Interview with Pawo Choyning Dorji

Questions from Yvonne Gold

Q. Where were you born & when?

A. I was born in Darjeeling, India on the 23rd of June 1983. I am Bhutanese but now I spend most of my time between Bir, Northern India and Taipei, Taiwan.

Q. Where did you grow up and go to school?

A. My father worked as a diplomat for the Bhutanese government, so we were always on the move. Of course I spent a majority of my childhood in Bhutan but I also grew up in Switzerland, India and Kuwait. Since we were always on the move, my parents opted to send me to a boarding school to finish my high school. I graduated from Kodaikanal International School, an American boarding school in the beautiful Palini hills of Tamil Nadu, South India. Since my high school was an American school, it was natural for me to do my university studies in the US. I majored in International Relations and Political Science at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. After I graduated in 2006, I moved to Bir to be with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

Q. How & when did you get your 1st camera?

A. I used to use my parent’s old Nikon film camera, but I got my first digital SLR camera when I graduated from college. I guess you could say that was my first serious camera.

Q. How old were you when you started taking photo’s

A. I don’t remember, I always enjoyed taking photos, but I started being serious about it around 2006.

Q. How, why & where did you get interested in taking photo’s?

Pawo Choyning Dorji

A. I think that the world is seen differently by each individual, because each eye is unique. This is just my way of sharing my viewpoint. The way I see the world.
I also take pictures because I want to share my life with others. I do lead a very unique life; I live in a place like Bir and work for my guru. I think I am very fortunate that way…because happiness I think comes down to living a life where you do what makes you happy, and for me that is being around my guru. There are many other sangha members around the world, who probably would also like to live such lives…but they cannot because of different conditions. I take pictures and share them because I want our sangha to feel connected with our guru and his activities.
Also I travel a lot and I enjoy shooting landscape. I like to share that with friends who have not been there yet. (I don’t know if this makes sense but you go ahead and edit it and do whatever.)

Q. Do you have an idea before you shoot of what you want, or just see how it is when you’re in a place?

A. I love to shoot landscape and people. People’s faces (especially old people) are my favourite, I feel like their whole life story is written on their faces…the happy times and the times of struggle. I also shoot a lot of panorama shots, where I actually take several shots on one place in a row.  I then use different software to stitch them together into a giant photo. I think this is cool because it really gives the viewer ideas of what I am seeing when I am there.
I am very open to shooting and processing techniques. I like to experiment and just see how it turns out. I shoot in HDR mode as well, that’s when a photo is shot in 3 different exposure levels and then merged together to form one photograph. Sometimes the end product looks like a painting.

Q. How / why do you go to all these places?

A. I guess it’s the life I lead. I am a Bhutanese, married to an American Taiwanese, living in a small mountain village in northern India. Following a guru who is always on the move! We just end up travelling a lot!

Q. What else would you like to do now or in the future?

A. I would like to study photography. Right now its just something that I have picked up on my own, and I think there is so much more to learn.

Q. Your photos have a huge sense of spaciousness about them, which is very inspiring for meditation. How do you achieve that? What’s your motivation in taking these images?

A. I think it just turns out like that because I am a photographer who happens to a Buddhist, and who also happens to be always hanging around meditative places! Its very unlikely I’ll be taking photos in a place like Paris or Tokyo…I am usually in places like Bodhgaya, Bhutan, or on some remote mountain top.

Instant Inspiration photo Pawo Choyning Dorji

May I become at all times, both now and forever; a protector for those without protection; a guide for those who have lost their way; a ship for those with oceans to cross; a bridge for those with rivers to cross; a sanctuary for those in danger; a lamp for those without light; a place of refuge for those who lack of shelter; and a servant to all in need” Shantideva, The Bodhicharyavatara, Chapter III, Verse 18-19

This is Pawos link which is full of wonderful photos to inspire others to travel to pilgrimage places. http://drukpakuenlay.smugmug.com/Travel/Paths

Beautiful Bodhgaya photo Pawo Choyning Dorji

Tara Blessing at Deer Park Institute, Bir HP India Oct 1 & 2, 2010.

Synopsis by Crystal Catherine Southwood.

On October 1, 2010 Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche bestowed the jenang (Tib) or darshan (Skt) blessing of the tantric deity Arya Tara. The Manjushri Hall at Deer Park Institute was completely filled and many people sat outside looking in through the windows. The lineage of this blessing came from Shakya Shri.

