Live Lessons from my Spiritual Friend (5)

October 11-14

We travelled by train from Aurangabad to New Delhi, the journey, plus changing another train in between, we probably spent about 24 hours to reach the destination. In between, the train stopped at a destination, up to now, i vividly remember this boy who came in front of me with some food (one piece of bread and some biscuits) holding with one hand, the other hand streching towards me as other local people seemingly 'immune' to this scene. He looked very skinny, and hungry.  i asked Ani if i could give the 2 pieces of breads, she nodded, and i gave him with the plastic covering it as originally packed.  At that time, Kunde Rinpoche left to the train station, walking around. Later he came back and asked if we could give this pack of food to someone, he said there was a boy eating hungrily with 2 pieces of bread in the station area, thus we passed the pack of food which was supposed to be dinner to one of us through the window to Tulku.  Later he came back and said there were 2 Hindu monks bringing rice and curry for those people sitting at the station, and praising their kindness...

For the next few days, we spent in the Tibetan community.  We travel to the town a couple of times for various reasons. If the journey was within a few Kilometer, Tulku would ride with the cyclist - He cheekily playing with them such as pulling their bicycle when they tried to move etc.. and they would laugh together - I was seeing simple joy in their faces, and i felt their happiness being connected. Initially, i asked Tulku why did he choose to ride bicycle and i thought riding the mini motorcar was safer and looks less dangerous - the answer was the same - save money, no waste. If we have travel further which could only ride by mini motorcar, I had to catch up my Spiritual Friend who was walking and walking along the road until a driver agreed to the normal charge of the journey.

After i returned from the trip, as i contemplating on the experience of the joyful moments Kunde Rinpoche had with the cyclist who ride us, i felt moved by His compassion - my Spiritual Friend was making connection with simple folks in the streets! - i regretted for my worldly judgement of kept suggesting it was safer to travel by motor engine vehicle! I felt that we complaint too much within a comfortable life provided with all basic needs, unnecessary needs...etc...etc....

Live Lessons from my Spiritual Friend (4)

October 6-11, 2011

On Oct.6, 2011 evening, we travelled by a public bus from Dharamsala to New Delhi.  We missed the bus, together with a Tibetan lady & her daughter.  We asked the bus ticket counter at different timing on the arrival of the bus which we had booked tickets 2 hours ago and awaiting since then.  At the end, we had to hire a cab (taxi) to chase after the bus! Personally, i had fear riding on vehicle which driver speed - i described it as like 'Ferrari style'.  The driver put a price tag of rs500 to 'chase' the bus, four of us seated. During his 'crazy' drive of speeding and weaving with other vehicles, i was grumbling inside the car, Tulku had apologized a few times after he knew the bus was gone without any information for this incident. i was behaving like a fearful person as the driver was speeding, including narrating a car accident i heard of a colleague and his husband colliding into a tree at night, only the driver survived! - I even forgot my favourite Guru Rinpoche Mantra chant! Later i was surprised three other passengers, including Tulku were such calm during the 'horror' ride! At the end, the driver managed to stop the bus, exceeding the venue he expected to meet it, thus demanding extra cash of rs50. We paid and ride the bus for about 12 hours! Now writing in retrospection, i believe myself have some kind of deep psychological fear over car accidents as i had experienced 2 serious car accidents. Strangely after returning from this trip, the fearful feeling driving among reckless drivers on the road seems have been 'disminishing' or does not arouse panic emotion unnecessarily! Thank you very much to Tulku's compassion throughout that 'dangerous' ride!

The next 5 days, Tulku, Ani Tsering and myself travelled to Ellora, Ajanta caves at Aurangabad. We spent about 3 hours at Ellora. i apologize for not having a decent camera with me, after i knew the camera given by Tulku's friend was spoilt recently. i believe any reader interested in these historical caves could search the internet and retrieves loaded information and images travellers had posted. Buddhist Caves of Ellora dated back to 500-700A.D. we enjoy the natural hillside panoramic views surrounding the caves, but salluting to the master pieces of Buddhist scuptures that remained, erected after many centuries, surviving from human destructions!!!!! - personally, i see the vital importance of preservation and conservation of human culture, artistic creation, and history, irrespective of one's creed, race and system of beliefs in what we termed 'Human Civilization'. Below is a photograph to share:

[Water Fall between the Buddhist Caves at Ellora, caves 1 -12, southern series. Image photographed by sonam yeshi, all rights reserved, 2011]

The next day we are supposed to travel to Ajanta Caves. That night i had a dream of yeye, the grandpa of Tulku. The next day morning i thought i had made wishes in my Buddhist prayers and puja that this respected, compassionate Lama would return to human realm for his Bodhisattva vow. Interestingly, in the morning before we depart to Ajanta Cave, Tulku shared that he dreamt of yeye - (late) Lopon Pema Dechen and received message from one of his Dharma Protectors last night!  it was indeed auspicious coincidence!  Tulku and Ani had thought to do a short Buddhist Puja at one of the Temple Hall in Ajanta before we travelled. We did manage to do a Puja, venerating to the historical Buddha Sakyamuni images, artistics stone carvings etc.  - happily experiencing the historical spiritual caves and beautiful architectures... We met a group of university students from India, they were Architecture studies and English studies undergraduates, leading by 2 lecturers. They enthusiastically requesting Tulku (and kindly invited us also) to have pictures taken in groups with them. Not to disappoint readers here, below is a picture photograph at one of the caves:

