all know that well, but what is it Draljor. The Gakyil maintains a good tion on the Tashigar Norte website. were young Venezuelans from both was happy to see how the Tashipark like when the crowds go home? What lending library of reference books on Margarita Island has many beauti- Isla Margarita and the mainland. project for the benefit of local students is it like when the Master is teaching Dzogchen, Bon, Buddhism, history ful beaches. Most have a variety of ca- Moreover, it was a fantastic expe- and the Ecoferia for the development elsewhere and we’re responsible for and related subjects. Practice materi- fes where fresh-caught fish and tropi- rience that was shared by all the old of local handicrafts and agricultural being present, aware, collaborative als and other publications are also cal beverages are served at lunchtime. practitioners to observe the new people produce are gradually bringing con- with His energizing immediate pres- available. Twenty-four hours a day the Two-hour lunches are the custom, discovering the transmission for the crete results. Hundreds of students ence? The short answer to that ques- Gompa is open to you for practice. The and a little siesta in a hammock after- first time. It was wonderful to perceive are coming every week to Tashigar tion is one word – “fantastic”! Never mandala rests under a shimmering wards is a truly lovely thing! the energy that manifests when some- and learning yoga, permaculture, and before have I seen or felt such earnest crystal chandelier and the teaching Margarita has pretty much every- thing that lives within us is suddenly tree planting as well as getting a taste dedication to “walking the walk” in- throne echos Rinpoche’s presence thing you need for daily life. There awakened, comes alive, and begins to of the precious Gar. stead of just “talking the talk” of the whilst the room is graced by the are food shops, malls, plant nurseries, vibrate when the sound of primoridial May the Dzogchen teaching ex- teachings. watchful eye of Guru Rinpoche look- doctors, lawyers and dentists. There knowledge is heard from the Master. pand just like the rays of the sun So what is it like from a resident’s ing down from a magnificent thanka. is a gym and a spa at a nearby hotel. It was a great joy to be able to shining in the sky! perspective? Firstly, it is beautiful, It ‘s nothing short of spectacular, in- There is wi-fi, and very affordable be in the presence of Rinpoche and clean, safe and quiet. You can stroll spiring, calming and joyful. cellular phone service. With current along well-tended paths and streets The Gakyil has developed some attractive currency exchange rates, with lush tropical gardens all around great projects. “Tashi-Park” is one such a foreign visitor will find life in Ven- you. There is the remarkable gompa, project. Children from local schools ezuela very inexpensive. There are the comedor (food hall and entertain- come to Tashigar Norte (Tashi-Park) occasional temporary shortages of ment place), the churawata (round for a day and receive instruction in certain commodities, but in general open air place for various activities), perma-culture, ecology, Kumar-Ku- there is nothing you really need that an administration building and lovely mari. The trees and other plants are you can’t find. houses in the tropical rustica style. The part of an educational nature walk. Many people find themselves so residents range in age from very young Gakyil members and residents are fa- content with “daily life” in the Gar (less than one year) to people in their cilitators for these days with the kids. that they don’t do much outside the 60’s. There is always somebody to talk To hear their laughter and be part of property, but for anybody wanting ad- to or to help you if you need anything. their awakening and learning is some- venture there is plenty to be had. For If you want a quiet place for a per- thing very special. Everybody at TdN is variety you can drive over to Pampatar sonal retreat, Tashigar Norte is perfect! invited to participate! During the year and walk the tree-lined Spanish co- If you want to have a party or a dinner there are also well-organized courses lonial boulevards where you will find or something – it’s also quite alright in Perma-Culture and Tibetan Culture. a museum, a fort & cathedral as well and there are fun people to invite. There are neighborhood gardens as exotic boutiques. You can have din- Every day there are two tuns of the bringing forth fruits and vegetables ner by the sea in an upscale sports- Dance in the gompa – (Dance of the for all to share. The mango orchard bar/steakhouse or in a cutting-edge Tashigar Norte Village is a resi- Don’t wait for a big retreat to come Vajra and Kalong dorje kar tun) and provides a huge annual harvest from gourmet boutique eatery. Maybe dential retreat center dedicated to to this special place ……. Contact the the mandala is always open for you to which the community has made pulp you’d like to take up windsurfing at the Master and the Teachings. It is a Gakyil for information on year-round use as your own time permits. There for juice, chutney and other delights. El Yaque, one of the world’s premier place where Practitioners can come activities and programs and to learn are four Ganapujas monthly and they The Gakyil operates a “posada” (inn) windsurfing locations? Or you can together in formal practice and in how you can spend time with us “at are well-attended by practitioners just outside the gate to the Gar. Inside tour the mangrove swamps or visit the essential practice of awareness home” in Tashigar Norte. from all round the area. Webcasts are the gar there is also a dormitory and the beaches of magical Macanao (the in daily life. It is a place to live, learn, [email protected] also broadcast in the gompa. With camping. If you are a larger group desert side of the island). There is also celebrate and enjoy. When it comes Helpful Website: several senior instructors from the maybe there will be space in one of a daily ferry boat to the nearby island to finding a “good neighborhood” for http://www.tashigarnorte.org Community often in residence there the houses in the TdN Village – please of Coche. daily life, it just doesn’t get any better is also the opportunity to schedule contact the Gakyil for details on all of than this!