Rinpoche explained that although “not a major abisheka (empowerment) it is one of the many methods of the infinite tantric path to introduce you to the mandala of a certain deity — it creates a connection.” The connection is with the deity and its mandala as well as with the master who bestows the empowerment.

The ceremony consisted of the classical aspects: generating bodhicitta motivation, mandala offering, refuge & bodhisattva vows, request for connection and then the body (through blessing water), speech (through mantra) and mind blessings. For the mind blessing Rinpoche handed everyone a fresh flower, which I placed on the crown of my head.

The following quotes are from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche said during this Tara Initiation

“These flowers are not just marigolds, they have infinite dimension, and represent that Arya Tara will always be your crown ornament and your pledge that you will never take it off.”

“When you just watch the non fabricated mind, that mind is none other than Arya Tara.”

” By engaging in deity practice and visualising self as deity we are actually purifying our perception to what is our true nature”.

“Ultimately our very being is Arya Tara – Arya Tara is not an externally existing deity. We must discover this innate Arya Tara and utilize its full potential.”

“Me telling you Arya Tara is inside you is the same as me telling you oil is in the sesame seed. Oil is always in the sesame seed. It [tantra] is not a deceiving path.”

“Tantra has something to do with continuity, it means, before you practice, while you practice and after realisation, your innate nature has not changed at all.”

“The real cause of suffering is that we do not have the right view.”

Rinpoche also mentioned that the ultimate truth that Buddha realised is beyond words. Concepts that at first Buddha did not teach so as not to lead people astray. What was given are called provisional teachings – teachings that lead along the path but that are not ultimate truth, because most beings were not ready for that.

Rinpoche talked about how to maintain the blessing through various methods such as various ways to do the sadhana. Viewing self and environment all as Arya Tara, visualising Arya Tara as your root guru, reciting praises, reciting mantra, even just reciting the seed syllable Tam has many blessings.

“Sadhana is a method to land on dharmata and arise as Tara instead of our impure self. To try to get pure perception for a moment and replace our impure perception with right perception.”

During question and answer someone asked about merit.
Rinpoche said “Anything that brings you closer to the truth is meritorious.”

Someone asked about grace and Rinpoche said,
“The utlimate grace/blessing is that we have innate Arya Tara.”

Climbing the staircase photo Crystal Catherine Southwood

Travel Tips for India and Bhutan

By Pamela Croci

Our experience with planning any trip has been to keep in mind worthwhile tips, step into the void and follow whatever comes up. Of course, book transport there (return) and accommodation on arrival, and depending on the season, hotels in key areas. Doing this meant that there was time for opportunities that truly resonated, to guide us to some extraordinary places. Recently we returned home, with a sense of accomplishment, rather than tired from trying to see too much, and not having the space of mind, to appreciate the place or the people. Some time ago, we did go on a long trip, with everything organised within an inch of its being, and we found this exhausting.

If you have a more organised habit, are travelling with children or if this is your first time to India then I recommend engaging a tour guide. Less anxiety if you have advice regarding hotels and a car to take you around places like Delhi. However try and give yourself some free days just to wander. In India the main pilgrimage places are a must especially if time is limited. For the rest of your life you will find them to be so inspiring as your mind can return to them again and again.

Zangpo Palri of Kurjey up ahead - Bumthang, Bhutan photo Hugo Croci

In Bhutan, unless you are travelling with exceptional Government approval you are required to have prearranged bookings with a tour company. Our driver and our guide were very accommodating and always asked us where and what we wanted to see. Any homework would be, to take note of special places where wonderful masters have been and with whom you feel a particular connection.

Travelling around India and Bhutan can not be done with tight schedules. Things happen. Roads are slow. Trains can take forever. However if time is a consideration, flying has improved enormously. Not as cheap obviously but not horrendously expensive either and very convenient. To keep costs down book air travel online before you leave and if you need to change flights this can be done for less than buying there as you go. Well that was our experience. At Airports make sure you have checked your luggage and that you are not carrying anything questionable. Security at Indian airports is now very strict so be prepared for several checks.

Please be careful with food. We travelled recently with our 15 yr old and he became very ill from what we think was a bag of potato chips. This is a time only to feed your body sustenance not to indulge in western habits. We had been warned that Bhutan’s food was only chilli, chilli and more chilli. Not so. Mainly it was rice with lots of fresh vegetable dishes, sometimes dhal, sometimes great mushrooms and yes, always with chilli as a side dish.

