Monday, November 22, 2010

Updating Rinpoche's Schedule

Samadhi Island, in Taipei, will host a satisfying program scheduled for this season -- November through February -- inclusive of basic instruction, empowerments, phowa instruction, and New Year rituals. The direct link to the complete schedule may be found by clicking here.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

New Photo

Here is a striking, recent photo composition of Rinpoche, together with his predecessor, Dorje Chang Palden Yeshe Zangpo.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

July Events in Northern California

Ogyen Tulku has scheduled some last-minute events in Milpitas, California before he leaves for Taiwan and India.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 10:00 AM Smoke Offering Ceremony

Thursday, July 22, 2010 10:00 AM General Teaching

Thursday, July 22, 2010 7:00 PM Buddha Amitayus Long life empowerment

Saturday, July 24, 2010 Personal consultations

Regular students should RSVP to Helen Tan for further information.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Ogyen Tulku Teaching in Massachusetts

Ogyen Tulku has returned to the United States from Taiwan, and at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday the 15th of July -- Chokhor Duchen - will be teaching the Heart Sutra at Gospel of Grace Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. You can get further details from the Buddha of Compassion Society website, or by contacting palyul(at)hotmail.com.



Wednesday, June 9, 2010

News from Asia

In Taiwan, Ogyen Tulku sponsored a very successful event with H.H. Thubsang Rinpoche, who he refers to as the "king of the Dzogchen practitioners of the Palyul tradition." Thubsang Rinpoche is the most senior living lineage holder of Palyul: the Dharma brother and classmate of the late H.H. Penor Rinpoche, and one of Ogyen Tulku's most important teachers.

The event, on June 7th, included oral transmission of the Longchen Nyingthig Ngondro, a long-life mandala offering, and a well-attended luncheon.


Earlier, there was also a meeting with H.H. Karma Kuchen, the 12th Palyul Throneholder, in Hong Kong.


Nyungne In Taiwan

From 8:00 p.m. June 11th through 6:00 p.m. June 14th, the Ninth Ogyen Tulku will be leading a Nyungne Retreat in Taiwan, under the auspices of the Buddha of Compassion Society.

The location is 2F, Number 62-6, Beitouzi, in Taipei County's Danshui Township. 

If you are planning to be in Taiwan, why not attend? Never know who you'll see at these events. For more information, contact the Buddha of Compassion Society, 4F, Number 6-1, Lane 16, Shuanghe Street, Yonghe City, Taipei County, ROC. The telephone numbers are 02-32332199, or cell 0910338868.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Rinpoche in Taipei

Here is a photograph from last month's teaching on the Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas, held in Taipei.

Rinpoche's Calligraphy

Ogyen Rinpoche enjoys calligraphy, and he sometimes likes to try new styles. Here is rang jung, Tibetan for "self-arisen," done while Rinpoche is in Taiwan.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Of the Earthquake in Kham

"When the obstacles from earth, water, fire or air
Endanger or destroy our illusory bodies,
Without hesitation or divided mind we pray to you;
Orgyen with the female deities of the four elements,
Will without doubt pacify the elements instantly.
Padmasambhava of Orgyen, to you we pray;
Please bestow the blessing of spontaneous fulfillment of our wishes."

Ogyen Tulku Rinpoche and all Buddha of Compassion Society members and students offer their deepest condolences for the victims of the recent earthquake in Kham, Eastern Tibet. 

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Ogyen Rinpoche's April 2010 Schedule


April 7, 2010 
Leaves United States for Asia

April 20, 2010 7:30 p.m.
Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas
Samadhi Island, 4F, No. 6-1, Lane 16, Shwang-Ho Street, Yung Ho, Taipei

April 21, 2010 7:30 p.m.
Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas
Samadhi Island, 4F, No. 6-1, Lane 16, Shwang-Ho Street, Yung Ho, Taipei

April 22, 2010 7:30 p.m.
Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas
Samadhi Island, 4F, No. 6-1, Lane 16, Shwang-Ho Street, Yung Ho, Taipei

for information on all Taiwan events call 912-819-589 or email jwangtw@yahoo.com  

Monday, March 15, 2010

Videos from Tour

Videos from Ogyen Tulku's recent tour of Ohio, Washington, D.C., and New York are now available at the Buddha of Compassion Society's YouTube channel, including coverage of this past weekend's tsog in honor of Penor Rinpoche. As the picture above illustrates, this was well-attended by numbers of New York area devotees.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Puja for Penor Rinpoche in New York

Ogyen Tulku Rinpoche has been in New York, bestowing empowerments, giving talks, and conferring with followers concerning future activities on the East Coast. 

This coming weekend, Sunday, March 14, 2010, Rinpoche will be conducting a Rigdzin Dupa tsok in honor of the late Kyabje Penor Rinpoche (1932-2009), from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This will be at Queen's Palace, 37-11 57th Street, Woodside, Queens 11377  (Number 7 train to 61st Street, Woodside Avenue). This event coincides with other events in Penor Rinpoche's honor all over the world.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Rinpoche in New York This Weekend

Rinpoche will be in New York City this weekend, March 6th and 7th. On Saturday and Sunday, at 2:00 p.m. on both days, he will be at the Nyingma Palyul Dharma Center, 121 Bowery, 3rd Floor (between Grand and Hester). On Saturday he will bestow the Black Dzambhala empowerment, and on Sunday, the Amitayus Longevity empowerment.


