THE VOICE OF CLEAR LIGHT
News and Inspiration from Ligmincha Institute
Volume 6, Number 10
October 1, 2006
**************************
For easy reading, we recommend that you print out "The Voice of Clear
Light."
A printable PDF version of this month’s edition of VOCL, in readerfriendly
newsletter format complete with color photographs, will be
available online after Oct. 20. Please check the link for VOCL on
Ligmincha Institute's home page at www.ligmincha.org. You can also
access an archive of previous issues at:
http://ligmincha.org/study/vocl.html
**************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
“The Elements and our Well-Being” – an excerpt from “Healing With Form,
Energy, and Light” by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Oct. 18-22: Ligmincha’s Annual Fall Retreat - “Sacred Ecology – Outer,
Inner and Secret Teachings on the Five Elements”
“On the Importance of the Preliminary Practices” – excerpts from the
teachings of Bon and Buddhist masters
Nov. 8-12: Ngondro Retreat at Serenity Ridge. “Early-bird”
registration date is Oct. 4
An update on the new wing of the Garuda House at Serenity Ridge
Ligmincha’s Annual Winter Retreat - Dec. 27, 2006 - Jan. 1, 2007
Sangha Sharing – “Reflections on the Summer Retreat”
New Items at Ligmincha’s Tibet Shop
Sources
**************************
“THE ELEMENTS AND OUR WELL-BEING” – an excerpt from “Healing With Form,
Energy, and Light” by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Study of and practice with the elements is meant to positively affect
our well-being by giving us the tools to bring the elements into the
balance that underlies health and wholeness in any dimension of
experience. It does not take great intuition to know when we are in or
out of balance. We all know these experiences. They fall along a
continuum from the most disturbed imbalance – psychosis or serious
illness – to perfect balance, which occurs only when we can abide in
the nature of mind, the buddha-nature. In our daily lives we are
somewhere in between, moving from being more in balance to being more
out of balance, and back again.
The idea of balancing elemental energies can be usefully applied to any
human function, quality, or activity: health, relationship, spiritual
practice, psychological make-up, emotional state, physical environment,
and so on. Using imbalance of the elements as a primary metaphor, we
can understand illness and unhappiness as well as obstructions on all
levels of spiritual practice. Balancing the elements then becomes a
metaphor for healing, for the development of positive qualities and
capacities, and for the elimination of negative qualities. If one
element dominates, we need to cultivate its opposite. If we are
dominated by fire, for example, then we try to activate water or earth,
or vice versa. If earth is dominant – we are dull, sleepy, heavy –
then we activate air or fire. And if air dominates us – we are
flighty, nervous, with a short attention span – then we activate earth
or water. There are many obvious examples of balancing in everyday
life: If a fever becomes life-threatening, we may be told to soak in
cold water; if we become too cold, we apply warmth; and if we’re
dehydrated, we drink water.
By nature, all conceptualizations are symbolic and the five elements
are symbols of great depth and long tradition. Beyond metaphor,
however, the five elements are energies that can be worked with
directly by the practitioner through physical actions, energetic
movement, and the flow of awareness.
**************************
Oct. 18-22, 2006
Ligmincha’s Annual Fall Retreat:
SACRED ECOLOGY – Outer, Inner and Secret Teachings on the Five Elements
with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Space, air, fire, water and earth are the sacred underlying forces of
existence. Because the five elements are sacred all that arises from
them – and that is everything – is also sacred. For many years, Geshe
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche has emphasized the importance of developing an
intimate understanding of how the elements influence our lives on an
external, inner and secret level. In his book “Healing With Form,
Energy and Light,” he explains that “the space in which the universe
arises, the space our living room couch occupies, and the space in
which our thoughts arise is the same space and is sacred.”
The Bon Buddhist teachings on the five elements are vast. At this
year’s annual fall retreat, Tenzin Rinpoche will present teachings on
the “Personality of Elements,” a system of influences similar to the
Tibetan science of astrology. His commentary will focus on our human
relationship to the sacred nature of the environment and how elemental
qualities can manifest as destructive physical and emotional forces or
as vitality and personal power.
During the course of the retreat, Rinpoche will introduce and guide
breathing and movement practices that incorporate the beauty and life
forces of nature, the practice of Sang Chod to raise one’s vital
energy, and the healing practices of the five elemental goddesses.
Tenzin Rinpoche welcomes everyone who cares about sacred ecologies of
body, emotions, mind and environment to attend this retreat.
