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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Black Dzambhala Sadhana: Chotrul Duchen 2010

During the past several weeks, His Eminence the Ninth Ogyen Tulku Rinpoche has been kind enough to bestow the complete empowerment for Black Dzambhala at several locations in the United States and Canada. However, no English translation of this sadhana has ever been prepared. To remedy the situation, Ogyen Tulku requested the very gifted Khenpo Sonam to produce such a translation, which was just completed in late January 2010. On the auspicious occasion of Chotrul Duchen, February 28, 2010, and as our gift to the readers of Digital Tibetan Buddhist Altar, and all sentient beings, we publish the translation below, asking you to understand that this sadhana cannot be performed without empowerment, and that this edited translation is copyrighted material which may not be reproduced without prior written permission. May the merit of this publication be dedicated to the welfare of all sentient beings.

NAMO GURU KRISHNA DZAMBHALAYA!
I pay homage to Guru Black Dzambhala.

In order to practice this liturgy as a propitiating recitation, relying upon the water offering to the front visualization, which is compiled from the treasure revealed by Guru Chowang, called "The Descent of the Shower of Precious Jewels:" a sadhana to accomplish the Black Dzambhala:
 
In the morning, in a clean and remote place, pleasant to one's mind, in front of yourself, place a statue of Dzambhala, if you have one, in the center of a copper bowl. In front of it arrange flowers and so forth: [incense, lamps, perfumed water, food offerings, and music] and then fill a precious vessel with pure water free from insects and microbes. Generate the assembly visualization filling the sky in front of oneself.

TAKING REFUGE:

NAMO LAMA DE SHEK DÜ PA'I KU
Homage! To the Lama the enlightened body embodiment of all
Tathagatas,

KÖN CHOG SUM GYI RANG ZHIN LA
The nature of the three precious jewels,

DAG DANG DRO DRUG SEM CHEN NAM
All sentient beings and I

JANG CHUB BAR DU KYAB SU CHI
Take refuge until enlightenment. Repeat three times.

CULTIVATING BODHICITTA:

SEM KYE DRO WA KÜN DÖN DU
Cultivating the mind for the benefit of all sentient beings,

NÖ JYIN NOR LHA DRUP NEY NI
By accomplishing the wealth deity yaksha,

GANG LA GANG DÜL THRIN LEY KYI
Through the enlightened activity befitting each and every
individual,

DRO WA DREL WAR DAM CHA'O
I vow to liberate sentient beings. Repeat three times.

ACCUMULATION OF MERIT:

HO: MA LÜ CHYOK NA ZHUK PA YI
HO Abiding in all directions,

LAMA YIDAM KHANDRO DANG
Lamas, Yidams and Khandros,

NOR DAG GÖN PO DZAM BHA LA
The wealth deity Lord Dzambhala,

NÖ JYIN TER CHANG TSHOK DANG CHEY
And the treasure keeper yakshas with their assemblies,

THUK JE'I WANG GI NEY DIR SHEK
Please come here through the power of compassion.

NYI DA PEMA'I DEN LA ZHUK
Please remain on the sun, moon and lotus seat.

LÜ NGAG YI SUM GÜ CHYAG TSHAL
I respectfully pay homage with my body, speech and mind,

CHÖ PA NAM PA DÜ MAY CHÖ
And I make offerings with various offering substances.

DIG PA THAM CHEY SO SOR SHAK
I confess and purify all negativities.

GEWA KUN LA JE YI RANG
I heartily rejoice in all virtues.

CHÖ KYI KHOR LO KOR WAR KÜL
I request you to turn the wheel of Dharma.

NYA NGEN MI DA ZHUG SOL DEB
I beseech you not to pass into Nirvana.

SÖ NAM DRO WA YONG LA NGO
I dedicate all merit for sentient beings.

NYING PO JANG CHUB CHOG THOB SHOG
May all attain the heart of supreme enlightenment! Repeat three
times.


MANDALA OFFERING:

NAMO: KÖ PA DZEY DEN RIN CHEN MANDAL CHOG
Homage. This supreme precious mandala with beautiful
arrangements,

RI RAB LING ZHI LING THREN NYI DA GYEN
Mount Meru, four continents and subcontinents adorned with
the Sun and Moon;

RIN CHEN DÖ NGA KUN ZNAG CHÖ THRIN TIP 
Heaped with all excellent billowing offering clouds of five
sensual pleasures,

KÖN CHOG LAMA YI DAM KHAN DRO CHÖ
I offer these to the Precious Jewels, Lama, Yidam and Dakini.

LA MEY CHÖ ZHEY CHOG GI NGÖ DRUB TSÖL
Please enjoy these unsurpassable offerings and grant us the
siddhis.

DAG SOG DRO WA MA LÜ KYAB TU SOL
Please protect all sentient being without exception.

OM AH HUNG GURU DEVA DAKINI RATNA
MANDALA SARWA PUDZA MEGHA SAMUDRA
SPHARANA SAMAYE SWAHA - Thus offer.
 

DZA HUNG BAM HO: TSHOK ZHING NAM RANG LA
THIM PAR GYUR
DZA HUNG BAM HO All of the entire assembly dissolve into
me. Contemplate this way.

Generation of the front visualization, perform the elaborate
yoga of the great compassionate one, otherwise in the concise
manner:

RANG NYI KYE CHIG GI PHAK PA THUK JE CHEN
PO KUN DOG KAR SAL ZHAL CHIG CHYAG NYI PA  /
YE CHOG JYIN DANG YÖN PEMA KARPO NAM PA  / 
DAR DANG RIN PO CHEY GYEN CHING  /  PE DA'I
DEN LA ZHAB SEM PA'I KYIL TRUNG GI ZHUK PA'I
KUR GYUR

Instantly, I am the great noble compassionate one, white in color, with a single face and two arms. The right hand is in the pose of supreme generosity, and the left is holding a white lotus. Adorned with silks and jewel ornaments and seated in the Mahasattva's pose upon a lotus seat. Contemplate in this way. 

Front visualization:

RANG GI DÜN DU PEMA DANG DA WA'O DEN LA
NOR DAG NAM MANG THÖ PA'I ZUK NOR BU KYUK
PA'I TENG DU DZAM NAG PO  /  DE LEY ÖZER CHAK
KYU'I NAM PA DRANG MEY PA THRÖ PAY JIG TEN
KHAM DANG  /  DAG PA'I ZHING GI NÖ DANG CHÜ
KYI JYOR PA DANG NGA THANG THAM CHEY ÖZER
GYI NAM PAR DÜ TEY DZAM LA THIM

In front of me upon a lotus and moon seat is the wealth deity Vaishravana emitting precious jewels surmounted by a black DZAM syllable. From it countless light rays in the form of hooks radiate out and gather wealth and power from worldly existence and pure lands in the form of light which dissolve into the DZAM syllable.