Monday, March 1, 2010

Ogyen Rinpoche's March 2010 Schedule

Saturday, March 6, 2010 (event flyer) (completed) 
Black Dzambhala Empowerment
Nyingma Palyul Dharma Center, 121 Bowery, 3rd Floor, New York City 10002

Sunday, March 7, 2010 (event flyer) (completed) 
Amitayus (Longevity) Empowerment
Nyingma Palyul Dharma Center, 121 Bowery, 3rd Floor, New York City 10002

Sunday, March 14, 2010, 10:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Maha-Parinirvana Puja for H.H. Penor Rinpoche
Queen's Palace, 37-11 57th Street, Woodside, Queens 11377

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Black Dzambhala Sadhana

During the past several weeks, Ogyen Tulku Rinpoche has been kind enough to bestow the complete empowerment for Black Dzambhala at several locations in the United States and Canada. However, no English translation of this sadhana has ever been prepared. To remedy the situation, Ogyen Tulku requested Khenpo Sonam to produce such a translation, which was completed in late January 2010. On the auspicious occasion of Chotrul Duchen, February 28, 2010, we publish the translation below, asking you to understand that this sadhana cannot be performed without empowerment, and that this edited translation is copyrighted material which may not be reproduced without prior written permission. May the merit of this publication be dedicated to the welfare of all sentient beings.

NAMO GURU KRISHNA DZAMBHALAYA!
I pay homage to Guru Black Dzambhala.

In order to practice this liturgy as a propitiating recitation relying upon the water offering to the front visualization, which is compiled from the treasure revealed by Guru Chowang called "The Descent of the Shower of Precious Jewels:" a sadhana to accomplish the Black Dzambhala:
 
In the morning, in a clean and remote place, pleasant to one's mind, in front of yourself, place a statue of Dzambhala, if you have one, in the center of a copper bowl. In front of it arrange flowers and so forth: [incense, lamps, perfumed water, food offerings, and music] and then fill a precious vessel with pure water free from insects and microbes. Generate the assembly visualization filling the sky in front of oneself.

TAKING REFUGE:
 
NAMO LAMA DE SHEK DÜ PA'I KU
Homage! To the Lama the enlightened body embodiment of all
Tathagatas,

KÖN CHOG SUM GYI RANG ZHIN LA
The nature of the three precious jewels,

DAG DANG DRO DRUG SEM CHEN NAM
All sentient beings and I

JANG CHUB BAR DU KYAB SU CHI
Take refuge until enlightenment. Repeat three times.

CULTIVATING BODHICITTA:

SEM KYE DRO WA KÜN DÖN DU
Cultivating the mind for the benefit of all sentient beings,

NÖ JYIN NOR LHA DRUP NEY NI
By accomplishing the wealth deity yaksha,

GANG LA GANG DÜL THRIN LEY KYI
Through the enlightened activity befitting each and every
individual,

DRO WA DREL WAR DAM CHA'O
I vow to liberate sentient beings. Repeat three times.

ACCUMULATION OF MERIT:

HO: MA LÜ CHYOK NA ZHUK PA YI
HO Abiding in all directions,

LAMA YIDAM KHANDRO DANG
Lamas, Yidams and Khandros,

NOR DAG GÖN PO DZAM BHA LA
The wealth deity Lord Dzambhala,

NÖ JYIN TER CHANG TSHOK DANG CHEY
And the treasure keeper yakshas with their assemblies,

THUK JE'I WANG GI NEY DIR SHEK
Please come here through the power of compassion.

NYI DA PEMA'I DEN LA ZHUK
Please remain on the sun, moon and lotus seat.

LÜ NGAG YI SUM GÜ CHYAG TSHAL
I respectfully pay homage with my body, speech and mind,

CHÖ PA NAM PA DÜ MAY CHÖ
And I make offerings with various offering substances.

DIG PA THAM CHEY SO SOR SHAK
I confess and purify all negativities.

GEWA KUN LA JE YI RANG
I heartily rejoice in all virtues.

CHÖ KYI KHOR LO KOR WAR KÜL
I request you to turn the wheel of Dharma.

NYA NGEN MI DA ZHUG SOL DEB
I beseech you not to pass into Nirvana.

SÖ NAM DRO WA YONG LA NGO
I dedicate all merit for sentient beings.

NYING PO JANG CHUB CHOG THOB SHOG
May all attain the heart of supreme enlightenment! Repeat three
times.


MANDALA OFFERING:

NAMO: KÖ PA DZEY DEN RIN CHEN MANDAL CHOG
Homage. This supreme precious mandala with beautiful
arrangements,

RI RAB LING ZHI LING THREN NYI DA GYEN
Mount Meru, four continents and subcontinents adorned with
the Sun and Moon;

RIN CHEN DÖ NGA KUN ZNAG CHÖ THRIN TIP 
Heaped with all excellent billowing offering clouds of five
sensual pleasures,

KÖN CHOG LAMA YI DAM KHAN DRO CHÖ
I offer these to the Precious Jewels, Lama, Yidam and Dakini.

LA MEY CHÖ ZHEY CHOG GI NGÖ DRUB TSÖL
Please enjoy these unsurpassable offerings and grant us the
siddhis.

DAG SOG DRO WA MA LÜ KYAB TU SOL
Please protect all sentient being without exception.

OM AH HUNG GURU DEVA DAKINI RATNA
MANDALA SARWA PUDZA MEGHA SAMUDRA
SPHARANA SAMAYE SWAHA - Thus offer.
 

DZA HUNG BAM HO: TSHOK ZHING NAM RANG LA
THIM PAR GYUR
DZA HUNG BAM HO All of the entire assembly dissolve into
me. Contemplate this way.

Generation of the front visualization, perform the elaborate
yoga of the great compassionate one, otherwise in the concise
manner:

RANG NYI KYE CHIG GI PHAK PA THUK JE CHEN
PO KUN DOG KAR SAL ZHAL CHIG CHYAG NYI PA  /
YE CHOG JYIN DANG YÖN PEMA KARPO NAM PA  / 
DAR DANG RIN PO CHEY GYEN CHING  /  PE DA'I
DEN LA ZHAB SEM PA'I KYIL TRUNG GI ZHUK PA'I
KUR GYUR

Instantly, I am the great noble compassionate one, white in
color, with a single face and two arms. The right hand is in the
pose of supreme generosity, and the left is holding a white
lotus. Adorned with silks and jewel ornaments and seated in the
Mahasattva's pose upon a lotus seat. Contemplate in this way. 