[a Buddhist Cave in Ajanta. Image photographed by sonam yeshi, all rights reserved, 2011]

Live Lessons from my Spiritual Friend (2)

October 4, 2011
This day from 0900hr-1200hr was a special session, with compassion, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was giving an empowerment of the Avoloketesvara (Boddhisattva of Compassion). HH explained this teaching's transmission was experienced in a solitary retreat during the life of the 5th Dalai Lama. Briefly HH was giving this oral transmission to the participants, the basis of this visualization meditation was based on the Nyingma tradition (the earliest tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism).  During the instruction, based on the translation in Chinese, i followed it, and i found the method narrated had much similarity to what my Spiritual Friend, Kunde Rinpoche had taught us the Vajrasattva visualization on two occassions during the launch of his first English publication, A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection, mainly the object of visualization is Avoloketesvara, the was slight variation almost at the end.  After the session, i found it energizing, and refreshing. In fact, having this opportunity to meditate among the practitioners from different parts of the globe is a blessing itself, even though it was less than an hour practice.
A Lama, a friend of Tulku, to be more specific, hails from the same monastery, Horthang Tashi Monastery but currently studying at Sakya monastery college in India, was requested by Tulku to take care of me (Thanks much to Tulku's being such considerate of this student's unfamiliar with the environment throughout this journey).  Tulku had gone to the administrative office, i understand he was trying very hard if he could request for a private audience with HH (on my behalf).  Later, he apologized unable to make arrangement via the Temple 's receptionist whom (with my presence) referred him here and there (from security office, religious dept ect.).  I sincerely felt that this humble Spiritual Friend was doing more than extra miles for his student. When his efforts yielded no results, and Tulku apologized more than 3 times, again i expressed that the experiences of being among the participants for these days had given me much contentment spiritually.  I have seen HH during his teaching sessions, though it was not directly in private capacity.  Even the viewing of HH leaving the Temple Hall twice were symbolic of meeting a great Spiritual Friend.  I believe there were too many participants trying to take this opportunity to do the same, as evident when we were at the reception office. Being able to travel and attending this special teaching days (though not fully with my own short of awareness and mindfullness for 2 days) - i felt it was indeed a lifetime blessings!
Thank you very much, my Spiritual Friend - for your kind concerns and caring for your students' spiritual diverse exposure to different traditions within Vajrayana School.
May the merits of the 4-day teachings with a finale of Avaloketesvara Empowerment by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama benefit all Sentient Beings, above, below and across...

May all beings be well and happy...
Tashi Delek

Live Lessons from my Spiritual Friend (1)

These series are memoirs of my trip to India from Sept 30 - October 15, 2011. It is written in retrospective manner as personnaly i am a lazy person to write dairies while travelling.  After considering this trip's some interesting experiences for self-reflections and life lessons learned, in certain way, it may shift my perceptions of many conceptual phenomena; and may these live lessons from my Spiritual Friend, Kunde Rinpoche transforms my spiritual quest for human enlightenment!

Motivation of the trip: My Spiritual Friend, Kunde Rinpoche suggested to me to make an effort to meet His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in this lifetime. One day in September he called to inform there would be a 4-day teachings scheduled at Dharamsala.  I thought this would be a golden opportunity to listen to His Holiness, and it was also time to take breaks from work, study ('coldstoraged' for nearly 7-8 months!), and the Buddhist Centre i am committed - to refresh my clouded mind...
[Symbols in text reference: HH -  His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tulku: Kunde Rinpoche - my Spiritual Friend; Ani: a renounced woman; Parenthesis:bracket ( ) - personal comments/reflection; " " -  conversation may not be the exact words rather than the meaning]

Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2011 - I arrived at the Indira Ghandi International Airport, Delhi, it was late night.  A budget mortel was booked on my behalf at the Tibetan community as Tulku as usual emphasize the joy of moderation in living, and being thrifty in person (Tulku used the term 'saved money', 'no waste' et.c).
The next day we went for lunch in a small restaurant, I passed the food bill and money for Tulku to help me make payment at the cashier counter as i was a little caution of the unfamiliar environment.  Tulku just received the money changed after payment without scrunity of the correctness (as usual) of the cashier.  I was a little curious why the woman almost like rushing towards the counter as we tried to pay to a male worker who was at the counter rightly. After stepped out from the restaurant, i suggested to count the changed cash -  and we found it had short changed by rs20! I suggested to Tulku we may go back for correction, Tulku said 'never mind' as we had left the counter, and suddenly he recalled:"Oh, last time a lady short change my cash of rs20 after food, now i know it was the same person!". He laughed, and that made me laugh at this experience! That evening we travelled by bus to Dharamsala.  When Tulku picked up the 2 bus tickets from a travel agency's shop which he used to book travelling transportation, it was rs600 per ticket instead of rs400 told to him earlier.  The bus has a small fan near to the seats - but it was malfunctioning! Later Tulku called his friend Ani who is related to one lady in that travel agency for confirmation of the price. After some rings here and there, he said that he was told the price was higher because the bus's condition was good! i tended to be judgemental in lay life, but this time i had no comments (as i have not checked on this before). 