DE YONG SU GYUR PA LEY GÖN PO DZAM BHALA
NAG PO MIG MEN GYI RI WO TAR JID CHING LHUN
TUG PA  /  TRA KHAM PA GYEN DU DZEY PA  / 
CHER BU NA WA MA PHUG PA ZHO THUNG JYI PA
DREK PA'I NYAM DANG DEN PA  /   TSHEN MA GYEN
DU DRENG ZHING BA PU LANG PA

As it dissolves it turns into the black Lord Dzambhala resplendently majestic like the Eye-Medicine Mountain. His hair is brown and tied up in a top knot. He is naked and youthful like an infant, yet endowed with powerful grace. His secret organ is erect upward and the hairs of his body standing at end.

CHYEN SUM MAR LA DUM ZHING KHYIL WA  / 
ZHAL DANG SHING JAK DRIL WA  /  CHE WA ZHI
TSIK PA  /  CHYAG YE THÖ THRAG GI GANG WA
THUK KAR DZIN PA  /  YÖN PEY NE'U LE NOR BU NA
TSHOK PA LHUG LHUG KYUK PA LA YÖN PA LA
TEN NEY ZUNG WA

His three eyes are bloodshot, bulging and rolling. His mouth is wide open and his tongue curled. He bares his four fangs. With his right hand he holds a skull-cup filled with blood near his heart. Next to his left thigh, his left hand holds a Neule (mongoose) that spontaneously emits out various jewels from
its mouth.

ZHAB YEY KUM ZHING YÖN CHUNG ZEY KYANG PA 
LU CHEN PO GYEY DRUL GYI NAM PEY TRE PA  / 
YE SHEY KYI ME BAR WA'O Ü NA ZHUK SHING MI
KYÖ PEY Ü GYEN PAR GYUR

The right leg is bent and the left slightly stretched. He is adorned with the eight naga serpents. He stands amidst raging flames of wisdom fire and his head is adorned with Buddha Akshobya. Contemplate in this way.

THUG KAR DA WA'I Ü SU DOR JE TSE GU DA WA
HUNG YIG DANG CHEY PA

In the heart center, upon a moon disc, is a nine prong vajra with a crescent moon and a HUNG syllable.

TREL WAR OM  /  CHEY LA DZAM  /  PUNG PA YE
PAR BHA  /  YÖN PAR LA  /  THUK KAR DZA  /  TE
WAR LEN  /  NGAR DONG YEY PAR DRA  /  YÖN PAR
YA  /  BOL GONG YE PAR SWA  / YÖN PAR HA  /  DE
NAM LEY ÖZER THRÖ PEY YE SHEY PA CHYEN
DRANG PAR GYUR

On the forehead is OM; DZAM on the tongue; BHA on the right shoulder, LA on the left; DZA at the heart; LEN at the navel; DRA on the right shin, YA on the left; SWA on the right ankle, HA on the left. Lights radiate out from all these syllables and invite the wisdom deities.

HUNG  JANG CHYOK NÖ JYIN DÜ PA'I CHYIR
HUNG   To summon the yakshas in the northern direction,

CHOM DEN GÖN PO M KYÖ PA
Lord Bhagavan Akshobya

THUG JE KUR TRUL DZAM BHA LA
Manifesting as Dzambhala through your compassion,

KHOR CHEY NEY DIR SHEK SU SOL
Together with your assemblies, please come here.

OM ARYA DZAMBHALA VAJRA SAMAYA DZA
SAMAYA HO SAMAYA STOM

DZA HUNG BAM HO NYI SU MEY PAR GYUR
DZA HUNG BAM HO They become non dual. Contemplate in
this way.


Rendering the homage:
 
HUNG DÖ NEY NGÖN PAR SANG GYE KYANG
HUNG Although you have always been enlightened from the
primordial beginning,

SA GYE WANG CHUK SEM PA'I TSHUL
Yet you emanate in the form of a eighth bhumi powerful
bodhisattva.

NOR DAG GÖN PO DZAM BHA LA
Lord of wealth, Dzambhala,

KHOR DANG CHEY LA CHYAG TSHAL LO
I pay homage to you and your retinue.
ATI PU HO Thus pay homage in this way.
 
PRATICCHA HO Contemplate that your homage has been
acknowledged.

DE NEY RANG GI LAG PAR BAM LEY JYUNG WA'I
TER CHEN PO'I BUM PA ZANG PO DÜTSI'I CHU
GYUN GYI PAG PA'I THRIG MAR OM  /  BUM PA'I
NANG DU DZAM  /  BUM PA'I NANG DU DZAM  / 
DZUB MO LA BHA  /  GUNG MO LA LA /  SIN LAG LA
DZA  /  THE'U CHUNG LA LEN  /  THEY BONG LA DRA 
THRIG MA'I TSHAM SU YA  /  DE'I YE SU SWA  /  YÖN
DU HA  /  THAM CHEY DA WA DÜTSIY GANG WA LA
NEY PAR GYUR

The right hand holding the great excellent treasure vase that appears from BAM syllable is fed by a stream of ambrosia. At the neck of the vase is OM, inside the vase is DZAM. BHA on the index finger, LA on the middle finger, DZA on the ring finger, LEN on the little finger, and DRA on the thumb. YA is in between SWA on the right and HA on the left on the neck of the vase. All of these syllables remain like a moon filled with nectar.

RANG GI KHYOR WA'I CHU DOR JE'I NGAK KYI DE
WA CHEN PO'I RANG ZHIN DÜTSI'I GYUN ZEY MI
SHEY PAR GYUR PA DÜN GYI DZAM BHA LA'I ZHAL
DU PHUL WEY SHIN TU NYE SHING TSHIM NEY NOR
GYI NGÖ DRUB MA LÜ PA TSAL WAR GYUR
 

The water poured by my hand combined with the vajra mantras turn into an inexhaustible stream of nectar, the nature of supreme bliss. As I offer this into the mouth of Dzambhala in front, it extremely delights and satisfies him. He then grants wealth without limits. Contemplate in this way.
OM DZAMBHALA DZALENDRAYE SWAHA then,

OM INDRANI MUKHAM BHAMARI SWAHA - Bless with
this mantra. 


OM DZUM LUM SWAHA - Make offerings with one hundred
and eight mantras.


Then the offerings:

HUNG ME TOG THRENG SOG RIN CHEN DANG
HUNG Flower garlands, so forth and precious jewels,

DÜG PÖ NANG SAL DRÖN ME'I Ö
Incense, lamps and radiance of lights,

DRI CHOG ZHAL ZEY DÖ YÖN TSHOK
Exquisite scents, food offerings and sensual pleasures in
abundance,

BÜL LO NGÖ DRUB MA LÜ TSÖL
I offer to you, please bestow the siddhis without exception. 

OM DZAM BHALA SAPARI WARA PUSHPE DHUPE
ALOKE GANDHE NAIWIDYE SHAPDA PUDZA
SARWA SAMAYA HUNG Thus offer in this manner.

Then the praises:

HUNG MI KYÖ YE SHEY DOR JE SEM PA NI
HUNG The Wisdom Vajrasattva Akshobya

DRO WA DÜL CHYIR NÖ JYIN WANG PO'I TSHUL
Manifests as the powerful yaksha in order to tame sentient
beings.

