No.

111
July, August 2011

Upcoming Retreats
with
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Photo: G. Horner

2011
France
September 14–18
Visit Laerabling
Paris
September 23–25
Photo: P. Fassoli
Teachings in Paris
Spain
Barcelona
Sept. 30–Oct. 6
Rigdzin Changchub Dorje’s
Yangti Retreat at
Merigar West
precious Terma teaching
“Lama Zabdon Nyingthig”
Tenerife
October 14–23
Tibetan Culture Event
Jacqueline Gens
October 28–30

B
Thödgal Retreat etween Tsegyalgar East located in motivations of behavior in an atmosphere the enrichment of his students by provid-
November 11–17 rural Massachusetts US where I of civility and beauty before our Master’s ing ever more essential methods which
Ati Yoga Retreat currently live and Merigar West in presence. each offer complete paths unto themselves
rural Tuscany, Italy there isn’t much dif- is a unique hallmark of his Longsal teach-
USA
ference during the month of August. Rolls For those attending the special Yangti teach- ings. The special Yangti teachings that the
New York
of hay adorn new mown fields, wild flow- ings taught by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in approximately1400 participants received at
December 9–14
ers proliferate, and the intense heat ripens Merigar West, a different kind of ripen- Merigar West were indeed marvelous.
3rd Tibetan Language Congress
tomatoes and other fruits. Perhaps this is ing seemed to manifest. Rinpoche taught
Venezuela true of most lings and gars – at least all on his Longsal text, KLONG GSAL DUNG Chögyal Namkhai Norbu remains one of
Dec. 27–Jan. 2, 2012 over the Northern hemisphere where the RAS MAN NGAG YANG TI’I NYAMS KHRID the most prolific masters in modern times
Tashigar Norte Retreat last days of summer are waning as the sea- originating from dreams he received at whose scholarship and teaching is monu-
son is poised to change. But, of course, Tsegyalgar East in dark retreat almost 20 mental in scope, with a visionary capacity
Argentina
we are not speaking here of the ripening years ago to the date, in order to offer this unrivaled among his peers. In the future
January 20–24
of mundane fruits, lovely as they are, but special teaching to his students with pre- when he will be a legend, countless beings
Tashigar South Retreat
of the ripening of the perfect moment, the cise clarifications of the methods utilized will achieve realization through his trans-
February 3–7 perfect teacher, the perfect place, the per- in the original Yangti text, DUNG MTSHO mission. And to boot, now in the present
Tashigar South, 2nd Retreat fect students in order to receive the perfect RAS PA by Tungtso Repa. As these are ex- one can always reach him by email. He is
teachings. That is what tradition dictates. tremely secret teachings bound by the seal totally accessible and with us at all times
February 22
I am not sure about the “perfect students” of samaya, what can one say except that we both in the transmission and via these
Tibetan Losar
but we all have that intention. At Merigar are always the beneficiaries of an extraor- marvelous electronic communications sys-
Australia West, the jewel of our international com- dinary lineage of our Master’s Longsal tems or in the aftermath of each teaching
March 16–22 munity, it is easy to aspire to those higher teachings. His boundless generosity for >> continued on page 26
Namgyalgar North Retreat
April 6–12
Namgyalgar South Retreat
Teaching Focus Anniversary
Asia
April 27
Leave for Singapore Chögyal Namkhai A Tibetan Merigar 30
May 10 Norbu Master in
Leave for Hong Kong The Union of Maha- Naples
mudra and Dzogchen
May 16–20
Hong Kong or Macao Retreat
» Pages 10–13
>> continued on page 26 » Page 2 and 25–26 » Pages 14–16
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

The Union of
Mahamudra and
Dzogchen, by the
Great Kagyudpa
Master Araga
Karma Chagme
Excerpt from the third day of the retreat
given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
26th June 2011, Merigar West, Italy

Purification

I
f we don’t purify when we have done something
wrong, even if we only did a slightly negative action
that has a very small potentiality of negative karma
it nevertheless becomes heavy because, not having been
purified, it associates with other thoughts and increasing
more and more it becomes very serious. This is just like the
example I told you about the monks and nuns, when they
have taken complete vows. Even if they have only done one
of the ninety different kinds of least serious negative ac-
tions, if they do something wrong every day of course they
can accumulate many of them. This doesn’t mean that
when you become a monk or nun you never do anything
wrong. It is normal and it can also create many problems.
But they then do purification twice a month. They not only
purify their bad actions, they also repair any damage they
have done. Doing that twice a month, they are purified. Of
course monks and nuns need to do that with the Sangha.
Maybe you have seen this in a film. His Holiness the Dalai
Lama does this ceremony every fifteen days. There are two Photo: G. Horner
small groups of monks: one group is the elder group and
the other is the younger group. They pay respect to each I am not saying that husbands and wives should never purification and after we have done it, to be present in that
other and then they do purification of each other. Even if separate. If you can’t get on well together, of course you way, keeping that in mind.
you have accumulated only one small bad deed and you can also separate paying respect to each other. But it is not
don’t purify it, after one month, or two months or a lit- necessary to fight and create so many tensions and prob- If we have not purified, even if only one day passes, it con-
tle longer time, that one of the ninety least bad deeds be- lems. Your relationship of Vajra is much more important tinues to develop. Why does it develop? Because we are al-
comes just like one of the thirteen heavier ones. Now it is than money, house and everything. You know very well ways thinking and judging. Mind is always associated with
more difficult to purify. That is an example showing that that when you die you won’t be able to take even one euro those kinds of problems and they develop continually.
we need to purify everything frequently and immediately. or dollar with you. What could you do then, if you are too
This is not only for monks and nuns in the Vinaya. This is attached to those things? They are relative; they are not so If we purify concretely with our intention, there does not
an example for everybody. very important. What is very important is your relation- exist anything we couldn’t purify. For example, if there are
ship of the Vajra. We really must be careful of that. I have very dirty things on our clothes or something, if we wash
Also in Vajrayana teaching, as well as in the Dzogchen always found that is the most difficult thing. them with water we can clean them. In the same way, we
teaching, we know very well we have Samaya commit- can eliminate and purify all our thoughts and these kinds
ments, particularly commitments of paying respect be- Some people say, “I have a good intention and a good re- of tensions. If we did something wrong, we know it is very
tween sisters and brothers of Vajra. This is one of the lationship and I keep my Samaya between my teacher and bad, it is not good. Now we want to liberate it immediately.
heavier problems we have in the Dzogchen community. me.” There is no difference between your relationship For example, maybe you ate some kind of poison by mis-
Many people ignore this and when they are angry they no with your teacher and your relationship with your broth- take; you thought it was some kind of food but later on you
longer remember that this is their Vajra brother or sister. ers and sisters of Vajra. Try to remember to read the Mar- discovered it was poison. If you were to discover you had
For example, when husband and wife or engaged couples mei Monlam (mar mei smon lam), Invocation of the Butter eaten poison you couldn’t remain indifferent. You would
fall in love they are very happy and they come together to Lamp. It says how important this relationship of Vajra is. try to do something straight away to purify it otherwise you
a retreat. Even when receiving teachings they sit very close For that reason, if we did something wrong we should pu- would die. In the same way, if we did something wrong,
together, in Italian it is called ‘appiccicato’, clinging to rify it. For example, we do Ganapuja regularly. Each time then we need to purify it immediately. If you notice you did
each other. As soon as they feel tired of each other or if we do the One Hundred Syllable mantra in the Ganapuja something wrong and you are very sorry and want to pu-
they are jealous of each other, these husbands and wives we purify our samaya. rify, if you purify in it that way you will a find it easier to do.
say, “Now we have so many problems”. Then they begin to
fight each other. Even though what they are fighting about However some people did something wrong and they But sometimes we have pride. We think, “Oh! I can do this
is not so important, they don’t remember they are Vajra think, “I did something wrong but now I did a Ganapu- easily.” When we are conditioned by pride it is not so easy
brothers and sisters. This is very, very bad. Our relation- ja and it is purified.” But if you had some tensions with to purify, even if you are doing purification.
ships in the normal human condition are maybe relatively someone and you are still keeping those tensions in you
a little important if we are paying respect to each other, and you believe you have purified them, what does that Or if you are thinking that even if you do purification you
but they are still in a very worldly situation. For example, mean really? What you should purify is your tensions. won’t be able purify, if you don’t have confidence in your
some husbands and wives remain very faithful. If for in- If you observe well you will see that your different kinds purification, also in this case it is not so easy to purify.
stance the wife has died and the husband is still alive, he of tensions have no importance whatever. They are only
takes flowers to the cemetery every Sunday and talks to her a kind of invention of your mind. You are following your In particular, if you think, “I have done something wrong
somewhere. This is all we can do in the worldly situation; mind and your mind is developing more and more ten- so I want to purify and from today I don’t want to apply
we couldn’t go beyond that. He believes he is talking to sions. Observe everything very well and you will see there and commit this kind of thing anymore,” and you take a
his wife there in the cemetery. Her body was put there and does not exist anything. commitment by yourself, even if you do this kind of purifi-
then he is talking to her: “Oh! I am very sorry and I still cation thinking, “There is no problem, I can just purify it”,
have these feelings …” but no-one is listening there. When you have any of these kinds of tensions you never that means you are not considering your negative action is
feel good in any moment; you never enjoy your life. very serious. Also in this case, even though you are doing
But the relationship of Vajra lasts until we have total reali- purification it is very difficult to purify. Also Buddha said
sation; nobody can ever break that. If we create problems If you have some tensions, if you don’t like someone, elim- that. 
they become obstacles for our realization. So we must inate your tensions! When you have freed your tensions
have the presence of that; we must keep it in mind. there is no longer any problem and you become friends. Transcribed by K. McDonald, edited by N. Robinson
Now you can enjoy your life. So it is very important to do
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

the Dzogchen Teachings go in this way. We above all try to

Some Words from discover our condition and then try to collaborate with all
our dimensions. From Merigar everything developed and
Chögyal Namkhai
Chögyal Namkhai Merigar became a kind of example.
So I try to do my best so that all that is done in Merigar
Norbu Closes the
Norbu is done perfectly. I am not saying that everything is perfect
yet. There are many things I think can be improved. And
Thirtieth Anniversary
at the General Assembly at Merigar West
August 25, 2011
about the budget I also have some ideas; maybe you used
some money that was not so necessary, but this can always
Celebrations
be improved. I am talking about the condition of Merigar
as it is. Even though I am not living at Merigar, Rosa and At the end of the Thirtieth Anniversary Celebrations for Merigar, the
First of all, we are the Dzogchen Community. Fabio are close to me, and they know very well how I work festivities concluded at the Temple of Great Liberation at Merigar
and what I do. I am not always here but I am always where West in Tuscany, Italy. During the closing ceremony on July 19,
Working with Circumstances there is the Dzogchen Community all over the world and 2011, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gave the following message.

F
inancial things are very relative. This is not the prin- certainly I do not forget Merigar as the first Gar.

I
ciple. When we have to present something legal, we It is better not to forget these words of Confucius. So want to say thank you to everybody, all Dzogchen
must work with circumstances and do legal activity. maybe you should do some communication and discover Community people, everywhere, and also to local
This means working with circumstances. We live on this things, but not in a bureaucratic style. And we should not people in the area. I am very happy about everybody’s
earth, in this relative condition, so we must do this. But we go outside our principle. This is all I want to say, nothing participation and I also want to say thank you to everybody
must not forget we are the Dzogchen Community. I always else. because it is very important that we collaborate so that ev-
say the Dzogchen Community is not just any organization. erything manifests in a positive way.
Also we live on this earth, we are aware, we respect laws Gakyil Commitment The aim of the Dzogchen Community is, you know very
and everything, but we do not forget who we are. In general if someone works for some time on the Gakyil well, that everybody in this world becomes a little more
We are called the Dzogchen Community. First of all we I always thank him or her, but it is strange that after one aware and responsible in that way. We know how our hu-
are the Dzogchen Community and we have presented our- year people are so sick and tired of it. I have been working man condition is – we have so many kinds of limitations,
selves as a cultural association. What is culture? The main for 30 years, we just celebrated the anniversary, and I am the limitations of the individual that we call ego and that
point of this culture is the Teaching of the Dzogchen Com- not sick of it yet. develop in our country, in our family, in everything, in as-
munity. What do we teach and apply? We are not think- Being in the Gakyil means doing a service for the Com- pects of politics, of economics, even in the spiritual path.
ing day and night about how to make money. This is rela- munity, for the people who are interested in the Teachings. In the real sense that is the source of all problems.
tive. So whatever is necessary relatively, we should do. We And for sure one has to do one’s best and this everyone can For example, we say the Dzogchen Community. The
should not forget this principle. do. Also the people from the “old” Gakyil should still be Community doesn’t mean a group of people in general.
For example, I want to thank the Gakyil and all the peo- involved - just because they are from the old Gakyil should Community means people who have awareness and col-
ple in charge because they have been working very hard not mean they are not involved anymore. I always ask the laborate together, knowing what the main point is. We
this year. I have already said this. We have had collabora- members of the old Gakyil to collaborate for just one year say Dzogchen Community. What is Dzogchen? It means
tion from all over the world and with whom do you do this with the new Gakyil; otherwise the new Gakyil does not our real nature. Everybody has their real nature and we are
collaboration, with only one organization? We collaborate know what to do. trying to understand that and trying to do our best. This
like this because we are all in the world and there is the The people on the Gakyil should work as if they were is what is called Dzogchen Teaching and is what I have
Dzogchen Community. Everyone knows the principle of working in their own home. You did not come here to be a tried to teach for thirty years. Many people already have
this Teaching. That is why we decided to have this 30 Year chief or a functionary. You have a responsibility. Someone that kind of knowledge. When we have this knowledge it
Anniversary Celebration and not only for Merigar, but for might think the Community has money and they want to means that we go a little beyond our limitations.
the entire worldwide Dzogchen Community. work and make money from the Community. If you want Everybody always says we need peace and if there is
Day after day, Rosa and I, Rosa who is always with me to do that you should go outside. The Community is not no peace we cannot find happiness. But how can we have
– it could look like I was not involved because above all I an association of rich people or a bank, for example. Look peace? There will only be peace when there is the evolution
do not use a telephone – but remember we were in com- at the way we make money, we do it by working day by day of the individual. What does evolution mean? Evolution
munication and collaborating day by day with members of and everyone should do this way, all the people in charge. means that we know how our condition is and how many
the Gakyil. Whatever I asked them to do they tried to do. If we have a family of 10 people everyone is responsible, different kinds of limitations we have relatively. If we are
They tried to implement what we asked with sacrifice and not only 2 people. If the family does not have enough mon- not conditioned by them, it means finally we are getting
this is how we succeeded; not because there was one orga- ey for something to eat, it is a problem for everyone in the into our real nature. This is the principle of the Dzogchen
nization here and everyone was interested and came here. family, not only 1 or 2 people. teaching.
I always say Merigar is important because I started the That is why I always say to try and see our Dzogchen Dzogchen means our real nature and teaching is for dis-
Dzogchen Community here. The Gakyil system started Community as a family. I don’t feel that only at Merigar, covering that and being in it. Anyone who is in this knowl-
here. And this is the place from which everything devel- but for the whole Dzogchen Community we have been es- edge is in evolution. It is not like revolution, which means
oped. This is why we did the anniversary for everybody, tablishing on this globe. But if you cannot dedicate in this we are thinking and judging and making a programme.
not only for Merigar. way at least you should dedicate in the place where you We think that there is something wrong, something nega-
Remember there is a Chinese teaching of Confucius live.  tive that we have to change and think that revolution is the
that says: First of all there is oneself, then it develops to the solution. In the real sense that is not the solution because
family and then to the region and then to the nation. Also Transcribed and edited by N. Zeitz 2500 years ago Buddha explained the teaching of the four
noble truths. The root of the noble truths is cause and ef-
fect. When we have a problem it is an effect, not a cause. If
only at the Institute but also with the Community. Right we fight against it, we will never win. But if we are aware,
The Importance of the from the beginning when we started with the very first
retreat in Subiaco, from that time, behind this there was
we can learn that its cause exists and that there is a pos-
sibility to modify and change that. This knowledge is al-
Shang Shung Institute responsibility and the transmission and I couldn’t leave
it indifferently so we went ahead in that way and for years
ready the base of evolution. Even if only one person has
that knowledge, gradually it will develop.
and years I have dedicated myself and worked. For example, when I arrived in Italy the first time, there
Rinpoche spoke about the importance of the Shang Shung Institute But every now and then people annoy me when they are was not a single person, not even a university professor,
during a little party held at Merigar on July 11 to thank Luigi Ot- not aware of what I am doing, of the sacrifices I am mak- who knew what Dzogchen was. But if you observe today
taviani, the outgoing director, for his dedication to the Institute ing, and they come out with all their egoistic ideals. They you can see how many people know about Dzogchen
over the last years. really annoy me. But even understanding the situation that teaching in the Western world. This means that evolution
we are in samsara, we all live in our limitations, it is all has started and is going ahead. When I arrived I was alone,

I
want to thank you for more than eight years of com- right to go ahead. And even though it is, at times, discour- but today I am not.
mitment working for the Shang Shung Institute. It aging, we are not abandoning anything. Rather than aban- We are in time and time is going ahead. After 100
is something very important because the Institute is doning I actually feel a bit stronger than before because years probably not one of us will still be in this world. But
important for us. When we talk about the Community, its I know the value and importance of the Community and if there is evolution it will go ahead until the end of our
principle is things like practice and spirituality, but this is that it should continue.  globe. This is something very important for generations
linked to Tibetan culture. For example, we have the teach- and generations. We cannot only think of ourselves. We
ing – all the tantras and all the texts are in Tibetan. This Transcribed and edited by L. Granger must also think about our families and about future gen-
is one example. Then we know very well what the cur- erations. For this reason it is very important that we know
rent situation is like in Tibet. So the Institute has become and are in this knowledge.
something very important in the Community and I am re- This is the reason I am very happy that you are collab-
ally grateful to those who have been involved in this, not orating and many people have made sacrifices and come
only for what has been done but what will be done in the here from far away. So I want to say thank you to every-
future. We must continue the Institute and the Dzogchen body. And I am also very happy that people from the area
Community. If someone considers that the Institute is not around Arcidosso have been participating in our festival.
at all important then nothing will go in the right way. So I They know that this is something useful and positive. This
really want to thank those who have dedicated themselves is very important for us. So I want to say thank you to ev-
for many years. erybody. And there is not much more to say. 
Sometimes things are easy. Sometimes they are not. I
know very well how the situation is in the Community, not Transcribed and edited by L. Granger
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

The Story of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s sister, Jamyang Chodron

box she transcribes the words number of local villagers forced

The Story of that she has composed. their way into the jail and re-
leased him. Pursued by the army,
Jamchog Invocation for my daughter who has they escaped onto the grasslands
Desmond Barry gone beyond and lived among the nomads
for many months. They were fi-
’A A Ha Sha Sa Ma nally captured on the banks of