Thus the jouney took about 12 hours from Delhi. When we arrived at Dharamsala, it was about 2 Oct 2011, 0700hrs local time.  I was informed the Teachings sheduled for Oct 1- 4, 2011 based on the request of one thousand Taiwanese. Thus we quickly readied to the Temple. When we reached the vanue, then we knew that we need two pieces of photos for ID card in this event. We were brought to a specific shop, but the man who knew how to use photoshop software had left.  Thus Tulku had to assist the lady boss for his FOC service (and he had to pay for his photos, no complimentary?). As we were waiting for our instant photos to be ready, i chat with 2 ladies from Russia, one of them shortly shared that she was doing a research on Tibet in her university, and after this they would be going to Himalaya (foot), and she said no idea yet of 'how to'. Thus i gave her the name of Nepal Dzogchen Monastery to request help from a Lama we know - who may be able to assist her for a reliable tour guide.  As usual, all instant photos were more expensive! Then we needed to photocopy our travel documents (visa, passport) to the organizer. As we were doing all this chores, there was another Westerner who commented to that Russian student that the teachings were in Tibetan.  She replied we needed to bring our own radio for translation of other languages (English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese). Then the woman shook her head and left!
For lay people, we had to go through some basic security check, and no mobile phone was allowed. At the venue, we found that all the space near to the Buddha Shrine where HH seated were fully occupied. As Tulku tried to look for seats that could view HH, we were 'lucky' as one Lama greeted Tulku and he assisted us to make some space to 'squeeze-in', and i thanked all the Lama(s), Ani(s) and lay people around the area for this convenience made for us (adjusting their seating postures and space etc). After seated, i almost 'struggling' to tune my Sony brand recorder's radio FM (i had not tried to read the manual for this gadget as i didnt need such function before this). An Ani (France) assisted me! i must be very ignorant, my short of tech-savvy - Steeve Jobs (the late) might laugh at my lack of this simple i-sense! what more to be innovator?
- i chose to listen to the English translation in one ear (my other side ear was listening to the translator in Chinese) to find the language understanding capacity for me (i thought i was not familiar much with Buddhist terminology in Chinese).  I almost like fallen asleep as i was listening, may be due to physical and mental tireness from the journey and my 'pressed' of time to complete as much works as possible in the office before leaving. Tulku tried to alert me, but i found my urge for sleeps 'horned' me (as usual). Then it was lunch time, rice and one dish of potatoes in soup were provided - everyone around seems eating happily like a big family in this Buddhist Community - estimated about 7K-10K participants? - i was impressed by this simplicity which was like more than a 'big fest' time!
The Dharma talk ended around 4pm, the audiences incidental wispers almost undisturbing and unheard of throughout the hours! - it was more than awesome?
When we left the Temple, i felt happy though much of the words i didn't seems to register in my mind excepts 'Heart Sutra', 'Emptiness', 'Nagajuna'...
Lesson learned: to meet a Spiritual Master is inconceivable, being physically presence itself was a happy feeling to be with the Buddhist Community. I felt blessed, even though the spectacles i was wearing was meant for computer work in the office that did not give me a perfect vision of His Holiness's physical senses (eyes, ears, nose) - after all i was experiencing his humanity, boundless energy and mental alertness throughout the Teachings... - i deeply felt it is worth a lifetime experience!

Tashi Delek

Live Story from the Oral tradition (6) - H.E. the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche (Jigme Losel Wangpo)

Live Story from the Oral Tradition (6) – H.E. the 7^th Dzogchen Rinpoche (Jigme Losel Wangpo)

The below verse was extracted from verse 2, Prologue, A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection, page 10

" Jigme Losel Wangpo! You are the great practitioner of the Great Perfection,

The victorious state of the teaching of the Land of Snow,
Having actualized the state of fearlessness
Remaining without separation from us—the host of students—
And by turning our fresh intelligence into the fold of the Dharma." - (Extracted from: Prologue,vers.2, p.10)

Chat with H.E. Kunde Rinpoche (herein address as Tulku) in August 2011.
Q= sonam yeshi, A=Kunde Rinpoche, HH = the 7^th Dzogchen Rinpoche, Bracket ( ) - notes added for clarity, [ ] - expression

Q: Tulku, you have visited Dzogchen Monastery in India regularly and mentioned the 7^th Dzogchen Rinpoche often (Jigme Losel Wangpo), and he had verbally consented to  publishing your manuscript translated from Tibetan to English as there was concerned that this manuscript if published and circulated may subject to misuse of the teachings by wrongful intention in individual’s mind.
A: Yes, He is one of the living holders of Dzogchen practice in the Dzogchen lineage (Great Perfection) besides Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche (Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery). (Please refer Prologue, vers.1-3, p.10).

Q: Tulku, could you narrate a little how special on the biography of HH in this life?
A: He was born to a special family, his brother is Kyabje Soygal Rinpoche (the author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying), and his aunty is Khandro Tsering Chodon, the spiritual wife of Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro (1896-1959)**.

Note:** the most outstanding Tibetan master of the last century who was the heart of ‘non-partisan’ movement in Tibetan Buddhism.