Front visualization:

RANG GI DÜN DU PEMA DANG DA WA'O DEN LA
NOR DAG NAM MANG THÖ PA'I ZUK NOR BU KYUK
PA'I TENG DU DZAM NAG PO  /  DE LEY ÖZER CHAK
KYU'I NAM PA DRANG MEY PA THRÖ PAY JIG TEN
KHAM DANG  /  DAG PA'I ZHING GI NÖ DANG CHÜ
KYI JYOR PA DANG NGA THANG THAM CHEY ÖZER
GYI NAM PAR DÜ TEY DZAM LA THIM

In front of me upon a lotus and moon seat is the wealth deity
Vaishravana emitting precious jewels surmounted by a black
DZAM syllable. From it countless light rays in the form of
hooks radiate out and gather wealth and power from worldly
existence and pure lands in the form of light which dissolve into
the DZAM syllable.

DE YONG SU GYUR PA LEY GÖN PO DZAM BHALA
NAG PO MIG MEN GYI RI WO TAR JID CHING LHUN
TUG PA  /  TRA KHAM PA GYEN DU DZEY PA  / 
CHER BU NA WA MA PHUG PA ZHO THUNG JYI PA
DREK PA'I NYAM DANG DEN PA  /   TSHEN MA GYEN
DU DRENG ZHING BA PU LANG PA

As it dissolves it turns into the black Lord Dzambhala
resplendently majestic like the Eye-Medicine Mountain. His
hair is brown and tied up in a top knot. He is naked and
youthful like an infant, yet endowed with powerful grace. His
secret organ is erect upward and the hairs of his body standing
at end.

CHYEN SUM MAR LA DUM ZHING KHYIL WA  / 
ZHAL DANG SHING JAK DRIL WA  /  CHE WA ZHI
TSIK PA  /  CHYAG YE THÖ THRAG GI GANG WA
THUK KAR DZIN PA  /  YÖN PEY NE'U LE NOR BU NA
TSHOK PA LHUG LHUG KYUK PA LA YÖN PA LA
TEN NEY ZUNG WA

His three eyes are bloodshot, bulging and rolling. His mouth is
wide open and his tongue curled. He bares his four fangs. With
his right hand he holds a skull-cup filled with blood near his
heart. Next to his left thigh, his left hand holds a Neule
(mongoose) that spontaneously emits out various jewels from
its mouth.

ZHAB YEY KUM ZHING YÖN CHUNG ZEY KYANG PA 
LU CHEN PO GYEY DRUL GYI NAM PEY TRE PA  / 
YE SHEY KYI ME BAR WA'O Ü NA ZHUK SHING MI
KYÖ PEY Ü GYEN PAR GYUR

The right leg is bent and the left slightly stretched. He is
adorned with the eight naga serpents. He stands amidst raging
flames of wisdom fire and his head is adorned with Buddha
Akshobya. Contemplate in this way.

THUG KAR DA WA'I Ü SU DOR JE TSE GU DA WA
HUNG YIG DANG CHEY PA

In the heart center, upon a moon disc, is a nine prong vajra with
a crescent moon and a HUNG syllable.

TREL WAR OM  /  CHEY LA DZAM  /  PUNG PA YE
PAR BHA  /  YÖN PAR LA  /  THUK KAR DZA  /  TE
WAR LEN  /  NGAR DONG YEY PAR DRA  /  YÖN PAR
YA  /  BOL GONG YE PAR SWA  / YÖN PAR HA  /  DE
NAM LEY ÖZER THRÖ PEY YE SHEY PA CHYEN
DRANG PAR GYUR

On the forehead is OM; DZAM on the tongue; BHA on the right
shoulder, LA on the left; DZA at the heart; LEN at the navel; DRA
on the right shin, YA on the left; SWA on the right ankle, HA on
the left. Lights radiate out from all these syllables and invite the
wisdom deities.

HUNG  JANG CHYOK NÖ JYIN DÜ PA'I CHYIR
HUNG   To summon the yakshas in the northern direction,

CHOM DEN GÖN PO M KYÖ PA
Lord Bhagavan Akshobya

THUG JE KUR TRUL DZAM BHA LA
Manifesting as Dzambhala through your compassion,

KHOR CHEY NEY DIR SHEK SU SOL
Together with your assemblies, please come here.

OM ARYA DZAMBHALA VAJRA SAMAYA DZA
SAMAYA HO SAMAYA STOM

DZA HUNG BAM HO NYI SU MEY PAR GYUR
DZA HUNG BAM HO They become non dual. Contemplate in
this way.


Rendering the homage:

HUNG DÖ NEY NGÖN PAR SANG GYE KYANG
HUNG Although you have always been enlightened from the
primordial beginning,

SA GYE WANG CHUK SEM PA'I TSHUL
Yet you emanate in the form of a eighth bhumi powerful
bodhisattva.

NOR DAG GÖN PO DZAM BHA LA
Lord of wealth, Dzambhala,

KHOR DANG CHEY LA CHYAG TSHAL LO
I pay homage to you and your retinue.

ATI PU HO Thus pay homage in this way.

PRATICCHA HO Contemplate that your homage has been
acknowledged.

DE NEY RANG GI LAG PAR BAM LEY JYUNG WA'I
TER CHEN PO'I BUM PA ZANG PO DÜTSI'I CHU
GYUN GYI PAG PA'I THRIG MAR OM  /  BUM PA'I
NANG DU DZAM  /  BUM PA'I NANG DU DZAM  / 
DZUB MO LA BHA  /  GUNG MO LA LA /  SIN LAG LA
DZA  /  THE'U CHUNG LA LEN  /  THEY BONG LA DRA 
THRIG MA'I TSHAM SU YA  /  DE'I YE SU SWA  /  YÖN
DU HA  /  THAM CHEY DA WA DÜTSIY GANG WA LA
NEY PAR GYUR

The right hand holding the great excellent treasure vase that
appears from BAM syllable is fed by a stream of ambrosia. At
the neck of the vase is OM, inside the vase is DZAM. BHA on the
index finger, LA on the middle finger, DZA on the ring finger,
LEN on the little finger, and DRA on the thumb. YA is in between
SWA on the right and HA on the left on the neck of the vase. All
of these syllables remain like a moon filled with nectar.

