Phakchok Rinpoche in Lerab Ling

Phakchock Rinpoche teaching in Lerab Ling, June 2009

A few days ago the Sangha in Lerab Ling had the fortune to welcome Phakchok Rinpoche, a young Lama from Nepal, son of Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, and grandchild of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche.

With his humour and ease he covered a variety of aspects of the Buddhadharma and had an refreshing and stimulating impact on everybody.

I don't know exactly why, but I had the honour to thank him in the name of the Sangha for his teachings and answers he gave in response to a number of questions.

Stupa of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö in Tashi Ding, Sikkim.

Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the parinirvana of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö. Remembering the Masters pays tribute to this outstanding master with a beautiful film that also features a number of interviews of disciples and contemporaries of his.

At Lotsawa House you will find a selection of texts by and about Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö.

Please visit Rigpa News to see how the anniversary of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö according to the western calendar was recently celebrated in Lerab Ling.

The displayed photo shows the Stupa that contains relics of him in Tashi Ding, Sikkim. It was erected by disciples of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö and was later painted in gold by Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche. Tashi Ding is maybe the most sacred place in Sikkim.

Kalimpong 2007

Kalimpong, in the north-eastern part of India close to the border to Sikkim, was the home of Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche after he had fled from Tibet. Here Sogyal Rinpoche received instructions by him when he was in his early twenties. On my way to Sikkim, during the Losar break of the Shedra, I stopped by in this interesting town to travel back a bit in time in the life of my master.


The house of Dudjom Rinpoche, nowadays it is a retreat-place. I was only given access to it after I said I was a disciple of Sogyal Rinpoche and because of that I was on my own. I was also shown the actual room where Dudjom Rinpoche would grant teachings. Unfortunately I was not allowed to take any pictures in there.



The Zangdok Palri-Temple of Dudjom Rinpoche.



The main Guru Rinpoche statue inside the monastery.

Luminous Lerab Ling

Palri Pema Ösal Dargyé Ling

Like the true nature of mind remains uneffected by fleeting thoughts and emotions, the temple at Lerab Ling, rising high into the sky, enjoys all kinds of weather: hot and sunny days, stormy, rainy phases, and all possible variations of clouds and light.

New Life

Mañjushri-Shrine

The Mañjushri-shrine in the Temple of Lerab Ling. Recently equipped by Shedra-students with the Derge-edition of the Kangyur, the collected words of the Buddha.

Would you care for some Madhyamaka?

In case you wonder what the hell we are actually doing here, here is a short Videosnip that might give you an impression, or not...

Maratika

The entry to the mane cave of Maratika, the Long Life Cave, where Buddha Amitayus blessed Guru Rinpoche and his consort Mandarava with immortality.


A panoramic view of the place I stayed there, the so called Manjushri-Hill, being blessed by Manjushri.


The Sangha (monastic community) of Maratika together with guests.

The monastery of Maratika. Right next to it is the gathering place of the Hindus, who also consider Maratika to be a sacred site.


Losar, the Tibetan new year, is extensively celebrated with meals and tea. This is a tent in front of my room at Maratika. With me were 20 nuns from Trulshik Rinpoche's monastery, the 15 monks of Maratika, the Lama of Maratika and the Maratika-Tulku and few others.