Q: Briefly his biography in the lineage reincarnation most outstanding historically?
A: The 1^stDzogchen Rinpoche & the 5th Dzogchen Rinpoche were most well known historically.  The 5^th Dzogchen Rinpoche had written many Tibetan Buddhism teachings, He also predicted the present Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery in geographical location symbolized the Wisdom Sword of Buddha Manjushri (the manifestation of Wisdom of the Buddha). And during his time, Patrul Rinpoche was writing one of the Tibetan Buddhism Classics ‘The Words of My Perfect Teacher ‘(kunzang lama’I shelung), He knew Patrul Rinpoche did not had ‘writing tools’ within his mind, he sent a lama to provide that – such visionary knowledge and wisdom is beyond intellectual book learning!

Q: how true is HH prediction of this said Monastery?
A: Historically, past and present, many eminent Masters and Teachers in Tibetan Buddhism, especially in Dzogchen practice are Rinpoche, Lamas (students) undergone training and learning at Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery (Tibet).  Among them, His Holiness, Khenpo Jikme Phuntsok Rinpoche (法王吉美彭措), and of course HH Pema Kalsang Rinpoche, the great Tibetan Masters of Nyingma Tradition.

Q: could you narrate an example of HH this life that reflected his humanity?
A: HH is known for his charity works in this life, especially in education!  (for his spiritual endeavours, please visit: http://www.dzogchenmonastery.org.in)

Q: spiritually?
A: HH has recognized a number of lamas reincarnation. His spiritual attainment and transformation through lives cultivation is beyond our limited minds understanding!

Q: and in person as a human being?
A: HH is very humble, simple, and visionary. His spirituality only could be experienced by people who have met him, and practicing under him.

Q: Thank you very much, Tulku. For sharing this oral history of the 7^th Dzogchen Rinpoche and his relations with Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery in the past!
A: Tashi Delek
Thus have i heard... posted by sonam yeshi in 2011

(Note: Transcribed by Sonam Yeshi. Any mistakes herein were the ignorant of the translator and transcriber, kindly feedback and notify at sonamyeshi09@gmail.com - posted by Sonam Yeshi)

Live Story from the Oral Tradition (4) - Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche

Words of Praise, A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection / H.E. Kunde Rinpoche; Translated by Geshe Lhakdor and Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam, Back cover page ].

Chat with H.E. Kunde Rinpoche (herein address as Tulku) before the launch of his book on  July 31, 2011 &  August 7, 2011.
Q= sonam yeshi, A=Kunde Rinpoche, HH = Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche, Bracket ( ) - notes added for clarity, [ ] - expression

The below verse was extracted from verse 3, Prologue, A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection, page 10

"Pema Kalsang! You are the great teacher of the Great Perfection,

Who visited Rudam from the realm of holy place of the Lotus Field
To disseminate the secret tantric teachings in this fortunate eon
Your teaching will amaze the world." -  (Extracted from: Prologue,vers.3, p.10) 

Q: Tulku, you have shared with me many times on HH (Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche), and he is such supportive on this book translated from Tibetan to English, by writing the page on Words of Praise.
A: yes, He is one of the living holders of Dzogchen practice (Great Perfection) besides Jigme Losel Wangpo (the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche in Dzogchen Monastery India, (Please refer Prologue, vers.2, p.10).

Q: Tulku, could you narrate a little how special on the biography of HH which we could not access from published document in English?
A: During the political religious difficulty (suppression?), the Lamas were not allowed to wear their robes and he was among many others sent to work as labourers.  At that time, he was in his prime age (late twenty or early thirty years old ?), he was very handsome then, there were some ladies proposed to marry him, he had rejected one by one and maintained that he wanted to remain his renounced status (monkhood, though in lay clothes)
(for HH picture, please refer to: A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection, p.109 - there was a picture of HH & Lodoe Gyatso, Tulku's root Lama photographed in 1998 at Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery).

Q: wow, under such circumstances! Who recognized him as a reincanate Rinpoche?
A: By The 6th Dzogchen Rinpoche (and ? Rinpoche- apology, short memory after a lapsed of a month and more, will update once verified again).  He was said (predicted) to be a very special Rinpoche when he was at age 5 or 6(?).

Q: how special is HH, refering to this?
A: When he was a child (less than 10 years old?), Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery was under demolishing situation in many ways (due to polital situation), at night time, he took the treasures (Buddha statues, scriptures in blocks etc. one by one) inside the monastery (before lost) and hide in caves (?). 

Q: Oh dear, wasn't he discovered by the authority?
A:  He did it in such natural way as a child, and the advantage being a child, it saved him being a suspect [laughter]!

Q: How significant to Dzogchen history?
A: Now those historical holy statues and the treasured teachings (some?) in Dzogchen tradition are kept in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery were his fearless efforts during his childhood! He had preserved the human enlightened wisdom in history in his child-like way! [laughter]  Thus saved and preserved the important history of Dzogchen till this 21 Century.

Q: [silence.. too overwhelming]. too amazing! sound like a genius!
A: Thus HH is very 'famous' among the Tibetan Buddhists, Nyingma Tradition (at least in Tibet). Presently, he is taking care of Dzogchen monasteries in that province (?)... 

