Newsletter of the Buddhist Centers

SPRING/SUMMER 2001 VOL. 10

Teaching Schedule of Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab &Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche

May 26-28 Padma Samye Ling DREAM : Actualizing the Clear Light Luminosity. May 29-June 2 Padma Samye Ling Workshop June 15-17 Tennessee Teachings & Empowerment on Death & Dying June 23 & 24 NYC 222 Bowery Empowerment of Four Armed Golden Manjushri July 21-29 Padma Samye Ling Annual Summer Retreat: Empowerments of Guru Padmasambhava and Queen of Great Bliss. Teachings on Queen of Great Bliss. July 30-Aug 5 Padma Samye Ling Self Development Dzogchen Retreat. SEVEN NAILS OF DZOGCHEN BY SHRI SINGHA. Aug 11-Aug 19 Padma Samye Ling Tibetan Language Program Sept 1-7 Padma Samye Ling Week of Calm Abiding & October 6-8 Padma Samye Ling Nyungne Retreat

For more information please call or write In Memoriam - Chimed Namgyal Padmasambhava Buddhist Center P.O. Box 1533, Old Chelsea Station On the afternoon of the 11th day of the First Month of Tibetan Iron Snake Year New York, NY 10011 2128, during the first week of the auspicious Miracle Month, Venerable Lama 212.683.4958 Chimed Namgyal, wearing his robes and sitting in the meditation position, Padma Samye Ling Retreat Center passed from this earthly realm into parinirvana and rested in the clear light of (Upstate New York) the Dharmakaya State. Khen Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsewang, Ani Lorraine and [email protected] Mimi Bailey were present when Lama entered parinirvana. At that moment, the 607.865.8068 character lines left Lama’s face and his complexion glowed, exhibiting a much younger appearance. There was a profound stillness in the room and www.padmasambhava.org Vajrasattva practice continued. (Cont’d page 3) MESSAGE FROM THE KHENPOS

Pema Mandala Dear Sangha Friends, The Newsletter of Tashi Deleks! The Padmasambhava Buddhist Centers Nyingmapa Lineage of Tibetan We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude for all your support during the passing of our dear father. From the samsara point of view this was one of the saddest chapters of our lives. From the point of view he died with the same dignity and glory as great practitioners of ancient times. Instead of being frightened or sad of his departure, he encouraged us during his last moments. He said to us, “Every human being’s life has its limitation and I have reached its highest point. I have fulfilled all my goals therefore I have no regrets. I leave this body with a vision and a goal so, my dear sons, do not be sad.” For us he was more than a father. He was teacher and also our mother since she died earlier on in our lives. For us he was also like a lion. He left this world like a lion, without Founding Directors hope or fear, leaving us all with the legacy of the lion-like . Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche (L) Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche (R) We are so appreciative and thankful for all the support throughout this time expressed by your kind phone calls, faxes, e-mails, letters, and truly beneficial prayers. Acting Editor We would also like to thank Nancy Ash, former Editor of Pema Mandala , for the many Rita Frizzell editions that have been produced. All her works and past efforts have benefited many and brought a tremendous source of inspiration for practice. Contributing Editor Ani Lorraine O’Rourke We are also thankful to Ruth McMahon and others who are working to bring forth this and future editions of Pema Mandala . This serves to connect and strengthen Contributing Writers Padmasambhava Buddhist Center and expands beyond to all directions of the ever Ruth McMahon unfolding lotus mandala. Cynthia Friend Beth Wilber We wish you all the best of health and that your practice flourish. Dolly Carlisle With our best wishes, love and prayers, Ani Lorraine O’Rourke Nancy Ash Yours in the Dharma, Khenpo Palden Sherab Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Photography Ani Lorraine O’Rourke Transition. It is the As for me, I am experiencing a little bit of Rita Frizzell Letter shifting, the passing from transition of my own, as it is time for me to from the one condition, form or pass the Editor’s hat to two sangha members – activity to another. We all first to Rita Frizzell, Coordinator from PBC- Contact editor experience transition in Tennessee, redesigning and editing this issue, PEMA MANDALA NEWSLETTER our lives – in varying and then to Ruth McMahon, Coordinator of the P.O. Box 526 degrees – and we cannot avoid these changes. new West Florida sangha, who becomes Editor Sarasota, Florida 34203-0526 They are a vital part of life, and as practitioners with the next issue. Please offer support to (941) 758-9536 of the precious Dharma teachings of Dzogchen, them as they creatively work to keep this [email protected] we know that deep in our hearts, transition is a newsletter thriving. great teacher, helping us not to accept or reject, Those of us who were fortunate enough to not to cling or grasp, but instead, to rest the know Lama Chimed, to sit at the feet of this www.padmasambhava.org mind in its own true nature. realized , to hear him recite Kuntuzangpo’s We honor the memory of our cherished yogi, prayer on special occasions, and to receive his Lama Chimed Namgyal, father of our Ven. countless blessings even to the end, are in awe Khenpos Rinpoche, who passed recently with a of his legacy. May we all develop the Pema Mandala welcomes all contributions and articles most extraordinary, graceful exit, leaving us with realizations that Lama achieved. for consideration for publication. Please send submissions relics of tremendous inspiration and vajra I want to wish you all the best, and thank you to Ruth McMahon at the above address. courage. His transition, as well as his entire life for your help and kindness, and all of the Deadline for the next issue is August 20, 2001. of dedicated practice, taught us all so much. beautiful letters and messages you have sent me © Copyright 2000 by The Padmasambhava Buddhist Center It is with this spirit that I would like to dedicate through these past six years publishing this International. Material in this publication is copyrighted and may this tenth issue of Pema Mandala to the great newsletter for the Padmasambhava Buddhist not be reproduced by photocopy or any other means without master Lama Chimed Namgyal, who tirelessly Centers. I feel immense joy for the opportunity written permission. prayed for all of us – day and night – dedicating to have served in this way. his life to all sentient beings. – Nancy Ash, West Palm Beach Sangha

