Pathgate News

Ngagyur Kama Transmission at Bodhgaya

The first Kama Transmission organised by The Association for the Preservation of Ngagyur Kama Tradition was successfully completed on the 25th January in Bodhgaya, India at the Lhakhang (temple) of the Nyingma Dharmashala, which is a building complex funded by the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo International Foundation, to provide accommodation to the 10,000 plus participants of the Nyingma monastic sangha during the annual Nyingma Monlam Chenmo.

The Association for the Preservation of Ngagyur Kama Tradition, of which Venerable Lama Dondrup Dorje is a member of the organising committee, was formed during the 19th Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Prayer Festival in 2008, with the sole objective of preserving rare and precious empowerments, oral transmissions and pith instructions of the Kama and Terma teachings of the Nyingma School of Buddhism existing in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and other parts of India.

Over the course of fifteen days this January, the highly respected Khenchen Pema Sherab gave teachings and commentaries on two important Nyingma texts, the Vimalamitra's Commentary to Manjushrinamasangiti - Chanting the Names of Manjusri and Paltrul Rinpoche’s Thog Tha Bar Sum Du Ge Wai Tam - The Instruction that is Virtuous in the Beginning, Virtuous in the Middle and Virtuous in the End.

The first teaching, Manjushrinamasangiti is a Tantric text comprising 160 verses and some mantras. It is customerly recited during the annual Nyingma Monlam Chenmo for the purpose of generating favourable condition for world peace. The second teaching, Paltrul Rinpoche’s Thog Tha Bar Sum Du Ge Wai Tam, was written in the format of a poem comprising eighty-two verses. It describes the entire Buddhist path from the arising of motivation to the ultimate direct experience of absolute reality.

Participants of the first inaugural event of The Association for the Preservation of Ngagyur Kama Tradition included Lamas, Tulkus, Khenpos, Lopens and senior students from all six mother monasteries of the Nyingma traditions of Dorje Drag, Mindroling, Shechen, Dzogchen, Kathok and Palyul. Teaching was given in Tibetan with translation of English and Chinese available on site. In view of the favourable responses, the organising committee has decided the next teaching for the year 2010 will be extended to the length of one month and is set to commence straight after the conclusion of the annual Nyingma Monlam Chenmo. We are happy to reveal here that one of the principal teachers next year will be the Venerable Yangthang Rinpoche who is the incarnation of Terton Dorje Dechen Lingpa of Dhomang Monastery in Tibet and a principle lineage holder of the Nyingmapa Lineage.

Publication of the First English Edition of the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Prayer Book

The Nyingma Monlam Chenmo - the Annual Prayer Assembly of Ngagyur Tradition has been held every year since 1989, attended by the Sangha community of all six branches of the Nyingma Tradition. The objective of this annual prayer festival is to pacify diseases, famines and wars, to increase peace, prosperity and harmony throughout the world.

With an ever-increasing number of non-Tibetan speaking students attending the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo each year, Venerable Lama Dondrup Dorje was granted permission from His Holiness Penor Rinpoche to oversee the translation of the Tibetan texts of the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Prayer book into English with English phonetic and English meaning alongside the original Tibetan texts, so that it may benefit the English speaking students who attend this Annual Prayer Festival.

On the 27th January this year, the first day of the 20th Annual Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya, India, a copy of the first English edition of ‘The Wish-Granting Tree of Enlightenment’ - the Prayer book of the Annual Prayer Assembly of Ngagyur Tradition – was presented by Venerable Lama Dondrup Dorje to His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, the Chairman of the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo International Foundation, who was delighted at the publication of this prayer book, and gave the advice that the prayer book should be recited each day and not merely during the Monlam Chenmo. This prayer book was distributed free of charge to visiting English-speaking students during the annual Nyingma Prayer Festival for World Peace.

Translated from Tibetan into English by Lopen Phuntsho Gyaltsen and edited by Venerable Lama Dondrup Dorje, ‘The Wish-Granting Tree of Enlightenment’, is their second collaboration in translating Tibetan text into English. The first one, 'Wish-Granting Attainments’ - the daily prayers of Namdroling Monastery - was published in March 2005. Like their first book, their latest effort is jointly published by Namdroling Monastery and the Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies. Comprising 369 pages with foreword given by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, it is hoped that the translation of ‘The Wish-Granting Tree of Enlightenment’ will assist English-speaking students in their understanding of Tibetan Prayer. There is also a plan to translate this prayer book into Chinese, with Chinese phonetics and Chinese meaning in the near future. For the latest update, watch this space.

Pathgate Partnership Programme – Summary for 2008

Chiefly due to generous support from the students and friends of Pathgate Institute over the past year, the Pathgate Partnership Programme has been able to maintain the sponsorship of a range of Dharma projects worldwide. Here is a brief summary of some of the projects.

