Horgen, Switzerland
Dear Sangha,
Tashi delegl I hope all of you are well and happy. Things Are fine here. It is possible that I will establish a center in Switzerland,and that many of you will see the beautiful mountains and pretty villages of this country.
Tomorrow I go to France to pay respects to the family of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche. Then on Tuesday we celebrate Guru Rinpoche's birthday with 250 people who are participating in Sogyal Rinpoche's summer retreat.
On Monday, August 10th, we fly from Paris to Hong Kong. We will meet Jigme Norbu, my son, in Hong Kong and go to Chengdu, China.
The feelings of His Holiness Khyentse Rinpoche and His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche indicated that travel would be very successful. Still, as one embarks on such an uncertain trip, there is the wish to clarify points that might be vague in the event that there was unexpected intervention in my return - imprisonment, sickness, death.
First, as always, I urge you to hold each other in utmost esteem and respect. If you do this on an inner level, it will be reflected outwardly much more clearly as the pure intention of your practice than if you perfect the outward practice - do puja on time, chant well, sit straight, etc.-and do not have inward respect for those around you.
Yet the outward respect you show one another is important, especially in terms of speech. Harshness to one another's face, gossip behind the back - these are very destructive to the good heart and beneficial power of the sangha. Check your speech - don't find fault with others' - check your own mind. Speech habits are very difficult to change because speech follows mind like lightning. You must really assess how you yourself need to change and not allow any righteousness - "I was sharp but he (or she) was wrong so sharpness was appropriate" - to affect your judgement. Don't talk excessively - more mistakes happen in excessive speech. Be patient, relax -watch your mind within conversation so that your speech doesn't get carried away by your opinions and emotions. Use your speech as the pure instrument it is: for prayers, mantra, to comfort and encourage others, to create good feelings and happiness. And don't be afraid of silence. Unobstructed and compassionate communication can arise within moments of silence!
In Tibet we say in summer be careful of your iron pots(because the rain will rust them); in winter take care of your clay ones(because the ice will break them); but summer and winter take care of your mouth.
Then, in my absence I have delegated many details to Tsering. This is not an easy job because each decision has spiritual implications, and the constant need to make decisions disrupts one's practice and makes it difficult to relax. I hope all of you will be supportive. I place my trust in her because I feel that all of her decisions will come from an intelligent head and a very good heart, and even if she made a mistake, it would not move the Gonpa from the intention of pure Dharma. She listens well, she seeks harmony and cooperation - please work with her. I hold all of you in my mind equally, and pray that whatever you do will create benefit.
Finally, I urge all of you to learn whatever you can from Chokyi, Lama Sonam and Tsering. I travel to many centers and I know how rare it is to find practitioners who know as much or have such quality. They are the offerings I make to you. If I gave each of you a gold ring, you would wear it with pleasure and say, "Chagdud Tulku gave me this." I have given you something much, much greater in these three. Don't underestimate their value.
Now I close this long letter -the opposite of Tibetan style-we like short letters, but Jane has a tireless hand. If karmic forces do not separate us, I will see you in November. That will be a happy occasion. But even now you should know I am with you. Our minds need have no barriers.
Love.
Rinpoche
Horgen, Switzerland
Dear Sangha,
Tashi delegl I hope all of you are well and happy. Things Are fine here. It is possible that I will establish a center in Switzerland,and that many of you will see the beautiful mountains and pretty villages of this country.
Tomorrow I go to France to pay respects to the family of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche. Then on Tuesday we celebrate Guru Rinpoche's birthday with 250 people who are participating in Sogyal Rinpoche's summer retreat.
On Monday, August 10th, we fly from Paris to Hong Kong. We will meet Jigme Norbu, my son, in Hong Kong and go to Chengdu, China.
The feelings of His Holiness Khyentse Rinpoche and His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche indicated that travel would be very successful. Still, as one embarks on such an uncertain trip, there is the wish to clarify points that might be vague in the event that there was unexpected intervention in my return - imprisonment, sickness, death.