RETREAT COST (includes meals):
$450 if received by Oct. 4; $500 if received after Oct. 4
**************************
“ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRELIMINARY PRACTICES” – excerpts from the
teachings of Bon and Buddhist masters
From the edited transcript of oral teachings given by Khenpo Tenpa
Yungdrung Rinpoche during the November 2003 ngondro retreat:
Dzogchen teachings emphasize how to discover one’s own natural state of
mind, which is the absolute truth of existence. It is the reality of
this existence, and it is the reality of what we are. Once we discover
this state, we have to practice and become familiar with it. In this
way, we can purify our negative emotions, our defilements, and all the
causes and conditions that bring us suffering and misery. The main
teaching of dzogchen is to discover this state.
The reality of what we are is always with us, but it is so close that
it is not easy to understand and recognize. Once we realize it, it is
very special. In order to discover and realize this state, we have to
prepare. It needs a lot of preparation. The ngondro teachings are the
preliminary practices as preparation to reveal our own natural state of
mind.
*****
From “Wonders of the Natural Mind” by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche:
When we start to follow a teaching, there are essential qualities we
must have as practitioners. It is important to have a good master and
to receive clear instructions, to have great respect for the master and
the teachings, to develop the capacity to practice, and not to be like
the wind but stable in our practice and in ourselves.
Doing the ngondro is important because these practices of confession,
purification, generosity, meditation on death and impermanence, guru
yoga, etc., also serve to prepare the practitioner. They correct the
practitioner’s being by removing the strong ego formed by the five
passions. It is necessary to do this because only then are we ready to
receive the teachings in a pure way, like a clean vessel ready to
receive the “lion’s milk,” the precious liquid of the teachings.
Otherwise we are like a cracked or dirty cup that can turn the precious
liquid into poison.
*****
From “This Precious Life” by Khandro Rinpoche:
Having control over your body, speech, and mind is like being a
skillful rider. You can go where you want to go; the horse goes in the
direction that you want to go in. An unskilled rider trying to ride a
wild horse eventually ends up wherever the horse wants to go. In the
same way, you may find your body going in one direction, your speech in
another – and the rest of your sensibilities not waking up until quite
a bit later, if then. The whole framework of the Buddhist path – the
various levels and practices and forms for sitting, standing, thinking,
and behaving – is a support for learning to work with our mental
concepts and developing the ability to maintain awareness. And from a
Buddhist point of view, training the mind through meditation is
essential.
*****
From “Luminous Mind” by Kalu Rinpoche:
Through reflection and meditation, the common preliminary practices aim
to make us aware of four realities that stimulate our motivation and
urge us to practice. These meditations rest on four ideas: the
precious human rebirth, impermanence and death, the faults of samsara,
and karmic causality. They are known as the common preliminaries
insofar as they are not specific to Vajrayana but are part of the
progression in all the yanas.
When we wish to do Dharma practice, we must first become conscious of
the difficulty of attaining this precious human existence endowed with
all the conditions favorable for reaching enlightenment. This gives us
the resolve to enter the path. Meditating on the impermanence of all
things, and especially of our own life, will help us to overcome any
laziness and impel us to practice with energy. Then, if we recognize
that suffering pervades cyclic existence, we will develop an aversion
to it, and all our efforts will be directed toward attaining
liberation. Finally, if we are convinced of the truth of karma, the
relationship between causes and results, we will reject all harmful
activities and instead practice what is positive, and thus proceed
correctly.
*****
From “Fearless Simplicity” by Tsoknyi Rinpoche:
The preliminary practices facilitate recognizing and training in the
nonconceptual meditation of Dzogchen. If we feel it is difficult to
simply let be, the preliminary practices are a method to make it easier
for us. They are a conduit for purification, accumulation and
blessings. Ultimately, we must rely on our basic intelligence. The
preliminary practices strengthen and sharpen this intelligence.
Accumulating merit or using conceptual methods is like making a candle,
while Dzogchen pointing-out instruction is like lighting the candle.
You must have both – the candle and a match – to illuminate the
darkness. With inadequate merit, you can perhaps recognize mind
essence, but the recognition quickly disappears. You cannot
concentrate; you lack the candle. Like a match in the darkness, the
recognition flickers and dies. You need a stable basis to carry and
nourish the flame, and accumulating merit forms that basis.
**************************
Nov. 8-12, 2006
The Experiential Transmission of Zhang Zhung – PART ONE: NGONDRO
with Khenpo Tenpa Yungdrung Rinpoche, the abbot of Triten Norbutse
monastery in Nepal
Part 1, the Ngondro, from the Experiential Transmission of Zhang Zhung,
is the entrance to a cycle of Bon dzogchen, or “Great Perfection,”
teachings, which until the past decade were part of a secret
transmission passed one-to-one from master to student.
This year we are again very fortunate to have Khenpo Tenpa Yungdrung,
the abbot and head teacher at Triten Norbutse Monastery, Kathmandu,
Nepal, teaching these beautiful and essential practices to us.