2 IN MEMORIAM - LAMA CHIMED NAMGYAL (Continued from page 1) worldwide held special practices during the 49 days and individual members recited thousands of to honor Lama Chimed. The Miracle Stupa that is being constructed in Sravasti, will be dedicated, in part, to Lama Chimed Namgyal and his relics will be enshrined there. Since Lama’s passing, more than $10,000 has been donated to this project in his honor. Additional donations can be sent to: Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, P.O. Box 1533, Old Chelsea Station, NY 10011. The Khenpos express their deep gratitude to all who participated in the special practices for Lama before and during the 49 days after his passing and to those who honored Lama by contributing to the Sravasti Stupa Project that was so close to Lama Chimed’s heart. Over the next three days, until it was “In this world, at this time, Lama Chimed was a wonderful father to necessary to move Lama to the crematory, there are many people the Khenpos and served as a role model his body was not touched and one of the and inspiration to them. Lama exemplified PBC members who entered his room to who are suffering. devotion to the Dharma, courage, sit with him, some 24 hours after his commitment, love and compassion to his passing, reported that if she had not May I become the substitute sons and to all who had the privilege to known that Lama had passed, she would for their illness. be in his presence during his lifetime and have thought he was meditating – just as at the time of his passing. We are grateful we had observed many times over the May the six realms be free to Lama Chimed for his wisdom in taking years that he lived at Mandarava House. from suffering and his family to India in the 1950s when he recognized that Guru Padmasambhava’s When Lama was moved to the crematory the cause of suffering.” on the third day, his skin was tender, prediction of difficult times for Tibet was smooth and youthful and his body was as coming true. His wisdom ultimately flexible as a living person. Following brought us three teachers, Khen Rinpoche Lama’s cremation, the Khenpos found As is the custom when a realized master and Khenpo Tsewang in the early 80s and relics among his remains. As stated in the passes, 49 days of special practices and himself in 1989. How blessed we are and by Buddha Shakyamuni and Guru pujas followed Lama’s passing, using have been! Padmasambhava, these signs are Peaceful and Wrathful Buddha Sadhanas I will miss seeing Lama Chimed again this indications that a highly realized being and the Buddha Amitabha Sadhana. lifetime, but when I – and others – least has passed to the Dharmakaya State. Special practices were held at the Palm expect it, Lama’s presence is manifested in Beach Dharma Center following Lama’s Although Lama Chimed had been in some beautiful way and we know that he cremation. Several memorial tributes were will be with us, guiding us by his example failing health for a year, to the amazement given in Lama’s honor and they are being of his doctors, he had tolerated radiation until we have reached enlightenment – no transcribed so that they can be published matter how many lifetimes it takes. Then, and chemotherapy without the usual side in the Fall Issue of Pema Mandala . effects. He continued practicing, at the moment that we reach the meditating, doing prostrations – and The Khenpos remained in West Palm dharmakaya state, we will be greeted in doing push ups at Dreher Park – until the Beach for a week following Lama’s Dewachen by Buddha Amitabha with end of his life. Lama’s love and passing, holding afternoon and evening Lama Chimed by his side. And, Lama will compassion was felt by all who visited practices at Mandarava House. The be laughing and shaking his head and O him and, as a true , his love remainder of the 49 days was spent in saying, “I don’t know.” and compassion was evident when he practice at Padma Samye Ling Retreat – Pema Yanu Gha (Ruth McMahon) said the following words three days before Center in Delaware County, New York. PBC of West Florida his passing: Padmasambhava Buddhist Centers