J
amyang Chodron was born the Yangtse while Khyentse was
in 1921 and died in 1985. My beloved child who is beautifully practicing the rituals of the dead
Her extraordinary life broke wrapped for Dzogchen Rinpoche who had
all western stereotypes of Tibet- in an iridescent shroud of Padzalika been killed.
an women. In the West, there is weave,
a tendency to project a kind of You are now resting in peace. With Khyentse in jail, Jamcho
quietism and subservience that And relentless time has sent this hard was condemned to forced labour.
grows out of a romantic notion message to me. She could however get messages
engendered in part by James Hil- to her teacher and take messages
ton in his book The Lost Horizon Even though the pollen of the dzam- from him to those with whom
with its fantasy of Shangrila. It’s paka flower he wished to communicate. He
been perpetuated by popular na- hasn’t blown into my eyes, asked her to get a message to two
ïve fantasies that seek to present a luminous necklace of pearls has other teachers who were in the
Tibetan culture as a proto-New fallen from them same prison. The message was
Age paradise. one phrase. Jamcho delivered the
For as long as you are beyond this life message. On the following morn-
The culture has an extraordinari- I’ll always hold you in my mind ing, all three teachers were found
ly sophisticated psychology of And I’ll wish that in the next life, we’ll dead in meditation position.
mind, body and energy but this be together again
does not detract from aspects Her teacher, whom she had
of Tibetan culture and history, She takes the child’s body and served loyally, and for whom
which are rather more prosaic lays it in the tiny coffin. She packs she had endangered her life; and
and hard-edged and grounded in handfuls of salt around the life- accepted imprisonment; had
the mundane suffering common less form within the wooden box. passed on. Jamcho served the
to all human experience. Jamy- Jamchog wearing the clothes she had to repair for years while She packs the salt around the rest of her sentence and on her
ang Chodron’s life embodied this looking after the pigs. Photo courtesy of ChNN body until the box is full, white release, she travelled to Lhasa to
cultural richness and complexity and brown crystals, jagged and look for her family. When she ar-
in her activities as poet, lover, as What I propose to do in this brief father that she would deal with powdery, hiding the baby. She fits rived after a lot of hardship, she
a resister of injustice, and as a presentation is to outline a num- the situation. She waited until the the lid to the tiny coffin and lifts discovered that her father and
Dzogchen practitioner. ber of incidents in her life and barley crop was ripe on the land it into the niche in the wall of the one of her brothers had starved
then finish with an imaginative and then set fire to it. house. The words of the poem to death in prison; Chögyal Nam-
She left a legacy of a large body meditation on her reunion with she has written are like a plaque khai Norbu had found his way to
of poetic works some of which her brother and his family in When the minister demanded le- high on the wall. Sikkim.
have been translated by Iacobella which factual events are woven gal compensation, her argument
Gaetani and Adriano Clemente, into a dramatic or poetic narra- was that the land was hers to do With the death of their daughter, Jamcho was rearrested in Lha-
to whom I am indebted for their tive. with as she pleased. The dispute Jamcho and Sichu Dorje ended sa and spent years under house
helping me to access to these in- was taken to court and Jamcho their love relationship. Jamcho arrest. Cut off from her family
valuable materials. I am deeply Jamcho was born in Derghe in showed up with a pistol in her
indebted to Chögyal Namkhai East Tibet in 1921. Derghe is a waistband and two young body-
Norbu for granting me interviews small kingdom on the border guards armed with rifles. She
to discuss his sister’s life and for of Tibet and China, which had litigated the case over two years
asking me to write her biography. struggled to maintain its inde- when a compromise was reached
pendence from both govern- that she should pay compensa-
Never having met Jamyang Cho- ments for hundreds of years and tion for the crop but she was to
dron, and the source material on had been traditionally ruled by take possession of the property.
her life being limited to her writ- a king. The nineteen twenties
ings and interviews with those are known as the Warlord Pe- Soon after this incident, she fell
who met her, it has been nec- riod in Chinese history. Armies in love with an impoverished no-
essary to consider whether her of various ideologies were fight- bleman called Sichu Dorje. They
memory would be best served by ing among themselves to gain had a child, a young daughter.
a conventional non-fiction biog- political power. The kingdom A smallpox epidemic broke out
raphy or as a novel based on her of Derghe was dominated mili- in the region and her father ac-
life story. tarily by the Chinese Nationalist quired the means to vaccinate
Kuomintang, although the king the family. The young child was
The late twentieth and early twen- still had nominal control. overcome by the strength of the Jamchog second from left with her sisters and Jacobella Gaetani. Photo courtesy of ChNN
ty-first century has seen a growth vaccine and died. This left Jam-
in nonfiction biographies in- Jamcho grew up in this political cho devastated. Any account of decided to receive meditation again, she continued to write her
creasingly dependent on writing maelstrom. At an early age, she this loss would be inadequate teachings from her uncle Khy- poetry and to practice medita-
techniques used by novelists. It became a nun, and learned gram- but here is an extract from the bi- entse Chokyi Wangchuk and to tion. Much of this poetry is in the
has always been the case in writ- mar, the traditional Tibetan sci- ography in which I have tried to practice those teachings in re- library of Merigar.
ing biography, or autobiography, ences, Sanskrit and poetry from imagine a telling of the story: treat for a year.
that the author chooses what Kunu Lama. In addition she re- In 1970, Chögyal Namkhai Nor-
to leave in or what to leave out. ceived teachings and initiations She sits at a table with pen and Khyentse Rinpoche was her main bu and his wife, Rosa, had a son
The approach used in the writ- from Jamyang Dragpa. But at ink and parchment. She traces teacher. He was a large man who whom they named Yeshi. Yeshi
ing of this biography of Jamyang the age of sixteen, Jamcho gave the loops and lines of the letters had difficulty moving around a was recognized by Sakya Trizin
Chodron in progress has been to up her robes. Not long after, she to spell out a last message to her lot. He was renowned for leaving as the reincarnation of Jamcho’s
make a collage of Jamcho’s own became the lover of Tse Wang Du child. She waits until each verse the monastery of which he was teacher, Khyentse Chokyi Wang-
work, the information provided dul, the king of Derghe. After the forms clearly in her mind and the head, and for spending his chuk.
by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and King’s arranged marriage to a then commits it to paper. She has time in retreat. With the deterio-
imaginative reconstructions of woman from another noble fam- exhausted herself in her grief, her ration of the military and politi- In Tibetan culture, and among
some of the major incidents in ily, Jamcho continued her rela- rage against the world, the hard cal situation in Derghe, Khyentse Buddhists in the west who prac-
Jamcho’s life based on that infor- tionship with him in secret until brutal lesson of sickness and and many others were in danger. tice Vajrayana, the concept of re-
mation and the autobiographical discovered by the Queen Mother. death that has taken her daughter Jamcho’s family, including the incarnation is an important one.
poems left by Jamcho herself. away from her. She doesn’t blame young Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Imagine now, in Tibet, Jamyang
Banned from the court, Jamcho’s her protectors or the deities she decided to leave for the relative Chodron having devoted her
And such s the nature of these family was seen as an easy target has invoked for days. The turning safety of Central Tibet. young life to her teacher Khyentse
friendship meetings, Iacobella by an unscrupulous minister. He of a relentless wheel has crushed Chokyi Wangchuk , having been
and I decided last night to work offered to sell the family a piece the life from her frail daughter. Khyentse didn’t want to leave. present and helped him to pass
together to integrate this biogra- of land. The money for the land Now, that she has the final words Jamcho decided to remain with from this world in a way that ap-
phy with Jamcho’s poetic works was handed over but the minister on paper, she takes the wooden him to look after his day-to-day pears to be quite awesome for or-
in one collaborative volume. refused to hand over the property. box in which she will entomb the needs. Not long after, Khyen- dinary people, having spent time
Outraged, Jamcho declared to her child’s body. On the end of the tse was arrested. Jamcho and a >> continued on the following page
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

London Retreat

After the teachings Rinpoche

Does Lightning returned to Biggin Hill on a day
suffused with early autumn sun-
Strike Twice? shine, but clouds always threat-
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu ening to produce a rainbow
teaches in London, or two. Rinpoche’s private jet
September 11-12 soared through the sky, leaving
us all suffused in the light he ar-
Dominic Kennedy rived with and wondering if light-
ning will strike a third time soon;

D
oes lightning strike will there be a triple rainbow?
twice? September 10–12, Wherever Rinpoche goes we
saw Rinpoche return will follow as far as we can and
to give teachings at the Cam- pray that he has continued good
den Centre in London following health for his enjoyment and for
his warmly received teachings the continued spread of the pre-
there in 2011. Arriving at Big- cious Dzogchen teachings.
gin Hill with Fabio on a private
jet, Rinpoche beaming sunshine
on an otherwise grey day was “Evolution Not
received by a small gathering of
Community members and then
Revolution”
whisked off to his temporary Gaynor O’Flynn
abode in Belsize Park.

M
The public talk which pre- y recent Namkhai Nor-
ceded the teachings was at one bu Rinpoche experi-
hour fifteen minutes short by ence started in a flat in Photo: R. Portas
Rinpoche’s standards, but an East London where members of
extremely clear and precise ex- the Dzogchen Community were Though the Tibetan language, ent human beings, with differing there. In Dzogchen there is noth-
position of Dzogchen in con- meeting to organize the 2011 re- culture and practice can seem abilities at different times. ing to renounce or transform.
text. It was perfect and no further treat. I was impressed by how daunting, Rinpoche explained I learned that Dzogchen is Through awareness of our mind
words could have made it more well they worked together and the core Dzogchen teaching with about relaxing and realizing our we develop the clarity to work
so. There was nothing more to how trusting, friendly and wel- clarity, directness and aware- own nature, a nature that is like with the conditions we face in
be said. coming they were to a ‘stranger’. ness. He spoke of the many dif- a mirror, pristine through space birth, life and death. Dzogchen
The teachings were clear, My time spent on retreat with this ferent Buddhist teachings, Hi- and time, unblemished by the is a 24/7 practice, any time, any
precise, illuminating. As great Dzogchen master explains nayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana and myriad of reflections that con- place and anywhere!
Rinpoche said, whenever he why! Dzogchen: teachings for differ- stantly appear and disappear Rinpoche explained the mean-
gives Dzogchen teachings he ing of Guruyoga, the importance
always gives a direct introduc- of an authentic teacher and the
tion, although this can be given role transmission plays in real-
in different ways. He expounded izing our innate nature. I learned
on how he had received a direct that the symbol and sound A is
introduction from Changchub the essence of these teachings
Dorje. After the formal initiation, and that all my teachers, teach-
Changchub Dorje actually gave ings and transmissions are uni-
the direct introduction by expla- fied in this practice.
nation. Yes, there are many ways The retreat ended with a Ga-
in which Rinpoche gives a direct napuja, seeing the Community
introduction. Doing the Guru coming together in body, speech
Yoga and singing the Song of the and mind to practice, relax and
Vajra together was as always very enjoy life inspires me to do my
special and for many it was their best to help others!
first introduction to it. But the greatest inspiration
There were some five-hundred was Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.
people or more who attended Watching his dedication to teach-
the retreat, many of these were ing us, the essence of these pre-
newcomers or those returning cious teachings there in this liv-
after receiving teachings in 2011. ing master’s energy, the sound of
There were also a few old friends, his voice and his perfect closing
including John Driver, Sanskrit- words, “Evolution not Revolu-
ist and Tibetologist who first met tion”.
Rinpoche in Sikkim in 1958 and
who introduced Rinpoche to Prof
Giuseppe Tucci and the rest as
they say is history. Photo: R. Portas

>> continued from previous page smooth-skinned, tough-mind- and the young form of that teach- And this little boy, his body full of an experience that transcends
in prison, and suffered with her ed, hardened by sorrow. Now er to whom she dedicated her life of mischievous energy, voice call- death: that of her devotion to her
family while always maintaining wrinkles on her face crease her brings an almost uncontainable ing, ‘Pa-pá, Pa-pá,’ with a pres- teacher Khyentse Chokyi Wang-
her devotion to her teacher and tanned skin. Her plaited hair is joy. Here is her witnessing. Here ence there that she sees is time- chuk which resulted in her im-
his teachings, imagine how she grey. Her bones are wracked and is her evidence of life enduring less. This meeting in present time prisonment in Tibet, Khyentse’s
would have felt when her broth- arthritic but she can still haul beyond worldly suffering, even and space, she could never have death in prison custody, and
er Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, and pails of water from the well to beyond death. anticipated during all those years Jamcho’s reunification with the
sister in law Rosa, appeared in the house. One hand is tight and in prison. Her tight and painful young boy who had been recog-
Lhasa, with a young boy who had painful from old tortures but The whole of the street and the fingers grip her brother’s strong nized by Sakya Trizin Rinpoche
been recognized as the reincar- they couldn’t stop her writing the house and the courtyard is per- and smooth hands. She turns to be the reincarnation of her
nation of that teacher with whom words of joy and pain, condem- meated with a sense of light and and takes those of the child, her teacher. In her poetry, and the
she had such a deep and experi- nation and accusation, love and joy that isn’t due to the sun in the teacher come back from the great stories of her life, this extraordi-
ential connection. devotion with which she filled sky. She senses a presence that expanse. This is how she sees it. nary woman has left a legacy of
her poetry. fills the space around her even be- uncompromisingly truthful ac-
She has been waiting for this mo- fore she sees these bodily shapes Hearing about Jamcho’s life is count of her life: a true inspira-
ment for almost thirty years: her She is no more that notorious whose shoes kick up the dust of like listening to an adventure tion.
beloved brother whom she calls horsewoman who burned the a Lhasa street. Her brother has story: it’s a life full of emotional
Bhutan’s Dharmaraja in her po- crops of those who thought to those same high cheekbones that intrigue, spirited and wild acts
etry, is due to arrive any moment cheat her. Now, she’s ridden out she has. His dark eyes open onto of love and arson, poetry, medi-
in Lhasa. The last time she saw years of suffering. The joy of an- the depths she shares with him in tation, suffering and imprison-
him she was as a young woman ticipation at seeing her brother her naked and raw perception. ment. And within it, is a story
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

ASIA

ASIA Onlus Association for International Förderverein ASIA Deutschland e.V.

Via San Martino della Battaglia 31 Solidarity in ASIA, Inc. c/o Gisela Auspurg
00185 Rome, Italy ASIA, Post Office Box 124, Königswieser Str. 2
Tel +39.06.44340034 Conway, MA 01341-0124 USA 82131 Gauting
Fax +39.06.44702620 Phone: 413.369.4153, Fax: 413.369.4473 Tel.: 089 / 127 630 32
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.asia-ngo.org www.asia-ngo.org/en/ www.asia-ngo.de

Tibet. Art. Now. Cadel Evans

Tibetan Art, Between Tradition Adopts Tibet
and Modernity
Besides being a great sports champion,

I
n 2003, in Lhasa, twelve Ti- Cadel Evans is also a champion in life,
betan painters founded the deeply committed to social work. In
Gendün Chöpel Artists’ 2007 he chose to support the Tibetan
Guild, the first gallery of Tibetan people and their culture with ASIA
contemporary art. Since then, through distance support of Tashi
the gallery, named after one of Norbu, a child in exile in Nepal.
the greatest Tibetan artists of all
time, has become the focal point How did your fondness for Tibet
of a new artistic movement. To- come about?
day, the gallery boasts twenty- My interest in Tibet started with a
seven members, including inter- curiosity of different cultures and
nationally renowned artists such places through books, mostly this project at heart. Could you
as Gade, Benchung and Tserang ‘Seven Years in Tibet’. That was make an appeal to the general
Dhondup. Simultaneously with followed by an increasing inter- public to support education in
the creation of this hub, in Eu- est in Buddhism and its beliefs. Tibet?
rope, the United States and the Yes, especially after seeing the
Tibetan diaspora in India and What values of Tibetan culture whole project first hand, it is a
Nepal, many other galleries have have you integrated into your life project I hold closely to my heart.
sprung up through which Tibet- and your sporting activities? And Please, if anyone has the capacity
an artists have been able to show cient and contemporary sections digitally modified by Losang what do you think are the Tibet- to help and contribute to such a
the world their art, their philoso- respectively. The exhibition, held Gyatso. The religious theme has an values that can and should be project, with just a little, you can
phy, their unique and personal at the Nerucci Palace in Castel del been revised and reinterpreted welcomed by the West? make an enormous difference to
way of living their traditions and Piano (Gr), presented ancient and in numerous works – the phi- Above all, the Buddist belief that a Tibetan child’s life. And that in
assimilating them. contemporary periods of Tibet- losopher Santideva is depicted we are altogether in this World, itself, as Buddhist teachings re-
an art with as many as 77 works through the verses of his writing that we should respect and toler- mind us, brings its own personal
Standing in front of the Buddha from around the world on loan in which is in a valuable painting ate all living things. rewards.
made of stickers by Gonkar Gyat- exceptional cases from not only on silk by Nyima Dhondup. The
so, an artist who is well known private collectors but also pres- viewer cannot avoid being daz- How did you come into contact In 2009 you were the world
internationally, you cannot help tigious and internationally ac- zled by the extraordinary bright- with ASIA? Why did you choose champion in road cycling. Now
wondering what relationship the claimed galleries of ancient and ness of the brocade that frames our organisation to support Tibet? that you have won the most im-
artists have with their Tibetan contemporary art such as Renzo the head of the Buddha made of My wife made contact with ASIA portant victory of your career
“scratchcards” by Tenzing Rig- on my behalf. Thanks to her, I by winning the Tour de France,
Nyima Dhondup – Lo Stupa della Bodhi, 2008; painted on silk, 112 x 103 cm; ASIA Collection

dol, nor can he or she not admire was introduced to what for me could you tell us what your secret
the triptych by Penba Wangdu, is a beautiful and personally very is for maintaining your drive and
depicting the three poisons of satisfying contribution to a small determination?
Buddhism, in perfect conformity part of Tibetan culture. I have al- Always work hard, especially in
to tradition. ways had an interest in Tibetan the difficult moments. There are
culture, and thanks to what I have many many others in the world
The religious theme, however, is learned from that, I find my small who are suffering far more than I.
not the only one followed by con- contributions to ASIA personally
temporary artists. There are not very satisfying. Thank you Cadel for sharing your
only Buddhas, bodhisattvas and experience with us!
great teachers, but also men with In 2009 you visited one of our
sunflower heads by Benchung, projects and met little Tashi. You, too, can give your contribu-
the moving portrait of an elderly How did you feel about that ex- tion to Tibetan children!
man with his face furrowed by perience? The Manasarovar Educational
wrinkles by Tserang Dhondup, It really was a wonderful and Foundation is going through a
simple scenes of everyday life very memorable experience. I very difficult moment. The chil-
portrayed by Tseren Dolma and would strongly recommend any- dren are at risk of losing the
gouache sketches of the fruit of one to do the same if they have school building where they have
meditation by Drugu Choegyal the opportunity. Seeing and ex- their lessons and this would
Rinpoche. periencing the area around the mean a serious loss for the future
Manasarovar Accademy in Kath- of the new generations.
Given the diversity of styles and mandu, Nepal itself was an eye
variety of techniques, it would be opening experience. Seeing the Learn more on
culture, with its roots, with the Freschi – Oriental Art (London), wrong to “give a label” to this ar- great work, and starting a per- www.asia-onlus.org
history and traditions of their Rossi & Rossi (London), and the tistic movement and would also sonal friendship with the Accad-
homeland. In some cases, them Joshua Liner Gallery (New York). be meaningless to search for a emy Pricinciple Tsultrim Sangmo Support the Manasarovar School
seem almost slavishly to follow common thread for all the artists was very pleasing. They really are with a donation:
the ancient traditions that have In this exhibition majestic thang- who are part of it. What is certain doing a lot for a lot of children. by bank transfer to ASIA onlus
made Tibetan artistic forms some kas of Shakyamuni, refuge trees, is that all these artists, in their in- Tashi? He is one of the sweetest IBAN: IT 27 M 01030 721600000
of the finest in Asia. In other cas- mandalas and phurbas contrast dividual styles, have had to face a children I have ever met. 00389350;
es, however, they seem to depart with reinterpretations made by process of cultural uprooting or BIC/SWIFT: PASCITMMXXX
from them altogether. contemporary artists. Thus it is hybridization. Distance support is a fundamen- Or by credit card on the website
impossible not to observe the an- tal tool for safeguarding Tibetan www.asia-onlus.org
To bring this wonderful art to cient statues of Buddha and com- Their individual experiences, the culture. We know that you have
Western audiences, on the occa- pare them to the statue made of life of each artist, have led each of Distance support a Tibetan child
sion of the celebrations for the melting ice in the Kyichu River them to establish a more or less by contributing to his/her school-
thirtieth anniversary of Merigar, by Gade. Similarly, the viewer strong tie with Tibet itself. Many fore, his own personal intimate ing and maintaining his/her cul-
ASIA organized the exhibition cannot help but contemplate the of them have always lived in Tibet way to experience its culture, its tural roots: You can start up dis-
“Tibet. Art. Now. Tibetan art be- figure of Tara, traditionally por- and many others were born there “Tibetaness”. For this reason, tance adoption through our web-
tween tradition and modernity”, trayed in an ancient thangka, and but live abroad, and others were these artists cannot and do not site www.asia-onlus.org
with Paola Vanzo and Philip Lu- then glance over, almost sponta- born in a foreign land to Tibetan want to be recognized as Tibetan Or by writing to adozioni@asia-
nardo, who took care of the an- neously, to the Tara that has been families. Each artist has, there- artists, but simply as artists. onlus.org
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Shang Shung Institute

Shang Shung Institute Italy Shang Shung Institute Austria Shang Shung Institute UK, Shang Shung Institute of America
Località Merigar Gschmaier 139 The London School of Tibetan Studies 18 Schoolhouse Rd
58031 Arcidosso (GR, Italy) 8265 Gr. Steinbach, Austria The London Centre for the Study P.O. Box 278
Phone : +39-0564-966940 Cell phone: 0043 676 3221365 of Traditional Tibetan Culture and Conway, MA 01341, USA
[email protected] Office: 0043 3386 83218 Knowledge Phone (main-Anna) 413 369 4928
www.shangshunginstitute.org Fax: 0043 3386 83219 www.shangshunguk.org Fax/Bookstore 413 369 4473
www.shangshungstore.org www.shangshunginstitute.org www.shangshung.org
www.ssi-austria.at

co spoke on Tibetan Medicine The academic lectures are held at in their field who are interested
Shang Shung Institute UK and Dzogchen; Rob Meyer from SOAS and for the courses we rent and want to support us.
Oxford talked on newly revealed places. We don’t need our own
An Interview with Judy Allan and Dominic Kennedy early sources on Padmasambha- space at this point in time. M: So basically you are search-
about Developments of SSIUK va; Jim Valby is also coming this JA: There are the three of us co- ing for some financial support to
year and will give a talk on ‘The directors (Dominic and myself, keep things going.
The Mirror: Can you give us some ects of mutual interest and ben- Five Aggregates and Primordial together with Oliver Leick). Rich- JA: Yes we are and we would wel-
background about SSI UK? efit. In addition to the confer- Wisdom’. ard Steven deals with areas of come anyone who wants to help
Judy Allan: The initiative and in- ence, Nathan has made SOAS fa- communication: publicity, web- us.
spiration for the SSI in the UK cilities available to Shang Shung M: All of these are in collabora- site and marketing as well as ad-
came from Oliver Leick. [Direc- UK for the purposes of our eve- tion with SOAS? ministration but we all work very M: Thank you very much for your
tor of SSI Austria.] Oliver had ning lectures. We in the mean- JA: Yes. It is a big plus for us that closely together. Our biggest ex- time.
the idea of setting up a Univer- time are bringing Shang Shung SOAS offers us their lecture fa- penditure is the publicity and ad-
sity of Tibetan Studies and went based scholars and resources as cilities. The link with SOAS has ministrative budget and we need Contact info and programs:
to Rinpoche. Oliver suggested a well as extra students to SOAS. given us a level of credibility and support to cover these costs. Shang Shung Institute UK
number of cities for this project A coincidence of mutual inter- raised our profile in a way which Mandarava Bricaire has also London School of Tibetan Studies
and Rinpoche said, “London”, ests has come about due to some we would not have enjoyed other- been very helpful with courses. www.shangshunguk.org
without hesitation. So Oliver good timing and Nathan’s inter- wise. And of course, John Renshaw is
came to London two years ago est in establishing meaningful part of the team, teaching Yantra
with this ambitious undertaking. outreach links for Tibetan stud- M: What are your plans for the Yoga; fortunately he now has Olga
At the first meeting late in August ies at SOAS. Dr Ulrich Pagel also future? Komendantova working with
2009, about thirty people turned continues to take an interest in DK: We have established a pat- him.
up. By early 2010 meetings were our activities. This situation of- tern of weekend courses as well DK: We also benefit from creative The Archive
much smaller and we agreed to fers us another way to establish as lectures at SOAS, which seems and practical advice from Julia
set ourselves up legally. A not-for SSI UK so that, in addition to the to work well and we are going to Lawless. We all work very well to-
Transcription
profit charitable company was weekend courses we are offering, repeat and expand on it this year gether without friction and that is Program
established by May that year. we are also able to hold lectures, building on our experiences of a big plus.