NAM KHA'I DOG CHEN MA KYE CHÖ KU'I NGANG
He is in the color of the sky symbolizing the continuum of
unborn Dharmakaya,

LONG CHYÖ DZOK DZEY THÖ THRENG NE'U LE
NAM
He holds a blood filled skull-cup and a mongoose symbolizing
the perfect Sambhogakaya.

TRUL PA'I THUK JEY SEM CHEN ÜL PHONG SEL
Through compassionate emanation he dispels the poverty of
sentient beings.

ZHÖN DÖN LA ZHENG ZHAP NYI KYANG KUM
TSHUL
He has two legs with the (right) bent and (left) extended in the
aspect of benefitting others.

GEK CHING ZHÖN DANG THRO WO'I NYAM DEN
PEY
He is proud and youthful with a wrathful grace,

DRUB PO'I RE KONG THRIN LEY LHUN GYI DRUB
He spontaneously fulfills the wishes of practitioners through his
enlightened activities.

GÖN PO DZAM BHA LA LA CHYAG TSHAL TÖ
To you, Lord Dzambhala I pay homage.

DAG LA NOR DANG LONG CHYÖ NGÖ DRUB TSÖL
Please bestow on me wealth and possessions.

DZE MEY YIG GI CHAR CHEN BEB PAR DZÖ
Please make the great rainfall of inexhaustible wish-fulfilling
jewels.

OM DZAMBHALA DZALENDRA YE SIDDHI SIDDHI
GUNA HUNG HUNG

Thus offer praises and supplications in this way.

Inside the copper bowl, once again back to the beginning:
"
The right hand holding the great excellent treasure vase that
appears from the BAM syllable……." repeat until the praises and
supplication. 


In the end, join the palms of your hands together in the praying
pose:

MA NYE YONG SU MA TSHANG DANG
For whatever was lacking or incomplete

TSO WO NÜ PA MA CHIY PA
And mainly for not being able to generate the power of practice,

DIR NI GYI PA GANG NONG PA
Whatever mistakes that I have made here,

DE KÜN KHYÖ KYI ZÖ DZEY RIG
I request you to excuse me for all these.

Repeat this and the one hundred syllable mantra.

OM VAJRA SATTVA SAMAYA MANU PALAYA
VAJRASATTVA TENOPA TISHTHA DRIDHO MEBHAWA
SU TO SHYO MEBHAWA
SU PO SHYO MEBHAWA
ANU RAKTO MEBHAWA
SARWA SIDDHIM MEPRA YACCHA
SAR WA KARMA SU CA ME
CITTAM SHRE YAM KU RU HUNG
HA HA HA HA HO
BHA GA WAN SARWA TATHAGATA
VAJRA MAME MUNCA
VAJRI BHAWA MAHA SAMAYA SATTVA AH

If you have an object supporting the practice like a shrine or
statues etc, then recite:

OM DIR NI ZUK DANG LHEN CHIG TU
OM Together with this form of support

KHOR WA SID DU ZHUK NEY KYANG
Until the existence of samsara remains,

NEY MEY TSHE DANG WANG CHYUG DANG
May there be no sickness, but longevity and power,

CHOG NAM LEG PAR TSAL DU SOL
And may all supreme accomplishments be bestowed perfectly.

OM SUPRATISTHRA VAJRAYE SWAHA

Otherwise..

DAM TSIG PA RANG LA NYI SU MEY PAR THIM PEY
THÜ TOP DANG ZI JI PHUN SUM TSHOK PAR GYUR

Wisdom deities dissolve inseparably into me Samayasattva.
Their power, strength and splendor are accumulated perfectly in
abundance. Contemplate in this way.

GE WA DI YI KYE WA KÜN
Through this virtue, may all beings

SÖ NAM YE SHEY TSHOK DZOK SHING
Perfect the accumulation of merit and wisdom.

SÖ NAM YE SHE LEY JYUNG WA'I
Through merit and wisdom

DAM PA KU NYI THOB PAR SHOG
May the two bodies of enlightenment be attained! Recite other
dedication prayers and prayers of aspiration.


BEY DANG TSÖL WAY MA GÖ PA
Unsullied by effort and exertion,

YID ZHIN NOR BU PAG SAM SHING
Like wish-fulfilling jewels and trees

SEM CHEN RE WA KONG DZEY PA'I
Fulfilling the desires of sentient beings,

SAM PA DRUB PA'I TRA SHI SHOG
May there be the auspiciousness of accomplishing all wishes.

Thus recite auspicious prayers. MANGALAM!

The signs and benefits of accomplishing this practice as mentioned in the teachings are:

If one performs this practice hundreds, thousands or hundred thousand times, one will dream of crossing rivers, discovering treasures, fields of crops and abundant blossoms and forests; together with these signs one's wealth will increase. So recognize these signs.

From the cliff "Tamdring Gul (Neck of Hyagriva)," the speech emanation of the Lord, Guru Chokyi Wangchuk revealed this treasure teaching on the liturgy of the propitiating recitation relying on the water offering to the Black Dzambhala. Based on this teaching, I, Khyentse Wangpo, a follower fulfilling the wishes of the Lotus Born Lama, compiled this recitation practice. May this be a cause for beings to completely enjoy the nectars of the two accumulations!


KEYWORDS: Dzambhala, Zambala, Dzambala, Zambhala, Black Dzambala Sadhana, sadhana, English translation
Copyright (c) 2010 Haspori Press. All rights reserved. Used by permission.



Remember Padmasambhava: Chotrul Duchen 2010

DZAM LING JE WA TRAG GYAI ZHING KHAM SU
OR GYAN PE MA JE WA TRAG GYAI KU
GANG LA GANG DUL DE LA DER TON PAI
DRO DON GYE DZED OR GYAN RIN PO CHE

In the thousand million realms
There are a thousand million forms of Orgyan Padma
Who teach whatever is necessary for taming each individual being
--Prayer of the Stainless Biography

Mi Kha Dra Dok: Chotrul Duchen 2010


THE CONDENSED RITUAL FOR
AVERTING THE ENEMIES OF GOSSIP

Karma Raga Asyepa
(Karma Chakme)

RANG NYID THUK JE CHHEN PO'I THUK KA NAY OD ZER JANG GU THRO PAY TAM NGEN MI KHA THAM CHAY DOK PAR GYUR
From the heart-center of myself as the Great Compassionate One, there radiate green rays of light, which cast away all negative rumors and gossip.

OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH!

OM AH: HUR THUM MI KHA TAM NGEN THAM CHAY DOK
OM AH: Avert all trouble-making, negative rumors and gossip!

RILI! RILI!

OM MAHA DHEVA: DRA WO NI TRI NI SROK LA BAY CHHOD
OM MAHA DHEVA: Enemies, NITRINI! Completely sever their life-force!

BHYO: MI KHA NGEN PA GYUR
BHYO: Destroy all malicious bad rumors!

MI KHA NGEN PAY DRA WO MA RA YA
The enemy of malicious bad rumors, MARAYA!

