100-Buddhas Empowerment & Naga Puja 2013

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献龙王宝瓶和文武百尊灌顶及超度法会

主法上师：尊者阿楚仁波切，贡德仁波切 & 堪布蒋扬新叶

NAGA TREASURE VASE OFFERING  AND HUNDRED-BUDDHAS EMPOWERMENT & CHANG CHOG

Presided by: Ven. Acho Rinpoche, Kunde Rinpoche & Khenpo Jamyang Sangye

Date日期: 13 /4/2013 (Saturday) ~ Venue ~ Penang 地点 ~ 槟城

但愿众生得安乐，福慧双修证菩提

May All Beings be Well & Happy

扎西德勒 Tashi Delek

http://youtu.be/1Q5VPQ8KKoc

Dzogchen

Dzogchen Monastery, South India – Guru Rinpoche Tsok & Fire Puja, 2013

佐钦寺院，南印度- 莲花生大师荟供&火供, 2013

  http://youtu.be/7xu-lpY38l8

Lost in transliteration of name (2) - Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso

There are some articles about the biography of Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso, the root Guru of Kunde Rinpoche written in Chinese using different transliteration in the name:
The link webpages:
1) http://gaozhibin69.blog.163.com/blog/static/3472097201341453431979/

2) http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4899c6180100g356.html
note: there is part II to this blog post being linked at the end of the post.

3) http://www.360doc.com/content/13/0819/16/6836745_308299774.shtml
a compilation of different blog posts related to the biography
another linked webpage: http://www.360doc.com/content/13/0819/16/6836745_308300768.shtml

4) People Tibet Culture website
http://people.tibetcul.com/dangdai/gsdd/200803/12070.html
Personal Note: there was a note indicated it was orally narrated by a Khenpo / Rinpoche (also one of the students of Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso.).

May all beings be well and happy
Tashi delek

Lost in transliteration of name - Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso

19 Aug. 2013, edited 21 Aug.13

In my little conventional scholarly research training of past years, it had somewhat become part of my habitual way to verify information received especially in regards to Buddhist Teacher(s) recommended to me, or I encountered via connection to the present Teacher. One of the most interesting Buddhist Masters whom I have not met is my Buddhist Teacher's root Lama - Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso. After assisting to publish the book "A Garland of Flowers: Q&A on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection " composed by Kunde Rinpoche, I had a few rounds of chats with the author about his root Lama, partly of my curiosity of his 'respectful devotion' towards his root Guru, and from the profound contents presented in Part II, though I could not really understand the actual practice due to lack of practical training in those meditation methods presented (in addition to the fact that I have not really study Vajrayana Buddhism), but I felt strongly the student's ability to compose such oral tradition reflected the depth of the mind's attainment of his root Teacher!
Thus I started my own 'research' of this Great Dzogchen Master who is the 40th lineage holder of the transmission of Lama Yangtig in Dzogchen lineage. Unfortunately, I could not find any translated text in English nor through Websites accessible written about his biography, published nor manuscript(s) in 2011. I could not help but felt the most enlightened Teachers are still remained 'secret' to many of us who do not read the native language, Tibetan.

In my impure perception, furthermore, I could not help but to ask myself a few 'sceptical' questions: Is the traditions grown out from Tibet after the 1950an becoming 'self-adorable', influenced by the culture of 'ego' exertion development? - within the enthusiasm to promote a lineage in the public space by the lay student(s) of many Buddhist Masters, had we forgotten the old traditional way of the past great masters who humbly learning and receiving Buddhist teachings (even empowerments etc.) from recognized Masters of various traditions of Vajrayana? May be the information had been ignorantly diminished/omitted, or is diminishing, or being marginalized? Have we forgotten the virtue of 'rejoice' in our way of seeing the 'accomplishment' of many Masters of the Masters left from Tibet due to political conditions who might be 'student' of the 'unpublicised' Yogis/Yoginis, and many great Lamas whose names may not had been translated (nor acknowledged in so called 'ethical' research manner) into the language we understand? In some publications or articles I had read, I am still curious about who is the Great Master (or root Lama) of the targeted described Great Master of the Master (in the description as respectful manner required by our samsara standard?) mainly I could not visualized any 'continuous' (continuity?) lineage in the description! As the word 'Lineage传承' from my little understanding, is the core of Vajrayana School though its origin was 'the third turning of Dharma Wheel of Sakyamuni Buddha' historically. But then - the big trunk tree had branches grown due to its richness of conditions - this is the problem of research, never ending if the questions remained unanswered questions!