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

Tara Statue and Stupa All of us sat down on the rocks or on Around 2 pm, Rinpoche and Rosa left, Consecration the ground around him. Alfonso was some of us ran to finish the Yantra making smoke a little bit apart and we Yoga Teacher’s training with Fabio, by Monica Varela all practiced Sang and Serkyem. while others enjoyed playing music pril 14th, last day before Once we finished the practice and singing. Around 6 pm as usual, Rinpoche’s departure. the sun Rinpoche looked so joyful and happy, Rinpoche arrived to the Gonpa and Awas shining and it was get- so was Rosa, that he suggested to sing we all sang and danced the Tibetan ting very hot. The hard rain and the the Tibetan songs. although we all songs. The sky was very dark by then, cold weather disappeared. At 10 am tried, it was not so easy to remember and the stars so intensely bright. we met at the Gonpa and Rinpoche them. Nevertheless, we could cover Thank you Rinpoche and Rosa for consecrated a statue of Tara that Jorge one or two. sharing with us such unforgettable Delgadillo gave as a present two years Suddenly the chefs of Tashigar magic moments. ago. South were coming down the hill Thank you Jorge for giving the Gar Once this was finished we walked with delicious pizzas cooked in Adri- such a wonderful Stupa. up to where the Stupa was placed. ana’s mud oven. After Rinpoche and It looked so precious, so white and Rosa received their pizzas, we all golden contrasting with the deep jumped into them happily and also blue sky. The Master sat down right very hungrily. Wine and soft drinks in front of the Stupa covered by a big were also offered. At the end Rita pre- umbrella. Carolina´s little dog was un- pared some sweet little cakes and So- der his feet. In front of him was Rosa. lana a super delicious frozen tiramisu. THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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22 Courses

France Italy, Venice

Participants at Karmaling Institute, France, after the final session of Some of the participants in the Course on the Second Part of the Dance of the the Ku Nye course with certification with Aldo Oneto, instructor from First part of the Ku Nye training course at Karmaling, France with Aldo Oneto, Song of the Vajra (first weekend) with Rita Renzi. Two wonderful days in Venice, the Shang Shung Institute, Italy. April 15–21, 2013. March 23 and 24 for fourteen practitioners. Photo: S. Ragaini

Netherlands, Amsterdam Czech Republic >>Phendeling Kunsangar South

Goma Devi Easter retreat with Enzo Terzano in Amsterdam, April 2013. We all enjoyed very much Enzo’s precise instructions and clear explanations. Thank you very much Rinpoche for this wonderful practice and thank you Enzo First Part of the Beginner’s Vajra Dance Course at Phendenling with Rita Renzi, At the beginning of March there was a Yantra Yoga course with for your debut in Amsterdam! Photo: A. Swart March 29–April 1. Victor Krachkovskiy.

China

Dec 30, 2012–Jan 1, 2013 Semdzin course of SMS base, Samtenling Yichun, led Jan 31–Feb 1, 2013, Vajra Dance of 3 Vajra (regular & irregular) course, Beijing, Feb 2–3, 2013, Preliminaries of Yantra Yoga course, Beijing, led by Tracy Ni. by Wes Guo. led by Tracy Ni and Wes Guo.

China

Mar 2–3 Xiamen, Vajra Dance course of Six Spaces, led by Tracy Ni. Mar 4–5 Xiamen, Preliminaries of Yantra Yoga Course, led by Tracy Ni. Mar 7–8 Shenzhen, Preliminaries of Yantra Yoga Course, led by Tracy Ni.

China Lite Dzogchen .....on the Mirror

by Crystal Dakini Mar 9–10, Zhuhai, Vajra Dance of 3 Vajra (regular & irregular) course, Beijing, led by Tracy Ni and Wes Guo. THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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Singapore >>Namdrolling