Q: Could you share one special incident that reflects the spiritual status of practice, sorry to say lay people like to hear or see 'psychic eminence' or 'prediction' as some sort of 'practical proof'?
A: [umm...] In the 90an (20 century?), Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery (Tibet) hostels in the monastery were in very bad living conditions then for the lamas.   One day it was on fire...

Q: Oh dear, what happen then?
A: At that time, the HH was in overseas (U.S.A?), when the monastery lama contacted him (via telephone?) to report the the 'casulty'.

Q: what did HH said?
A: His Holiness replied very 'blessed' then （非常吉祥）! The lamas were very surprised and shocked HH did not show any words of worries but instead sounded 'joyful'!

Q: That's very interesting, no fear?
A: Apparently, he dreamt of fire before it was reported to him the real fire! This is the special 'eminence', even in dream state.

Q: why was it special?
A: In a short period of time, the monastery new hostels were constructed with many supports!

Q: [laughter] Wow, this sounded like 'fairy tale' in modern mythology!? - it is beyond my uncultivated mind imagination. Tulku, i can't even control my urge for sleeps...[laughters]
A: In India, there is the famous Vajrayana Master, whose meditation is 'sleeping' (睡觉法王) (- out of this topic....)

Q: Thank you very much, Tulku. I am very lucky to listen to your oral history of Dzogchen, Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche and his relations with Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery, real-life story related to Dzogchen practice!
A: Tashi Delek

Thus have i heard... posted by sonam yeshi in 2011
(Note: Transcribed by Sonam Yeshi. Any mistakes herein were the ignorant of the transcriber, kindly feedback and notify at sonamyeshi09@gmail.com - posted by Sonam Yeshi)

Live Story from the Oral Tradition (3) - Khenpo Chucap

Live Story from the Oral Tradition (3) - Khenpo Chucap

Khenchen Chodyog Chathal (Khenpo Chucap) [- the name of this second Master was copied from the Dedication page, A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection/ H.E. Kunde Rinpoche; Translated by Geshe Lhakdor and Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam, p.x]. 

Chat with H.E. Kunde Rinpoche (herein address as Tulku) in July 2011  

Q= sonam yeshi, A=Kunde Rinpoche, Bracket ( ) - notes added for clarity, [ ] - expression

Q: Tulku, yourself and Khenpo Kunga Tashi Rinpoche (especially Khenpo) showed us a picture of your Teacher/Master (while both of you were training in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery?) which had been posted in your blog initial posts, as a recognization of your Great Teacher.

A: yes, we called Khenpo Chucap, his is very well respected among the Lama(s).

Q: from the picture, this Khenpo looked very special, reminds me of like forest monks in remote Myanma (Burma) .
A: yes, he lived in a cave-like place, one robe, one bowl and a piece of cap to cover from cold.

Q: Tulku, from your experience learning with Khenpo Chucap, how special was he while living?
A: Khenpo's wisdom is natural, he gave dharma teachings just speak naturally (without reference materials).  He would share what he had been offered to him with his students (keep nothing), if he was offered food, he ate, if no one offer food one day, he also didn't ask for it - live without food on that day.

Q: How about his meditation speciality (method of meditaion)?
A: Khenpo was famous for 'emptiness meditation' (中观 ?), well known for his 'non- attachment' (detachment?), even the four basic needs of human living, and recognized a highly attained meditation Master while living.

Q: then?
A: Khenpo desseminated the Dharma teachings, gradually many Lamas came to learning and listenngi to him. Probably more than 300 students.

Q: i am curious how did he passed away compared to your root Lama, Lodoe Gyatso (罗珠仁波切）?
A: (forgotten...did not scribble down this conversation immediately like interview technique! - something like Khenpo Chucap announced weeks before (2 weeks?) , and his physical body diminishing to emptiness....to update later :)-D)

Q: wow... so special [almost speechless] (with my limited knowledge and confuse mind always [:)-D]
A: Khenpo Chucap left behind transmissions of teachings to many Lamas who are teaching around the globe...(one's job had done)

Tashi Delek

(Note: Transcribed by Sonam Yeshi.  Any mistakes herein were the ignorant of the transcriber, kindly feedback and notify at sonamyeshi09@gmail.com - posted by Sonam Yeshi)

Live Story of the Oral Tradition (2) -unpublished manuscript: མཚན་མོ་གཅིག་གི་རྨི་ལམ༎ (Dreaming in A Night 一夜之梦)

Below was a chat with the author, Kunde Rinpoche of the below book, about another interesting manuscript he had shared in a site (Tibetan language, from the narration, apparently had also stirred some heated discussion from the young Tibetan who had viisted that site). This chat had related connections and virtues with the contents of the published book below:

Book title: A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection.