Last year till this year, It was this curiosity of unfounded English biography of this Dzogchen Master in the published materials (or being mentioned thus far, except by Kunde Rinpoche's book*), I started the searches on the net (can we classified these personal blogs as semi-grey literature?).  After searching and reading through a maze of hay stacks of blogs and websites, in crossed-references based on the scattered oral history I gathered from my chats with Kunde Rinpoce, I would like to share one of the narrative writings in a blog written in Chinese language about Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso (which was re-posted in other sites without citation sometimes).
Until lately, as more information are emerging in different blog posts (written in Chinese), then only I realized the transliteration of the name was different or somewhat different in words! Though my transliteration of this great Master's name in the past posts at this blogspace I had edited in accordance to the Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery website (Chinese language) - 大成就者阿江多丹·洛珠将措.
Nevertheless, I thought it is good I compiled the variations of the transliterated name(s) presented by different writer(s) of some blog posts.

There were also some articles I found the narrative stories were written based on oral history given by the Lamas/Tulkus/Rinpoches/Khenpos who were the students, or related grand student(s) of His great student(s), but I have not kept those sites' information, which I believe interested readers could locate them through many other links.

Thus far, the below-mentioned first blog post on the short biography of Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso was my pick mainly it tallies much information given by my Teacher, Kunde Rinpoche who had learned directly under this compassionate Token Lama Lodoe Gyatso for nearly a decade. Also the writer acknowledged it was compiled from the oral narration of a Khenpo (name mentioned in the post) who was a student of this Dzogchen Master, at Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery. the name was transliterate and addressed in a well mannered, refined words:

 - 圣者大圆满金刚上师阿琼多丹罗珠嘉措仁波切略传

source: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_564b08a101009ln7.html (Note: posted Jun 20, 2008)

 - other transliteration & sources:
阿琼多丹罗珠嘉措仁波切
http://www.fjwhlt.com/fmcc/2012/0615/2.html (Note: a re-post of the above site, and expanded, 2012/06/15)

大成就者阿炯多丹罗珠嘉措仁波切
阿炯多丹仁波切 简介
http://www.fgdym.cn/ajiang/ (posted 2013)

May the information helps the readers here, just as it cleared my clouds of doubts, and arising of confidence in this vehicle on the importance of having a Teacher receiving mind training, teachings etc. from a rooted tradition, especially learning from the learned to unveil our precious inner Bodhicitta - wishing all Sentient Beings to attain Enlightenment!

May All Beings be Well and Happy, May the world be Peaceful!
Tashi delek
* Note: "A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection" / H.E. Kunde Rinpoche; translated by Geshe Lhakdor & Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam. pp.i,x,6,10,68.

Impure Perceptions (2) - so far yet so near

In these nearly four years involving in the Dharma works of my Buddhist Master, Kunde Rinpoche la, my observations on what had been happening to people, may also reflects my own insecurity in similar ways (if...).
We think we 'should' or expected to live such and such years of age before our physical body 'declared death' by a conventional medical practitioner, including 'coma' state of existence. The teachings of the Buddha on "All conditioned things are impermanent",  rarely struck us unless some kind of 'trauma' or 'unexpected things' had happened, may be. Some people even viewed it as 'negative' in worldly sense, even though it is an unchanging truth. In a few chats with Kunde Rinpoche la about 'life and death' especially when i found the description of Part III of his published book in 2011* inconceivable to our rational mind - the chats had flashes some light to my insecurity: the 'Intermediate State' (according to Tibetan Buddhism, the gap of the consciousness of the deceased body and the next rebirth into any of the Six Realms of existence ever happened) is the 'timing' for Liberation! - if we could recognize the radiance and the imagery energies?!

But the whole of our life has been programmed from birth, aging, sickness and death (even though, sometime and many times, it may not happened in that linear cycle!). From child, teenage, adult, senior to old age. Upon growing up, get schooling, work etc: we spend time feeding our physical needs, psychological needs, trying to maintain our health etc. Even spiritual practice could be 'once a year' event..., or when our normal life  cycle 'rocked' by the unexpected? - are we prepared to die? that was my doubt in my mind when i heard of untimely deaths of people in many ways. Last two years, when i walked with my interview participants of  their experiences handling physical disease called ' diagnosed cancer', i could felt their pain deeply though as a researcher at that time, i was supposed to be 'neutral' and 'alienated', at least not emotionally involved - they had taught me the most precious lessons on life, though only a handful had courageously consented to my study. In this technology and medically advanced age, i see the stages had reversed: birth, sickness; and death may arrive without aging (old age)!

Before i penned off this taboo topic in my mind, i would like to share this beautiful prose** from Kunde Rinpoche for personal reflection:
"Not knowing the time of death, your life force continues to exhaust,
When you wander alone in the intermediate state,
You will see self-manifested and multifarious reflections of emptiness.