Zhinas Practice retreat in contemplations, there are 4 states raderie and it was commendable that Namdrolling during the and many experiences to discover, in though quite a few were new to Shine, Easter weekend 2013 order to arrive at understanding one’s they could sit for the entire stretch of real condition and to slowly learn to an hour every time, without too much lmost immediately after integrate one’s body, speech and mind fidgeting! Rinpoche’s Webcast on Zhi- in daily life. In this weekend retreat, Beginners were at first bemused Anas Ati Gonpa Ngospro, the practitioners were given instructions when they first sat. One said basically Dzogchen Community in Singapore to recognize their experiences of the they just sat and did nothing. Some also organized a non-residential nepa stage. were not used to staring into a wall Zhinas practice retreat at our Nam- In the second state to discover, with a marking, but dutifully stilled drolling hall. and that is the miyowa of “no move- themselves to settle their normally Our local SMS Base Teacher, ment”, Cheh explained to participants busy state of being. By and by, some Cheh Goh, conducted the three days when they continue with the fixation reported feeling gradually the rise of program so that practitioners could practices, they are to remain in a one a restful peaceful state as they learned “The Yogic of Prana, related to achieve better clarity, calmness revise teachings and begin the Semde pointed way, whilst they observe and to watch their thoughts come and go. to Indivisibility of Clarity and and awareness in their routine tun practice at the same time. remain aware of their body, breath- One said it was like embarking on Emptiness” practices. The original live webcast was un- ing, thoughts and surroundings. Also the art of just sitting and doing noth- retreat conducted by Elio Guarisco, “I learned to recognize the clarity fortunately subjected to many internet one should relax and learn not to ing, yet experiencing so many busy was held over 6 days recently in of my yogic state after each practice disruptions and many participants follow after thoughts. While fixating, thoughts. Then there was the stage of Singapore from March 14–19, 2013. session. A calm state that is so clear, were grateful for an opportunity to there will be awareness of what one body awareness of numbness, itching, empty and free of thoughts. My body receive the precious teachings more sees, hears and feels at the same time. thirst and hearing noises from outside n this retreat, organised by Nam- feels lighter, yet so energized. It is a continuously. Sitting in a relaxed way, the focused the room. Some reported an increas- drolling’s Blue Gakyil, Wong Chee real treat to have attended this pre- The first day began when 8 par- attention is not to be distracted by ing state of enjoying the state of rest IMeng, seventeen practitioners cious longsal teachings. Many of you ticipants checked into Namdrolling other functions of the senses, such and relaxation. Others felt that the came together from Malaysia, Hong should look out for the next such on the bright and sunny Good Friday as body sensations. There were other thoughts were oscillating between Kong and Singapore, to understand teachings and not miss it. It is really morning instructions on resettling into a one past and future, and never seem to the “Longsal Tsalung” teachings bet- helpful for our development.” The Zhinas Longsal webcast was pointed state if one is aware of having ebb. Still more were tensed up and ter and also to deepen their knowl- “My breathing and visualization a retreat on Ati-Gonpa Ngospo , the lost that focus through maintaining saw patches of color on the wall! As edge on how to develop the clear and techniques in the Mandarava es- teaching that introduces the practitio- presence, while watching one’s body, a few shifted position, they were empty yogic state and inner heat with sence practice are enhanced with this ner to atiyoga, one’s primordial state. its sense recognition, thoughts in the taught to re focus into a one pointed tsalung breathing. pranic breathing practice retreat and I Rinpoche gave a detailed description mind and breathing. In a relaxed way, state without getting distracted or all Participants checked into this have benefited immersely. I really en- of this Semde teaching, with full while inhaling calmly and exhaling tensed up. tranquil countryside resort that offers joy this contemplative presence when explanations of the four contempla- slowly, one is to remain in empty hold The advanced and more expe- both fresh greenery and a peace- I observe my mind.” tions. The Maestro reiterated the for just a little while, before breathing rienced practitioners were happy ful beachfront, to practise the yogic “After dinner every day, we would importance of the practitioner’s need in again, to maintain that relaxed co- to have shared the opportunity to breathing with relatively strict light enjoy a quiet stroll along the breezy to directly and concretely discover ordinated one pointed concentration. collectively sit in meditative repose. diet and structured teaching and beach with Elio and he would share his real condition, so that it is with Each sitting session always began They said it was just so nice to just practice sessions. Each day would many interesting experiences and real understanding and recognition with Guruyoga and singing of the sit and simply “be”. Our working lives begin at dawn from about six o’clock, stories with us. The retreat felt like of one’s real state that one practices Song of Vajra to get into a centered are usually so full of movements and and end with a daily practice of Man- a celestial family gathering. It was integration of body, speech and mind and relaxed state. Participants then tension. To know the calm state is darava ganapuja in the evening. peaceful, insightful and deeply sat- for total realization or illumination. dispersed and each found a comfort- quite good progress after a few ses- Many participants reported that isfying. We should have more such It should not be by just believing or able corner, to sit and focus on an sions. This was indeed such a peace- they had enjoyed the teachings residential practice retreats”. by faith in a practice or religion that object of their own choice, in timed ful insightful retreat for practitioners blissfully and developed greater un- Indeed, Namdrolling will gather one embarks on a spiritual path. That sitting sessions of an hour each. Basi- seeking to watch their mind activities derstanding of the pranic breathing. more dakas and dakinis together in the way it is superfluous as there are cally, everyone had to find a spot or an and to discover concrete experiences, With this training, they are now able near future for more practice retreats. hundreds of beliefs and they are all object to fix their gaze on and sit in a so as to recognize their real state. relative and time based. This is a prac- relaxed position. To help more practitioners reach tice to understand through concrete In mindful silence, participants be- the state of seeing “jumping fishes” Presentation of New Book experiences, and it is totally beyond gan dutifully sitting and staring into or lhangthong, as described in the “Awakening Upon Dying”, intellectual analyses, logical concepts, the wall of their corner. After every teachings, a weekly Saturday evening The Tibetan Book of the Dead in debates and scholarly studies. hour, they took a break from sitting group practice was started in April, Singapore 2013 The participants then received and observing themselves. without further ado. instructions to practice fixation in After lunch, Cheh would continue Coordinated by Paul Gibbs and n March 22, 2013, Namdrolling a one pointed way, and understand to share experiences and correct any Audrey Ang, any practitioner who was proud to have organized what nepa is (the calm state) of the misconception of the practice. It was missed the retreat and wishes to Othe presentation of the newly 4 contemplations, i. e. an experience very interesting at the end of each learn more about the Zhinas practice, published book in Singapore’s Ean of emptiness, which is not yet the day, when everyone shared their are welcome to join Cheh and practice Keng Si Buddhist Temple. The temple state of contemplation. In Dzogchen’s experiences of the Zhinas practice. every Saturday afternoon with us in was the former practice centre of the official semde teachings of the four There was a wonderful sense of cama- Singapore. Singapore Dzogchen community, now known as Namdrolling. Elio Guarisco, who just finished Namgyalgar South teaching Longsal Tsalung retreat for Namdrolling’s seventeen participants, Mandarava Retreat at can break the practice into digestible ergy and thorough-going compassion had worked on translation of related Namgyalgar South bites. It was good to have a general instruction, to those who helped with Tibetan texts for years in close col- idea of where all fit in by the end the tea and organisation of a very laboration with our beloved maestro, Practitioners and readers were By Gary Delllora of the retreat, for future reference beneficial retreat. As Rinpoche has Chogyal Namkhai Norbu with the urged to practice diligently to develop etween 21st–27th January when we may take up a given ritual clearly pointed out changes in the support of Ka-Ter Translation project that awareness of impermanence at Namgyalgar South Vajra implement – e. g. I reserve that option practice over time, the importance of for this book. Contained in this pres- and how death is an ineluctable part Bbrothers and sisters were very for the damaru use, which is beyond knowing updates precisely cannot be ent volume are two texts from a large of our life. The fortunate practitioner fortunate to learn and strengthen me currently! The “icing on the cake” over-stressed if we which to maintain collection of teachings pertaining to will then fully benefit from the rare our Mandarava long-life practice, at a was that materials and opportunity the purity for the future Community. the subject known in Tibetan as the merit to want to seek out or at least retreat led by Elise Stutchbury. Since was offered to make our own dadar However, we know if a given visualisa- Great Liberation through Hearing and know a qualified holder of the living a Mandarava teaching webcast was to during the retreat. I found that the tion seems beyond us we do our best provided great insights and precious transmission, (like our beloved mae- be offered in February by Rinpoche, personal crafting of one’s own ritual currently working with conditions knowledge on The Profound Teaching stro) and to be able to achieve pro- January was an excellent time to implement gave special impetus and and get a general feeling for it without on Natural Liberation through Recog- found communion with the deepest refresh ourselves with what, to some, meaning to the practise. judging. We gained from seeing DVD nition of the Primordial State. levels of self. If we truly realize that at very first acquaintance, appears a Also of great benefit was the of some of Rinpoche’s more recent Participants were treated to gener- and diligently participate in teachings, practice daunting through its rich- combination of Chudlen pills with the Mandarava instruction, and realised a ous sharings of Elio’s vast knowledge with urgencies as seriously as like ness. However, when taught by Elise, practice; we ate a lighter diet and arose shorter practice requires prior strong on how the maestro had presented our hair is on fire, to recognize our with such precision and clarity in earlier in the morning possibly helped foundation in the principles of the this book as a manual of instructions primordial nature, then this book will progressive stages, the whole comes by this. Another aid with the Chudlen longer one. to guide the dying person on the dif- fulfill its objective of pointing its way together in an inspiring way even for pills was imbibing of black pepper tea, ficult path at the moment of death and to a profound method for reaching those new to it. which some of us, though finding it at the deceased person in the bewildering “Awakening Upon Dying” indeed. Starting with hand mudras and first bitter, by the retreat’s end, were post-mortem state, as he or she wan- logically progressing through use asking for seconds – positively craving ders in a confused search for a new life. of vajra, bell, dadar and damaru one it! Many thanks to Elise for her en- THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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Namgyalgar South