The ngondro teachings, a complete set of practices in themselves, offer
instructions for “taming” oneself, for purifying, and for perfecting;
and are the prerequisite for further study of the Experiential
Transmission of Zhang Zhung. The transmission for the practices will
be given by Khen Rinpoche at the conclusion of the retreat. We invite
everyone to take this opportunity to be in the presence of this kind,
joyful and knowledgeable teacher.
Retreat Cost (includes meals): $400 if received by Oct. 4; $450 if
received by Oct. 25; $500 if received after Oct. 25
**************************
AN UPDATE ON THE NEW WING OF THE GARUDA HOUSE
During Ligmincha's annual summer retreat, Tenzin Rinpoche with Geshe
Nyima Kunchap and Geshe Tenzin Yeshe staked out the four corners of the
new wing of the Garuda House and performed a blessing of the land.
After the groundbreaking, all present offered prayers for successful
completion of the project. Construction of the second wing brings to
fruition Tenzin Rinpoche's longtime vision for the Serenity Ridge
Retreat Center. Tenzin Rinpoche was presented with a hard hat bearing
the Tibetan syllable DZA, the symbol of fully activated enlightened
manifestation. He was patient and joyful as we took many photos of him
in his new hat!
**You can visit www.ligmincha.org to see many wonderful pictures and to
find out more of the details on the new Garuda wing construction!
***
Here is an intimate view of Serenity Ridge and Garuda House through the
eyes of Candace Byers, who recently moved to Charlottesville and is
Ligmincha’s director of fundraising:
Virginia, its mountains, its Charlottesville and I are at the very
beginning of what I hope will be a lifelong love affair. In the late
afternoon of fall when you drive to Serenity Ridge, the mountains and
hollows enfold you. In the early morning when you leave Serenity Ridge
for the city, if you are early enough, you can catch the sky still
slumbering in those mossy, dark, green ridges. We study the lineage of
the land above the clouds while we retreat in the land whose mountains
are milky white with morning mist. By mid-morning, dzogchen-like the
mists dissolve, the sky is turquoise, and wheeling, careering turkey
vultures rule the sky with the presence of each moment’s aerial
navigation.
This is how I see Virginia now. So when the Garuda House arises into
view from the fluttering driveway, it is just amazing. Today the
framing on the second story of the new wing is all up. The men worked
through a thunderstorm last evening past 5:30. They say the roof should
be framed by Saturday.
Thank you for your prayers of aspiration. Thank you for your financial
gifts. Thank you for your creativity in helping in all the ways that
you do. I prostrate to the sangha in gratitude.
Candace Byers
**************************
Dec. 27, 2006-Jan. 1, 2007
Ligmincha’s Annual Winter Retreat
THE FRUITION OF DZOGCHEN - The Experiential Transmission of Zhang Zhung
- Part Three, Chapter Seven of the Chag Tri
with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
This winter, Rinpoche will present the teachings and methods contained
in Chapter Seven: The Fruition of Dzogchen. This chapter reveals how
the fruition of developing confidence in the three kayas and finding
“one’s own place” provides the accomplishment of the Great Perfection.
Over the past three years, Rinpoche has introduced students of the
Experiential Transmission to the boundless view, the spontaneous
meditation, and the flexible behavior of dzogchen in preparation for
this retreat. During this time, the community of practitioners has
grown as more students have committed themselves to the Experiential
Transmission teachings, completed Parts One and Two, and entered into
Part Three.
Students who have attended a previous Part Three retreat as well as
students who have received the Part Two teachings are invited to attend
this retreat.
Retreat Cost (includes meals): $400 if received by Nov. 15; $450 if
received by Dec. 6; $500 if received after Dec. 6
**To register for any of these retreats please e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (434) 977-6161.
SANGHA SHARING – “REFLECTIONS ON THE SUMMER RETREAT”
This summer retreat I felt a big shift happening. (I was there for the
first week.) It showed in Trul Khor practice. For me it felt that
after all these years sitting on a cushion, I finally could get moving.
I loved it!
And now I'm at home, feeling bad because of an issue. But instead of
staying in that state of mind, or going to somebody else with it, I
notice that I work with it: on my cushion in the meditation, and in my
"normal" life. I work with my issue all by myself. I have gained selfconfidence
to do so. And I am really surprised how fast the shift
comes. It's wonderful!
I feel that I can take my own life in my own hands again which I
haven't been able to do for a long, long time. If someone would ask me
now: “What are you?” I would answer: “I'm a practitioner!”
It was so wonderful to be at Serenity Ridge again and feel the heart
connection with a lot of people. Even if I haven't seen you much (in
this time of my life), or didn't speak with you a lot, I really feel
connected, home.
I thank Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche for the wonders he makes happen for me
and for so many people. Rinpoche, you make all the difference in the
world for me. Much love and devotion.