Not knowing that they are the peaceful and wrathful deities,
You will be terrified and awed, and thereby get stuck in the swamp of samsara.
Hence, if you do not immediately put effort into the sublime Dharma,
When these appearances arise in the intermediate state,
Whom are you going to count on?
......"**
May All Beings be Happy, May All Beings Realized the Truth and be Peaceful.

*A  Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection / Kunde Rinpoche; translated by Geshe Lhakdor and Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam. (ISBN: 978-967-10552-0-5).pp.72-106.
**ibid - pp.107, par.1-2

Impure Perceptions - so near yet so far?

One of my obstacles learning via serving my Vajrayana master, Kunde Rinpoche when he was visiting here was my impure perceptions towards his many encounters...In many occasions, i would view his 'compassionate acts' as lack of 'wisdom', may be worldly intelligence arising from my impure perceptions. Among others:

- In 2011, after persevering in getting the Dzogchen (Great Perfection) practice which Kunde Rinpoche la had spent about a decade composing the oral transmissions he received primarily from his Root Lama,Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso, the 40th in the lineage of transmission of Lama Yangtig of the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection*, the translation process from Tibetan to English had taken about three years from the esteemed LTWA.  Finally, we got it published, cutting through all weeds of conditional obstructions!
I read this published book "A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection" * in first round, having little understanding except partially of Part I of this profound book, personally i consider, after many live chats with the author.  May be secretly, i perceive this is a 'blessing' book! (also with some personal experiences of being blessed from the 'blown of karmic winds' in many unexpected accidents?).
It was a reader from Canada who had ordered to get this book via email to us last year (which had taken us months to respond to her request), upon receipt of the book, he/she sent a brief message to us 'the wondrous book arrived' that first struck me! - but unfortunately no light from the simple but thundering words. Further to our communications happened last month, in a short message, one of the sentences was written "the book itself is truely gem" (translation to Chinese:真 宝)  – this Dharma ‘Friend’ we met via virtual space, the precise sentence made me contemplated: are we ready (accumulated enough merits) to receive or understand such ‘Transcendental Teachings’of this Great Perfection practice book let alone to appreciate it?  - i felt like my head being knocked by a vajra from space!
Thus, i started re-reading this book*, and found this compendium of Dzogchen tradition presented via the method of Q&A are indeed pitch instructions.  while reading this Q2:
Q:2. What should you be thinking when you engage in the Dharma practices:
A: In the beginning when you engage in the Dharma practices, you should think that in the case of all sentient beings there is not even one who had not been your parents in your past lives in time without beginning.....(p.12).
This is really hard! i/we are such conditioned (programmed) while growing up - many things if not all the things, we performed, the 'self' come first! As i was contemplating on this verse for nearly a week, together with daily preliminaries practices, and dedication of merits after each session brought me much tears and deep feeling - this mother earth belongs to all beings...
May All Beings be Well and Happy, May the mother earth be Peaceful!
Note:
*p.67-68, 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, 2011. (ISBN: 978-967-10552-0-5)

Rejoicing - Coming soon: Tibetan 'A Garland of Flowers' publication by Kunde Rinpoche

Rejoicing! Buddha Bless!!!
It had taken about 10 years composing this original  manuscript in Tibetan, A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection by H.E. Kunde Rinpoche.  In an exclusive personal chat of sonam yeshi with the author in 2011 ( in earlier posts, before the English translation texts of this manuscript was published), Kunde Rinpoche mentioned that initially the  manuscript was meant for serving as teaching texts for his students (specifically his students at his monastery and at Chumar, Qinghai), also as a form in preserving the oral tradition of Lama Yangtig of Dzogchen tradition which he had connection in receiving the transmissions and Teaching directly from the 40th in the lineage of transmission, Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso, being one of the youngest Lamas among other 30 (or less?) high senior monks at Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery.

The 'Glossary' pages (in Tibetan) was written in 2013 which we believe have covered comprehensively the vocabularies/glossary used in the publication.

May the precious knowledge shared in this publication benefits the Tibetan community and may All Sentient Beings benefit from the practitioners, readers, contributors and supporters of this publication.