T
which has given us a closer link last year. he International Shang
The initial project was very am- to the University. Personally my JA: As far as the courses, they in- M: How do you finance the activ- Shung Institute welcomes
bitious, aimed at covering the interest with the academic side clude not only Yantra Yoga and ity of SSI UK? everybody to collaborate
traditional Five Fields of Knowl- was to try and get Rinpoche’s Vajra Dance (Liberation of the Six JA: We had the original start up by contributing to the new cam-
edge: Language, Arts and Crafts, work recognized, and that was Spaces), but we also had a very money from Oliver Leick (Shang paign called The Archive Transcrip-
Logic and Philosophy, Medicine my original reason for inviting successful calligraphy course Shung Austria) and he also tion Program. Most of the recorded
and Buddhist Studies. In reality, Rinpoche to SOAS in 2010, so that this year and the majority of peo- agreed to finance the publicity Teachings of Chögyal Namkhai
we realized that we had to start Tibetologists, Buddhologists and ple came from outside the Com- and administrative costs for the Norbu have not yet been tran-
slowly. Rinpoche gave the first others in the UK could access and munity. So through SSI UK we first year so now we have to look scribed. This work must be done
talk on ‘Light of Kailash’ at SOAS be aware of him and his work. are reaching out to a much wider elsewhere. To create an income in order to make these precious
(School of Oriental and African There is also some possibility of audience than we can reach in- stream, this summer we set up Teachings available in their writ-
Studies) in June 2010. At the start developing courses through Dr. side the Community; that is ab- an online shop; podcasts of the ten form. Everyone is welcome
of the academic year in Septem- Nathan Hill. For example there solutely wonderful. And then talks and courses are proving very to participate in this new initia-
ber, we started doing courses and could be a Shang Shung input on of course people might become popular but we shall still require tive, and thus contribute to the
talks in collaboration with SOAS a future diploma in Tibetan Stud- interested in the Teachings and further funding. preservation of the Teachings.
but maybe Dominic can say more ies at SOAS, in which the Shang so on. We are going slowly step
about this. Shung Institute could provide by step to see what works. Elio M: Would you like to sum things We are looking for people
Dominic Kennedy: Having stud- one of the modules. This would Guarisco will come this year to up? who want to collaborate
ied at SOAS in the 1980s I had go some way to further estab- do a Moxabustion course, we will JA: We are going to have a pretty We are looking for collaborators
a few contacts there. I worked lishing our academic presence as have more calligraphy courses, exciting year at SOAS this com- who:
with one of these, Dr Ulrich Pa- well as in offering our resources and Fabian wants to do an online ing year. For example, Robert · have been active members of
gel – a former fellow student – for to SOAS. We are also beginning Tibetan course. Beer will speak on ‘Wrathful the Dzogchen Community for
Rinpoche’s 2010 ‘Light of Kai- to extend out links with other DK: The conference level seems Deities and their Symbolism’; at least 2 years and
lash’ presentation held at SOAS interested UK-based Tibetolo- to be working very well. The Fabian Saunders will give a talk · have followed or attended at
as a collaborative event. In the gists and Buddhologists, most “Bon, Shangshung and early Ti- on ‘Termas and Tertons’, Paola least 3 retreats of Chögyal Nam-
meantime I had made contact of whom are also practitioners, bet” conference is a major in- Zamperini on ‘Female Tibetan khai Norbu. Of course there can
with Dr Nathan Hill, who has people who are often students of ternational event and people are Masters’ and Martin Boord on always be exceptions.
been senior lecturer in Tibetan other Tibetan masters and who coming from all over the world. ‘Nourishment for the Dead: early
at SOAS since 2008. Nathan at- are very close to us in spirit and We are planning two more con- Buddhist funeral rites in Tibet.’ Work to be done
tended Rinpoche’s teachings at interest. We have started develop- ferences. One in 2012, will be And there are more…. The retreats should be tran-
the Camden Centre in London in ing good contacts with them and on a relatively smaller scale, but DK: Another thing to mention is scribed word-by-word, exactly as
2010 as well as the Light of Kai- so we are extending our reach be- in 2013 we intend to organize that we have started to collabo- Rinpoche speaks.
lash talk at SOAS. He was very yond SOAS. another major conference and rate with the UK ASIA people,
keen to collaborate with Shang JA: We also have links at Oxford. hopefully an exhibition as well. currently Des, Helen and Yvonne. How to apply
Shung UK on areas of mutual in- I think the point Dominic made We have not yet decided on a Andrea Dell’Angelo will be ad- If you know how to work with a
terest and has emerged as an ex- is a very strong one in that the theme, but we are collaborat- dressing the conference at SOAS computer and if you think you
tremely helpful link for us with academics who have presented ing with the International Shang on Bon related projects. We also have enough time and capacity
SOAS. After the Light of Kailash talks as part of our program are Shung Institute and ASIA and we plan that there will be an ASIA as- to do this work, please send your
talk, we got together and planned also practitioners. This is a very will see what we can do, particu- pect to some of our forthcoming CV to the Shang Shung Institute.
the 2011 “Bon, Shangshung and important point in our favor, be- larly in terms of linked exhibi- evening lectures and ASIA will be After you finish the transcrip-
early Tibet” conference as a joint cause often academics are seen as tions. We intend to make good invited to be involved in our 2013 tion you will receive a certificate
SOAS-Shang Shung venture to very dry. We have had some excel- use of the time to plan a success- conference event. that can be used for Karma Yoga.
follow up the Light of Kailash lent talks in the last year: Cathy ful event. JA: I think I would like end by
presentation; this will be held at Cantwell from Oxford University saying that there are a number Please send your replies to Dina
SOAS in London in September gave a fascinating talk on ‘The M: So the Institute does not have of people who are very interested Priymak (d.priymak@
this year. He has also attended Place of Ritual in Tibetan Tantric its own premises? and quite excited by our program, shangshunginstitute.org), the
some of our meetings to discuss Practice’, focussing on Tibetan DK: No we do not but we are very so I think it has been a very good coordinator of the Archive Tran-
areas where we can work togeth- Dance in Tso Pema; Fabian Sand- fortunate to have the use of SOAS. first year. We are also very fortu- scription Program.
er. ers spoke to a packed lecture the- nate in the UK in that the people
It is quite clear that we are able atre on ‘Tibetan Oracles and Hi- we know are top notch academics With Best Wishes,
to collaborate with SOAS on proj- malayan Shamans’, Elio Guaris- The ATP Team
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Shang Shung Institute

exposure to translation and it was

Ka-Ter Translation Project an unforgettable experience.
Ninth Training for Translators We found the method challeng-
from Tibetan (TTT) with Fabian Sanders ing, but truly effective: each day
we translated on our own trans-
This year’s TTT took place at Merigar work. If translations are not accu- lation for two in the morning and
West from July 4 to August 5, 2011, rate we have nothing to measure two in the afternoon, after each
and was attended by a record number our knowledge against. Shang session spending an hour review-
of about twenty participants in three Shung Institute is consciously ing and discussing our work with
separate groups (Beginner, Intermedi- addressing this important issue Prof. Fabian Sanders.
ate, and Advanced). Several students by training translators and giving
commented on their experience for The them the chance to become truly In the beginning it was hard to
Mirror. qualified. find our way through the text on
our own, so we sometimes man-
Monica Gentile: In my long and often frustrat- aged to translate only a few lines,

E
ach year since 2003, Shang ing experience in attempting to and even then our interpretations
Shung Institute Austria has learn Tibetan, I can confidently Participants in the Ninth Training for Tibetan Translators, Fabian Sanders center. were often quite far off the mark.
organized a multi-week say that the approach of Shang Nevertheless, day by day, thanks
training program for transla- Shung Institute is both effective efficiently. Following by Internet and the “Thirty-Seven Practices to the explanations during the re-
tors from Tibetan. The program and enjoyable. Its instructors are requires a great amount of con- of the Bodhisattva.” I learned a view process, we gradually start-
is a truly wonderful opportunity competent and patient, and know centration (and some patience lot in class as Fabian took care to ed to understand the Tibetan
for those who want to learn and both the “letter” and the “mean- with fluctuating connections), explain things very clearly. Fabian structures and the work started
subsequently perfect their knowl- ing” of the language. The focus is but it made possible something is a great teacher and has a lot of to become more satisfying.
edge of scriptural Tibetan. on teamwork that favors sharing otherwise quite impossible for patience. The pace of the class
and comparing against competi- me. How wonderful!! was very relaxed and enjoyable. We enjoyed the atmosphere of
Real knowledge of Dzogchen tiveness. I would love to join the program the entire course and the fact
comes from the oral transmis- Sebastiano Ratti Pistoi: again in the near future if my cir- that we could easily debate with

T
sion of the Teacher, but his work This year I followed both Inter- he course was wonderful. cumstances are favorable. the teacher and the advanced stu-
also needs to be supported by ac- mediate and Advanced group We translated some very dents about the more ambiguous
curate translations of root texts over the Internet, via Skype. interesting and inspiring Chiara Mascarello & passages. The frequent interac-
and commentaries so that each Since bandwidth was not always texts that were at a good level for Francesco Tormen: tion with the advanced students

T
of us can have the opportunity to optimal on either side, we gen- us. I was pleased that we were his past July, we attended really boosted our study, and so
read the truly inspiring writings erally used audio only, but I was able to work on three different the Intermediate level of did the good balance between
of the ancient masters, the majes- able both to speak and listen to texts written in different styles, the TTT. It was our first earnestness and entertainment.
tic foundations our own Master’s the group, thus working together including a Chod commentary

Shang Shung Publications – New And Upcoming Titles

(gter ma) rediscovered by Chögyal
Namkhai Norbu.
This book inaugurates a new
series of publications of Longsal
teachings, all of which, besides
the histories and root texts, will
include commentaries written by
the Author, plus additional mate-
rial whenever necessary, so that
all information concerning a spe-
cific teaching is contained in one
volume.
The Root Upadesha on the Vajra
Bridge of Longde (Klong sde rdo rje
zam pa’i man ngag gi rtsa ba) was
written down in 1983. It offers
fundamental guidance on the
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Chögyal Namkhai Norbu main points of the practice of the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Guruyoga The Root Upadesha on the Vajra four DAs of Dzogchen Longde, The Three Paths of Liberation The Four Methods of Development
Bridge of Longde the oral tradition of which is The Way to Identify the Birth Year

I T
n Dzogchen teaching, the Longsal Commentaries Vol. 1 known as the Vajra Bridge (rDo he Three Paths of Liberation Elements of an Individual and the
practice of Guruyoga is in- rje’i zam pa). This tradition origi- is a straightforward guide Elements of the Current Year

T
dispensable because it is the he Longsal or The Luminous nated with the Tibetan master to the understanding of The Four Development Methods
root of all practices; if we follow Clarity of the Universe, Heart Vairochana (eighth century), who the essence of all paths, Buddhist

B
the teaching, the first thing to do Essence of the Dakinis (Klong transmitted it to Pang Mipham or not, leading to spiritual real- uddha has clearly ex-
is Guruyoga. Some people learn chen ’od gsal mkha’ ’gro’i snying thig) Gönpo, and flourished in Tibet ization. This teaching revolution- plained the turning of
highly complicated methods and is a cycle of upadesha teachings until the fourteenth century, with izes the way of thinking about the the wheel of existence by
are satisfied with that, but they the result that many practitioners levels of dharma to the great ben- means of the twelve links of inter-
do not do Guruyoga; this is not achieved the rainbow body. The efit of both advanced students dependence: ignorance, volition,
good, because in that case it is as dreams through which the upade- and neophytes. Here we are cen- consciousness, name and form,
if the root of the teaching is miss- There are many practices that sha was discovered are connected tered on the basic methods of sense bases, contact, sensation,
ing: the connection to the teacher go by this name, but the essential to Vairochana himself, to Negyab practice, which show us the way desire, attachment, becoming,
and the transmission. meaning of Guruyoga is to be in Rinpoche, and to his root guru to proceed to our best advantage. birth, old age, and death. Accord-
Guruyoga practice according the state of instant presence that Rigdzin Changchub Dorje (1826- The book explains that all paths ingly, in the astrology of the ele-
to Dzogchen means going di- you were first introduced to by 1961). can be described as three main ments taught by Arya Mañjushri,
rectly to the essence. In fact, the your teacher. Guruyoga permits The auto-commentary, Brilliant methods, no matter what tradi- all the aspects of the year, month,
teaching explains that the condi- us to find ourselves in that state Moon: Commentary on the Root Text tion is being considered. Those >> continued on the following page
tion of Buddha or the dharmakaya again. of the Upadesha on the Vajra Bridge three methods are renunciation,
coincides with our profound na- The first part of this book con- of Longde (Klong sde rdo rje zam transformation, and self-libera-
ture, so there is no need to look tains a general explanation of pa’i man ngag gi rtsa ’grel rab gsal tion, the paths followed, in Bud-
for it outside of ourselves. The Guruyoga, its meaning and its zla ba), written in 2005, includes dhist terminology, in Sutra, Tan- how we can do just that. This is
word Guru indicates the under- aspects related to view, medita- many quotations from the tradi- tra, and Dzogchen, respectively. one of those classic books every
standing we receive from the tion and behavior. The second tional texts of the Vajra Bridge of Rinpoche informs us in a book practitioner should have to shore
teacher, which is nothing other part contains the Guruyogas Dzogchen Longde which clarify that is also a manual, “We can ap- up missing knowledge and to en-
than the teacher and our real na- mostly applied in the Dzogchen and expand on numerous topics ply all three paths of liberation, courage every possible use of the
ture. Guruyoga means to actually Community, the methods for in- contained in the root text. and a practitioner of Dzogchen day’s and night’s events as op-
be in that state with him in the troducing the rigpa state and the who understands the essence of portunities for further develop-
same instant. empowerments for the Guruyoga the teaching always integrates all ment of the realization of oneself
worldwide transmission. three,” and he goes on to explain as the Great Thigle.
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Shang Shung Institute

tion, an explanation long famed sidered a manual for spiritual re- duction compiled by the mas-
New Publications in Europe and North America as alization in the afterlife state. ter’s students from oral teach-
>> continued from previous page The Tibetan Book of the Dead. A The translation presented in ings given by him at a medita-
day, and time, are determined on partial rendering of the complete this book is a revisiting of the tion retreat at Volpago, Italy in
the basis of the twelve-year cycle cycle of this extensive work, this Italian translation by Prof. Chög- 1980 and which have previously
of mouse, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, volume contains the translation yal Namkhai Norbu in collabora- appeared in the Italian language
snake, horse, sheep, monkey, of several of the central texts, the tion with his university students, (see below). Enriching the pres-
bird, dog, and pig. This twelve- two principal ones of which here during a course given by him in ent introduction is the addition of
year cycle is also combined with included were originally entitled Tibetan language and literature at material from written works and
the five elements, wood, fire, An Elucidation of the Interme- the oriental Institute of the Uni- oral teachings of Chögyal Nam-
earth, metal, and water, with al- diate State of Reality, Great Lib- versity of Naples in the academic khai Norbu, particularly that of
ternate female and male years. eration through Hearing During year 1979-1980. The present book an essay on the four intermediate
On the basis of these astrological the Intermediate State and An can be more properly considered states in Birth, Life and Death,
periods, one can ascertain both Introduction to the Intermediate a new translation of the Tibetan Shang Shung Publications, Ar-
the elemental condition of the State of Rebirth, Great Liberation text since knowledge contained cidosso, 2008. Extracts are also
present year and the elemental through Hearing during the In- in editions of the Tibetan text included from transcriptions of
condition of the birth year. termediate State (Part one). which have surfaced since 1980 oral teachings given by Chögyal
When, on the basis of the The translation of three invo- has shed light on ambiguous pas- Namkhai Norbu at Merigar (Arci-
mother-son-enemy-friend rela- The Tibetan Book of the Dead cations (Part Two) which tradi- sages and since improvements dosso, Italy) in January 1992 and
tionship, conflict exists between A New Edition Available this Autumn tionally accompany these teach- made in the interpretation of Ti- August 1998, as well as at other
the elements of life, body, ca- from Shang Shung Publications ings and of the Root Verses of betan texts by recent translations times.
pacity, and fortune of the year of the Six Intermediate States (Part have been integrated.

T
birth, and the corresponding ele- he subject of this book Three) are also included. Part The profound Introductory These titles are available or will
ments of the current year, it is im- is the continuity of con- Four offers guidelines on how Commentary of Chögyal Nam- shortly be available at
portant to eliminate the negative sciousness and the conse- to assist a person at the moment khai Norbu which precedes shangshungpublications.org
factors by means of the fourfold quent possibility of spiritual lib- of death and beyond, and is fol- and clarifies the texts from the
method which increase one’s eration after death, as understood lowed by two Appendixes, con- Dzogchen point of view is an
life, body, capacity, and fortune. in the Tibetan Buddhist tradi- cluding what can justly be con- elaboration based on an intro-

November 11th–13th Board Treasurer Student Clinic Consultations

Shang Shung Tibetan Medicine Hospice News from SSI USA Dear Sangha, Consultations are supervised by
Introductory 20 Hour Training Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, Director
Institute USA with Dr.Phuntsog Wangmo Now Hiring! The Shang Shung Institute in of the School of Tibetan Medi-
Upcoming Events 2011–2012 Are you a current member of the America is looking for a dedi- cine. Consultations are available
January 26th Dzogchen Community and have cated member of the Dzogchen on Thursdays and last for approx-
September 24th–25th New Tibetan Kunye Massage the desire to contribute to the Community to participate as imately one hour. They consist of
Massage-a-thon fundraiser for 750 Hour Comprehensive important task of disseminat- board Treasurer. Information questioning about personal diet
Cancer Connection Certification Program Begins ing Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s about the Shang Shung Institute and lifestyle, health history and
Benefit Cancer Connection with Florence, MA precious works? Join the Shang and its programs can be found symptoms, as well as pulse diag-
your own relaxation! Shung Institute team! We are now here: www.shangshung.org nosis and urine analysis. In con-
Florence, MA This Fall Shang Shung Institute hiring a new bookstore manager clusion, Tibetan herbal formulas
is preparing to launch a new for the Shang Shung Institute Responsibilities include: as well as diet and lifestyle rec-
October 7th–9th Tibetan Medicine Certification USA Bookstore. This SSI job of- · Attend monthly board meetings ommendations are given to bring
Enlightening Passion: Sexuality Program consisting of online fers a great opportunity to deep- in person or through telecom- one back into balanced health.
and Gender in Tibetan Buddhism modules and practical inten- en involvement in the Dzogchen munications Consultations cost $40. If herbs
with Professor Paola Zamperini sives. Community while providing a · Prepare annual budgets are recommended there is an ad-
Florence, MA classroom regular part – time paid position. · Oversee bookkeeping efforts ditional fee. To make an appoint-
For more information on our Tasks include: sales, advertising · Implement fundraising ment please call (413) 585-1081
October 19th–23rd programs please go to: and promotion, bookkeeping, SSI is interested in someone to or email
The Samadhi of www.shangshung.org purchasing, and keeping inven- commit one year or more if pos- [email protected]
Completion or call 413 369 4928 or email tory. Applications are due Sep- sible. Please contact Ed Hayes at
[email protected] tember 16th. e.hayes@shangshunginstitute. Our mailing address is:
A Course with 413 369 4928 or email org for more information. Shang Shung Institute
Khyentse Yeshe Locations for Shang Shung [email protected] P.O. Box 278
Amherst College Institute: Best Wishes, Conway MA 01341
Tsegyalgar East at The Shang Shung Institute Board
October 22nd–23rd 18 Schoolhouse Rd. Conway, MA
The Film My Reincarnation Florence, MA Space at
at Amherst Cinema 140 Pine St. Rm 10

www.melong.com
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 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Focus on A Tibetan Master in Naples

10

A
great amount of material has
been recorded and printed re-
garding the Master’s teach-
ing and his activities since the found-
ing of Merigar in the eighties, but
there are far fewer sources that actual-
ly recount the early days of Rinpoche’s
life in Naples and his first teachings in
the 1970s before the Dzogchen Com-
munity was established in Tuscany.
In this issue of the newspaper, we
are pleased to offer you some person-
al accounts by some of his first stu-
dents from Naples, an interview with
Adriano Clemente that covers the time
that Rinpoche was in Naples up to the
founding of Merigar, a reflection by
John Shane on the early days of Meri-
gar and an account by Yuchen Nam-
khai of her first visit with her father to
the land that would become Merigar.

A Tibetan Master
in Naples
Some of Rinpoche’s first students from
Naples spoke to The Mirror about the
circumstances in which he first started
to give teachings in the 1970s. Nico-
letta Liguori, Antonio Morgione, Ser-
gio Campodonico and Bruno Irmici
tell us about some of their experiences
with the Master at that time. The house at Gaiola perched on the cliffs high above the Mediterranean.