I thank everybody who helped to build Ligmincha Institute and Serenity
Ridge. You also make all the difference in the world. I am so happy to
be part of this family.
Geertje Bloemers
Netherlands
***
After the first few days of the retreat it seemed to me that Rinpoche
could have called it the "How to Be a Better Practitioner" retreat -
but probably not as many people would have come, which would have been
unfortunate for them. Rinpoche's increasingly penetrating insight into
the workings of the Western mind were on display at this retreat. As he
said, he is making his teachings more and more experiential, while
sharing his personal practices and insights, some of which he developed
and shared at the retreat. It is a most precious gift to do these
guided practices with him. I can only look forward to more of these
kinds of illuminating retreats. As Rinpoche says about these teachings
in the new retreat brochure, "I must preserve them in people. That is
why we call them experiential teachings. They are planted in the hearts
of people." We could not pray for a better teacher.
Scott Clearwater
California
**************************
NEW ITEMS AT LIGMINCHA’S TIBET SHOP
To read descriptions and see photographs of the newest items at
Ligmincha Institute’s Bookstore and Tibet Shop and for order
information, please go to www.ligminchastore.org and click on "search
by category or description" and then click on "New items." Or, go
directly to:
http://www.ligminchastore.org/items.asp?CategoryID=16&SubCategory=0&Sub
mit=Search
***
We are very pleased to announce this year's wall calendar: Ligmincha
Institute's 2007 calendar of Tibetan Bon and Buddhist auspicious days:
The Bon Dzogchen Masters of Zhang Zhung.
The pages feature hand-painted images of the renowned dzogchen yogis of
Zhang Zhung, along with their meditation instructions from the Zhang
Zhung Nyen Gyu (Oral Transmission of Zhang Zhung). As usual, we have
included both Western and Tibetan dates, as well as major Bon and
Buddhist auspicious days, and U.S. and Mexican holidays. The calendar
is 9" x 11", 18" x 11" when opened. Price: $14.95. Available mid-
October.
BOOKS:
“Bonpo Dzogchen Teachings: Dzogchen Teachings From the Retreats in
Austria, England, Holland and America” according to Lopon Tenzin
Namdak; transcribed and edited, together with introduction and notes by
John Myrdhin Reynolds. This is a revised edition of the transcript by
the same name that we have carried in our store. This new edition
includes a new introduction, appendix, with a biography of Lopon Tenzin
Namdak Rinpoche, and a sketch of the educational system at the Lopon's
monastery, Triten Norbutse, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Chapters include:
Introduction to Bon, The Attaining of Buddhahood according to Sutra,
Tantra and Dzogchen; Four Essential Points for Understanding Dzogchen;
The View of Shunyata found in Madhamaka, Chittamatra and Dzogchen; The
Views of Tantra, Mahamudra and Dzogchen; The View of Dzogchen; The
Practice of Dzogchen; Rushans - The Preliminary Practices of Dzogchen;
Introduction to Thekchod and Thodgal.
Paperback, 283 pages. Price: $23.95. Available mid-October.
“The Little Luminous Boy” by Samten Karmay. Images of the dzogchen
masters from Zhang Zhung, along with their biographies. Although this
book is now out of print, we were able to obtain a few more copies of
it from the publisher in Bangkok, Thailand. Hardback, 120 pages.
Price: $59.
INCENSE:
Shang Shung Sacred Incense. New! Made in Lhasa according to traditional
Shang Shung formula. Shang Shung is the ancient name of the province of
Ngari in western Tibet. Shang Shung incense is based on the research
from ancient texts and contains many kinds of plants and herbs, such as
musk, Kashmir saffron, and other precious medicinal substances. This
incense is especially good for people's health, long life, good luck
and success. Approximately 30 sticks, 11" in length. Price: $9.95
**************************
SOURCES:
(All of the following publications are available at Ligmincha’s
Bookstore and Tibet Shop: www.ligminchastore.org)
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. “Healing With Form, Energy and Light.” Edited
by Mark Dahlby. Ithaca, N.Y.: Snow Lion Publications, 2002.
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. “Wonders of the Natural Mind.” Ithaca, N.Y.:
Snow Lion Publications, 2000.
The edited transcript of “The First Experiential Transmission From the
Chag Tri: The Ngondro” with Khenpo Tenpa Yungdrung, November 2003.
Charlottesville, Va.: Ligmincha, 2004.
Khandro Rinpoche. “This Precious Life.” Boston: Shambhala
Publications Inc., 2003.
Kalu Rinpoche. “Luminous Mind.” Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1997.
Tsoknyi Rinpoche. “Fearless Simplicity.” Compiled and translated by
Erik Pema Kunsang and Marcia Binder Schmidt. Edited with Kerry Moran.