Dawn to Dusk - Practicing and opportunities he gives, so we may with Elio Guarisco at progress on the Dzogchen path. When Namgyalgar South we find the time to truly practice what our master teaches, we remember ev- by Jan Cornall erything we are searching for is right t’s predawn at Namgyalgar South there in Rinpoche’s hand. as shadowy figures make their This visit by Elio to Australia is Iway to the Gonpa for our six am timely, bringing fresh energy to our practice session with Santi Maha practice and activities at Namgyalgar Sangha instructor, Elio Guarisco. With North and Nam South. In the north the wood fire blazing before the day we have development projects in plan- warms up, Elio takes us through the ning: an accommodation block where thun of Gomadevi and immediately we members can purchase their own fall in love with this profound practice. apartment, singly or as a group, and a Forty-five Dzogchen practitioners are new Gonpa with views to the stunning deep in mantra recitation when sun- Glasshouse Mountains. In the south rise throws a rainbow onto the wall Jñanadakini Gomadevi Retreat with Elio Guarisco in Namgyalgar South March, 2013. Photo: G. Horner there are plans afoot for artist residen- behind Elio, illuminating the photo cies, creative retreats, dance-offs and of Rinpoche (placed on the throne in the morning starts. It seems so natural wonderful to see the response at short his visit by participating in a Tibetan workshop programs as we prepare to his absence), with a startling bright- to be awake and practicing at this time notice to such a topic, and to observe Culture event, organized by Shang celebrate Namgyalgar’s 20th Anniver- ness. Over five days, Elio transmits the as Elio takes us through the Level 1 how Elio’s experience and knowledge Shung Institute Australia in Brisbane. sary in 2014. It will be a great time to Dzogchen teachings to us in a most instructions and practices ending with in Tibetan history and culture is ap- In thanking Elio for his diligent visit Namgyalgar. We are not really as accessible way, translating the finer a Gomadevi Ganapuja each evening. preciated by the general public. guidance (and for traveling so far to de- far away as everyone thinks and you points with a keen sharpness and dry In between Elio gives a public talk From here Elio travels to Sydney for liver it), we must first thank our mas- can always break your trip with a visit humor, peppering his talks with every- on The Tibetan Book of the Dead to another public talk and onto Namgyal- ter Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for provid- to Samtenling in China (Air China has day examples and stories from his life a packed house of interested locals gar North to lead the Longsal Saltong ing not only the Santi Maha Sangha cheap fares Europe – Oz). We hope to as a translator in India and Switzerland. in the historic Tilba village hall. It is Retreat and Level 2 Training, finishing study program but all the methods see you soon! Filling our day with the four-thun rou- tine, and our minds with mantra and melody, he reminds us that practice, not mere intellectual understanding, is the way to progress in Dzogchen. Each day the Dance Mandala is also in constant use, there are Yantra Yoga sessions with Emily Coleing, lively lunches and dinners, beach visits, an Australian Gakyil meeting and Community meeting, with an impromptu concert and dance party after our final Ganapuja. The Santi Maha Sangha Level 1 Training follows with twenty practi- tioners in attendance. Daylight saving ends, bringing more light to our six in SMS Level 1 Retreat with Elio Guarisco in Namgyalgar South April 6–10, 2013. Public talk on Tibetan book of Dead with Elio Guarisco in Tilba. Photo: G. Horner

Namgyalgar North USA, New York City

Feeding Your Demons: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict with Lama Tsultrim Al- lione, March 15–16, 2013 at Tibet House, NYC. A three-way collaboration with Kundrolling, the Dzog chen Community of NYC, Tibet House, and Tara Mandala. Photo: F. Murray Namgyalgar North Saltong Tsalung Retreat with Elio Guarisco, April 18–23, 2013.

