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