Book cover (image displaying here were provided by H.E. Kunde Rinpoche, All rights reserved, 2013)

"Through the roots of virtue I have amassed, may all sentient beings of the six realms - especially those who have direct connection with me - be freed from temporary hindrances such as conflicts, arguments, illnesses, harm from evil forces, wrongdoings and obscurations and spontaneously fulfill their wishes; and ultimately, may they quickly actualize the supremely precious state of complete enlightenment." - pp.108, 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

Tashi Delek 扎西德勒！

Reflection: Serving the Lamas (2) - Live Lessons from my Teacher

This morning I thought the recollection of personal experiences and reflection on the subject which had taken me a few years of doing, observing, experienced, compare notes, and finally inner courage to share these experiences in this open space. Hopefully, it serves as positive feedbacks and reflections for us, and via contemplation based on the meanings of the Buddhist Teaching - the Arising of Wisdom towards Enlightenment ultimately.
Personally, the initial first 10 years of engaged in learning of traditional Buddhism (Therava School) did had some imprints on my perceptions and ideas of what are the practices in the Discipline in the basic needs lay people could offer to the renounced monks: Clothing, Food, Shelter, Transportation (衣，食，住，行). 
I thought somehow as our society developed and becoming more globalized, these needs sometimes or most time have to be adjusted to convenient the full-time practitioners. In particular in year 2009, I was committed to offer, assist, help the Tibetan Teachers met at my homeland connected through my late parents. Initially I was delighted to know their background training had been the earliest Tibetan tradition - Nyingmapa, spent decades studying, learning and later teaching in Dzogchen Monastery in Tibet, later India. Later, we were in touch with his brother, Kunde Rinpoche. May be due to some unseen karmic link, I was connected to provide services and offerings to these Tibetan Teachers. My definition of Tibetan Teacher here is 'A trained, learned practitioner from a recognized monastery with a long enough lineage of tradition in a Buddhist college/institute who had spent at least 10-15 years in that monastery environment (may be with some exception in this 'dharma ending age', but definitely to me, Teacher-pupil relations should not be impersonal such as met a 'dharma teacher' online via FB, Skype, videos, webcast ect. and started to show savvy technology skills to network other practitioners existing friends/students to widen one's network / pool of 'disciples' and resulted in some sort of 'disharmony' within the organized lay communities no matter how one is regarded intelligent in self-learning of making synopsis/summary of available vast collection of dharma books) , including practical teaching, rituals, arts and crafts if possible. He may not have affluent vocabularies in our language skills but we could feel his kind-heartedness and compassion, and capable of giving spiritual blessings to humans' psychological needs of countering life, old age, sickness and death (last rite in accordance to Buddhist tradition)!   

Personally, I have confident to give offerings to monks/lamas are meaningful generosity practice. Nevertheless, during these nearly 4 years or more, live experiences of serving Lamas from my Teacher, Kunde Rinpoche had opened my other dimension (may be even correct my impure perceptions) of the meanings of serving Buddhist Lamas (Monks). Some snapshots of what had happened narrated here are meant for self-contemplation, this narrations were based on personal experiences, it does not represent the thought, intention or authority from my Teacher(s) - In reflection, it has taken me some inner courage to face these realities rather than being nice and being afraid of reborn in lower realms of sharing these experiences - may these live experiences served as ethical lessons for our motivation in practising generosity:

case 1 - sometime in 2010, while we were trying hard to raise enough funding for the first English publication of Kunde Rinpoche's Dzogchen practice manuscript, A Garland of Flowers, one day the Teacher called me from India and requested me to send the funding money for a Lama whom was studying at Sakya College and was sick with some kind of illness, and needed to travel to China for treatment. Being an analytical person, and may be conditioned  to formed fixed perceptions and certain system of delivery in management, I reminded that the available funds was meant for publishing his manuscript which had been delaying for many factors! In a gentle voice, he answered me it did not matter as this Lama needed help for medical treatment - I was rather touched as this person he did not know him in person but via another Lama he knows. Thus the publication funding account was donated instead! May the Lama be Well and Happy!

Case 2: (Disclaimer: this case is narrated here as a lesson for lay people to contemplate our motivation in offering material needs to full-time Buddhist practitioners) - A lay person from another land who had been providing her apartment as lodging for lamas when they visited that country. We had been rejoicing of such meritorious deed.  It was not until after year(s) later, we accidentally found out this lay person had 'borrowed' money from my Teacher (and another Teacher) to 'saved' her from legal trouble! To our normal judgement, that was fine as it was based on the compassion of the Teacher(s). But later year her apartment was sold and it was told that she wanted to fulfil her dream of helping someone building a monastery in xx country (instead of returning what had been considered a loan than a 'gift'), an offering to someone whom we did not know but based on the clothing he represented. The strategy of this person was he followed other known practitioner(s) along to that country and expressed his wish, in front of our other connected Buddhist Teacher. As Buddhists, it was regarded such motivation of building a monastery is paramount to preserve the tradition. Later we heard of stories and facts of the episodes (like a live drama on staging?) such as the construction of the intended building had not taken place thus far, the lay person may had hefty debts etc. etc. Ensuing that, the disheartening fact(s) we later accidentally counter-examined and found out the reality - this lay person even 'confiscated' skilfully more than 90% of the sum of cash given to my Teacher's monastery as supports trustfully via herself! The therapy for this lesson: It was really imperative we reflect on the Law of Karma constantly to be free from samsara one day (philosophically)!  - The only consolation to ourselves - we had paid back our karmic debts to her? (sounded like the Chinese saying: "Aa Q" spirit?). Nevertheless, one reality we could not avoid if we try to be clever in getting such easy gains - our trust and dignity could be diluted naturally. 