Regarding your health it is wise to carry some supplies. (See Nikki and Paula’s Medicine Chest list.) When our son was sick in Varanasi we went to a very good hotel and were looked after by an excellent doctor who was called to the room by the hotel. Of course becoming ill was unfortunate but able to be met without too much hardship.

Heart of Bhutan, Taksang photo Pamela Croci

Money tips: You can use rupees in Bhutan but don’t have notes in denominations above 100 Rupees. Not 500, not 1000, as they will not be accepted. Bhutan is mostly cash only country. There are a couple of ATMs. One at the airport and one in Thimpu. $US Dollars are accepted.

Regarding clothes. Check weather conditions in the immediate area in which you are travelling. Be like a chameleon – blend. We found one lot of outer layers work with good thermals and several pairs of comfortable socks. Scarves for extra warmth and colour. If travelling in summer, cover up. A simple shirt costs around $5.00 so you can buy, wear and pass it on. Try and contain everything within one bag. Travelling with warm sleeping bag is sensible if staying in cheaper hotels. Have passports, money always close. If possible don’t leave visas until the last minute. We left getting our visa into Sikkim until Siliguri when we could have done this at Sikkim House in Delhi. It worked out however it could have been very inconvenient not only for us but also for others.
That’s it. Have a wonderful time.

There are many special places in and on the way to Bumthang,
Central Bhutan.

It takes a full day to get there over a beautiful and worth every bump in the road.
Here are a few:
Jakar:
Jamba Lhakhung (7th century) ask to see Pema Lingpa’s chain shawl
Walk through the fields to
Kurjey Lhakhung and Kurjey Zangpo Palri (Guru Rinpoche Head print)
Tamshing Lhakhung – Pema Lingpa’s Monastery
Namkhai Nyingpo’s Monastery Kharchu overlooking Bumthang
Out of Jakar:
Kunzangdrak – Pema Lingpa’s Retreat (steep walk)
Dechenling – where Pema Lingpa was born and lived (shorter walk half way to Kunzangdrak)
Mebartsho (Burning Lake)
On the road back to Thimpu via Punakha
Choe Drak – Tharpa Ling Monastery – Longchenpa cave and Nyoshul Khen’s Kudung – short steep walk from car
At Punakha:
Punakha Dzong – exquisite painting of Buddha in main monastery
Not far out of Punakha
Chimi Lhakhang – Drukpa Kunley’s Monastery -a joyful walk through the fields
and
In Sikkim on the way to Tashiding is a wonderful Guru Rinpoche cave called
Kharchu Sangphog “ Secret cave of the Dakinis “

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche’s address
to the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative Launch

At the Chokyi Gyatso Institute for Buddhist Studies, Deothang, 18 Dec, 2010.
Translated from Tshangla-Lo by Tshewang Dendup

Compared to talking face to face with you, it is much more difficult to talk on camera. It is also difficult to remember all the things I want to say. Even so, on the occasion of the launch of the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative, I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to you for being here this weekend.

I have been thinking about an initiative like this for some time. But it was only the last time when I visited Deothang in March this year that I really got to talk about it with our friends and the people of Deothang.

In general in Bhutan, lots of changes and progress are taking place. Some of these could be good changes, but it is difficult to comment on them because it is hard to distinguish if the changes are good or bad. What we think is a good change this year could be a bad one next year.

Following the wishes of our monarchs to establish democracy, we now have democracy in place, and in line with these developments, it is important for the people to shoulder our responsibilities and start fulfilling our responsibilities and activities properly. Based on that, the idea was to start a project like the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative and see what it can bring forth, even though the project is not on a big scale.

However, I want to make one thing very clear. There are those who understand this clearly and very well. But on the other hand, those who don’t might embark on this venture with pomposity and a lot of hullabaloo as if they were setting up a new association, organisation, or party. Some people like to go around saying that they are members of a special organisation and they exude an excitement similar to those belonging to an archery or cricket team. Sometimes, these people also display a sense of exclusivity, as if to say “I am better than them.” I want to make it very clear and stress that the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative isn’t in any way like that at all.

Although religion is deeply woven into our lives in Bhutan, I also want to make it very clear that the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative is not a religious entity at all, and it will not have any religious trappings like tshechus and holy days and stuff like that. Needless to say, I also want to emphasize the apolitical nature of the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative..