3 PBC WINTER RETREAT Shower of Blessings

by Cynthia Friend • West Palm Beach, Florida, January 20-27, 2001

detailed and extremely helpful he subject of this year’s outline of a framework for one’s Winter Retreat was the daily practice. They went through sadhana of the Shower of T the correct way to awaken and Blessings . This important start the day, the four thun or school sadhana of Guru meditation periods, the proper Padmasambhava was revealed as conclusion of the day, one’s the union of kama and terma from preparation for sleep, and the the mind of the great 19th century essential . terton Mipham Nampar Gyalwa. Mipham Rinpoche was the most The next day, about 80 retreatants recent emanation of one of Guru were present to receive the Padmasambhava’s heart students, ’ short teaching on the Nub Sangye Yeshe. He, in turn, life of Guru Padmasambhava, was an emanation of stressing his importance to Manjushrimitra, the great practitioners of all the Tibetan practitioner who was the foremost lineages, and his continuous student of Garab Dorje. The availability to assist practitioners Shower of Blessings sadhana in our times. They instructed us incorporates the essential practices to receive the empowerment with of all three Inner . two motivations, the Vastness Khenchen Palden Sherab Motivation of , and the Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Purity Motivation of skillful means. Dongyal Rinpoche used their Since pure motivation cannot be commentary on the sadhana as a maintained in a world of dualities, framework for deepening our they urged us, at this moment of devotion to Guru Rinpoche and meeting the , to go back for expanding our understanding to our original states and begin to of the extraordinary practices of Guru Padmasambhava perceive the universe beyond the , the Anuyoga, and dualities. After a brief talk about the Atiyoga or Dzogchen. apologize in advance for any errors and the lineage of the teaching, they gave the empowerment of the Shower The Rinpoches, always gracious in their misstatements. of Blessings. understanding, and patient with our The first teaching period was devoted to limited capacities and our difficulties in helping us strengthen our connection to Their detailed commentary on the text grasping profound insights, started right Guru Padmasambhava by explaining the began on Monday with a description of a at Step 1– the motivation, or kun long – importance of the Lama as the Root of all simple visualization practice for Guru and took us once again through “the blessings and realizations. Within the Yoga. However, their primary focus at the basics.” They cautioned us at the start to Vajrayana, the Three Jewels are all beginning was to remind us of the avoid self-criticism in our practice, and summarized within the Lama, Guru attitude of renunciation, the lo dog nam stressed the importance of joy, Padmasambhava. His mind is the Buddha, zhi , or “Four Thoughts that Reverse the appreciation and confidence, and of his speech, the Dharma, and his body, the Mind.” By looking carefully at our own looking for the learning value in our Sangha. Similarly, Guru Padmasambhava circumstances we can become certain mistakes. They then systematically worked as the Root of Blessing embodies all that these four statements are simple, their way, as the week passed, all the way , as the Root of Accomplishment plain wisdom. The teachers described the through the Nine Yanas to the subtle and embodies all deities, and as the Root of qualities that make our human existences sublime ultimate teachings of the Activity embodies all dakinis. precious, from which joy and gratitude Dzogchen. I will attempt to summarize will arise. In talking of impermanence, the teachings from my written notes, and Then the Khenpos gave a concise, they stressed that, as we all know, too

4 often we see only what we want to see, on, they went through the text line by Mahayoga practice and view. They taught and thus never let ourselves “see” the line, and because of space limitations it that the basic way to understand the rollercoaster of impermanence. They said won’t be possible to do more than point Mahayoga view, meditation, and practice not to use either the “monkey’s policy” in out a few key aspects from the richness of is that, when the curtains of duality are which it covers its eyes with its paws their teachings. However, audiotapes were removed from our minds, we become able while stealing tsampa, or the “ostrich’s made and the full set of teachings is being to see everything as dieties and pure policy.” transcribed. lands, and to see nature as the dynamic display of wisdom and compassion. Thus The preliminary portions of the Shower of They quoted Shantideva, “Having perfect we actualize the Nirmanakaya. Blessings practice sadhana (Refuge, conditions of shamatha, actualize Bodhicitta, and Ten-Branch Prayers) are vipassyana,” and how the qualities of the In the next phase, the Khenpos explained vajra words of Guru Padmasambhava and zhi ne or shamatha and the lhag tong or the characteristics and methods of the Yeshe Tsogyal as repeated by great tertons vipassyana become, in Vajrayana Anuyoga. Starting with the Buddhist Nyima Odzer, Chokyi Wangchuk, Karma terminology, the kye rim or Creation Stage cosmology of the origin of this universe Lingpa, and other great masters. The and the dzog rim or Completion/Dissolving and the five elements, they then described teachers explained the temporal benefits Stage. While in the Dissolving Stage the the development of the human body from of taking refuge as “settling” ourselves, subject/object is emptiness, it is always conception through the embryonic stages. establishing and maintaining the They elucidated the origins and structure connection to our spiritual path, as well of the channels and the , and they as acquiring more patience, understanding described the vajra structure of the body. and mindfulness, and being able to Then they gave a simple practice for handle difficulties better. Bodhicitta is the cleansing the channels and untying their only cause for reaching . knots. Later, the commentary moved to Without it, our peacefulness of mind and When the curtains of the karmic winds and the wisdom winds, body will always be lacking, and we duality are removed from and they instructed us in a simple practice cannot keep spiritual values. With for gently releasing the karmic winds and bodhicitta, our capacities, skillfulness and our minds, we become concentrating the wisdom winds while wisdom will increase. At the same time, it able to see everything as visualizing certain colors and one’s inner is important not to let periods of structure. They stressed that it is distraction or loss of concentration dieties and pure lands, important to do all the anuyoga practices discourage us. In the jungle of samsara, and to see nature as the very carefully, as they can cause serious this happens to us all, even good instability if done incorrectly or by those practitioners. Using the refuge tree dynamic display of who are not ready. Also, in moving deeper visualization lets us connect with the wisdom and compassion. into the Inner Tantra practices, the deities, both as witnesses and supports. Thus we actualize the bodhicitta motivation and pure conduct Tonglen practice helps us to open our become ever more important. hearts and minds without boundaries. Nirmanakaya. The thigle or essences can be thought of The Refuge is the root, and Bodhicitta is in several ways; as sources of nutrition or the trunk, and these support the Ten radiance, or as the union of the two Branches of the Accumulation of Merit. truths, or as the union of true nature and The Khenpos explained that it is a special great equanimity. The primordial wisdom important to understand this emptiness, practice of the Nyingma lineage, from thigle is pervasive, without shape or form, never as a blank or dark nothingness, but Guru Padmasambhava, to add these three and without subject/object division. as a state of constant transformations and Branches—the Invocation and the However, the conception thigles – wind infinite freedom. Invitation to Reside, at the beginning, and thigle, substance thigle, and sound thigle the Aspiration at the end— to the We start the practice by saying the “Ah” – arise from delusions and fabrications, traditional Seven Branches. Here, the which is the door of the unborn true give rise to conception, then pervade the aspiration is that every being may attain nature. The visualization is developed 72,000 channels of the body. The two perfect vajra nature, and perfect true through the three , the true compounded thigles are the white and red awareness. nature , the all-arising samadhi, elements, originating from one’s human and the causal or seed samadhi, which are parents, which are supported by the With these teachings, the Khenpos had none other than the three kayas, and activities of the body in the seven steps of completed the foundation, or the which remove the three habitual patterns the assimilation of nutrition from foods. preliminaries, and prepared us to begin of death, bardo, and . The Khenpos The primary practice on the thigle is the the study of the Shower of Blessings stressed that these three are the heart and practice, for which instructions according to the Inner Tantras. From here life of the Creation Stage and of were given. (Cont’d page 8)

