Ray's photos from Fortress Peak in Nangchen

You can see the restored stupas at Dzongo Ling - Fortress Peak Hermitage.

Many more pictures are here. Thanks to Ray.

A late gift to the late Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

I wonder if Tulku Urgyen is smiling in his pure land at the futile toils of these scam artist?


AVOCATE ZEBRABIU GEORGE
01 BP 441, Cotonou,
Republique du Benin
Telephone: 00229 97751615
Email: barrzebrabiugeorge@yahoo.com

Attn: Orgyen Rinpoche,

I am Barrister ZEBRABIU GEORGE, the attorney to Late Peter Rinpoche , a national of your country, who used to work as the Director of Produits pétroliers Sonacop in Benin Republic West Africa Here in after shall be Referred to as my client. On the 27th of May 2007, my client, His wife and their three Children were involved in a car accident Along Sagbama express-road. All occupants of the vehicle Unfortunately lost their lives.Since then I have made several enquiries to your embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives this has also proved Unsuccessful.

After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to track His last name over the Internet, to locate any member of his Family hence I contacted you. I have contacted you to assist in Repatriating the money and property left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank here. These huge deposits were lodged particularly, with the "Continental Trust Bank"An affiliate of Commercial Bank of Africa where the Deceased had an account valued at about $40.5 million dollars.

The Bank has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or have the account confiscated. Since I have been unsuccessful in Locating the relatives for over 4 years now I seek your consent To present you as the next of kin of the deceased since you have The same last name so that the proceeds of this account valued at $40.5million dollars can be paid to you and then you and me can Share the money.60% to me and 40% to you I will procure all Necessary legal documents that can be used to back up any claim we may make.All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us seeing this Deal through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law.

For privacy reply to my private Email: barrzebrabiugeorge@yahoo.com
I await your reply ASAP.

Best Regards,
Barrister ZEBRABIU GEORGE

Old pictures of the 16th Karmapa

Here are a lot of old photos of the 16th Karmapa, many from the inauguration of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in Boudha.

Self-Appeared image of Tara

During the last 35 years people around Pharping in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley have noticed that an area of a cliff began to slowly bulge out. It began to look more and more like Tara, the female buddha. At the same time the form of Ganesh also appeared. The place is just below the Asura Cave, sacred to followers of Padmasambhava.
I have seen it many times over the years, and can attest that it has gradually become more distinct.

Thanks to Laila Wisti for the photo.

Well-wishes for tulku Urgyen Jigmey Rabsel Dawa

Om svasti
May the son of Gyurme Dorje, sublime reincarnation
Of Orgyen Chokyur Dechen Lingpa,
Who was a regent, eminent, of Lotus Mahaguru,
The single form of conqurors, most able, wise and kind,
May the triple secrets of Jigmey Rabsel Dawa remain firm,
So he learns, reflects and train until perfection
And becomes a propagator of teachings of the Conquoror.
Through the strength of Vajra Kumara, great and splendid,
May the vicious maras who may try to inflict harm
Be destroyed completely so the force of his activities
Flourish in their might and sway,
And may Amitayus, Mother Wishfulfilling Wheel,
Vijayi, and Vimalamitra as well,
Padma Vajra and his two dakinis,
With an endless deva ocean of immortal life,
Grant their blessings and abilities
So his life is never-waning
And forever remains firm.

--written by Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche before the Yangsi was born.

True Realization

To reveal, with reverence, the true realization: It is the wondrous state attained through Amida's perfect benefiting of others; it is the ultimate fruition of supreme nirvana. It arises from the Vow of necessary attainment of nirvana, also known as the Vow of realization of great nirvana.

When foolish beings possessed of blind passions, the multitudes caught in birth-and-death and defiled by evil karma, realize the mind an practice that Amida directs to them for their going forth, they immediately join the truly settled of the Mahayana. Because they dwell among the truly settled, they necessarily attain nirvana. To necessarily attain nirvana is [to attain] eternal bliss. Eternal bliss is ultimate tranquility. Tranquility is supreme nirvana. Supreme nirvana is uncreated dharma-body. Uncreated dharma-body is true reality. True reality is dharma-nature. Dharma-nature is suchness. Suchness is oneness. Amida Tathagata comes forth from suchness and manifests various bodies - fulfilled, accommodated, and transformed.

Kyogyoshinsho
ch. IV, v. 1

Shinran

Marpa

A decent little documentary on the life of Milarepa's guru Marpa the Translator, who was the founder of the Kagyu.

