Transcending Vajrayana Traditions

Posted by Sonam Yeshi


It was a beautiful experience and meaningful to see how two Vajrayana Teachers and Masters of two traditions,Dzogchen of Nyingmapa Tradition (Kunde Rinpoche) and Geshe Lhakdor  (Geshe-La) of Gelukpa Tradition encountering one another - i called this a transcendental approach in non-sectarian affiliation (with my limited knowledge).  In October 2011, these two Spiritual Friends met after more than 3 years to get a collaborative work of translating the manuscript of Kunde Rinpoche in Tibetan language into English Language by Geshe Lhakdor (& Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam).

Publication 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 Year: 2011

I requested both the author and the first translator, Geshe-la to have this for the album in our history (the earliest tradition, Nyingma and the latest tradition, Gelukpa working together for a common cause - preservation of Tibetan Buddhism.  It was interesting then when i mentioned Dzogchen and Gelukpa, Geshe-la corrected me that they are the same teachings of the Buddha - Thanks Geshe-La for his reminder to me).

[H.E. Kunde Rinpoche and Geshe Lhakdor at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala, India, 2011. Photographed by sonam yeshi, all rights reserved]

Tashi Delek

 

Live Story from the Oral Tradition (9) – My Root Lama – Lodoe Gyatso (2) 罗珠仁波切

Live Story from the Oral Tradition (9) – My Root Lama – Lodoe Gyatso (2) 罗珠仁波切 

Chat with H.E. Kunde Rinpoche (herein address as Tulku) on October 4, 2011 at Dharamsala, India.

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

Q: Tulku， my apology.  Sometime ago I had asked you of your Root Lama, Lodoe Gyatso, which I found such inspiring and inconceivable of this great Master of this century. Though so far I had not seen any Vajrayana Buddhism site (in English) posted this Dzogchen Master’s picture (except Tulku’s blog at http://www.tulkukonde.blogspot.com) , any comments?

A: I don’t know [laughter]

Q: But the last chat I had forgotten to jot down one important name and narration ?

A: yes, you may ask now.

Q: : I had asked of which Rinpoche had recognized your Master’s reincarnation. One of them was Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche, and another one by ??? Rinpoche (one of his former closed disciples ) – but I had missed that important point?

A: Bano Wangtrul Tulku (transliteration of this Rinpoche’s name as heard)

Q: Who is this Bano Wangtrul Tulku?

A: He is my Master’s first disciple in the jail.

Q: wow! jail?

A: [laughter] My Root Lama, Lodoe Gyatso was in the jail and this Rinpoche was confined to the same room.

Q: then, what had happened?

A: My Master thought him the Great Perfection teachings (Dzogchen) in the jail .

Q: It is such heart-endearing, even lost of physical freedom did not stop a great Master from disseminating his Wisdom and knowledge to  even a single human being around?

A: YES, that’s why we regarded him as the Dzogchen Master in the lineage who had passed on the oral tradition in Tibet historically.

(once Tulku’s students asked if we new students should regard him as our Root Lama，he humbly said ‘No’ and insisted we should visualized Lodoe Gyatso!)

Q: How did he taught a student in a jail?

A: Besides teaching meditation to him, Master even tried to write down in short instructions for him to remember .

Q: Wow, where were the writing tools [laughter]!

A: Yes, my Master is very special - it reflects the essence of Great Compassion of my root Lama’s, Lodoe Gyatso – He did manage to do it?

Q: I am curious, how did you know it [laughter]. Is Bano Wangtrul Tulku still alive?

A: Bano Wangtrul Tulku had compiled Master’s oral teachings (in Tibetan). YES, he is now (about) 85 years old, still healthy!

Q: Wow, back to this boy recognized by Bano Wangtrul Tulku. Did he fulfilled all the process and conditions stated in Tibetan tradition of recognization of Tulkus?

A: Yes, this boy was born in a common family, in the geographical area stated, his body had the birth mark mentioned by my Master -  Lodoe Gyatso written instructions

Q: I had missed this detail – what is the sacred birth mark [laughter], can share? (I called at Tulku in Delhi  asked of this once sometime later after my post related to this!)

A: It is the One ‘EYE’ of the Ekadzati (一支佛母- Dharkini)!

Q: Wow, just unimaginable by our uncultivated deluded mind? Really look like the shape?

A: Yes, that is why it is such special in ‘spiritual’ sense

Q: both recognized Tulku(s) by Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche and Bano Wangtrul Tulku ?

A: Yes!

Q: where is this reincarnated Lama now recognized by Bano Wangtrul Tulku?

A: in his monastery in Tibet, he is caring for him.

Q: Then where is this recognized Lama by Kyabje Pema Kalsang Rinpoche?

A: In his previous life Monastery, Horthang Tashi Monastery!

Q: Same name as your monastery, there are two Horthang?

A: Yes, both related, different location geographically. Some called our monastery Dzogchen Horthang Tashi Monastery!

Q: wow, wow, personally, I think it is the best, though it is inconceivable for we lay people of reincarnation into two individuals?

A: [laughter], no problem, there is no ‘hat’ for the lay people to debate…

Q: [laughter],…Tulku,  I like this humorous statement! Thank you very much.