THUM! THUM!

SHIK! SHIK!
Be gone! Be gone!

BAY BAY DRIL DRIL BHYO BHYO DOK
Send away! Send away! Throw out! Throw out! BHYO! BHYO! Avert!

GYA YI MI KHA DOK
Avert the negative rumors of a hundred!

TONG GI THRAM CHU DOK
Avert the lying lips of a thousand!

GYA KHA YER YER DOK
Avert the hundred mouths immaculately!

TONG KHA MER MER DOK
Avert the thousand mouths comprehensively!

NAY NA DOK
Avert the various kinds of illnesses!

DRA NA DOK
Avert the various kinds of enemies!

GYOD NA DOK
Avert the various kinds of disputes!

KUN NA DOK
Avert the various kinds of thieves!

MAK NA DOK
Avert the various kinds of wars!

NYI MA CHHOK ZHI TSAM GYAY KYI MI KHA TAM NGEN THAM CHAY DOK
Avert all of the negative rumors and gossip in the sun's four cardinal and eight intermediate directions!

NGEN SEM TSUR LA CHANG WAY DRA DRE THAM CHAY LA BAY BAY
Send away, send away all enemies and negative spirits who hold on to malicious intent!

DRIL DRIL
Throw them out! Throw them out!

THUM! THUM!

SHIK SHIK
Be gone! Be gone!

BHYO! BHYO!

DOK DOK
Avert! Avert!

BHYO DOK CHIK
BHYO: May they be averted!

This was composed by Karma Raga Aseypa. Virtue!

Translated by Erick Sherab Zangpo
Copyright reserved. May not be reproduced without prior written permission.

Best Wishes: Chotrul Duchen 2010

We send heart-felt prayers and all good wishes for your vigorous health, prosperity, happiness, and peace of mind in the year to come, with the knowledge that -- in accordance with our understanding and beliefs -- this will be multiplied ten million times on this most auspicious day, Chotrul Duchen, February 28, 2010.

The commemorated event stems from a circumstance in which the leaders of India's six principal philosophical schools challenged Buddha to a contest. Buddha displayed a different miracle each day for fifteen days, defeating his opponents, and inspiring many to embrace the Dharma. Today is reckoned as the final day of the fifteen.

The Condensed Hindrance-Averting Ritual
Jamgon Ju Mipham Rinpoche

MRA WAY SENG GE DAK GYUD JIN GYI LOB
Lion Amongst Orators, bless my mental continuum!
SRI KEG THAN TAY NGEN GYUR DU SOL
Please obliterate all spirit harm, hindrances,
bad omens, and negative signs!
GYAL PO'I CHAY PA PHAY KYI JIK PA LA SOK
Punishment by kings, the fears of opposing parties,
and so on,
TSAM DRU TSOD DANG GOL WA DOK TU SOL
Bickering, fighting, and contention:
avert them, I pray!

This was done by Mipham

Translated by Erick Sherab Zangpo
Copyright reserved

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Ninth Ogyen Tulku in Washington This Weekend

His Eminence the Ninth Ogyen Tulku Rinpoche will be in Washington, D.C. this weekend, February 27 and 28, as the very honored guest of Palyul Changchub Dargyeling: the formally sanctioned Palyul lineage center serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia,  personally established by the late Kyabje Penor Rinpoche as the legitimate lineage seat in the region, and now under the spiritual direction of Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche.

Ogyen Tulku will bestow the Guru Rinpoche as Medicine Buddha (Urgyan Menla) empowerment on the 27th, and will lead a Shower of Blessings puja on Chotrul Duchen, the 28th. Further details may be had by clicking this link to PCD's brochure.
If you are in the region, and wondering what to do for Chotrul Duchen, this is the place to go.
Posted by Anila

Friday, February 26, 2010

Mongolian Muffler: Updated

From Don Croner comes word that an extremely large truck lost its muffler near Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia, creating a traffic jam. According to the Mongolian Highway Patrolman at the scene, above, "Road hazards must be quickly attended to, before they are misidentified as UFOs by credulous Westerners. Its in the manual."

In a situation where over 2 million animals have died, you would think people might have better things to think about. That story has been buried, while the "Mongolian UFO" story gets the ink (or pixels, as the case may be).

Thanks to Don, who has been trying to get the word out that Mongolia needs help, for bringing such disparities to everyone's attention.

UPDATED: Thanks to an observant reader in Australia, we also now have the following:

"Two metal objects, one cylindrical and a smaller round one, crashed near Buren Soum in the Tuv province of Mongolia, in an empty field, on 19 February. They are parts of an American Delta II rocket stage (nr. 35939, 2009-052C) that launched the military STSS Demo 1 & 2 satellites in September 2009. Both articles linked above say that the larger of the two objects is 7.5 meters in diameter, but in this photo it looks more like 7.5 feet. It is marked with the serial number '02728.' (The military STSS program is intended for space-based detection and tracking of missiles.) In the months leading up to the February 19 orbital decay over Mongolia, the fall of the rocket stage was followed by amateur satellite trackers. Based on their final orbit determinations just hours before the decay, the decay must have occurred near 3:32 UTC on February 19."


Thursday, February 25, 2010

Bardor Tulku Suffers Stroke: UPDATED X2

The Third Bardor Tulku Rinpoche (b. 1950) has suffered what is described as a "serious" stroke, and is presently in Benedictine Hospital, in Kingston, New York.

UPDATED: One of our readers informs us: "Just found out that he is resting at the hospital and will likely be released in a few days. Good news, under the circumstances."

UPDATED: The following statement has just been issued by Kunzang Palchen Ling:
Dear Friends,
As some of you have already heard, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche experienced stroke-like symptoms the night before last. The effect was mild and the prognosis for full recovery is good. Rinpoche is tired but but comfortable. He has a room at the Benedictine Hospital where he is undergoing further testing. He may remain in the hospital for another couple of days.
Rinpoche appreciates everyone’s concern but he wishes to assure you all that he is feeling better and there is no need for anxiety.
Please do not call Rinpoche’s family but refer to updates on the KPL website.
With warm regards,
Lama Jim Dowiat
Vice President/Treasurer
Kunzang Palchen Ling

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Song Through the Window


'Liberation' is when you understood the mistake. 
-- H.E. IXth Ogyen Tulku

A few years ago, I was staying in a lovely house, on top of a hill the folks thereabouts were pleased to call a mountain. American orographers will reckon that "mountains" start at 1,000 feet, but I suppose that is another argument for another time.

I don't know what it was about the place. All summer long: on the hill that, in exaggerated thinking, pretended to be a mountain, the sparrows kept trying to fly through the windows. It was hot that summer, the aircon was running full blast, and the windows were tightly closed. 

This did not dissuade the sparrows.

I tried all sorts of remedies. I hung bells in front of the windows. I cut up tin foil into eccentric Shinto strips, and thumbtacked them to the eaves. I put up any number of prayer flags. It did not make any difference. You cannot, and most probably should not, waste a whole lot of earnestness trying to foolproof samsara.

