Melody 3

Melody of Dharma
An Introductory Teaching on Taking Refuge

by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin
B uddha Nature
A teaching by H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche
Global Ecological Crisis: An Aspirational Prayer
2010 No.3
His Holiness the Sakya Trizin
A Publication of the Office of Sakya Dolma Phodrang Dedicated to the Dharma Activities of
CONTENTS
3 From The Editors 5 Chogye Trichen Rinpoche / Nalendra Monastery 6 Remembering Great Masters Virupa 8 Virupa's Dohakosa 14 Global Ecological Crisis: An Aspirational Prayer
by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin
16 Taking Refuge 22 Buddha Nature
A teaching by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin (part 2)
A teaching by H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche
28 News From The Phodrang: Dungsey Akasha Rinpoche 29 The Khn Family 32 Dharma Activities 32 His Holiness' Visit to Arunachal Pradesh 34 His Holiness Russian and European Teaching Tour 46 Lamdre in Kuttolsheim 57 M ahavairocana Puja
A brief History by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin
59 Summer Retreat 59 His Holiness' Retreat House
Publisher: The Office of Sakya Dolma Phodrang Executive Editor: Ani Jamyang Wangmo Managing Editor: Patricia Donohue Supervising Editor: Terri Lee Art Director/Designer: Chang Ming-Chuan Photographs: Cristina Vanza
Editing Team: Mrs. Yang Dol Tsatultsang (Dagmo Kaldens mother), Danijela Stamatovic, Sherab Chden , Rosemarie Hemscheidt Cover Photo: Nalendra Monastery, Tibet
From The Editors
We are very pleased to welcome our readers to this, our third issue of Melody of Dharma, with a particularly warm greeting to our new subscribers. We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, whose generosity made this issue possible, and to all those who have contributed to the magazine in one way or another. Were very grateful for the donations, editorial collaboration and appreciative support that have been offered us during these past few months. Our principal aim is to keep our readers in close contact with the Gurus, their activities and their teachings, as well as with each other, and we ardently wish to be able to persevere in this endeavour. For this, we depend entirely on the generosity of our readers, and we hope that our pages will inspire them to participate in its continuance. We are happy to bring you in this issue the concluding part of His Holiness teaching on Taking Refuge, as well as the first part of a teaching by His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche on Buddha Nature. Also featured is a compelling poem by His Holiness that takes the issue of the environment to a spiritual plane and, in addition, Virupas Dohakosa, his piercing, vivid and beautiful Song of Realization. And lastly, a beguiling short history by His Holiness of the Mahavairocana Puja, and a brief explanation of its significance. Furthermore, this is a particularly special issue, as it includes a twenty-five page diary of His Holiness 2010 teaching activities in Northeast India, Russia and Europe. It is also special in that it is the bearer of very exciting news: the birth of His Holiness first grandson, Dungsey Akasha Rinpoche. We hope that you find these pages enjoyable, interesting and enriching. Yours in the Dharma,
The Editing Team
Melody of Dharma 2010 NO. 3
(1920-2007) was, during his time, the most senior lama of the Sakya Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and the supreme head of the Tsharpa branch of this lineage.
H.E. Chogye Trichen Rinpoche

is Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, Ngawang Khyenrab Thupten Lekshe Gyatso and a supremely accomplished scholar. He counted as of Tibetan Buddhism, including His Holiness the Dalai his disciples the throne holders of most of the lineages Lama, His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, and His Eminence Gyana Vajra Rinpoche. He was revered as an extraordinary teacher
2010 NO. 3 Melody of Dharma
His Eminence was an unsurpassable tantric master
and realized practitioner by his numerous disciples and by masters of all traditions, and held in the highest regard by anyone who had ever been blessed by his presence.
by King Birendra of Nepal, the only Buddhist monk ever to receive this tribute.
He was awarded the title Gorkha Dakshin Babu
Central Tibet, and the occasion was marked by many
His Eminence was born in 1920 in Tsang,
auspicious signs. He belonged to the Shalu Kushang family of the Che clan, which descends directly from the Clear Light Gods. The name Kushang, means royal maternal uncle, and the family bore it because so many of its daughters had been married to Sakya throne holders. The family was also unique in that every one of its generations had produced a minimum holders of Sakya monasteries.
Thirteen Golden Dharmas, the Greater and Lesser Mahakalas, and many more. His Eminence was an in Buddhist metaphysics. accomplished scholar, poet, historian and he excelled When the Chinese entered Tibet, His Eminence
of four sons, several of whom had become throne His Eminence was recognized by the 13th Dalai
fled to Mustang, where his sister was married to the King. Then, in 1962, he was asked by His Holiness Council for Religious and Cultural Affairs of the
Lama as the reincarnation of the previous Chogye
Rinpoche of Nalendra Monastery. As such, His Eminence became the 26th patriarch of Phenpo Nalendra Monastery, near Lhasa in Tibet. Nalendra, 1449), was, until its destruction at the time of the Chinese takeover, one of the most important Sakya monasteries in Tibet.
the Dalai Lama to act as Secretary General of the Tibetan Government in Exile in Dharamsala, India. He left for India, and carried out this duty until 1969, a vow which he and the King of Mustang had made when he went to Lumbini, in Nepal, in order to fulfill six years earlier while on a pilgrimage there: to build a monastery in the birthplace of the Buddha. In May 1975, Tashi Rabten Ling Monastery was inaugurated for all Buddhists who visit Lumbini. A newer and
founded in 1439 by Rongton Sheja Kunrig (1367-
enthroned at Nalendra, where he assiduously studied all the major texts and rituals of the monastery. From his root Gurus, the 4th Zimwog Rinpoche Kunga Tenzin and Dampa Rinpoche Shenphen Nyingpo,
When he was twelve, His Eminence was
and has since then become a place of pilgrimage larger monastery was later built nearby. Since its Sakya Annual Monlam Aspirational Prayer Festival.
he received all the major Sakya teachings and
inauguration in 2004, the latter has hosted the Great His Eminence also built the Jamchen Lhakhang
transmissions, principally the precious Lamdre, the
monastery in Boudanath, Nepal, where he lived until his passing into paranirvana in January of 2007. Thus, His Eminence established the new seat of
sleep only one hour, and this he always did sitting up.
the Tshar lineage in exile, perpetuating the tradition of the old Nalendra monastery in Tibet. His Eminence also established retreat centres in Nepal, Mustang, as well as dharma centres in Australia, New Zealand,
at age 87, he passed into Paranirvana. His Eminence
The degree of his realization became clear when,
remained in the state of Tukdam resting in the clear light of death during all of 15 days. His body was cremated at Jamchen Lakhang, and many auspicious signs accompanied the ceremony.
Hong Kong and Taiwan. During his lifetime, His Eminence spent many years in retreat, and dedicated most of his waking time practicing. He was said to
disciples, who eagerly await his return in rupakaya form.
He remains the heart master of numberless
Nalendra Monastery
T
he Nalendra monastery in Phenyul, in the Penpo District of Central Tibet, was founded in 1435 by the great Sakya master Rongtompa Sheja Kunzig, one of the Six Ornaments of Tibet. This great lama was born in the eastern country of Gyalmo Rong in 1367, Manjushri.
and is considered to have been an emanation of Arya He had memories of previous incarnations as
great masters from both India and Tibet, including
Kamalashila. His incomparable clarity as a teacher and faultless skill in debate won him the title Lion of Speech. Not only was he an accomplished scholar, but he The last eighteen holders of the Nalendra throne
was also known for his siddhis, such as resurrecting emanation.
have all belonged to the celestial Che clan. The
the dead, flying in the sky, and his power of He lived to the age of 84, at which time he left Nalendra owes its name to the famous Nalanda
two principal lines of Lamas who have tended to
Nalendras spiritual needs through the centuries, have Rinpoches. His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, supreme head of the Tshar tradition of the Sakyas, was Paranirvana in 2007.
been the Chogye Trichen Rinpoches and the Zimwog
this world for Tushita heaven. centre of learning in India.
the twenty-sixth throne holder until his passing into
Remembering Great Masters:
Virupa

he great master Virupa is one of the celebrated
ancient India. He became the first human holder of the Lamdre, the core tantric teaching of the Sakya
eighty four mahasiddhas, or tantric adepts, of
tradition, which he received directly from Nairatmya, Lord Hevajras consort. Master Virupa, was born in the seventh century
to a royal family in Bengal, in the eastern province of Tripura, during the reign of Kind Devapala. At a very young age, Virupa
was ordained as a monk at Somapura Monastery in North Bengal. After the famous Nalanda Monastery, where completing his studies there, he entered he received his bhikkhu ordination from Dharmamitra, the Abbot of Nalanda, at which time he was given the name Dharmapala. It was only after attaining
Siddhis that, because of his unorthodox himself Virupa (the Wicked One).
behaviour, Dharmapala started to call At Nalanda, Dharmamitra gave
Virupa Vajrayana teachings and in He became so renowned for his learning
particular the Chakrasamvara Tantra. that after the passing away of his teacher, he succeeded him as abbot of Nalanda monastery. During the day he gave Mahayana teachings to the monks, taught debate, and composed texts. At night
and in secret, however, he undertook M a n t r a y a n a p r a c t i c e s . Ye t , a f t e r
practicing in this way for a very long period of time, he experienced no significant signs of progress or accomplishment. Worse still, he began to have dreams which he interpreted as ill omens. Virupa thought that perhaps he did not have the necessary karmic connection with tantric practice and so, disillusioned, he threw his mala into the latrine, and decided to teachings. devote his full-time efforts to giving Mahayana But on that very night, Nairatmya appeared to Noble son, do not act in this way. Pick up your
Yidams, Virupa arranged for a Ganachakra feast where meat and wine were included as offerings. This made the monks highly suspicious and Virupa, not
In order to express his gratitude to his Guru and
wishing to cause controversy and demean the Secret monastery.
Teachings, declared himself wicked and left the Virupa then traveled far and wide, and became
known for his magical powers, which he used to
him, and told him:
defeat enemies of the Dharma. He is famously known
to have parted the waters of the Ganges twice and, in a spectacular show of crazy wisdom, stopped the course of the sun for three days so that the tavern where he
rosary, clean it, and take up your practice again. I am the deity with whom you have a karmic connection and I will bestow my blessings upon you".
was drinking would stay open and keep serving him. On the course of his journeys, he met Dombi Heruka and Krishnacharin, who became his first two disciples. Later, he built a temple and established a monastery in Sowanatha, where he ordered the suspension of animal sacrifices.
him again in her mandala of fifteen goddesses, and she bestowed upon him the four initiations, upon which then realised the true meaning of his dreams, which evening onwards, Virupa attained a new Bhumi each became a bodhisattva of the sixth bhumi. he reached the First Bhumi, the Path of Seeing. Virupa he had wrongly interpreted as ill omens. From that night and, on the night of the twenty-ninth day, he
The following evening Nairatmya appeared to
stone image, with his right hand pointing at the sun, that this paint can turn base metal into gold.
When he died, he is said to have dissolved into a
and holding a pot of gold paint in his left. It is said
Virupa's Treasury of Dohas