Case 3: within this year, a lay 'buddhist' friend from the south grandly offered to my Teacher she could help to raise the funding so that the aspiration to refund the remaining FOC interest loans for Dzogchen Monastery Library construction could be fulfilled. She suggested to do a 'Naga Puja' (and said that later another Buddhist Puja at the neighbouring country via her connections/network) at her house which has a room for a Buddhist shrine. After the date of the Puja had been confirmed, then only she informed that the proceed of the Naga Puja was to assist a Lama from Sakya College who was lodging at her house. Despite all these, my Teacher as a recognized Tulku by many His Holinesses, also a Khenpo (though he has not been using the 'title') who had spent more than a decade learning, practising and teaching in a renowned Monastery from Tibet (Shriseng Monastery) still humbly presided the Puja without any 'negotiation' - it was another form to help a Lama and a simple 'reason' my Teacher had given to my 'rational interrogative style of WH question' was that this young Lama did mention he was going to give to the college (not sure some, little or all proceeds). As a lay student myself who is helping and managing the funding of his project of the building that new library in the monastery who may have more 'impure perceptions' -  Based on her verbal words. I would perceive all these may be intelligent way of that lay person to fulfilled her agenda! (may be it is difficult to learn the moral meaning behind the story of  'The Emperor's New Clothes' than to remain silent in hypocrisy).  Later when we were in a Buddhist Center preparing for the Naga Puja at the North, we received a sms from her asking Rinpoche to go to the South tomorrow or the day after for a Long-life (Amitayus) Puja at the neighbouring land.  As we had an important Puja already arranged and in the midst of preparing the tedious long process treasure vases, I replied on behalf and informed of the situation, and reminded her to give at least 1-2 weeks advanced notice on grand puja in the future! Her replied 'Noted'.

The Buddhist Master, Kunde Rinpoche's compassionate act of non-dualistic way of handling and 'not reacting' or silently 'complying' to the 'demand(s)' of the so called Buddhist student(s) or lay practitioner(s) on all the man-made obstacles had at one point made me lost my mind into some kind of 'delusion' or may be mixed with impure perceptions. I had to regain my balance by contemplating on the subject: 'what did serving a Teacher meant?' - are we doing all these for the sake of ourselves mundane benefits (subconsciously) , OR, aspiring for Enlightenment ultimately?  - In relation to also other happenings related to such motives of serving a Buddhist Teacher in organizing Pujas, personally I perceived our communication and behaviour towards a Buddhist Master could be 'arrogant' to make verbal or finally actual offering of helping to organized a Buddhist Puja but did not see to the beginning, middle and end with "decent" ways (though 'decent' could be subjective connotation culturally). In many occasions, I had to ask myself: What was the motivation of assisting or organizing a Buddhist Puja, though the proceed had a surface or higher meaning of contributing to the Monastery's Library shortage funding, but the underlying meaning of a Buddhist Puja - I suppose, intellectually, it is facilitating the spiritual dimension for the benefits of all sentient beings ultimately, though personally we may have many personal wishes for accumulation of merits for ourselves, our loved ones, relatives, etc. etc. - Have we ask ourselves: is our approach and way diluting all the merits accumulated then?
In my reflections as conclusion: In serving Buddhist Teacher(s)  and Lamas as well - May be, sometimes, our own lack of confident  (insecurity?) may not able to face or swallow some unfounded words or criticism which may sounded like 'suspicious abusing of funding, transparency of accounts' etc. from others, my point was that why bother so much on those words or speculations and finally caused much inconveniences and unhappiness to many concerned, whereas the Master trusted the person as organizer or coordinator who not only spent time, energy, supports, materials gifts and personal uncounted monetary contributions towards the whole processes and considered successfully done???