Usually, when a bird strikes a window, it is knocked senseless. The bird recovers in a while. Not infrequently, they break their necks and die on the spot. These birds, which are so clever in most other matters, seem to learn nothing from experience. The ones who are knocked unconscious, and recover, seem not to pass knowledge of the experience on to their fellows. Indeed, you will often see the same bird repeatedly throwing itself at the same window. I am sure there is a scientific explanation, but I am too lazy to Google it out.

Maybe this is what becomes of kamikaze lovers.

The great guru inside of us, speaking to us through the dream of suicidal sparrows, loves with a continuous love that requires no self-sacrifice, because there is no self left to sacrifice. I would hesitate to call this love "immortal" because I am not deceived by clocks. So, I will call it a general, unfocused, self-replicating model: something like a river. What do we know about rivers? Well, we know one can never cross the same river twice. 

"Although one may meet a master and receive teachings, 
it is rare to recognize one's essence... ."
--Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche

Although the interior illustrator speaking to us through suicidal sparrows seemingly loves with a love like a river,  maybe it is not a love "like" anything at all. Maybe it is just the way things are, and does not need a whole lot of elaboration. What goes on inside, goes on inside. What we do to or for each other in the name of what goes on inside is not a river but a swamp. Trying to police others' experiences is like playing barefoot with the alligators in that swamp. 

A swamp is where a river dies. 

"General mental disorder has a cure, but religion madness has no cure."
-- H.E. IXth Ogyen Tulku

In our delusional, disordered thinking about the sublime dharma, in which we absolutely fetter ourselves with religion at the expense of spirituality, we expend all sorts of time and energy dreaming about who is teaching who. We have all these fabulous role models, like Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa; we have eighty-four really specific case studies; we have all sorts of advice about guru this and guru that.

Yet, one fine day, when it is right in front of us -- when it is right in front of us -- we miss the whole damn thing. We've read so many books, and listened to so many talks, that we've become intellectuals. Rather timid, cowardly pseudo-intellectuals, at that. If Tilopa shows up, we're locking the door. If Naropa starts any crap, we're calling the cops. Marpa? Call the lawyers. Trungpa Tulku? Carve him up and sell the pieces.

Intellectuals, like armchair generals, are rather bloodthirsty, aren't they? Always broadcasting their opinions hither and yon, contending with one another; chattering like simians, breaking off branches, and pounding them on the ground. They never really get anywhere, and they never really recognize anything. They just stay in suspension. They screech in imitation, like parrots, but the sound is meaningless. I was going to say they twitter like sparrows, but one does so wish to avoid assaulting the metaphor any more than is strictly required.

One also wishes to avoid assaulting the window, when it is ever so simple to turn around, fly away, count one's blessings, and mind one's own business.

If, having achieved your goals, you now take up the benefit of others without distinction, this is of course a rather different case. However, unless your recognition of the nature of mind is greater than that of a confused bird in blind flight, you might wish to avoid disturbing the magicians in the hills with the self-inflicted sickness of syllogistic thinking.

"If you think, 'I will have no karmic ripening even if I engage in the ten unvirtuous acts,' you should be able to accept the ten unvirtuous acts of others directed towards you -- even if it might result in your death. Can you do that?"
--Guru Shri Singha,
as quoted by
Guru Padma of Uddiyana
The Treasure of the Lotus Crystal Cave


I pitied the birds that summer, so I opened the window, and listened to whatever I might hear.

Maybe some sounds are no longer heard: maybe we have tampered the environment so thoroughly that some sounds have gone missing, or maybe it is simply that the times have changed.

Clip clop.

I remember a lazy morning in San Francisco, many years ago, the sun streaming in the windows of the house out in the Richmond District, and my friend asking me, "What in the world is that?"

It was only the mounted policemen, riding down Ba Muoi Sau Avenue, on their way to the stables over near the lake. The clip clop of horse hooves in the City That Knows How was once so common as to be unnoticed, but my friend ran to the window with her camera to take a photograph, thinking it a rare occasion.

These are little currencies that are often spent in the dharma lectures: these images employed to evoke other images -- to go past intellectualizing, into experience. Later, of course, we stop that nonsense: we stop trying to make something. Yet, for a time, it is useful.

Bow wow.

In the old days, it was not uncommon to hear dogs bark at night. This was quite distinctive. First one dog would start up, and then another. You would hear the barking progress through all the dogs in the neighborhood, and then fade away through distant dogs. Sometimes you might fancy that the dogs were tracking the progress of a stranger through the streets, but upon close examination, it seems they were just barking to hear themselves bark.

In the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, the inference is made that the dogs do not know why they bark. The one hears the other one, so he just barks without knowing what the other one perceives. As between a pack of dogs and any other matter there may be this analogy, but that is really as far as it goes.
Actually, there is one more thing -- which is to say that if there is something wrong with the pups, there is something wrong with the bitch.

Heard that in a Harry Potter movie.
When one is accustomed to dog dharma, coming face to face with authenticity can be confusing,  intimidating, and actually terrifying. One tends to project all of one's negativity into the experience: to make a punching bag of the experience. One believes that punching bags do not punch back, so one strikes out before retreating back to the safety and comfort of more familiar surroundings. One then tries, often repeatedly, to explain away one's failure by cowardly intellectualizing that one has "asserted" one's self.

Sooner or later, this degrades into ugliness. One becomes entangled in a large, poisonous vine.

There is no happy ending.

Autoposted


Drikung Kyobpa Choling Nears Completion

After four years of very hard work, the Drikung Kyobpa Choling Monastery, in Escondido, California is nearing completion. This is one of the finer, jewel-like projects in the United States, and like all things, they could certainly use your help. Click here and take a look around.

Posted by Anila


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Dudjom Rinpoche: On Meditation


So, here is a transcript of Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, Padmasambhava's Regent, teaching meditation. It is difficult to explain what that was like. These snippets and translations we find scattered around are, of course, rather magnificent, but they still cannot compare to the experience of being in his presence, listening to him speak.

He "took you with him," so for example, when he is speaking about relaxing and feeling spaciousness, you would begin to feel relaxed and spacious. What others sell, he gave quite freely. He would defy schedules, and planning, and if people wanted he would take as much time as seemed necessary. He did this because this is what he came here to do.

I found the following on the web, and my immediate thought was that I wanted to share this with you.

I set this up to auto-post today. While you are reading this, I am still on my "flexible boundary" retreat, fooling around with stupas, and pujas, and empowerments, and answering the odd question here or there (that is the flexible part), and the rest of the time just sitting around (that is the retreat part).

What are you doing?

o-0-o-0-o

Since everything originates in the mind, this being the root cause of all experience, whether “good” or “bad," it is first of all necessary to work with your own mind, not to let it stray and lose yourself in its wandering. Cut the unnecessary build-up of complexity and fabrications which invite confusion in the mind. Nip the problem in the bud, so to speak.

Allow yourself to relax and feel some spaciousness, letting mind be, to settle naturally. Your body should be still, speech silent, and breathing as it is, freely flowing. Here, there is a sense of letting go, unfolding, letting be.