Nicoletta Liguori: I met the Mas- much about his own situation, know what or where Tibet was! transparent way. But what im- hold something like what we
ter in the spring of 1971. A friend but when I met Roberto, my fu- But Felice spoke to me about him pressed me the most was the fact would call a literary salon with
of mine had joined a judo club at ture husband through Rinpoche, and I felt very attracted to him that he seemed to come from an- questions and answers. But we
a gym [in Naples] and through he told me that Rinpoche and his and asked Felice to ask his mas- other world, and even though he didn’t have any clear idea about
the judo teacher that girl went to wife Rosa would be having a little ter if I could go to him although was very young, he would tell us the person we had in front of us
see a Tibetan master one evening. girl in August. So in August we I didn’t have a positive reply for a all the things that were right for so the type of questions we asked
She came back really excited and went to Rinpoche’s home to hang long time. us with very precise communica- came from cultures such as the
inspired and said to me, “I’ve met up garlands for the new arrival Then one day Felice said that tion. This is something that has Catholic one of which we were a
a Tibetan master!” So of course, and after the birth I helped Rosa we could visit him and we went always remained with me. At the part. Sometimes we would come
I immediately told her that she with the little girl and we spent to this part of Naples called the beginning we were like friends, up with all types of different con-
must be mistaken, that he must quite a lot of time at their home. Gaiola, to Villa Paratori. This was family friends, part of a group, versations – political, economic,
have been an Indian master be- Then in the autumn, Roberto quite close to some Roman exca- and Rinpoche would speak about topical things. The Master would
cause I was absolutely positive invited the Master and his fam- vations and there was a huge wall things in such a direct way that answer us by taking us, I would
that there was no Tibetan master ily to come and live with us at the surrounding it and a large iron you would be very struck. Later say today, into the Santi Maha
in Naples. But in fact the day after Gaiola, which was a wonderful gate. There was a long country on it became evident that he was Sangha.
I went to that gym and what did Mediterranean villa that had been road to get there and then you a Master but at the beginning At the same time, Rinpoche
I find – a Tibetan master! It was built over a Roman villa and pre- could see this red house right there were these meetings first at was a professor at the univer-
‘Norbu’, and Mr. Proccacini, who vious to that a Greek one. It was above the sea. the Gaiola then later at Pozzuoli, sity where he taught Tibetan
was his manager, introduced me also the house where Oscar Wil- I remember we had to climb which were places that were full and Mongolian language and
to him and after a couple of days I de used to stay when he was in over the wall and Felice told me of energy. literature. When I would be at
started yoga classes there. Naples. In that period there were that we should be careful not to Then in 1973 we rented a base- his home, I would often see him
There were already several also lots of young people coming be seen by the guardian, who ment in via Palasciano, painted it scrupulously preparing the ma-
people studying Yantra Yoga with and going at the Gaiola. You were was not a very pleasant character. and set up the first gym for do- terial for the exams and his les-
him including a well-known Ne- one of them weren’t you, Anto- We went through the field to the ing Yantra Yoga. And you can see sons. He was different from the
apolitan astrologer who was the nio? porch and when we went inside from the early photos that the other professors and gave all his
most able in doing the asanas. Antonio Morgione: I met the there was a red sofa in the shape Master actually moulded us into attention to his students. In this
But the most remarkable thing Master in 1972 through one of of a shell and the Master with the positions with his hands. And period a new student from Spain
about those lessons was that at the caretakers of the Faculty of his wife Rosa who asked us to we started from there. came to the university, Ramon
the end of the Yantra Yoga ses- Architecture at Naples Univer- sit down. This was the first time
sions while many of the students sity, Felice Garofolo, who was a I met him. And I asked him if I
would leave, a small group of 3 or friend and student of the Master. could come back.
4 people would remain and the Rinpoche was teaching Yantra After that he became a great
Master would give teachings to Yoga at the Palazetto dello Sport friend because at the time I was
them. For me this was absolutely in Naples. I was a student in my quite wild. He would ask me,
extraordinary because he would first years and having a lot of dif- “Do you need anything?” It was a
speak about Dzogchen teaching. ficulty getting used to the uni- special relationship and for me it
I had no idea that beyond this versity environment and Felice was a great lesson in life because
physical form of yoga there was Garofolo was a great help to me. I got to know the Master and his
something to learn that would At the time I was really interested family and this was and still is
work at the level of body, voice in yoga even though I didn’t re- the support of my life. I learned
and mind, as he explained. Most ally know what it was. I wanted everything from him.
of the people would ask him lots to understand what thoughts Sergio: How did I arrive the Gaio-
of questions but I was always si- are, what moved inside me when la? My first wife was a friend of
lent, trying to understand what I wasn’t speaking, what the world Roberto Ventrella and one eve-
he had said. around us means. I come from a ning he took me to meet this Ti-
At the time we had a close re- middle class Catholic family in betan man. I came from an en-
lationship with ‘Norbu’, as we Naples and those type of things tirely different world, more driv- Yantra Yoga Students in Naples in the 1970’s.
called him at that time, who was were never spoken about. It was en by curiosity and living an alter-
living with his family in Torre unthinkable. So I started to talk native kind of lifestyle. We went Antonio: At the Gaiola we started Prats who was very interested in
del Greco. In that period his about them with Felice who at to this house and I remember this to have meetings with the Mas- the Master and spent all his time
son Yeshi was a few months old. some point said that he knew a enormous salon and the sofa etc. ter during which he would give with him.
Rinpoche never used to speak Tibetan master – I didn’t even Rinpoche spoke in a very direct teachings. The Master would >> continued on the following page
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Focus on A Tibetan Master in Naples

11

because I did not meet Rinpoche ple and through that he went to So around 1972 to 1974, espe- Rinpoche in 1973 or 1974. Ra-
Interview with until January 1975. What I know live together with Nicoletta and cially when Rinpoche was living mon came from Spain especially
is that starting from the sixties, Roberto in the Gaiola place in at the Gaiola with Nicoletta Lig- to meet him, and to study Tibetan
Adriano Clemente Rinpoche was sometimes invited Naples. uori and Roberto Ventrella, there at the Orientale University.
Rinpoche’s time in Naples in the 1970’s by different cultural associations Rinpoche continued to teach was a small group that was also So we would go there every
until the founding of Merigar (West) or by ISMEO to give lectures on at this palazetto dello sport for starting to receive some kind of Saturday and Rinpoche was re-
Tibetan yoga or tantras, so after a couple of years. In Novem- teachings, more like explana- plying to all kinds of questions
The Mirror: Adriano, we are try- some of these lectures people ber of 1974, when I had entered tions and some practice, like about Tibetan Buddhism, spiri-
ing to put together the story from asked if there was a possibility if the dharma in some way, the Vajrasattva purification practice. tuality, Christ and Buddha…
the early days when Rinpoche he could teach Yantra Yoga, and first thing I was looking for was It was a small group, maybe 8–10 some of these questions and an-
was teaching Yantra Yoga in Na- that was the original cause. to learn yoga and at that time people around him, like Gennaro swers Rinpoche wrote down in
ples until the founding of Meri- There was a person in Naples the only kind of yoga in Naples Anziano, Antonio Morgione, Ser- this book called Introduction to
gar West. We are looking for in- called Procaccini, who was orga- was hatha yoga with an Indian gio Campodonico, Ciro Marolda, Dzogchen in Sixteen Answers, and
formation from people who were nizing courses like Japanese mar- swami called Satyananda. This etc., and all these people. The eight of the questions of these
there in Naples up until the early tial arts, akido, tai Kwando, etc., means that in that year he was time I really entered Rinpoche’s came from this period. Some-
retreats and the time when Meri- and he requested many times not teaching, but he continued circle was October 1975, after times when Rinpoche thought
gar West was founded. The his- that Rinpoche teach Yantra Yoga, in 1975. In January 1975, right af- the summer. And then I started the questions and answers were
tory from Merigar [West] on has so after insisting, at one point ter I met him, he started to give a to go to his house, he was living interesting for the future, he
been written, but the history be- Rinpoche accepted and started new course on Yantra Yoga. So he at Pozzuoli at that time, a place would write them down those, so
fore has not been written so we to teach Yantra Yoga in the pala- taught Yantra Yoga in 1975 from near Naples, so when I arrived that is how that book was born.
are trying to reconstruct it by ask- zetto dello sport in Naples. That January to June. there every Saturday we would The only thing that Rinpoche
ing people who were around at was 1971. At that time Rinpoche meet at his house, and he would was teaching at that time that
that time. was living in Torre del Greco, a M: And you took that course? offer tea and everybody was free people were practicing was the
Adriano Clemente: Yes, but I small town near Naples, so he AC: I did not attend the whole to ask any kinds of questions. So Vajrasattva purification practice,
was not there when Rinpoche started to teach and some people course, but some of my friends usually there was a more or less so when I got there I learned how
started teaching Yantra Yoga. I started to gather, like Nicoletta took the course and I would go stable group of 10–12 people to do that practice, and Rinpoche
did not start doing Yantra Yoga Liguori and Roberto Vitrella, and sometimes and ask Rinpoche and among these people there would explain and people would
in the original group in Naples he made friends with these peo- questions, something like that. was Ramon Prats, who had met >> continued on the following page

>> continued from previous page we did we went back to live in

Sergio: This attention, this love the centre of Naples for a few
that the Master gave to every- months and immediately after
one, just a few of us enjoyed at we started to put into action a
the beginning. He was a doctor, plan that we had decided on the
an astrologer, he did divination, year before to leave Naples and
he would ask us about our prac- get a house in the countryside
tice. More and more people came with some land. And that is what
to the gym and there were 2 or we did. For months and months,
3 courses of Yantra Yoga every we went looking through all the
week with Eugenio and myself surrounding countryside until we
and then Fabio Andrico joined found this beautiful piece of land
us. This was in 1976. The same in Prata with a stone house. The
year there was the centre with the Master found another piece of
school of medicine, courses in land adjoining this with a small
astrology and massage all taught house. We got this house but it
by the Master. wasn’t inhabitable so first of all
Nicoletta: But in 1973 something we had to restructure it. At the
special happened. The owner of time there was no electricity, no
the Gaiola asked us to leave the water and no road to get there.
house. If we had wanted to buy It was really a wild place and we
it we could have continued to had to bring water from a well a
live there but we didn’t want to little way off. The house in Prata
do that even though the Master was very important for the simple
had pointed out many wonderful reason that we did the first inter-
places in the garden around that national retreat of the Dzogchen Chögyal Namkhai Norbu teaching Yantra Yoga in Naples in the seventies.
house that were really suitable for Community there.
practicing with a patio and a ter- The Community had already suggested doing a retreat in Pra- Master and it all started to spread Rinpoche used to teach. One of
race overlooking the sea in view been formed in 1976 with the ta, which was the first ‘official’ from there. my ideas in taking that place was
of the island of Capri. first statue. The first meeting we retreat with 60–70 people from Bruno Irmici: My story comes a that I thought Rinpoche would be
The Master didn’t lose any had was at Antonio’s house and all over the world. It took place little later. When I was about 16 able to come there sometimes to
time and as soon as he knew we we were 12 people and we put for three weeks in July and Au- I was very interested in breathing rest when he was teaching at the
had to leave the house, he did so. down in writing the basics of the gust in 1977. At the beginning of and understood that if I worked Orientale because it was only 5
His sister was there at the time Dzogchen Community. the teachings Rinpoche told us on it I could be calmer because minutes away. He would come
and she helped Rinpoche and In 1976 the first retreat was that although Tibetan teachers I was a nervous kind of person. by 2 or 3 times a week and we
Rosa with the moving. Roberto held in Subiaco. It was a small traditionally sit on high thrones Then I learned from friends at art would go to eat in the tiny tratto-
and I managed to put off mov- retreat with a few people, mostly to teach, he would sit in the mid- school that there was a Tibetan ria below the house, often all of
ing for a few months and when Italians. Afterwards, the Master dle of us so that there would be who gave teachings in Naples Rinpoche’s students would come
no distinction between us. and I went straight away to see with him. Then they’d go back to
Antonio: When he started the in- him. I wanted to learn yoga, I was the university or he would come
put for the creation of the Com- very serious about it. At the end up and rest for a while. It was an
munity, there was a time when of my first session of Yantra Yoga incredible time and that place
we spoke about the name and he with Rinpoche, he started to do a was almost like the first Ling. It
said it would be the Dzogchen kind of dance like the twist and was in the centre of Naples and
Community, that the aspect of sing, ‘Buddha, Buddha, Buddha’, had a beautiful big terrace and in
culture was very important and which broke through my rigidity the first years, when things were
so the cultural association came and seriousness right away. simpler, we would do the practic-
about. There was a need to create So I started to practice Yantra es there and people would bring
a structure with a statute, which Yoga but then I left. Although I their sleeping bags and sleep on
had to be perfect. In the discus- had a very strong connection with the terrace. We didn’t think about
sions at Pozzuoli, the Master was Rinpoche, I had some difficulty recording Rinpoche’s talks or
very clear about how the Commu- with the people around him. Per- taking photographs so there isn’t
nity was to be structured and that haps I wasn’t ready for what they much material from that time,
people should have specific skills did and I needed something more especially from some of the talks
to carry it forward. There was a regular. that he gave.
great input with the arrival of all Then after I came back from
the young students who started a retreat in the USA I rented a Translated, transcribed and edited
to work under the guidance of the house in Naples that was very by L. Granger, trying to maintain the
Yantra Yoga Students in Naples in the 1970’s. close to the Orientale where essence of what was said.
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Focus on A Tibetan Master in Naples

12

was completely beyond any tradi- and he would cook for us. It was
tional frame. He was completely one of the best periods of my life.
direct and he did not use any in- At the end of 1976 a small group
vocation or prayer, not a single from Sardinia invited Rinpoche to
word of Tibetan, he was teach- give teachings at Costa Paradiso.
ing experience through prac- I didn’t go there. So this was the
tice, we didn’t do any Guruyoga end of 1976 into 1977, and his
practice, nothing at all. So when dharma activities were that in
I went there and saw all the peo- October 1976 he started to give
ple chanting all the mantras and classes of yoga again and also on
using the malas, I thought what medicine and astrology. He gave
is going on here? In fact, I met many different talks and then
Rinpoche in the stairs and I said, from February to June in 1977, we
we used to call Rinpoche Mae- had 3 classes a week: on Monday
stro, I said Maestro, so why is this he would teach Yantra Yoga, on
different, why all these things, Thursday he would teach kumb-
and he told me the circumstances haka and tsalung and on Friday
are different, he said something he would teach Dzogchen Teach-
like that. And then I thought, ing. The Dzogchen teaching was
well maybe these people need more or less the same as the year
this, and this is not how it should before, upadesha, rushen and all
really be. But of course I was not the practices like before. And the
right in my understanding, it did Monday Yantra Yoga was the only
not develop that way. But it was full Yantra Yoga course I took with
like that. When Rinpoche taught him.
the first time it is interesting to He would teach all the yantras
see and understand also seeing and there was a peculiar way in
how Yeshi teaches now, how he is which he was teaching. First we
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. with people, there is something, would do warm-ups and then the
there is a connection. 9 purification breathings, and
ask something. From November every Friday he taught Dzogchen had gone to Rome sometimes to After Subicao Rinpoche came after that we would do rhythmic
to February we were meeting in Upadesha teaching and that meet with Laura and so at one back to Naples and then in 1976 breathing before everything, and
his place, but at some point we means rushen – outer and inner – point he decided to start teaching some of us started at the Univer- then after rhythmic breathing we
shifted the place and the meet-
ings took place and Ramon and
Antonio’s house at the Riviera di
Chaia in Naples. Instead of going
to Rinpoche’s house we would
go there and that was maybe
on Fridays and the same thing
would go on, asking questions,
etc. Then everyone was asking if
Rinpoche would start to teach, to
give the complete teaching, and
every time he would say, “Ok next
time I will start.” But he would
never start and for three months
he went on in this way.
Then finally one of these Fri-
days I could not go there and
someone called me and said,
“Look, Rinpoche said next time
he is really going to start to teach”,
but he said he would teach to only
those who were present that pre-
vious weekend, that previous
Friday when I was not present. I
went the same day with a friend
of mine there and then when I ar-
rived someone said to me I could
not stay there because Rinpoche
said only people who were here
last weekend could attend. Of Rinpoche and students at the Subiaco retreat in 1976. © iss
course, I did not move a millime-
ter from my place, until Rinpoche tregchöd, bardo, tummo, phowa and at this Karma Kagyu Center which sity of Naples and we enrolled at would do the 8 movements, and
said, “Ok, we start with the peo- many like this. I think there were was these people from Rome and the university to study Tibetan, then after that we did different
ple who are here.” He started about 12 of us, and there was also some from Milano, like Guliano Giacomella Orofino and I; there positions, yantras, etc., and then
with a Vajrasattva empowerment a dog. We were just in the center Casiraghi and Aldo Oneto, and was a small group, a new group. in the end he would do many
and something happened like of an old Neopolitan palace, in a also from Sardinia who were Until that time Rinpoche never things like nauli. He was very
a vase fell down and there were courtyard; it was a small room in maybe more Gelugpa oriented, had enough students at the uni- skilled, he could do everything,
some signs. That was in Ramon’s a building with gyms and the gym like Mariano and Anna Dessole, versity, and he was not happy jump into lotus; he could do ev-
house and from the next time equipment, these things. so they decided to do this retreat about that, because other pro- erything. Sometimes also Yeshi
we met every time at the Palestra So we had this teaching that in Subiaco. That was in 1976. The fessors did not consider him was coming, and Yeshi and he
Palasciano. This palestra was the is a complete teaching, and then retreat at Subiaco, maybe you academic enough. At that time had the same color tracksuit in
place I had met Rinpoche the first in June he said, “Now we have know, went on for a long time; he was happy because we were a red. Yeshi was like a miniature.
time when he was giving a lecture to go and apply something with the group of us from Naples, the group of students and not only So after that in July of 1977 we
on Bon in January of 1975 and it practice, and we should go with 3 or 4 of us went there only for 3 that, but also for those who were had what I see as the real start
was the place where Rinpoche a tent somewhere on a mountain days. We went because Rinpoche following his teaching. So those of the Dzogchen Community;
taught Yantra Yoga from 1975 on- to have some real experience of was giving a Rigpai Tsalwang who were following his teachings all these groups united in this
wards; before he was teaching at the practice.” In the meantime during those days and he told us now came to his lessons and so retreat in Prata. Prata is a small
the Palazetto dello Sport, which Rinpoche had been in contact we better come for those 3 days. it went from 3 or 4 people in the place near Avellino, on the hill-
is a big a big compound of many with this group associated with There was Ciro Marolda, Antonio seventies, to about 20 people, so side, where Rinpoche owned a
gyms, etc. Laura Albini in Rome. Laura Al- Morgione, Eugenio Amico and he was happy about that. So we piece of land, so there were all
bini was a kind of base the Kar- Enzo Desio; there were 5 of us. started to form this group, we the people from Rome who at-
M: Was this in 1975 or 1976? ma Kagyu Center in Rome, a When I went to Subicao I was were really spending a lot of time tended the retreat at Subicao.
AC: It was in February 1976 when center for the Karmapa and Kalu a little puzzled by the impression together with Rinpoche, especial- Many of them were already fol-
he gave the first complete cycle of Rinpoche. And so they were re- I had from these Buddhist prac- ly a small group of us, and after lowing Rinpoche’s courses in
Dzogchen Teachings in his life. questing Rinpoche to teach and titioners, because the way that lessons we would go to his house the university, like Enrico and
So from February until June 1976 he had always refused; Rinpoche Rinpoche taught to us in Naples >> continued on the following page
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Focus on A Tibetan Master in Naples

13

to keep in mind in choosing a

property and how these were to
be found here. One could see in
His face the pleasure and satis-
faction about what would even-
tually become the first seat of the
Dzogchen Community.
It is important to remem-
ber that up until that moment
Rinpoche, together with vari-
ous groups of people, had vis-
ited other pieces of property in
Campania, Lazio, and Tuscany,
without however finding the ide-
al seat for the Community. For
years the Community activities
had been held in many wonderful
locations, all of which were still
only temporary. Those had been
very positive experiences for the
Dzogchen Community and had
motivated everyone to actively
search for a permanent seat for
its activities.
After our first visit to the land,
thousands and thousands of
people have been able to appreci-
ate over the years the seat of the
Original Structure of Serkhang, Merigar West 1982. Dzogchen Community, discov-
ering its hidden treasures, such
tion, as the only thing that truly unfriendly and mysterious isola- as the Gonpa hill, the practice
On a Rainy Afternoon, captured my attention was the tion. woods, the Small Stupa, the Big
huge fireplace in the kitchen on As a matter of fact there was Stupa, the Sankhang, Zhikang,
Thirty Years Ago the first floor. I pictured peo- something very fascinating and Gadeling, and so on and so forth.
Yuchen Namkhai ple who, trying to get warm by charming in the neglected look Over time the Dzogchen Com-
Translated by Paola Zamperini the fire, were sucked up into its of this land, almost as if it were a munity has held, in those very
Reprinted with kind permission from Merigar Letter no. 12, Year 4, July 2011 chimney… well-executed sketch for a paint- places and with unforeseen suc-
We then started visiting the ing yet unfinished. Under layers cess, countless events, activities

I
t is amazing how at times it is animals, and the ruins covered in land, and this spiked my inter- of threatening thorns we could and meetings.
the simplest things that leave thorns we saw here and there. ested. We headed north, so as find traces of man’s labor, carried Today I think back to the rainy
an indelible trace on our We were surrounded by si- to have a better view of the land, out at time in a very creative fash- afternoon thirty years ago, and I
memory. Once upon a time, when lence. We could only hear the and then we went south, walking ion. We could see how people see it as the beginning of a won-
iPods had not been invented and rain, beating hard at times, the on the path that leads into town. tried to bend nature to their wish- derful project created by Chögyal
computers had not yet become only soundtrack to this almost To me everything was absolutely es. We even saw a herd of goats Namkhai Norbu to benefit all sen-
a necessity, there was a world in lunar landscape. It was a harsh perfect, a perfect combination observing us in total peace, per- tient beings. That day Rinpoche
which every new day marked a land, not yet much scarred by hu- of mystery and adventure still to- fectly integrated with this scene. only spoke to me once, to ask me
new discovery, a new adventure man presence, a land allowed to tally to discover. And I became Rinpoche had visited the prop- what I thought about the land. “It
whose main goal, for most of us grow and expand according to its convinced that this was a mar- erty in a very determined manner, is perfect”, I answered enthusi-
children at least, was to enjoy it nature. velous place, even with the rain led by His clarity, and appeared astically, to which He answered,
through as many of our senses as We finally got to our destina- falling, the puddles we needed satisfied with what He had seen. “Ok, now we can go.”
possible, in the fastest way pos- tion. Majestic trees flanked the to steer clear from, the neglected He had even tried to explain to us
sible. main building and framed what vegetation, in spite of its at times what were the important issues >> Focus continued on page 25
I remember that rainy day as if must have been once a very dig-
it were yesterday. nified farmer’s residence. The car
Our guide was ready to take came to a stop and we got out.
us to our mysterious destination. I am thinking back to the
The drive took a long time, and emotion and the physical sen-
our four-wheel drive advanced sations I felt and I am now try-
slowly. Finally we turned onto a ing to describe them in words. I
white road, very steep at first, and ran around exploring my where-
the time full of potholes, pud- abouts, dashing about aimlessly,
dles, and bumps. I looked around my only wish to fill my lungs,
and everything seemed so new, as and my eyes with what the sights
I was used to the Mediterranean could offer me. I followed my in-
coastal landscape and to its vege- stincts, snuck into narrow pas-
tation of prickly pears, wild lilies, sages, and tried climbing a tree,
irises, and maritime pines. all the while making up plots and
We proceeded slowly, though obstacles to overcome in order to
we wished we were already there, reach the “mysterious castle.”
to our destination, to explore The grownups walked around
those Tuscan lands we knew so the main building as if it to mea-
little. We immediately started to sure it, then went inside, and I
fantasize about the mysterious decided to follow them. I was a
narrow trails, the little flocks of bit disappointed by my explora- Playing bagchen at Merigar in 1981. © John Shane

>> continued from previous page ing these teaching courses and retreat was really something spe- Then in 1979 Rinpoche was se- sity so he was mainly teaching at
Andrea Dell’Angelo. This retreat then the Dzogchen Community cial. Of course every time we were riously ill with an ulcer and after the holidays, Christmas, Easter
in Prata was like the merging of became larger and larger and more and more people, and then that a group of practitioners did and the summer, so he didn’t re-
all of Rinpoche’s students, so Rinpoche started to go abroad. in 1978 Rinpoche went to teach at a retreat in Formia, in the moun- ally stop teaching. In any case it
we had like 50 to 60 people, and And then in 1977 after Prata, the university. In the meantime in tains of Formia. went on like this and every time
that was a lot for us at that time at Christmas time, we had this 1978, Rinpoche went with Andrea we were renting places where we
and we were all one group. There wonderful retreat of Lu Cumitoni Dell’ Angelo and Mario Maglietti M: Did Rinpoche stop teaching had retreats, and then we started
were also Barry and Nancy Sim- in Sardinia where Rinpoche gave and some other students to shoot for some time when he was ill? to think we should find a land
mons, Fabio Andrico and Tiziana for the first (and last) time in his the Arura movie on Tibetan Med- AC: Rinpoche was ill between and then in 1982, they started to
Gottardi. Then right after that life the trilung of a whole tantra, icine for the RAI in India and Ne- April and May of 1979, but he re- search for some land until they
Rinpoche went abroad to teach – the Kunjyed Gyalpo, which is pal. After that we had the retreat sumed teaching that year when finally found this place, Merigar.
he went to Austria where he met a large tantra, and he gave also in Campomolino, which is in the he recovered. At that time he
Andrea Leick who was organiz- many amazing teachings. That Alps. was still teaching at the univer- M: Thank you very much Adriano.
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Merigar 30

14

Merigar’s Thirty Years – What a Surprise!