RANG GI KHYOR WA'I CHU DOR JE'I NGAK KYI DE
WA CHEN PO'I RANG ZHIN DÜTSI'I GYUN ZEY MI
SHEY PAR GYUR PA DÜN GYI DZAM BHA LA'I ZHAL
DU PHUL WEY SHIN TU NYE SHING TSHIM NEY NOR
GYI NGÖ DRUB MA LÜ PA TSAL WAR GYUR

The water poured by my hand combined with the vajra mantras
turn into an inexhaustible stream of nectar, the nature of
supreme bliss. As I offer this into the mouth of Dzambhala in
front, it extremely delights and satisfies him. He then grants
wealth without limits. Contemplate in this way.

OM DZAMBHALA DZALENDRAYE SWAHA then,

OM INDRANI MUKHAM BHAMARI SWAHA - Bless with
this mantra. 


OM DZUM LUM SWAHA - Make offerings with one hundred
and eight mantras.


Then the offerings:

HUNG ME TOG THRENG SOG RIN CHEN DANG
HUNG Flower garlands, so forth and precious jewels,

DÜG PÖ NANG SAL DRÖN ME'I Ö
Incense, lamps and radiance of lights,

DRI CHOG ZHAL ZEY DÖ YÖN TSHOK
Exquisite scents, food offerings and sensual pleasures in
abundance,

BÜL LO NGÖ DRUB MA LÜ TSÖL
I offer to you, please bestow the siddhis without exception. 

OM DZAM BHALA SAPARI WARA PUSHPE DHUPE
ALOKE GANDHE NAIWIDYE SHAPDA PUDZA
SARWA SAMAYA HUNG Thus offer in this manner.

Then the praises:

HUNG MI KYÖ YE SHEY DOR JE SEM PA NI
HUNG The Wisdom Vajrasattva Akshobya

DRO WA DÜL CHYIR NÖ JYIN WANG PO'I TSHUL
Manifests as the powerful yaksha in order to tame sentient
beings.

NAM KHA'I DOG CHEN MA KYE CHÖ KU'I NGANG
He is in the color of the sky symbolizing the continuum of
unborn Dharmakaya,

LONG CHYÖ DZOK DZEY THÖ THRENG NE'U LE
NAM
He holds a blood filled skull-cup and a mongoose symbolizing
the perfect Sambhogakaya.

TRUL PA'I THUK JEY SEM CHEN ÜL PHONG SEL
Through compassionate emanation he dispels the poverty of
sentient beings.

ZHÖN DÖN LA ZHENG ZHAP NYI KYANG KUM
TSHUL
He has two legs with the (right) bent and (left) extended in the
aspect of benefitting others.

GEK CHING ZHÖN DANG THRO WO'I NYAM DEN
PEY
He is proud and youthful with a wrathful grace,

DRUB PO'I RE KONG THRIN LEY LHUN GYI DRUB
He spontaneously fulfills the wishes of practitioners through his
enlightened activities.

GÖN PO DZAM BHA LA LA CHYAG TSHAL TÖ
To you, Lord Dzambhala I pay homage.

DAG LA NOR DANG LONG CHYÖ NGÖ DRUB TSÖL
Please bestow on me wealth and possessions.

DZE MEY YIG GI CHAR CHEN BEB PAR DZÖ
Please make the great rainfall of inexhaustible wish-fulfilling
jewels.

OM DZAMBHALA DZALENDRA YE SIDDHI SIDDHI
GUNA HUNG HUNG

Thus offer praises and supplications in this way.

Inside the copper bowl, once again back to the beginning:
"
The right hand holding the great excellent treasure vase that
appears from the BAM syllable……." repeat until the praises and
supplication. 


In the end, join the palms of your hands together in the praying
pose:

MA NYE YONG SU MA TSHANG DANG
For whatever was lacking or incomplete

TSO WO NÜ PA MA CHIY PA
And mainly for not being able to generate the power of practice,

DIR NI GYI PA GANG NONG PA
Whatever mistakes that I have made here,

DE KÜN KHYÖ KYI ZÖ DZEY RIG
I request you to excuse me for all these.

Repeat this and the one hundred syllable mantra.

OM VAJRA SATTVA SAMAYA MANU PALAYA
VAJRASATTVA TENOPA TISHTHA DRIDHO MEBHAWA
SU TO SHYO MEBHAWA
SU PO SHYO MEBHAWA
ANU RAKTO MEBHAWA
SARWA SIDDHIM MEPRA YACCHA
SAR WA KARMA SU CA ME
CITTAM SHRE YAM KU RU HUNG
HA HA HA HA HO
BHA GA WAN SARWA TATHAGATA
VAJRA MAME MUNCA
VAJRI BHAWA MAHA SAMAYA SATTVA AH

If you have an object supporting the practice like a shrine or
statues etc, then recite:

OM DIR NI ZUK DANG LHEN CHIG TU
OM Together with this form of support

KHOR WA SID DU ZHUK NEY KYANG
Until the existence of samsara remains,

NEY MEY TSHE DANG WANG CHYUG DANG
May there be no sickness, but longevity and power,

CHOG NAM LEG PAR TSAL DU SOL
And may all supreme accomplishments be bestowed perfectly.

OM SUPRATISTHRA VAJRAYE SWAHA

Otherwise..

DAM TSIG PA RANG LA NYI SU MEY PAR THIM PEY
THÜ TOP DANG ZI JI PHUN SUM TSHOK PAR GYUR

Wisdom deities dissolve inseparably into me Samayasattva.
Their power, strength and splendor are accumulated perfectly in
abundance. Contemplate in this way.

GE WA DI YI KYE WA KÜN
Through this virtue, may all beings

SÖ NAM YE SHEY TSHOK DZOK SHING
Perfect the accumulation of merit and wisdom.

SÖ NAM YE SHE LEY JYUNG WA'I
Through merit and wisdom

DAM PA KU NYI THOB PAR SHOG
May the two bodies of enlightenment be attained! Recite other
dedication prayers and prayers of aspiration.