USA, New York City USA; Stockbridge

First Ever Teacher Certification for Yantra Yoga in the USA at Kripalu Yoga Center, Stockbridge Mass, USA March, 2013

he first ever Yantra Yoga Teacher Certification for people outside Tthe Dzogchen Community in the USA, taught by Fabio Andrico with assistance from Nataly Nitsche, was held at Kripalu Yoga Center in Stock - bridge Massachusetts March 2013. It was a very well received and well-attended course. Fifteen people, Fabio Andrico with the group of Yantra Yoga students on the day of the public talk by Dr. Wangmo. primarily from outside the Dzogchen Community, participated and in six material with great skill and precision, and, of There were also presentations by days Fabio miraculously managed to course, made the challenge seem softer through Dr Phuntsog Wangmo on the relation- Jim Valby in New York City march 22–23, 2013. cover a very challenging amount of his typical charm, humor and stories. >> continued on the following page THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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USA; Stockbridge Tsegyalgar West

>> continued from previous page lowed by Chöd, and the Yantra Yoga ship of Tibetan Medicine and Yantra participants. Yoga, the five elements and pranas, Most of the participants look forward and an introduction to Buddhism giv- to the follow up courses that will lead en by Lama Tsultrim Allione. The par- to certification and were very impressed ticipants enjoyed these presentations with the depth and unique quality immensely and found them helpful in found in the practice of Yantra Yoga and understanding the profound nature of the instruction of Fabio Andrico. this Tibetan yoga they had entered into studying. These presentations greatly enhanced the overall level of material covered in the training. There was a nice mingling of the students of Lama Tsultrim, who were there for a course in Feeding Your Demons fol- Dream Yoga with Michael Katz at Tsegyalgar West, Baja February 8–10, 2013.

Mexico USA, Berkeley >>Dondrubling

Moxa. Program of Tibetan Medicine with Pulse course. Program of Tibetan Medicine Malcom Smith and Osa Mannel Mexico city with Malcom Smith and Osa Mannel Mexico March 15–17, 2013 Vajra Dance of Six Spaces course with Carisa O'Kelly at Dondrubling in Berkeley, CA. and Tepoztlan, March 19–April 14, 2013. city and Tepoztlan, March 19–April 14, 2013. USA, Portland Tashigar Norte

Introduction to Yantra Yoga with Dina Priymak February 8–10, 2013 Tashigar Norte, Isla Marga- Vajra Dance Open Course, Six Spaces of Samantabhadra, Zoomtopia, Portland, OR, USA, April 22–24, 2013 Photo: Jerene rita, Venezuela.

Tashigar Norte Tashigar Sur

This are the people who participate to the Vajra Dance course with Bodhi Krause in Tashigar North from 18 to 23 of march. The course has given the opportunity to deepen and practice together focus on particular lines and steps answering questions and practice with body speech and mind. Santi Maha Sangha First Level Training, April 1–8, 2013 in Tashigar South.

Tashigar Sur Argentina, Tanti

First Level YYTT in Tashigar South with Fabio Andrico April 9-14, 2013. Yantra Yoga Demonstration in Tanti as part of a performance evening. THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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Peru, Lima

Public Presentation of Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance in Lima, Peru April 13, 2013

By Issa Cox and Jimena Piedra Vajra Dance and Yantra Yoga Instructors

ast Saturday everything fell into the right place for an amazing Land very special experience for the first public presentation of Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance in Lima, Perú. Chöd Retreat in Lima, Peru with Steve Landsberg, February 10–12 and 17–19, 2013. We tried to organize a public presentation a long time ago, but As time was passing we observed Then Gianfranco made a very because of different circumstances old and new faces gathering around brief explanation of the Vajra Dance it was not possible. On this occasion, the Mandala. After the twelve chimes and we started to dance the Dance we received the authorization of the of the church on the corner, we started of the Liberation of the Six Spaces town hall of Miraflores just one week with Yantra Yoga. Six Yantra Yoga prac- of Samantabadra, just three turns. before the presentation! We were so titioners got into their places in the Looking from inside the Mandala it excited as it was the perfect time to Mandala, three men and three women, was magical.... suddenly the nervous- promote the upcoming retreat of our and Gianfranco started to explain the ness of the initial movements disap- beloved Master. movements as the practitioners were peared and everything flowed in a The presentation took place in a exhibited the movements for about of very harmonious way. The sound of centrally located and beautiful park seventeen minutes. It was really spe- the six syllables reached every space, called El Reducto. Here, every Saturday, cial, looking from the outside, it was the trees, the wind, the earth, all the there is mainly an organic food market like we were all breathing at the same people and animal around us!! What a where a lot of people are interested in We arrived early, at 10 am, to get placed the Mandala in the grass under time. When you looked around you beautiful moment! health. Also there are different kinds everything ready as the presentation the shade of some trees. We decided could see some people trying to imitate We give you this information with of presentations related to yoga, tai chi, was scheduled for 12 pm. We gave to use a very beautiful old hand paint- the movements and the children were the joy that we feel to belong to this music, dance and cultural activities for away flyers of the retreat, set up the ed Mandala as the colors looked very also moving around us. Really nice! fortunate Community and we send the local community’s well being. electric connections for the sound and clear, like colors around us. infinite love to our Master.