So what then is the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative?

Bhutan has seen good progress which is due to the collective merit of the people of Bhutan, the blessings of the Three Jewels, and on top of that, the far-sighted vision of our Kings who have guarded the well being of Bhutanese people for generations.

While Bhutan continues to embrace the offerings of the modern world and learns the ways of the modern world, it has done so without losing the essence of our unique culture, our unique thinking and mentality, even the way we sit and eat. All these have not diminished, and the credit for this goes to our monarchs.

Our country Bhutan is now in a new set up. Bhutan is a democracy now. So far things have gone well. So why then are we forming the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative?

The Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative is being formed mainly because our people and the Bhutanese citizens have a responsibility. The English word “initiative” is hard to translate but its meaning includes carrying or shouldering responsibility.

It is carrying our responsibility without someone else having to tell us. It is US fulfilling our responsibilities without the prodding of a cowherd. It is for us and it is for our children, and it is for the future well being. Taking such an initiative and to be concerned in this manner, that is the main aim of the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative.

As I said before, establishing clubs and creating teams and stuff like hosting parties, picnics, gathering people for enjoyment, distributing leaflets, hoisting flags and blowing horns that is not our intention and thinking. Please keep this in mind. This is very, very important.

The government has looked after us like a mother after a child. The government has looked after us even beyond the stage that it should, even after the child is now able to ingest solid foods. The government has taken care of us thus far. We are now like 15 and 16 year old teenagers. With democracy in place, Bhutan and her culture, education, environmental preservation and protection, our unique philosophy and psyche, our thinking the caretaker and the custodian of these should not be just the government and the work of a department alone.

Once a child grows up, it should not expect its parents to take care of it further. When the child reaches the age of 15 or 16 or 20 and still expects the parents to look after it, then that is not good. Likewise, the people of Bhutan should now work sincerely in tandem to fulfil the aims of the government and the vision of our King. In doing so, we have to think not only of the present but of the generations to come in the future.

Coming to Gross National Happiness, we should not only engage in talk but also translate it into action  to “walk the talk.” And in doing so, we should not wait for others. Rather, all of us, each one of us, on our own, being concerned, should shoulder the responsibilities, and we should start working in line with the philosophy of the government.

The government is doing its job and in the future also, the hope is that it will continue to do so. But we have to do our bit and not just leave it to the government. After all, it is for us that these actions are being done. We have also become dependent on aid like some other countries. A mentality like that means that we can never mature and grow up.

So being self reliant and realizing our potential I think these issues will come up in discussions in the upcoming meetings, but I am mentioning this here just to highlight its importance.

In our villages, even though we have enough to feed our children, the trend has set in where our youth want to go to Thimphu and to the urban areas. These days you can no longer say things like “you cannot go” and “you should not go.” Why are our young ones wanting to go to the urban areas? Once they reach the urban areas, if they have no problems living a decent life, it is not a problem at all. But often they end up having no jobs, or if they get jobs, those jobs are not up to their expectations, and then they get exasperated and land up in a situation where they feel ashamed to go back to their homes and end up abusing drugs or drinking alcohol.

How can we stem this flow of our youth to the urban areas? We cannot use force and threat. Within Samdrup Jongkhar and Deothang, what are the things that we can do to create the enabling environment and conditions that will keep our young men and women here?

As I say these words, I am reminded of this way of thinking that many of us have  a tendency amongst us to think: “We cannot do this. This is un-doable.” We should do away with such thinking and abandon such thoughts.

Even if something does not work this year, next year, or in five or six years, if we start our project now, we will have a long term plan, because we have to think long term. We have to think long term. If we start now, if we begin our activities now and start now, then even if we are not able to accomplish our aims during our lifetimes, it is not a problem. If we start this plan and establish it now, then it will bear fruit in our children’s lifetime. If we don’t do this now, it will be too late later.

In Bhutan, when we build a house, we face labour shortages. We cannot get labourers. There is a lack of skilled workers. Even if we get labourers, we have to contend with the shame factor because such vocations are looked down in our society with the common aspiration to land a white collar job. How can we change this attitude, this thinking?

Deothang and Samdrup Jongkhar are fertile areas and receive abundant rainfall. Yet we get our food and vegetables from outside. How can we be self sufficient and feed ourselves? How to inculcate such thinking? How do we make our people think in those terms and in terms of environmental conservation and ecological awareness and prevention? Education is the key.