Hong Kong: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 2003.
News and Inspiration from Ligmincha Institute
Volume 6, Number 10
October 1, 2006
**************************
For easy reading, we recommend that you print out "The Voice of Clear
Light."
A printable PDF version of this month’s edition of VOCL, in readerfriendly
newsletter format complete with color photographs, will be
available online after Oct. 20. Please check the link for VOCL on
Ligmincha Institute's home page at www.ligmincha.org. You can also
access an archive of previous issues at:
http://ligmincha.org/study/vocl.html
**************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
“The Elements and our Well-Being” – an excerpt from “Healing With Form,
Energy, and Light” by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Oct. 18-22: Ligmincha’s Annual Fall Retreat - “Sacred Ecology – Outer,
Inner and Secret Teachings on the Five Elements”
“On the Importance of the Preliminary Practices” – excerpts from the
teachings of Bon and Buddhist masters
Nov. 8-12: Ngondro Retreat at Serenity Ridge. “Early-bird”
registration date is Oct. 4
An update on the new wing of the Garuda House at Serenity Ridge
Ligmincha’s Annual Winter Retreat - Dec. 27, 2006 - Jan. 1, 2007
Sangha Sharing – “Reflections on the Summer Retreat”
New Items at Ligmincha’s Tibet Shop
Sources
**************************
“THE ELEMENTS AND OUR WELL-BEING” – an excerpt from “Healing With Form,
Energy, and Light” by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Study of and practice with the elements is meant to positively affect
our well-being by giving us the tools to bring the elements into the
balance that underlies health and wholeness in any dimension of
experience. It does not take great intuition to know when we are in or
out of balance. We all know these experiences. They fall along a
continuum from the most disturbed imbalance – psychosis or serious
illness – to perfect balance, which occurs only when we can abide in
the nature of mind, the buddha-nature. In our daily lives we are
somewhere in between, moving from being more in balance to being more
out of balance, and back again.
The idea of balancing elemental energies can be usefully applied to any
human function, quality, or activity: health, relationship, spiritual
practice, psychological make-up, emotional state, physical environment,
and so on. Using imbalance of the elements as a primary metaphor, we
can understand illness and unhappiness as well as obstructions on all
levels of spiritual practice. Balancing the elements then becomes a
metaphor for healing, for the development of positive qualities and
capacities, and for the elimination of negative qualities. If one
element dominates, we need to cultivate its opposite. If we are
dominated by fire, for example, then we try to activate water or earth,
or vice versa. If earth is dominant – we are dull, sleepy, heavy –
then we activate air or fire. And if air dominates us – we are
flighty, nervous, with a short attention span – then we activate earth
or water. There are many obvious examples of balancing in everyday
life: If a fever becomes life-threatening, we may be told to soak in
cold water; if we become too cold, we apply warmth; and if we’re
dehydrated, we drink water.
By nature, all conceptualizations are symbolic and the five elements
are symbols of great depth and long tradition. Beyond metaphor,
however, the five elements are energies that can be worked with
directly by the practitioner through physical actions, energetic
movement, and the flow of awareness.
**************************
Oct. 18-22, 2006
Ligmincha’s Annual Fall Retreat:
SACRED ECOLOGY – Outer, Inner and Secret Teachings on the Five Elements
with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Space, air, fire, water and earth are the sacred underlying forces of
existence. Because the five elements are sacred all that arises from
them – and that is everything – is also sacred. For many years, Geshe
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche has emphasized the importance of developing an
intimate understanding of how the elements influence our lives on an
external, inner and secret level. In his book “Healing With Form,
Energy and Light,” he explains that “the space in which the universe
arises, the space our living room couch occupies, and the space in
which our thoughts arise is the same space and is sacred.”
The Bon Buddhist teachings on the five elements are vast. At this
year’s annual fall retreat, Tenzin Rinpoche will present teachings on
the “Personality of Elements,” a system of influences similar to the
Tibetan science of astrology. His commentary will focus on our human
relationship to the sacred nature of the environment and how elemental
qualities can manifest as destructive physical and emotional forces or
as vitality and personal power.
During the course of the retreat, Rinpoche will introduce and guide
breathing and movement practices that incorporate the beauty and life
forces of nature, the practice of Sang Chod to raise one’s vital
energy, and the healing practices of the five elemental goddesses.
Tenzin Rinpoche welcomes everyone who cares about sacred ecologies of
body, emotions, mind and environment to attend this retreat.