Programs

Merigar West

Dance Holiday an introductory course and want to Children 6–12: 100 euro includes all After the success of the Yoga Holiday shops, theatre, working with the For Adults & Children work on the Dance of the Three Vajras activities, organic lunch and snacks last year, Merigar West is offering an- voice, with colours, Tibetan dance etc. Merigar West July 21–27 and the Dance of the Six Liberations. supervised by a childminder. other Yoga Holiday this summer. The All sessions will be in Italian. Activities for children run paral- program for adults will be divided ne week to rediscover your lel to those for adults and the daily Info and booking: ++39 0564 96 68 37 into a base course with purification Costs for the week: vitality through practising the program will start with Yantra Yoga [email protected] breathing, rhythmic breathing, loos- Usual discounts for members and for OVajra Dance, with games, cre- for children and continue with work- www.dzogchen.it ening the joints, purifying the prana, bookings before July 15 and for enroll- ative workshops and yoga for children. shops, theatre, working with the five yantras and a more advanced ing 2 children or more. After the continued success of the voice, with colours, Tibetan dance etc. * * * course for those who have already Adults: 300 euro includes all guided Yoga Holiday, Merigar West is offering All sessions will be in Italian. attended an introductory course with activities and organic lunch. a Dance Holiday at Merigar West for Yoga Holiday in-depth work on the preliminary Children 6–12: 100 euro includes the first time this summer. The pro- Costs for the week: For Adults & Children exercises, yantras of the first, second yantra Yoga for children, all activities, gram for adults will include sessions Usual discounts for members and for Merigar West August 4–10 and third series, pranayama and the organic lunch and snacks supervised of guided meditation, teaching on the bookings before July 5 and for enroll- Vajra Wave. by a childminder. Vajra Dance and afternoon practice ses- ing 2 children or more. ne week to renew your en- Activities for children run paral- sions. There will be two Dance classes: Adults: 300 euro includes all guid- ergy with Yantra Yoga, in the lel to those for adults and the daily Info and booking: ++39 0564 96 68 37 base level to learn the Dance of the Six ed activities and organic lunch. Oheart of the countryside, with program will start with Yantra Yoga [email protected] Liberations and a more advanced level games, creative workshops and yoga for children and continue with work- www.dzogchen.it for those who have attended at least for children.

France

8–12 May, Marseille 28 April, Paris 15–16 June, Saint Affrique Open course of Yantra Yoga Vajra Dance Retreat Vajra Dance retreat with Stella Rungen supervised by (Venue: DanceFloor) information: Laura Evangelisti Information: [email protected] [email protected] contact: [email protected] 11–12 May, Paris * * * 18, 19, 20 May, Dejamling Yantra Yoga deepening Santi Maha Sangha course course 108 of Dejamling – 15 Years of on the 7th Lojong for advanced students the French Ling, with Oliver Leick with Jesus Martinez July 7–August 31, 2013 contact: [email protected] 2nd Series/revision 3rd Series Pranayama series 1/rhythmic breathing Reserve time for practice and relax- 25–27 May, Dejamling Information & enrolment: ing on holiday at Dejamling, South of Vajra Dance retreat [email protected] France! Dejamling celebrates 15 years! contact : [email protected] Holidays and practices! “Discover the 31 May–2 June, Paris Treasure of our Real Nature in Dejam- August 8–11 August 16-24 30 May/4 June, Dejamling Dance of the 3 Vajras Course ling” from July 7–August 31!!! For adults Tibetan Songs and Dances 108 Chöd collaboration Yantra Yoga 2nd level with Nadia Poureau and children. Come and enjoy with us with Topgyal and Tsering with Cvetko Jovanovic with Zhenya Rud, for advanced contact Gabriela [email protected] the Summer of “the 108 of Dejamling!”: Children can discover of our won- students August 10–11 derful nature and there will be trea- 1–2 June, Marseille August 1–7 Open day of Dzogchen sure hunting for all!!! Also mandala 5–9 June Vajra Dance retreat “Mandala of Pamo and Pawo” Community and Open Day of painting and Kumar Kumari. Pranayama and Yantra Yoga information: deepening course of Vajra ASIA and demonstrations of Also there is a possibility to do Retreat [email protected] Dance of Song of Vajra Vajra Dance, Yantra Yoga and dark retreat! Be most welcome!!! with Zhenya Rud with Luda Kislichenko and Tibetan Dances contact: [email protected] Stoffelina Verdonk Information: [email protected] THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

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UK Kunsangar South Kunsangar North

Song of the Vajra Part One If you know the Dance and wish to Courses and events in July 27 to August 1 at Kunselling attend for less than the full course Kunsangar South in Supervision of 4 candidates to Monday June 3rd 10.00 am contact the Organiser. summer 2013 become instructors of Vajra to Saturday June 8th There is a reduction for those Dance camping and those opting to stay June 18 to 23 on the Dance of the Six Spaces of his course is taught by Cindy off site. If anyone wishes to attend Retreat of Longsal Thugthig Samantabhadra will be held. Faulkner every two years and is this course and is finding finance an of Jnanadhakini T a wonderful opportunity to be- obstacle please contact the Dance with Enzo Terzano July 19 to 26 gin or deepen your knowledge of Vajra Organiser in confidence to discuss Retreat with Chögyal Dance. We will use the new dance options jane.weston@dzogchencom July 10 to 18 Namkhai Norbu floor at Kunselling for the first time! munityuk.org Yantra Yoga Level 2 To take this course it is necessary To book please send a non refund- Teacher Training 27 July–1 August to be a member of the Community able deposit of £ 30 via the Dzogchen SMS Base Exam and and you can join prior to the Retreat Community website, uly 10 to 18 there will be a Yan- First Level Training by contacting our membership sec- www.dzogchencommunityuk.org tra Yoga Second Level Teacher retary Raf Portas: memberships@ JTraining under the guidance of pplications are accepted till dzogchencommunityuk.org the instructors of international levels, July 1. If you apply before May unsangar North is happy to Fabio Andrico and Laura Evangelisti, A1 then your request regarding announce the forthcoming Costs Czech Republic >>Phendeling at Kunsangar South. This training the date of your exam will be consid- Kretreat with Chögyal Namkhai Ordinary member £ 300 (Accommo- is mainly for Yantra Yoga First Level ered. If you apply later then you will be Norbu Rinpoche. The retreat will be dation £ 72, Teaching £ 174, Food £ 54) We would like to invite you to Phen- instructors who intend to become in- assigned the date which is available. In held from the 28th of June till the 5th Kunselling Package £ 288 (Accommo- deling, Czech Republic for other parts structors of the Second Level and who case of too many applicants the exam of July 2013. dation £ 60, Teaching £ 174 Food £ 54) of the Course the Dance of will be given special attention during will start on July 28 or even on 27. The teaching is “Green Tara prac- Reduced £ 234 (Accommodation £ 72, Song of the Vajra. the course. If you intend to take the exam, tice according to the methods of Teaching £ 108, Food £ 54) information on filling out your appli- Outer Tantras combined with Anu- Sustaining £ 150 (Accommodation £ 48, Second part July 26 to August 2 cation form and the exam procedure yoga and its Ngang Gom instruc- Teaching £ 48, Food £ 54) July 4–7, 2013 Vajra Dance Level 1 is on the Kunsangar South website – tions”. It will be in open webcast. Meritorious £ 84 (Accommodation £ 30, Third part Teacher Training http://kunsangar.org/en/sms/ Rinpoche will arrive in Moscow Teaching £ 0, Food £ 54) October 25–28, 2013 on the 25th of June at 7. 45 a.m., at Reduced Kunselling Package £ 222 rom July 26 to August 2 there August 2 to 9 Scheremetevo airport, and will go (Accommodation £ 60, Teaching £ 108, Contact [email protected] for more will be a Vajra Dance First Level Santi Maha Sangha Training, directly to Kunsangar North. Food £ 54) information and registration. FTeacher Training under the 1st level Detailed information about retreat guidance of the instructor Adriana Dal will appear soon on kunsangar.org. North America Borgo at Kunsangar South. Practitio- All useful information about South You can also contact Kunsangar ners who intend to become instructors Kunsangar (how to get ect.) on the North Gakyil by e-mail of the First Level of the Vajra Dance website: [email protected]. are invited to participate in the course. http://retreat.kunsangar.org/en/