5 at Pema Samye Gyalched Tsal

by Beth Wilber

In 1995 the Khenpos purchased a seven-acre decided to build one. He purchased Jeta’s henchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche plot of land near the Jetavan, and plans began Grove with the help of Buddha’s disciple and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal for the building of a stupa on the site. Last Shariputra. Early , as well as the Rinpoche have made many K year the Khenpos visited Sravasti at the 7th century Chinese pilgrim Hsün Tsang, pilgrimages to Sravasti, where Lord Buddha auspicious time of the miracle month. They relate that Prince Jeta agreed to sell the grove displayed great miracles during the first 15 traveled from Sarnath accompanied by Ven. for as much gold as would cover the ground days of the new year. In the Tibetan calendar Pema Gyaltsen, Ani Lorraine, several senior of the park. Sudatta’s devotion was so strong this time is known as Chotrul Düchen or monks, Könchog Samten (the Khenpos’ that he brought gold coins to the grove. "Miracle Month" for the miracles performed cousin and supervisor of the project), and a When the gold had covered the land except by Lord Buddha for 15 consecutive days that small group of students. After morning for one place, the prince was inspired and brought immeasurable benefit to all beings. practice at Jetavana, the Khenpos made said that he himself would build a temple on Ven. Lama Chimed Namgyal entered auspicious prayers and tsok offerings on the that very spot. There is a bas-relief sculpture parinirvana during this auspicious time. In site of the future stupa. The first shrine on of this event (see below) at Bharhut, the site loving memory of their father, the Venerable the land, a brick pillar holding a statue of the Khenpos’ aspiration to build a stupa at this Buddha, was honored with katags and holy place is beginning to blossom. incense. After tea was served, the Lord Buddha spent 24 rainy season retreats in architectural plans were unfurled and a lively Sravasti following his enlightenment. The site discussion in Tibetan ensued about the future where the Jetavan was built, Jeta’s Grove, was stupa. The land was surrounded by fields of named after the Prince Jeta, the son of King dal and mustard plants. The Khenpos were Prasenajit. It was a quiet area located outside joyful about the inception of the Miracle the busy city of Sravasti, and the Buddha and Stupa at this holy place and the blessings that his disciples walked daily to the city with it will bring. their begging bowls. Buddha gave many Archaeological excavations at Sravasti have teachings to the growing Sangha of monks found that its earliest ruins date from the and nuns. Viharas (temples) were established second quarter of the first millennium B.C. In and one monastery was said to be seven the Hindu epic Mahabharata the name of stories tall. After the Buddha’s parinirvana, of one of the oldest stupas in India. It dates King Sravasta is found. Sravasti was the the Jetavan continued to flourish and many from the second century B.C. and depicts the capital of the large kingdom of Kosala. A stupas were built to commemorate the ox cart carrying the coins, the gold being wealthy merchant of Sravasti named Sudatta Buddha’s activities and other events. Twin spread on the ground, and Sudatta bearing invited Lord Buddha to Sravasti after meeting pillars were erected by the Emperor Ashoka at water as a symbol of his offering. Lord the enlightened one at Rajagriha. There were the eastern gate of Jetavana. Buddha first visited Jetavana during the third no viharas to receive the Buddha, so Sudatta rainy season after his enlightenment. After

