Professional Documents
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Melody of DharmaNo4
Melody of DharmaNo4
24 Buddha Nature(Part 2)
–– A Teaching by His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche
27 Dharma Activities
27 • His Holiness the Sakya Trizin in Kathmandu
33 • Consecration of His Holiness’ Retreat Centre
35 • Long-Life Ceremony for His Holiness’ 65th Birthday
36 • Celebration of H.E. Luding Khenchen’s 80th Birthday
40 • His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche in Bir
41 • Long-Life Ceremony for H.E. Ratna Vajra’s Birthday
43 • H.E. Luding Khen Rinpoche in Frankfurt
47 Y
ogi Stories –– as told by Chiwang Tulku Rinpoche
49 A
Letter to His Holiness
51 Lhabab Düchen
Dear Readers,
We hope that this issue finds you well, and that 2010 has been a good and fruitful year for all.
This is our fourth issue of Melody of Dharma, the final one for this year, and so we have come
full circle. It has been a huge joy and privilege for us to dedicate our pages to the teachings and
activities of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, as well as to those of other revered masters, past and
present.
We would like to express our deepest thanks to Their Eminences Dagmo Kalden Kushok and
Dagmo Sonam Kushok for their precious guidance. In addition, we owe a huge debt of gratitude
to all our sponsors who generously made this endeavour possible, as well as to those of our
readers who have shown their interest and support by subscribing to the magazine.
We are also extremely grateful to contributors who confided their thoughts and experiences to
its pages, and we firmly hope that, with time, more and more Dharma friends will be inspired to
do so. And we are very appreciative of all encouragement, corrections and suggestions that were
offered us throughout the year. These have been of great worth to us.
And finally, heartfelt thanks to all our readers for accompanying us in this journey. We hope that
each and everyone will continue to find something in our pages that will capture their interest
and make their life richer.
His Holiness with the first group of Sakya Centre monks. To His Holiness’ right, Chiwang Tulku,
director. Early 1970’s
to what was to become the current Tsechen Tenpai Rajpur. These are important events, which are not
Gatsal Shedup Chokhorling and, in 1994, construction only attended by all of the Centre’s monks, but also
of the new Sakya Centre was finished. In 1995, it by hundreds of monks and nuns from surrounding
was officially inaugurated by His Holiness the Sakya Sakya institutions. Some, like Vajrakilaya, attract large
Trizin. crowds of devout Tibetan lay followers, who find here
Not only is the Centre graced with being His the same spiritual solace that had, for several centuries,
Holiness’ personal monastery, but it is, in addition, blessed their forebears in their country of origin.
exceptionally beautiful. It harbours many precious The Centre is now home and school to nearly
sacred texts and objects, not least among which is the
superb golden statue of the Buddha that is centerpiece
to the shrine. A Mahakala shrine, found on the top
floor of an adjoining building, is of outstanding beauty.
A puja is held there every day, and monks take turns in
performing the ritual.
Important yearly pujas are conducted at the centre,
notably those of Vajra Nairatmya, Mahavairocana,
Vajrakilaya, Hevajra, Chakrasamvara and Dochen,
over which His Holiness and their Eminences the
Dungseys preside whenever they are in residence at
Young monks attending a lesson
This concludes The Jewel Rosary of the Bodhisattvas composed by the Indian preceptor
Dipamkara Shrijnana.
His Holiness arrives at IBA His Holiness bestowing a public empowerment at IBA
The Most Venerable Khenchen Appey Rinpoche private shrine, the temple, and several other rooms of
the monastery.
The rest of His Holiness’ stay in Kathmandu was
Khenchen Appey Rinpoche. Rinpoche, founder of dedicated to bestowing empowerments at different
IBA, is one of the most eminent scholars of the Sakya monasteries, beginning with Monchoe Dragkar
tradition alive today. Alongside His Holiness the Thegchen Ling Monastery, where He bestowed two
Sakya Trizin, he was also responsible for the founding Mahakala empowerments, one with a retinue of eight
of Sakya College in Dehradun. deities, and another with ten deities, as well as a
His Holiness next paid a special visit to Kyabje Vesharvana (Kubera) nine deity initiation.
Trulshig Rinpoche, head of the Nyingmapa school This was followed by a Guru Thuk Dup
of Tibetan Buddhism, from whom His Holiness has empowerment at IBA. This Guru Rinpoche Mind-
received several precious teachings. They met for a
private talk at Rinpoche’s new Nyingma monastery,
near completion at Swayambunath. On request of
Trulshig Rinpoche, His Holiness visited its extensive
premises and, at the same time, blessed Rinpoche’s
His Holiness at Tharlam Monastery performing The beautiful Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, at Namo Buddha.