Author : H.E. Kunde Rinpoche; Translated by Geshe Lhakdor and Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam
ISBN: 978-967-10552-0-5

མཚན་མོ་གཅིག་གི་རྨི་ལམ༎ Dreaming in A Night 一夜之梦

Below is the sypnosis of the post

Reference: www.tulkukonde.blospot.com

March 4, 2010

My article, མཚན་མོ་གཅིག་གི་རྨི་ལམ༎ (Dreaming in A Night 一夜之梦) was written and poste online on May 4,2009 (Tibetan Calander), it was written in Tibetan language[ The title's was literally translated by Sonam Yeshi & Nying Top Barma].

http://www.shambalapost.com/2008-11-09-14-14-57/1761-2010-03-04-05-45-08

 

[Note : Q= Interviewer, A = Interviewee (Rinpoche, or Tulku). Bracket ( ) - notes added for clarity, [ ] - expression]

Q: Rinpoche, i had asked about this manuscript before in 2009, a few months after we met you.  But your answer was just smiles only.  Now, i wonder am i ready to understand about this dream you have, and i could share with people who have affinity.

A : um..About the article i had written on མཚན་མོ་གཅིག་གི་རྨི་ལམ༎ (Dreaming in A Night 一夜之梦) [copy & pasted here from Rinpoche's blog. Reference: www.tulkukonde.blogspot.com]

Q: In your book, it has mentioned one of the Dzogchen (Great Perfection) practice is "Clear Light Dream" practice.  It sounded not an easy practice, cos' for common uncultivated mind like ours, we can't even control our dreams or sleeping, not to mention interpreting dreams!

A:  "Clear Light Dream" is very specialized mind cultivation practice.  You need a recognized Master to guide you.

Q: Back to the 'beautiful lady' appeared in that Dreaming Night [laughter]. What is the symbolic significance in Dzogchen practice, which might be misinterpreted as 'sensual' indulgence from worldly lustful thoughts! (traditional practice may view as sensual disire! :D-)

A: This happened when i was practising under instructions of my root Lama, Lodoe Gyatso in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery. One night i had this dream of a beautiful lady. Later i consulted my Dzogchen Master, Lodoe Gyatso.

Q: Yes, after going through the challenging processes of publishing your book, now i understand the rule that the practioners of Dzogchen (Great Perfection) required to learn and receiving instructions from a recognized Master of this tradition. For a beginner like me, it is such difficult to understand even intellectually of part 2 and part 3 in the contents of your book.

A: We learned and practise for years in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery (daily woke up at 5.00a.m. - 12.00p.m.) and the three-years retreat, Dzogchen Master would 'checked' and watched us daily, periodically (feedbacks of phenomena arises and experienced) during the three years, three months and three days (? sonam yeshi had not recorded the no. of days properly in her mind while chatting).

Q: Sorry to sidetrack, back to the 'secret' of the dream (symbolic interaction?)...

A: My Master, Lodoe Gyatso, said that i should practise Dzogchen (Great Perfection) practices. This is a symbolic of the Dharma Protector, Ekadzati (一支佛母) in Dzogchen, Nyingma Tradition. 

Q: Tulku, from the depth of your respect towards your root Lama, Lodoe Gyatso (including commissioned an art image), and requested us to venerate him as our root Lama as a beginner in our mind, learning the Part 1 practice under your guidance (instead of visualize Tulku's picture)!

A: My root Lama is the continuous transmission of Dzogchen lineage in the history of Dzogchen. (-2001. please refer the other post mentioned of some of the Master's Dzogchen practice students, Khenpo Jikme Phuntsok Rinpoche, Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche etc.)   His Wiscom and Compassion is the essence of my veneration (and our veneration)

Note: The manuscript of Dzogchen history of the author, under translation in Dharamsala, Research & Translation Dept, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, 2009-

Q:Thank you, Tulku for your sharing on this Great Master, i found your live stories in your experiences very amazing, enlightening...
A: [smile] Tashi Delek

Thus have i heard in 2011 - posted by Sonam Yeshi
[Note: any mistake or misintepretations herein are solely the responsibilities of the mistakes/ignorance of the transcriber due to her short memories in this retrospetive transcription.]

Live chat on A Garland of Flowers - Great Perfection / Kunde Rinpoche

The following transcript derived from a live chat via skype between sonam yeshi with a friend from neighboring country (pseunonym) , also a friend of Kunde Rinpoche.  She was concerned on the distribution of the publication.
 

A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection.

Author : H.E. Kunde Rinpoche; Translated by Geshe Lhakdor and Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam
ISBN: 978-967-10552-0-5
Published date: 29 July 2011

Note: bracket () wordings are remarks meant for clarificaiton. Some contents deleted.synbols : (pseunonym), - (sonam yeshi)