Christiane Rhein

Perhaps the greatest experience sion of Yantra, demonstrated the

of Merigar’s Thirty Year Anniver- purification breathing, the eight
sary was the surprise. movements and some yantras,
Surprise at what we can do! and finally by the children who
Our surprise – and even the lo- performed Kumar Kumari Yantra
cal people’s surprise. Yoga. “I’ve never seen anything
A year ago our Master had like it!” said an admiring 75 year-
asked us to organize a big party old lady from Santa Fiora. And
for the anniversary of the birth this could be the catchphrase for
of the first center of the Interna- the entire Thirty Year celebra-
tional Dzogchen Community. A tions.
celebration for us, but also for It began by decorating the
the inhabitants of Amiata who streets with thousands of five
have lived side by side with the colored flags. “How beautiful!”
Community for thirty years, had some of the shop owners said.
considerable economic advan- “Can you put them close to my
tages from the tens of thousands shop, too?”
of people coming for retreats And it continued with the in-
over the years, yet have always re- auguration of the “Monument to Vajra Dance Demonstration in Arcidosso.

rate. And the presentations by the from near and far – some from
thirty-six speakers/moderators of very far away – just to be there,
the “Friendship Meetings” and to be part of this great dance in
the concerts given by one hun- honor of our Master!
dred and forty musicians of the And finally surprise, about
Community on the second and the effect that “The joy of being
third nights confirmed the cul- here” has had on the local people.
tural richness and variety of tal- Never have so many people been
ent in the Dzogchen Community. seen visiting Merigar as in those
Yes, it really was a big surprise! three days and in subsequent pe-
Surprise at what we are capable riods. “Thank you for organizing
of doing and joyful surprise at this wonderful celebration! With-
the collaboration of everyone: out you this summer would have
those who had been planning, been empty!” wrote a local boy on
organizing and communicating the MerigarW30 Facebook page.
everything for months, those And then when we’ve been shop-
who attended the celebrations as ping in Arcidosso, Castel Del Pi-
players, musicians, dancers, and ano and Santa Fiora we have had
those who collaborated in the so many compliments. It seems
preparations, welcoming people, that now they look at us with dif-
in transport, in the kitchens, au- ferent eyes.
dio/video, and those who offered Yes, it was really a surprise for
money and materials, time and everyone – and a grand opening.
Yantra Yoga Demonstration in Arcidosso. Photo: L. Carniel skills, and all those who came Let us not waste it!

garded us with a certain distance. Peace” by Rinpoche in the pres- end of the square, where every
They would never go up to Meri- ence of the public authorities, night one could taste “flavors
gar to see what “those Tibetans” many practitioners and many of the world” was also a “tasty”
were doing! curious people, with the closing treat. In Arcidosso they had never
A party in the three villages drink to toast the occasion of- seen anything like the amazing
closest to Merigar was the re- fered to all. Garuda Circus of Prague. And,
quest. And then, in the evening, a of course, never before in the
But while this seemed feasible fantastic performance of folk square had so many people gath-
for the shows, the “friendship dances. In fact, in the village, ered – thousands of them – like
meetings” and exhibitions, we they had never seen anything like that first evening that ended with
were really puzzled – if not skep- it. The colorful costumes and fireworks from the Tower of the
tical – about the idea of even mak- folk dances of different coun- Castle.
ing a “presentation of the Com- tries, exhibited by eighty pro- But it did not finish there: the
munity” in the main squares. fessional and amateur dancers, exhibition “Tibet. Art. Now.” by
Spreading the Mandala out on the really showed the international ASIA and the “Primo Centro “,
street? Doing the Vajra Dance and character of our Community. The with works by forty-six artists
Yantra Yoga while people passed “Gourmet meeting point” at the from the Community, were first Russia. Photo: P. Fassoli
by chatting, having an ice cream,
a cigarette or a glass of beer?
Wouldn’t it be better to arrange
a demonstration in the Gonpa,
where just the environment itself
would create an atmosphere that
would be more intimate and con-
ducive to conveying something?
No, the specific request was to
“go down there”.
And the result was amazing.
For three days in a row we
spread out three Mandalas in the
village squares – first in Arcidos-
so, then in Castel Del Piano, and
finally in Santa Fiora – and each
time hundreds of people were
caught up by the energy and joy of
the thirty-six dancers who prac-
ticed the Dance of the Six Spaces
of Samantabhadra, by the yogis
who afterwards, in a short ses- Argentina. Photo: P. Fassoli Adriano Clemente, Italy. Photo: P. Fassoli Harvey Kaiser, USA. Photo: P. Fassoli
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Merigar 30

15

its gratitude and devotion to the

Primo Centro Master by offering their work for
the Primo Centro exhibition held
Gabriella Dalesio at the Aldobrandescan Castle in
Arcidosso. From the fluttering

T
he doves that spread out “Tibetan’ flags to the medieval
in flight at the time of the and mountain characteristics of
unveiling of the Monu- the area of the host villages, the
ment to Peace, inaugurated in sense of the elements – wind, wa-
Arcidosso on July 15 in the pres- ter, earth and space – was the re-
ence of our precious Teacher, curring theme of the works being
united us all in the vision that a shown.
better world is possible. While Starting with the first two em-
the violins played the hymn to joy blematic works of Prima Mai,
and life, a feeling swept through where the deep sense of the
those gathered that this was a teaching is revealed in the po-
special event – special for the lo- etry and in the simplicity shown.
cal communities that in recent A small shrine contains a stone
decades have welcomed but also held in place by nets at the bot-
been wary of the young ‘Tibet- tom (of the sea or river) repre-
ans’ of the Merigar Dzogchen sented by the blue background
community – although there is and small stones that surround it.
only one Tibetan, as Rinpoche Next to the shrine, there is a work
pointed out – and for the interna- on canvas in which, at the center,
tional Community come from all Corriere Della Sera, 22. 5. 2011. La Nazione, 10. 7. 2011. the same shape of the stone, free
over the world to offer their col- from its bonds, seems to have
laboration. precious mandala and the demon- How can there be a world of from all over the world, contrib- lost weightlessness as a form ap-
And it is precisely because strations and explanations of Yan- peace if we do not open our hearts uted to the success of the festivi- pearing as space with a pale blue
of the presence, patience and tra Yoga in the squares of the three to the harmony of the elements ties. The high level of profession- color. Just like light the color
compassion of our Master, who villages involved – Arcidosso, represented symbolically in the alism of the participants offered moves out and around becoming
started from the Amiata moun- Castel del Piano and Santa Fiora. monument to peace. The sculp- Rinpoche and the public a music stronger showing the indistinct
circular passage from the sky to
the water. Birds hover at the top,
at the bottom stylized fish swim,
going in a circle to mark the cy-
cles of life.
Next to Prima’s work a giant
wooden xylophone invites us to
play our own music with differ-
ent types of drumsticks that are
on the wall. This is a piece by An-
nie Ratti, who has also presented
a video in a secluded room of the
castle. It is the story of a red bal-
loon, which is abandoned by the
hand that holds it and flies free
over the roofs of a city driven by
the wind and air. Its journey re-
Monument to Peace by Piero Bonacino. Visitors to the exhibit at the Castle in Arcidosso. veals the hiding places of a silent
city and a landscape seen from
tain thirty years ago to give us ture is a hollow metal sphere on festival of the highest level. above which continually and
students the opportunity to know which the continents rest like Art was one of the other ways slowly changes to the rhythm of
and follow the Dzogchen teach- clouds, placed over the water of in which the Community showed >> continued on the following page
ings, that a new stimulus has the fountain, which gushes out
been created for others centers beside the symbols of the infinite
arise, other Merigars that will de- knot placed in the four directions
velop in the world for the benefit
of sentient beings.
of space. The work is the result
of a close-knit collaboration with Books by
*O€N`HS
The Community’s integration Piero Bonacina, an artist who has
with and openness towards the lived for more than twenty years
local communities, in an area on Amiata.
where spirituality permeates the
landscape and the people in the
The ‘Joy of Being Here’ with
its celebrations that involved 5HTROHP5VYI\
ancient culture of the place, as the entire Amiata area and the
pointed out by the authorities three centers closest to Merigar,
who attended the inauguration, The President of the Italian Republic sent marked a turning point or per-
were the recurring themes that this medal to the Dzogchen Community in haps simply revealed this open- U Yantra Yoga
lieu of his presence on the occasion of the
characterized the three days of Thirtieth Anniversary of Merigar celebra- ing of the heart of the ‘local’ com- U Dream Yoga and the
celebrations: from concerts in tions with his best wishes for a successful munity to the ‘abstract’ Merigar
the main square of Arcidosso to outcome to the event, ‘The Joy of Being Here. Community and the ‘Merigaresi’
Practice of Natural Light
Thirty years of the Dzogchen Community:
the Dance of the Six Spaces on the whose presence is integrated into U Dzogchen Teachings
from Amiata to the whole world’.
a social fabric that has brought U The Supreme Source
Amiata to the world and the
world to Amiata. U Dzogchen: The Self-
It was also an opportunity Perfected State
to show a Community working U The Crystal and the Way
in harmony and this was felt in
the way in which everything, de- of Light
spite the efforts and the huge 
amount of work that had gone on
throughout the entire year, was
done with the’ joy’ of being here.
And the results were there to be
seen!
It also showed a Community in ^^^:UV^3PVU7\IJVT
;PIL[HU)\KKOPZ[UL^ZHUK
which the presence of countless [OV\ZHUKZVMP[LTZVUSPUL
artists, from musicians to paint- -9,,X\HY[LYS`UL^ZSL[[LY  
ers, together with the voluntary HUKJH[HSVNVUYLX\LZ[ [PIL['ZUV^SPVUW\IJVT
One of the three postcards (see also the following page). work of practitioners who came
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Merigar 30

16

>> continued from previous page ic form. The works of Drimey

its silent flight. But what changes Lodo, his pupil, are closer to the
is also the point of view of things traditional Tibetan style. There
because the journey of the Red are also quotations from sacred
Balloon now reveals its inner self, rituals and objects in the works
hidden by its color as if its eye is of Leon Galichian and the silk
also ours. screen prints of abstractly styl-
Then in a secluded area of the ized stupas by Tristan de Robilant.
castle, a former prison cell, there Reminiscent of ancient times
is the photographic work of Rob- are the chandeliers and lamps
ert Zamparo. A series of photos with human and animal figures,
entitled ‘The Path’ go by one af- adorned with colored stones
ter the other on a screen. They are and sparkling lights by Riccardo
images of roads made in different Polveroni and the lamps in ala-
places and at different times. Very baster by Piercarlo Manfredi. All
small landscapes appear in which the works on display, many more
the abstractedness of the road, than those that have been men-
that becomes lines, disappears tioned, and the thoughtful way
and meets again at the infinite. in which they were selected by
But in the sequence of photos the Alessandra Bonomo and set up
road is a symbol of communica- by Massimo Pelliccioni in collab-
tion that washes away time and oration with Giovanna Natalini,
joins places, appears to divide represente along with other ini-
rather than unite the landscape. The Relay [La Staffetta] As seen by the local people of the Amiata area where Merigar is based. tiatives that were part of the ‘Joy
Several of the works in the hall On the left the 18th century Christian visionary Davide Lazzaretti who founded his Giurisdavidica community on the peak of of Being Here’ the deep devotion
of the castle are photos, from Monte Labbro – in the background and facing Merigar – passes the spiritual-religious baton to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to carry and the endless gratitude that we
forward. Credit: by Jacopo Ginanneschi, reprinted from Il Corriere Dell’Amiata, anno XI 7 Luglio 2011 ed. Effigi
those reworked on the comput- have for our precious teacher.

Painting by Angela Signorini. Photo: Gloria Pera Painting by Luca Tirello. Photo: Gloria Pera

er by Daniela Monaci showing exander Egorov to photos of fleet- In a room facing the court-
images of pine trees seen from ing presences by Marius Noreger, yard on the ground floor there is
below in which the branches be- to those retouched pictorially by ‘A Mandala on Amiata’, photos
come roots sinking into the sky, Michele Salvatore where places from the Shang Shung archive
to those of Mandarava Bricaire of worship, monasteries and the portraying the history of Meri-
where the clouds become land- human presence emerge from Painting by Rita Hector. Photo: Gloria Pera gar and different moments in
scapes of sky and light. There are the color. At the center of the Rinpoche’s life. We see him in
photographic images of flowers room there are three monolithic in 2008 exhibited her enigmatic the playful work of young Nam- Sikkhim with Jampel Senge, in
by Gianni Baggi, that multiply sculptures of wood and graphite faces, are now presented in a se- sel Siedlecki and his two friends. Kalimpong in 1960 and with his
like a display of mirrors in a ka- by Max Roth, boat-shaped, as the ries of stupas with writing in the In one of the rooms at the top younger sister Yangdzom when
leidoscope that doubles or triples archaic symbol of passage from Tibetan language. In the hall at of the castle are the works on pa- he attended the Italian language
them in the joy of their colors. life to death. the top of the castle is the magnif- per of Dugu Chogyal Rinpoche, courses in Perugia. In others, his
The pictorial works of Sofia Cac- Among the photographic icent portrait of Barrie Simmons author of the paintings of the meeting with Pope Paul VI, along
ciapaglia are always giant flow- works there are those of Romain made of fabric, which seems to Primordial Masters in the Meri- with photos by Felice Boffa de-
ers, stylized flowers that become Piro with votive candles and Ti- come alive. Another living pres- gar Gonpa. In those exhibited picting some aspects of Tibetan
abstract spirals. In one of the betan places of worship, and of ence is the image of a monk with here sacred iconology mixes life such as the sacred dances in
rooms of the castle there are a Ornella Trentin depicting light a child sitting on his shoulders. with Western styles with mantras Cham and at Puntsogling Monas-
great number of photos ranging filtering through the woods. The These are the works of Rita Hec- written in the delicate strength tery, or murals, all in 1939. There
from mountain landscapes by Al- works of Patrizia Moscatelli, who tor. In a small window there is of color and energy of the graph- is the inauguration of the Merigar
Gonpa in 1990 depicting Chogyal
Namkhai Norbu with the Dalai
Lama. There is a superb shot por-
traying the face of Rinpoche in a
halo of light.
The ‘Joy of Being Here’ also
involved the children. A booklet
was prepared for them with im-
ages of the Dance mandala and
figures of different positions of
Yantra Yoga to color.
The celebration of the thirti-
eth anniversary of Merigar was
therefore a discovery of the po-
tential of the whole Community
and its ability to collaborate in
the knowledge and joy of being
fortunate students of our pre-
On the occasion of the Merigar 30 celebrations, a special postmark and three postcards of On July 15, the Post Office set up a table in the centre of Arcidosso where people could get free cious Teacher.
different scenes at Merigar were created. The Italian Post Office makes special postmarks for postcards, prepared by Merigar, and have the dated postmark stamped on them. The dated
particular events that are of notable interest and which reproduce the theme of that event. postmark is not only a reminder of the event but also a collectors’ item. Photo: L. Carniel
The postmarks are only used for the day of the event and are then conserved for posterity in the
Italian Post archive in Rome.
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

17

Merigar West Merigar West

Arcidosso 58031 phone: 39 0564 966837 offi[email protected]
GR Italy fax: 39 0564 968110 www.dzogchen.it

the local people and authorities

The Flight of the Blue Bird to the work of the Master, whoev-
er knows the living and brilliant
The Garuda Retreat from Rigdzin Changchub Dorje’s
miracle of each retreat in Meri-
Terma at Merigar West, August 5–12, 2011
gar, cannot doubt this even for
an instant.
Griselda Gálmez I consider myself a serious
Translated by Martín Fernández Cufré practitioner, but I have never
shined in devotion as an a prio-

I
arrived in Merigar for the is on his throne – everybody wait- ri belief. This is the first praise I
Trentennale but did not in- ing for him, going towards him, write in my life and it is a praise to
tend to remain for so long listening to his words with a si- Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
in Italy. I had a commitment to lence that seems hard to believe and to his tireless liberating ac-
come to participate in the friend- considering that we are a lot of tivity.
ship meetings that were part of people in a country as expressive After the Trentennale, at one
the Thirty-Year Celebration, col- as Italy. moment I approached Rinpoche.
laborate in the well-deserved fes- The Master looks healthy and I had seen him so ill in February
tivities and enjoy with my Vajra happy. No problem resists his of this year and so I asked him
brothers and sisters, all very close presence. One approaches Him how his health was. Satisfied by
to our beloved Master. with one of these doubts that his answer, I then said to him:
Of course I knew about the haunt and disturb, and his pre- “What an amazing work, Mas-
Garuda and Yanti retreats, but cise answer dispels it in an in- ter, you have done and keep do-
one must learn to be content. I stant. One approaches him with ing! I admire so you much…”
thought that Italy was an expen- a conflict deserving a Greek trag- He replied to me: “I am a prac-
sive country for someone from edy or at least a Shakespearean titioner, what else can I do?”
Latin America. play and, when He extends his Yes, of course, I thought, and
Let’s say that the bird had hand and takes yours, one must I am a tiny coleopterous with the
opened its wings, but flying make an effort to remember the potentiality to fly and your eyes
seemed like too much. In the problem. Everything he touches hopefully can see that.
end, I stayed for the retreat of the is transmuted into the gold of the At the end of the Garuda Re-
Dark Garuda, or actually the Blue true nature. treat, of course, I had to have one
Garuda. Merigar is a perfect place, not preoccupation. And so after a
A Nicaraguan writer, Ruben just because of the beauty of the Ganapuja I approached Him:
Dario, wrote a beautiful and well- landscape at the foot of Mount “Master, recently I cannot re-
known story called The Blue Bird. Amiata but because everything Black Garuda Thangka painted by Migmar Tsering. member my dreams…”
It is the bird that symbolizes the a practitioner needs is already “You must do Guruyoga cor-
ability to dream, to imagine desti- there, available to all: the famous shop, the huge amount of collab- Because differently from Ru- rectly before sleeping. In this
nations that don’t seem possible, yellow house (Serkhang) with orators for each activity… How is ben Dario, a poet who I admire way, if there is a truly interesting
to defy the laws that seem immu- the office, the dining room, the it possible for Rinpoche to mobi- and who left a permanent mark dream, you will remember it.”
table and to rise, to take off, to shop filled with Teaching books, lize the energy of so many people on my approach to the great His reply was everything I
give in to the marvel of distances the Mandala House and the outer in such a way? themes of the human nature dur- needed to take up again my night
beheld from high above, from the Mandala for the dancers, the Stu- Also there are so many Vajra ing my adolescence, now I have practice. Again the magic of the
air, soaring, free, over the unmis- pa, the information center, the sisters and brothers caring for the rare fortune of being a stu- Master instantaneously dissolves
takable beauty of the earth, of the parking, the house for personal the needs of each practitioner. If dent following Chögyal Namkhai everything useless, the difference
trees, of the flowers. retreats, the dormitories of Mer- things were different, I wouldn’t Norbu. between the blue bird from my
This view is just like the view igar Due for hosting practitio- have even dreamed of participat- The main character in the sto- adolescence that lives in the or-
of Merigar as seen from the outer ners, and the Gonpa, where just ing in the Garuda Retreat or writ- ry The Blue Bird of which I spoke dinary mind and the Teaching of
mandala, in a turn of the dance, by staring at the ceiling, a cause ing these words in Rome waiting at the beginning, this man-poet the Blue Garuda who flies in the
or in the mudra of the Dance of of liberation is created for any for the Yanti retreat. who chases the impossible, fi- space of our true nature and that
the Three Vajras; like the land- person. The Teaching we received in nally fails in his quest. And the He has given us as a present in
scape of Merigar as enjoyed from But all of this is the result of this retreat was an eight day re- story has a devastating ending. this Retreat.
the shadow of a tree, on the ex- the magic of the Master, who treat that started with the in- Instead of that, following our
tremely green grass; like the hills works tirelessly, exerting his structions for the Dark Garuda Master gives us the certainty of
and open space, smooth slopes, creative influence also through Practice from the Lama Zabdon the only true success. Whoever
gentle wild flowers, and the soft his students. So many have col- series, the base for the possibil- has seen the powerful and loving
smoke of Sang spreading to the laborated through the work of ity of using the action mantras effect that the festivities of Meri-
Gonpa. The Gonpa of Merigar is their bodies, voices and minds so successfully that are so necessary gar’s Thirty Years has had on the
a pure luxury of shapes, colors that Merigar [West} can become to counteract various negativities local community, whoever has
and wisdom. what it is now. So many continue and sickness from this relative heard the tribute presented by
On the pathways, people walk to work seriously, sometimes to condition. It was broadcasted via
by, over 1000 practitioners! Some the limit of their strength so that closed webcast, so it is not easy to
walking alone, some accompa- everything develops positively as speak about this Priceless Teach- New Gakyil
nied, others calling the children, the Master desires: the instruc- ing. As a simple practitioner I
caring for them, some avoid- tors, the Gakyil, the retreat’s made a samaya with myself that Blue: Giovanni Boni, Giovanna Natalini, Rahul Ballarin
ing cars, meeting with acquain- project manager, the Gekös, when I return to Tashigar Sur and Yellow: Claudio Maritano, Giovanni Totino, Lorenza Citton
tances. People coming and go- the people from the office and circumstances are appropriate, I Red: Ignazio Bernadoni, Salvatore Zivillica
ing when the Master is at home, from the Shang Shung Institute, will do a personal retreat of the Geko: Roberto Porcedda
but only people going when He the practitioners working at the essential mantra. Assistant geko: Pablo Pilotti

Kumar Kumari Yantra Yoga to breathe with our stomachs as well

By Sarasvati Giacalone and I had never done it.
My favourite position of all was “The

T
his summer from July 27 to 31 I Mountain” and you do it sitting in the
did a course of Kumar Kumari, lotus position with your arms up. I get
which is yoga for children at tummy ache quite often but it went
Merigar. During the course we did loads away with these exercises.
of things like the stories of the Yoga po- Then in the afternoon we did work-
sitions and each person was a different shops on the five elements: water, air,
character. earth, fire, space. It was great to spend
There were also all the Yantra time together making sculptures and
breathings! at the end each person took their work
I really had a lot of fun. The positions home with them.
were really easy but some of the breath- Yoga Holiday for adults and children held at Merigar July 27–31. The adult course was led by Laura Evangelisti while the children did Kumar Kumari
ings were a bit difficult because we had Yantra Yoga with Tiziana Gottardi in the mornings and artistic activities with Alba Papini in the afternoons. Photos: G. Giromella
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Merigar West
18

Yantra Yoga Advanced and 2nd Level Teacher Training with Laura Evangelisti and Fabio Andrico at Merigar West August 2011.