Finally, may be these 3 principal tenets of Buddhist teachings on motivation could be our guides for reflections here: The Intention (发心)，Bodhicitta (菩提心)，Spiritual Faith (虔诚心).

before exit, after all the babblings, here I would like to share some pictures of beautiful rainbow of the nature that was revitalizing for me after months of voluntarily dharma works and services to the Lama(s), with much unknown impure perceptions like it or not - luckily not ended in psychosis state (?) :)-D)
 - photographed by sonam yeshi on 4 June 2013:

[pic 1]

[pic 2]

 

[pic 3]

 



Tashi Delek

Live Story from the Oral Tradition (14): Dzogchen Master - Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso (5) 大成就者阿江多丹•洛珠将措

Posted by sonam yeshi

Chat with H.E. Kunde Rinpoche.(herein address as Tulku) on 1 March 2013

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

Q: Tulku， Thus far I had yet found any written document about the auspicious spiritual life of Master’s Root Lama, Tokden Lodoe Gyatso (should be ‘our’ Root Lama) written in English. Can Tulku kindly narrate some biographical history of this accomplished Great Dzogchen Master perfected the Lama Yangtig transmission from Jigme Yonten Gonpo (no. 39 in the lineage transmission)?

A:  My Dzogchen Master, Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso , our Root Lama, hails from Golok (Tibet), when he was very young age, he knew whom he was! He left home himself and walked to Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery to study! Master narrated to us that along the journey, he received offering of ‘zamba’ food, He eat it with natural water (sea, rivers) once a day!

 Q: wow, such right effort?

A: It was said that this Great Master was able to remember perfectly whatever Dharma Sutras and Trantra transmitted to him once by His root Lama, Jigme Yonten Gonpo and His Teachers (Khenpos) in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery!

Q: : Sounds a genius in modern time!

A: During the early 50an when religion was being prohibited by the communists, all monks had to disrobe and put to do hard labourous works such as building roads, bridges etc., many famous monks were put into jail! Master was one of them (early twenties). But He taught the Great Perfection to the jail mates secretly.

Q: Wasn’t him be discovered and life threatening?

A: yes, the jail officer had ransacked his jail cell where He was staying with Bano Wangtrul (his first student in the jail) but could not find the pitch instructions written on the empty tea pack papers and cigarette wrappers!

Q: How did he get writing tools such as pencil or chalk?

A: It was narrated that He mentioned able to find writing tool to His students, no one knew how he got it. But they believed it was given by the Dzogchen Dharma Protector, Ekajati (the One-Eye Dharma Protector)

Q: His attainment was such inconceivable?

A: Yes, Master was given a name by the jail officers – Stone Man, someone who was hit and wacked but showed no pain!

Q: What was your personal experience with this Dzogchen Master?

A: He is a Buddha to me! I knew He did not sleep in lying down posture, He sat in Meditation posture throughout resting time! He seems not sleeping, meditating throughout the nights!!! Daily at 4.00A.M., He started reciting the texts of Dzogchen Great Perfection practices.

Q: Was Master been recognized as any reincarnation of any Great Master of the Past in Vajrayana Tradition?

A: Before He entered into Nirvana, He informed us while teaching us Yeshi Lama (those receiving Great Perfection teachings oral transmission from the Master, less than 30 senior Khenpos and Rinpoches), He is the ‘Dharmakaya of Bodhisattva, Shantarakshita’.

(note: later, cross reference information was found from Chinese blogs written by  students of His student such as Bano Wangtrul and others mentioned this and more details，please see below referred weblink)  

Q: Can we say He reveals the Truth only before His Body Dissolved?

A: Even one has mundane level of doubt , Master had reached the age after 70, there was not any point for such senior Lama who held no material possessions offered to Him from the beginning till He enter Nirvana said anything untrue!

Q: [laughter] agree! My personal observation and reading from life history of Great Masters, one amazing ‘authentication’ was the way they passed away, and the Relics from physical body.

A: Yes! We had shared this in earlier conversation. Master announced the date He was physically dissolving, and before His Vajra Body diminishing completely, it was cremated. During the cremation, dew-like misty smoke surroundings like dizzling, and Relics were fallen from the sky!

Q:Wow, what other quality of the Bodhisattva that impressed you till today?

A: The unwavering confident and perfect diligent in Dzogchen Meditation, He had lived an example that this modern time it is difficult for many to emulate even with many facilities and right conditions to study and practice. He advised us that with the facilities of butter lamps, we could study the Sutras at night; comparatively, He could only afford to burn an incense and read under that little dim bright. Master even made used of Moonlight to study, it was said he followed the Moon and study till he reached the top of the hill during the time He was receiving all the Sacred Teachings in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery!

Q: Thanks for sharing, Tulku. There has been a common concerned: How to recognize a Vajra Master?