Following the successful completion and furnishing of the brand new 3-storey building for the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute at Namdroling Monastery in India, the construction of a second 3-storey building was commenced in mid 2008 and is scheduled to be completed by the first half of 2009. The construction of the second new building had already reached the third floor by mid-December 2008.

The first building, opened for use in March 2008 by Khenpo Pema Sherab, offers seven classrooms and sufficient accommodation for over one hundred students from the Institute. The second building will provide a new home for the Institute Office, Rigzod Editorial Committee Office, Reception Office, Staff Meeting Room, Computer Room, Book Shop, Student Canteen, and General Store. There will also be provision for staff accommodation and garages.

Proceeding at the same time as the construction was the introduction into use of a brand new electrical power supply system, which enables the Shedra to move from the commercial tariff charges of power usage to the domestic tariff charges, which reduce the cost of electricity charges to about one-fifth of what the Institute used to pay.

Due to the arrival of several hundred young monks each year to join the monastic sangha at Namdroling Monastery, spare beds are always in short supply. For the year 2008, 390 new beds were offered by Lama Dondrup Dorje to the Ngagyur Nyingma Junior School, which has at present 1600 young monks undergoing an eight-year junior school academic programme. In response to a request made by Khenpo Tsering Namgyal, the School Principal, Lama Dondrup Dorje has agreed to take care of the full cost of the extension project to increase the size of the Staff Meeting Room to cater for the increasing number of teachers at the school.

The Golden Temple at the Namdroling Monastery has, for several years, been plagued by the pest of bird droppings from pigeons, which adopted the interior of the temple as their home. The condition of the bird pest got to such a serious state that a plan to install bird nets in the temple to protect the statues from further fouling from the pigeons had even been considered. In the summer of 2007, Lama Dondrup Dorje presented a plan of alternative action to His Holiness Penor Rinpoche on how to eliminate this problem.

Having had discussion with experts on pest control in the UK, Lama Dondrup Dorje put forward the suggestion of installing ultrasonic devices, which emit ultrasonic sound that is inaudible to human ears but causes irritation to the birds with a sound much like that of a car alarm. Upon permission of His Holiness, Lama Dondrup Dorje made trips to the monastery to supervise the installation of twenty-four individual units of ultrasonic speakers and control boxes. Each speaker offers an effective area of coverage up to 1200 sq ft up and an effective distance of 50 ft. Specially manufactured hanging curtains of large wooden beads, stitched onto the backing of fabric, were positioned at the entrance to the temple to stop birds from entering freely while new mesh-guards were installed at all the windows. After a trial period of one year, we are pleased to report that the interior of the Golden Temple is now totally free from the problems of bird pest.

To facilitate e-mail communication and broadband Internet access, wireless networks were set up at both Namdroling Monastery, and the Tsogyal Shedrup Dargyeling Nunnery by the installation of wireless emitter that offers full coverage of broadband Internet access within the grounds of the monastery. The Tsogyal Shedrup Dargyeling Nunnery also received a lump sum to set up a fund that is to be used exclusively to cover the cost of the Nyungne practice to be conducted at the nunnery every year.

The sponsorship of Translation projects in 2008 continues with the imminent publication of two new prayers books in English: the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Prayer Book and the Palyul Choe Chyod. It is the first time that these two books have been translated into English. Both books feature original Tibetan text with English phonetics and meaning. Translated by Lopon Phuntsho Gyeltshen of Ngagyur Nyingma Institute and edited by Lama Dondrup Dorje. The translation and publication of both prayer books has been sponsored by Pathgate Partnership Programme, and are being published by Namdroling Monastery in conjunction with Pathgate Institute for Buddhist Studies.

‘The Compassionate World of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’, a film which was released in early 2008 by Pathgate Institute, is now available in widescreen presentation with a choice of 12 languages which include Tibetan, Bhutanese, Nepalese, Mandarin, Cantonese, English, French, German, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian. The films, in either NTSC or PAL format, are available from the office of Namdroling Monastery, and from many Palyul Centres worldwide such as centres in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, USA, Australia, England, Greece, Ireland and Portugal. If you wish to receive a copy by post, please email contact@pathgate.org for details.