With the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative, the thinking is to go beyond the common and established view, the prevalent view that chanting mantras and counting malas constitutes practice and instead take it beyond those rituals and really integrate spiritual practice. So the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative will look at how to integrate religious practice and go beyond the chanting and counting of malas. And with this kind of initiative, we will work with all of us united in such thoughts.

Many people, including civil servants and business folk, have worked and helped in launching the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative, and I want to thank them. From my side, the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative has been started with good intention and we should all rejoice. And if this goes well, this initiative could be replicated in other districts.

Please keep this in mind and thank you all.

For more information go to http://www.sji.bt/

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche taking care in Deothang 2010 photo Pawo Choyning Dorji

Kindly put together by Nikki Keefe
and Paula Raymond – Yacoub.

Paula is a Physiotherapist/Acupuncturist and Nikki a registered nurse who has run clinics in India.

Panadol/ Ibuprofen (good for pain &fever)

Asprin (one prior to flying to reduce risk of DVT)

Olbas oil (good for colds/sinus congestion)

Rennie/ indigestion tablets (for overindulgence of Indian food!!)

Stemetil for car sickness or nausea (Prescription only in west or over the counter in India)

Tinidazole antibiotic for Giardia gut infection, 2 gm stat (Prescription only or over the counter in India)

Norfloxacillin antibiotic for bacterial diarrhoea

Cephlex antibiotic for upper respiratory/sinus infections

Temazepam sleeping tablet (Prescription only)

Tiger balm (good all rounder for aches, pains, insect bites)

Dulcolax/ Nulex for constipation (yes it can happen!!)

Imodium/ loperimide (for diarrhoea)

Oral hydration powder (if diarrhoea)

Betadine antiseptic lotion

Tea tree oil for infections/dilute gargle for sore throat

Himalaya brand Balm for colds and pain (available in India)

Small first aid kit including plasters, gauze and bandage

SF30 cream/ Lip balm

Capsicum plaster from Chinese Herb Shops for painful backs etc

Chinese Herbal granules – Gui Zhi Tang – for chills [aeroplane aircon]

Paula and Nikki at Kiosk on the way up to Taksang, Bhutan

Yacoub

By Michele Sierra
During the Uttaratantra Teachings in Australia 2008 Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche announced that he had invited one of his senior students, Jakob Leschly to be resident teacher for Siddhartha’s Intent in Australia. Rinpoche expressed confidence in Jakob to relay the authentic Buddhist teachings according to the Khyentse lineage.
It was not until I had the good fortune to attend several of these teachings and also the 10 day Vipashyana retreat , that I realised what a great blessing and opportunity Rinpoche has given our Australian sangha.
Throughout the year we studied the student practice manual, refined some of the pith instructions for the Riwo Sangcho practice and contemplated the profound text “The Great Medicine”, written by Shechen Gyaltsap Rinpoche, the first root teacher to His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and explained by Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche.

Rosebank Vipashyana Retreat 2009

On each occasion we gathered together in a small group which allowed time to reflect and formulate questions or request clarification as we went along. These study groups with Jakob were structured in such a way, that there was time to go through the profound teachings offered in the allocated text – contemplate – ask questions – invite Jakob’s comments and later meditate together with our local Sangha. There was also an option, if required, for individual interviews with Jakob to support or refine personal practice.

Blue Mountains Vipashyana Retreat 2010 Photo by Hugo Croci

Blue Mountains Retreat 2010 Photo by Paul Stevenson

Blue Mountains Retreat 2010 Photo by Paul Stevenson

As a participant in these study groups and Vipashyana retreat, what has been immensely important for me is that Jakob stays true to the authentic Teachings (doesn’t offer a diluted version of Buddhism) He has the knowledge and capacity to make the most complex and profound concepts accessible to people of varying degrees of familiarity with Buddhist philosophy and practice. Through his own practice, as a student of Buddhism, of effort, diligence, self reflection- as well as powerful personal stories of the great Masters, I feel both humbled and inspired by him. In chaotic times like these and with the information overload we all experience, Jakob is able to speak to the intellect as well as the heart using the authentic language of his lineage masters. His modern method of teaching and accessibility has offered a renewed inspiration and appreciation in my own study and practice of Buddhism.