A: The ‘Lineage of Transmission’ (传承) is the Key (golden chain) in Great Perfection. The ‘Lineage’ has not been stained by broken Samaya lapses! (note: Example for Dzogchen Masters, please refer the book, p.68, A Garland of Flowers / Kunde Rinpoche). Further, the quintessential is the ‘Bodhicitta’ (菩提心) of a Teacher – one’s activities benefit all Sentient Beings

Q: Did our great Grand-Master, Lama Tokden Lodoe Gyatso left any pitch instructions before His Nirvana?

A: Yes! I was informed that He said nothing more to teach, but Two Things He had lived throughout his life: He Venerated His Dzogchen Master, Jigme Yonten Gonpo like a Buddha with no broken Samaya; secondly, He lived with Bodhicitta through His life!

Q: It is very moving, Tulku. You are such lucky! Thank you very much for sharing the live experiences of Dzogchen Master, Lama Tokden Lodoe Gyatso.

A: [smiling], Thank you

Tashi Delek扎西德勒！

Thus have i heard… posted by sonam yeshi in 2013

(Note: Translated & 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

Other Resources for references [Chinese]:

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4899c6180102dx1y.html

 

Buddhist Puja: 献龙王宝瓶和文武百尊超度法会 Naga Puja & 100-Buddhas Chang Chog

Annoucement: Buddhist Puja

NAGA VASE OFFERING PUJA AND ONE-HUNDRED-BUDDHAS CHANG CHOG

Puja Blessed By: H.E. Kunde Rinpoche & Acho Rinpoche

献龙王宝瓶和文武百尊超度法会

主法上师尊者：法王贡德仁波切和阿楚仁波切

Date : 13 April 2013 (Saturday)

Venue : Penang Leong See Kah Miew

日期 : 2013年4月13日 (星期六) [农历三月初四]

地点: 槟城梁氏家庙

[poster designed by Kunde Rinpoche, March 2013]

 

13/4/2013 (SATURDAY)

Progarm Activities Schedule:

10.00A.M. – 12.00 P.M.

·One-Hundred-Buddhas Chang Chog

·Dharma Talk

12.00 P.M – 1.30P.M: Vegetarian Lunch & Rest

1.30P.M– 2.30P.M

· Eight-Blessings Chant

· Vajrasattva Puja

· Vajrasattva Visualization Practice

· Vajrasattva Transference of Merits Recitation

2.30P.M– 4.30P.M.

·Offering of Naga Vase off Teluk Bahang

·Transference of Merits Chanting

2013年4月13日 (星期六)

法会活动：

早上10.00 – 中午12.00

· 文武百尊超度

·佛法开示

中午12.00 – 1点30分：素食午餐和休息

中午1点30分 - 2点30分

· 念诵吉祥文

·修诵金刚心

· 金刚萨埵观想次第

·念诵金刚心迴向功德

中午2点30分 - 下午4点30分

·献供龙王宝瓶

· 念诵迴向功德

Tashi Delek吉祥如意

Lost in Translation (2) - personal names

posted by sonam yeshi

Lost in Translation (2) – Names of Tibetan Ethnics

翻译名字之迷离？- 翻译藏名

随喜！自上师贡德仁波切之大圆满书从藏文翻译为英语，于2011年出版，最近终于在网上找到贡德仁波切根本上师 (root Lama), Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso之正译!

“格龙呼图克图·大成就者阿江多丹·洛珠将措”（no. 94, 堪布晋美彭措如意宝法王之前），贡德仁波切及堪布更尕扎西仁波切另一位主要上师Khenpo Chuchap译名“苦修者堪布曲恰”(之前读到堪布更尕扎西仁波切分享的另一个法名 ‘堪钦曲永葜达仁波切’照片属同一人。

请浏览参阅：http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4fd3b48d01019xqy.html

“承继佐钦法脉的高僧”一文 (2012-11-14 13:45:42)

Finally I had found a translation text on the names of Great Khenpos (Ph.D) & Dzoghen Great Masters of Dzogchen Lineage Practitioners, the text listed 100 names which were based on documentary records. It was translated by practitioner(s) who command both Tibetan & Chinese languages.  It is indeed joyful to find the translated names of H.E. Kunde Rinpoche’s root Lama, Tokden Lama Lodoe Gyatso (p. 68, A Garland of Flowers by Kunde Rinpoche), also his main mentor in Dzogchen practice while he was studying & practicing at Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery, and another Great Khenpo, Khenpo Chuchap, till Rinpoche la completed the Sutras & Tantras transmission, including required solidtary retreat (3 years,3  months & 3 days) & required teaching years at the renowned monastery.