6 E K R U O R ’ O E N I A R R O L I N A F O Y S E T R U O C S O T O H Photo montage of the 60 x 60 foot foundation in progress P hearing one of the Buddha’s teachings at there was a crowded yet friendly transition Buddha Shakyamuni spent 24 rainy- Sravasti, King Prasenajit was inspired to between the two groups sharing the small season retreats at Jetavan, Sravasti. He become a Buddhist and he had many area. also performed numerous miraculous dialogues with Buddha which are recorded in activities there during the first 15 days Construction of the Miracle Stupa the texts. The first Buddhist nunnery was of the new year; the same period of dedicated to the Dharma and world established at Sravasti by the Buddha’s own time in which Venerable Lama Chimed peace for the benefit of all sentient aunt and stepmother, Mahaprajapati or Sru Namgyal Rinpoche entered paranirvana. beings is now underway. The 60 x 60 Chegu Ji Dagmo in Tibetan. She had raised foot foundation and base of the stupa The miracle stupa is one of the eight Prince Siddhartha when his mother, Queen have been completed, and the work is great stupas of the world. The Venerable Mayadevi, died seven days after his birth. At continuing on the steps and shrine Khenpos Rinpoche planned and wished Sravasti, she requested Lord Buddha to give room, which will measure 45 x 45 feet. to build this stupa at Sravasti. In her ordination and so became the first nun The stupa will stand at a height of 66 November of 2000 they began who then taught and guided the first Sangha feet and will be visible throughout the construction of the building that is 66 of ordained nuns. area, joining the Burmese, Chinese, feet high with a 60 x 60 foot base. Inside Jetavana is a lovely setting with a large Bodhi Korean, Sri Lankan, Thai, and Indian the stupa will be a marble-lined temple. tree. The ruins of the many stupas, temples, Buddhist viharas in Sravasti. and the monasteries inspire wonder as well as It is the joy of the Venerable Khenpos The stupa’s location is particularly auspicious tranquillity. At twilight on each day of their to commemorate the Miracle Stupa for because it is nearby the mound of Sravasti’s two-day pilgrimage, the Lamas and Sangha all the Buddhas, , Arhats, original Miracle Stupa, which is currently members lit thousands of candles and Patrons of the Dharma and under excavation. The Ven. Khenpos have incense on the low walls surrounding the Practitioners. The stupa is also planned for the stupa’s temple to house location where the Buddha is believed to have dedicated to the Dharma, World Peace, several statues of the Buddha as well as his resided. Candles were also placed on a three- and All Sentient Beings. disciples, the great practitioners and Arhats dimensional mandala at the entrance, and the whose devotion and dedication inspire In memory of the Venerable Lama entire shrine was illuminated. The second day everyone who visits Sravasti. The name the Chimed Namgyal, contributions can be was the full moon day of Chotrul Düchen, Khenpos have given to the precious place made toward the completion of the and when Buddha sadhana practice began an where the Miracle Stupa will be is Pema Miracle Stupa. Please make checks enormous golden full moon arose in the east. Samye Gyalched Tsal or Pema Samye Jetavan, payable to Padmasambhava Buddhist A lovely tsok was offered, including birthday after the grove where Lord Buddha and his Center. cake for Bill Hinman. Everyone sang "Happy followers nurtured the Dharma and pointed Birthday to you..." while Bill tried to blow out future practitioners to the path of love and Address : Padma Samye Ling the candles that miraculously stayed lit! A compassion. O 618 Buddha Highway group of pilgrims from arrived and Sidney Center, NY 13839