Homage to Sri Vajrasattva Homage to Blessed Nairatma E ma ho! The mahamudra is completely pure by nature like space. Since the reality of the demonstrated object does not exist, it cannot be expressed through the medium of conventional words, the essence without proliferation by nature is free from all dependent phenomena, cannot be investigated or examined, free from demonstrative examples, also not abiding in freedom from examples, beyond the domain of the mind, not eternal, not annihilated, not samsara or nirvana, not apparent, not empty, not real, not unreal, not non-arising, not the original dharmata, and also not beyond mind, also not non-being because being and non-being cannot be expressed with the mind, not connected with any dualistic phenomena, originally homogenous. Even the explanation of the activities of defining the essence, equivalent with the fallacy of those false horns of a rabbit being sharp or dull, all phenomena are not different from that characterization. The relative phenomena of the world however they appear are without essence, mere names, mere sounds, mere designations, not the slightest bit of difference between names and meanings exists, innate from the beginning, not to be sought elsewhere, the nature of the mind, without a name, mahamudra free from proliferation, it is equivalent with the nature of space, without a name from the beginning, non-arisen by nature, free from the proliferation of signs, all-pervading, unmoving and unchanging like space, empty throughout all time and always selfless, not the characteristic of concept, like a mirage of a river, not bound, not liberated, having never moved from the original state.
All sentient beings are emanations of mahamudra, the essence of those emanations is the forever non-arising dharmadhatu, also all characteristics of dualistic appearances, happiness, suffering and so on, are the play of mahamudra, the original dharmata. Because there is no truth and nothing on which to rely in play itself, reality never transcends the seal of emptiness. Some are completely tortured with empowerment rites, some always count their rosary saying hum phat! some consume shit, piss, blood, semen and meat, some meditate the yoga of nadi and vayu, but all are deluded. E ma ho! Having been connected with a sublime Guru, one should realize as follows: because there is some kind of delusion, true realization does not exist, free from any extremes of partiality or bias since there is nothing to realize and no realization, the homogenous original state is neither with nor without [extremes]. If one realizes in this way there is definitely no-one else to ask. Since diversity appears as the dharmakaya, a mind that accepts and rejects never arises. There is nothing to meditate or not meditate, and nothing is covered with characteristics, one should never depend on apparent and non-apparent objects, a mind with action and agent does not exist, free from all objects, a mind with hope and fear does not exist, turned away from all attachments, if one realizes the original reality shown by the Guru, the diversity of recollection and awareness automatically dissolves into the dharmadhatu, consciousness does not remain on an object, since one is free from all attachment and grasping, all phenomena are liberated in the uncontrived original state.
If one is not attached to anything, free from the stain of pride and so on, devoted, totally connected with the sublime ones, and free from mental activity of any kind, there is no doubt one will be immaculate, because one is purified of a knower and objects of knowledge, the direct perception of dharmata will arise. If one has not realized original mahamudra, since one is always attached to everything because of the power of dualistic grasping, thoughts arise in the mind like the stream of the variety of blurred vision, not abiding in the non-erroneous ultimate, one cycles and wanders in samsara. Because of attachment and grasping to all the fame and offerings, and the arising of great hearing, reflection, and intellectual comprehension, good experience, siddhis, blessings, and the signs of power, the contrived path is ultimately a stain, the wise do not entrust their minds to them. If one is interested in those things and falls into the two extremes, because it is the root of cycling in the cycle of samsara, look, what is the mountain of the mind that is the root of everything? If one becomes free from the mind because it is not seen when looking, liberation is certain. Since the mind does not indicate The dharmadhatu is this, both meditation and an object of meditation do not exist in that,
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rest in the undistracted state without any concepts of existence and non-existence. If one intellectualizes emptiness, non-arising, beyond mind, freedom from extremes and so on in any way, not dwelling in actual reality, one will be very distracted. Rest in a relaxed state disregarding empty or not empty. Letting go in the state of independence without meditating or not-meditating, be just like a zombie, without a mind that accepts or rejects. If one dwells in my state through knowing reality as it is, the traces of the characteristics of dualistic appearances will be quickly destroyed. If one is distracted by characteristics without dwelling in the state of realization, one will not be able to avert the traces of the characteristics of dualistic appearances, though it seems a particle is in the eye of one with ophthalmia, the ophthalmic appearance cannot be repaired without curing the eye disease. Intellectualizing reality, attachment to meditation experience, cultivating and meditating on the actual true state are causes of deviation. Because attachment and aversion arose towards conducive conditions, one is bound. All negative disharmonious conditions are sublime siddhis, since negative conditions intensify the yogins experience, since one understands the true state of negative conditions without avoiding them, train in them, maintain that, and practice until coming to the conclusion of experience and realization, just as a good horse is encouraged by a quirt.
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If yogis with good experience lack the companion of conduct, as that is not possessed, it is like people without feet. Train in the actual ultimate real state free from attachment, giving up nothing, accomplishing nothing, attached to nothing, purifying nothing, rejecting nothing, the best of the very best behavior is whatever feels good to ones body. Though relatively, the Buddhas have the great confidence of a dead body, they diligently do whatever possible without abandoning the great mass of sentient beings. Though fearless, without fearful thoughts towards samsara, refrain from even the slightest wrong action. Though phenomena are realized to be empty like space, free from an origin, give up attachment and aversion having destroyed all strong attachment. Though one realizes the meaning of the great transparent Dharmata free from extremes, while one has not attained stability keep ones experience and realization secret from others. Though one realizes that ultimately both self and other do not exist, relatively, think on the great benefit of migrating beings. Though one has the confidence that does not depend on the guidance of others, place the very kind Guru on the crown of ones head. The one with attachment and grasping will debate everyone, contrary conduct not in conformity with tradition is a deviation. Since there is no object of perception and no perceiver, difference is liberated in its own state. Since the experiencer is destroyed, one is free from all effort and practice. Since the result to attain is destroyed, one is liberated from all hope and fear. Having totally uprooted I and mine, one is victorious in the war with Mara.
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Since realism is destroyed in its own state, one is liberated from samsara and nirvana. Since Rigpa is pure in the basis, it is called Perfect Buddhahood. Since phenomena and mind are exhausted in the state of exhaustion, therefore it is explained as nirvana, uncontrived, unchanging, totally liberated from everything to be given up or to attain. E ma ho That great profound term mahamudra, whatever its basis of designation is, also has the label empty; as moments are empty by nature, who realizes selflessness? There is no realizer, just a name, a term, a label. Also that is not perfect, a projection of disciples, also in disciples there is no self, similar with illusions and emanations Mahamudra is a mental imputation of the childish. Delusion and non-delusion are mere names, mere labels, who is the person to feel or be aware of delusion? If not even an iota of the result, nirvana, exists, and is not perceived, liberation and non-liberation is an adventitious reification, Nothing exists in peaceful and pure space, so what is the path of liberation? Ultimate and relative are also just emphatic labels, but the two truths dont exist in the dharmadhatu, the dharmadhatu does not exist. The Treasury of Dohas composed by the lord of Yogis, Virupa, is complete. ( Doha: Song of Realization). Reproduced by kind permission of Lama Tseten Migmar
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Global Ecological Crisis:

by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin
When I pray one-pointedly, with fervent faith and devotion, To the Lord Buddha, to the master Padmakara, to Padmapani, To the venerable Tara and other deities In whom the Three Precious Jewels are all gathered, I beseech you to direct your enlightened intention compassionately toward us From the invisible expanse of reality!
An Aspirational Prayer
All aeons of time that are illustrious in lifespan and merits are destroyed By ill-intentioned thoughts and deeds, and by evil barbarity. Will you not therefore direct your enlightened intention compassionately Toward living beings who, lacking positive opportunities, Commit an enormous mass of degenerate actions, embodying the five degradations? Due to rapacious greed that covets the worlds resources Trees and forests are cut down and so forth, Causing an imbalance of the rainwater element. May you swiftly and compassionately protect Living beings who fall into such disastrous circumstances! In order that countless diverse machines might be brought into service There is unlimited excavation of mines, and through these actions The abodes of celestial, aquatic and terrestrial spirits are imbalanced. Grant your blessings therefore that afflictions associated with the elements might be assuaged The air is being polluted by billowing clouds of smoke from countless factories, And through this primary cause, The whole world trembles due to unprecedented diseases. Grant your blessings that it may be protected from such states of misery! In particular, due to insatiable desires and cravings, Coarse human behaviour pulverizes the physical world and its organisms, Giving rise to an imbalance of the four naturally occurring elements.
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Grant your blessings therefore, that the mundane aggregates Might be pacified right where they are, without causing harm! The poison of global warming due to the harnessing of machines in all places and times, Is causing the existing snow mountains to melt, And the oceans will consequently bring the world within reach of the aeons end. Grant your blessings that it may be protected from these conditions! Moreover, there are incurable skin diseases that arise From the breaching of the natural ozone canopy Which inhibits the intolerable and terrifying poisonous radiation of the sun. Grant your blessings that these may be pacified, remaining behind in name alone! In brief, dependent on strong desire and craving, This world generated by ordinary past actions Is beginning to be swiftly transformed into a desert. Grant your blessings that the negative past actions which are responsible Might cease, right where they are! Although the entire mass of defects that afflict the physical world and its living organisms Has been engendered by the dissonant mental states associated with past actions, Comprising all primary and secondary dissonant mental states, Even so, through the unfailing power of truth, of the Three Precious Jewels, I pray that all the points of this aspirational prayer may be fulfilled! This prayer was composed by Ngawang Kunga of the Dolma Palace, throne holder of Sakya, in accordance with the repeated exhortations of Dr John Stanley, conveyed with the great clarity of higher aspiration, with regard to the impending catastrophe that now confronts the environment and living organisms in all parts of the world. May its aspirations be accordingly fulfilled! (Translated by Dr Gyurme Dorje)
His Holiness parting words to His disciples at the end of the Lamdre teachings that took place in July and August in the French town of Kuttolsheim were that the most pressing issue facing our world today was the state of the environment. His Holiness said that if things were allowed to worsen, our world could turn into a hungry ghost realm, and He pointed out that we, as Bodhisattvas, had the duty to protect it and to promote its wellbeing. His Holiness added that although we hadnt yet attained Buddhahood, and therefore could not avert war, pestilence and natural disasters, we should nevertheless strive to bring whatever contribution we could to the safeguarding of the environment. His Holiness said that the most useful way that we could help was by awakening as many minds as possible to the magnitude and urgency of this issue.
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Taking Refuge
A teaching by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin
(Continued from the previous issue) The very first step in practicing the Dharma is to purity in the sense that all temporal obscurations are also totally eliminated. And such a state is realized through awareness, or through primordial wisdom. Such a state, the primordial wisdom that realizes ultimate truth, which possesses double purity, is the Dharmakaya. So that is the most important body. And because They have attained this, the Buddhas have take refuge. There are five aspects to taking refuge: the cause of taking refuge, the object of refuge, the way to take refuge, the benefits of taking refuge and, lastly, the rules of taking refuge. The first aspect, the cause of taking refuge, we So now, we will look at the second aspect, the
have already discussed in the previous issue.
object of refuge. The object of refuge is the same
for all Buddhists, whether they belong to Hinayana, in the Triple Gem. But on closer examination, there
Mahayana or Vajrayana. All Buddhists take refuge is a difference. According to Mahayana, and also to
Vajrayana, when we say Buddha, we refer to someone free from all forms of obscurations - the obscuration
who is totally awakened, someone who has become of defilements and the obscuration of knowledge, including their propensities. Someone who has three kayas. attained the highest qualities, and who possesses the Of the three kayas, or bodies, the most important
one is the Dharmakaya. Dharmakaya means the ultimate truth, or the true nature of all phenomena it is similar to the Dharmadatu, or ultimate reality, which is totally free of all obscurations. It is also
called double purity. Double purity means not only the basic purity that everyone possesses, but also
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gained all the qualities and have eliminated all forms of obscurations. And so, in order to help sentient beings, and while ceaselessly remaining in this state of Dharmakaya, They appear in a form - but the Dharmakaya is actually formless, it has no form, it is beyond description, it cannot be comprehended by our relative minds. In order to help sentient beings, the Buddhas,
beings, the Buddhas appear in Nirmanakaya form.
This is different from the Sambhogakaya, in the sense
that when there are worthy followers, the Nirmanakaya not appear, but enter into Paranirvana. The form is not necessarily in the Buddha's form, in that whenever,
appear. When there are no worthy followers, they do
wherever, and whatever form is required, the form situation, to that particular circumstance. The Buddhas
while remaining in such a state, take on a form that
will appear that is most beneficial to that particular will appear in that particular form to help sentient beings. So the historical Sakyamuni Buddha is also actually a Nirmanakaya. But He's known as an excellent Nirmanakaya because even ordinary persons the eighty qualities and so forth. saw Him as a Buddha with the thirty-two signs and So the Buddha is the first object of refuge. The
is helpful to the pure disciples, the higher followers.
For the benefit of the higher followers, the Buddhas
appear in the Sambhogakaya form. Sambhogakaya means the body of enjoyment. The Sambhogakaya is said to have the five certainties: the certainty of the certainty of teachings, and the certainty of surroundings. Here, the surroundings refer to the
place, the certainty of time, the certainty of form,
followers. The place is not anywhere, but always in is known as Akanishta. Here, there is no time, there
second object is the Dharma. Dharma is a Sanskrit
the highest Buddha Akanishta, the Buddha Field that is no such thing as birth or death, but it is there all the It does not appear in different forms, but always in
word and it has many different meanings but here, we are referring to the Holy Dharma. The Dharma Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who have attained a high realization, wherein They describe and explain to Dharma of teachings. disciples the meaning of this realization. This is the The teachings are one Dharma, but they are has two aspects. One relates to the teachings of the
time, constantly remaining in the form of the Buddha. the Buddhas form, the fully enlightened Buddhas form, adorned with the thirty-two signs and eighty but always the highest Mahayana teachings. And the the highest Bodhisattvas, Bodhisattvas who are the Bodhisattvas who have already gone beyond the five certainties. qualities. And it does not impart different teachings, disciples are not ordinary persons but Bodhisattvas, already on the stage of the ten bhumis. In other words, worldly path. So it is that the Sambhogakaya has the And then, in order to help ordinary sentient
divided into different categories, for example according to subject or time, but normally they are presented as the Tripitaka. Tripitaka means 'Three Containers'. The purpose of teaching the Dharma is to subdue, to tame the defilements. And so, in order
to subdue desire, the Buddha taught the Vinaya, the conduct, for instance, the lay and monastic vows.
first Container, which explains all aspects of moral Then, the second Container is called the Sutra.
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The Buddha taught the Sutra, which explains all the meditations and the different levels of meditations, in order to subdue hatred.
the real Dharma is the genuine Truth that is realized
by the Buddhas and the Bodhisattvas. This is what we take refuge in, so the second object of refuge is Dharma.
the third Container, the Abhidharma, which explains wisdom, or ultimate truth.
Then, to subdue ignorance, the Buddha taught
the teachings of the Buddha. In fact, the real Dharma is contained in the realizations that the Buddhas and have permanently eliminated all obscurations. This is the Truth of Cessation. The real Dharma is also the Path that leads Bodhisattvas have attained, and in the fact that They
So this is one aspect of the Dharma, the aspect of
The word 'Sangha' actually means 'Community'. So the
And then the third object of refuge is the Sangha.
Sangha means anybody, from the highest Bodhisattva
down to the ordinary person, anybody who has entered the Buddhist path. But the true Sangha are the Bodhisattvas who have already gone beyond the worldly path, and who have already reached the irreversible state, who are sure to advance on the path to Buddhahood. These are the true Sangha. So these are the three objects of refuge: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
to the Truth of Cessation. The path that leads to uncontaminated primordial wisdom, that becomes a direct antidote to the obscurations, is the Truth of Path. The Truth of Cessation and the Truth of Path, the last Dharma. They are the true Dharma. two of the Four Noble Truths, are another aspect of the The Tripitaka is just a teaching that is given, while
refuge. The way we take refuge is by taking the embarking on a new enterprise, we need someone to
And now the third aspect is the way we take
Buddha as our guide. Even in ordinary life, if were guide us through. In the same way, we take refuge
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in the Buddha as guide and teacher on our path. But although the Buddha has great power, it is not by using His power alone that He can save sentient beings. If we constantly commit negative deeds, whatever
persons who share our goals and aspirations. In the same manner, when we embark on the path of Dharma, it is very beneficial to depend on fellow practitioners, so we take refuge in the Sangha. This is the way we take refuge. As I mentioned earlier, we normally explain the
blessings we receive from the Buddha can just bring Buddhas teachings. Rather, in order to help beings,
us temporary solace. This has nothing to do with the the Buddha shows us what is right and what is wrong, He teaches us how to remain on the right path. The Whether or not we follow this path is up to us. Buddha said: I have shown you the path to liberation. We also take refuge in the Dharma. Refuge in
refuge according to five aspects. The first one is the cause of refuge, which is fear, faith and compassion. The second is the object of refuge, which is Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. And the third is the way we take our actual path, and Sangha as our companions. refuge, how we take Buddha as our guide, Dharma as Now the fourth aspect is the benefit of taking
the Dharma is our actual path, the real saviour. For a good doctor, but we must also make an effort to
example, when we are ill, it is important to have follow his instructions, to take the medicine that he
refuge. The benefit of taking refuge is said to be
enormous. Even by merely hearing the refuge, even gain an enormous amount of benefit. So if, with
has given us, and to avoid conditions that will inhibit our recovery. Similarly, the Buddha is like a doctor, take medicine, we must practice the Dharma in order and the Dharma is like the medicine. And, as we must to recover from our samsaric state. We talk about the Wheel of Dharma. As the wheel of Dharma turns, the Buddhas teachings and His wisdom are transferred to the disciple. It is then up to the disciple to put these teachings into practice, and this way progress along
by merely hearing the name of the Buddha, we can very sincere devotion and faith, we take refuge in the
Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, the merit that we earn is immeasurable. If it had a physical form, even the whole of space would be too small to accommodate such a huge amount of merit. And then also, by taking refuge, we change from the ordinary path to
the Dharma path, from the wrong path to the right
the path. Every time the wheel of Dharma turns, we we progress further along the path.
path. And also we change from being a non-Buddhist
receive new teachings, we put them into practice, and And we take refuge in the Sangha, our
to a Buddhist. By taking refuge, we become real Buddhists, not just in name but from our very core, and the Dharma protectors look after us. The fifth aspect is the rules of the refuge. For
companions along the path. For example, if we are
undertaking a long and arduous journey, it is important it is always helpful to be accompanied by like-minded
example, if we take refuge in another country, then we must abide by the rules and regulations of that country. If we do not keep the rules and regulations of the country that is giving us shelter, then of course we
to have worthy companions. Whatever our endeavour,
19
get into trouble. So similarly, after taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, we also have to observe the rules of this refuge. There are general rules and specific rules to the refuge. The general rules are five. The first one is that,
us much to recite cave. Rather, in order to be safe from the rain, we make the effort to find shelter in a cave, or in a house, so that were spared from the rains. So similarly, although recitation is also important, the crucial thing is that, from the depths of one's heart, one takes refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. And also good to encourage other people to take refuge.
no matter what, even at the cost of our life, we should never give up the Triple Gem, the Three Precious Jewels, the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
so, it is important to practice diligently, and then, it is The fifth rule is that, whatever we are doing,
arises, we should not seek other means, but always seek the guidance and the blessings of the Triple Gem. And the third one is to make offerings to the
Second is that, whatever happens, whatever need
wherever we are going, we always remember the
Buddha. And particularly, wherever were facing, to remember the Buddha of that particular direction. For example, when we are going to the east, to remember
Triple Gem on a daily basis, and if this is impossible, then it is important to make daily offerings, such as
then at least on special occasions. If we have a shrine, water offering, flowers, incense, fruit, etc. If we do not
the Buddha Akshobya, when were going to the south,
to remember the Buddha Ratnasambhava, and when were going west, to remember the Buddha Amitabha, and so on. We must at least remember the Buddha all the time, day and night. These are the five general rules. Then there are
have a shrine, then we should make offerings in the and new moon days and, more importantly, on the
temple, especially on special days, such as full moon Buddha's special days, such as that of His Birth, His Enlightenment, His Descending from the Heavenly Realms, Dharmachakra day, and so forth. And then, the fourth rule is to practice refuge very
the specific rules. One specific rule is that, after taking refuge in the Buddha, we cannot take refuge in the worldly deities. Worldly deities refers to deities who
diligently. Even though it is important to recite the
are not free from the defilements, who are still tied to samsara. To these deities we can make offerings, but between taking refuge and paying respect, or taking refuge and making offerings. we can't take refuge in them. There is a vast difference
refuge lines, 'I take refuge in the Buddha, I take refuge in the Dharma, I take refuge in the Sangha', these words alone are not enough to lead us to liberation, unless they come from the depths of our hearts. When we truly take refuge in the Triple Gem, it means that we are totally submitting ourselves to the Buddha,
can't harm any sentient being, at least not intentionally.
And then, after taking refuge in the Dharma, we And by taking refuge in the Sangha, we can't take
Dharma and Sangha, that we rely entirely on their rain and we seek a cave to give us shelter, it wont help
guidance. For example, if we need to escape from the
non-believers as our spiritual companions. There are
also other rules - for example, after taking refuge in the
Buddha, we cannot show any disrespect to any image
20
of the Buddha, even to the broken pieces of a Buddha
statue. Its not right to leave any representation of the towards it in any way.
even to any piece of yellow or saffron-coloured cloth.
Buddha on the ground, or step on it, or lack respect In the same way, we cant show disrespect to the
faith in the Buddha, and to practice the Dharma very
We must also try to develop genuine devotion and
diligently, as much as we can in relation to our ability and circumstances, by studying, contemplating and and genuine relationship with members of the Sangha. refuge. meditating. And we must try to develop a very close So this, in general terms, is how we explain the
Dharma, even to pieces of paper that contain Dharma words, by leaving them on the ground, sitting on them or stepping on them, and so forth. We should show the same respect for the monastic Sanghas robes, and
21
Buddha Nature
T
o begin with, Id like to stress the importance of motivation in our practice. Whether we are receiving a teaching on Buddha nature or any other teaching, or whether we are practicing the Buddha Dharma through body, speech and mind, the first step is to develop the right motivation. It is said that very, very important. the accumulation of great merits due to virtuous
A Teaching by H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche
deeds depends on ones motivation in the beginning,
concentration on the actual practice or teaching, and
ones dedication at the end. Therefore, motivation is For example, if two persons are circumambulating
the Buddhas stupa. One is doing the circumambulation
with right motivation in the beginning, right also dedication at the end; the other one is doing the circumambulation without proper motivation in the beginning and, during the circumambulation, he or she
concentration during the circumambulation, and
is not concentrating on dharma or reciting any mantras but talking about mundane things with others, and he or she does not dedicate the merits properly at the circumambulations of the same stupa, but the one with end. Physically both have done the same number of proper motivation will earn far greater merits than the other one. Therefore, if we seek to accumulate great Buddhahood, we must do the practice properly by developing right motivation in the beginning. merits and make our practice a real cause of attaining
of all developing renunciation thought towards the whole of samsara. This is very, very important. In to become a real Buddhist. short, without the renunciation thought, it is difficult In order to become a real Buddhist, we need to
And here, developing motivation involves first
take the Pratimoksha vows. There are many different
levels of the Pratimoksha vows, and in order to become a Buddhist, we need to take the refuge
22
vow inherent in the Pratimoksha vows. It is also important to know that not all refuge vows constitute Pratimoksha vows. For instance if one is receiving the refuge vow from the master, with the proper ritual, as fear of ones parents, teacher, or relatives, and not
a developed country or in one that is less advanced,
we will never find a single place where there is no suffering at all. Wherever we go, east or west, we experience suffering mental stress, or physical pain, the nature of suffering. The whole of samsara is in the nature of suffering. After careful examination,
but one is receiving it with inferior motivation such out of ones own sincere aspiration, in reality this refuge vow is not the Pratimoksha vow. Also, if one receives the refuge vow in order to gain fame, wealth, or rewards, then that is not a proper refuge vow either. refuge vow, it does not belong to the Pratimoksha
for example. This means that the whole world is in
well discover that having attachment to samsara is synonymous to having attachment to suffering, but suffering. because samsara is of the nature of suffering, nothing So if we understand the nature of samsara, it
With this kind of motivation, even if one receives the vows. In general, the definition of the Pratimoksha
vows is that, motivated by the renunciation thought, one should not harm others through body, speech or mind. Without the renunciation thought, one cannot receive the proper refuge vow; and without this proper refuge vow one cannot become a real Buddhist. In short, without the renunciation thought one cannot therefore very, very important to develop. It is like a cornerstone to becoming a Buddhist.
becomes easier for us to remove our attachment to we can easily develop a genuine wish to be free
it. Once we no longer have attachment to it, then from the whole of samsara. This is what is called the renunciation thought, and this is what we need to cultivate. Then based on this, we must develop
become a real Buddhist. This renunciation thought is
infinite loving kindness and compassion, which means
the genuine wish to gain happiness and the cause of genuine wish to free all sentient beings from suffering and defilements.
happiness for the sake of all sentient beings, and the and the cause of suffering, which are negative actions Though it is easy to understand the meaning of
renouncing ones house, town, city, or country. Here renunciation thought means renouncing the whole of samsara. Although we cannot renounce the whole
Renunciation thought does not merely involve
of samsara physically right now, we must cultivate a genuine wish to be free from it grip. In order to develop such a genuine wish, we need to remove
infinite loving kindness and compassion, it is difficult to practice them in our daily life. Therefore we must remember their meaning again and again until we can practice infinite loving kindness and compassion towards all beings, at all times, anywhere, and towards everyone alike. We need to develop such thoughts
our attachment to samsara, by realizing the suffering suffering.
inherent in it. We need to fully realize that it is full of For example, there are many countries in this
because, just like ourselves wish to gain happiness and be free of suffering, all sentient beings also wish to gain happiness and be free from suffering. We all have
world, and billions of people. But whether we are in
23
the same aspiration, and it is very wrong to ignore
others and think of ourselves alone. As Buddhists, Bodhicitta, we promise to help all sentient beings. If, after making such a promise, we dont take care of others, then we have made a false promise. We must keep our promise.
Similarly it is far greater to help others than oneself alone. If one thinks of oneself alone, then one can not
especially as Mahayanists, when we generate
even fulfil ones own wish, which is to gain happiness and remove ones suffering. This is because the very not selfish thought. The whole cause of suffering is cause of happiness is altruistic thought or mind, and selfish thought. Selfish thought will only produce own aspirations. Therefore, we must develop and
from suffering that we have in common with all
And also, its not only our aspiration to be free
beings; we have much more in common. All beings or dear one. We are born in this samsara not only once; we are born in this samsara countless times.
more and more suffering and will not fulfil ones practice loving kindness and compassion towards all beings without any exception. Then we must develop Bodhicitta. It is said that without having genuine loving kindness and compassion, we cannot develop a genuine enlightenment mind. Infinite compassion is mind, or Bodhicitta. Bodhicitta means that one wishes
have, at one time or another, been our very own parent
We dont have the same parents or dear ones over and over again every time we are born. Every time we change lives, we change dear ones. So all beings were once our own dear ones, either in this lifetime or in our past lives. When one of these beings becomes
the cause of the generation of a genuine enlightenment to attain Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient Buddha Dharma. This is particularly relevant this morning, as we are receiving a teaching on Buddha nature.
our parents in a particular lifetime, they take care of us, and they rescue us from many dangers. Just as we need to repay the kindness of our parents or dear ones the kindness of our past lives parents and dear ones,
beings, and for that purpose, one is practicing the
in this present life, similarly we also need to repay whom we now see as either friends, indifferent beings loving kindness and compassion towards all beings without exception.
or enemies. Due to this, we need to develop infinite
develop renunciation towards samsara, to cultivate
In short, having proper motivation means to
loving kindness and compassion, and then to generate
Bodhicitta. It is with this kind of motivation that we must practice the Buddha Dharma and receive the Buddha Dharma teachings. The source of the Buddha Dharma is Lord
means one person and others means an infinite number of beings. For example, if someone gives food to one person and another one gives food to billions of persons, it is obvious that the person who gives food to billions of people will earn much greater merits than the one who gives food to only one person.
To think only of oneself is very limited oneself
Buddha. Lord Buddha performed many noble
activities, and His most important noble activity was the turning of the Wheel of Dharma for fortunate disciples. Lord Buddha gave an enormous amount of teachings in order to suit different levels and different
24
mental dispositions of sentient beings.
different types of teachings is not for followers to merely gain an intellectual understanding of them. The main purpose of all these precious and profound words, their principal aim is to remove the defilements
The reason why the Buddha gave all these
and mental actions, we wont be able to remove all our suffering just by praying to the Buddha, because we have already created the cause of our suffering,
If we commit a lot of negative physical, verbal,
teachings is to help disciples tame their mind. In other that have been in our mind stream for a long, long time, and to help develop positive qualities in our minds, eventually helping us gain Buddhahood. This is the real purpose of Lord Buddhas teaching. So, we should not be content with intellectual understanding learnt, and we must apply these teachings to our life.
through our negative actions. Even if we implore negative actions, the cause of our suffering, nor is
Him, the Buddha cannot miraculously remove our He able to cleanse our negative actions. So whether one can gain liberation or enlightenment depends mainly on oneself, and not on the Buddha or on the teachings alone. If we do not follow the Buddhas instructions, we cannot be liberated from samsara. In the sutras it is said that oneself is ones own saviour,
of the Dharma. We must meditate on what we have The Buddha guides us by showing us what is
and oneself is ones own enemy. Our worst enemy is not outside of us. Our external enemy is not our us the inconceivable suffering of the hell realm. But worst enemy, because he or she cannot inflict upon the internal enemy, our defilements, can lead us to the hell realms, where one can experience inconceivable sufferings. So the worst enemy is not outside; the
the right path and what is the wrong path. If we follow the right path, we can gain positive qualities and eventually Buddhahood. If we follow the wrong
path, then we are bound to experience more and more suffering, and eventually the inconceivable pain of the hell realms.
worst enemy is within our own mind. We must
25
therefore practice diligently in order to make this life very fruitful and use it to gain Buddhahood swiftly. The teachings also say that we should perceive
come to understand that the cause of happiness is performing virtuous deeds, and the cause of suffering is performing non-virtuous deeds.
the Buddha as a doctor, and ourselves as the patient, our defilement as our sickness, and the teachings as the medicine. And we should perceive the receiving and practicing of the teachings as receiving medical treatment and following the doctors advice. For example, when we are sick, even if we consult the
to gain happiness and get rid of suffering, what we are happiness. Mundane happiness is not something that in this lifetime, this means our happiness will last no more than 100 years or so. Also, the nature of happiness. Mundane happiness is actually the suffering
Although in this world, everyone tries very hard
doing is to pursue mundane happiness, not genuine we must aspire to. If we do attain mundane happiness
best doctor and go to the best hospital, we wont get better if we dont follow the doctors advice. However skilful the doctor is, if we dont follow his instructions, prescribed time.
mundane happiness is not genuine because it is not real of change, not genuine happiness. Also, the cause of mundane happiness is, more often than not, negative actions or impure virtuous deeds. So from a point
such as taking the prescribed food or medicine at the Similarly, although the Buddha and His teachings
are great, if we dont follow them properly, then its our own fault if we suffer. Its not the fault of the Buddha or of His teachings. So it is not enough to have the Buddha and His teachings. The main thing is that
of view of cause, nature, and duration of happiness, mundane happiness is not something we should aim because Buddhahood is the ultimate state of happiness, for. What we need to aim for, is to attain Buddhahood, the ultimate state of wisdom, compassion, knowledge, and power. This happiness will last forever. Its not something that will last only for some 100 years. It
we must follow His instructions properly. If we dont follow them, then no matter how great the Buddha or His teachings are, this will not help us.
cures all kinds of ills, and it is the source of all happiness. And if we really want to practice it, then
The Buddha Dharma is the sole medicine that
will last forever. Once we gain Buddhahood, then ultimate happiness will last forever, and the cause of such ultimate happiness is not negative actions. The
we have to learn what is to be adopted and what is to be abandoned. Due to our ignorance, although we wish to gain happiness and remove suffering, we dont actions. If we look carefully, well see that in the
main cause is uncontaminated virtuous deeds. For this reason, we should not aim for mundane happiness, happiness. but we should aim for ultimate happiness, genuine In order to develop inner happiness, we shouldnt
perform positive actions, and we commit negative span of 24 hours, the better part of our actions are negative rather than positive. We need to change this. We need to analyse what is the cause of happiness and what is the cause of suffering. Then we will
think that material development is its real cause. We
can see that in the last few decades, there has been a lot of development in the material world, but we cannot say that there has been much development in
26
our inner life. We cannot say that nowadays people experience less mental stress, pressure, or physical pain. This clearly indicates that material development happiness. can bring temporary comfort, but not real peace and To achieve inner peace and happiness, we should
that will go on to the next life. Our body will not this life to our next life, and also our mind stream
go into the next life. Our mind stream will go from came from our past life to this life, not our body. as loving kindness, compassion, and it is mind that
Also it is mind that develops positive thoughts such develops negative thoughts such as anger, attachment, jealousy and pride. It is mind that will experience the results of our thoughts and actions, both positive and
focus on the mind. We should try to develop our inner
world, our inner mind. And this mind is not separate from Buddha nature. The texts say that Buddha nature mind. So in order to talk about Buddha nature, first we need to talk about the mind. means the non-duality of clarity and emptiness of the
negative. It is mind that will experience liberation and
attain Buddhahood. Also it is the mind stream that suffering. So everything is based on this mind or mind stream. Mind is the one that performs actions and that experiences their results.
caused by actions. We can classify actions into three:
Actually we know that happiness and suffering are
can go down to the hell realms and experience their
physical actions, verbal actions, and mental actions.
Out of these three kinds of actions, the most powerful has no mind, it only has a physical body but it has no physical or verbal action.
action is mental action. For example, the dead body mind. Because of this the dead body cannot perform Another way to explain how mental action is
all of the content and container of samsara is produced and inanimate is produced by actions. Inanimate phenomena such as mountains, forests, and so forth, are also a product of our actions. There are two kinds
In Vasubandhus Abhidharmakosa, it is said that
by our actions, which means that everything animate
powerful is with the following example: we are currently receiving a teaching; our physical body is in the teaching hall, but if our mind is not focusing
of actions: individual actions and collective actions. Mountains and forests are the results of our collective actions. For example, in our dreams we can see many
on the teaching, if our mind is focusing on something else, then no matter how long we attend the teaching, we cannot comprehend its meaning. Although our physical body is there, if our mind is not concentrating So, mental action is very, very important.
different inanimate objects such as mountains and
forests and, although they seem very real at the time, they are a projection of our own mind. We can see actions, our own karma. Similarly, in our waking life, can see is a result of our own karma, these inanimate be continued in our next issue) these inanimate objects in our dreams due to our own we can see many inanimate objects and all that we objects are also the product of our own actions. (To
on the teaching, we cannot comprehend the teaching. Also, you can say that the mind is something very
powerful because it is the mind that performs actions, positive or negative. It is the mind that experiences happiness and suffering, and it is the mind stream
27
His Holiness with Dungsey Akasha
Dungsey Akasha Rinpoche
Young Jetsunma with her baby brother
News From The Phodrang:

Dungsey Akasha Rinpoche
came into this world in New Delhi, India. His Eminence is the first grandson of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, and second child of His Eminence Ratna Kalden Dunkyi.
n the afternoon of 27th of March 2010, His
Eminence Dungsey Akasha Vajra Rinpoche
initiations from His Holiness, including a Long Life empowerment of the Nine Deity Buddha Amitayus. was presented with a long life prayer composed by On the same occasion, he received his long name and His Holiness. A few days later, His Holiness gave the Dungsey a two-day major Vajrakilaya empowerment and then an initiation into the Long Life and Heart Essence of the Immortal Arya Tara (Chimey Phagma Nyingthig) practice. On the 17th of May, Dungsey Akasha was taken
Vajra Rinpoche and of his wife Her Eminence Dagmo His Eminences birth took place on the 12th day
of the 2nd month of the Tibetan calendar, anniversary of the Five Founding Fathers of the Sakya School of
of the Paranirvana of Jetsun Drakpa Gyaltsen, one Tibetan Buddhism. His birth was accompanied by a that a great being had entered this world.
for the first time to Sakya Centre under a ceremonial parasol, escorted by a procession featuring banners
slight earthquake in New Delhi, an auspicious sign Soon after His Eminence was born, His Holiness
and ritual music. A light shower of rain fell on all
who were gathered just as he left for the Sakya Center from Dolma Phodrang. This light rain, also known as a shower of flowers cooled the air, but did not drench anyone and ended soon after his arrival at
visited him in hospital and performed a traditional
ceremony, where He drew the Tibetan letter DHI
(Manjushris seed syllable) on his tongue with saffron performed on every newborn of the Khn family, and serves to increase knowledge and wisdom. On April the 8th, Akasha Rinpoche was brought
water and wisdom pills. This is a traditional ritual
Sakya Centre, where he was formally introduced to the assembled congregation of monks, nuns and lay people.
home to Dolma Phodrang, where he was welcomed College, Sakya Nunnery and Ngor Monastery. Over
youngest member of the Khn family, descendants
His Eminence Akasha Vajra Rinpoche is the
by lamas, monks and nuns from Sakya Centre, Sakya the ensuing week, the young Dungsey received several
of the Gods of Clear Light, many of whose members Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani.
have been emanations of the great Bodhisattvas
28
The Khn Family
he origins of the Khn family are to be found in Abhasvara, or Realm of the Gods of Clear
under the eminent scholar and translator Drogmi Lotsawa, an emanation of Virupa. Khn Konchok Gyalpo did so, and later built the Sakya Monastery, and became the lineages first Sakya Trizin.
Light, one of the seventeen levels of gods within the
rupadhatu, or form realm. According to Tibetan lore,
three brothers from this realm descended to our world.
Two of these eventually returned to their God realm, figure within the country. At that time, the family bore the name of Lha Rig.
but one remained in Tibet and became a prominent
lineage, means white earth. It refers to a white patch Southern Tibet. In earlier times, as the great sage Atisha was travelling in this region, he saw in his pure vision the seed syllables of Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani on this white patch. He prostrated to
The word Sakya, which gave its name to the
on one of the Ponpori Hills, in the Tsang region of
called Yapang Kye, subdued a race of demons called
Eight generations later, one of his descendants,
Rakshas, and then took a Raksha wife. From this,
the family received the name Khn, which means conflict. This symbolically represents wisdoms subduing of ignorance and the defilements. In the eighth century AD, during
the letters, and predicted that a great lineage would emanations of these three great bodhisattvas.
prevail there, which would produce many holy beings, Atishas prediction proved true: the Khn family
Padmasambhavas time, the great Indian abbot
has provided an unbroken lineage of spiritual leaders and great masters, starting with the Five Founding Fathers of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism: the
Sangharakshita came to Tibet, where there were no monastics at the time. As a trial to see whether Tibetans were able to keep the upashaka vows, Sangharakshita ordained seven laymen at Samye. One ensuing centuries, the Khn family were to be strong upholders of the Nyingma teachings in Tsang.
Great Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092-1158), Loppon Rinpoche Sonam Tsemo (1142-1182), Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen, (1147-1216), Chje Sakya Pandita (11821251) and Drogn Chgyal Phagpa (1235-1280). (the manifestation of all the Buddhas' wisdom), compassion) and Vajrapani (the manifestation of all the Buddhas' power). During the 13th century, Godan Khan, grandson to
of these belonged to the Khn family, and through
All five were recognized as emanations of Manjushri Avalokiteshvara (the manifestation of all the Buddhas'
monk and head of the Khn family, found that the old Nyingmapa teachings that they had been following,
In 1072 AD, Sherab Tsultrim, a Nyingmapa
had become corrupted. He ordered that these be buried stead. He asked his younger brother Khn Konchok
and that the new Tantras from India be adopted in their Gyalpo to go and study these new Sarma teachings
Genghis Khan, invited the great Sakya Pandita to bring the Buddhist teachings to Mongolia, and a few years later, the new Mongolian emperor, Kublai Khan, in
29
turn invited Sakya Panditas nephew, Drogon Chogyal the latters wisdom that he decided to adopt Buddhism
Phagpa, to teach at his court. He was so impressed by as the official religion of Mongolia, and declared to rule Tibet for over a century, the first time that religious figures had held secular power.
teachings in Tibet.
the doctrine to other lands, His Holiness the Sakya thousands of beings on nearly every continent with His
Following the steps of his forebears in spreading
Chogyal Phagpa ruler of Tibet. The Sakyapas were
Trizin has, for several decades, been blessing immeasurable compassion, knowledge and wisdom. And now, with Their Eminences Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, a new generation has come to the fore as eminent teachers in their own right, spiritual legacy that they are heir to.
generation of the Khn family has produced great
And right up to this day, generation after
scholars and mahasiddhas who have played a crucial
role in preserving and enriching the Buddhas
continuing to safeguard and disseminate the precious
Khndung Ratna Vajra Rinpoche