RETREAT COST (includes meals):
$450 if received by Oct. 4; $500 if received after Oct. 4
**************************
“ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRELIMINARY PRACTICES” – excerpts from the
teachings of Bon and Buddhist masters
From the edited transcript of oral teachings given by Khenpo Tenpa
Yungdrung Rinpoche during the November 2003 ngondro retreat:
Dzogchen teachings emphasize how to discover one’s own natural state of
mind, which is the absolute truth of existence. It is the reality of
this existence, and it is the reality of what we are. Once we discover
this state, we have to practice and become familiar with it. In this
way, we can purify our negative emotions, our defilements, and all the
causes and conditions that bring us suffering and misery. The main
teaching of dzogchen is to discover this state.
The reality of what we are is always with us, but it is so close that
it is not easy to understand and recognize. Once we realize it, it is
very special. In order to discover and realize this state, we have to
prepare. It needs a lot of preparation. The ngondro teachings are the
preliminary practices as preparation to reveal our own natural state of
mind.
*****
From “Wonders of the Natural Mind” by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche:
When we start to follow a teaching, there are essential qualities we
must have as practitioners. It is important to have a good master and
to receive clear instructions, to have great respect for the master and
the teachings, to develop the capacity to practice, and not to be like
the wind but stable in our practice and in ourselves.
Doing the ngondro is important because these practices of confession,
purification, generosity, meditation on death and impermanence, guru
yoga, etc., also serve to prepare the practitioner. They correct the
practitioner’s being by removing the strong ego formed by the five
passions. It is necessary to do this because only then are we ready to
receive the teachings in a pure way, like a clean vessel ready to
receive the “lion’s milk,” the precious liquid of the teachings.
Otherwise we are like a cracked or dirty cup that can turn the precious
liquid into poison.
*****
From “This Precious Life” by Khandro Rinpoche:
Having control over your body, speech, and mind is like being a
skillful rider. You can go where you want to go; the horse goes in the
direction that you want to go in. An unskilled rider trying to ride a
wild horse eventually ends up wherever the horse wants to go. In the
same way, you may find your body going in one direction, your speech in
another – and the rest of your sensibilities not waking up until quite
a bit later, if then. The whole framework of the Buddhist path – the
various levels and practices and forms for sitting, standing, thinking,
and behaving – is a support for learning to work with our mental
concepts and developing the ability to maintain awareness. And from a
Buddhist point of view, training the mind through meditation is
essential.
*****
From “Luminous Mind” by Kalu Rinpoche:
Through reflection and meditation, the common preliminary practices aim
to make us aware of four realities that stimulate our motivation and
urge us to practice. These meditations rest on four ideas: the
precious human rebirth, impermanence and death, the faults of samsara,
and karmic causality. They are known as the common preliminaries
insofar as they are not specific to Vajrayana but are part of the
progression in all the yanas.
When we wish to do Dharma practice, we must first become conscious of
the difficulty of attaining this precious human existence endowed with
all the conditions favorable for reaching enlightenment. This gives us
the resolve to enter the path. Meditating on the impermanence of all
things, and especially of our own life, will help us to overcome any
laziness and impel us to practice with energy. Then, if we recognize
that suffering pervades cyclic existence, we will develop an aversion
to it, and all our efforts will be directed toward attaining
liberation. Finally, if we are convinced of the truth of karma, the
relationship between causes and results, we will reject all harmful
activities and instead practice what is positive, and thus proceed
correctly.
*****
From “Fearless Simplicity” by Tsoknyi Rinpoche:
The preliminary practices facilitate recognizing and training in the
nonconceptual meditation of Dzogchen. If we feel it is difficult to
simply let be, the preliminary practices are a method to make it easier
for us. They are a conduit for purification, accumulation and
blessings. Ultimately, we must rely on our basic intelligence. The
preliminary practices strengthen and sharpen this intelligence.
Accumulating merit or using conceptual methods is like making a candle,
while Dzogchen pointing-out instruction is like lighting the candle.
You must have both – the candle and a match – to illuminate the
darkness. With inadequate merit, you can perhaps recognize mind
essence, but the recognition quickly disappears. You cannot
concentrate; you lack the candle. Like a match in the darkness, the
recognition flickers and dies. You need a stable basis to carry and
nourish the flame, and accumulating merit forms that basis.
**************************
Nov. 8-12, 2006
The Experiential Transmission of Zhang Zhung – PART ONE: NGONDRO
with Khenpo Tenpa Yungdrung Rinpoche, the abbot of Triten Norbutse
monastery in Nepal
Part 1, the Ngondro, from the Experiential Transmission of Zhang Zhung,
is the entrance to a cycle of Bon dzogchen, or “Great Perfection,”
teachings, which until the past decade were part of a secret
transmission passed one-to-one from master to student.
This year we are again very fortunate to have Khenpo Tenpa Yungdrung,
the abbot and head teacher at Triten Norbutse Monastery, Kathmandu,
Nepal, teaching these beautiful and essential practices to us.