Germany France
Yantra Yoga Beginners course Garab Dorje, Guru Yoga with Zeljka’s Songs
Part I White A
9 Breathings and 8 Lungsang with Alexander Sasha Pubants Looking for a Home Running toward it
with Elke Glander Nov. 4–6 in Höfen (Songs of a lonely Refugee) I’ve run away
Oct. 7–9 in Munich Registration Viktoria Gershevskaya The only road I never remembered
registration Viktoria Gershevskaya [email protected] HOMELESS, SWEET HOMELESS is to relax
[email protected] in the Nature of Mind
Yantra Yoga Beginners course He* said “Leaving home forget about Home
Vajra Dance Practice Days Part II beginning of practice” and find it again
with Karin Heinemann Tsadul w/Pranayama,5 Yantras, Vajra Just
Oct. 14–16 in Höfen Wave *** let me run
Registration: Viktoria Gershevskaya with Elke Glander Since I’ve left a bit longer
[email protected] Nov. 11–13 in Munich what used to be home Let me exhaust
registration Viktoria Gershevskaya I’ve never stopped all desires
SMS Course: Base and 2nd Level [email protected] looking for it: Before I drop down
with Igor Berkhin in wide plains the backpack of karma
in Dargyäling, Cologne ‘Dzogchen Without Buddhism’ by wild ocean on my own doorstep
Base Level Study & Practice Day: with Jim Valby in turbulent mountains in the dream:
Oct. 21 Nov. 23–24 in Dargyäling, Cologne of Karmaling A house near the forest
2nd Level Study & Practice Days: SMS Base Level Study & Practice Passages Ceaselessly running a cool spring
Oct. 22–23 with Jim Valby mad w. desire breathe in
SMS Practice Day, all levels welcome: Nov. 25–29 in Dargyäling, Cologne Died: Zeljka Jovanovic for a roof and sleep
Oct. 24 Registration Jil Self a quiet corner or
registration Viktoria Gershevskaya [email protected] Dear Vajra Brothers and Sisters, a hearth of fire die
[email protected] The 13th August, full moon day, around Home
10am, our Vajra Sister and mother nowhere to be found
died. Her name was Zeljka Jovanovic For a while I dreamt
also known as Yeshe Paldron. Her last of heaps of gold coins
24h hours were very difficult, but she with which to buy *Dudjom Rinpoche
died with eyes, mouth and arms wide a home The Alchemy of Realization
open. After that the blessing of the I dreamt of the man
moment of death of a good practitioner with whom to build
was very strong. Of plane tickets and a backpack
Please remember her in your prac- Of Home
tice. nowhere to be found
Cvetko, Ana and Marija Jovanovic ***

Ireland
There is a small Dzogchen Community in Ireland. If anyone would like to contact them you can do so here:
New Gakyil Cologne Jan Golden, 00353-879795042 [email protected] www.dzogchen.ie
Red: Birgit van Leuven, Blue: Saadet Arslan, Yellow: Anita Elis; [email protected] Thank you. The Mirror Staff

Accommodations near Merigar West Christina von Geispitzheim

Information for people who intend to come to Merigar for Email: [email protected]
retreats or to follow courses Phone: 0039 0564 957542
If you are looking for accommodation, airport transfer, local car Mobile phone: 0039 339 1370739
hire or only logistic assistance, you can contact the following
information and reservation service: We cooperate with local hotels, family pensions, residences,
agriturismo, Community members who have rooms or houses
to rent or sublet. Also we can advise on car rental (at airports
Accommodation Service or locally), on the best itinerary and time tables of trains and
(Information available in English, German, French and Italian) buses, and we have now a circuit of residents who offer various
Information service and reservation of accommodation during useful services like transfer from the airports, local taxi service,
retreats, local transport, & logistic solutions: translations, baby sitting, etc.
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

19

MerigarEast Merigar East

Asociatia Culturala Comunitatea Dzog-Chen
23 August 907005
Constanta
Romania
phone: 0040 746 26 08 61
offi[email protected]
wwww.dzogchen.ro

Merigar East is looking for conditions and to collaborate with the · Monthly salary which is enough to live
new administrator Geko, the second resident at the Gar. comfortably in Romania (300 Euro);
· Free accommodation.

T
he ideal candidate should be a Admin’s responsibilities include:
member of the community for at · Liaison between public and local com- This is a perfect opportunity for you Czech Republic
least three years, should be able munity; to help the Gar grow and develop and
to communicate in English and Roma- · Ensure that the administrative part to deepen your own practice. We are SMS First Level Course
nian (or is willing to learn Romanian). is done (this includes task such as: looking forward to receiving your ap- October 1–7 in Phendeling
He /she should have some experience payment of the bills, reviewing the plication! and Shine Course
with the tasks of the admin position contracts, etc.); Should you have any questions, October 8–9 in Phendeling
which are mentioned below. · Together with Geko purchase supplies please don’t hesitate in contacting us. with Igor Berkhin
It would be a great help if he/she for the buildings and for any sched- If you would like to hear firsthand
has already participated at some of the uled activities, retreats, practices, from our current admin and Geko about Requirements: Participation in the SMS
retreats in Merigar East and is familiar etc., held there; their experience, please get in touch 1st level retreat is possible only for
with the conditions at the Gar and the · Collaborate and communicate with with Adrian offi[email protected] or people who already passed SMS Base
surrounding area. the Gakyil of Merigar East, participate Anatol [email protected] level exam.
Passages
Essential is possession of a valid in Gakyil meetings. The retreat will take place in Phende- Born: On Tuesday August 2nd, at 1:25
driving license. We’re looking forward to hearing from ling (southern part of Czech Rep.) For am near Prague, Czech Republic, a
The post is open as of now. Benefits: you. detailed information about registra- daughter, Barbora, was born to Tereza
Merigar East is in a secluded, but · Free participation in all retreats in the Lots of love, tion, accommodation and directions for Starkova and Vitek Pulda.
beautiful spot, therefore the admin Gar; The Gakyil of Merigar East the travel please contact Much love from the whole family
needs to be able to live in semi retreat offi[email protected] [email protected] Terka, Vitek, Anicka, Barborka

Beginners Vajra Dance retreat with Rita Renzi from July 2 to 6 at Phendeling, Czech Republic. Kunye part two with Aldo Oneto from August 26 to September 1 at Phendeling.

KunsangarSouth Kunsangar South

[email protected]
http://kunsangar.org
Japan
Munselling,
as though we were on holiday, New Ling in Japan
A Marvelous to relax, to do pleasant things,

O
to be healthy and satisfied. For n June 15, 2011 Rinpoche
Holiday with the this we can say that we had the founded a new ling in Japan
Master most incredible opportunity to called Munselling. Munsel (Tib.
both follow a twelve day retreat mun sel) means to remove darkness, or
Dzogchen Longde Retreat on Longde and to experience the light (or lamp) in Tibetan. So Munsel-
with Khyentse Yeshe pleasure of being on holiday with ling may mean the “island or a religious
the Master. place (ling) that removes darkness” or
Andrea Bucaioni and “island of light”. There is a very impor-
Gabriele Marazzi The programme for the Longde tant commentary of Longchenpa on the
retreat had rich explanations Guhyagarbatantra is titled “Chogchu

K
hyentse Yeshe started from the “Vajra Bridge” text and, Munsel” (Tib. Phyogs bcu mun sel), which
his explanation of the fortunately for us, numerous means a commentary that removes all
Longde retreat by intro- practice sessions with Khyentse obstacles or darkness, which is igno-
ducing the importance of being Yeshe, seeing that the retreat was rance.
healthy, comfortable and satis- long and gave that possibility. Ancient theatre in Chersonesus Taurica, a historical site near Kunsangar South. Photo: Y. S. Namkhai
fied with one’s own condition, On some mornings there were New Japanese Gakyil
touching on these topics several Yantra Yoga classes that concen- and the precision of a university As always the Master was unfail-
times during his explanations. trated on pranayama while in the lecture and so we visited Kher- ingly generous and dedicated Yoko Morita (Yellow)
Our Master had thought up a evening those who wished did sones, an ancient Greek colony time to us not only for teaching Takatomo Sasaki (Red)
programme for the retreat in a practice or danced. and bathed in the sea (with Khye- (twice a day) but also his free time Keigo Yoneda (Blue)
way that was different from usual ntse Yeshe!) while just a few steps during the group outings. It was
with sessions of explanation and The recreational activities gave behind us we enjoyed the sights a wonderful experience to stay
practice (around two each day in us a way to really appreciate the of the ancient ruins. We went on with our Master and to be able to
addition to in-depth sessions and wonderful place in which the re- two pleasant Sunday walks along share his teaching with the lively
practice given by the instructors) treat was held in its most pleasur- the seafront of Yalta, we had a growing Community of Kunsan-
but also with excursions with him able aspects. Khyentse kindly in- swim at a little beach not far from gar South.
so that we could learn to relax troduced us to some of the more Balaklava and were on the peak
and be together with awareness. historical aspects of the area with (reached by cablecar) of one of Thank you Master!
Khyentse advised us to behave his clarity, direct humorous style the highest mountains in Crimea.
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

20

Namgyalgar Namgyalgar
Dzogchen Community in
Australia
PO Box 214 Central Tilba
NSW 2546
Phone/Fax: 61 02 4473 7668
[email protected]
www.dzogchen.org.au

and Pacific Rim

The retreat will include the webcast
Namgyalgar North Gakyil Namgyalgar South Gakyil Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Teachings of Chögyal Namkhai Nor-
Australian Tour bu’s Webcast “Lama Zabdon Nyinthig,
Blue: James Bailey Blue: March–April 2011 a Terma of Rigdzin Changchub Dorje”.
[email protected] Ben Pearsall,
Yellow: Maree Ploetz [email protected] Namgyalgar North Inaugural Retreat Chöd Retreat
[email protected] Lydia Nelson, 16–22 March Led by Angie Gilbert,
Red: Rick Albert [email protected] Queensland – Glasshouse Mountains authorized SMS Base Level teacher
[email protected] Alathea Vavasour, 206 Glasshouse-Woodford Road, Glasshouse Mtns, Qld, Australia 27 December–3 January
Geko: Naomi Tsubaki [email protected]
[email protected] Yellow: Namgyalgar South Retreat Teachings by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Catherine Horner, 6–12 April from Tashigar North will be available
[email protected] New South Wales – South Coast via webcast during the retreat.
Matthew Smith, 9000 Princes Highway, Tilba Tilba, NSW, Australia Enquiries and Registrations: Viki Forscutt,
[email protected] [email protected]
Red: Information at: www.dzogchen.org.au Tel/Fax: 02 4473 7668
Julian King-Salter,
[email protected] A Course in the Vajra Dance of
Barbara Robertson, Retreats at Namgyalgar South Practicing the Essence of Ati the Song of Vajra Parts 1 & 2
[email protected] 2011–12 Yoga with authorised instructor,
Gekö: Thubten Rabgyi, Khorde Rushen, The Separation of Cosimo Di Maggio
[email protected] Further Information at: Samsara and Nirvana at Buchan in Victoria, Australia
(new Geko, Jakub Augustinsky, to www.dzogchen.org.au Led by Elise Stutchbury, authorized 11–23 September 2011
commence late 2011) SMS Base Level teacher Enquiries and Bookings: Tenzin Namtrul,
28th September–7th October [email protected]

TsegyalgarEast DCA Tsegyalgar East

PO Box 479
Conway, MA 01341 USA
Phone: 413 369 4153
Fax & Bookstore: 413 369 4473
[email protected]
www.www.tsegyalgareast.org

Photo: John La France Kyu calculating the number of earth mandala to fit onto the Vajra Hall mandala base surrounding the universal mandala.

the building, it appears enormous and tiers of the roof. This will be followed that upper Khandroling in general will
Vajra Hall seems to occupy the entire top of the by the installation of the synthetic slate be more open and specifically the area
Construction Update hill. Walking inside the structure I had roofing materials and pouring the con- around the Vajra Hall will be more open
by John LaFrance the strange sensation of both vastness crete base for the Universal Mandala. to the sky and views across the valleys
and intimacy in the space. It’s hard to The Construction Team spent many and hills.

J
ust about one year ago during Yeshi describe the feeling of spaciousness and hours discussing materials for the roof As I finished my visit to the Vajra
Namkhai’s retreat at Khandroling I warmth at the same time. The 35 foot before making the material and color Hall some friends sat and sang Song of
visited the Vajra Hall construction high ceiling and 116 foot diameter of selection and many more hours discuss- Vajra on the mandala space. Afterwards
site. At the time only the infrastruc- the floor certainly create the spacious- ing the concrete floor and completing I felt a strong urge to stay longer and
ture work had been completed including ness and the wooden beams create the additional engineering studies. One of a member of the group who practices
the concrete piers for the columns, the warmth. Add to that the unique power the most exciting decisions coming out there regularly said “it’s difficult to
perimeter retaining wall and the level- of the place and it’s a very strong expe- of those discussions is to include piping leave isn’t it”. He is so right! Difficult
ing of the interior dimension. The mas- rience. in the mandala concrete to allow for to leave indeed.
sive steel beams and other construction So much has been accomplished future radiant heating. Imagine how
materials were stacked around the site during this exceptionally hot sum- wonderful it will be to dance or do yan-
awaiting erection. mer building season. The 24 piers and tra yoga on a warm floor. Marvelous! All
Now, one year later, as I climbed supports for the promenade roof were of these steps will be completed before
up the last stretch of hill leading to the completed. Then the steel frame for the end of the building season near Passages
construction site I was surprised at how the promenade was erected and the the end of October. What’s especially
dense the trees and shrubs had become very labor-intensive job of framing and amazing is that all of this work has been Born: September 10, 2011
since my last visit. I’d seen construction sheeting the entire promenade was accomplished with a very small crew of This day will be remembered for a long
photos on the website (http://tsegyal- completed. Before seeing the structure between 2–6 workers. time. At 2:32 PM our lovely daughter
gar.org/localcenters/tsegyalgareast/ I hadn’t realized that the promenade Simultaneous with the construc- came to the world bringing us a lot of
vajrahall/) and expected the building actually contains more space than the tion process, Tsegyalgar East’s Gakyil joy and happiness.
to be very prominent from lower down interior space for the Universal Man- has initiated a Land Clearing Project in Maya Aleksandra Borkiewicz and Mom
the hill. Instead it wasn’t until getting dala. It’s huge! Next comes the very conjunction with State Forestry officials are feeling fine.
very close to the site that the building difficult and precise job of building and to clear large areas of overgrown pine Best regards,
came into view. Then, being very near installing 36 skylights in the top two trees and shrubs. The result will be Borkiewicz Family
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

21

TsegyalgarEast DCA Tsegyalgar East

PO Box 479
Conway, MA 01341 USA
Phone: 413 369 4153
Fax & Bookstore: 413 369 4473
[email protected]
www.www.tsegyalgareast.org

2012 USA Retreats with Khyentse Yeshe Teachings My Reincarnation at Amherst Upcoming Events:
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and My Reincarnation Theatrical Tour Fall 2011 Cinema
On October 22nd and 23rd the film My Primordial Dzogchen Knowledge
be offering two formal teachings. The Reincarnation will show at Amherst Theory and Practice
first will be a course at Amherst College Cinema followed by question and an- with Jim Valby
on the Hevajra Tantra and the second swer sessions. September 17th–18th
will be a Dzogchen Teaching Retreat Florence, MA
held at Tibet House in NYC. My Reincarnation Premieres
in NYC and LA Dance of Song of Vajra
My Reincarnation at Hamptons October 28th through November 2nd with Nelida Saporiti
Film Festival My Reincarnation premieres at Cinema September 22nd–October 2nd
The US Theatrical tour of My Reincar- Village in New York City with Q and A Tsegyalgar East in Conway, MA
nation will kick off October 13th–17th Sessions.
at the Hamptons International Film SMS Base: Parlung
Festival Dzogchen Teaching with Jim Valby
Retreat December 3rd–4th
The Samadhi of Tsegyalgar East in Conway, MA
with Khyentse Yeshe
Completion

T
June 13th–17th: Hawaii Retreat his fall, Khyentse Yeshe will be Khyentse Yeshe will offer a three-day For more info visit
June 22nd–24th: Los Angeles Retreat coming to North America for
A Course with retreat on Dzogchen Teachings at Tibet www.Tsegyalgar.org,
June 29th–July 1st: several wonderful opportunities! Khyentse Yeshe House in NYC from November 4th–6th, call (413) 369- 4153 or email
New York City Retreat My Reincarnation, the epic father-son Join Khyentse Yeshe for a four day 2011. [email protected]
July 6th–10th: drama about Khyentse and his father course at Amherst College this October
Tsegyalgar East Retreat Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, is showing in 19th–23rd, 2011. For more information contact: DCA and SSI Locations:
July 11th–12th: Santi Maha Sangha Amherst and premiering in NYC and LA Course free by donation. 413 369 4153 or Tsegyalgar East at 18 Schoolhouse Rd.
Base Exam at Tsegyalgar East theaters. Khyentse will be attending the [email protected] Conway, MA
July 13thth–17th: Santi Maha Sangha NYC screenings to offer question and Khandroling at 160 East Buckland Rd.
First Level Training at Tsegyalgar East answer sessions for viewers. In conjunc- Buckland, MA
tion with these screenings Khyentse will Florence, MA Space at 140 Pine St. Rm 10

TsegyalgarWest Tsegyalgar West

Baja California Sur, Mexico
[email protected]
http://tsegyalgarwest.org

Tsegyalgar West
Ranchos Los Naranjos – Baja California Sur – Mexico
The “Winter Gar” of North America.
Recommended from October to May.
…..“how is Temple in Baja? Temple are the elements”……...................................
…..“at direct contact with nature and very strong elements”………......................
.….“so vast that helps to develop your understanding of the nature of the mind”....
…..“in a place like this you feel that everything is normal”………….....................
..…“Ideal to experience intensive practice as Rushen and for those interested in
doing personal retreats, short and long terms”………..…............................

Direction: San Jose los Cabos, BCS, Mexico. Recommended: We invite people to enjoy
the beauty of the surroundings before
If you arrive with your own transportation: At the or after retreat.
km 53 of the “Transpeninsular road” from San Nearby are some beautiful beaches. The
Jose de Cabo direction toward La Paz, take the dirt Sea of Cotez side has Cabo Pulmo a pro-
road at the sign “RASTRO TIF” on left for 15 km. tected reef area. People enjoy windsurf-
ing, diving, swimming with sea lions
By plane: The gar is 45 minute from the Internation- near La Paz, whales watching, etc.
al Airport “San Jose Cabo (SJD)”. The gar offers On the west side of BCS is the Pacific
airport pickup service. Write to: twestoffice@ Ocean. Todos Santos, a natural oasis in
gmail.com or to the secretary at : the desert and is ideal for surfers, art
[email protected] lovers and food lovers. The Gar itself
borders the “Reserva de la Biosfera”
If you plan to come from Mexico City: We recom- one of the main ecological protected
mend you spend few days in this interesting city. areas in Mexico, a pristine environment
The local Dzogchen Community can send a car for with a great variety of flora and fauna
you to go the International Airport (Juarez Inter- some of which endemic of the area.
national MEX) and help you to organize your visit
in Mexico city. For information: pelzomling@ Inquiries and information:
gmail.com [email protected]
www.tsegyalgarwest.org
Facilities: The Gar offer economical spaces and http://bajagar.blogspot.com/
services, for personal and group retreats:
· Open Gonpa for Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance.
· 20 casitas (cabins) for 1 to 4 people.
· Ecological: communal kitchen, camping area,
compost toilets, showers.
· Spaces ideal to practice with the 5 elements
in the pristine nature of Baja California Sur,
Mexico.

Services and program: The Gar can assist in shop-

ping for the people in retreat.
Passages
Internet is available in the office of the gar.
For the program of the Gar visit: Married: Carolina Mingolla and Thom-
www.tsegyalgarwest.org and as Marconi were married on August 21,
http://bajagar.blogspot.com/ 2011 in Berkeley California.
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

22

TashigarNorte Tashigar North /Finca Tashigar Prolongación de la Calle Bolivar

Valle de Pedro González
Isla de Margarita
Tel: 0058 0295 2580332
[email protected]
www.tashigarnorte.org

Message From Tashigar North operational for the month of November General Recommendations Gakyil or reliable local resident about “I want to tell something to everyone con-
Gakyil as we begin our program of courses 1. Book accommodation preferably at taxi contacts. nected with the webcast. We are here in
and retreats. In addition, the Gakyil has the Gar, sleeping in the camping, the 4. Bring the money you will need while Margarita. And you all know we had some

T
he security situation on Isla been working on strengthening internal dormitory, or the posada. You can also you are here. When you change money, problems in Margarita – that’s why I am not
Margarita is more or less how it security in the Gar. We have invested choose a hotel such as Dunes or Hes- do so with a secure and trustworthy living here as I was before, only coming for a
has always been. Recently some in the latest of security technology. peria. If you decide to stay in a private person. Ask the Gakyil or reliable local short time while we are doing a retreat. But
rumors circulated about the situation We are also trying to coordinate with home or inn in Pedro Gonzalez, do so resident. many people think I have almost renounced
in Margarita but the Gakyil wants to local authorities to arrange for police in groups and follow the additional 5. When you go to the beach, go in Tashigar Norte: that is wrong, I will never
inform everyone that these rumors are protection in the area of Pedro Gonzalez recommendations. groups and do not stay beyond 6 pm. renounce Tashigar Norte. In Tashigar Norte
completely false. and the Gar but we still have no confir- 2. Do not bring your luxury items like 6. Never buy drugs from anyone in I gave so many important Dozgchen teach-
During his last visit, Rinpoche asked mation about it. jewelry or sophisticated electronics. If Margarita ings, this is a sacred place, we empower it,
the Gakyil to build a dormitory to ac- Our recommendation for those who you bring your camera and laptop, do 7. Always maintain your presence. we prepare it – forever we will continue here
commodate practitioners who wish wish to visit is to follow guidelines be- not show them on the streets. – so you must not think that.”
to come to the teaching retreats at low to make sure your stay in Margarita 3. Whenever you move through the
Tashigar Norte and thereby improve is safe and pleasant. streets, do so in groups and try to ar- Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, November 9,
safety conditions for them. They will be range a reliable taxi contact. Ask the 2010.