Tashi Lhakyi, daughter of a minister to the King of Derge, in Kham, Tibet. His Eminence was born in Dehradun, India, on 19th November 1974 (the 5th of the 10th Tibetan lunar month).
hndung Ratna Vajra Rinpoche is the eldest son of His
Holiness the Sakya Trizin and of His Wife, Her Eminence
Within a few months of his birth, he was formally enthroned at H.E. Tharig Rinpoches monastery in Boudanath, Nepal. It was presented with a manuscript of the life of the great Ngorchen Kunga Sangpo, written in gold ink. auspicious that on this occasion, His Eminence was spontaneously
Father on teaching tours, which he has continued to do until this received the reading transmission of the Homage to Manjushri
Shortly thereafter, His Eminence began accompanying his
day. His formal education started when he was five, when he from His Holiness. His Father also began teaching him the Tibetan alphabet, until a tutor was appointed to instruct him in the academic and scriptural disciplines. The following year, he began
to receive the Lamdre Lobshey teachings from His Holiness and,
30
at the age of seven, he gave his first oral examination Centre lamas.
in presence of His Holiness and important Sakya He undertook his first retreat in the company of
Kushok and his brother H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, Australia, for the imparting of the precious Lamdre Tsogshey, where he did the revision of the Triple Tantra and also gave important initiations. More recently, he has been teaching Tantra to the
His Eminence accompanied His Holiness to Sydney,
his mother, Gyalyum Chenmo, when he was twelve. his Kachupa Degree.
He joined Sakya College in 1990, where he obtained His Eminence has, throughout his life, received
resident monks at Thubten Namgyal Ling in Puruwala, and will be teaching at the Dzongzar Institute in the autumn.
numerous teachings and initiations from the greatest
masters, starting with his Father, His Holiness the
Sakya Trizin, and including His Holiness the 14th Kyabje Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, Kyabje Dungsey Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, Kyabje Luding Khen Rinpoche and Kyabje Deshung Rinpoche.
Dalai Lama, Kyabje Chogye Trichen Rinpoche,
practitioner, as well as an accomplished scholar,
His Eminence is renowned as a diligent
qualities that earn him frequent comparison to Kyabje to detail, as well as his determination to preserve the
Chogye Trichen Rinpoche. His precision and attention purity of the teachings, have won him the highest receive teachings from him.
Hevajra retreat, after which he began his trajectory as in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, North America and
In 2004, His Eminence undertook a nine-month
respect of all the monks who have had the privilege to His Eminences knowledge and realization, his
a spiritual teacher. He has since then taught frequently Europe. In 2005, His Eminence taught the precious Rajpur. In 2009, along with his aunt H.E. Jetsun
excellent command of the English language, and the clarity of his presentation, make him one of the most valued exponents of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
Lamdre for the first time, at the Sakya Centre in
Khndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche

born in Dehradun, India, on the 5th of July 1979. Rinpoche, he began his literacy and religious studies
hndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche is the younger son of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin. He was
Holiness the Sakya Trizins main seat and monastery,
and then pursued his higher studies at Sakya College, years. During this time, he received numerous major
Alongside his elder brother, Khndung Ratna Vajra at a very early age, under the tutelage of Venerable Rinchen Sangpo. He completed his primary and intermediate studies at Sakya Centre, Dehradun, His
where he studied Buddhist Philosophy for five teachings and initiations from His Holiness and from Rinpoche, Kyabje Chogye Trichen Rinpoche and Venerable Khenpo Appey Rinpoche, to name but
other great masters such as Kyabje Luding Khenchen
31
a few. Since then, His Eminence has accompanied His Holiness on many of His teaching tours, and has himself taught and given major empowerments in master and authentic upholder of the Sakya tradition. several countries. He has become an accomplished His Eminence has been deeply involved in
ensuring the wellbeing and proper education of the their deep respect and devotion. During his years as
young monks under his care, which has earned him Vice-President of Sakya Centre, he renovated the kitchen, library and bedrooms, and also provided the monks with a sports field adjacent to the Centre, which the monks put to daily use. of the Five Founding Masters. This project was originally conceived by the late Khenpo Migmar Tsering Rinpoche, onetime abbot and principal of Sakya College, and one of His Eminences main teachers. But he sadly passed away before he could bring it to light, and His Eminence pledged to him on his deathbed that he would make this dream his own.
the much-needed gompa (ritual hall) at the Sakya
His Eminence also undertook the building of
Nunnery. It is of inspiring beauty, which it lent to the second half of the Wangyal Norbu Thengwa Initiations given by His Holiness last year. His Eminence has initiated two major projects that
century by Khn Konchog Gyalpo (1034-1102), houses an extraordinary library that has remained intact through the centuries, and has even survived the Chinese incursion. This library contains a remarkable quantity of volumes, some measuring 1,80 m by 50 illuminations. These were a gift from Kublai Khan to
The Sakya Monastery in Tibet, built in the 12th
are soon to see fruition: The Sakya Academy and The Gyana Project. The Sakya Academy aims to endow some 500
young novice monks with an education steeped in knowledge of the Buddhist Canon, particularly the texts of the great Sakya masters and, alongside this, a modern education that will equip them with the necessary tools to keep abreast of an increasingly complex world. The proposed site of the project is acres of secluded land, which will provide the young contemplation.
cm, its pages scribed in gold ink and graced by superb his root master, Drogn Chgyal Phagpa, one of the Five Founding Fathers. In 2003, a secret library was discovered at the Monastery, sealed within a wall, content of which has yet to be established.
seven kilometres from Dehradun, in twenty-five monks with an atmosphere conducive to study and The Gyana Project aspires to collect and translate
laying bare a precious store of 84 000 scrolls, the full These texts are of tremendous significance, and
their translation into English will ensure that future Dharma treasure.
generations worldwide can benefit from this precious We will keep our readers informed of the progress
into English the extant scriptures of the Sakya tradition, in particular, the teachings and commentaries
of both these invaluable projects.
32
Dharma Activities
His Holiness' Visit to Arunachal Pradesh
North-East India, where He imparted teachings and empowerments, performed rituals and consecrated new monasteries. His Holiness was accompanied in His travels by His wife, Her Eminence Gyalyum Chenmo. His Holiness journey took Him to Arunachal
n 11th April of this year, His Holiness the
Sakya Trizin embarked on a 3-week tour of
devotees eagerly awaited Him, and many lined the roads along which His Holiness cavalcade travelled, fervently offering Him khatas as His car drove by.
Everywhere His Holiness went, large crowds of
it was particularly touching to see how many of the well into their eighties.
His Holiness first stop was at Shillong, where
hundreds of followers that greeted His Holiness, were His Holiness then spent several days at the Gontse
Pradesh, the easternmost state of India, which shares borders with Myanmar and Tibet, and whose population is in its majority of Tibeto-Burman origin.
Gaden Rabgyel Ling Monastery at Bomdila in West
and Tawang, where Tibetan Buddhism predominates. Perched in the mountains, the region boasts centuriesold stupas and pilgrimage sites. The latter have sadly being made to revive them.
His Holiness visited the districts of West Kameng
Kameng, where He imparted teachings and initiations, Rabgyel Ling (GRL) is the seat of the 13th Tsona
and also consecrated a new monastery. Gontse Gaden Gontse Rinpoche, who has done much to preserve and His Holiness visited the GRL Monastic School, and the Central Institute of Himalayan culture, both founded by His Eminence Lama Tsonawa.
fallen into disrepair in recent times, but efforts are His Holiness visited several monasteries there, as
promote the regions cultural and spiritual inheritance.
well as Tibetan settlements.
His Holiness also gave teachings at the Gaden
His Holiness at GRL with H.E. Tsona Gontse Rinpoche Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Ling Monastery at Bomdila
33
Tawang Monastery
Children performing for His Holiness at a Tawang orphanage
Namgyal Lhatse, commonly known as Tawang It is the wellspring of spiritual life for the people of one in English, where He stressed the importance of spiritual life. A tenshuk ceremony was held in hundreds to pay homage to their Guru. His Holiness honour, where people came in their
Monastery, one of the largest of its kind in the world. the region. There, His Holiness gave talks, including
status as a holy place.
Arunachal Pradesh, where He delivered a discourse on the Basic Teachings of Buddhism to a large Tibetan settlement, where he gave teachings and was a rare and precious occasion for the residents of Teacher, and most of them were touched to the core. gathering, after which He visited the Tezu Dargeyling empowerments to its population of over 1200 souls. It the settlement to be in the presence of such an eminent On the 30th of April, His Holiness returned to
His Holiness next travelled to Itanagar, capital of
the VIth Dalai Lama, where He presided over a fire
His Holiness then visited Urgelling, birthplace of
puja, and also the Gorsam Chorten in Zemithang, a for many centuries a major centre of pilgrimage in
replica of the Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal, which was the region. Efforts are being made to see it recover its
Dehradun for a short pause, before undertaking His Russian and European teaching tour.
Gorsam Chorten H.E. Gyalyum Chenmo with children in Mio
34
His Holiness in Moscow
His Holiness Russian and European Teaching Tour