The ngondro teachings, a complete set of practices in themselves, offer
instructions for “taming” oneself, for purifying, and for perfecting;
and are the prerequisite for further study of the Experiential
Transmission of Zhang Zhung. The transmission for the practices will
be given by Khen Rinpoche at the conclusion of the retreat. We invite
everyone to take this opportunity to be in the presence of this kind,
joyful and knowledgeable teacher.
Retreat Cost (includes meals): $400 if received by Oct. 4; $450 if
received by Oct. 25; $500 if received after Oct. 25
**************************
AN UPDATE ON THE NEW WING OF THE GARUDA HOUSE
During Ligmincha's annual summer retreat, Tenzin Rinpoche with Geshe
Nyima Kunchap and Geshe Tenzin Yeshe staked out the four corners of the
new wing of the Garuda House and performed a blessing of the land.
After the groundbreaking, all present offered prayers for successful
completion of the project. Construction of the second wing brings to
fruition Tenzin Rinpoche's longtime vision for the Serenity Ridge
Retreat Center. Tenzin Rinpoche was presented with a hard hat bearing
the Tibetan syllable DZA, the symbol of fully activated enlightened
manifestation. He was patient and joyful as we took many photos of him
in his new hat!
**You can visit www.ligmincha.org to see many wonderful pictures and to
find out more of the details on the new Garuda wing construction!
***
Here is an intimate view of Serenity Ridge and Garuda House through the
eyes of Candace Byers, who recently moved to Charlottesville and is
Ligmincha’s director of fundraising:
Virginia, its mountains, its Charlottesville and I are at the very
beginning of what I hope will be a lifelong love affair. In the late
afternoon of fall when you drive to Serenity Ridge, the mountains and
hollows enfold you. In the early morning when you leave Serenity Ridge
for the city, if you are early enough, you can catch the sky still
slumbering in those mossy, dark, green ridges. We study the lineage of
the land above the clouds while we retreat in the land whose mountains
are milky white with morning mist. By mid-morning, dzogchen-like the
mists dissolve, the sky is turquoise, and wheeling, careering turkey
vultures rule the sky with the presence of each moment’s aerial
navigation.
This is how I see Virginia now. So when the Garuda House arises into
view from the fluttering driveway, it is just amazing. Today the
framing on the second story of the new wing is all up. The men worked
through a thunderstorm last evening past 5:30. They say the roof should
be framed by Saturday.
Thank you for your prayers of aspiration. Thank you for your financial
gifts. Thank you for your creativity in helping in all the ways that
you do. I prostrate to the sangha in gratitude.
Candace Byers
**************************
Dec. 27, 2006-Jan. 1, 2007
Ligmincha’s Annual Winter Retreat
THE FRUITION OF DZOGCHEN - The Experiential Transmission of Zhang Zhung
- Part Three, Chapter Seven of the Chag Tri
with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
This winter, Rinpoche will present the teachings and methods contained
in Chapter Seven: The Fruition of Dzogchen. This chapter reveals how
the fruition of developing confidence in the three kayas and finding
“one’s own place” provides the accomplishment of the Great Perfection.
Over the past three years, Rinpoche has introduced students of the
Experiential Transmission to the boundless view, the spontaneous
meditation, and the flexible behavior of dzogchen in preparation for
this retreat. During this time, the community of practitioners has
grown as more students have committed themselves to the Experiential
Transmission teachings, completed Parts One and Two, and entered into
Part Three.
Students who have attended a previous Part Three retreat as well as
students who have received the Part Two teachings are invited to attend
this retreat.
Retreat Cost (includes meals): $400 if received by Nov. 15; $450 if
received by Dec. 6; $500 if received after Dec. 6
**To register for any of these retreats please e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (434) 977-6161.
SANGHA SHARING – “REFLECTIONS ON THE SUMMER RETREAT”
This summer retreat I felt a big shift happening. (I was there for the
first week.) It showed in Trul Khor practice. For me it felt that
after all these years sitting on a cushion, I finally could get moving.
I loved it!
And now I'm at home, feeling bad because of an issue. But instead of
staying in that state of mind, or going to somebody else with it, I
notice that I work with it: on my cushion in the meditation, and in my
"normal" life. I work with my issue all by myself. I have gained selfconfidence
to do so. And I am really surprised how fast the shift
comes. It's wonderful!
I feel that I can take my own life in my own hands again which I
haven't been able to do for a long, long time. If someone would ask me
now: “What are you?” I would answer: “I'm a practitioner!”
It was so wonderful to be at Serenity Ridge again and feel the heart
connection with a lot of people. Even if I haven't seen you much (in
this time of my life), or didn't speak with you a lot, I really feel
connected, home.
I thank Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche for the wonders he makes happen for me
and for so many people. Rinpoche, you make all the difference in the
world for me. Much love and devotion.
