Tibetan Buddhist Altar

The Seventh Throne holder

September 24, 2011February 21, 2011 by Holly

The Seventh Throne Holder

Pedma Do-Ngag Tenzin Ngesang Chokyi Nangwa

(1830 – 1891)

Gyatrul Rinpoche was born amid many extraordinary phenomena into the household of a Chinese Emperor’s minister in Gyalmo Tsawai-rong in the fourteenth rabjung year of Iron Tiger (1830). His birth was prophesied in Terton Sangngag Lingpa’s revelation. Since the young boy exhibited signs of pure awareness and demonstrated accomplishment in Tsa Lung (Subtle Energy Qigong) from an early age, Karma Gyurmed had no trouble recognizing him as the incarnation of Kunzang Sherab. Blessed with incredible faculties in reading, writing and perception, the young Gyatrul Rinpoche could remember the many incarnations from his past life as Rongton Shung-Gya, Shakya Gyaltsen and Kunzang Sherab. He could also give an accurate description of the Palyul Monastery from memory of his previous life. At ten years of age, he received the Nam Cho Ngöndro practice from Lama Sangye Yeshe. Two years later, he arrived at the Palyul Monastery and was duly enthroned.

The young Gyatrul Rinpoche received from Karma Gyurmed all the transmissions of kama and terma of the Palyul tradition, then spent three years in the practice of Ratna Lingpa’s three kaya mind accomplishment. After taking his full ordination (gelong), he spent two years at the Palpung retreat centre with Jamgon Lodro Thaye from whom he received guidance in Sanskrit, poetry and literature. He went on to receive from Jamgon Lodro Thaye other profound transmissions and empowerments such as Rinchen Ter Dzod, Dam Ngag Rinpoche Dzod and Dukhor Wangchen. Gyatrul Rinpoche also received from Jamyang Khentse Wangpo all the transmissions of Longchen Nyingtig, Gyud Lug Phurba, Yonten Dzod and the two traditions of the view and practice of Bodhicitta – that of the ‘Profound View’ passed down from Manjushri, and that of the ‘Vast Conduct’ passed down from Maitreya.

It was said that Gyatrul Rinpoche was watched over by many dharma protectors during his practice. Through his tireless effort and the support of his Yidam, Gyatrul Rinpoche was able to assimilate the understanding of a great number of Buddhist Doctrines and frequently gave the impression that he knew them by heart from memory. He continued to manifest signs of authentic accomplishment and pure awareness in both generation and completion stages of Dzogpa Chenpo. Gyatrul Rinpoche devoted his entire life to propagating Buddha Doctrine. He gave ordination vows to thousands of monks; repeatedly gave many cycles of transmissions and empowerments to countless disciples; printed many scriptures and sponsored the construction of Stupas and temples.

On the twenty-second day of his sixty-second year (1891), Gyatrul Rinpoche entered into a serene state of meditative equipoise and passed into the pure realm. His body was placed within a newly completed two-story Stupa next to the Vajrasattva temple.

Reference: Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies

Gyatrul Rinpoche’s current incarnation is Gyatrul Rinpoche. Known in recent times for his connection to Dhomang Monastery, a branch monastery of Palyul, he currently heads centers around the world, practicing the Nam Chö revelations as well as the Dudjom Tersar.

Astrology

February 21, 2011 by Norma

2/21/2011 Monday

A direct obstacle stands in the way of something you really want today. Don’t bother throwing yourself at the problem, or trying to persuade it to change. Accept this setback gracefully, and use the good things that are available during the course of the day. Intelligence is paramount. People are so smart it’s wonderful, but don’t use verbal or mental acuity to lash out at those who don’t agree with you. George Herbert said, “He who cannot forgive others destroys the bridge over which he himself must pass.” Creativity is highlighted today, and it’s an excellent time to give appreciation to those who have been loyal. Longtime friends and helpers should be recognized today. If you don’t reward good behavior, it goes away. Find someone to reward.

The daily astrology post affects everyone. Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently. Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth. There are many departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

The Dance of Emptiness, Part 1

February 20, 2011 by Holly

This five part series was given over a weekend in September 2004 during which Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo explained the many facets of emptiness, and gave those present a firsthand glimpse into what she was describing.