Trizin to Russia, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, France and Switzerland. Between the 21st of May and the 17th of August, an intensive teaching tour took His Holiness the Sakya Everywhere He visited, His Holiness indefatigably imparted teachings and initiations, as well as
inaugurating new dharma centres. Old disciples were ecstatic to once again be blessed by His presence, and many new followers were overwhelmed by His kindness and wisdom. His Holiness visit to their respective regions and centres. Following is an account of His Holiness journey, including disciples descriptions and impressions of
Russia
a visit to Moscow, where he gave two public talks and to the Kalmyk Republic, whose population is in its majority Buddhist.
His Holiness began his three-month journey with
Holiness visit, relates:
Kunga Yuodren, who took part in organizing His This was a really special year for Russia, because
a Hevajra Cause initiation. His Holiness then travelled
on May 21st, His Holiness the Sakya Trizin Rinpoche finally came to our country. Fifteen years had passed
since His last visit to Russia, and His Holiness noticed
35
His Holiness giving a public talk in Moscow
His Holiness travelled to the Russian Republic of
Kalmyk, the only European region with Buddhism as
its main religion. Auspiciously, His Holiness arrived holy day of Saka Dawa Dchen. He was offered a
in Elista, the Kalmyk capital, on 27th May, the very a lot of big changes here. He even said as a joke everything looked like a pure land. He said that even as the airplane was approaching Moscow, He and His entourage could see that everything was very green and beautiful, and His Holiness got the impression that prosperity had spontaneously come to our land. long life puja by Tibetan and Russian monks in the temple in Europe, and centre of social life for the local population. This was taken as a sign that the Sakya Russia.
that, compared with His visit to Russia in 1995, now
Buddha Shakyamuni temple, the largest Buddhist
teachings would soon spread in Kalmyk and in all of The temple was filled with devotees as His
Holiness visit. Several had received His teachings overjoyed to see Him again.
Many people here were eagerly awaiting His
Holiness imparted teachings and initiations, including visit Kalmyk again soon.
and initiations during His previous visit, and were His Holiness opened His visit in Moscow with
a Vajrayogini blessing. He was earnestly beckoned to
a public talk offering a general introduction to Buddhism and a brief history of the Sakya lineage,
followed the next day by a teaching on Bodhicitta and the Bodhisattva vows, which was attended by over 500 people.
Cause Initiation and commentary on the Hevajra sadhana to some 300 disciples at Kunpenling, a beautiful Rime dharma center, in a forest filled with wonderful fresh air and bird song.
His Holiness was then invited to give the Hevajra
Next, at the request of Venerable Telo Rinpoche,
His Holiness, monks and followers at Buddha Shakyamuni Temple in Elista
36
His Holiness teaching the Amitabha Powa in Reading
Sakya dharma center was opened in Moscow, and we pray that it will grow stronger and stronger; we pray that the Sakya teachings will spread widely in Russia,
Immediately following His Holiness visit, a new
family, by C.S. Lama, representing the Reading Nepalese community, and by members of His Holiness centres in England.
that many Sakya lamas will visit us in the future, and that the disciples of this center will greatly benefit all sentient beings. Sarwa Mangalam! Kunga Yuodren
Reading, U.K.
with a public talk at the Reading Town Hall, where a large congregation, mostly made up of devoted Holiness an Amitabha Powa initiation. Nepalese disciples, assembled to receive from His
His Holiness began His teaching tour on 3rd June
Europe
On 2
nd
Londons Heathrow airport, the first among the many stops that He was to make throughout the Western European part of His teaching tour.
June 2010, His Holiness arrived at
transferring of consciousness at the time of death. If the powa is given by a qualified teacher, and the dying to be reborn in Amitabhas realm. There, the wheel of progress on the path to enlightenment. person has unshakeable faith, the latter is guaranteed Dharma never stops turning, and one is able to quickly
Amitabha is the deity that helps most in the
Phuntsok Wangyal, founder and director of the Tibet Foundation, by members of Lama Jampa Thayes
His Holiness was greeted at the airport by
Bournemouth, U.K.
the Sakya Trizin visited Sakya Thubten Ling in
From June 4th to June 10th, His Holiness
C.S. Lama, Lama Khenpo Ngawang Tsultrim and Hasta Lama, representing the Nepalese community in Reading
37
has been to receive these teachings and empowerments from His Holiness Sakya Trizin. Being with him for an your entire being blown apart, reHis Holiness enjoying the woods at Deer Park
The greatest blessing of my life
intense four days is akin to having wired, and left to settle, and when it
does, youre somehow just not the same! He has your heart. Maddie Blee
Bournemouth, on the south coast of England, where
He bestowed Hevajra and Vajrayogini initiations and teachings, and gave a public talk on Buddhism in the Modern World. Disciples present at the teachings describe their experience:
Sakya Trizin around on His days off! And how entourage. These moments will stay with me forever!
How lucky was I to be able to drive His Holiness
Centre, in which a beautiful gompa was created with colourful drapes hanging from the cricket nets, adding
The teachings were held in the Dorset Cricket
auspicious it was to visit Deer Park with Him and His Sue Sedgley
to the sense of spaciousness and clarity instilled by His Holiness. Students were struck by the sustained power and energy of His Holiness teachings, and His around Him.
London, U.K.
diamond-like forbearance of the samsaric phenomena Richard Sedgley
where He was to spend the following week. On the afternoon of His arrival, His Holiness was invited by the Tibet Foundation to give a lecture at the SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) on
On 11th June, His Holiness travelled to London,
Consciousness from a Tibetan Buddhist Perspective. That evening, His Holiness was guest speaker at Foundation. the celebration of the 25 th Anniversary of Tibet
Dorset Cricket Centre transformed into a stunning gompa
38
a Tak Chak-Kyung Sum (Hayagriva, Vajrapani,
The following morning, His Holiness imparted
Garuda) initiation, considered to be very effective in removing obstacles, after which He met with members of the Tibetan community who had come to seek a teaching on Reflections on Ethics from Sakya Panditas letter to the Emperor Godan Khan.
His blessing. In the afternoon, His Holiness gave
was dedicated to teaching at Sakya Dechen Ling, Lama Jampa Thayes centre in London. A member of this centre recounts His visit:
The remainder of His Holiness stay in London
His Holiness with Lama Jampa Thaye at Sakya Dechen Ling
coincidence, these precious texts had arrived at the centre on the previous day. Later that day, in the magnificent Great Hall
13 to 17 June in London as the guests of Lama Jampa
His Holiness and entourage spent five days from
Thaye, his wife Dechen Dolma and Sakya Dechen Ling. This was His Holiness' ninth visit to the Dechen group of centres directed by Lama Jampa Thaye. On the morning of 13 June, His Holiness and
of Lincoln's Inn in central London, His Holiness bestowed a teaching on the Zhenpa Zhidral (Parting from the Four Attachments) upon an audience of over 400 people. His Holiness exposition of the teaching, based on the famous commentary on the root
entourage were warmly welcomed to the Sakya Dechen
Ling centre in Notting Hill. Lama Jampa offered His
text by Jetsun Drakpa Gyaltsen, was truly startling attending of the reason why His Holiness is regarded as an emanation of the Bodhisattva Manjusri, the embodiment of wisdom.
Holiness a mandal tensum for His long life. His collection of Lamdre texts. Due to an auspicious
in its clarity and a vivid demonstration to all those
Holiness kindly blessed the centre's new 43-volume
bestowed the major initiation of Shri Kalacakra from the lineage of Abhayakaragupta upon over 500 fortunate disciples who had gathered to receive
On Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 June, His Holiness
the teachings at the Great Hall of the Kensington
His Holiness going over the Tibet Foundation Anniversary program with Phuntsok Wangyal, founder and director of the Foundation
39
His Holiness teaching at the Great Hall of the Lincoln's Inn, London
Conference Centre in west London. As well as many people from the Dechen Community, there were also people there from Sakya Thubten Ling in Bournemouth,
the Sakya and Nyingma traditions.
Sakya Ling in Reading, Diamond Way, the Foundation
were renewing their connection with Him, whereas others were meeting His Holiness and receiving His blessings for the first time. However, all were deeply
Some of those attending His Holiness teachings
for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition and Rigpa. At the conclusion of the teachings, Lama Jampa Thaye gave a short speech expressing the deep joy and appreciation at His Holiness's visit felt by everyone present and offered prayers for His Holiness' long life.
touched and inspired by the limitless compassion and flawless wisdom of His Holiness, the King of vajrayana masters, and by the awesome power of the glorious Sakya tradition. We take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to His Holiness and pray perfect master.
kindly agreed to a filmed question and answer session covering various dharma topics, including the bardo, His Holiness' root lamas and the connection between
On the fourth day of His visit, His Holiness
that all beings swiftly come to be cared for by such a Roz Haddon
40
The Hague, Netherlands,
Sweden, where he spent the 18th and 19th of June.
His Holiness following visit was to The Hague, Over these two days, He gave a White Tara
White Tara initiation and its teachings, and on the lecture about how to practise the Dharma in daily life.
second day of His visit, His Holiness gave a public Later that day, His Holiness welcomed a large
initiation and teaching, and a public talk on Samatha
and Vipashyana. Also, some 500 Tibetans came to receive a blessing and advice from His Holiness, who stressed how important it was for them to preserve their culture and religion, and urged them to make their lives.
group of Tibetans from the Netherlands and Belgium, and He was, as usual, very interested in all the good
words they brought Him. As Tibetans, this was a very important moment for them, and they were very grateful to have the chance to meet His Holiness.
great efforts in making this endeavour a central part of Mieke Stoppels, who acts as president of Sakya
received His Holiness, Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa Rinpoche, and the other monks and nuns in our centre.
We, as a sangha, felt very privileged to have
Thegchen Ling, writes:
His Holiness Sakya Trizin to the Netherlands. On the
After 26 years we were very lucky to welcome
first day, He came to our centre to confer the precious
feel very happy.
Looking back on this event, we can say that we Mieke Stoppels
His Holiness and sangha in Sakya Thegchen Ling gompa at The Hague
41
His Holiness arriving at the hall
Biarritz, France
France, where he spent the following four days. His Holiness began the program with an explanation of the four classes of Tantra, in preparation for the
On 22nd June, His Holiness travelled to Biarritz,
a gompa was astonishing. The shrine was magnificent, the mandala house breathtaking, and the beauty of the
Kalacakra Tantra empowerment that He was to confer the Vajramala Collection of Tantras, is a deep and
over the following two days. This root tantra, from powerful teaching, and His Holiness gave an extended
and detailed explanation of it before conferring its empowerment. He then gave an explanation of its sadhana, including the practice of the Six-Limb Guru Sakya Pandita and a Manjushri empowerment. Yoga. His Holiness spent the last day giving both a The transformation of a large fronton(*) hall into
The Kalacakra Mandala House in Biarritz
42
entire hall stirringly revealed the amount of work and devotion that had been poured into its elaboration. His Holiness program in Biarritz was intensive,
but time was set aside for Himself and entourage to visit this beautiful seaside town and to enjoy the fresh sea air of its beaches.
*Basque ball game played against a high wall
Frankfurt, Germany
A moment of calm for His Holiness
where He spent six days at Sakya Kalden Ling. There He granted refuge to several disciples and imparted an Amitayus-Hayagriva initiation, a two-day Vajrakilaya
On 26 th June, His Holiness flew to Frankfurt,
on the importance of spiritual progress and how to integrate it into everyday life. of His Holiness visit:
That evening, His Holiness gave a public talk
empowerment, and a teaching on Chogyal Phagpas Gift of Dharma. His Holiness also gave an Ushnisha Chakravarti initiation at the Tibethaus.
nd
Members of the sangha, describe their experience We had been very busy preparing for the arrival
took place the consecration of the new Sakya Kalden Ling gompa. Next to it, thanks to the generosity of a sangha sponsor, living quarters have been built, where His Holiness and His family lodge when visiting the centre.
On 2 July, His Holiness last day in Frankfurt,
of His Holiness in Frankfurt, and didnt know whether there would be enough space in our new Gompa to accommodate everyone. In the end, more than 150 people came, the Gompa
filled to capacity and overflowed into the courtyard. smoothly. We were relieved and happy.
Thanks to His Holiness blessing, everything went very On the last day of His visit, His Holiness
inaugurated our new Gompa. It was a hot and sunny
afternoon, and many guests joined us. In the early
evening, His Holiness gave a public talk, after which
His Holiness consecrating the new Sakya Kalden Ling gompa in Frankfurt; at His side, Venerable Lama Gendun Gyatso, resident lama of the centre
43
sangha friends gathered in the courtyard to join Him for dinner. His Holiness sat at the head of a long table, His
loving disciples around Him. The light from the sunset our centres walls. Time stopped. Everything was filled with His presence.
was orange-red, and blended with the flame colour of
Isabelle Fehler
Berlin, Germany
Zentrum in Berlin, where He was greeted on 3rd July with a traditional and warm welcome by keen students awaiting Him in the centre courtyard. That evening, His Holiness gave a teaching on The Six Paramitas to
His Holiness then spent three days at the Rigpa-
His Holiness at Rigpa-Zentrum, Berlin
a crowd of some 300 people. While these were in their majority Buddhists from different traditions, many non-Buddhists also flocked to hear Him speak.
a Vajrakilaya empowerment, which was attended by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Pema Wangyal Rinpoche, Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche and Rangdrol Rinpoche, who had come to pay their respects to His Holiness. His Holiness also blessed the land where a future spiritual care centre will be built, and He presided over a dakini day Tsok practice which
Over the next two days, His Holiness gave
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche, Pema Wang-Gyal Rinpoche and Tulku Rangdrol participate in the Vajrakilaya empowerment
44
occurred on the birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Sogyal Rinpoche, and 270 retreatants at Dzogchen Beara, Rigpa's Retreat centre in Ireland, as
enthusiasm and diligence, both in carrying out their others. The sangha members perform a Tsok offering
We were deeply touched by the sanghas
well as around 100 practitioners at Lerab Ling Retreat Tsok practice, through an internet video connection.
own practice and in making the Dharma available to every day and, on this occasion, some 80 people participated in a two-hour long tsok, all chanting in Tibetan, with His Holiness officiating. Those participating in the Vajrakilaya empowerment were provided with explanatory sheets and pictures. The centre also offers programs of study at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Centre in France, simultaneously joined in with the Rigpa-Zentrum is Sogyal Rinpoches centre
in Berlin, and is a stunning example of sangha participation and dedication. Members of the entourage that accompanied His
Holiness throughout His European teaching tour, share with us the impression that Rigpa-Zentrum made upon them:
centre in 2002, it was a small flat. On our return this
When we last visited Sogyal Rinpoches Berlin
carry the Buddhas teachings to innumerable beings.
We ardently pray that many such centres grow and
past June, however, we were very pleased to discover that, thanks to the very generous gesture of a sangha member, the centre now occupies the whole of a centre of town. superb traditional five-storey mansion, in the very
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden. There are not many Buddhists in Sweden, meet in a private house. They were overwhelmed
On 7th July, His Holiness travelled to Stockholm,
and the members of Sakya Changchub Chling usually
Rigpa-Zentrum, Sogyal Rinpoche's centre in Berlin
45
Mandala offering at the Kalacakra wangchen in Stockholm
when they found out that 250 people would attend the teachings. Under Khenchen Lama Sherab Rinpoches event. It was transformed into a beautiful gompa, guidance, an old school was chosen to host the in which His Holiness gave teachings on Samatha and Vipashyana, and imparted a two-day Kalacakra which contains over forty mandalas. wangchen (major empowerment) from Vajramala, His Holiness and His entourage were taken by
Holiness with entourage at Arlanda airport, close to Stockholm. This time, His Holiness first gave a public
lecture on Samatha and Vipashyana - calm abiding
and insight meditation - with His Holiness as usual extremely clear and easy to follow in His explanations of the different kinds of obscurations and of their fortunate enough to receive the most important major
antidotes. During the next two days, we were empowerment of Kalachakra. About 250 persons from central Stockholm, where the precious teachings and empowerment were given.
Stockholms beauty, and much enjoyed being near made the most of their long days!
the sea. They found its white nights exhilarating, and The members of Sakya Changchub Chling This summer, Venerable Khenchen Sherab
many parts of the world gathered in the lecture hall in
express their gratitude for His Holiness visit:
Gyaltsen Amipa Rinpoche and Sakya Changchub
most grateful for His Holiness Sakya Trizin kindly especially for giving a major empowerment in Sweden - we hope to be blessed by His visit soon again.
We members of Sakya Changchub Chling are
Chling were very honoured and happy to welcome His Holiness Sakya Trizin for a five-day long visit in Stockholm, Sweden. This was His Holiness third visit Chling. Members of Sakya Changchub Chling and the Tibetan Community in Sweden welcomed His
accepting our invitation, for His joyful presence, and
to Sweden, invited by Rinpoche and Sakya Changchub
Sweden
Sakya Changchub Chling, Stockholm/Uppsala,
46
Lamdre in Kuttolsheim
village of Kuttolsheim on the outskirts of Strasbourg, in France. His Holiness had come to bestow the precious
n 12th July, His Holiness the Sakya Trizin and
His retinue arrived at the picturesque Alsatian
Lamdre teachings and empowerments to close to
200 fortunate Dharma practitioners from Europe,
Australia, North and South America, India, and the conferring the Lamdre, and the third that He was doing so at Kuttolsheim. This very special event was being hosted by
Far East. It was the 18th time that His Holiness was
The altar with its precious offerings
the European Institute of Tibetan Buddhism, Sakya Tsechen Ling, a centre founded and guided by senior Geshe Rabjampa of the Sakya tradition. Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa Rinpoche, the most Founded in 1978 by Khenchen Lama Sherab,
Europe and, besides His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, whose visit this summer is His ninth, it has hosted such spiritual luminaries as His Holiness the Dalai Chogye Trichen Rinpoche and His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche.
Lama, His Holiness Dagchen Rinpoche, His Eminence
Sakya Tsechen Ling was inaugurated by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin on the 5th November of that year. It is one of the most beautiful Buddhist centres in
been exceedingly generous in their support of Dharma activities, and have funded several charities in Tibet. Among other things, they were the main sponsors for Sakya Centre, His Holiness main monastery in India.
The members of Sakya Tsechen Ling have always
the making of the superb Shakyamuni statue at the
The very beautiful Sakya Tsechen Ling
47
Led by Khenchen Lama Sherab Rinpoche, members of Sakya Tsechen Ling offer a mandala to His Holiness
community hall, a five-minute walk from been transformed into a magnificent
The teachings took place in the towns
its empowerments according to the Sakya lineage, and using the text that had traditionally been
Sakya Tsechen Ling. The hall itself had sacred space, bedecked with Tibetan copious bouquets of flowers. A simple but intricate sand mandala, which His Holiness initiated in a special ritual, and which took
used at the Great Sakya Monastery in Tibet. It was the first time that this text was being used outside Tibet. It had been missing for over fifty years, its pages scattered throughout the globe, and has only
rugs, drapes, banners and thangkas, and imposing yellow-clad structure housed an
His attendant monks 13 hours to complete. built, whereupon stood a large golden statue of Hevajra, surrounded by a lavish array of offerings. This time His Holiness
recently been recompiled thanks to

Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa Rinpoche
Next to it, an awe-inspiring altar had been
the arduous and untiring efforts of Khenpo Appey Rinpoche.
was imparting the precious
Lamdre Tsogshey, conferring
Khenchen Lama Sherab is offered a mandala on behalf of the Phodrang, on the occasion of his enthronement
48
His Holiness initiating the sand mandala
a pillar of the Dharma. It was 43 years ago that, at the request of the Tibetan Government in exile, and with the agreement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and that of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen travelled to Switzerland in order to
Khenchen Sherab Amipa is indeed
head the newly founded Rikon Tibetan Institute, which had been created for On 15 July, the auspicious day of Chokor
th
Dchen, which celebrates the Buddhas first turning of the Wheel of Dharma, a long life ceremony was held, during which His Holiness the Sakya Trizin bestowed the honorific title of Khenchen to Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa. This was in recognition of Khenchen
and religion, and also to bring teachings to Western
the preservation of Tibetan culture
Buddhists. In the decades that followed, Khenchen Lama Sherab was very influential in the creation of Dharma centres in Europe, all of which he continues
Lama Sherabs peerless and extraordinary activities in support of the Buddha Dharma in general and of the Sakya tradition in particular, as His Holiness wrote in the colophon to the new long life prayer for Khenchen Sherab Rinpoche, composed by His Holiness for the by Khenchen Sherabs disciples, who were overjoyed at this exceedingly well-deserved celebration of their occasion. This was following a heartfelt request made
teachers qualities and achievements. Newcomers were struck by the loving kindness and wisdom that emanated from him.
His Holiness leading the Bodhisattva Vows ceremony
49
Group photo on the last day of the teachings
to visit regularly.
week program of teachings, empowerments and practice. Activities started as early as seven each
This homage was followed by an intensive three-
desperate for rain. That afternoon, the skies filled
with clouds and broke into a torrent of rain, and thunder and lightning greeted His Holiness arrival. It felt as if He was showering nectar upon the land, as well as on His disciples.
morning with praises to Tara led by Khenchen Sherab conferred by His Holiness. In the afternoon, a review of the teachings and their practice took place, guided by Khenchen Lama Sherab Rinpoche, while His Holiness granted private audiences to students.
Rinpoche, followed by the morning teaching sessions
Kunsang Wangmo, Tibet
a precious empowerment from Him, I felt from the everything that lives, His immovable resolve to remove their suffering, and His compelling power to attract them onto the path to enlightenment. I pray with all Dharma.
As I was sitting at His Holiness feet, receiving
bottom of my being His unbounded compassion for
Sangha members who attended the Lamdre share their impressions: When we arrived in Kuttolsheim on 12th
July, our host told us that the region had long been suffering from drought, and that the farmers were
my might that He continue forever to turn the wheel of Bina Wang, New Zealand
50
Bernard Altschuh, Vice President of Sakya Tsechen Ling Institute writes on behalf of his fellow members:
Already in the autumn of 2008, a strong yet soft wind began to blow over Sakya Tsechen Ling
Institute in Kuttolsheim, France, a wind unique to the Dharma, a wind like no other. It was the wind of
activity joyous and diligent of preparing for a very special occasion. Indeed, His Holiness the Sakya Tshogshey, quintessence of transmission in the Sakya tradition.
Trizin was to come to the institute for three weeks in the summer of 2010, in order to confer the Lamdre Carried by Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa Rinpoches impetus, his meticulous attention to detail,
his encouragement and his blessing, each and everyone set to work, enthused and grateful, confident that they would be of use.
themselves, and the members, one and all, volunteered to take turns in becoming painter, gardener, seamstress, electronics engineer, carpenter, secretary, translator, printer or window washer. The task was vast and multiple, as was the occasion. Teachings such as those we were to receive, whose origins date back to over two thousand five
All skills were welcome, as much during the two years of preparation as during the teachings
hundred years, were virtually unknown in the West up to a few decades ago. And yet, they offer a powerful but challenging response to our daily suffering, so multiple, diverse and painful in nature. scope, perspective and purpose. Indeed, far from being just another benign summer course of study, this would be a time fundamental in And so, from 14th July to 6th August 2010, His Holiness the Sakya Trizin conferred the Lamdre
Tshogshey Hevajra empowerments and teachings, with the Triple Vision as its preliminary part, and the and reviewed in the afternoon under the guidance of Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa Rinpoche. first turning of the wheel of Dharma, Chokhor Dchen, Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa was enthroned
Triple Tantra as its main one. As is customary, these teachings were given in the morning by His Holiness, Important ceremonies accompanied the teachings: on 15th July, the very day of Buddha Shakyamunis as Khenchen, in a moving ceremony infused with the immense gratitude of his students; on 31st July,
anniversary of the parinirvana of Trichen Ngawang Thudop Wangchuk, a Lama Chpa Guru Yoga and that of Samantabhadra, were recited, bringing those memorable three weeks to a close.
ceremony, the King of Rituals was held; and on the last day of the teachings, the Sixteen Arhats prayer, Throughout those days, time had taken on a different guise, dense and elusive, a time removed from
time, permeating space, a space removed from space. And yet, a time and a space well in harmony with the unfolding of day-to-day activities. A time of beauty, of sharing, of students from all over the world twenty nationalities in all coming
together to form a splendid bouquet of diverse linguistic melodies that would envelop and adorn that other
time where language is transcended, the time of silence and meditation. This multilingual, multinational dimension emerges as a reflection of His Holiness intent as He confers the Lamdre year after year, from continent to continent, each time a call, an invitation to partake, extended to all His students everywhere in the world.
51
to His Holiness the Sakya Trizin for His invaluable gift of these precious teachings, to Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa Rinpoche for creating this and so many other sacred spaces where such gifts can be imparted, as well as for his teachings, to all those who so generously gave of their time and effort before and during this blessed occasion, and ensured its smooth unfolding, and to each and everyone who shared in the common happiness that it generated.
And so, everyone of us would like to express, from the deepest of our being, our infinite gratitude
of being of service, and thus of contributing to making our life fruitful. May these same merits be the cause of wellbeing and happiness for all beings.
Due to the merits accrued through our motivation and devotion, we have been given the rare privilege
Bernard Altschuh, Vice-President, Sakya Tsechen Ling Institute
His Holiness the Sakya Trizin Example of compassion, wisdom and humility
Kuttolsheim, 06 a.m.
this quaint village, among the ordinary people who are waiting for the 0645 bus to go to work, so humble, smiling to the beginning of the day. place.
Golden sky and fresh air. The leaves of the
We exchange a few words about the beauty of this Then, silently, He disappears.
flowers have kept drops of water from yesterdays rain. They reflect the present morning light, transformed into cristal. On the ground, petals of yellow flowers.
On the top of the hill somebody is waiting for us. His Holiness and His retinue are coming back from their morning walk they wait for us.
We are walking to the temple for the Tara prayer.
Kuttolsheim, 09 a.m.
Polyvalente in Kuttolsheim. The hall is transformed into a splendid Buddhist Temple. The monks are playing sacred music. His Holiness slowly approches attending His teachings. He prostrates and sits. His his eyes full of love and compassion, and begins the prayers. Then, in a deep and low voice, His Holiness
His Holiness the Sakya Trizin enters the Salle
His Holiness smiles and asks in French : - a va ? We answer with ease, to the Man issuing from a
His throne, smiling to the two hundred people disciples also prostrate and sit. He looks at everyone,
royal family, head of so many Schools, Monasteries, Nunneries and projects, known and respected all over the world, the Man standing before us, in the street of
recites in Tibetan the verses that will be the subject of
52
study during the coming twenty four days. The Man is now transformed into the Great Master, and the Buddha. Master transformed into Wisdom, the Compassionate According to the Sakya Tradition, His Holiness
the meditations, and if we study again and again consciousness.
the topics covered, until these merge with our Lama Sherab, like a Shepheard or the Captain of
will give a commentary on the root text. This tradition has been observed over the past one thousand years. His Holiness the Sakya Trizin carefully and
our boat, is the Father. He guides us, showing us the right way, helping us to understand deeply the union nectar. His presence brings us peace of mind. of method and wisdom. His words are like precious
slowly chooses His words. He is the Lord of the right words. The gestures of His hands, like a dance, show us the path, the way. All listen. His Holiness opens
of our Guru, we are able to understand the power of necessity of humility.
At the end of each day that we follow the example
our consciousness, step by step, without effort. His teachings are unfabricated, authentic. We feel that He many thousands of years. offers us wisdom as a fruit that has been ripened for The topics are difficult to understand, but His
wisdom, the essence of love and compassion and the
Kuttolsheim 22.00 p.m.
Holiness speaks both to our intellect and to our Heart. He gives us the Hope that we are all able to transform the nature of our mind, our body, our non-virtues practice not only for our own aims but for the sake of all beings.
On the roads around the village, one can see figures hope. The night will bring us space to meditate and to prepare for a new day. We have lived 24 days in this atmosphere.
The light is slowly melting into the darkness.
walking in silence before going to bed. No fear. No
into virtues, and even to attain enlightenment if we
Sherab Chden, Geneva
Kuttolsheim 230 p.m.
Arosio, Switzerland
again full of practitioners waiting for their precious Guru, Lama Sherab G. Amipa Rinpoche. His Holiness teachings are useful if we practice
After the lunch break or a short walk, the hall is
Sherabs centre in Arosio, Switzerland, where He Rinpoche tsok offering.
His Holiness next stop was at Khenchen Lama
stayed for three days, and performed a 100.000 Guru
53
A radiant smile from His Holiness
available for questions, advice and explanations; He shared many inspiring and amusing life stories and was very keen on learning more about our European
cultures, history and spiritual traditions. There were
also numerous moments of lively exchange on different Thubten Chanchub Ling, lying snugly among abortion, and many others.
topical issues, such as the environment, homosexuality, A crowd of nearly 150 people gathered in
the Alpine trees, enjoys dazzling views over the
neighbouring mountains. It owes its existence to an exceptionally generous disciple of Khenchen Sherab, Sakya Hospital in Rajpur, as well as for the financing of its ongoing expenses. who is also largely responsible for the building of
(and outside) the temple on 8 August to receive the event open to the general public was held at Monte
initiation of Buddha Vairocana. The following day, an Verit (the Mountain of Truth) in Ascona, Switzerland,
during those days, and so He was able to enjoy some free time, which He often shared with followers who Holiness:
His Holiness busy schedule eased somewhat
which attracted many people, including a considerable number of non-Buddhists, who expressed a genuine interest in Tibetan culture and religion. The first part of the event was dedicated to the Bodhisattvas Way of Life, with a detailed explanation of the Six Perfections, His Holiness conferred a Medicine Buddha initiation.
were there. Some recount their time in Arosio with His On 7 August His Holiness arrived at Thubten
main practice of the Bodhisattvas. After the teaching, On both occasions, His Holiness underlined the
Chanchub Ling in Arosio, Switzerland, a small, Gyaltsen Amipa.
enchanting centre guided by Khenchen Sherab Charmed by the natural beauty of the
importance of moral conduct and observation of
the five general Buddhist precepts for the benefit of the world in general and Dharma practitioners in particular.
surroundings, His Holiness spent much of His free time comfortably seated on a sofa in the dining room, Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountain range. close to the French window, enjoying the view over To everyones great delight, His Holiness was often
canton of Ticino, Switzerland, 1000 metres up the southern foothills of the Alps.
Arosio, Alto Malcantone, a small village in the
Danijela Stamatovic, Slovenia
54
seems as if the natural elements are lingering for His Holiness arrival
Clear skies, a light breeze, the mountains, it
train journey, to bring us his teachings; this has not words with a kindness that touches all our hearts:
gone unnoticed by His Holiness, Who chooses His His Holiness says that not only has this centre
preparation... the moment has finally come!
The Sangha also waits so many months of The year 2002 saw His Holiness first visit here,
become more beautiful, but that also its Sangha has grown richer in their practice and experience. Our infinite gratitude to His Holiness for His
and the consecration of Thubten Chanchub Ling. It has been a long eight years wait for His return, His Samaya between the Guru and His disciples. blessing, His extraordinary presence, to renew the In the meantime, we have been guided by our
precious teachings, and to Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa Rinpoche for the unwavering care he extends to our Sangha.
beloved teacher Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa Rinpoche. Khenchen Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa's dedication,
Sarva Mangalam
Rikon, Switzerland
that makes him come to us every month, on a long
Rikon, in the district of Winterthur, near Zurich, where His Holiness was visiting the Tibet Institute Rikon.
On the 11th of August, His Holiness travelled to
He was to spend the remainder of His stay in Europe. This Institute was created in 1967, upon
recommendation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in order to preserve and promote Tibetan culture research in the field of Tibetology, and a dialogue between Buddhist philosophy and modern science. and religion. It is also noteworthy in that it endorses
Buddha Ayuttara initiation to an assembly of over considerable distance in order to be there.
While at the Institute, His Holiness gave a
1500 Tibetans, some of whom had travelled a
His Holiness peruses a pecha
55
A mandala offering being presented to His Holiness at Rikon
Sherab Chden, who attended the teachings, relates: Winterthur, August 14 09 a.m.
th
His Holiness also gave a teaching in English.
the first of which had arrived in Switzerland in 1959. We could read on their faces the sufferings they had the power of their faith. overcome, the strong hopes that they sustained, and I am more and more certain that Buddhism can
heart. Immediately as we entered, we felt at home, among our real family. The last teachings of His Holiness Saya Trizins
We approached the hall with a great joy in our
help us to turn our mind toward religion, spiritual concerns and non-violence. The message is so clear : in front of obstacles or difficulties, keeping our mind in peace can transform our reality.
European tour took place in Winterthur, near Zurich, Refugees in Switzerland.
where lives the highest concentration of Tibetan The morning teachings of this August 14th were
for the Swiss community, and the afternoon ones
Trizin, Lama Sherab G. Amipa Rinpoche, and all the Masters who have come to Europe to free us from suffering.
My heart is full of gratitude to His Holiness Sakya
for the Tibetans. These had come, dressed in their
traditional clothes, three generations of Tibetans,
Sherab Chden, Geneva
And finally, on Tuesday the 17th of August, after three months of near ceaseless teaching activity, His Holiness boarded a flight that was to take Him back to India, where He would be reunited with His Family and be able to spend precious time with His grandchildren.
His Holiness performing a Padmasambhava 100,000 Tsok Offering Puja in Rikon, Switzerland
56
Mahavairocana Puja
T
he Mahavairocana Puja is an important puja held every year at the Sakya Centre. It is celebrated on the 11th of the 4th month of the Tibetan lunar Calendar, and lasts five days. This year, it was held from the 24th to the 29th of May, and was attended by a large gathering of lamas, monks and lay followers.
A Brief History of the Mahavairocana Puja by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin
Mahavairocana is one of the most important
pujas in Tibetan Buddhism. In Tibetan, it is called it was a tantra given in the heavenly realms.
Khnrig, and in Sanskrit Saravidhia. Originally, Its history relates how King Lumidewa was a
very evil king, having killed his father in order to usurp his throne, thus causing his mother to die of grief. So he was responsible for the death of both his father and mother.
met a hermit who was besieged by sun, wind, rain and insects. The King asked him why he was
One day, as he was strolling in the forest, he
inflicting so much suffering upon himself, and live in comfort. The hermit answered that he was undergoing hardship now, but that afterwards, he would gain liberation and never again even hear
why didnt he come with him to his palace and
the word suffering. And he told the King that he but that after this life, because of his heavily
His Holiness ofciating at a Mahavairocana puja in Sakya Centre earlier this year
might at the moment be enjoying worldly pleasures negative karma, he would suffer immeasurably, and never even hear the word happiness.
57
the hermit what he could do to remedy this. The
The King was terrified by these words, and asked
hermit answered that he should pray and take refuge to this, was reborn as Norbu Jimameba in a Heavenly Realm. But, because of his heavily negative karma, he died very young.
in the Triple Gem. The King paid heed to him and, due
Jimameba would be reborn. The Buddha answered that he would first be reborn in the worst hell realm, then in all the hell realms, then as a hungry ghost, then as an animal, and then finally as a human. But that
Lord Indra asked the Buddha where Norbu
Ceremonial hat at the Mahavairocana puja
even as a human being, he would be blind, deaf and
dumb. He was to go through kalpas of suffering.
that he fainted. When he revived, he asked the Buddha whether there was any way to be saved from such suffering. And from the body of the Buddha, many light rays issued as He gave Jimameba the
Jimameba heard this, and he was so shocked
Parishodani or Purification Tantra, which liberates power and blessings of this Tantra, the King very
from the suffering of the lower realms. Due to the quickly expiated his karma by spending a very short by the power of the Buddha that he offered Him his ornaments. This is why, during the Saravidhia ritual, so on.
time in each lower realm. Jimameba was so impressed
there is an offering of a crown, earrings, necklace, and Saravidhia is a very powerful puja and initiation.
It is particularly powerful in purifying karma that causes to be born in the lower realms. We usually perform this puja for the deceased. But it is also very speeds up their recovery process, or grants them a
Mahavairocana ritual of purication: lists of names of the deceased are put into the ames
beneficial for people who are gravely ill, as it either quick death, saving them from extended suffering.
58
Summer Retreat
back to Shakyamunis time, when the Lord Buddha
anne, or Summer Retreat, traditionally takes place during the rainy season. Its origins go
and the monks were bound to step on them while doing their begging rounds, thereby committing an act of killing. So the monks had to stay within their
Himself made it a Vinaya rule that all fully ordained monks and Samanaras, or novice monks, should remain within the boundaries of the monastery during the Indian monsoon. This was out of concern for the monks health, as the heavy rains brought many diseases with them. Another reason was that the
compounds and do retreat, with emphasis on vinaya practice and the study of sutras. Originally, the retreat lasted for three months but nowadays, for practical reasons, it only lasts one and a half month.
monsoon caused the ground to be covered by insects,
and a half month retreat, starting early July.
Every year at Sakya Centre, the monks hold a one
His Holiness Retreat House For Monks
wo years ago, foundations were laid adjacent
become a retreat centre for monks, a project dear to
to Dolma Phodrang for what was destined to
His Holiness heart. Today, the construction of the centre is well on its way, and its doors will be opened to retreatants within the next few months. The building consists of two floors, with ten
rooms each. Each room has an en-suite bathroom. This will allow for 20 monks to be in retreat at any given time.
to do either short or long retreats, including the threeHevajra, and the three-year, three-month retreat.
The facilities will be available for Sakya monks
month-long Mahavairocana, the seven-month-long The monks will be furnished with all the
fundamental is that all their material needs will be met by the Phodrang, so that they can concentrate fully on their practice. This includes food being catered to
conditions necessary to ensure that they make the
them, as well as all other day-to-day necessities being library, where all essential Dharma texts, principally Sakya, will be made available to them.
most of their time in retreat. Crucially, they will be under the direct guidance of His Holiness. But also
taken care of. They will also have their own liturgical
59
Annual Grand Pujas at the Sakya Centre (Sept-Nov)