BEY DANG TSÖL WAY MA GÖ PA
Unsullied by effort and exertion,

YID ZHIN NOR BU PAG SAM SHING
Like wish-fulfilling jewels and trees

SEM CHEN RE WA KONG DZEY PA'I
Fulfilling the desires of sentient beings,

SAM PA DRUB PA'I TRA SHI SHOG
May there be the auspiciousness of accomplishing all wishes.

Thus recite auspicious prayers. MANGALAM!

The signs and benefits of accomplishing this practice as mentioned in the teachings are:

If one performs this practice hundreds, thousands or hundred thousand times, one will dream of crossing rivers, discovering treasures, fields of crops and abundant blossoms and forests; together with these signs one's wealth will increase. So recognize these signs.
From the cliff "Tamdring Gul (Neck of Hyagriva)," the speech emanation of the Lord, Guru Chokyi Wangchuk revealed this treasure teaching on the liturgy of the propitiating recitation relying on the water offering to the Black Dzambhala. Based on this teaching, I, Khyentse Wangpo, a follower fulfilling the wishes of the Lotus Born Lama, compiled this recitation practice. May this be a cause for beings to completely enjoy the nectars of the two accumulations!

KEYWORDS: Dzambhala, Zambala, Dzambala, Zambhala, Black Dzambala Sadhana, sadhana, English translation
Copyright (c) 2010 Haspori Press. All rights reserved. Used by permission.


Saturday, February 27, 2010

Words


If you do not understand appearances and mind to be inseparable,
Then it is difficult to realize mind's nature as the Buddha.
If discursive thought is not freed from elaboration,
Then it is difficult to meet Dharmakaya beyond ordinary consciousness.

--9th Tulku Ogyen

Friday, February 26, 2010

Rinpoche in Washington This Weekend

Ogyen Tulku Rinpoche will be in Washington, D.C. this weekend, February 27 and 28, as the very honored guest of Palyul Changchub Dargyeling, a formally sanctioned Palyul lineage center serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, established by the late Kyabje Penor Rinpoche, and now under the spiritual direction of Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche.

Ogyen Tulku will bestow the Guru Rinpoche as Medicine Buddha (Urgyan Menla) empowerment on the 27th, and will lead a Shower of Blessings puja on Chotrul Duchen, the 28th. Further details may be had by clicking this link to PCD's brochure.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Rinpoche Visits Ohio

As mentioned in this month's schedule, Rinpoche visited Ohio for a well-attended two day event at the Ohio Palyul Center.

 He enjoyed meeting everyone, and particularly wishes to thank those people who took time off from work, or traveled long distances, for their participation.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Ogyen Rinpoche's February 2010 Schedule


Ogyen Tulku will be in Washington, D.C. this weekend.

Ohio Events

Saturday, February 20, 2010 (completed)
Dorje Phagmo Empowerment
3750 West Streetsboro Road, Richfield, Ohio 44289

Sunday, February 21, 2010 (completed)
Guru Rinpoche Ganachakra Puja (Shower of Blessings)
3750 West Streetsboro Road, Richfield, Ohio 44289

Washington, D.C. Events

Saturday, February 27, 2010 (completed)
Orgyen Menlha Empowerment (Padmasambhava as Medicine Buddha)
Mindful Hands Gallery, 211 King Street, 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C.

Sunday, February 28, 2010 (Chotrul Duchen) (completed)
Treasure of Blessings Ritual and Teaching
Mindful Hands Gallery, 211 King Street, 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C.

New York City Events

Saturday, March 6, 2010 (event flyer)

Black Dzambhala Empowerment
Nyingma Palyul Dharma Center, 121 Bowery, 3rd Floor, New York City 10002

Sunday, March 7, 2010 (event flyer)

Amitayus (Longevity) Empowerment
Nyingma Palyul Dharma Center, 121 Bowery, 3rd Floor, New York City 10002

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Close to You

From the basic space of birthlessness, shining,
In the abode of ceaselessness, liberating;
That Dharmakaya free from any and all diminishment
Is there, close to effortless spontaneous presence.
The Tulku Ogyenpa [Ogyen Tulku 9th], on the 10th day of the 12th month, wrote this out well.  
 
從那  無生 光明 廣大的 根本淨空 中,
在那  無滅 解脫 的 彼岸之地;
於 一切生滅中 徹底地解脫自在
法身 在那兒-
在那  無造作的 任運/明顯
祖古 烏金巴 [九世烏金祖古]在 十二月的初十日,賢善地寫下了以上詞句。
 
English translation by Erick Sherab Zangpo, Mandarin translation by Sandy Pai.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

2010 Northern California Visit

Teaching effortlessly in three languages, Tibetan, Mandarin, and English, Rinpoche took the throne at Alameda, California's Orgyen Dorje Den to commemorate Longchenpa's anniversary.

The temple was beautifully decorated with offerings of lights and flowers, for the event which took place January 31, 2010. Earlier in the week, the venue was Milpitas, California, where Rinpoche bestowed the Black Dzambhala empowerment to the attendees seen below.

Rinpoche's 2010 Taiwanese schedule is now in preparation, so please continue to watch this blog for information about times, places, and events.


Thursday, January 28, 2010

2010 Los Angeles Visit

The Los Angeles series of empowerments were well attended and well received. Over a period of three days, Rinpoche bestowed the Black Dzambhala, White Tara, and Guru Rinpoche Rigdzin Dupa'i empowerments, prefaced by an extensive jin sek and Mahakala Puja, and followed by a profound Ganachakra Puja.

We were fortunate to enjoy the warm hospitality and superb translation skills of Khenpo Sonam, seen in the above photo with Rinpoche. Khenpo Sonam's L'hundrup Choling membership was represented by David Scharff, from the Annenberg Foundation, seen in the photo below. David is one of the heart students of the late Terton Kunzang Dechen Lingpa.