Astrology

February 20, 2011 by Norma

2/20/2011 Sunday

A sort of squeeze play is going on. You want to move forward, and you’re excited about the new. At the same time, an authority figure seems to be blocking your progress. Asking others what they think about the situation, or talking about different “sides,” isn’t helpful today. You could feel mired in indecision. Step back, make your plans, and wait several days before moving ahead. Activity is blocked, and there is lack of consensus. Sometimes when you can’t make up your mind, the right choice hasn’t appeared yet. So, relax, talk a lot but don’t expect to come to a conclusion. Agitated words can be present. Debates can be stimulating. Spend time with people you enjoy talking with, since that’s what will be happening no matter where you are. Charles Buxton said, “The rule in carving holds good as to criticism; never cut with a knife what you can cut with a spoon.” Beware of driving too fast.

The Sixth Throne Holder – Karma Gyurmed

February 19, 2011 by Holly

The Sixth Throne Holder
The Second Karma Kuchen Rinpoche,
Gyurmed Ngedon Tenzin Palzangpo
(1794 – 1851)

Karma Gyurmed was born at the foothills of Me Chu Gang in Me Shod in the thirteenth rabjung year of the Wood Tiger (1794). His birth was prophesied by Duddul Lingpa’s Terma revelation. Acting in accordance with the advice of the thirteenth Karmapa Duddul Dorje, the monks of the Palyul Monastery were able to identify the reincarnation of Karma Tashi, the First Karma Kuchen Rinpoche. After Karma Gyurmed was enthroned at Tai Situ Rinpoche’s Palpung Monastery, he started his study of Buddha Doctrine in earnest. The range of transmissions Karma Gyurmed received included those of the kama and terma of the Palyul tradition, the Kham tradition, the Longchen Nyingtig tradition, the Kathog tradition, the Dzogchen tradition, the Jigme Lingpa tradition, the Duddul Lingpa revelation, and many others. Karma Gyurmed went on to incorporate the Longchen Nyingtig’s Three Roots practice of Lama, Yidam, and Khandro into the Palyul tradition.

Similar to his root guru Karma Lhawang, Karma Gyurmed preferred to spend his time in solitary retreat. His principle Yidam in his Three Root practice was Vajrakilaya and he had frequent visions of the full assembly of all seventy-five deities of his Yidam. In one pure vision, he received a visit by Guru Rinpoche who instructed him to introduce the Mendrub Accomplishment Ceremony (the tantric ritual of making dharma medicine) into the Palyul Monastery. Karma Gyurmed also started the tradition of performing the Lama Cham of the Eight Manifestation of Guru Rinpoche, on the tenth day of each Losar, in accordance with the pure vision of Guru Chowang (1212-1270).

Karma Gyurmed’s accomplishment in the Dzogpa Chenpo enabled his disciples to heighten their insight simply by hearing his voice. He sometimes performed miraculous activities for the purpose of removing the mental defilements from sentient beings, such as reading the thoughts of their minds, and in one case left a foot print indentation in a rock by the hot spring of Tilung.

On the twelfth day of the fifth month of his fifty-eighth year, Karma Gyurmed instructed his disciples to prepare a host of offerings when he became aware of the presence of the Buddhas of the three times around him in every direction. The following day, Karma Gyurmed dissolved his mind into the pure realm of truth. His life-like body shrank to the size of mere eighteen inches in height while the sky was filled with extraordinary cloud formations and rainbows. Gyatrul Rinpoche built for his root guru a temple and a two-story Stupa of gold and copper into which the body of Karma Gyurmed, the second Karma Kuchen Rinpoche was placed.

Reference: Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies

Astrology

February 19, 2011 by Norma

2/19/2011 Saturday

The desire to escape is very strong today, as is your creativity. You could choose a creative escape. Do something for someone you love. Help someone who needs it. Your mind is fast, accurate and extremely perceptive. Act on the hunches you get! Your thinking is in tune with others’, and if you ask people what they are thinking, you will find that this is true. Call or communicate with others, reach out and make a connection. Be aware of a tendency to be too critical of yourself and your accomplishments. You might find fault with something that others appreciate. Leonardo da Vinci said, “I have offended God and mankind because my work didn’t reach the quality it should have.” Most people think they could do better, but that’s no reason to give up.

The Fifth Throneholder – Karma Lhawang

February 18, 2011 by Holly

Karma Lhawang was the nephew of Kunzang Sherab. He exhibited signs of recognizing the true nature of mind and demonstrated adept attainment in Dharma practice since childhood. His early years were spent at his uncle’s former quarters atop the Dzong-nang Mountain where his root guru Karma Tashi transmitted to him all the teachings and essential practices of the Palyul tradition.