7 SHOWER OF BLESSINGS (Continued from page 5) made them come; no one makes them go. This is the all-completed view which must be recognized or seen as it is. As in the “Three Statements that Strike the Essential Points” of Garab Dorje – tag chig tog tu che – one must definitely make one single decision on this state. Dzogchen action is compassionate activity. Love and compassion spontaneously arise, while one’s meditation is continuously strengthening, reconfirming the view, practice, and action. Once we have recognized the unimpeded nature – rigpa – we try to maintain that. The session of meditation and Mipham Rinpoche’s sadhana ends with two “Ahs.” These symbolize that the kadak trek cho and the lhun drup to gal Winter retreatants at Palm Beach Dharma Center are never separated. The appearance of the true nature and the emptiness of the In summary, the principal teachings in the The “all completed” or Men gag de is the true nature are never separated. Anuyoga are to help us discover this very pith – simple, unfabricated, relaxed, body as the universe and the direct. As always, starting with the mind, The Khenpos concluded this extraordinary and to actualize ourselves in the there is nothing to see, simply infinite teaching by coming back once again to Sambhogakaya state. Actually, one gains all openness, the Dharmakaya. From this, the the beginning point, and the Four the kayas, since there is no division. energy of thoughts arises freely and Renunciation Thoughts. They repeated a spontaneously, the Sambhogakaya. These famous remark of , in Dzogchen teachings are customarily which he warned that, although the divided into three groups. The Khenpos Dzogchen teaching was indeed the fruit referred to the “King of Creation Tantra” in of the tree of Dharma, if we spent all our classifying them as the “single completed,” time looking up into the tree for fruit we “dual completed” and “all completed.” In would likely trip and break our the “single completed,” also named the collarbones. Our teachers urged us to Sem de , all the innumerable objects of Old habits of rejection remember that our basic first steps of knowledge of the external world can be and acceptance must refuge and bodhicitta practice are “turning concluded within a single state in our point practices” in our precious human mind. All we think or sense, and all be released so that lives. They have the potential to change categorizations, are self-liberating (without mind can fly. lives from a boring and meaningless state emotional involvement), thus beyond effort to a state full of joy. As always, the or characteristics. Guru Padmasambhava Like the ripples precious opportunity to experience the said, “Look to your own minds and see if on the ocean, teachers’ presence provided the most what I say is true.” The Khenpos stress vibrant possible example of the fruits of that this is “current news” – our own no one made them come; the practice, and a strong teaching in and minds: now, not history. The questions of no one makes them go. of itself. the Sem de – such as what color or shape is the mind – are like koans. The causes and conditions that brought us all together in Florida at this particular The “dual completed” or Long de is based time were certainly especially auspicious. on the realization that nature and its energies engage the objects of the senses. It seems that every person who attended show are separated only by duality, and This outreaching display of the nature of this retreat experienced an expansion in are not separate in the true nature. Duality the mind is self-liberated at the moment their abilities to understand the teachings. itself is not deluded if not misused. The of seeing, hearing, thinking. The mind is Wherever along the path we had found father/mother natures, Buddha already – originally liberated, ourselves at the beginning of the week, and Samantabhadri are the naturally directly liberated, and liberated as it arises. each of us moved many steps further with arising energy and display of clarity, and Old habits of rejection and acceptance joy and appreciation for the blessings of the true nature of openness and must be released so that mind can fly. our teachers, the teachings, and our emptiness. These are the dual completion. Like the ripples on the ocean, no one dedicated sangha brothers and sisters. O

8 The first Summer Retreat in the Goglomriouspnaew

Be part of this historical event for our

PEMA SAMYE LING RETREAT CENTER • U PSTATE NEW YORK • S EPTEMBER 1-7, 2001 Sangha, with the entire retreat held “People are feeling the need for a different Diane speaks from personal experience. A in the temple for the first time, and kind of vacation,” says Diane Avice curvature in her back diagnosed as severe duBuisson, yoga teacher for the retreat scoliosis has been significantly straightened Warming up Auspiciousness entitled Developing Natural Vitality with and realigned by yoga. But change did not Calm Abiding. “Instead of planning a trip come overnight. “There must be a Inspiration Ceremonies of the new for entertainment, they want a vacation commitment to practice yoga on a regular Temple, glorious Padma Samye Ling. that provides tools to acquire and basis,” she observes. Diane hopes that each maintain inner peace.” attendee will go home _____ with a yoga practice suited The Calm Abiding week will to individual needs. “Yoga ANNUAL SUMMER DZOGCHEN RETREAT : consist of daily yoga It will be a can be incorporated into practices, held both in the each day’s meditation Empowerments of morning and afternoon, and holiday for practice, as a way to mediation practices, nature prepare the body for Guru Padmasambhava walks and wholesome food. sitting,’ she concludes. and Dechen Gyalmo “It will be a holiday for body body & spirit. and spirit,” says Diane. The The Ven. Khenpo AND classes will be appropriate for Rinpoches will give both beginners and advanced introductory shamatha Teachings on Dechen Gyalmo students, but will be progressive so those and vipashyana meditation instruction. attending should sign up for the entire Daily cycles of calm abiding meditation Queen of Great Bliss week, if possible. and Heart Sutra recitation will be included, along with live foods, hiking July 21-29 The yoga practice in the mornings will be and nature walks. gentle, while the afternoon sessions will be _____ more vigorous. “A sitting practice can be Diane has studied and practiced yoga for greatly enhanced by yoga,” she continued. 23 years and has been a student of the SELF DEVELOPMENT DZOGCHEN RETREAT : “If the body is not aligned when sitting, it Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches since 1987. will begin to generate aches, then the Those attending are asked to Seven Nails of Dzogchen mind becomes distracted. With practice, bring their own meditation by Shri Singha yoga can result in better alignment. cushion, and loose Yoga also generates greater mental fitting clothing appropriate July 30- August 5 clarity by clearing the body’s winds for yoga. O and the channels which sends more _____ oxygen to the brain.” – Dolly Carlisle, PBC- Tennessee and yoga student of Diane Avice duBuisson. Pre-registration is required. See enclosed flyer for details, or go to our website to download a registration form, www.padmasambhava.org.