[8/24/2011 5:46:48 PM]  :BTW - Tulku's book. Why need to sell so expensive?
[8/24/2011 5:47:23 PM] :Sorry to say that but if your wish to generate profit from books, it's pretty slim chance.
.....
[8/24/2011 5:49:07 PM] - we have did some 'market' research on prices about dzogchen practice book - the price also reflects its uniqe teaching. profit is secondary.  it probably can sell better in the west (cos' of more dzogchen pratitioners?)
[8/24/2011 5:50:22 PM] - if you read this book, it is unique, even i find part 2 & 3 difficult to understand
[8/24/2011 5:51:45 PM] : only real practitioner will buy. Non practitioner will not understand the depth of the book. Let me share with you, Taiwanese Rinpoche also translated a practice book for sales. But he make a comment "As this is practice books, usually Centre will buy one book and makes copies after that" so the books cant sell if go for printing"
[8/24/2011 5:53:08 PM]: As Tulku book only 100pages (xiv, ill.; 128), to buy a book and send for copy is not a difficult task.
[8/24/2011 5:54:46 PM] - the illustrations - the peaceful & wrathful 100 buddhas (deities) & his great master - Lodoe Gyatso (color image) made phtotocopying impossible (may be scanning?)
[8/24/2011 5:55:32 PM] - also the 100 buddhas is the only piece of illustration (color image) known by tulku which has all in one piece of art.
[8/24/2011 5:58:56 PM] - the idea/inspiration was from the Rinpche (forgot the name in the book) who had 'passed away' - credit given by his Lama.  and this lama is planning to build a monastery in India under his name (at South India near Dzogchen Monastery), from the narration, this Rinpoche is coming back to continue his work. thus, later we may have to contribute based on book sales
[8/24/2011 6:02:33 PM] - i think to buy this book itself is a blessing - one of my friends a christian, diagnosed with cancer before, and immune system down. plus both parents sick off and on... (father diagnosed with cancer also) but she seems have affinity with Tulku's 'mani' & blessings.  Lakely got bronchitis, i brought Tulku to see her - she bought the book, and reported that night itself her lungs' ribs pain subsiding & recovering well (even weeks of medicine didnt work for her)! - believe it or not :-D) (sounded esoteric!)

[8/24/2011 6:03:40 PM] : I can understand the important and precious of the contents. If the idea is to reach a bigger audience and readers then it should be made affordable to all  and not only to the needy/medical conditions readers
[8/24/2011 6:10:29 PM] - haha, thanks for concerns over distributions/sales. i see Tulku such confident over his book (one westerner, former translator of Dzogchen rinpoche even 'advise' him not to publish his book - cos it will make him 'famous' but he worries of 'abuse' of this reveals of all the secret teachings thus far only in Tibetan - except 1-2 practices had been translated to english. i did read some books review with the title name dzogchen from scholarly database, this is the only complete manual of dzogchen pratice!!!
[8/24/2011 6:14:00 PM] - Thus i can imagine why the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche (verbally) supported to be published. Thanks to HH Pema Kalsang immediately wrote Words of Praise upon reading his manuscript
[8/24/2011 6:14:50 PM] : Ok. Your may have different strategy on the sales of the book. Just hope its well accepted and having the 2nd print very soon.
[8/24/2011 6:15:27 PM] : ok. Chat again other time
[8/24/2011 6:17:18 PM] - bye (yn)

A Garland of Flowers / Kunde Rinpoche - Book Distributor

We gratefully announce that interested readers may order online directly from the distributor below:

UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA CO-OPERATIVE BOOKKSHOP LTD

(KOPERASI KEDAIBUKU UNIVERSITI MALAYA BERHAD)

email: pekanbuku@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.kkum.com.my

Address: Bagunan Perdanasiswa, Universiti Malaya, P.O. BOX 1127, Jalan Paintai Baru, 59700 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.

Contact: Mr. Khairul Anuar Bin Saim, Assistant Manager

Tel: +6(03) 7956 5000

       +6(03) 7956 5425

Fax: +6(03) 7956 3246

[Book cover design original idea from Kunde Rinpoche. All Rights Reserved]

Product Descriptions:

Book Title : A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection.

Author : H.E. Kunde Rinpoche; Translated by Geshe Lhakdor and Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam

ISBN: 978-967-10552-0-5

Published date: 29 July 2011

Main Category : Religion

Sub Category: Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana) / Dzogchen (Nyingma)

Format : Paperback

Product details & dimensions: 128 pages, 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.3 inches (21 x 14.6 x 0.6 centimeter)

ABSTRACT

His Eminence Kunde Rinpoche has composed this book in 3 parts for readers who are interested in Buddhism in general and Dzogchen practice of Vajrayana Buddhism in particular. Dzogchen, literally “Great Perfection’ is the primary teaching of Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The book is presented in questions and answers form to provide structural learning processes from preliminary practice path in part 1 for beginners to understand the basic principles of  how one should generate one’s mind to prevent afflictive emotions, conditions to practice the Dharma, understanding of the six realms of existence and methods of purifying wrongdoings, etc. Part 2 concisely provided the teachings and learning manuals on the method of actualizing Buddhahood in one life time through one physical body by first practicing the Shamatha (calm-abiding) Mediation to the inexhaustible treasure of highly secret great perfection practice (Atiyoga). The Clear Light Great Perfection practice consists of four parts: trekcho (cutting through) practice, thogal (leap-over) practice, clear light dream practice, and phowa practice.  Finally, part 3 describes the intermediate state (Bardo) experience of Peaceful and Wrathful deities, as His Holiness Pema Kalsang puts it in his Words of Praise,  “guides us, such as how one should nakedly experience the great unconditioned dharmakaya during the intermediate state” based on Dzogchen practice. 

About the Author: The third Kyabje Kunde Rinpoche, not only completed his studies at Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery, but indeed he is a highly competent master in the generation and completion stages of the Dzogchen tradition – His Holiness Pema Kalsang, Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery, Words of Praise:A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection, back cover page, 2011.