Reservation System Camping: Available 40 lots for a tent wire transfer (only available way to 4) When we confirm the transfer, we International Wire Transfer
Camping & Dormitories daily cost of US$ 4.00 (cost by lot, max. transfer money from foreign countries, will send you the definitive reservation. Account Information (US$)
Autumn Spring Season 2011–2012 2 people). Includes Access to common detailed account information at the Print it and bring it with you when you Beneficiary: Margarita Promotions C.A.
kitchen, drinking water and toilets. bottom of the message) or to proceed come to the Gar. This definitive reser- Calle Bolivar, finca Tashigar,

T
he Gakyil of Tashigar Norte wish- with a transfer in to our account in vation it is extendable only if there is casa numero 1,
es to inform all those interested Dormitory: Available 16 bunks divided Banco Mercantil for residents in Ven- available space. Pedro Gonzalez,
in accommodation at the Gar into two rooms with access to toilets ezuela. (Detailed account information Nueva Esparta,Venezuela
during the scheduled activities between and located 50 meters from Tashigar at the bottom of the message.) To cal- 5) If you don’t notify us regarding the Bank: Mercantil Commercebank N.A.
November 2011 and January 2012 that it Norte dining room. Daily Cost US$ 8.00. culate the import you have to multiply transfer within the 5 days, you will lose 220 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables,
will be necessary to reserve your space the number of days that you want to your pre reservation and you will have Florida 33134, USA.
in advance. We have decided to imple- Guest house: Visit www.wix.com/posada book by the cost of each day according to transmit again. Account Number: 8303628606
ment a reservation system in order to tortugadorada/posadatortugadorada to the chosen space. For example if you General Advice ABA: 067010509
offer users more comfortable spaces. want 30 days in camping 30 x 4= 120 1) Margarita Island has a Tropical cli- SWIFT: MNBMUS33
There will be available our new dormi- 1) Write to tashigarnortesecretary@ US dollars. Plus you have to add US$ mate so we advise you to bring water
tories in adittion to our Camping area. gmail.com asking for a space pre-res- 10 (charged by the receiving bank) and proof tent, insect repellant and an National Transfers
In order to reserve a space practi- ervation indicating if you wish a space the amount that your own bank charges umbrella. Beneficiary: Asociación Civil Nuevo
tioners have to pay in advance for their in camping or dormitory and the precise for the international transfer. Due to 2) Some lockers are available. You Tashigar Del Norte
accommodation. This is the only way period that you want to book. exchange regulations in Venezuela Pay Pal should bring your own lock. Calle Bolivar, s/n Finca Tashigar Norte
to guarantee a space. Also all incomes system is not available. Do not insist. 3) Bring a big plastic sheet to use as a Pedro González
related to this issue will support our 2) You will receive a pre-reservation base for the tents and to protect from Nueva Esparta,Venezuela
ongoing works to make the space com- confirmation and you will have 5 days 3) Once you have made the transfer, insects. Cta. Cte. Banco Mercantil
fortable with all the related services. to send the money by the international send a letter to the following email 01050124501124018905
addresses (tashigarnortesecretary@ Tashi Deleks,
gmail.com and tatiana_fedorchenko@ The Gakyil of Tashigar North
The Gakyil of Tashigar North is pleased to announce: yahoo.com), informing the Gar of
your transfer. You must notify both ad-
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu dresses with the subject: Reservation for
Dzogchen Teachings Retreat Accommodation.

December 27th of 2011 to January 2nd, 2012

Who can attend? Open to all people who (Pamo) and male (Pawo) parts of the ORIENTE
Who can attend? have knowledge of the First Level of Dance of the Song of Vajra and would November 18–20, 2011
Open to all those who are interested in the transmission of Yantra Yoga and would like to become like to deeepen the practice or aspire to La Asunción, Margarita Island,
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. instructors or deepen their knowledge become 2nd level Vajra Dance Instruc- Venezuela
and experience tor Organized by Tashigar North
Cost: Registration
Full Price US$ 300 Course Content: Preliminary loosening Important: This course requires a Dear Community,
Meritorius US$ 0 exercises, 9 purification breathings, minimum of 20 people. The deadline We would like to tell you about an event
Sustaining US$ 120 Tsigjong, Eight movements, Tsadul, is October 30th to enroll. If there are that we are organizing in Margarita
Ordinary US$ 240 Pranayama of The Four Characteristic not enough people, the course will be from November 18–20, 2011 in La
Reduced US$ 150 Conditions, Five basic yantras of cancelled. We ask to pay the 30 % in Asunción. This is another activity that
the First, Second and Third Series, advance (if the course is cancelled well we expect will contribute to diffuse
For information contact: [email protected] Pranayama of The Four Profound give the money back) See the bank ac- Rinpoche’s efforts in relation with the
Applications, Vajra Wave count information at the bottom of the Teachings. It is also an opportunity to
message. let the local people know that we are
Course for Deepening the Yantra Yoga Course for Registration here and everyone is always welcome.
Practice of The Dance of the Beginners You can proceed with the registration Please confirm your participation to: This will coincide with the celebrations
Song of Vajra with Marisa Alonso through a international bank transfer in the [email protected] of the Tashigar North’s 10th Anniver-
with Bodhi Krause November 28th–December 2nd account detailed at the bottom of the mes- sary that is going to be scheduled for
November 11th–16th sage. January 6–7, 2012. We invite you to
Cost: US$ 20 No discounts can be applied. No work ex- come and participate of this program
Cost: US$ 120 (with membership Who can attend? Open to all those who change programs either. that includes some aspects of the Indian
discounts) are interested in practicing Yantra Yoga. Culture as well Tibetan and of course an
Who can attend? Open to all people who For this course will be available our new For this course will be available our new introduction to the Dzogchen Teach-
have knowledge of Dance of the Song dormitories inside the gar!!!! US$ 10 a day. dormitories inside the gar!!!! US$ 10 a day. ings. Please visit the site:
of Vajra and would like to deepen their Registration at: Registration at: www.festivaloriente.com
knowledge and experience. Includes the [email protected] [email protected]
latest updates given at Merigar West Tashi deleks,
last summer. Teacher’s Training on the First Teacher’s Training on The Second Gakyil de Tashigar Norte
For this course will be available our new Level of Yantra Yoga Level of The Vajra Dance Prolog. Calle Bolívar s/n Finca Tashigar
dormitories inside the gar!!!! US$ 10 a day. with Fabio Andrico and with Prima Mai & Adriana Dal’Borgo Norte
Registration at: Laura Evangelisti January 9–16, 2012 Pedro Gozzalez – Isla Margarita
[email protected] December 17th–December 23rd (T) 58-2952580332
in Cordoba, Argentina Cost: US$ 400 without discounts www.tashigarnorte.org
Who can attend? This course if for those
Cost: US$ 270 without discounts who have good knowledge of the female
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

23

TashigarSur Tashigar South

Comunidad Dzogchen Tashigar
Calle pública S/N
Tanti 5155
Pcia. de Córdoba
Argentina
Phone & Fax: 0054 - 3541 - 498 356
[email protected]

Tashigar South is pleased to announce Retreats with

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and other activities January/February 2012
January 12th
Arrival to Tashigar South

January 20th to 24th:

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
First Retreat
February 3rd to 7th:
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Second Retreat
February 15th to 20th: Passages
Teacher’s Training Dance of Vajra First Level
with Prima Mai and Adriana Dal Borgo Died: Diana Montenegro died on 21 of
August in Cordoba, Argentina.
February 22nd:
Losar, Tibetan New Year
The Day of the Children
February 24th to 28th:

O
n August 19, 2011, Tashigar South invited the children from the local school Advanced course of Song of Vajra Dance
that is next door to the Gar to celebrate the Day of the Children. Thirteen with Prima Mai
children came with their teacher and we gave them breakfast and showed
them a movie. March 2nd:
After that, we gave each child a bag with presents (pencils, colors, and different Chögyal Namkhai Norbu leaves to Brisbane
useful things for school) and also some gifts for the school, like soccer balls, etc.
Contact: [email protected]

Passages
Died: Our Vajra Brother Adolfo Fred-
Poem rico died the morning of August 19
at 8:30 am. Adolfo was cremated in
Quilmes and his ashes will be brought
In praise of the Terma to Cordoba, as he expressly asked be-
I am humbled in its presence fore he died. He was accompanied by
his daughter, friends and brothers of
In this place, on this mountain the Sangha, until the last moment.
this sacred Khandroling

A ray of compassion and love

flowed from the Dakinis heart
To the mind of the Master

May its luminous brilliance

shine into this realm

Like the rays of the rising sun

on a clear summer morning

I give praise to the Terma

Joe Zurylo
Conway, MA

Jennifer Fox, Director, in front of the theatre for the screening of My Reincarnation in San
Rafael, California on July 17 2011. Photo: R. Welsh

Main Office: PO Box 479, Conway, MA 01341, USA * Tel: 413 369 4208 * Fax: 413 369 44 73 * [email protected] * * European Office: The Mirror,
Istituto Shang Shung, Merigar 1, GR 58031 Arcidosso, Italy * Tel: 39 32 98 86 52 92 * Skype: lizmirror * [email protected] * * Editorial Staff: Naomi Zeitz,
Tsegyalgar, Conway, MA, USA * Liz Granger, Istituto Shang Shung, Arcidosso, Italy * * Literary Editor: John Shane * * Advisors: Adriano Clemente, Jim Valby * *
International Blue Gakyil Advisor: Fabio Andrico, International Publications Committee * * English Language Advisor: Liz Granger * * Design & Layout: Thomas Eifler * *
Printer: Turley Publications, Palmer, MA, USA * * Distribution: Tsegyalgar at Conway, MA, USA * * Subscription Rate/6 Issues: $35 US available through Tsegyalgar;
27 € through SSI * * Visa and Master card welcome * * Online Mirror: www.melong.com * * All material © 2011 by The Mirror * * Reprint by permission only * *
We reserve the right to edit all submissions.
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Review

24

tia of man’s fear of death makes sumes, subtends and ultimately

“To Be And Not To Be, the condition in which one finds subverts the conventional spiritu-
oneself of fundamental impor- al paths which rely on conscious-
That Is the Answer” (Claudio Naranjo) tance in all schools of Buddhism ness. Psychology treats the mind,
(as of every religion), and in par- sems; Dzogchen shows the
Buddhism and Psychotherapy ticular Shin Buddhism with the way beyond the mind, to sems-
edited by Mark Unno (Wisdom Books, 2006) predominance it attributes to en- nyid. Some therapies glimpse
trance into the Pure Land. Honen the bondage caused by limiting
Andy Lukianowicz and Shinran taught that Buddha man-made and mind-made fet-
Amida’s compassion was direct- ters of thought leading to the

T
his book, a collection of additional ngondro, 100 hours of ed particularly to the poor, the psychologisation of being and
papers given at a confer- psychotherapy? uneducated and the wicked, usu- identity, some spiritual practices
ence in 2004, is essential Anne Klein is the only con- ally ignored (except as a source of see it clearly, Dzogchen offers the
reading for all those involved or tributing author who treats revenue) by the Buddhist clergy clearest, most direct and effective
interested in the evolving inter- Dzogchen directly. Elucidating elite; in fact many Buddhist in- means beyond it to liberation.
action of Buddhist practice and the energy of the sacred, she stitutions made a nice living ter-
psychotherapy at both the prac- brings the Dzogchen themes of rorising simple people with the
tical and theoretical levels. Edi- non-duality of opposites, the threat of Buddhist hells looming
tor Mark Unno’s detailed intro- womb as primitive and transcen- karmic action with the self-driv- at the time of death. Honen and
duction gives a broad overview dent reality, self-knowing and en theory in Western psychol- Shinran, both of whom felt com-
of the contents with synopses of open awareness, primordial puri- ogy, also finding space to make fortable with the underclass who
the individual contributions, use- ty and effortlessness, spontaneity his own comments on Almaas’ were the privileged recipients by
ful for selecting a reading order. and unbounded wholeness, into observation on the tendency of Buddha Amida’s compassion,
Although only two authors treat her discussion of a psychology meditation practice in some to taught the reassuring lesson that
specifically Tibetan Buddhism of the sacred. A bonus: written at bring forward emotional issues, at death it is much better to ea-
(one of whom, Anne Klein, also the time she was co-authoring the that not all meditation practitio- gerly expect and rely on Buddha
treats Dzogchen) all are well book on the Dzogchen teachings ners and teachers know how to Amida’s welcoming warm com-
worth reading. of the Bonpo master Lishu Dar- manage and direct constructive- passionate embrace. The mod-
The two countries with the ing (as essential, if not more so, ly. His scrutiny on identification ern Shin approach is outlined in
strongest psychological culture that Pettit’s book on Mipham’s and disidentification as opposed these essays.
are USA and Japan, and the Japa- Buddhist Dzogchen teachings, to dissociation, self-realisation In conclusion, it would be in-
nese contributors offer valuable as a study of Dzogchen logic and and dissolution of self-represen- teresting to hear psychologists
glimpses into how a Buddhist philosophy), she peppers her es- tation, deserve attention. Engler involved in Tibetan Buddhist-re-
country (as opposed to the Chris- say with translations from Lopon in his essay usefully lists 10 un- lated therapies: Trungpa’s Mai-
tian West) has moulded, adapted Tenzin Namdak’s commentary healthy motivations in medita- tri programme, Akong’s Tara
and innovated psychotherapeutic on the Magyud tantric cycle of tion practice: seeking perfection Rokpa therapy, parts of the Ka-
theory and practice in alignment teachings, otherwise very hard to and invulnerability; fear of indi- runa therapy offered in the UK,
with Buddhist views of the most find. viduation; avoidance of respon- and aspects of Sogyal Rinpoche’s
widespread forms of Buddhism Also worthy of attention is the sibility and accountability; fear hospice movement (and also
in Japan: Zen, Vajrayana Shin- article by Waldron, which con- of intimacy and closeness; sub- therapies not close to Tibetan
gon, and Pure Land Shin. Espe- trasts the personal and individu- stitute for grief and mourning; Buddhism, such as Caroline and
cially illuminating and touch- alistic concepts of depth psychol- avoidance of feelings; passiv- David Brazier’s Rogersian oth-
ing is Yasunobo’s discussion of ogy with the process-oriented ity and dependence; self-punitive er-person therapy, appropriately
sand – in the aspect of sandplay, Buddhist psychological theories guilt (e.g., ‘I’m not enlightened grounded in Pure Land Amida
one the fastest growing forms of of the alaya-vijnana and interde- because I don’t practise enough’); Buddhism) immediately spring
psychotherapy in the world, and pendent origination, elaborated devaluing of reason and intellect; to mind. Also certainly therapists
the sacred aspect of sand as car- most strongly in the Abhidharma escape from intrapsychic experi- in our own Dzogchen Communi-
rier of the blessings of the man- and Mahayana Yogacara; rath- ence. In a word, maybe the great- ty, many of whom trained under
tra of light in Shingon. Inciden- er than being mechanistic this est pitfall in spiritual practice and the late Gestalt luminary Barry
tally, editor Mark Unno treats model is dynamic (an insight endeavour he discerns is narcis- Simmons, must have many pre-
this subject in detail in his book dear to H. V. Guenther) and de- sism. Interestingly, he recounts cious insights to share on aspects
Shingon Refractions, recount- cisively refutes the creation of a a Theravada retreat he attended, of any common ground there
ing the work of Buddhist teacher pleonastic ‘self ’ (also in cosmo- where after 3 days’ practice he might be between Dzogchen and
Myoe. He was a contemporary of logical terms) as agent (‘soul’). was asked whether he had ‘seen psychotherapy. Dzogchen sub-
the important Zen master Dogen In fact the self/no-self Western the light yet?’ His comment is
and the Shin masters Shinran and psychology /Buddhist ‘dilemma’ that apparently the retreat leader,
Honen – the latter he bitterly op- (explicated at length and in detail the renowned Mahasi Sayadaw,
posed over the diffusion of his by Engler and Safran) is the leit- thought 3 days were sufficient ‘to
form of Pure Land practice in Ja- motif of the general discourse of get there’ (which says something
pan, Myoe (who kept a diary re- these essays. about the additional obstacles
cord of his dreams for 40 years) Also worthy of note is Payne’s and hindrances we Westerners
made the sand practice a central observations on the danger of labour under; Sayadaw pointed
feature of the Shingon Dharma Westerner practitioners trans- out that talking to Westerners
he transmitted. forming Buddhist Dharma into a had enabled him to discover a
Taking on board John Reyn- humanistic (and exotic?) version new dukha: psychic suffering);
olds’ cited warning (expressed in of Christianity as a Buddhism one might also ask whether this
his Self-liberation through see- based on self, proposing origi- indicates that there may be a form
ing with Naked Awareness) not nal sin as self-alienation, repen- of osal or lhundrup accompany-
to distort reductively Dharma tance as atonement and divine ing tongpa or kadag in Hinayana
to fit psychological discourse, redemption as self-redemption. after all?
ideology and language (in rela- The alternative he presents is the Also fascinating is Metcalf ’s
tion to basic concepts, praxis dynamic vector of the Bodhisatt- intricate (and at times hard to
and outcome) yet seeking what va ideal and path of unselfish mo- follow) comparison of certain as-
is (mutually) valuable, construc- tivation leading to realisation of pects of Zen with Winnicott’s ob-
tive and complementary in this self-less bodhicitta. Albeit com- ject relations theory (especially in
interface, each contributor offers menting favourably on Jung’s young children).
subtle (and generally hard-won) contribution to the study of the The last section, compris-
insights - gleaned in many cases psychology of Buddhism (large- ing three essays, deals with Shin
through clinical practice – as well ly based on the pioneering work Buddhism in relation to dying
as methodologies, and also ad- of D. T. Suzuki) he does criticize and death, and is equally com-
vice, especially useful to Dharma Jung’s attempt to psychologise a pelling. Although Honen and
practitioners who might never metalanguage of religious prac- Shinran both taught that one did
undertake or even consider psy- tice (as aspiration for individua- not have to wait for death and
chotherapy. Who doesn’t remem- tion) and corroborates Reynolds’ that in fact a practitioner with
ber Trungpa’s (probably apocry- (and others’) distinction between true devotion and entrustment
phal and possibly alcoholically the Buddhist goal of enlighten- (shinjin) could enter Buddha
challenged?) quip, that Western ment for all and the Jungian goal Amida’s Pure Land now, in this
Tantric Buddhists should do an of individuation. Aronson too very life (due to Buddha Amida’s
contrasts the no-self theory of fundamental 18th Vow) the iner-
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Focus on A Tibetan Master in Naples

25

Rainbow Over the Fire Mountain

The Early Days of Merigar

John Shane

Reprinted with kind permission from Merigar Letter

no. 12, Year 4, July 2011

I
n 1981, perhaps the least Aware as he was of the tenden-
likely thing that the inhabit- cy for formal religious institu-
ants of the town of Arcidosso tions to develop in ways that can
imagined would happen is that come to obscure and contradict
Tibet would arrive on their door- their essential message, he was
step. instinctively wary of forming any
And yet that was precisely kind of organization.
what was about to happen. So for the first few years all the
In those days hardly anyone in retreats at which he taught were
rural Tuscany gave a thought to held in a variety of improvised lo-
the far off and almost mythical cations, such as out of season ho-
‘Land Of The Snows’, that had re- tels, resorts that were taken over
mained closed off behind the high for a few weeks, and – on one oc-
Himalayas for so many centuries. casion – in an enormous ruined
The people of Italy were, in any farmhouse in the mountains of Merigar, the Yellow House in 1982.
case, at the time, preoccupied with northern Italy that had no glass
problems much closer to home. in its windows and no doors in its teaching – he called it a ‘Gar’, been involved in the purchase of the product of the play of imper-
The day I set out to fly from entrances, around which we slept which in Tibetan means a no- the property for the Community manent causes and conditions,
London to Pisa to look at the land in tents after receiving teachings mad’s encampment, in this case to drive up the mountain with me with no inherent self-nature.
that would become Merigar, a few each day, appropriately enough, ‘Merigar’, the encampment of the to show me the house and land And in the dream of our lives
weeks after the contract had been on death and dying, while thun- fire mountain, Monte Amiata be- that we had just bought. we act to accomplish our aims,
signed for its purchase, I bought der storms raged all around, of- ing an extinct volcano. It was an overcast day, and even as we are aware that their
‘Time’ and ‘Newsweek’ in a kiosk ten accompanied by dramatic Rinpoche has said recently, ‘I low cloud hung over Monte Ami- nature is, from the absolute point
on the way to the check-in desk displays of eerie lightning that lit never had a plan as to how I would ata. When we arrived at the end of view, illusory.
at the airport, and saw that the up the blackness of the night. go ahead… I have always worked of a long dirt road, we came to I am always amazed at
cover articles of both magazines In this way, Rinpoche’s stu- with circumstances as they arose’. a locked gate, and parked our Rinpoche’s courage: with very lit-
were about the latest activities of dents became used to following When we speak about the cars. I climbed over the gate, and tle in the way of financial resourc-
the Red Brigades who were ter- es – much of which he provided
rorizing the country, with lurid himself from his own savings –
photos of bombed-out buildings and with only a group of young
and bullet-ridden bodies in vari- people who were more blessed
ous Italian cities. Together with with enthusiasm than with expe-
the ongoing problems caused by rience, he bought a tumble-down
organized crime and Italy’s re- farmhouse on a remote moun-
curring economic troubles, the tainside in Toscana and proceed-
prevailing political turmoil con- ed to turn it into a major centre
vulsing Italian society was the for the preservation of the es-
main topic in the headlines. sence of the teachings of Tibetan
In the midst of the continuing Buddhism and Tibetan culture.
national crises of the day, Chög- Together with a small num-
yal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, ber of others from various coun-
who was at the time the Profes- tries around the world, I moved
sor of Tibetan and Mongolian to Toscana in 1981 to help with
language and culture at the Ori- the founding of Merigar. If I ask
ental Institute of the University of myself now what on Earth the in-
Naples, had been searching for habitants of the local towns must
a place to serve as a base for the thought of us at the time, I know
growing community of individu- that it was confusing for them.
als from all the world who had We were young, we had long
sought him out, hoping to receive hair, we wore strange clothes, a
spiritual teachings from him. high proportion of us were for-
If Norbu – as he then permit- An early retreat at Merigar in the open air. eigners who spoke very little or
ted us to call him, using his first very bad Italian, and we had no
name – had been reluctant to as- him from place to place like the Dzogchen teachings, we are, af- turning a corner, could see what visible means of support.
sume the role a spiritual teacher nomads, setting everything up ter all, talking about a teaching looked like a ruined farm in the Yet the local people welcomed
in the first place, preferring to re- for the duration of the retreat, and that insists that one lives in the distance. us into their homes, their restau-
main a private person practising then dismantling it all, before present moment, which is all we At that moment, the sun came rants, their shops and their offic-
the Dzogchen teachings he had moving on to the next place, and can ever know. The past is, of out, and a huge rainbow arose es with an open-heartedness that
learned from his own teachers in we learned the principle of ‘non- course, over and done, and will that went from one horizon to the does credit to the great traditions
Tibet whilst working in Naples in attachment’, even with regard to never return, and the future does next, and at the same time, a herd of hospitality of the region, and I
a normal job to maintain his fam- the Teachings themselves. not yet exist. of small goats came running out will always be deeply grateful to
ily, he was even more reluctant to Perhaps it was only when he A Master, such as Chögyal of the building down the track to- them for that.
found the kind of centre that he felt he that a few of his students Namkhai Norbu, always remains wards me. Somehow or other, in the
saw springing up around other understood that the essence of present in awareness without I took out my camera to cap- midst of the political confu-
Tibetan Lamas in the West. the spiritual teachings he was distraction, and this has enabled ture an image of the moment, sions in Italy at the time, when
‘The real principle of the conveying should not be mistak- Rinpoche to respond with ex- and I still have the photo. the hard-working people of the
Teachings is to be found in the en for the trappings of culture or traordinary precision to the chal- But, of course, as well as being Amiata region saw on the TV
individual,’ he would say, ‘the in- for the structure of an organiza- lenges of developing his Com- a symbol of auspicious circum- news every day reports of young
dividual is the true centre’. tion that he felt he could take on munity around the world, over- stances, a rainbow is also a sym- people who were losing their
And yet, when he did begin to the challenge of the purchase of coming great difficulties with bol of the illusory nature of all that heads in ideological dogma that
teach a few students, such was a place of our own as a base for remarkable clarity, patience, and manifests, and I have never for- led them to commit acts of vio-
the quality of his teaching that the Teachings, but whether that perseverance. gotten that when I am at Merigar. lence against the state, there was
his reputation quickly spread far is true or not, when, after much When I arrived at Pisa airport No matter how solid it ap- still enough trust in the hearts of
and wide, and after a few years searching, a suitable place was that day in 1981, I hired a car and pears, even Monte Amiata, even the local people to welcome us,
he found that the pressure on finally found on Monte Amia- drove up to Arcidosso for the first Merigar, are, from the ultimate no matter how strange we – and
him and his family, as well as ta – just to remind his students time. After looking around the point of view, only as real as an what we were doing up on Monte
the needs of the increasing num- not to forget why he had previ- town, I found a room at the Ho- appearance in a dream. Amiata – must have seemed to
bers of his students, left him no ously been reluctant to allow any tel Giardino, and persuaded the Yet the dream arises, like a them.
choice but to act. centres to be created around his local real-estate agent who had rainbow, illusory but apparent, >> continued on the following page
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