27 pictures from Olav

Olav posted 27 pictures on http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=2009502&id=1405652246&ref=nf

From the enthroment celebration

Among the lamas present were Kyabje Trulshik, Dzongsar Khyentse, Beru Khyentse, Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi, Tenga Tulku, Neten Chokling, Tsikey Chokling, Tulku Chokyi Nyima, Shechen Rabjam, Sogyal Tulku, Mingyur Tulku, Drubwang Tsoknyi, Orgyen Tobgyal, Tarik Tulku, Tsangsar Tulku and Phakchok Tulku, all venerable Rinpoches. Tenzin Choyang, the tulku's mother is also on a picture from the arrival at the airport.

Many thanks to Olav Nyhus, the photograher, Magda, and others.

Olav posted 27 pictures on http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=2009502&id=1405652246&ref=nf

Arrival in Nepal of Tulku Urgyen's reincarnation

Brilliant Moon now available

Through lively anecdotes and stories this highly revered Buddhist meditation master and scholar tells about his life of study, retreat, and teaching. The formative events of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s life, and those insights and experiences that caused him to mature into the warm, brilliant, and highly realized meditation master and teacher he was, are deeply inspiring. The details of his early life and spiritual training reveal an authentic and human view of Tibetan culture, as well as the hardships endured by the Tibetans who fled their country and reestablished their tradition in exile.

The first part of this volume includes Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s early life story, told in his own words. The second half of the book comprises recollections by Khyentse Rinpoche’s wife; his grandson and spiritual heir, Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche; Tenga Rinpoche; Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche; Orgyen Topgyal Rinpoche; Kenpo Pema Sherab; the Queen Mother of Bhutan; Trulshik Rinpche; and Pewar Tulku.

Available now at your local independent bookstore! (Trust me--it's a great read.)

From the Enthronement Day

Mike Eisenbach has sent the first four pictures: greeted Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, coferring with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Yangsi Rinpoche looking up at him, and he receives the flower garland while held up by Phakchok Rinpoche.

Thanks for sending them, Mike.

Yangdzom's 2008 Activities - Dechen Ling Gets Water

The Ted Worcester/Yangdzom Healing Hands project sponsors medical training, clinics and supplies in remote areas of Eastern Tibet. This year, due to problems in obtaining Chinese visas because of tensions associated with the Olympics, the medical and support team was unable to visit the region, or hold a scheduled three-month training in Western medicine. The program, which will train two workers from each monastery/nunnery in basic medical care, is now slated for 2009, with support from the Bridge Fund. Yangdzom is continuing to send money for medicines as well as support for the elderly poor through The Bridge Fund.
In 2009 we look forward to building another clinic at Neten Monastery with support from The Bridge Fund. This will be our fourth fully funded clinic. Three more are planned, as well as an expansion of the existing clinic at Cha Chik. Yangdzom's medical and support team will travel to Nangchen next year to oversee activities.
Yangdzom's biggest achievement in 2008 was facilitating a water supply for Dechen Ling Nunnery with the help of Jinba, a Tibetan NGO run by Tashi Tsering. The water project implemented the longest pipe in Qinghai Province. It is a great joy to help these 300 special yoginis to acquire a most basic need. Previously they relied on a single small spring that froze solid in winter. Dechen Ling was the residence of Tulku Urgyen's father, Chimey Dorje; Tulku Urgyen himself lived there for a time as a boy.

Yangdzom is run under the umbrella of Rangjung Yeshe Gomde USA.

Enthronement of Tulku Urgyen Yangsi Rinpoche will be broadcast live on the internet

Dear Everyone,

We are pleased to let you know that the auspicious enthronement of Tulku Urgyen Yangsi Rinpoche will be broadcast live on the internet at www.dharmasun.org on November 19 and 20 from 8.00 am to 11.00 am Nepali time. To view the broadcast, simply go to www.dharmasun.org during these times and click on the live transmission link.

For those who are unable to view the ceremony live, an edited summary will also be made available at www.dharmasun.org in the following days. Both the live transmission and the summary is made freely available and no registration is required.

For friends and sangha members around the world who are unable to come to Nepal but would like to make a donation to the enthronement ceremony, a separate donation link has been created at www.monlam.org. All donations made at www.monlam.org will be officially recognized during the enthronement festivities.

With best wishes,

Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery

www.shedrub.org

www.dharmasun.org

www.monlam.org

Chants by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

Download Mp3s of Chants by Tulku Urgyen:
The audio of the chants inside the Rangjung Yeshe chantbook, as sung by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche.

World's youngest king crowned in Bhutan

Wonderful video of the coronation ceremonies of the Fifth King of Bhutan. And another with commentary.

There is also an excellent slideshow.