First, as always, I urge you to hold each other in utmost esteem and respect. If you do this on an inner level, it will be reflected outwardly much more clearly as the pure intention of your practice than if you perfect the outward practice - do puja on time, chant well, sit straight, etc.-and do not have inward respect for those around you.
Yet the outward respect you show one another is important, especially in terms of speech. Harshness to one another's face, gossip behind the back - these are very destructive to the good heart and beneficial power of the sangha. Check your speech - don't find fault with others' - check your own mind. Speech habits are very difficult to change because speech follows mind like lightning. You must really assess how you yourself need to change and not allow any righteousness - "I was sharp but he (or she) was wrong so sharpness was appropriate" - to affect your judgement. Don't talk excessively - more mistakes happen in excessive speech. Be patient, relax -watch your mind within conversation so that your speech doesn't get carried away by your opinions and emotions. Use your speech as the pure instrument it is: for prayers, mantra, to comfort and encourage others, to create good feelings and happiness. And don't be afraid of silence. Unobstructed and compassionate communication can arise within moments of silence!
In Tibet we say in summer be careful of your iron pots(because the rain will rust them); in winter take care of your clay ones(because the ice will break them); but summer and winter take care of your mouth.
Then, in my absence I have delegated many details to Tsering. This is not an easy job because each decision has spiritual implications, and the constant need to make decisions disrupts one's practice and makes it difficult to relax. I hope all of you will be supportive. I place my trust in her because I feel that all of her decisions will come from an intelligent head and a very good heart, and even if she made a mistake, it would not move the Gonpa from the intention of pure Dharma. She listens well, she seeks harmony and cooperation - please work with her. I hold all of you in my mind equally, and pray that whatever you do will create benefit.
Finally, I urge all of you to learn whatever you can from Chokyi, Lama Sonam and Tsering. I travel to many centers and I know how rare it is to find practitioners who know as much or have such quality. They are the offerings I make to you. If I gave each of you a gold ring, you would wear it with pleasure and say, "Chagdud Tulku gave me this." I have given you something much, much greater in these three. Don't underestimate their value.
Now I close this long letter -the opposite of Tibetan style-we like short letters, but Jane has a tireless hand. If karmic forces do not separate us, I will see you in November. That will be a happy occasion. But even now you should know I am with you. Our minds need have no barriers.
Love.
Rinpoche
Horgen, Switzerland
Dear Sangha,
Tashi delegl I hope all of you are well and happy. Things Are fine here. It is possible that I will establish a center in Switzerland,and that many of you will see the beautiful mountains and pretty villages of this country.
Tomorrow I go to France to pay respects to the family of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche. Then on Tuesday we celebrate Guru Rinpoche's birthday with 250 people who are participating in Sogyal Rinpoche's summer retreat.
On Monday, August 10th, we fly from Paris to Hong Kong. We will meet Jigme Norbu, my son, in Hong Kong and go to Chengdu, China.
The feelings of His Holiness Khyentse Rinpoche and His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche indicated that travel would be very successful. Still, as one embarks on such an uncertain trip, there is the wish to clarify points that might be vague in the event that there was unexpected intervention in my return - imprisonment, sickness, death.
First, as always, I urge you to hold each other in utmost esteem and respect. If you do this on an inner level, it will be reflected outwardly much more clearly as the pure intention of your practice than if you perfect the outward practice - do puja on time, chant well, sit straight, etc.-and do not have inward respect for those around you.
Yet the outward respect you show one another is important, especially in terms of speech. Harshness to one another's face, gossip behind the back - these are very destructive to the good heart and beneficial power of the sangha. Check your speech - don't find fault with others' - check your own mind. Speech habits are very difficult to change because speech follows mind like lightning. You must really assess how you yourself need to change and not allow any righteousness - "I was sharp but he (or she) was wrong so sharpness was appropriate" - to affect your judgement. Don't talk excessively - more mistakes happen in excessive speech. Be patient, relax -watch your mind within conversation so that your speech doesn't get carried away by your opinions and emotions. Use your speech as the pure instrument it is: for prayers, mantra, to comfort and encourage others, to create good feelings and happiness. And don't be afraid of silence. Unobstructed and compassionate communication can arise within moments of silence!