A: [laughter]... Thank you

Thank you, Tulku, for sharing your precious time with me on this ‘curious’ topic which had been ringing in mind after I last posted our chat at your blog.

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 (7) – Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche (Doptal)

Posted by Sonam Yeshi Live Story from the Oral Tradition (7) – Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche (Doptal)

The name of Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche was extracted from page x, “Dedication”,  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) with Sonam Yeshi (his student) sometime in early 2011, and in August 2011 after his translated manuscript was published.

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

Q: Tulku, I wanna asked you some questions related to the famous Patrul Rinpoche, but have reservation as my direct speech may sound impolite most times (at least to lay people). Historically, Patrul Rinpoche  composed this book, translated to English is  ‘The Words of My Perfect Teacher ‘(Kunzang Lama’i Shelung), and is regarded a Tibetan Buddhism Classics by non-Tibetan readers. I have this book recommended by Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche in 1995, and personally I believe this text had been very inspiring and is still emanating much inspirations to countless people (Buddhists) as a concise systematic guide/text in Vajrayana Buddhism, especially Nyingma School?
A: Yes, it is a text recommended for reading for practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. It is well known among Tibetan Buddhist Lamas and teachers.

Q: Tulku, no offence (Khenpo, once reminded us the ‘monk’’s robe represents human enlightenment (the Buddha). Last year (or 2009?), one day a thought arose in me: had this Great Teacher reincarnated? In this ICT age, naturally the most convenient tool is Internet, Search Engine. Thus I google this name, and incidentally I retrieved the top recalls in the list at that Search Engine. one young look Lama with the same name, his site was written in English, there is a nice poem written in English for his students. I was very ‘straight forward’, with joy, I thought I had a surprised discovery, and wrote in my blog and put a link to his website at that time.  Later, I visited that site a few times and read, but started to feel I need to verify this same name (I amended it after seeking verification ).  
A: you meant a young Lama? We know there are about six (6) Lamas in Tibet are having this name!  The present Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche does not speak nor write English！(his age range within 50' - apology, cannot remember exactly after lapsed of time to this post - sonam yeshi) 

Q: Huh, SIX?! [naïve me, nearly fell off my chair!!!] what a fool of me!
A: It is natural, human nature (to associate even adopted the name of well known teacher). No problem, if their spiritual practice is as high as Patrul Rinpoche (没有问题，如果他们的修行与巴珠仁波切一样高) [smile].
Q: Has Patrul Rinpoche chose his reincarnation? Where is this genius now?
A: yes, now, Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche, is a great Khenpo in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery (Tibet). He taught Dzogchen practise (Great Perfection) to the Lamas learning & training In the Monastery.

Q: Who is/was HH present life's root Lama?
A: We have the same root Lama, Ladoe Gyatso.

(Note:  please refer page 10 of the above-mentioned Tulku’s publication, translated from Tibetan to English)

Q: Are you closed to HH?
A: yes. Umm, I spent one week of meditation retreat in the cave he stayed before near Dzogchen Monastery. Also, he care for me much, he had given me a copy of this book (‘The Words of My Perfect Teacher, in Tibetan)

Q: Can I have a look at it?
A: I have given it to Yeshe Rinpoche (another Rinpoche who studied, practised in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery also)

Q: oh dear, what a precious gift! - and... (practise of exchange? or true friendship?)
A: [smile] precious, yes, but that's a gift of altruistic joy!

Q: then, where is Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche now, still in Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery?
A: He was invited to teach Dzogchen, at 五明佛学院(?)College Monastery (Qinghai) by Khenpo Tsultim Lodo Rinpoche 慈诚罗珠仁波切 (the student of His Holiness, Khenpo Jikme Phuntsok Rinpoche) as there are many thousands of Lamas at that monastery.  Currently, He is teaching Dzogchen (Great Perfection practice) in that Monastery.

Q: do you foresee one day Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche will return to his original Monastery to continue teaching?
A: [smile] (no answer)

Q: Tulku, could you associate something of this newly published book (A Garland of Flowers: Questions and Answers on the Highly Secret Clear Light Great Perfection) with HH (Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche)?
A: During his previous life, after he had written kunzang lama’I shelung (‘The Words of My Perfect Teacher’, in Tibetan) manuscript, the community did not treasure and see its importance as a guide text to Dzogchen Practice, only until after he 'went off' (physical body dissolved)!
(forgot to ask, may be the rare one - the 5^th Dzogchen Rinpoche? Related to earlier post of Him sent a Lama to provide writing tools for Patrul Rinpoche) {-this sentence seems to have deep meaning to me, - sonam yeshi}

Q: [speechless] sounded like Art History, a famous artist master piece work yet appreciation dawn after the disappearance of the Artist!
A: [smile] I am a cave man 我是山洞人![laughter]

Q: Tulku, oh…no…[impressed by his simple, humble and child-like demeanours!]
Thank you very much, For sharing this live story of Kyabje Patrul Rinpoche  and his relations with Dzogchen Shriseng Monastery!

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 (6) - H.E. the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche (Jigme Losel Wangpo)

Posted by sonam yeshi
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, many eminent Masters and Teachers in Tibetan Buddhism, especially in Dzogchen practice were 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 reincarnations. 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 practising 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)