Other projects supported by the Pathgate Partnership Programme in 2008 include funding for the setting up of a new altar for Mahakala Protector practice at the Palyul Nyingma Buddhist Association in Singapore. Previous support for the Singapore Palyul Centre has included the procurement at their request of two Buddha

statues - one of Shakyamuni Buddha and one of Zambhala - for the shrine room at their new centre. In Bhutan, plans for the establishing of a retreat centre there has been quietly proceeding for over two years. In 2008, phase one of a retreat centre began with the renovation of a retreat house to be used for the purpose of three year, three month retreat, while full funding has been provided for the construction of a prayer hall and supporting facilities for a small number of nuns in the Buddhist Kingdom. Part funding has also been granted to a housing project in South India for a small number of monks originating from a small Beri monastic community in Eastern Tibet.

Ongoing programmes, which started in the 1990s, sponsoring education for young people, support for the elderly and medical services for the needed, have continued throughout 2008 in India, Bhutan, Mongolia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Africa. In addition, sponsorship and specific support for a whole range of projects have also been extended to a great number of individuals from around the world. These and much more are merely a brief description of some of the compassionate activities supported by the Pathgate Partnership Programme. None of these could have been possible without the generous support from the students and friends of Pathgate Institute. If you wish to support the Pathgate Partnership Programme and become a Friend of Pathgate International, please click on Make a Donation.

Palyul Times – A New English Magazine for Buddhist Enthusiasts

The first issue of Palyul Times, an English language magazine for the followers of the Palyul tradition has been published by the Translation Group of the Rigzod Editorial Committee, a section of the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute based in Namdroling Monastery. Published initially as an annual magazine, the 1st issue of Palyul Times has 64 pages and offers a wealth of information to the followers of the Palyul Tradition and for all Buddhist students in the English speaking world. Articles in this inaugural first issue include a Brief Introduction to Buddhism, with scriptural quotes, stories and commentary. Biographies include The Twelve Deeds of Buddha Shakyamuni; the life of Guru Rinpoche; and a brief biography of the great master Patrul Rinpoche. The magazine also gives a Historical Background to Palyul Monastery and its Traditions, followed by a Biography of H.H. Drubwang Penor Rinpoche and other masters in the Palyul Tradition.

Teachings, stories, spiritual advice and personal accounts include The Four-Fold Approach to Reversing One’s Attitude; Jataka Tales, which describes past life stories of Lord Buddha; advice from great master Longchen Rabjampa; and A Guide to Bodhgaya, the site where Shakyamuni Buddha and all the Buddhas of the three times attain enlightenment. In an interview with Khenchen Pema Sherab, Palyul Times asked what the International Palyul Sangha can do to promote the long life and good health of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. Khenchen Pema Sherab explained that violations and breaches of samaya harm the life of our teacher and that each and every student must make a point not to break samaya, and to confess any breaches with the Four Powers – Reliance on a source of Refuge, deep regret for your action, resolve not to repeat such an action, and application of an appropriate antidote.

For your own copy of Palyul Times, you can contact Dharma Jewels at www.dharmajewels.co.uk

Meeting Of The Three Buddhist Paths

Shakyamuni Buddha, the World Honoured One turned the Wheel of Dharma three times during his lifetime for the sake of liberating all sentient beings from the perpetual sufferings of Samsara in accordance to their specific faculties. The three turnings of the Wheel of Dharma gave rise to three Buddhist Paths - the Hinayana Path for individual liberation which thrives in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka; the Mahayana Path for Universal Liberation which thrives in China, Japan and Korea, and the Vajrayana Path for Direct Purification of the Mind which thrives in Tibet and around the world.

On a recent visit by Lama Dondrup Dorje to the drought-ridden island of Cyprus, which was preceded by auspicious signs, with rainfall the day before he arrived and also during his stay there, Lama Dondrup Dorje gave teaching on a range of subjects, which cover Buddhist Medicine and Healing, Meditation and Medical Qigong. He was also invited to visit the local Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple, which serves the 20,000 Sri Lankans living and working on the island. There he met with the Temple’s resident monks, Rev. Sumeda and Rev. Mahinda, who kindly invited him to join them for lunch, which comprised of Sri Lankan food cooked by the Sri Lankan community. During the course of the visit, Lama Dondrup Dorje exchanged views with his hosts on a wide range of topics on the Buddhist Paths which are common to the Hinayana Path they follow and the Vajrayana Path which Lama Dondrup Dorje represents. The visit undoubtedly goes a long way to promoting friendship and understanding between Dharma brothers from two different Buddhist traditions.

Two weeks later, Lama Dondrup Dorje was invited to visit Lin Yan Xue Chu - a Chinese Buddhist Temple in Sydney, Australia. The abbot, Master Shi Chang Ming who is a disciple of Master Quan Hui in Hong Kong, welcomed Lama Dondrup Dorje with a most splendid lunch prepared by the Chinese speaking sangha of the temple. Although Master Shi Chang Ming has been practising Chan Meditation for over twenty years, she was keen to find out more about the remedy on how to overcome the pitfalls of meditation and put forward questions to Lama Dondrup Dorje on the subject of calming the mind. Lama Dondrup Dorje directed their attention to the usefulness of Shinay (one-pointed focus meditation) of both the Mahayana and Vajrayana Paths, which allow the mind to relax within its own nature by replacing all thoughts with one single focus. At the request of Master Shi Chang Ming, Lama Dondrup Dorje gave some instruction on sitting qigong practice that prepares the mind for Chan meditation.