In Tibet we say in summer be careful of your iron pots(because the rain will rust them); in winter take care of your clay ones(because the ice will break them); but summer and winter take care of your mouth.
Then, in my absence I have delegated many details to Tsering. This is not an easy job because each decision has spiritual implications, and the constant need to make decisions disrupts one's practice and makes it difficult to relax. I hope all of you will be supportive. I place my trust in her because I feel that all of her decisions will come from an intelligent head and a very good heart, and even if she made a mistake, it would not move the Gonpa from the intention of pure Dharma. She listens well, she seeks harmony and cooperation - please work with her. I hold all of you in my mind equally, and pray that whatever you do will create benefit.
Finally, I urge all of you to learn whatever you can from Chokyi, Lama Sonam and Tsering. I travel to many centers and I know how rare it is to find practitioners who know as much or have such quality. They are the offerings I make to you. If I gave each of you a gold ring, you would wear it with pleasure and say, "Chagdud Tulku gave me this." I have given you something much, much greater in these three. Don't underestimate their value.
Now I close this long letter -the opposite of Tibetan style-we like short letters, but Jane has a tireless hand. If karmic forces do not separate us, I will see you in November. That will be a happy occasion. But even now you should know I am with you. Our minds need have no barriers.
Love.
Rinpoche
Horgen, Switzerland
Dear Sangha,
Tashi delegl I hope all of you are well and happy. Things Are fine here. It is possible that I will establish a center in Switzerland,and that many of you will see the beautiful mountains and pretty villages of this country.
Tomorrow I go to France to pay respects to the family of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche. Then on Tuesday we celebrate Guru Rinpoche's birthday with 250 people who are participating in Sogyal Rinpoche's summer retreat.
On Monday, August 10th, we fly from Paris to Hong Kong. We will meet Jigme Norbu, my son, in Hong Kong and go to Chengdu, China.
The feelings of His Holiness Khyentse Rinpoche and His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche indicated that travel would be very successful. Still, as one embarks on such an uncertain trip, there is the wish to clarify points that might be vague in the event that there was unexpected intervention in my return - imprisonment, sickness, death.
First, as always, I urge you to hold each other in utmost esteem and respect. If you do this on an inner level, it will be reflected outwardly much more clearly as the pure intention of your practice than if you perfect the outward practice - do puja on time, chant well, sit straight, etc.-and do not have inward respect for those around you.
Yet the outward respect you show one another is important, especially in terms of speech. Harshness to one another's face, gossip behind the back - these are very destructive to the good heart and beneficial power of the sangha. Check your speech - don't find fault with others' - check your own mind. Speech habits are very difficult to change because speech follows mind like lightning. You must really assess how you yourself need to change and not allow any righteousness - "I was sharp but he (or she) was wrong so sharpness was appropriate" - to affect your judgement. Don't talk excessively - more mistakes happen in excessive speech. Be patient, relax -watch your mind within conversation so that your speech doesn't get carried away by your opinions and emotions. Use your speech as the pure instrument it is: for prayers, mantra, to comfort and encourage others, to create good feelings and happiness. And don't be afraid of silence. Unobstructed and compassionate communication can arise within moments of silence!
In Tibet we say in summer be careful of your iron pots(because the rain will rust them); in winter take care of your clay ones(because the ice will break them); but summer and winter take care of your mouth.
Then, in my absence I have delegated many details to Tsering. This is not an easy job because each decision has spiritual implications, and the constant need to make decisions disrupts one's practice and makes it difficult to relax. I hope all of you will be supportive. I place my trust in her because I feel that all of her decisions will come from an intelligent head and a very good heart, and even if she made a mistake, it would not move the Gonpa from the intention of pure Dharma. She listens well, she seeks harmony and cooperation - please work with her. I hold all of you in my mind equally, and pray that whatever you do will create benefit.