Siberia

The Hotel in Irkutsk with break- fast for 5 days, the lunch and dinner in Irkutsk for 5 days, 3 days course of complete breathing in Irkutsk, trans- port to the Island of Olhon by bus and ferry and back, the stay on the Olhon island including breakfast, lunch and dinner, the 7-day intensive Yantra Yoga retreat, and the two excursions during this retreat. Upcoming Retreats with Community will meet and apply the Not included in the price are: the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu May 31–June 2, NYC, NY International Yantra Yoga practices of Yantra Yoga in the beauti- personal expenses, insurance and in North America [email protected] Event ful and spiritually powerful places of the tickets to Irkutsk, which should the Baikal region. be bought by participants depending May 17–19, Los Angeles June 7–12, Tsegyalgar East, Conway MA he Gakyil of the city of Irkutsk, The global price for the complete from their departure place. [email protected] [email protected] southern Siberia, in collabora- journey is 1250 euros / 1660 dollars / If you want to participate in the Ttion with Evgeny Rud, Instructor 51000 rubels. planned tour, please communicate us May 24–26, June 14-21, Tsegyalgar East, Conway MA of Yantra Yoga 2nd level, are organiz- 10 % discount is applied if you in- your intention as soon as possible so Tara Mandala, Pagosa Springs Colorado Level 2 Santi Maha Sangha Training ing an international Yantra Yoga event scribe before the 10th of June. that we can organize well! [email protected] [email protected] from August 15th–26th 2013. Par- Included in the price of the event Write to: ticipants of the international Dzogchen is all the following: [email protected]

Tsegyalgar East

Chögyal Namkai Norbu: primitive and undeveloped, this book healing practices, music, and magical A History of Zhang shares the rich cultural origins of divination techniques, Norbu con- Zhung and Tibet the kingdom of Zhang Zhung – the tributes to an understanding of the Wednesday, May 29th @ 6 p.m. “cradle of Tibetan culture,” which roots of Tibetan Buddhist culture and at the Rubin Museum encompassed a vast area of Western modern-day Bon religion – a practice Free with admission and Northern Tibet in an area that followed by an estimated ten percent http://www.rmanyc.org/events/ includes sacred Mount Kailash. of Tibetans. load/2194 Presenting the meticulous re- search of internationally known About the Speaker 5–7 p.m. Himalayan Happy Hour, Dzogchen Buddhist teacher and Born in Eastern Tibet in 1938, Chögyal 6 p.m. Bon tour of the galleries (free scholar Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, the Namkhai Norbu is an internationally with the purchase of a book), 7 p.m. book investigates the mysteries of known Dzogchen Buddhist teacher www.jcrows.com Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gives a Zhang Zhung’s Bon religion, a set and author. The direct descendant of short talk, followed by book signing of shamanistic and animistic beliefs the first Dzogchen Tibetan master of and practices only recently studied Tibet, Norbu is a former professor of J. Crow’s® History of Zhang Zhung and by a handful of academic scholars. Tibetan and Mongolian language and Mulling Spice Folk Medicine Tibet, Volume One explores Offering a critical analysis of a vast literature at the University of Naples Tibetan Medicine A ancient Tibet’s Zhang Zhung array of literary and primary sources, L’Orientale. He is the founder of two kingdom and the Bon religion, which Norbu discusses the role of the Bon nonprofit organizations including the SpicedCider.com preceded the advent of Buddhism traditions within Zhang Zhung’s lin- Shang Shung Institute, which is dedi- fax or phone: 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965 in the seventh century. Countering eages, dynasties, and culture. Examin- cated to the preservation of Tibetan [email protected] the long-held idea that Tibet’s pre- ing Zhang Zhung’s written language, culture. He lives in Arcidosso, Italy. Buddhist indigenous culture was sacred ornaments, rock carvings, THE MIRROR · No. 121 · March, April 2013