What does this state of relaxation feel like? You should be like someone after a really hard day’s work, exhausted and peacefully satisfied, mind contented to rest. Something settles at gut level, and feeling it resting in your gut you begin to experience a lightness. It is as if you’re melting.

The mind is so unpredictable – there’s no limit to the fantastic and subtle creation which arise, its moods, and where it will lead you. But you might also experience a muddy, semi-conscious drifting state, like having a hood over your head – a kind of dreamy dullness. This is a manner of stillness, namely stagnation, a blurred, mindless blindness.

And how do you get out of this state? Alert yourself, straighten your back, breathe the stale air out of your lungs, and direct your awareness into clear space in order to bring about freshness. If you remain in this stagnant state you will not evolve, so when this setback arises clear it again and again. It is important to develop watchfulness, to stay sensitively alert.

So, the lucid awareness of meditation is the recognition of both stillness and change, and the quiet clarity of peacefully remaining in our basic intelligence. Practice this, for only by actually doing it does one experience the fruition or begin to change.

View in Action

During meditation one’s mind, being evenly settled in its own natural way, is like still water, unruffled by ripple or breeze, and as any thought or change arises in that stillness it forms, like a wave in the ocean, and disappears back into it again. Left naturally, it dissolves; naturally. Whatever turbulence of mind erupts- if you let it be – it will of its own course play itself out, liberate itself; and thus the view arrived at through meditation is that whatever appears is none other than the self display or projection of the mind.

In continuing the perspective of this view into the activities and events of everyday life, the grasp of dualistic perception of the world as solid, fixed and tangible reality (which is the root cause of our problems) begins to loosen and dissolves. Mind is like the wind. It comes and goes; and through increasing certainty in this view one begins to appreciate the humor of the situation. Things start to feel somewhat unreal, and the attachment and importance which one signifies to events begin to seem ridiculous, or at any rate lighthearted.

Thus one develops the ability to dissolve perception by continuing the flowing awareness of meditation into everyday life, seeing everything as the self-manifest play of the mind. And immediately after sitting meditation, the continuation of this awareness is helped by doing what you have to do calmly and quietly, with simplicity and without agitation.

So in a sense everything is like a dream, illusory, but even so humorously one goes on doing things. If you are walking, for instance, without unnecessary solemnity or self-consciousness, but lightheartedly walk towards the open space of suchness, truth. When you eat, be the stronghold of truth, what is. As you eat, feed the negativities and illusions into the belly of emptiness, dissolving them into space; and when you are pissing consider all your obscurations and blockages are being cleansed and washed away.

So far I have told you the essence of the practice in a nutshell, but you must realize that as long as we continue to see the world in a dualistic way, until we are really free of attachment and negativity, and have dissolved all our outer perceptions into the purity of the empty nature of mind, we are still stuck in the relative world of “good” and “bad," “positive” and “negative” actions, and we must respect these laws and be mindful and responsible for our actions.

Post-Meditation

After formal sitting meditation, in everyday activities continue this light spacious awareness throughout and gradually awareness will be strengthened and inner confidence will grow.

Rise calmly from meditation; don’t immediately jump up or rush about, but whatever your activity, preserve a light sense of dignity and poise and do what you have to do with ease and relaxation of mind and body. Keep your awareness lightly centered and don’t allow your attention to be distracted. Maintain this find thread of mindfulness and awareness, just flow.

Whether walking, sitting, eating or going to sleep, have a sense of ease and presence of mind. With respect to other people, be honest, gentle and straightforward; generally be pleasant in your manner, and avoid getting carried away with talk and gossip.

Whatever you do, in fact, do it according to the Dharma which is the way of quieting the mind and subjugating negativities.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Caesar of Ling?

For an example of what research can mean, click the link to visit yet another tour-de-force from the Tibet O' Logic blog (that is the Irish version), and watch as Gesar (or is that "Caesar") is expertly delimited and defined by a master.

Visiting the Tibet-o-Logic blog (that is the automatic version) is like attending a virtual shedra.


Sunday, February 21, 2010

Dalai Lama in Los Angeles

The Dalai Lama is in Los Angeles this weekend, where he will speak today on behalf of children. In an interview with Los Angeles Times reporter Mitchell Landsberg, he reports "no progress" as a result of his recent visit with Obama.

Posted by Anila


Weekly Tibetan Astrology: February 21 - 28, 2010

This lama in 1930s Tibet is tweeting way before tweeting became fashionable. 
Would you rather spend your time tweeting or practicing dharma on these auspicious days? Remember: everything you do this week is magnified. 
O.K., O.K., here is the Dalai Lama's address: @DalaiLama

February 21, 2010 - Chinese 8th, M-T-K 7th. Bird, Zon, White 8. Extremely favorable energies, particularly with respect to home, or living circumstances. Make the most of it.

February 22, 2010 - Chinese 9th, M-T-K 8th. Dog, Li, Red 9. Medicine Buddha Day. Tara Day. A day of considerable importance to the Kagyu (as is this entire week) and very high energy. Practice today will bring swift results.

February 23, 2010 - Chinese 10th, M-T-K 9th. Pig, Khon, White 1.  Mixed energies today. I'll take the glass that is half full.

February 24, 2010 - Chinese 11th, M-T-K 10th. Mouse, Dwa, Black 2.  Baden. Do not raise prayer flags. Guru Rinpoche Day. Today is also Terton Sogyal's Anniversary,  and the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa's birthday. Good day for long life practices, empowerments, and so forth. Note this is a yan kwong day. Try not to worry too much, or become fearful, and devote your efforts to taking steps that will help you in the long run.

February 25, 2010 - Chinese 12th, M-T-K 12th. Ox, Khen, Blue 3. Note the 11th day omitted in Tibetan practice. Very excellent energies today.

February 26, 2010 -  Chinese 13th, M-T-K 13th. Tiger, Kham, Green 4. Anniversary of the First Dodrupchen Rinpoche. Today is zin phung. Obstructed energies today. There may be some draining circumstances.

February 27, 2010 - Chinese 14th, M-T-K 14th. Rabbit, Gin, Yellow 5. Today is Milarepa's Anniversary. Extremely good energies today.

February 28, 2010 - Chinese 15th, M-T-K 15th. Dragon, Zin, White 6.  Chotrul Duchen. Today is the Display of Miracles, Garab Dorje's birthday, and Marpa's anniversary. The effects of positive or negative actions are magnified 10 million times today. Supporting energies, but don't get too carried away and act mindlessly in traffic or outside the house. Remain cautious and focus on practice in one place.

Naga observations for the first month: The only day to make Naga offerings this month is the lunar 25th (Dakini Day), and it should be elaborate. Do not make naga offerings on any other day this lunar month.

Consult our extended discussion of 2010 astrology by clicking here.