As the fifth Throne Holder of the Palyul lineage, Karma Lhawang had little interest in the running of the monastery. Instead he preferred to immerse himself in the pure nature practices and spend most of his time in solitary retreat. The day-to-day administrative side of the monastery was left to his disciples Ah Sam and Lama Wangchug, while Karma Dondam, a heart disciple of Karma Tashi was tasked with the maintaining of the lineage of empowerment and transmission.

Karma Lhawang exhibited many signs of pure mind accomplishment consistently throughout his life until it was time for him to depart for the pure realm.

Reference: Pathgate Institute for Buddhist Studies

Astrology

February 18, 2011 by Norma

2/18/2011 Friday

A policy change is made that puts you in tune with the times. Today is a great day to organize things, tidy up, balance your checkbook, rearrange your pantry, and do other work. Work is fun, and you intuitively do the right thing. During the day a change occurs, and you become less group oriented and more sensitive to the suffering of others. Something captures your attention, and you feel sympathy for others. Sadness is in the air. The drive to pull in, to spend time alone, is very strong. Music, art, and all things associated with mysticism and emotion come to the fore. Someone may ask for help; do your best. You intuitively know what is needed in the situation. Pay attention to your diet today, your insides are more sensitive than usual. If you’re cooking, make a conscious effort to be cheerful, and give yourself and others a “happy meal.”

This Precious Opportunity – What Causes Are You Creating?

February 17, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

Sometimes I surf twitter to see what’s up, who is where and what is going on. It is really interesting to find new friends, people with similar interests or those with news.

There is one thing I have noticed and is fairly common. Here I see people who are amazingly rude or cruel, abusive. Then after that they turn around and whine about how people are mean to them. There seems to be no awareness of cause and effect. No thinking in full equations, or understanding “if this then that.”

Then, of course there are so many who “get it” but don’t live it and swear therefore that compassion and simple kindness is not helpful to them. It reminds me of people who practice Dharma and re-work the methods Buddha taught, and then cry when Dharma does not “work” for them. Or they remain unchanged, their minds hard as stone. I often wish to reach out and help them understand or show them how to apply method correctly. It doesn’t work though – most that practice like that have so much pride they cannot hear. So much ego-cherishing they don’t want to transform one bit. Yet they suffer due to their habit and qualities.

You see, if one is kind and generous, compassionate toward others, develops empathy, is humble – that will work if practiced long and well. Then the same kinds of good people are attracted to the kind practitioner. On the other hand if one has the habit of self-serving meanness with the intention to harm and hurt others you can bet your life that karma will play out in an exacting way. One will draw the same kind of people, mean spirited and self- serving. That is why people remain, then, unhappy with what they end up with in life. If one is harmful to others the karma ripens in the next life rather than this one; it is almost impossible to recognize the truth when someone is cruel to you. You earned it. Maybe this life, maybe in a future life it will appear with no warning or apparent reason. So it is necessary to practice Dharma correctly and to purify the defilements of mind, heart, and body. If not done there is no result, no true recognition of awakening as opposed to dream walking within one’s own mindstream, or karmic bubble, if you like. Still an ordinary sentient being caught in the net of Samsara.

Some think developing Bodhicitta is for beginners. Ridiculous and ignorant. Some think purifying inner poisons is only for those “less evolved” just Dharma nobodys – so beneath your “highness!” Could not be more wrong than that. It is a trap to avoid completely.

Compassion, or Bodhicitta, and Wisdom, or recognition and view are the two legs upon which Dharma stand. If one does not accomplish both there will be no precious awakening any time soon. These are the hallmarks of success in Dharma; this is recognition. This is what Buddha taught. And the Buddhas are those who have crossed the ocean of Samsara, and went to that other shore. At that time they return for our sake. EH MA HO!

You must work the path, as we never know when the opportunity will be taken away. Soon I’ll be offering Phowa for a young man who just died of a heart attack at age 20. 20 yrs old. So take this life, turn it around, practice Buddha Dharma well! It is your precious life, and the brass ring, the gold ring is the awakening. You have been given the teaching. Work out your Liberation for all our sakes!

Astrology

February 17, 2011 by Norma

2/17/2011 Thursday

A solid emotional decision, or an action pertaining to your children or loved ones, appears early in the day. You make a good choice, one that you’ll be happy about in the future. Later in the day it seems that a group opposes you. Your pride is pricked, and you may feel sulky, but give it up, you can’t win. Don’t stand on your pride; it only makes things worse. Authority figures need to bow to the wishes of the group. In this instance the group is stronger. On a different front, be quite careful in investments and matters of the heart. A hurt or a loss can come from an unexpected source. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “If you board the wrong train, it’s no use running along the corridor in the other direction.” If you find yourself on the wrong train, get off.