She told me that I should meet Chö- gyal Namkhai Norbu and that there was How I Met this retreat being held in Baja California, Mexico. I was undecided, but slowly some- thing changed, and feeling a strange appeal, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu I went. After having given my brave car to a Nicolas Brenon welcoming family in New Mexico, I crossed the border and reached Cabo San Lucas. It met Rinpoche in 2004 in Baja Califor- Climbing mountains, crossing rivers, was now March and Rinpoche was about to nia. One year earlier, March 2003, a great swimming in remote lakes, feeling the give a Longsal teaching. I change came to my life, a long expected mysterious deepness under our feet, all that I was waiting for this event to happen. change. I was 24, living in France, trying to was like a profound healing. So close to meeting the Master, literally on smile in front of what is considered correct, The road trip started in the northeast, my way, destiny played tricks on me, near- of what is supposed to be. At that time I to the top of Terre Neuve, where Northern ly throwing me off my path. While I was wasn’t satisfied with my life or myself. That Lights were dancing in a dark sky. We then camping on a beach, a few days before the was my situation. traveled over the plains to reach the Rocky D-day, I came across two Mexican guys, or So I decided to work hard to save some Mountains. It was Christmas time, we stuck rather, they came across me! Two guys who money to travel. The idea was to go to Can- to the West, crossing the border of the were actually on the run from the police, ada, to work there and see what would hap- United States, with our destination being which I realized too late as I was already pen next. In March 2003 I took a boat from San Francisco. Mt. Shasta is an old volcano, an ever-white under threat! They wanted money, I wanted Marseille and left for a new world, that I How wonderful the landscapes in the giant that hugely influences anyone that to be safe. In the heart of the night, wait- was convinced would shed light on what west are! How much diversity! comes across it. ing for them to sleep deeply, I flew, and for was sleeping deep inside. We finally reached the “City of the Gold- I spent 2 months there, doing different hours I walked on the beach, happy and So, I arrived in Quebec, found a job and en Gate”; at that point, my friend decided to kinds of meditation. As all these “spiritual grateful to be free. At dawn I reached the bought a car with a very good friend of go to Peru and I, to stay in California, as this activities” were new to me, I felt at times a retreat and pitched my tent gently on the mine. We transformed a Chrysler voyager place had a pull on me. little sceptical, but, nevertheless, I went on beach beside a Buddhist nun; she had an into a house on wheels. After 6 months of Along my path, I came to know one to have experiences that were useful and air of calmness. I felt very happy there. work, we were ready to go into the wild, place that I shall never forget: Mt. Shasta. sincere. It was one evening at sunset, when I saw Canada being the perfect place to feel the It was here that I first heard the name of March was approaching and I felt the Rinpoche for the first time. power of “mother earth”. our Master and of his precious teachings. need to leave, to follow the road to Mexico. I was sitting on the beach; the sky was So, enjoying this new freedom, we went Mt. Shasta is not only a New Age place, it Just before leaving, I met a practitioner from burning with reddish colors, just like in to several national parks, where wolves and has been a sacred site for the native Indians Quebec from the Dzogchen Community some watercolor paintings. He was on his bears still live as they have done for mil- for a very long time and, ever since, rituals who had lived for some time in Mt. Shasta. way to swim in the Ocean with Fabio and lenniums. and ceremonies have been performed there. other practitioners. When an ocean enters an ocean, time and space disappear. I knew my life had begun. After a wonderful retreat, Rinpoche went to see the land that would become Tsegyal- Continuum Staring at My White Ceiling in 1996 gar West. To be there and witness the com- ing of Rinpoche in that magical surround- ing was very interesting! Long after the dead have left Max Corradi The trees, the rivers, the animals; ev- we continue, erybody was deeply touched by this land! I long after the numb the bitter At last I found peace I feel no boundar- peaceful being with the universe. The mind wish that everybody can enjoy and under- the emptiness so hollow ies, earth is my mother, Eternity my fa- at rest and the heart riding on the wings stand the value of such a place. it may as well be all of space – ther. At last my heart is at rest, for a mo- of an angel cruising around voluptuous we are still here, ment I found peace in myself. Such peace, moons. At last, one moment of peace and and we are living. so unexpected and so becoming. Just a mo- there no anger, no hate, no sorrow, no joy, Knots of memory ment of peace and there no sorrow. no joy, no loss, no shame, no pride, no fear, NO! Just release into the sky no pain, nothing. The emptiness of not be- weightless peace and love, peaceful love. At like birds ing entangled with the rich fullness of be- last a moment of peace, a moment of peace spinning and opening in the current ing. A moment of peaceful awareness, eter- with love. as if that’s all there is nity that finds its own meaning, and there and life depends on it I see my soul enlightened by love, pure love. Such peace and no tears, so much love this brief opportunity and no pain, the deepest loneliness without to fly. regrets, for a moment I found my peace in the loneliness of being. For a moment my past has vanished into eternity, at last the ©sue fielding 2013 simplicity of peace in oneself needless of thoughts. At last no feelings but the one of

A Flower in a Box Birthday Poem

There is a Flower in a Box When Love is still We cannot see it but a cloud Our Limitations prefer one feels like in Heaven When looking at the Box a happy bouncing cloud to imagine a Flower dark and dry passionately searching to meet and merge Our Limitations prefer When looking at the Flower Like when meeting my beloved spiritual Teacher to imagine the Box dark and evil my Master makes me jump Conditioned by judgemental thoughts and my fall is always back Unforgiving in the attachment to a view into his or her compassionate Presence Suffering in the illusion of seeing all separate unconditioned by my ego’s play Hoping to avoid what we judge seeing in the Box Fearing to become what we judge being a Box Heaven with or without clouds Creating infinite Lifetimes in this activity so is Love to you and you One Moment! Why follow a vision Seeing a flower in a box In the first place?

Tenerife – 22. 11. 2012 – by Prima Mai Camogli 7. 12. 2012 – by Prima Mai