Published every Sunday at 00:01 香港時間 but written in advance and auto-posted. See our Introduction to Daily Tibetan Astrology for background information. If you know the symbolic animal of your birth year, you can get information about your positive and negative days by clicking here. If you don't know the symbolic animal of your birth year, you can obtain that information by clicking here. For specific information about the astrology of 2010, inclusive of elements, earth spirits, and so forth, please consult our extended discussion by clicking here.  Click here for Hong Kong Observatory conversion tables. Weekly Tibetan Astrology copyright (c) 2010. All rights reserved.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

No Accident

White House Chief of Protocol Capricia Marshall, wearing gloves,
shows the ice to the Dalai Lama, wearing sandals

Nothing that happens at the White House happens by accident. Meetings and other events are scripted with meticulous attention to detail, and security is omnipresent. As Americans, we all understand this.

Thus, when we see an ambush photograph taken in a heavily secured area -- and not by a pool photographer -- of the sandal-shod Dalai Lama being escorted out of the White House by the back door, and along a garbage-strewn path, it is because the White House wants to send us an explicit message.


Message received.

Posted by Anila


Friday, February 19, 2010

Jade Buddha Image Tours North America

The Jade Buddha -- seen above with the Dalai Lama, in Australia, was recently in Southern California, drawing substantial crowds at a Vientnamese temple in Escondido (north of San Diego). There is rather a fascinating story behind this image, and it is worth a look to learn more. This image was carved in Thailand from one single block of the so-called "polar" jade (nephrite that very much resembles Burmese jadeite), mined near the Arctic Circle. It is the largest Buddha in the world to be carved from such gemstone quality jade. The image is now in Florida, and you can get the complete tour schedule by clicking here.

Posted by Anila


Monday, February 15, 2010

Chagdud Yangsi Announced

Jigme Tromge Rinpoche selected Losar 2010 to make the long-anticipated announcement that the tulku of Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche has been recognized by Khenpo Ngagchung of Nyoshul Gonpa.

Posted by Anila

Gyaltrul Rinpoche Recuperating in Southern California

Gyaltrul Rinpoche, who recently suffered what is being characterized as a "mini-stroke," or transient ischemic event, is remaining in Southern California undergoing physical therapy to strengthen his weakened right side. Doctors report that the stroke did not result in arterial or cerebral damage and his recovery is anticipated.

In January, Rinpoche had been conducting brief public events in Ojai, California, but is now in seclusion.

It is being recommended that students accumulate the 100 syllable mantra, and daily Sengdongma practice, and hang Vajrakilaya or other prayer flags.

The Daily Practice Hand-Clapping [Reversal] of the Lion-Faced Dakini
KED CHIG RANG NYID KHANDROMA
Visualizing that I instantly become
SENG GE DONG CHEN KUR SAL WAI
The Lion-faced dakini
TUG KA NGAG KYI TRO DU YI
Through the radiation and reabsorbing of the mantra in my heart,
NÖD CHED MA LÜ TSAR CHED GYUR
All harm-doers are completely annihilated.
AH KA SA MA RA TSA SHA DA RA SA MA RA YA PHET
(Recite as many times as possible, after which:)
NAMO TSA GYUD LAMA YIDAM LHA
Homage to the lineage Gurus, the meditation Deities,
KHANDRO DÜD DUL DRAG MO YI
And to the wrathful mara-subduing Dakini,
DEN PA CHEN PO JIN LAB KYI
By the blessings of the Great Truth
CHAD KHA PHUR KHA BOD TONG SOG
May all curses, sorcery, black magic, and so forth,
MI TUN CHAG CHE NYAM NGA KUN
Dreadful, ominous, non-conducive obstacles,
DANG WAR CHED PAI DRA LA JHYO
And hateful enemies be reversed!
NOD PAR CHED PAI GEG LA JHYO
May the harmful obstructing forces be reversed!
DUD DRA CHED MAI TENG DU JHYO
May all negativities be sent back to the harmful maras and obstructers,
JE SHUL MED PAR DOK GYUR CHIG
Completely reversed with no trace remaining!
(Thus the reversal is performed.)
TROMÖ RIG NGAG NÜ PAI TU
By the strength of this wrathful female’s awareness mantra,
CHANG CHUB DRUB PAI BAR CHED DÜD
May the maras that cause obstacles to the accomplishment of awakening
NÖD CHED MA LÜ TSAR CHED NEI
And all harm doers without exception be annihilated,
SAM DÖN YID ZHIN DRUB PAR DZÖD
And may all intentions be achieved as though wish-fulfilling.
(Conclude with dedication and aspiration prayers. This was written by Jigdral Yeshe Dorje for daily mantra practice. Dzayantu)


Posted by Anila


Sunday, February 14, 2010

Karmapa's New Year E-Card

Click here to see the 17th Karmapa's innovative 2010 New Year e-card (as a shockwave flash file).

Posted by Anila


Losar Greetings: Iron Tiger 2010


You probably already know -- this is the Year of the Iron Tiger, and today, February 14, 2010, is Losar, or Tibetan New Year, 2137.

Sometimes, the Chinese and Tibetan lunar calendars differ in the first day of the first month, but this year, they do not. So, in Sino-Vietnamese practice, this is also the Lunar New Year day. It is also Valentine's Day in the United States.

I have gone on retreat -- with "flexible boundaries," as they say -- and I set this to post automatically, in my absence. We will resume regular publication on or before May 15, 2010. In the interim, there will be a few auto-posts to commemorate surprises, special dates, or pressing events.

LOSAR GREETINGS
VERY BEST WISHES
FEBRUARY 14, 2010
YEAR OF THE
I R O N  T I G E R

Weekly Tibetan Astrology: February 14 - 20, 2010

A large flock of vultures arrived on the final day of the Ox Year, 
and flew in a large circle several times. You can see about
25 of them in the above photo, but more than 200 came.


February 14, 2010 - Chinese 1st, M-T-K 1st. Tiger Li, White 1. Losar. Today is the first zin phung day in the Tiger Year. Today's energies are not inherently positive.

February 15, 2010 - Chinese 2nd, M-T-K 1st. Rabbit, Khon, Black 2. Duplicated lunar day. Obstructions can be overcome. Today's energies are not unfavorable but still so-so.

February 16, 2010 - Chinese 3rd, M-T-K 2nd. Dragon, Dwa, Blue 3.  Try not to think too much. Stick close to home.

February 17, 2010 - Chinese 4th, M-T-K 3rd. Snake, Khen, Green 4.  Devote today to practice and try to avoid conflicts.

February 18, 2010 - Chinese 5th, M-T-K 4th. Horse, Kham, Yellow 5.  Dueling energies make today difficult to navigate. Strive for harmony.

February 19, 2010 - Chinese 6th, M-T-K 5th. Sheep, Gin, White 6.  Beware the elements today. Avoid travel.

February 20, 2010 - Chinese 7th, M-T-K 6th. Monkey, Zin, Red 7.  Today is zin phung. Today is also drubjor (the only such day this month), but avoid marriage. Good for all other activities, but just to stay on the safe side, avoid putting out prayer flags.