Mahavairocana purification puja
His Holiness with His Eminence Kar Shabdrung Rinpoche at Namo Buddha
It was our great privilege to even catch a glimpse, let alone meet and receive teachings from such a
revered Guru during this current degenerative age. His arrival fulfilled the hopes and wishes of all His
disciples in Nepal .
Jamyang Choesang
His Holiness - the protector of all living beings, the owner of all pith instructions, the only wish -fulfilling
gem, blessed a number of people in Kathmandu with his profound teachings, authentic empowerments and
miraculous blessings, while visiting Khenchen Appey Rinpoche almost every day. During His Holiness’
three weeks’ stay at IBA, I felt that I was in His cocoon of protection. My Lord, please always keep us in
the shade of Your impartial love and compassion.
Jamyang Paljor
During the autumn of 2010, His Holiness Sakya Trizin stayed at IBA for several weeks. He advised us on
our studies and translation work. He emphasized how important it is to undertake translation into English
of the major Sakya texts and how, over time, these texts would be improved on. I felt very encouraged by
these words of my Guru, and made the wish that I could dedicate my life to this meaningful work.
Jampa Tenzin
I heard in the Buddha Dharma that many Bodhisattvas devote their lives to the happiness of many
sentient beings. When His Holiness the Sakya Trizin came to stay at IBA, I realized that He is indeed a
great emanation of a Bodhisattva through His tireless efforts to help others.
Thupten Palbar
A small group of lamas and visitors came to in His Holiness heart for many years. Foremost among
present offerings to His Holiness, as well as their His Holiness’ purposes is the preservation of the
aspiration that many monks might attain realization precious Dharma heritage of Tibetan Buddhism, and
within the centre’s walls. A number of the monks who of the Sakya teachings in particular, as a legacy to all
were to start their retreat some two weeks later, were beings. Key to this is that a new generation of monks
also in attendance. be enabled to deepen the knowledge and wisdom that
While His Holiness, His Family and a few lamas their elders had acquired from a culture permeated
had lunch in the reception room, visitors were served with spiritual realization.
tea and rice in the courtyard. Later, as His Holiness Due to a lack of adequate facilities, it has
left, with everyone else in His wake, the centre fell heretofore been difficult for monks to undertake strict
silent, its walls imbued with sacredness. retreat. It is with this in mind that His Holiness has
This day saw the realization of a wish that had sat created the centre. Sitting next to the Phodrang, it
will allow some twenty monks to do retreat under His
Holiness’ direct guidance.
Each retreatant monk will have his own room
and bathroom, with access to all necessary amenities,
including a common room, a dining room and a
library. Every one of the monks’ essential needs will
be fully taken care of by the Phodrang, so that they are
free to dedicate their entire time and effort to spiritual
practice.
May each one of them be blessed with ultimate
realization.
For the whole of that week, daily long-life pujas As culmination to the week’s festivities, a long-
were held in the Monastery’s temple, led by Their life ceremony was held on Friday the 22nd. It began
Eminences Dungseys Ratna Vajra and Gyana Vajra with an outdoor puja held in the monastery courtyard
Rinpoches and Their Eminences Dungseys Avikrita and, in mid-morning, as the conch shell sounded for
and Abhaya Rinpoches . And on Monday the 18th the third time from the temple, His Eminence Luding
of October, His Holiness the Sakya Trizin presided Khenchen Rinpoche came out of his residence at the
over a special long-life Amitabha puja, a memorable Luding Labrang and, under the shade of a ceremonial
occasion, as this puja had only been performed once parasol, made his way along the flower-festooned
before in India. path to the temple, escorted by a procession led
Throughout those days, Ngor Monastery swarmed by Dungseys Ratna Vajra and Gyana Rinpoches,
with activity, characteristic of those special occasions Dungseys Avikrita and Abhaya Rinpoche and
that bring together Sakyapas from far and wide. His other eminent Rinpoches, and accompanied by the
Eminence untiringly dedicated his time and attention resounding of ritual instruments.
to the constant stream of devotees who sought his As they entered the temple courtyard, filled to
blessing, while several monks
had the vast privilege of
receiving their bhikshu vows
from him.
A party was held for His
Eminence on the evening of the
21st, where he was presented
with a lavishly decorated cake,
which he bountifully shared with
his many guests.
capacity with monk, nuns and lay people alike, the His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche then
cortege made its way along the centre aisle, where the offered an elaborate explanation of the five auspicious
eight auspicious symbols had been fashioned out of conditions: the auspicious teacher, auspicious
multicoloured flowers, an impressive sight to behold. teaching, auspicious disciple, auspicious time, and
Once inside the temple, His Eminence Luding auspicious place.