Click here for a link to Jakobs Teaching schedule for rest of year

and please note Jacobs next retreat for SIDDHARTHA’S INTENT AUSTRALIA
10 Day Vipassanā Retreat – Rosebank NSW
30th September – 10th October 2010

The Tree of Enlightenment

By the Late DR Peter Della Santina

Book cover design by Siddartha Della Santina

by Pam Croci
During the Teachings in Bangalow, Australia this year Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche recommended that people to read books which outline the basic teaching of the Buddha and the history of the development of these Teachings. This is such a book.
An ideal book for the beginner who comes to Buddhism with a good scholastic discipline. An ideal book for a jaded older student like me for here you will find refreshing reference material that will help bring the mind back to the basics and inspire us to practise. The book has been reprinted and donated for free distribution by The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation in Taiwan
Website: www.budaedu.org
Email: overseas@budaedu.org
For Australian students this book is available through the Maha Bodhi Buddhist Centre in Sydney.
www.maharts.com.au
Download this book at http://www.buddhanet.net/ebooks_g.htm

About the Author

Peter was born in the USA and has spent many years studying and teaching in South and East Asia. His qualifications are numerous leading up to his PhD. in Buddhist Studies from the University of Delhi, India in 1979. He then worked for three years for the Institute for Advanced Studies of World Religions, Fort lee, New Jersey as a research scholar translating 8th century Buddhist philosophical texts from the Tibetan.
He taught at several Universities and Buddhist centres in Europe and Asia. He was a senior fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Simla, India and taught Philosophy at the Fo Kuang Shan Academy of Chinese Buddhism, Koah-Shiung, Taiwan.
For twenty five years Peter was a student of H.H. Sakya Trizin. He practised Buddhist meditation and completed a number of retreats.
More info on his life and works can be found at www.peterdellasantina.org

Photos by Claire Farman

Eclipsed Moon in Sri Lanka

On the path

On the path still

Shadows in Sri Lanka

“One way or another, the majority of students and practitioners from all the different lineages of Tibetan Buddhism will have a connection with Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Some of us are fortunate enough to consider ourselves as his students. The present Yangsi Rinpoche, without a single doubt, embodies the previous Khyentse Rinpoche’s presence, wisdom and compassion. Now, for the first time, Yangsi Rinpoche is travelling to the West. This journey is a rare gift from His Eminence Rabjam Rinpoche and establishes our continuous, uninterrupted connection with Kyabje Khyentse Rinpoche and the Khyentse lineage. I hope those who have time and space will make a point to participate in this program”

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche , Dec 21, 2009

An Invitation to Celebrate Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche’s

Return to the West

His Eminence Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche & Matthieu Ricard cordially invite you to H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. The year 2010 marks the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–1991), one of the most remarkable spiritual teachers of our time. To mark this special occasion, there will be ongoing activities celebrating his life and paying tribute to the benefits and activities he accomplished. Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, his tulku or reincarnation, will give teachings, and preside over the ceremonies and offerings in Asia and abroad.

The celebration event in Hong Kong will be held in 2 days on 9th Oct and 10th Oct 2010. This event is free of charge and open to public. The event will be conducted in English with Putonghua interpretation. You can simply sign up for the event and receive an instant email confirmation letter. Please print out the email confirmation letter and bring it along for entry. Free seating is available on first-come, first-serve basis.

NB : Australian Students please note that there are 4 day package deals to Hong Kong
at this time for $A1000.00

Also Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche will be concluding his tour in India.

Nov 26 – Dec 5 Rangjung Pema Nyingthink Drupchen at Shechen Monastery in Bodhgaya, India

Dec 28 – 30 Closing Celebrations in Bodhgaya.

For further information regarding India leg of this tour email: samtshe@gmail.com

For details, please see the event e-flyer or visit www.dilgokhyentse.hk
For enquiries, please feel free to contact via email at info@dilgokhyentse.hk

Best Regards,
Organizing Committee of H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s 100th Anniversary Celebration – Hong Kong

Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche at Lerab Ling, France Photo from Rigpa

The photo on the left is Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche being received at Lerab Ling Temple in France during anniversary celebrations earlier this year.

Click this link to see photos of Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche at Nyima Dzong, Lama Kunsang’s gompa near Nice in France earlier this year. Photos by Olivier Vin.

Click this link to see photos from The Long Life Empowerment that Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche gave in New York. Hosted by Mangala Shri Buti, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

A Teaching from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in Australia.
As many of you will have experienced over the years Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has a particular style of teaching. Very generous and inclusive.