Finally, I urge all of you to learn whatever you can from Chokyi, Lama Sonam and Tsering. I travel to many centers and I know how rare it is to find practitioners who know as much or have such quality. They are the offerings I make to you. If I gave each of you a gold ring, you would wear it with pleasure and say, "Chagdud Tulku gave me this." I have given you something much, much greater in these three. Don't underestimate their value.
Now I close this long letter -the opposite of Tibetan style-we like short letters, but Jane has a tireless hand. If karmic forces do not separate us, I will see you in November. That will be a happy occasion. But even now you should know I am with you. Our minds need have no barriers.
Love.
Rinpoche
Horgen, Switzerland
Dear Sangha,
Tashi delegl I hope all of you are well and happy. Things Are fine here. It is possible that I will establish a center in Switzerland,and that many of you will see the beautiful mountains and pretty villages of this country.
Tomorrow I go to France to pay respects to the family of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche. Then on Tuesday we celebrate Guru Rinpoche's birthday with 250 people who are participating in Sogyal Rinpoche's summer retreat.
On Monday, August 10th, we fly from Paris to Hong Kong. We will meet Jigme Norbu, my son, in Hong Kong and go to Chengdu, China.
The feelings of His Holiness Khyentse Rinpoche and His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche indicated that travel would be very successful. Still, as one embarks on such an uncertain trip, there is the wish to clarify points that might be vague in the event that there was unexpected intervention in my return - imprisonment, sickness, death.
First, as always, I urge you to hold each other in utmost esteem and respect. If you do this on an inner level, it will be reflected outwardly much more clearly as the pure intention of your practice than if you perfect the outward practice - do puja on time, chant well, sit straight, etc.-and do not have inward respect for those around you.
Yet the outward respect you show one another is important, especially in terms of speech. Harshness to one another's face, gossip behind the back - these are very destructive to the good heart and beneficial power of the sangha. Check your speech - don't find fault with others' - check your own mind. Speech habits are very difficult to change because speech follows mind like lightning. You must really assess how you yourself need to change and not allow any righteousness - "I was sharp but he (or she) was wrong so sharpness was appropriate" - to affect your judgement. Don't talk excessively - more mistakes happen in excessive speech. Be patient, relax -watch your mind within conversation so that your speech doesn't get carried away by your opinions and emotions. Use your speech as the pure instrument it is: for prayers, mantra, to comfort and encourage others, to create good feelings and happiness. And don't be afraid of silence. Unobstructed and compassionate communication can arise within moments of silence!
In Tibet we say in summer be careful of your iron pots(because the rain will rust them); in winter take care of your clay ones(because the ice will break them); but summer and winter take care of your mouth.
Then, in my absence I have delegated many details to Tsering. This is not an easy job because each decision has spiritual implications, and the constant need to make decisions disrupts one's practice and makes it difficult to relax. I hope all of you will be supportive. I place my trust in her because I feel that all of her decisions will come from an intelligent head and a very good heart, and even if she made a mistake, it would not move the Gonpa from the intention of pure Dharma. She listens well, she seeks harmony and cooperation - please work with her. I hold all of you in my mind equally, and pray that whatever you do will create benefit.
Finally, I urge all of you to learn whatever you can from Chokyi, Lama Sonam and Tsering. I travel to many centers and I know how rare it is to find practitioners who know as much or have such quality. They are the offerings I make to you. If I gave each of you a gold ring, you would wear it with pleasure and say, "Chagdud Tulku gave me this." I have given you something much, much greater in these three. Don't underestimate their value.
Now I close this long letter -the opposite of Tibetan style-we like short letters, but Jane has a tireless hand. If karmic forces do not separate us, I will see you in November. That will be a happy occasion. But even now you should know I am with you. Our minds need have no barriers.
Love.
Rinpoche