(607) 865-8068

[email protected]

9 SANGHA NEWS

News from Tennessee The Tennessee sangha is pleased to announce a new board: Rita Frizzell, Coordinator, Bill French, Co-coordinator, Joan French, Secretary and Dolly Carlisle, Treasurer. Our heartfelt thanks go to Susan White, who has been our Coordinator since the beginning 13 years ago and will continue in other leadership roles in the sangha. The Ven. Khenpos at Padma Gochen Ling, Tennessee We initiated a capital campaign earlier this year and are making good progress on Padma Gochen Ling, the first Tibetan P H O

T Buddhist temple in Tennessee, located outside Monterey, TN. PBC Tennessee includes O C O centers in Nashville and Cookeville, as well as practitioners in Turtle Hill, Huntsville U R T E

S and North Carolina. We come together for retreats with the Ven. Khenpos, and on Y O F

R Sunday practice days once a month at Padma Gochen Ling. I T A F R I Z The Nashville sangha meets on Tuesday nights at 7:00 at First Unitarian Universalist Z E L L Church, 1808 Woodmont Blvd. The program includes Dharma discussion, basic meditation (shamatha/vipassyana and various guided meditations such as cultivating Special compassion), a social break for tea and cookies, and Ngondro practice. We’ve Request experienced a growth period in the past year, currently averaging about 25 practitioners from a week. When visiting the area, please join us. E-mail [email protected] or call Padma Samye Ling (615) 463-2374. Or visit our new website, nashvilletibetbuddhism.com. Cookeville meets on Tuesday nights, 7:00, at Unity Church. Call (931) 528-6780 or Dear Sangha, e-mail [email protected] for more information. PBC Tennessee welcomes you to join us for retreat or to visit our groups when you’re in the area. Your help is needed! – Rita Frizzell, PBC Tennessee In order to prepare for this summer’s activities at Padma Samye Ling we are putting out a call to all sangha to Greetings from the Orlando, Central Florida, Sangha come and help with projects this summer. We are a small, growing group. We meet We substituted Vajrasattva and Medicine We are looking for people with skills in the Longwood home of Janie Floren. Buddha with Zhi Tro or Self-Liberated for cooking, kitchen organization, Our shrine room has been blessed by the Mind for Lama Chimed, closing the gardening, landscaping, painting, presence of our wonderful Khenpos many mandala with practice and a Tsog offering carpentry, sewing, library organization, times. We can seat eight to ten on April 22. Many of us attempted to do and preparing the blossoming gompa comfortably and that is about how many this practice every day for Lama for the 49 and grounds for this summer’s we often have for practice. days. It’s a very powerful practice. warming up auspiciousness inspiration Our regular practice is Guru Rinpoche, Our practice is on Wednesdays starting at ceremonies. Vajrasattva, Medicine Buddha, and Heart 7:30 pm. Please feel free to join us should If you can commit to at least 5 hours a Sutra, followed by meditation and you find yourself in our area. day toward projects at hand the center Dedication and Aspiration prayers. will provide for your accommodations. Please write [email protected] The deadline for the next issue is August 20, 2001. Please send submissions to or call (607) 865-8068 if you are Ruth McMahon at: Pema Mandala , P.O. Box 526, Sarasota, FL 34203-0526 interested. (941) 758-9536 • [email protected] With Best Wishes, Ani Lorraine O’Rourke For address corrections, please contact Barrie Hinman at [email protected]

10 ABOUT PBC

he Padmasambhava Buddhist Center spreads the teachings of Buddhism according to the Nyingma school lineage of Tibet. The Center was first Testablished in New York in 1989, with the encouragement of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, by the Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab, Rinpoche and Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal, Rinpoche. Khenchen Palden Sherab and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal, known informally as “the Khenpos,” are the teachers and spiritual leaders of PBC. They also direct the activities of the New York Center, its many branches in the U.S.A., Puerto Rico and Russia, and its retreat center, Padma Samye Ling, in upstate New York. Their Sarnath Project in India has flourished with a traditional monastic institute and retreat center called Pema Cho Khorling; another monastic college and retreat center located in Sravasti, India, called Padma Samye Jetvan is under construction.