During the Uttaratantra Shastra teaching at Bangalow, in Australia this year, there was a particular section in these teachings that caught the mind of many of us as being a most delightful and relatable explanation of the six Paramitas. I have only lightly edited this passage so those of you who have not heard Rinpoche directly can appreciate the humour and deep affection as well as the profound wisdom that infuses Rinpoche’s style of Teaching.

The Six Fondnesses

“ For the path dweller to be virtuous and to accumulate virtuous deeds is so important. To think virtuously is very important. However good deeds have so many obstacles. These obstacles can be categorised into the six fondnesses.”
“What are they – it is quite interesting – they are the six different kinds of love.”
Rinpoche invites a definition.  “What is love by the way?” (Audience laughter)

Audience responds with some words.

“Tenderness, yes tenderness. That is good. Tenderness I think I like. A soft spot. A Fondness.”
1. “ There is a certain type of rat that is always collecting things – a pack rat. This kind of attitude, a tenderness towards, a fondness for collecting attacks generosity, the first paramita.”
2. “ The next is a tenderness, a fondness towards not staying out of trouble. A very good one, this, I thought. A fondness to trouble.”

Mischievous?  (Audience)

“Mischievous is something kind of good. No? Well according to us it is,” ( Rinpoche and audience laughter) “ This fondness of not staying out of trouble becomes the obstacle to discipline.”

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Bangalow 2010 Photo by Bridget Gebbie

3. “The fondness to making the point is the obstacle to patience”
4. “ Fondness to carelessness is the obstacle to diligence “ Sloppiness. Yes. Sloppiness is good. Messiness. A fondness to Australians. No, No, No I am just…”
5. “ A fondness to be dependent, to be co-dependent. We have a fondness for wanting space, for respecting human rights but that’s all talk. Behind our actions we have a fondness to be dictated to, to be controlled by others. Fondness to be dominated by an object “
“ A bit like having a girlfriend or a boyfriend. To have someone who can change their mood faster than lightning. That’s terrible,”
(Lots of laughter)
“Basically we love dependency even though we talk about independence. This is the obstacle to meditation – samadhi. “
6. “Now this is a really good one. Fantastic this one. You know how the French  – I hope there are no French people here  – love smelly cheese.  We love disgusting stuff like pig’s nose. There is tenderness, a fondness for liking bad stuff, or for liking cheap stuff, so that is why we need wisdom.”

“ These things, these six fondnesses are the mastermind, the planner, the mover, the fixer of non virtuous deeds. They lead to non-virtuous action. They sustain, they enhance, the non-virtuous action. The six paramitas are there because these fondnesses need to be analysed and attacked.”

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.



From the archives, Sydney, Australia 1984.

This is a brief summary of Rinpoche’s first visit to Russia in July of this year. According to Rinpoche, this historic trip has been 20 years in the making, starting with the first invitation by Victor, a legendary Russian chö practitioner who lived in Nepal.

During his time in Russia, Rinpoche visited and gave teachings in Moscow, Kunphenling retreat center near Moscow, and St.Petersburg.

Visit Highlights

Rinpoche in Red Square Photo by Arne Schelling

Rinpoche visited Red Square including Lenin Mausoleum as well as Kremlin Cathedrals–resting places of many Russian tsars, including Ivan the Terrible.

Rinpoche visited Leo Tolstoy museum, which featured Leo Tolstoy’s correspondence with Mahatma Gandhi on the topic of spreading the view of practical compassion in the world.

Rinpoche visited a first Moscow Stupa of Enlightenment (the only stupa in Moscow) built on the ground of Roerich Museum.

Rinpoche held a luncheon with Moscow-area volunteers who helped with the visit.

Rinpoche met with several dharma patrons and discussed their various projects in Russia, such as:

• Translation of the Dudjom Tersar sadhanas into Russian
• Collaboration across Russian, Buryat and Kalmyk Buddhist sanghas to build first Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Moscow
• Project to bring several Buddhist relics from Sri Lanka and Burma to Russia

Teachings

In both Moscow and St. Petersburg, Rinpoche gave evening talks (open and free to the public) on “Fundamental View of Buddhism”. In each case, the talk was attended by over a hundred people.

Listening to Rinpoche In Russia Photo by Arne Schelling

In St.Petersburg Rinpoche gave a weekend teaching on Madhyamakāvatara. (First six chapters of Russian translation of Rinpoche’s commentary on Madhyamaka are available on Russian website, khyentse.ru). The weekend teaching was warmly received and attended by over 100 people.