I thank everybody who helped to build Ligmincha Institute and Serenity
Ridge. You also make all the difference in the world. I am so happy to
be part of this family.
Geertje Bloemers
Netherlands
***
After the first few days of the retreat it seemed to me that Rinpoche
could have called it the "How to Be a Better Practitioner" retreat -
but probably not as many people would have come, which would have been
unfortunate for them. Rinpoche's increasingly penetrating insight into
the workings of the Western mind were on display at this retreat. As he
said, he is making his teachings more and more experiential, while
sharing his personal practices and insights, some of which he developed
and shared at the retreat. It is a most precious gift to do these
guided practices with him. I can only look forward to more of these
kinds of illuminating retreats. As Rinpoche says about these teachings
in the new retreat brochure, "I must preserve them in people. That is
why we call them experiential teachings. They are planted in the hearts
of people." We could not pray for a better teacher.
Scott Clearwater
California
**************************
NEW ITEMS AT LIGMINCHA’S TIBET SHOP
To read descriptions and see photographs of the newest items at
Ligmincha Institute’s Bookstore and Tibet Shop and for order
information, please go to www.ligminchastore.org and click on "search
by category or description" and then click on "New items." Or, go
directly to:
http://www.ligminchastore.org/items.asp?CategoryID=16&SubCategory=0&Sub
mit=Search
***
We are very pleased to announce this year's wall calendar: Ligmincha
Institute's 2007 calendar of Tibetan Bon and Buddhist auspicious days:
The Bon Dzogchen Masters of Zhang Zhung.
The pages feature hand-painted images of the renowned dzogchen yogis of
Zhang Zhung, along with their meditation instructions from the Zhang
Zhung Nyen Gyu (Oral Transmission of Zhang Zhung). As usual, we have
included both Western and Tibetan dates, as well as major Bon and
Buddhist auspicious days, and U.S. and Mexican holidays. The calendar
is 9" x 11", 18" x 11" when opened. Price: $14.95. Available mid-
October.
BOOKS:
“Bonpo Dzogchen Teachings: Dzogchen Teachings From the Retreats in
Austria, England, Holland and America” according to Lopon Tenzin
Namdak; transcribed and edited, together with introduction and notes by
John Myrdhin Reynolds. This is a revised edition of the transcript by
the same name that we have carried in our store. This new edition
includes a new introduction, appendix, with a biography of Lopon Tenzin
Namdak Rinpoche, and a sketch of the educational system at the Lopon's
monastery, Triten Norbutse, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Chapters include:
Introduction to Bon, The Attaining of Buddhahood according to Sutra,
Tantra and Dzogchen; Four Essential Points for Understanding Dzogchen;
The View of Shunyata found in Madhamaka, Chittamatra and Dzogchen; The
Views of Tantra, Mahamudra and Dzogchen; The View of Dzogchen; The
Practice of Dzogchen; Rushans - The Preliminary Practices of Dzogchen;
Introduction to Thekchod and Thodgal.
Paperback, 283 pages. Price: $23.95. Available mid-October.
“The Little Luminous Boy” by Samten Karmay. Images of the dzogchen
masters from Zhang Zhung, along with their biographies. Although this
book is now out of print, we were able to obtain a few more copies of
it from the publisher in Bangkok, Thailand. Hardback, 120 pages.
Price: $59.
INCENSE:
Shang Shung Sacred Incense. New! Made in Lhasa according to traditional
Shang Shung formula. Shang Shung is the ancient name of the province of
Ngari in western Tibet. Shang Shung incense is based on the research
from ancient texts and contains many kinds of plants and herbs, such as
musk, Kashmir saffron, and other precious medicinal substances. This
incense is especially good for people's health, long life, good luck
and success. Approximately 30 sticks, 11" in length. Price: $9.95
**************************
SOURCES:
(All of the following publications are available at Ligmincha’s
Bookstore and Tibet Shop: www.ligminchastore.org)
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. “Healing With Form, Energy and Light.” Edited
by Mark Dahlby. Ithaca, N.Y.: Snow Lion Publications, 2002.
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. “Wonders of the Natural Mind.” Ithaca, N.Y.:
Snow Lion Publications, 2000.
The edited transcript of “The First Experiential Transmission From the
Chag Tri: The Ngondro” with Khenpo Tenpa Yungdrung, November 2003.
Charlottesville, Va.: Ligmincha, 2004.
Khandro Rinpoche. “This Precious Life.” Boston: Shambhala
Publications Inc., 2003.
Kalu Rinpoche. “Luminous Mind.” Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1997.
Tsoknyi Rinpoche. “Fearless Simplicity.” Compiled and translated by
Erik Pema Kunsang and Marcia Binder Schmidt. Edited with Kerry Moran.
Hong Kong: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 2003.