Annual Grand Hevajra Puja: 8th of the 9th lunar month for 8 days (15th 23rd Oct)
Important Dates
7th September: Birthday of His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin (according to Western Calendar) 9th September: Birthday of His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin (according to Tibetan Calendar) 21st October: Birthday of H.E. Ngor Luding Khenchen Rinpoche Anniversaries of Bari Lotsawa, Khn Konchok Gyalpo and Sachen Kunga Nyingpo 22 October: Birthday of H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Rinpoche 25th October: Anniversary of Atisha 29th October: Lhabhab Dchen (The day the Lord Buddha descended from Tushita heaven) Birthday of H.E. Jetsun Kushok Chime Luding 10 November: Birthday of Khndung Ratna Vajra Rinpoche (according to Tibetan calendar) 12th to 21st November: Annual Sakya Monlam in Lumbini
th nd
amp offerings in the monastery and food offerings to the monks are welcome L 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).
60
LAM DRE AT TSECHEN KUNCHAB LING to be bestowed by HIS HOLINESS THE SAKYA TRIZIN accompanied by HIS EMINENCE RATNA VAJRA RINPOCHE WALDEN, N.Y. - JUNE 2011
Students of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin throughout the world are eagerly anticipating His Holiness period of residence at Tsechen Kunchab Ling during the summer of 2011 where three important events will take place: 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.
HIS HOLINESS THE SAKYA TRIZIN will bestow the VAJRAKILAYA in Vancouver August 2011
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 vancouver.vajrakilaya@gmail.com
A DVD of His Holiness 13/06/10 teaching at the Lincolns Inn in London is currently being edited and will soon be available for purchase from the Dechen website (www.dechen.org). Footage of His Holiness 16/06/10 London interview can be seen on a dedicated Youtube channel located at www.youtube.com/user/dechenBuddhism.
61
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62
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Our Representatives:
INDIA AND NEPAL Patricia Donohue Office of Sakya Dolma Phodrang 192, Rajpur Road P.O. Rajpur, 248009 Dehra Dun (U.K.) , India Email: melodyofdharma@gmail.com MALAYSIA Datin Sri Loo Chooi Ting J.P. Lot No. 2-3-09G, 3rd Fl., Wisma Rampai Jalan 34/26, Taman Sri Rampai, 53300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Email: norzin88@gmail.com FRANCE Gabriela and Hans-Erich Frey 71, Boulevard dAnvers F-67000, Strasbourg, FRANCE Email: gabriela.frey@free.fr (Kindly make cheque out to Sakyadhita France) SWITZERLAND Anne Deriaz Cit Villars, 10 1203 Geneva Email: anne.deriaz@vtxnet.ch AUSTRALIA Penny Moody P.O. Box 217, Warrandy Victoria 3113, Australia Email: penny-moody@netspace.net.au
SINGAPORE Sakya Tenphel Ling Honorary Secretary 5 Pasir ris Drive 4 Singapore 519455 www.sakyatenphelling.org GERMANY Isabelle Fehler Jetsun Sakya Foundation Wilhelm-Leuschner Str. 76189 Karlsruhe, Germany Email: fehler@sakya-foundation.de U.K. Richard and Sue Sedgley c/o Sakya Thubten Ling 167 Shelbourne Road Bournemouth BH8 8RD, U.K. Email: richnsue51@btinternet.com
U.S.A. Sakya Thupten Dargye Ling Ms. Silvia M. Yueh 2735, Hemlock Lane N. Plymouth MN 55441, USA Email: mnsakya@mac.com
63
This Issue was Generously Sponsored by

The Members of Sakya Dechen Ling, London, U.K. & Sylvia Yuea, Minneapolis, U.S.A. Kim Lee, Sydney, Australia
Members of Sakya Dechen Ling, London
Below please find the contact details for His Holiness' Residence and main monasteries in India:
Sakya Dolma Phodrang
Address: 192 Rajpur Road, P.O. Rajpur 248009 Dehradun, U.K. INDIA Email: dolmaphodrang@paldensakya.org.in Tel: 91-135-2734-081 Fax: 91-135-2734-883
Sakya Monastery Kalimpong

Address: 11th Mile, P.O. Topkhana, Kalimpong 734301 Dist. Darjeeling, West Bengal, INDIA Email: sakyacentrekpg@rediffmail.com Tel: 91-355-2255-425 Mob: 91-933-3092-858
Sakya Centre
Address: 187 Rajpur Rd,PO Rajpur 248009, Dehradun,Uttarakhand, INDIA Email: shrisakya@yahoo.co.in Tel: 91-135-2734-286 Fax: 91-135-2734-493
Sakya Nunnery
Address: S ahastradhara Road, P/O Kulhan 248001, Dehradun,Uttarakhand, INDIA Email: sakyanunnery_office@yahoo.com Tel: 91-135-2607-560
64
Sentient beings and Buddhas are equal, Yet happiness and sadness produce the great difference between them. Self and others are equal, Yet the reason for grasping produces the great difference between them.
From The Great Song of Experience by Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen Reproduced by kind permission of Lama Migmar Tseten
Sakya Dolma Phodrang

192, Rajpur Road P.O. Rajpur 248009 Dehradun, U.K. INDIA Tel: 91-135-273-4081 Fax: 91-135-273-4883 Email: melodyofdharma@gmail.com

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Melody of Dharma

An Introductory Teaching on Taking Refuge

A teaching by H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche

Global Ecological Crisis: An Aspirational Prayer 

His Holiness the Sakya Trizin

16  Taking Refuge 22  Buddha Nature

A teaching by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin (part 2)

A teaching by H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche

59  Summer Retreat 59 His Holiness' Retreat House

From The Editors

The Editing Team

Melody of Dharma 2010 NO. 3

H.E. Chogye Trichen Rinpoche

His Eminence was an unsurpassable tantric master

He was awarded the title Gorkha Dakshin Babu

Central Tibet, and the occasion was marked by many

His Eminence was born in 1920 in Tsang,

Lama as the reincarnation of the previous Chogye

founded in 1439 by Rongton Sheja Kunrig (1367-

When he was twelve, His Eminence was

he received all the major Sakya teachings and

transmissions, principally the precious Lamdre, the

Melody of Dharma 2010 NO. 3

at age 87, he passed into Paranirvana. His Eminence

The degree of his realization became clear when,

disciples, who eagerly await his return in rupakaya form.

He remains the heart master of numberless

great masters from both India and Tibet, including

was also known for his siddhis, such as resurrecting emanation.

have all belonged to the celestial Che clan. The

two principal lines of Lamas who have tended to

been the Chogye Trichen Rinpoches and the Zimwog

this world for Tushita heaven. centre of learning in India.

the twenty-sixth throne holder until his passing into

2010 NO. 3 Melody of Dharma

Remembering Great Masters:

he great master Virupa is one of the celebrated

eighty four mahasiddhas, or tantric adepts, of

behaviour, Dharmapala started to call At Nalanda, Dharmamitra gave

Virupa Vajrayana teachings and in He became so renowned for his learning

and in secret, however, he undertook M a n t r a y a n a p r a c t i c e s . Ye t , a f t e r

Melody of Dharma 2010 NO. 3

In order to express his gratitude to his Guru and

wishing to cause controversy and demean the Secret monastery.

known for his magical powers, which he used to

him, and told him:

defeat enemies of the Dharma. He is famously known

The following evening Nairatmya appeared to

When he died, he is said to have dissolved into a

and holding a pot of gold paint in his left. It is said

2010 NO. 3 Melody of Dharma

Virupa's Treasury of Dohas

Melody of Dharma 2010 NO. 3

2010 NO. 3 Melody of Dharma

Melody of Dharma 2010 NO. 3

2010 NO. 3 Melody of Dharma

Melody of Dharma 2010 NO. 3

2010 NO. 3 Melody of Dharma

Global Ecological Crisis:

Global Ecological Crisis: An Aspirational Prayer

16 Taking Refuge 22 Buddha Nature

59 Summer Retreat 59 His Holiness' Retreat House