In Kunphenling (a retreat center near Moscow), Rinpoche gave a three day retreat on Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s short Ngondro from the Longchen Nyingtik, which was attended by to close to 200 people, hailing from all over Russia. (A particularly moving story included Rinpoche’s meeting with a teenage boy from a small town in rural Russia, who was absolutely new to Buddhism, and upon learning of Rinpoche over the internet, saved his earnings for 8 months to be able to travel to Rinpoche’s retreat.) Teachings from the retreat were broadcast to both Dharma Gars under the direction of Rinpoche (European Gar and North American Gar).

Also in Kunphenling, Rinpoche conducted a Gesar Sang during which a Peace Vase was buried on the grounds of the retreat center. Rinpoche’s moving teaching about Peace Vase project generated tremendous enthusiasm in the project among Russian sangha. Several sanghas are in contact with us regarding possible placement of the vases in Russia (Samara and Siberia near Lake Baikal), Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and others.

Also

Due to generous support and sponsorship of this visit by Khyentse Foundation and Siddhartha’s Intent many students who would not otherwise be able to hear Rinpoche’s teachings, were able to participate. Both public talks were free, and there was only a nominal charge for the weekend retreats in both cities.

Rinpoche in Russia Photo by Arne Schelling

Concurrent with the visit, a second printing of the Russian translation of “What Makes you Not a Buddhist?” was released in paperback.

A Russian audio book of “What Makes you Not a Buddhist?” in Russian is now also available, read by a famous theater actor and movie director Ivan Vyrypaev.

Teachings were recorded on video and audio by Arne Schelling and Alexandra Ermoshina and will be available for KF/SI archive.

Photo documentation of the trip was conducted by Arne Schelling, David Zwieback and several teaching participants

To date, the Russian website for this trip (khyentse.ru) received 1,946 unique visits, mostly from Russia and the Ukraine.

Recording of the Russia teachings (with translation) will be available free of charge on the khyentse.ru website for 15 days following posting.

Incognito Photo by Arne Schelling

As we approach the 20-year anniversary of Siddhartha’s Intent involvement in the project, about 2,000 peace vases remain to be buried.

By Noa Jones

Toward the end of his life, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche initiated The Peace Vase Project , a global effort to increase peace, harmony, and well-being by placing 6,200 treasure vases, or terbüm, in carefully selected locations around the planet. Terbüm are containers filled with medicines, precious substances, and mantras that have traditionally been used by Tibetans to protect important places against misfortune and to promote positive, healing energies. Similar sacred vases are used by some North American Indian tribes to heal the land and to restore peace.

In 1991, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche agreed to take over responsibility for the project. Tibetan Buddhist astrology and other ancient methods are used to select burial sites for the vases—oceans, lakes and rivers, holy places, places of war and strife, and ecologically degraded or endangered natural sites.

So far, about 4,000 vases have been buried or submerged in many extraordinarily remote locations, from the South Pole to the Pamir region of Tajikistan, but about 2,000 remain. As we approach the 20-year anniversary of consecration of these vases, we encourage the international dharma community to band together to finish what has been started. A network of individuals and coordinators is available to assist.

Some of the remaining vases are in storage in India awaiting transfer to their destinations, and some were taken to other continents but not buried. We need people to help transport the vases from India to a place where they are more easily accessible.  Due to Indian regulations, the vases can no longer be sent by courier or post. We rely entirely on people offering space in their luggage.

What you can do:

• If you have a vase that has not been buried, please carry out the task or ask someone else to do it.If you have several vases in storage, please contact Pema Bidha and let her know. The vases are not meant to remain as shrine objects. They must be buried.
• Visit the Peace Vase Project web site to read inspiring stories of burials.
• Volunteer to work on the project as a coordinator, facilitator, technical advisor, or strategic planner.
• Carry vases from India when you leave the country.

For more information, contact international coordinator Pema Bidha pema@siddharthasintent.org

Peace Vase, Northern Davis Strait, Nunavut Canada (Arctic) Photo by Chris Atkinson

Wonderous blue skies
Drifting white clouds
I am happy to be alive

Sun dancing on leaves
Flowers bowing down
My pain has gone

Sangay Tenzin is a recovering addict who is learning meditation
and haiku through the Deer Park programme, Thimphu, Bhutan.