Posted by Sonam Yeshi for the author

Live Story from the Oral Tradition (1) - LODOE GYATSO (1930-2001)

Posted by Sonam Yeshi
1st revised on August 29, 2011

Chat with H.E. Kunde Rinpoche - Sonam Yeshi. Transcribed in Q&A format (herein address as Tulku) in July 2011

Note: The name of Master Lodoe Gyatso was initially translation to English as Golok A-kong Tokden Rinpoche in this blog by Karma Khenpo and Jangchub Dorje (Lama). After seeking clarification from Kunde Rinpoche, "Golok" is the geographical place of Master's home/monastery. A cross-reference check on other translated text in Chinese translation, 'Lodoe' (罗珠) is more consistent translation - sonam yeshi, 29 August 2011

Q= sonam yeshi, A=Kunde Rinpoche, Bracket ( ) - notes added for clarity, [ ] - expression

Q: When did you commissioned the art work of your root Lama (Dzogchen Master), Lodoe Gyatso which was inserted as an illustration in your newly published book, First page (A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection/ H.E. Kunde Rinpoche; Translated by Geshe Lhakdor and Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam.ISBN: 978-967-10552-0-5).

A: In year 2009, at Nepal by an artist.

Q: Can you elaborate on its original idea?

A: I described my ideas and outline of the illustrations to the artist: My root Lama in the middle, the Three Dharma Protectors, and Samantabhadra (空心佛) on utmost top, and scene of surrounding.

Q: How special is your root Lama in the Dzogchen lineage?

A: He had teach and educated (in Khenpo training) /transmit teachings of Dzogchen, and taught many lamas in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery on Great Perfection practice, many became ‘attained’, very well known Dzogchen Teachers in this century. Among his prominently well-known students are: Khenpo Jikme Phuntsok 法王堪布吉美彭措仁波切 (the Master of Khenpo Sotaji (索达吉堪布) & Tsultim Lodu (慈诚罗珠仁波切), and the living Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche and Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche (Doptal) of Shriseng Monastery in Tibet.

Q: Any ‘esoteric’ or spiritual story about him? Most critical life experience, like how he passed away?

A: [laughter] uh, many many. Yes, 2 weeks before he passed away, he announced to his students, and requested them to ask questions. Thereafter, every morning he gave dharma talks on Great Perfection and asked us for questions. When his physical body (the 5 elements) started to diminishing (dissolved) to emptiness, without any verbal communication, Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche arrived just on time to complete his Bodhisattva Vow (to do the special Puja & before the physical elements ‘erupted’,do the necessary according to the teaching tradition (apology - that is out of the transcriber's ability to describe in words).

Q: hey, Tulku, it is just beyond our rational mind of such ‘Art of Dying’ [laughter], lay people & new student to Dzogchen tradition like us. We had witnessed so many sufferings of our loved ones, friends, neighbours etc. dying in many difficult, unexpected & confused stages…

A: [laughter] it sounded very spiritual, but there were many extra-ordinary ‘passing away’ real live evidences in Tibet Buddhism history. Spiritual life is the quintessence of the Tibetan culture (and hope it is preserving well).

Q: Has Master taken rebirth?

A: Yes, in Tibet.

Q: How was this incarnation been recognized?

A: Master had left his written description (predicted) of his rebirth, based on those descriptions, a search was carried out.

Q: Any special ‘signals’or description in the prediction given?

A: Yes, one of these was the geographic district name, another one was the physical birth mark - there would be birthmark of a dharma protector, and he chose to be born in a common family (普通家庭).

Q: Wow, I think any of us would choose a ‘rich or wealthy’ family if we have a choice [laughter]!
A: Yes, my Master is very special - it reflects the essence of Great Compassion of my root Lama’s, Lodoe Gyatso

Q: I am curious, which great Master has recognized him [laughter]?
A: Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche, and another one by ... Rinpoche (one of his former closed disciples - apology, sonam yeshi cannot remember that Rinpoche’s name mentioned by Tulku)

Q: wow, incarnate to two individuals?

A: [laughter] (Tulku didn’t answer, may be the answer is too deep for words description, or it is beyond my limited and always confused mind’s understanding - sonam yeshi)...

Thank you Tulku, i am such blessed to have opportunities to chat with you, and learning from your humane actions.

Tashi Delek

May the roars of the teachings of Great Perfection be heard by all those who have connections and affinity to the practice. May all beings attain Enlightenment

Contents (Synopsis) - A Garlands of Flowers

Book Title: A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear
Light Great Perfection / H.E. Kunde Rinpoche; Translated by Geshe Lhakdor and Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam.

ISBN: 978-967-10552-0-5

Published: 29 July 2011

Contents (Synopsis)

Contents

Illustrations

Acknowledgements

Preface from the Department of Religion & Culture, Central Tibetan Administration of the H. H. the Dalai Lama

Introduction

The Lineage of Kyabje Kunde Rinpoche

Part 1 : A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Preliminary Practices of the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection

Q1-Q20

Part 2 : A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great
Perfection

Q21-Q28

Part 3 : A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Introduction of the Intermediate State of the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection

Q29-Q58

Appendix – Dzogchen Affiliations

About the Translators

Glossary

Index

Back cover: Words of Praise by His Holiness Pema Kalsang, Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery, 2011

For more information, please visit the author’s page: http://tulkukonde.blogspot.com. Any queries, please send an email to greatperfection@hotmail.com

Tashi Delek 吉祥如意