After Los Angeles, it was off to the quiet solitude of the High Desert, where Rinpoche was in residence for three nights. During his stay, Rinpoche, assisted by Lama Lodrue and Sandy Pai, performed a thorough and complete riwo sangcho, lasting most of one day.

During all the events in Los Angeles and the High Desert, Rinpoche was well served by the Bay Area's Lama Lodrue, who worked extremely hard at every turn.

Following the sang, there was a relaxing luncheon at a nearby restaurant, followed by a live release of numerous birds. Upon his return, Rinpoche conducted divinations necessary to site and bury two treasure vases: one from Palyul Monastery in Tibet, and the other from the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

The next day, everyone climbed a local rock promontory to string prayer flags, bless the surrounding lands, and perform other auspicious acts.


After climbing, in the hills, and visiting Native American archaeological sites on the property, everyone took rest. The following morning, Rinpoche performed a concluding sang for the local deities, and then left for the airport, and San Francisco.

Unusual rainbows of the above type were observed and photographed by everyone present.  Also, everyone was astonished to witness the extremely rare Kern arc type rainbow, which has only been photographed once before in history! These appeared on the morning of the second day, following the extensive sang and vase burials. Rinpoche also reported numerous auspicious signs of a secret nature. These events inspired Rinpoche to compose a benediction for the lands, giving the place its dharma name: Samye Haspori.


A free translation of the above, prepared with the help of Khenpo Sonam, and recalling Rinpoche's own translation of what he wished to say, is as follows:
I, Tulku Ugyen Gyurme Wangyal, counted as one amongst the incarnations of the glorious Drogmi Palgyi Yeshe, am extremely happy to arrive in the land [I have named] Haspori, in America, for the first time, and to witness the natural occurrence of auspicious interdependent circumstances even though not intentionally arranged.
For example; the three types of people [I have with me here]: Chinese, Tibetan, and American, symbolize the three kinds of kinds of followers to be tamed. The five [who are with me here] symbolize the first five retinues of Buddha Shakyamuni; or the five excellent beings who received the Tantric teachings. Also in the secret dimension it symbolizes the retinues of five Buddha family. 

In brief, the outer and inner auspicious interdependent circumstances have appeared perfectly. Therefore, on this 10th day of the 12th Tibetan lunar month I write this with auspicious prayers for the teachings of the Buddha to flourish and for the happiness of all beings.
Throughout the entire visit, many favorable signs were witnessed, and many people reported having auspicious dreams and visions.

Rinpoche was extremely generous with everyone, bestowing numbers of pictures, blessing cords, amulets, flags, and so forth. Those who were meeting him for the first time were extremely impressed by his great patience and kindness.

Everyone in Southern California sincerely wishes that Rinpoche will come again, and stay for a long time.

Ogyen Rinpoche's January 2010 California Schedule


Tuesday, January 19, 2010, 10:00 a.m. (completed)
Smoke Offering and Mahakala Puja.
10982 Boulder Canyon Road, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737

Friday, January 22, 2010, 7:00 p.m. (completed)
Black Dzambhala Empowerment.
2481 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Saturday, January 23, 2010, 12:00 noon (completed)
White Tara Empowerment
2481 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Sunday, January 24, 2010, 10:00 a.m. (completed)
Guru Rinpoche: Rigdzin Dupa'i Empowerment
2481 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Sunday, January 24, 2010, 4:00 p.m. (completed) 
Ganachakra Puja
2481 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Monday, January 25, 2010 (completed)
In residence at Haspori;  extensive smoke offering, burying treasure vases,  and live release

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 (completed)
In residence at Haspori:  ritual land blessing and protection

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 (completed)
In residence at Haspori: performing abbreviated smoke offering to local deities

Thursday, January 28, 2010, 1:30 p.m. (completed)
Smoke Offering and Mahakala Puja
698 Ann Pl., Milpitas, CA 95035
Telephone: 510-585-7689, 408-263-0398

Friday, January 29, 2010, 10:00 a.m. (completed)
Dharma Talk: Four Seals
698 Ann Pl., Milpitas, CA 95035
Telephone: 510-585-7689, 408-263-0398

Friday, January 29, 2010, 1:30 a.m. (completed)
Live Release
698 Ann Pl., Milpitas, CA 95035
Telephone: 510-585-7689, 408-263-0398

Saturday, January 30, 2010, 1:30 p.m. (completed)
Black Dzambhala Empowerment
698 Ann Pl., Milpitas, CA 95035
Telephone: 510-585-7689, 408-263-0398

Sunday, January 31, 2010, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (completed)
Longchenpa's Anniversary.
Penor Rinpoche's Parinirvana Puja.
2244 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, CA 94501
Telephone: 510-837-1359

Lineage of the Ninth Ogyen Tulku Rinpoche

The first in the line of the Ogyen Rinpoches is said to be Dhanasamskrita, born in the Thogar area of Uddiyana: one of the Eight Vidyadharas of India.

Dhanasamskrita received and practiced the Mamo Bötong, the "border" tantra, or "command of mamo" from the Kagye cycle (the Liberating Sorcery of Mother Deities, or Matarah). Some comments briefly explaining the Mamo Bötong are provided here, taken from a presentation by Jigme Rinpoche in 2009:
"Mamo means ‘feminine world’ or ‘feminine aspect’. It’s a complete section devoted to the feminine deities. It is called ‘semi-worldly’ because the mandala has two parts, a beyond-worldly part and a worldy part. The first part, the original mamo, is called Mamo Mukhali. Mamo Mukhali is known as the Queen of Space.