Becoming a Part of PBC Because the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center is a member-supported organization, your contribution is essential to the continuation of its efforts. You are invited to join and become a member of our “pema mandala” – our worldwide dharma family at PBC. We thank many of you who have supported PBC for so long and we appreciate your Venerable Khenchen Palden Sherab continued membership. If you have not renewed your membership with us, please Rinpoche (R) is one of the most qualified consider making a commitment today; your contribution will really help make a difference. scholars and teachers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. He entered Gochen Monastery at As a not-for-profit, membership-based organization, we depend on volunteers to help us the age of six, where he began intensive with a variety of small and large projects. We welcome your volunteer assistance in many training in all facets of . At of Padmasambhava Buddhist Centers’ activities. age 12 he entered Riwoche Monastery, Padma Samye Ling (Inconceivable Lotus Land) Retreat Center, located in Delaware County, training to become a khenpo, or professor of Tibetan philosophy. In 1960 he had to flee to New York, is modeled after the great Samye Monastery situated close to Lhasa in Central India. There, for over 15 years, he was in Tibet. Samye was a preeminent center of religious practice and teaching, and also a charge of the Nyingmapa Department at the creative source for Tibetan moral development, philosophy, culture and art. Padma Samye Central Institute of Higher Studies in Varanasi, Ling (PSL) now has a Sangha House: central lodge with shrine room, kitchen, guest as well as being a founding member of that rooms/baths, and an office. A 10,000 sq. foot formal temple features a large shrine hall, Institute. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche museum, study room, meditation gardens and provision for long-term retreat. has received many honors for his scholarship PBC is recognized as a not-for-profit religious organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal from His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche and Revenue Code. All donations are tax deductible. other Tibetan leaders. He is fully versed in many areas of Buddhist study and is the ¡ author of several learned works and Tibetan I would like to support the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center. language books. He is also considered a master of Dzogchen, the highest tradition of Name ______meditation practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Address ______Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche (L) – born in eastern City/State/Country/Zip ______Tibet – was enthroned as a Nyingmapa Telephone ______Abbot by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, supreme head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Yes, I wish to become a member of PBC. Enclosed is my check for $ ______Buddhism. He studied extensively Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana, poetry, history, and Services I would like to offer: ______Tibetan literature. Khenpo is the author of One-time contributions can be earmarked for specific projects and programs: many books on poetry, historical perspectives I am contributing $ ______towards: of the great Nyingmapa masters and I Education Fund I Building an Enlightenment Stupa (PSL) translators, as well as Buddhist philosophy I Monastery at PSL I Pema Cho Khorling Monastery, Sarnath, India and practice which he co-authored with his I I brother Ven. Khen Rinpoche. As holder of the Museum at PSL Miracle Stupa at Sravasti complete Nyingmapa lineage: kama, terma, My total contribution to help support PBC is $ ______Date______and Dzogchen teachings, Khenpo Tsewang Padmasambhava Buddhist Center Members receive substantial discounts to all PBC retreats and Dongyal Rinpoche is the co-founder of PBC teachings throughout the world, plus Pema Mandala Newsletter which is published periodically. International whose activities include monastic institutes, , Please mail this card to: research, and study centers. Padmasambhava Buddhist Center • P.O. Box 1533 • Old Chelsea Station, NY 10011

11 PADMASAMBHAVA BUDDHIST CENTERS INTERNATIONAL

New York New York City P.O. Box 1533, Old Chelsea Station, NY 10011, (212) 683-4958 Pema Samye Ling Retreat Center 618 Buddha Hwy, Sidney Center, NY 13839, (607)865-8068, [email protected] California San Francisco P.O. Box 590392, San Francisco, CA 94159, (415) 221-8316 or (415) 621-1657 Colorado Boulder 4412 Sandpiper Circle, Boulder, CO 80301, (303) 530-5025 Delaware Wilmington 2321 Fell’s Lane, Wilmington, DE 19808, (302) 655-3364 Florida Mandarava House 1039 Churchill Circle No., West Palm Beach, FL 33405, (561) 586-9941 South Florida Palm Beach Dharma Center, 1205 No. Federal Highway, Lake Worth, FL 33460, (561) 547-4711, [email protected] Orlando 655 Wildmere Avenue, Longwood, FL 32750, (407) 830-4458 West Florida 4942 78th St., East, Bradenton, FL 34203, (941) 753-0253, [email protected] Illinois Chicago 1945 Redwood Lane, Northbrook, IL 60062, (847) 562-1390 Maine Vassalboro 3 Jay’s Ledge Ln, Harpswell, ME 04079, (207) 833-2421 New Jersey Princeton c/o Lichtenstein, 21 Morven Place, Princeton, NJ 08540, (609) 924-0682 New Mexico Albuquerque 479 59th Street N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87105 Oregon Portland 3717 SE Washington, Portland, OR 97124, (503) 234-6480, [email protected] Puerto Rico San Juan 108 Valencia, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907, (787) 648-1978 or (787) 722-7156 Tennessee Nashville 1716A Linden Ave., Nashville, TN 37212, (615) 463-2374, [email protected] Cookeville P.O. Box 3181, Cookeville, TN 38502-3181, (615) 683-5141, [email protected] Wisconsin Madison 4105 Meyer Street, Madison, WI 53711, (608) 338-3643, [email protected] INTERNATIONAL India Pema Samye Cho Khorling Nyingmapa Buddhist Monastery, SA-lO/9-KA, Sarnath, Varanasi, U.P. 221007, INDIA Orgyen Samye Chokhor Ling Sarnath, Varanasi, INDIA Pema Samye Jetavan Tibetan Nyingma Buddhist Center, P.O. Shravasti, Bahraich, UP. 271801, INDIA Russia Moscow & St. Petersburg Padmasambhava Buddhist Centers, Moscow: [email protected]. St. Petersburg: [email protected] Republic of Kalmikiya Pema Tso Gye Dorje Ling, [email protected], [email protected] Canada Quebec Padmasambhava Buddhist Group, 9 rue Claire, St. Sauveur Des Monts - P. Que’, JOR CANADA, (450) 227-7955 For changes of address, please contact Barrie Hinman at [email protected]

Padmasambhava Buddhist Center NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION Pema Mandala U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1205 N Federal Hwy • Lake Worth, FL 33460 WEST PALM BEACH, FL Permit No. 3266

Newsletter of the Padmasambhava Buddhist Centers Spring/ Summer 2001