Webpage link: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4fd3b48d01019xqy.html (accessed 12 Feb. 2013)

Reflection : traning & education are very important aspects for any Buddhist practitioner to spread the Dharma effectively, including conducting spiritual rituals, prayers & mind training. The Vajrayana School of Buddhism placed the same importance of the Teacher (Guru) as the Three Jewels, logically, without Teacher(s), the knowledge transmission process is hindered!

Tashi Delek 吉祥如意！

Live Story from my Spiritual Friend: The Power of Devotion in Tibetan Buddhism

posted by sonam yeshi

This is one of inspirational live story orally shared by my Spiritual Friend to me. It is about a well known Tibetan Master at Chumar, Qinghai, Bigar Rinpoche (the name is based on spoken sound). i had heard of a few live stories of this revered Tulku, a wondering Tibetan Master difficult to be located of his whereabout.
Past few months ago (in year 2012), he had a Buddhist Puja conducted in Chumar, Qinghai. Before he started the ceremony, he requested all attended devottees who were cigaratte smokers to give up smoking - on the spot this Bodhisattva said if they did not do so, he would passed away! Thus many smokers agreed, but there were a few reluctant or unable to make such a determined resolution on the spot. Thus this Tibetan Master immediately requested them to leave this Teaching & Buddhist prayer He was presiding. Finally, these few also agreed to follow this instruction of giving up smoking.

Personally, i was very touched by this Tibetan Master, Bigar Rinpoche - someone who could challenge his life in order to save people who has connections with Him.

Curiously, i asked Kunde Rinpoche that why this Rinpoche was exchanging his own life for those connected to give up this difficult habit? Kunde Rinpoche reminded that 'smoking' is regarded a great obstacle towards liberation, because the toxins from the cigarettes would 'choke'/'obstruct' the main energy channels of human beings.
Even one do not believe in the scriptural explaination, it is common knowledge that medically smoking is bad for human lungs and personal health. This live story reflects the power of devotion in Tibetan Buddhism - even this modern age still existing!

Wishing All A Happy New Year 新年安康，吉祥如意
May All Beings be Well & Happy
Tashi Delek

与善知识对话(3):生与死之迷 [Dialogue with my Spiritual Friend (3):Myth of Life & Death]

posted by sonam yeshi

与善知识对话 (3)： 生与死之迷

(贡德仁波切上师言教)

因缘：2013年2月1日. 将近华人农历新年， 有一位佛友的一位兄长往生。此佛友曾为亲友对佛法僧行佈施，接下佛缘。有人说：‘华人新年就到来，许多人避忌白事而缺席…‘.

弟子问上师：不知上师对此习俗有何教导？

贡德仁波切：在藏传佛教里，一个人往生是‘吉祥事情', 因为此时（中阴界）是解脱六道轮回之时（因缘具足），亲友都会前来参与超度仪轨。反之，参加喜宴是尽量避忌，因为此后是轮回的再轮转！

弟子：谢谢上师三日来为佛友之兄诵经文及观持頗瓦作超度仪轨， 并于火化葬礼里及翌日以佛教仪轨为往者及亲人结佛缘，给予佛友及至亲们心灵开导，以及佛法之甘露解开一些生与死之迷， 阿弥陀佛！

注: ()之文字纯属笔者个人注入以求了义更清晰。

 【translation】

Dialogue with my Spiritual Friend (3):Myth of Life & Death

(Oral Teachings from Kunde Rinpoche)

Preamble: on 1^st Feb. 2013, the day closing to the Lunar New Year, a Buddhist friend’s brother passed away. This friend had been making connections for her closed relatives with the Guru and the Three Jewels by generously supported the dharma works. Someone said that ‘the Chinese New Year is around the corner, thus many people avoid this nature of taboo event…’

Thus this student requested to her Buddhist Master:

Student: Kunde Rinpoche la, this is the cultural belief on death during festive season, may you enlighten us?

Kunde Rinpoche: In Tibetan Buddhism, a person passed away was regarded as ‘blessed’, because the Bardo Teaching considered this state (Intermediate) is possible to liberate from the Six Realms of Samsara Existence (with auspicious connected conditions),relatives & friends would attend the special liberation prayer ceremony. Contrary, attending wedding gathering is more hesitated for them, it is because the event reflects the beginning of Samsara existence!

Student: Thank You to Master having performed the Buddhist prayers & Phowa for the deceased during these three days, thus making connection for the departed & his relatives, giving this friend & relatives peace of mind teachings & the Dharma dews that answered the myths of Life & Death, Amitabha!

p.s.: wordings in () are meant to clarify the meaning of the spoken words.

Thus have i heard...

(any errors or mistakes herein are not intentional by the translator and its transliteration, please notify the writer)