When we talk about this, we should understand that there are the three aspects of the feminine quality of appearances. Appearances include both appearing phenomena and non-appearing [intangible] phenomena. The first aspect relates to outer phenomena. Outer phenomena are the solid physical world. This is made from substances and energies that are very tiny and not perceivable. Those non-perceivable energies are called the five elements. The five elements are the basic substances, or ingredients, you might say, the energies that contribute to the formation of the solid physical, tangible world. [The five elements are earth, water, fire, wind and space.]
Within these five elements, the basic foundation is the element of space. Space and [and the other] four elements are known as feminine energy, feminine in character. From among these five, the mother of all the feminine universe, feminine quality or energy, is the mother of space. That is Mukhali. Mukhali is not considered a worldly energy or a worldly deity. Rather it is seen as the dharmadhatu, [the space of phenomena], the source of all happenings, because it is space. Therefore, this aspect of Mamo Bötong can only be a wisdom entity. But her retinue is all worldly deities. That is why Mamo Bötong is called ’semi-worldly’, there’s the boss, which is wisdom, and retinue which are all worldly.
Due to the five elements coming together, the physical world is created. The emotional world arises due to linking with the physical world. The outer elements have a direct link to the inner elements in our body. The inner elements are the different elementary energies present in our body in a physical form—like heat, breathing (wind), flesh (earth), and so on. These are directly related to the five elements. The five outer elements have a function to maintain, to continue, and to eventually disintegrate the physical world. The inner elementary world is also responsible for giving birth to life, sustaining it, and disintegrating in the end. That is the physical world.
In addition to and depending upon the five outer elements of the physical world and the inner elements of the body, is the subtlest part of the inner entity. This is inner world that is based on the tsa, lung, and tigle. Tsa, lung and tigle (channels, winds, and essence) are the most subtle, highly refined state of the energy which interacts with the more gross physical, more solid entities. The more solid entities are our bodies, our sense fields or organs, which then interact with the outer physical world.
As long as there is unity and harmony, a good relationship, between these, there is health. There is happiness, bliss, emptiness, and so on. When there is disharmony, disintegration starts, and therefore pain, suffering, destruction, and all sorts of things like that begin. So Mamo Botong is a practice for restoring, for reconnecting, for stabilizing, for harmonizing the elementary energy of the feminine world. This is basically our outer physical world, the inner body world, and the innermost tsa lung tigle world.
That is the reason [for Mamo Bötong practice]. Any obstacles leading to that are hopefully reversed or overcome by the practice of Mamo Bötong. It’s actually, essentially a feminine world of outer, inner, innermost substance."

The second Ogyen Rinpoche was Palgyi Yeshe: one of the twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. He was born at Yadrok, in the Drokmi clan, and gained renown for translating the tantra of Mamo Bötong, through which he attained supreme accomplishment, at Yarto Shambo Khyangkyi Rawa.

The third Ogyen Rinpoche is reckoned as Gyalmo Yudra Nyingpo, another of the twenty-five disciples,  an eminent translator and scholar, and a personal disciple of Vairochana. He is the main Tibetan recipient of the sem sde tradition of Dzogchen.

According to the biographical notes maintained by the Palyul:

The fourth Ogyen Rinpoche expressed his intentions as the famed Terton Samten Dechen Lingpa.

The fifth Ogyen Rinpoche expressed his intentions as Chima Dechen Lingpa, or the second Dechen Lingpa.

The sixth Ogyen Rinpoche is reckoned as Dudjom Dungral Lingpa.

The seventh Ogyen Rinpoche was known as Kyabdral Dorje.

The eighth Ogyen Rinpoche was known as Dorje Chang Palden Yeshe Zangpo: famed for his complete mastery of the highest stages of Dzogchen.

Trahkya Lama Palden Yeshe Sangpo, was a great master born in the Aago family from Trahkya in Nyagrong, in the Kham region of Tibet. Immediately after his birth, he cultivated a deep sense of renunciation and could recite the six-syllable mantra of Avalokiteshvara. Later, he entered a monastery in Nyarong and remained there as an ordinary monk.

At the monastery, he met Lama Yeshe Dorje, the disciple of the Nyakla, the rainbow-body-attained Lama Pema Dhudul. He then entered Phowa Khug monastery and studied the Dzogchen preliminary and main practices called Essence of the Clear Vajra Nature (Long-sal Dorje Nying-po) and Stages of the Path according to the Kathog (a branch of the Nyingma lineage: Ka-thog pa’i lugs-kyi lam-rim). He also did the practice of controlling winds and channels, whereby they eventually became pliant and serviceable. In winter he managed with only a single loin cloth. He avoided meat and rich clothing. He continued his practice by subsisting on nonphysical spiritual food, which is quite unusual even for advanced meditators. Draped in white woolen or cotton robes, he wore a pair of conch ear-rings and a tuft of hair. Later he approached Khenchen Ngawang Pelsang and received Nyoshul Lungtog Tenpae Nyima’s oral transmissions on The Innermost Essence Teachings of Longchenpa (Long-chen nying-thig) and several other teachings. Causing all conceptualized mental elaboration to dissolve, he gained the wisdom directly cognizing emptiness. 

Thereafter, Khenchen Ngawang Pelsang was taken as his uncommon and principal Lama, who stated that the expression “beings attaining liberation in one life-time and one body by Dzogchen practice,” as explained in teachings, referred only to someone like Trahkya Palden. He was strict and careful in his practice of meditation. He lit lamps over his head and sat motionless meditating in his cave. Without a bed, not removing his belt, he undertook meditation retreat for many years. He always practiced in remote places on snow mountains or high hills. He mostly did his practice in Kabur snow mountain in the Dhomey region, where the cave remained closed throughout the year except during the first fortnight of the fifth Tibetan month. 

One year, the snow did not melt for the whole year and none of his generous patrons could make their annual offerings to the Lama. Then in the next summer, they became worried about Lama, saying that they would like to take his mortal remains out of the cave for a proper funeral service and offering. But when they cleared the thick snow and ice that blocked the cave’s opening, they were stunned and astonished to see the Lama sitting in peaceful and serene meditative equipoise with his physical appearance glowing radiantly. When the cave door opened the Lama burst out in laughter and said, “By the Triple Gem’s grace I’m well and good. Why did you do this?” 

During those two years, by the power of his Dzogchen practice of non-conceptual space-like Yogic meditation and the Wheel of Clear Light, winter or summer, day or night, made no difference to him. By his practice, he gained the wisdom understanding the pure nature of phenomena, where internal and external objects appeared in an unobscured form, unclouded by ideas of good and evil. Spontaneously arisen universes and their inhabitants appeared in the form of pure realms and celestial beings. When he was discovered to be alive, people experienced strong devotion and requested Lama to turn the wheel of Dharma. 