Focus on A Tibetan Master in Naples

26

>> continued from previous page In the early days, when we But Rinpoche would always another, Rinpoche displayed the that rainbow, passing through my
At first we all lived in the were getting the house in order, win. No matter how much we same indomitable attitude and mind, have, through the action of
same one house together with everyone worked and ate and tried, none of us could beat him. capacity for action without hesi- my fingers on the keyboard of my
Rinpoche. There was no other slept in the same large open- After a while, this was not tation in response to circum- computer, left traces on the screen
place to sleep. In the main rooms plan upstairs room together, and much fun for Rinpoche. So he stances that he had demonstrat- of bits and bytes of digital infor-
of the first floor of what is now everyone played together, too. began playing continuously with ed in playing that game: once mation that will now travel via wi-
the Serkhang, or Golden House, There was endless laughter. just one person, and as usual he he had set out to do something, fi and down cables from country
Rinpoche had the only bed, and Rinpoche taught us many proceeded to remove all the other Rinpoche never gave up. to country to another computer
the rest of us slept on the floor, things in the formal sessions at player’s counters. But this time, ‘Being able to stay present in from where they will be printed
like caterpillars, in our sleeping the retreats that took place at in- when he had almost won, he awareness does have its advan- out and reassembled as words
bags. There was no electricity, no tervals, but we learned so much turned the game board around, tages’, as Rinpoche remarked to on paper for you to read that will
telephone, and no running water. from just living with him, from and, taking the hopeless losing me when we finally put the board enable you to see images in your
We had no indoor toilets. just being with him. We did a lot position of his opponent with game away. mind of the early days of Merigar.
We had very little capital, so of practice, we worked hard, and only one or two counters left, he Some of that must have rubbed It is my hope that reading
we had to try to do everything we had so much fun. began to fight back until he had off on us. We, his students, these words will help those vis-
ourselves, rather than hiring pro- Of course, there were many once again cleared the board of learned from his example, and iting Merigar for the first time
fessional builders. Everyone – no difficulties, but Rinpoche never almost all his opponent’s coun- became stronger ourselves in our to understand the conditions in
matter what their background, seemed to get discouraged. ters and had almost won again. own lives. The Dzogchen Com- which it came into being, as well
education, or occupation – I have the abiding image of him Then, with a smile, he would turn munity developed, and, in time, as helping those of us who are re-
worked together, and Rinpoche sitting with a group of students the board around, take the losing more centres were founded all sponsible for Merigar to remem-
himself led from the front as al- surrounding him in the garden position with only a few counters around the world. But Rinpoche ber to continue to maintain it in
ways, working harder than every- playing a board game with one remaining, and proceed once has always referred to Merigar as the spirit which, all those years
one else. student at a time. The game was more to transform that seemingly ‘the navel’, in the sense, that it is ago, its founder intended.
I stood shoulder to shoulder quite simple, really, and did not hopeless situation into a winning from the navel, where the umbili-
with Rinpoche digging out the involve any complicated rules: position, repeating this over and cal cord connects, that a baby de- John Shane ©2011
cowsheds that are now Merigar’s one player had white counters, over again, much to everyone’s velops in its mother’s womb, and
shop and kitchen. I wheeled and the other black counters, and astonishment and amusement. Merigar has always served as an John Shane is the Editor of ‘The Crystal
barrows of cement to him as he each student in turn would try When we later encountered example to all the other centres. And The Way Of Light: Sutra, Tantra,
built the retaining wall behind to beat Rinpoche by taking his difficulties with planning appli- Just as my experience of Meri- And Dzogchen’, a book of the Dzogchen
the house that keeps the hillside counters off the board. cations, bank loans, or people gar began with a rainbow appear- Teachings of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu,
from sliding down. who let us down in one way or ing out of nowhere, so thoughts of published by Snowlion Publications.

>> Yangti continued from page 1 If others are like me, you prob- a pack of little boys), teenagers, utilizing at least four translators, between inside the Gonpa or
as the lines of people swell seek- ably gave a shorter or longer ver- professors, laborers, lawyers, about 70 Asians traveling from outdoors as the days progressed.
ing to speak with him. sion of where you were at in your doctors, nurses; I imagine al- afar including mainland China, Nonetheless, one can only com-
practice babbling on needless- most every kind of profession in Eastern Europeans, and coun- mend the exceptional organiza-
This accessibility was indicated ly. During the retreat Rinpoche a multifest of cultural differences tries with practitioners from such tion of the Merigar West staff for
recently in the method devised mentioned for those who had the joined together by that one com- places as Central Europe, South their proficient, kind and smooth
for us to seek permission to at- excruciating experience of NOT mon syllable we invoke. In the America, Mexico and the English running of the retreat as well as
tend these special teachings. In receiving a reply to their request end, when we are together as so speaking UK, US and the Austra- feeding so many people through
order to receive these teachings, to him, he was “innocent” as many different people practicing lian continent, including New out the days of the retreat. Their
each individual had to commu- there were some computer fail- in a unified way, we experience Zealand. Did I miss some place, organization acumen is inspir-
nicate directly with Rinpoche ures not his fault! guruyoga deeply in this fragile probably as every corner of the ing. They have learned through
individually by email – or to use world of suffering and confu- world seemed to there. experience how to provide the
his exact word for those who had In the midst of these marvelous sion. The knowledge that we have best hospitality from the moment
the “courage” to ask his permis- teachings which occurred twice all been together before and in I don’t know about others, but of check-in at the beginning to
sion, permission was automati- daily, to behold the vast diversity the future softens the heart. usually when I receive very im- the final ganapuja. Many thanks
cally granted. So from all over the of our Community was uplifting portant teachings, I often experi- to all the hundreds of individuals
world hundreds - over a thousand – old and young, well disposed Surrounding the perimeter of the ence a kind of heightened irrita- who made this retreat possible,
practitioners hovered in hope and householders, vagabonds, poets, Merigar West Gonpa were sec- tion. We become more sensitive. including our great Master.
fear before receiving that well- artists, musicians, many monas- tions set aside for numerous na- The “special” Merigar West white
quoted response from Rinpoche tics in robes of different denomi- tionalities with placards like the dust, the heat, and large crowds Tsegyalgar East
granting us permission and the nations, youthful parents and UN announcing the language were minor glitches in which to September 7, 2011
joyful and somewhat charming families with lots of kids (includ- group where participants could “integrate” one’s experience, Guru Rinpoche Day
indication that we were accepted. ing a certain young Namkhai I hear simultaneous translations, along with the increasing jocking
“OK. I put your name in the lists overheard announcing himself as Among the many groups there over available chairs and seating
of Yangti. Ciao ciao!!!!!! NN.” the “captain of Merigar West” to were several hundred Russians and finding a comfortable spot

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Schedule 2012 >> continued from page 1

Taiwan Russia Sept. 21–27

May 24–28 July 22 Second Retreat of Merigar West
Taipei Retreat Public Teaching in Moscow Greece
Japan July 25–29 October 3–7
June 1–5 Kunsangar North Retreat Greece Retreat
Tokyo Retreat
Ukraine Spain
Hawaii August 3–9 October 12–16
June 13–17 Kunsangar South Retreat Barcelona Retreat
Hawaii Retreat
Romania Canary Islands
USA August 17–23 October 26–30
June 22–24 Merigar East Retreat First Tenerife Retreat
Los Angeles Retreat www.jcrows.com
Italy November 9–13
June 29–July 1 August 31–Sept. 6 Second Tenerife Retreat
New York City Retreat Merigar West Retreat November 23–27 J. Crow’s ®
July 6–10 Sept. 7–9 Third Tenerife Retreat
Mulling Spice Folk Medicine
Tsegyalgar East Retreat Santi Maha Sangha Level I December 7–18 Tibetan Medicine
July 11–12 Examinations Fourth Tenerife Retreat
Santi Maha Sangha Base Exam Sept. 10–16 SpicedCider.com
July 13–17 Santi Maha Sangha Level II Dec. 26–January 1 fax or phone: 1 800 878 1965 603 878 1965
Santi Maha Sangha First Level Training Christmas and New Year: [email protected]
Training Fifth Tenerife Retreat
 THE MIRROR · No. 111 · July, August 2011

International Contacts

27

Taiwan
International Dzogchen Russian Federation
Russian-speaking Countries Gakyil
[email protected]
Taichung (Mid Taiwan)
Bright Chou Hongjian
Community Contacts Kunsangar
www.dzogchencommunity.ru
[email protected]
Kaohsiung (S. Taiwan)
If your contact information is outdated Rinchenling (Moscow) Peter Pan
or incorrect, please contact Denmark Latvia [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] Lisbeth Agersnap, Copenhagen Padmaling www.rinchenling.ru Zhuang Bolong
[email protected] [email protected]
www.dzogchencommunity.dk [email protected] Sangyeling (Saint-Petersburg) [email protected]
Argentina www.dzogchen.lv [email protected] Taipei (N. Taiwan)
Tashigar Sur, Cordoba Estonia [email protected] Dechen Chen
[email protected] [email protected] Lithuania [email protected]
(details on Tashigar Sur page) www.dzogchen.ee Dorjeling Kundrolling (Ulaan-Ude, Buryatia)
[email protected] [email protected] Thailand
Australia Finland www.dzogchen.lt
Kunsanling (Vladivostok) Geoffrey Blake
Namgyalgar South, NSW gakyil@dzogchen.fi [email protected]
[email protected] info@dzogchen.fi Luxembourg [email protected]
www.dzogchen.org.au Katia Lytridou
Kungaling (Izhevsk) Ukraine
(details on Namgyalgar page) France [email protected]
[email protected] Kunsangar South
Dejam Ling, Le Deves [email protected]
Namgyalgar North
206 Glass House-Woodford Rd,
Helene Lafage Mexico Palbarling (Buryatia) http://kunsangar.org
[email protected] Tsegyalgar West, Baja California Sur
Glasshouse Mountains, Qld., 4518 offi[email protected] Tashiling (Kiev)
www.association-dzogchen.org [email protected]
P.O. Box 307, Glasshouse Mountains,
http://tsegyalgarwest.org
www.palparling.org [email protected]
Qld., 4518
Germany (details on Tsegyalgar West page)
Tel: 07. 5438 7696
Geko: [email protected]
Ilka Mueller-Mennrich
Pelzomling, Mexico DF
Serbia Karmaling (Kharkov)
[email protected]
offi[email protected] Jelena Zagorcic
[email protected] Phuntsokling (Donetsk)
Austria www.dzogchen.de [email protected]
Wangdusling, Tepoztlan, Morelos [email protected]
www.dzogchen.at Dargyäling, Cologne [email protected]
Tel: 01 739 3950 192 Odessa DC
[email protected]
Ye Sel Ling
[email protected] Montenegro Singapore [email protected]

www.yeselling.at
Great Britain Dubravka Velasevic
Michelle Ng Palphelling (Dnepropetrovsk)
Amely Becker [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]
Dzogchen Community of Vienna [email protected] Hui Qing (Lin)
[email protected] www.dzogchencommunity.org
Nepal [email protected] USA
Dzogchen Community Austria Regions Monica Gentile, Pokhara Tsegyalgar East
[email protected]
Greece [email protected] Slovakia [email protected]
[email protected] www.www.tsegyalgareast.org
www.dzogchen.gr Peter Kral
Brazil New Caledonia [email protected]
(details on Tsegyalgar East page)
Lhundrubling, São Paulo Marie Claire Garcia
[email protected]
Holland [email protected]
www.dzogchen.sk Alaska
Oni McKinstry & Jonathan Schaeffer
[email protected] www.wangdenling.sk
www.dzogchen.nl [email protected]
Canada New Zealand [email protected]
Vancouver, Peter Dimitrov
Hungary [email protected] Slovenia Chicago
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.dzogchen.org.nz Peter Novak Canic
[email protected]
Toronto, Yulia Jitkova www.dzogchen.hu Auckland [email protected]
[email protected] Gabrielle Kearney Dondrup Ling, West Coast

Montreal, Israel [email protected] South Africa [email protected]

www.dzogchencommunitywest.org
[email protected] [email protected] Wellington (Taranaki)
Darryl van Blerk, Cape Town
www.dzogchen.org.il Paora Joseph [email protected] Miami, Florida
Chile [email protected] [email protected]
Lorena Hume, Santiago Italy Spain www.dzogchenmiami.org
[email protected] Merigar West Norway www.dzogchen.es New Mexico
offi[email protected] Gordon Cranmer Jodi Lang
China www.dzogchen.it [email protected] Kundusling, Barcelona
[email protected]
Samtenling (Details on Merigar West page) www.go.to/dzogchen.no Sachiko Fullita
Wesley Guo [email protected] Kundrolling (New York)
Zhenphenling, Rome
[email protected]
[email protected]
Peru Madrid
[email protected]
www.nydzogchen.com
Tracy Ni Norbuling
www.zhenphenling.it [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected] Hawaii
Forum: www.wuyangzhijie.com/forum Kunsalling, Brescia www.dzogchenperu.org/ Jerene
Hong Kong
Fulvio Ferrari Sweden [email protected]
Tim Leung
[email protected] Poland Domenico Battista
Seattle
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] Namdeling, Napoli www.dzogchenseattle.org
www.dzogczen.pl
www.dzogchennapoli.org
Costa Rica Kunkhyabling, Puglia & Basilicata
Paldenling
Switzerland Portland
[email protected]
Dekyitling [email protected]
[email protected] Swiss German Region www.portlanddzogchencommunity.
[email protected] www.dzogczen.pl/Paldenling
www.dekyitling.org Adzamling, Molise Peter Eisenegger com
Luca Mastrogiuseppe Portugal [email protected]
Venezuela
Croatia [email protected] comunidade.dzogchen.portugal
Swiss French Region Tashigar Norte, Isla di Margarita
Boris Turnsek www.adzamling.it @gmail.com
[email protected] www.dzogchencommunity-pt.org Fabienne Rey-Duc [email protected]
Desalling, Bologna [email protected] www.tashigarnorte.org
[email protected]
Cyprus www.desalling.org
Romania Swiss Italian Region
(see details on Tashigar North page)
[email protected] Merigar East Caracas
Gyamtsholing, Venice offi[email protected] Julie Breukel Michel
Jamilette León
Czech Republic www.gyamtsholing.org wwww.dzogchen.ro [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] (Details on Merigar East page)
www.dzogchen.cz Japan Merida
meridadzogchencommunity@gmail.
Munselling
Yoko Morita com
[email protected]
28

ing ok and trusting. If I had not been will-

How I Met ing to do that it would not have worked.

As soon as I arrived here and stepped
out of the vehicle on to the land of Meri-
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu gar, I just wanted to cry. I was so upset,
my chest and my throat were bursting
and I did not know what was going on; I
Kate McDonald couldn’t speak and people were talking
to me and I didn’t know what to do. Then
the next day all that went away and I met a
by email, which I did every day for three lot of lovely people and it was a lot of fun.
An Interview with Kate McDonald months. Then I had to let that go and Meeting people there is some kind of sense
from New Zealand looked into Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and that I have met them before; there is clarity
August 2011, Merigar West found it was a whole other level, a whole and a sense that this is a good person.
different thing. When I go back to New Zealand, a
The Mirror: Hello Kate. Can you tell us After the transmission via web cast, friend of mine has some land and has of-
how you met ChNN? I burst into tears, I was very upset, and I fered that we can build retreat cabins on
Kate: I met someone on the Norbunet who thought, “Oh no, nothing happened!” But it and Jerri Bassi has offered to bring the
knew about Dzogchen and then I looked on actually the next day one of the biggest dance mandala up. I think I am strong
the Internet and found out about Rinpoche things that could have happened, hap- Photo: N. Zeitz enough to learn the dance. I used to be a
and went to Auckland to meet the people pened when I was able to give up medica- dancer before the accident, so that will be
there. They told me I needed to participate tion I had been on for seven years. I was there was no way I was going to mix the wonderful for me.
in the worldwide transmission on such on a kind of morphine for seven years for medicines, so I just decided that morning
and such a day and I read the booklet and pain because I had a very bad pain problem to go off. M: Is there anything else you would like to
then I did and life has changed consider- and the next morning after the web cast, say?
ably since then! I have been following the I decided that this was the day I can give M: Your doctors must be amazed. KM: I would like to say a huge thank you to
web casts for the last two years, but now is up, I can give up today. I have never gone KM: Yes they are. Namkhai Norbu for all he does and all the
the first time I have met Chögyal Namkhai back. I went through horrible withdrawal, I have not started to work again yet. I time he spends in the background looking
Norbu. so much pain, I had to have three or four have been having treatments from a spe- after us all. I can feel that, I know that is
showers every day just to deal with it, and cialist as well as doing practice. That I felt there, whether I am seeing him in person
M: Why were you looking on the Internet? I wanted to take something to help but I well enough to travel to come here was an or not. I really appreciate it.
KM: I was looking for a date. I was looking didn’t; I got through it and now I am medi- amazing thing. When I return home I will
for a man. I was really looking for love, but cation free and my mind is clear. start to do some kind of work. M: Thank you Kate for your moving story.
I found a different sort of love, I found the I was taking the morphine because I
right kind of love, the deep one. had a car accident in 2000 and I had ten M: So this is the first time you have met
years where I could barely walk and I Rinpoche?
M: So you ended up chatting with someone couldn’t use my arm at all when I met KM: Maybe this sounds funny but it does
who knew about the teachings? Rinpoche. I couldn’t put my heel down not feel so different from the web casts,
KM: He is an old practitioner and ended and I walked with a limp and was hunched it’s the same, and if I am right, my mind
up to be my mentor. I have never met him over. I couldn’t sit up for more than two or may be tricking me and I am totally open
in person. He lives in another country. He three minutes and I had to lay down most to the fact that I may not know anything at
told me if I wanted to meet a Dzogchen of the day. I had shooting pains down my all, but I have had some experiences dur-
Teacher that Chögyal Namkhai Norbu was arm that came out my eyes. I could not ing the web casts particularly, and I had the
one of the greatest Dzogchen masters left, make phone calls. I had no friends. For the same experiences in front of Rinpoche as
he was his teacher and I should meet him. last ten years I lived in this little town in on the web casts. So he is obviously reach-
New Zealand totally alone and I could do ing all the way to New Zealand and every-
M: Had you had contact with Dzogchen or nothing. where else.
Buddhism before? All of that has changed in the last two One thing I would like to say is that
KM: I didn’t know anything about Dzog- and half years. Meeting people here and during all of this, there has always been a
chen or Rinpoche. I had gone to the Bud- having conversations is all new to me and sense of not knowing, where I am going,
dhist Monastery of Karma Choling in New I am relearning to be a social person. It is what I am doing, and having to be ok with
Zealand on the day of the Buddha’s birth- like a miracle. that. Being in that lost emptiness and say-
day and said some prayers in front of the The process of healing was gradual, but
big golden Buddha. I also met the Karma- I can say that once my mind became calm-
pa there, but I did not know who he was er, and I was able to notice what was there,
and I still don’t really, but he gave me some and I shined the light of the noticing on it,
kind of blessing. Then years past and I met and things begin to change. So that is what
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. has been happening and I have had to do it
hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of
M: So after you took the transmission you times.
started practicing with the group in Auck- I also have had physical therapy and
land? other modalities and my doctor said that I
KM: Well after I met my friend on the In- should not have gone off the medicine cold
ternet I started to want to learn to medi- turkey and should have had some supervi-
tate. So I took an online meditation course sion and other medication to help, but