Lama Dondrup Dorje is due to visit Cyprus in early December 2008 and Australia in late February 2009. For details, visit Teaching Schedule.

Milarepa – A Film Trailer

New to our Dharma Theatre is a trailer presentation of Tulku Sonam Rinpoche’s production of the story of Tibet’s revered saint, Milarepa. The film offers an introduction to the life story of Milarepa: the circumstances that led Milarepa to renounce his past negative actions and take up the path of Dharma, and the years he spent under the tutelage of the legendary Dharma Master Marpa Lotsawa, who subjected Milarepa to many trials and hardships in order to purify his negative karma and make it possible for Milarepa to receive the precious teachings of the Vajrayana, which were to guide him on his journey to enlightenment.

Milarepa’s story is an inspiration to us all, as he proved by his own life story that through a sincere mind of renunciation, diligent effort and pure devotion to our Guru, it is possible for us all to overcome our negative karma and attain the state of liberation in this very life.

To see the trailer, visit Dharma Theatre. The full-length version of this DVD, with subtitles in English and Chinese, is available online from www.dharmajewels.co.uk.

Completion of Rainy Season Retreat at Namdroling

The annual rainy season retreat commenced this summer at the Namdroling monastery on the 17th August. Known as yarney in Tibetan, meaning “summer promises”, the rainy season retreat traditionally started on the 15th day of the 6th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar for a period of six weeks. During the retreat, the monks remained within the grounds of the monastery and reflected on their vows in accordance to the Vinaya Sutra, the Buddhist canon on monastic discipline as instructed by Buddha Shakyamuni. The yarney is a period of intense practice and meditation with vast benefit generated for the greatest good of all sentient beings.

On the first week of the retreat, a rainbow cloud in a fusion of multi-colours was observed in the sky above Namdroling Monastery after the conclusion of a day-long puja conducted for the long life of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche – a most auspicious sign that the objective of the puja was a success.

The origin of the rainy season retreat can be traced back to the time of Buddha Shakyamuni 2500 years ago when it was customary for the ordained community to remain indoors within the boundary of the sangha during the rainy season so that they would avoid inadvertently stepping on the many insects that flourish on the surface of the ground during this period if they were to travel outdoors.

Six weeks after the commencment of the rainy season retreat, yarney was brought to an end at the completion of gak ye, the ritual which releases the monks from the vows they took at the beginning of the yarney. The conclusion of the retreat happened to coincide with the arrival of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche back to the monastery from the USA. To celebrate this joyful occasion, a rest period of a three-day holiday with open-air picnics was announced, which was well received and welcomed by everyone.

Inter-faith Talk on ‘Meditation and Mindfulness’

Following a request to give teaching on Mindfulness and Meditation at a local church, Lama Dondrup Dorje visited St. Chad’s Church in Bensham, Gateshead, UK on the 8th October, where he was greeted by the vicar of the church, Reverend Marc Palmer, and by local Chaplain Reverend Jim Craig. The teaching was attended by members of the congregation who offered khatas in welcoming Lama Dondrup Dorje to the church.

During the talk, Lama Dondrup Dorje spoke of the common ground between Buddhist and Christian teachings, and the need for all people, regardless of faith, to begin by being a good person, to calm their minds and not to be overwhelmed by emotion and opinion, giving others the benefit of the doubt and not judging others.

Encouraging the congregation to follow the teachings of their own faith, Lama Dondrup Dorje explained the value of the teaching of Jesus in advising us to ‘love thy neighbour’, and showing that followers of the teaching of Jesus, just as the followers of the teachings of Buddha, should think of other people first. As Lama Dondrup Dorje explained ‘All the happiness the world contains comes from wishing happiness for others, and all the suffering the world contains comes from wishing happiness for ourselves.’

Lama Dondrup Dorje then gave an explanation of the principle of Buddhist meditation practice, which is known as Shinay in Tibetan, Chan in Chinese and Zen in Japanese. This explanation included instruction on the quiet sitting practice of watching the breath, and the practice which can be applied throughout the whole day of bringing your mind back to the teaching. Lama Dondrup Dorje highlighted the benefit of returning the mind to the thought of loving kindness for all beings, and encouraged church-goers to use this to replace other thoughts.

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