During the later years of his life, he mostly remained at the retreat center of Sengri Dorje Yuzong, which was founded by Terchen Drimey, of Kathog monastery, and Pema Gyaltsen, an incarnation of Kongtrul Thinleypa. To his followers coming from Vashul, Trom-thar, Adzi, Nyagrong, Gojo, Linga-shipa, Kathog, Ragchab and others he gave dharma teachings on upper and lower Long-chen Nying-thig and The Complete Purified Essence Teachings of Longchenpa (Long-sal Do-rje nying-po’i chö-’khor). He wrote Unobscured Dharma Treasure of the Primordial Buddha’s Deep Essence, Combined Practices of the Highest Stages of Dzog-chen (Dri-med Ter-choe kun-zang zab-tik gi drel-pa treg-chod toe-gal zung-jug gi shed-pa zog-rim), a text like a golden Vajra, and countless other texts which are still preserved in Tibet. As a sign of his having destroyed his craving and desire for worldly things, he did not have any interest in gaining wealth, riches, or other material comforts. Also Choeje Paltrul Rinpoche’s biography recounted that this great Lama Trahkya Palden Rinpoche had only a small bag of tsampa (roasted barley flour) at the time of his dying. Finally, at the age of eighty eight, he passed away for the benefit of all sentient beings. At the time of his dying, a rainbow graced the sky, relics were left behind, and many auspicious signs of an enlightened being were seen. All his close disciples from Kathog Monastery, Ragchab Monastery and many other disciples who were great Lamas and Tulkus of his area made great efforts in spreading his teachings. and looked after his monasteries at Sengrigar and Ragchab, and Trahkya.

When the Chinese came to Tibet and were about to take over the country, Trahkya Palden warned the couple who would become the parents of his next incarnation that they should leave Tibet because bad times were coming. He told them specifically that he would meet them at a later time and gave them some precious stones like turquoise, coral and onyx from his Mandala offering set. When his next incarnation was conceived, a Boddhi-tree grew in the middle of the front yard without being planted; no seeds for that plant are found in that area. When he was born there was a rainbow in the sky. When he started talking, he told his mom “You have kept my present very well,” pointing at her necklace where she had the turquoise.

H.H. Pema Norbu Rinpoche gave him an honorific name, when he was 10 days old. H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche also gave him an honorific name which means Oddiyana, the place of Guru Padmasambava, unchangeable, powerful victory. In 1978, on the 10th day of the Monkey month, at the holy Jarung Khashor stupa in Nepal, he was formally recognized by His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, the crown jewel of the Nyingma Lineage and the regent of Guru Padmasambhava. 

In 1981, corresponding to 25th day of the fifth month of Tibetan lunar year 2110, he was enthroned by H.H. Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche and H.H. Pema Norbu Rinpoche, the incarnation of the great scholar Vimalamitra, in the presence of more than three thousand Tulkus, Khenpos and Lamas, at the East Victory Palyul monastery Namdrolling, in India, the sister monastery of the principal Palyul monastery in Tibet, the center of religious learning and meditation for the Nyingmapa lineage. Before the age of thirteen he had mastered the skills of leading sacred rituals, making mandalas, presenting ritual dances, powa (transference of consciousness) and other essential parts of the Palyul tradition of spiritual practice. Along with these, he learned Tibetan traditional Medicine and Astrology from his uncle, the seventh generation physician Lama Pema Sherab. From the age of thirteen, he studied the teachings of the Sutras and Tantras, and other fields of Buddhist science at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute for nine years. After graduation, he was sent to Asia by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche to teach Buddha Dharma. As soon as he returned, His Holiness appointed him to be one of the professors at the main Nyingmapa university and nunnery college.

He received the empowerments, oral transmissions and instruction on the whole Kama and Terma teachings (The distinct Nyingma teachings of the transmitted precepts and the rediscovered treasure teachings) from H.H. Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche, Namch‘o’e (Sky Treasure Dharma), Nying-tig (Innermost Essence) and Do-wang (Sutra Initiation) from His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche. He also received other precious and secret empowerments, oral transmissions and teachings of the Nyingma tradition from The Dzogchen masters H.H. Jadral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche, H.H. Minling Trichen Rinpoche, H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, Tulku Thubsang Rinpoche, Ngoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje, Khenpo Pema Sherab, Khenpo Jigme Phuntsog, Khenpo A-choe Rinpoche, and others.

Thus, so it happens that the enlightened vows and intentions of the previous Ogyen Rinpoches have now come together in the unmistaken incarnation of Dorje Chang Palden Yeshe Zangpo: Tulku Ogyen Rinpoche. He normally resides in India and the United States, but also regularly travels to Taiwan and Canada. He additionally travels to his monasteries in Tibet, which are located in Kham.

You can gain more information about his activities here, or by following the information on this web page. He is a very candid, very straightforward, very direct and wholesome, kind and generous person, who operates beyond deception in the immediately arising here and now.

How completely refreshing, you know?

[Adapted from the post "Beyond Deception," at Digital Tibetan Buddhist Altar used by permission, and other sources.]

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

2009-2010 Vancouver Visit

Rinpoche spent the Western holiday season, just past, in Vancouver, Canada, where he kept up a full schedule of empowerments (wang and lung), pujas, talks, and interviews. Above, he is seen with students in Richmond, British Columbia.

The program began on December 19th with a Guru Rinpoche Rigdzin Dupa'i empowerment, followed by Dakini Yumka Dechen Gyalmo the next day. The day after Christmas, Rinpoche conducted a full Ganachakrea Puja, followed by the Chi bLu life ransom ritual on the 27th. On January 2, he bestowed the Vajra Dakini empowerment, followed by a dharma talk on the 3rd. On the 9th, he performed the Dakini Yumka Dechen Gyalmo Ganachakra Puja, followed by an extensive jin sek on the 10th.