Enthronement Ceremony of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

Dear Friends, Here at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, we are formalizing our preparations for the forthcoming 4-day enthronement ceremony for Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's reincarnation. The ceremony will be held in our monastery from Wednesday Nov 19 to Saturday Nov 22, 2008, with the main event taking place on the holy day, Labab Duchen, Wednesday, Nov 19. In order to clearly know how many visitors we can expect from Western countries, we are asking people who already plan to attend the enthronement ceremony, in part or in full, to please visit our the monastery's website as soon as possible: www.shedrub.org There you will find more information about the ceremony, a detailed 4-day schedule and a place where you can register with your full name, place of origin and email address. Regarding privacy, your address will be used simply so that we can confirm your registration and, in coming days, provide you with any sudden change in program plans or any additional helpful information. http://www.shedrub.org/Enthronement%20schedule.html Once again, it is important to us that you take a moment to register so that your name may be formally added to our master list. Best regards, Kathleen J. Morris Secretary to the Abbot, Tulku Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery P.O. Box 1200, Boudha Nath Kathmandu, Nepal web: www.shedrub.org web: www.gomdeusa.org web: www.gomde.dk web: www.gomde.de

Juniper Ridge now available

Treasures from Juniper Ridge is a collection of “hidden” or terma teachings given by Padmasambhava, the Tantric master who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet. According to Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Padmasambhava hid many teachings to be uncovered later by “revealers of hidden treasures.” The special quality of the terma teachings is that they provide guidance appropriate for each period of time and individual person. By working with Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, his mystic spiritual consort, was able to compile and codify these precious insights and hide them for use by future generations.

Treasures from Juniper Ridge presents a variety of significant revelations for seekers on the advanced path of the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, as well as in-depth explanations of assorted aspects of practice: deity-focused meditation, nonconceptual meditation, death and dying, and recognizing the nature of mind. The book outlines ways for the modern student to apply these teachings while remaining true to Vajrayana Buddhism’s traditional principles.

Available now at an independent bookstore near you
or online at Amazon.ca or Amazon.com

Since Blazing Splendor was published, several rare photos have seen the light of day. I have seen this picture of Katok Situ enough times to feel it should be included.

In the book, a whole chapter is devoted to him, as told through Turlku Urgyen's uncle: "The Master-Scholar Katok Situ", which includes a wonder story about how Katok Situ found the renowned Armor Against Darkness, a clarification of Anu Yoga practice according to an original tantra known as the Scripture of the Great Assemblage. This commentary, written by Sangye Yeshe of Nub, one of the Lotus-Born’s twenty-five disciples, had vanished centuries ago.

About the location of Dhumasthira

... the place where the Tibetan translator Vairotsana met Prahevajra (Garab Dorje). There has been an exchange which I would like to repeat under its own entry.

Anonymous said...

Hello all,
Thanks for this "wish-fulfilling" blog. I am looking for any information about the actual location of Dhumasthira, "The Place of Smoke". It seems to have been a charnel ground where Lotsawa Vairotsana beheld Garab Dorje. Does this place exist anymore, how is it called these days? Does anyone have a picture of the place?
Thank you very much,
Saraswatee

October 21, 2008 5:23 AM

Erik Pema Kunsang said...

Dear Anonymous,

I have sent your question in an email to Ani Jinpa who has translated his biography (see below). Let's see what she has heard. My guess would be that is lies close to Bodhgaya.

Palmo, Ani Jima (Eugenie de Jong; translator); Nyingpo, Yudra (compilor, et. al.) (2004). The Great Image: the Life Story of Vairochana the translator. Shambala Publications, Inc.: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. ISBN 1-59030-069-6 (pbk.: alk. paper)

October 21, 2008 6:20 AM

pensum said...

Funny that meeting isn't described in Vairotsana's biography, The Great Image. The only reference to his meeting Garab Dorje is in passing after receiving all the teachings from Shri Singha: "Then Vairo went to see all the great masters, including Prahe (Garab Dorje) and Manjushrimitra, who taught him the nature of dharmata in an instant, and he fully comprehended it that very moment." (pg.124)

October 21, 2008 12:06 PM

Erik Pema Kunsang said...

Ani Jinpa replied:

The name Dhumasthira, "The Place of Smoke" doesn't occur in that text. It does mention many times throughout the text that Garab Dorje lived in a cave called Place of the Vajra near a charnel gound called Golden Sanctuary of Expanding Delight, which was on the bank of the Kutra Lake in Oddiyana.

Thanks, Ani La,

I also read in the Wellsprings and elsewhere that Vairotsana met the master Prahevajra in a vision, or as a "wisdom body" and not as an actual flesh-and-blood person.