Naga observations for the first month: The only day to make Naga offerings this month is the lunar 25th (Dakini Day), and it should be elaborate. Do not make naga offerings on any other day this lunar month.

Consult our extended discussion of 2010 astrology by clicking here.

Published every Sunday at 00:01 香港時間 but written in advance and auto-posted. See our Introduction to Daily Tibetan Astrology for background information. If you know the symbolic animal of your birth year, you can get information about your positive and negative days by clicking here. If you don't know the symbolic animal of your birth year, you can obtain that information by clicking here. For specific information about the astrology of 2010, inclusive of elements, earth spirits, and so forth, please consult our extended discussion by clicking here.  Click here for Hong Kong Observatory conversion tables. Weekly Tibetan Astrology copyright (c) 2010. All rights reserved.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Up To You

Here at Digital Tibetan Buddhist Altar, we are taking a moment to say hello and Happy New Year to family, friends, and over a quarter of a million readers scattered around the globe...

...and welcome to Tiger Road.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Gutor

Today is Gutor.
Get the Tibetan Astrology for 2010 Iron Tiger here.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Kalachakra Stupas

Although, on some levels, it may be said that what we understand as stupas actually exist in infinite variety, our general, common knowledge is of eight different types, commemorating or symbolizing eight different events in the life of the Buddha.

However, there is a ninth type -- seemingly rather rare -- of which there are at present but a handful in the world, and this is the Kalachakra Stupa.


Reportedly, the first to be constructed is at Bokar Monastery in India (1988), followed by one in East Tibet,  one in Hawaii (1991), and then one in Spain (1994). The next was built in Dharamsala, followed by one in Austria (2002). The largest one in the world, at Spiti, was consecrated in July 2009 by the Dalai Lama. There are indeed a few others, but not many.

The question I would like to put before the house is this: why don't we have one or more under construction in the mainland United States? I know we have one in Hawaii (1991), and another one in Indiana, but is there any new construction?


Anybody know where to get some engineering drawings for one of these?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Masks for the Retinue


I enjoyed a rare and auspicious birth, and an ocean of extraordinary fortune, but I squandered my opportunities. Despite early contact with the Dharma, and effortless access to many great masters, my life has come to nothing less than a mountain of sharp mistakes. Now, that Yamantaka's messengers have been sighted, it is too late to try anything fancy. Now, the only measure of usefulness rests in simplicity, like a child's A-B-C.

The teachings did not fail me, but I failed the teachings. Clinging to suffering and enlightenment, I  authored enduring future tragedy. In my bewilderment, I reckoned that if I did thus and such, then thus and such must surely happen. I hankered after this, and rebelled against that, churning mindlessly in the addicting stream of dichotomous rationalizations. There is naught but poison water in that stream. If you drink it, you will fall into a deep sleep. 

You will dream.

There is nothing worse for a magician than to believe in his own illusions. Should I feign surprise? The strong spirits and  agreeable companions that I used to conjure have all disappeared. Even to call them dreams is to give them undeserved dimension. They are less than vapor in the night. Yet, what precious time I wasted upon them. 

A dream of time that cannot be replaced.

Moths have eaten my beautiful cloth, rats have chewed the woven leather; money is all spent now,  friends are all gone, and even great gulps of air do not satisfy the thirst of breath upon mild exertion. 

The lovely ladies who reflected exhausted dawn in perfumed perspiration are like a thousand murders. Truly, all friends and family have become armed robbers and deceiving clowns. The gold that I wasted to put rouge on exquisite lips has become blood that I spit between broken teeth. 

The poems I wasted on absent lovers would have made better prayers to the ever-present deity had I managed to erase all distinctions of self and others. Why could I not liberate the imputation of true and false? You must know: every poem is an unborn prayer. You must suspect: ultimate truth is revealed as the after-effect of relative lies. Lying prayers about fictitious beings, in the hope of getting somewhere or the fear of going somewhere else, are no better or worse than whorehouse curses.

Whorehouse curses are mantras arriving from space.

Since whatever happens here is theater, maybe things aren't so sticky. Maybe we have skilfully painted ourselves into a corner, from which natural liberation is the only escape. Maybe... just maybe... if we stop trying to escape, and just let the paint dry, we can walk in all directions. That is the generous thing to do. The patient thing. The joyous thing. The numberless playwrights script no villain in the play entitled Hero of Awareness.

If the natural deity is indeed the unfabricated character of beginningless mind, then why bother waiting? Why not step into the paint, and leave footprints all over the stage?

There comes a time when practicing Dharma must finally transcend hope and fear.  Where all things are pure, what needs to be purified? Where phenomena are exhausted, can we measure phenomena? Or should we instead just arrive here, with masks for the retinue, on the wave of a loving heart?

Some audiences want a tragedy. Others want a comedy. 

Let the bawd holler her head off, and call it as you will.





Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Pacify the Fear of War and Weapons

 
  
 

From the Vajra Speech of the Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo,
here are the Words of Truth that Completely Pacify the Fear of War and Weapons

OM MANI PADME HUM

King of Great Loving Kindness, supreme Phakpa Chenrezik, King of Wrathful Ones, Hayagriva, Jetsün Drölma and others, just hearing your names dispels all fears. Sources of Refuge, quintessence of compassion, consider me: 

In this time of strife of the five rampant degenerations, when (the water from) the great lake of evil actions and jealousy gushes out, and beings are tormented by terrible suffering from fighting and quarreling, please dry it up by the fire of your wisdom and compassion. 
Upon the beings who burn with the fires of hatred, let fall a great rain of the nectar of loving kindness, and bless them to be calm and peaceful, and to have loving concern for each other, like parents. 

In whoever's mind a devil has entered, causing them to become demigod-like, (i.e. consumed by jealousy, engaging in constant warfare) eliminate all these devils completely, so they can never come to this area again. 

May all sentient beings who have died in war and fighting henceforth renounce all bad actions and their cause and effect, and be born miraculously in Dewachen, the Realm of Bliss: please lead everyone to that Buddha-field. 

May all beings have a long life free from sickness and, with all fighting and quarreling completely pacified, may they engage only in the ten virtues. 

May the rains fall at the right time, the harvests be excellent, and the animal herds stay healthy always. Please grant your blessing for goodness to flourish and increase forever, for all beings in all the worlds.
By the dharmata which is by nature perfectly pure, and non-deceptive cause and effect regarding (conditioned) phenomena, and by the compassion of the Lamas, Yidams and Three Jewels, may this completely pure, expansive wishing prayer be fulfilled.
 

When in the Minyag region of Kham the continuous conflicts and fighting could not be stopped, and and no one who tried was able to resolve them, at that time the Great Lord, the Mahasiddha (Thangtong Gyalpo) went there, feeling great compassion for them. 

After speaking the Words of Truth, by merely scattering some flowers, all malevolent thoughts of jealousy and hatred in everyone's mind were pacified, and the conflicts and fighting stopped for good; unusually abundant crops and marvelous occurrences - every kind of goodness arose. Therefore his Vajra Speech has great blessings.  

 [Very nicely done from Lama Karma Thinley Rinpoche.]