Khenchen Rinpoche took his seat on the central Following this, H.E. Dungsey Ratna Vajra
throne, from where he would receive devotional Rinpoche led the eminent congregation in offering
offerings from members of the assembly and accede His Eminence a mandala and symbols of enlightened
to their requests that he should live long. Some six body, voice and mind. And, on behalf of His Holiness
thousand votaries then joined together in reciting His the Sakya Trizin’s Sakya Dolma Phodrang, Her
Eminence’s long-life prayer. Eminence Jetsunma Kunga Trinley Palter Sakya and
H.E. Khangsar Shabdrung Rinpoche began the Her Eminence Gyalyum Chenmo made a mandala
formal proceedings by recounting His Eminence’s offering to His Eminence.
holy biography and offering a mandala
of thirty-seven heaps and its explanation,
before requesting His Eminence to live
long for the benefit of all beings.
H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche with H.E. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche H.E. Dungsey Akasha Vajra Rinpoche during his enthronement
ceremony
On the 27th of September, His Eminence Ratna he would have a few days’ rest before embarking on
Vajra Rinpoche and his family returned to India, where an official visit to Asia.
This letter was received last year by His Holiness on the occasion of His 64th Birthday. It was composed
by Al Adams, a devotee of His Holiness, who is currently serving a sentence in a U.S.A. prison. He is a
dedicated practitioner, and has formed a sangha community within his detention centre.
L habab Düchen is one of the four holy days in Tibetan Buddhism that commemorate the more extraordinary
events in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni. It is celebrated on the 22nd day of the 9th month of the Tibetan
lunar calendar. This year, this special day occurred on the 29th of October, and was celebrated at the Sakya
Centre, with His Holiness leading a Sixteen Arhat puja.
Lhabab Düchen honours the day when, in response to the exhortations of Maudgalyayana, the Buddha
descended to earth from the Heaven of Thirty-Three, where His mother had been reborn. He had taught there
for three months as a way to repay His mother’s kindness by liberating her from Samsara, and also to benefit the
gods in the desire realm.
When He returned to earth, the Buddha appeared at the summit of Mount Meru before starting his way down
to the udumbara tree outside the city of Sankasya, on a triple bejewelled ladder said to have been made by Indra
and Brahma.
It is said that all actions performed on that day, good or bad, are enhanced 100 million times, and so it is
customary among Tibetan Buddhists to spend that day striving to engage in virtuous actions.
Important Dates
• 16th December : Parinirvana of Jamgon Ameshab
• 17th December: Parinirvana of Lopon Sonam Tsemo
• 20th December: Parinirvana of Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen Pal Sangpo
• 20th December: Tibetan birthday of H.E. Jetsunma Kunga Trinley Palter Rinpoche
• 2nd January: Western Birthday of H.E. Jetsunma Kunga Trinley Palter Sakya
• 14rd January: Parinirvana of Jamgon Ameshab
• 26th January: - Parinirvana of Drogon Chogyal Phagpa
- Parinirvana of Dezhung Anjam Rinpoche
th
• 7 February:Parinirvana of Chogye Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche
• 3rd March:Parinirvana of Dagshul Thinley Rinchen (Grand-father of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin)
• 25th March: - Parinirvana of Kunkhyen Gorampa Sonam Sengue
- Parinirvana of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
27th March: Western Birthday of H.E. Dungsey Akasha Vajra Rinpoche
L amp offerings in the monastery and food offerings to the lamas are welcome during
all important pujas and ceremonies. Kindly contact the Sakya Centre in Rajpur if you
wish to make an offering (see contact addresses on sponsorship page).
• Bestowing of the Precious Lam Dre Teaching Cycle: June 1 - June 30, 2011 (information)
• Formal Opening of the New Temple Building at Tsechen Kunchab Ling – June 19, 2011 (information)
• Offering of a Long Life Celebration for His Holiness Sakya Trizin – September 3, 2011 (information)'
His Holiness will also bestow teachings at Sakya Centers from coast to coast and from Canada to South
America.
For more information, please see: www.sakyatemple.org.
Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling is pleased to announce that His Holiness Sakya Trizin, the 41st throne
holder of the Sakya Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, under the invitation of Jetsun Kushok Chimey
Luding Rinpoche, will bestow the Vajrakilaya 2-day major empowerment and teachings in Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada, from 19 to 21 August 2011.
To receive further information regarding this event, please send an email to
[email protected]
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Dehra Dun (U.K.) , India
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(Kindly make cheque out to ‘Sakyadhita France’) Email: [email protected]
SWITZERLAND U.K.
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Cité Villars, 10 c/o Sakya Thubten Ling
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Email: [email protected]
U.S.A.
Sakya Thupten Dargye Ling
Ms. Silvia M. Yueh
2735, Hemlock Lane N.
Plymouth MN 55441, USA
Email: [email protected]
Below please find the contact details for His Holiness' Residence and main
monasteries in India: