People often ask me, "Do lamas have attachments?"I don't know how other lamas might answer this, but I must say yes. I recognize that my students, my family, my country have no inherent reality, that they all represent a play of illusion, yet I remain deeply attached to them. I recognize that my attachment itself has no inherent reality, yet I can't deny the experience of it. Still, knowing the empty nature of attachment, I know my motivation to benefit sentient beings must supersede it.
Because suffering arises everywhere and for everyone in samsara, I follow the guidance of whatever wisdom I have in meeting those who are receptive to my presentation of Vajrayana Buddhism and who will use my teachings to transform their minds. Sometimes I am clearly directed, as when many years ago in leaving Tibet I dreamed of "America" before I had even heard the word. Sometimes I simply know, as I did after several visits to Brazil.
Now in Brazil I have students who have developed their dharma path by completing ngondro and attending winter retreats, as well as carrying out tremendous organizational activity on behalf of Chagdud Gonpa. If I maintained my base in the United States, these students would continue to support my travels to Brazil and to travel themselves in order to receive teachings here. However, I would not be able to reach many who would most benefit from my dharma teachings, the very poor people who cannot afford to attend the events that pay for my airplane tickets.
In Tibet, India and Nepal, I was always quite accessible to the poor; in the United States, I seem somehow less so. In Brazil I sense a longing for spirituality, a devotion among many whose lives are otherwise bereft of comfort. I hope my teachings can enrich their lives, so I am resettling to be near them.
I'm an old man now, and enjoy my comforts here and take pleasure in the company of my students. I am delighted with the qualities of Chagdud Gonpa's lamas and senior students (see page 2), with the harmony of the sangha and with the progress of the centers. I intend to return each year for the winter retreats, the Vajrakilaya drubchen and the Losar celebration, and to visit my centers at least annually.
Even as I plan to resettle in Brazil, however, like a feather in the wind my karmic destiny blows me back to Tibet, where I will go on pilgrimage this summer. And for two weeks in November I will be at Rigdzin Ling, where at the request of my students, I will give the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi, the quintessential empowerments for the sixty-four bums (hundred thousands) of the Dzogchen tantras. These empowerments fulfill one of the two prerequisites for receiving transmission for Great Perfection, the other being the establishment of a pure, strong foundation through ngondro and particularly through guru yoga. A number of my students have created their practice foundation, and I feel that the moment has come to offer this incalculably precious jewel. For all who aspire to the pinnacle of realization that Great Perfection represents, I hope that my offering the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi will increase the momentum of their paths and bring supreme benefit to all beings.
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche
People often ask me, "Do lamas have attachments?"I don't know how other lamas might answer this, but I must say yes. I recognize that my students, my family, my country have no inherent reality, that they all represent a play of illusion, yet I remain deeply attached to them. I recognize that my attachment itself has no inherent reality, yet I can't deny the experience of it. Still, knowing the empty nature of attachment, I know my motivation to benefit sentient beings must supersede it.
Because suffering arises everywhere and for everyone in samsara, I follow the guidance of whatever wisdom I have in meeting those who are receptive to my presentation of Vajrayana Buddhism and who will use my teachings to transform their minds. Sometimes I am clearly directed, as when many years ago in leaving Tibet I dreamed of "America" before I had even heard the word. Sometimes I simply know, as I did after several visits to Brazil.
Now in Brazil I have students who have developed their dharma path by completing ngondro and attending winter retreats, as well as carrying out tremendous organizational activity on behalf of Chagdud Gonpa. If I maintained my base in the United States, these students would continue to support my travels to Brazil and to travel themselves in order to receive teachings here. However, I would not be able to reach many who would most benefit from my dharma teachings, the very poor people who cannot afford to attend the events that pay for my airplane tickets.
In Tibet, India and Nepal, I was always quite accessible to the poor; in the United States, I seem somehow less so. In Brazil I sense a longing for spirituality, a devotion among many whose lives are otherwise bereft of comfort. I hope my teachings can enrich their lives, so I am resettling to be near them.
I'm an old man now, and enjoy my comforts here and take pleasure in the company of my students. I am delighted with the qualities of Chagdud Gonpa's lamas and senior students (see page 2), with the harmony of the sangha and with the progress of the centers. I intend to return each year for the winter retreats, the Vajrakilaya drubchen and the Losar celebration, and to visit my centers at least annually.
Even as I plan to resettle in Brazil, however, like a feather in the wind my karmic destiny blows me back to Tibet, where I will go on pilgrimage this summer. And for two weeks in November I will be at Rigdzin Ling, where at the request of my students, I will give the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi, the quintessential empowerments for the sixty-four bums (hundred thousands) of the Dzogchen tantras. These empowerments fulfill one of the two prerequisites for receiving transmission for Great Perfection, the other being the establishment of a pure, strong foundation through ngondro and particularly through guru yoga. A number of my students have created their practice foundation, and I feel that the moment has come to offer this incalculably precious jewel. For all who aspire to the pinnacle of realization that Great Perfection represents, I hope that my offering the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi will increase the momentum of their paths and bring supreme benefit to all beings.
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche
People often ask me, "Do lamas have attachments?"I don't know how other lamas might answer this, but I must say yes. I recognize that my students, my family, my country have no inherent reality, that they all represent a play of illusion, yet I remain deeply attached to them. I recognize that my attachment itself has no inherent reality, yet I can't deny the experience of it. Still, knowing the empty nature of attachment, I know my motivation to benefit sentient beings must supersede it.
Because suffering arises everywhere and for everyone in samsara, I follow the guidance of whatever wisdom I have in meeting those who are receptive to my presentation of Vajrayana Buddhism and who will use my teachings to transform their minds. Sometimes I am clearly directed, as when many years ago in leaving Tibet I dreamed of "America" before I had even heard the word. Sometimes I simply know, as I did after several visits to Brazil.
Now in Brazil I have students who have developed their dharma path by completing ngondro and attending winter retreats, as well as carrying out tremendous organizational activity on behalf of Chagdud Gonpa. If I maintained my base in the United States, these students would continue to support my travels to Brazil and to travel themselves in order to receive teachings here. However, I would not be able to reach many who would most benefit from my dharma teachings, the very poor people who cannot afford to attend the events that pay for my airplane tickets.
In Tibet, India and Nepal, I was always quite accessible to the poor; in the United States, I seem somehow less so. In Brazil I sense a longing for spirituality, a devotion among many whose lives are otherwise bereft of comfort. I hope my teachings can enrich their lives, so I am resettling to be near them.
I'm an old man now, and enjoy my comforts here and take pleasure in the company of my students. I am delighted with the qualities of Chagdud Gonpa's lamas and senior students (see page 2), with the harmony of the sangha and with the progress of the centers. I intend to return each year for the winter retreats, the Vajrakilaya drubchen and the Losar celebration, and to visit my centers at least annually.
Even as I plan to resettle in Brazil, however, like a feather in the wind my karmic destiny blows me back to Tibet, where I will go on pilgrimage this summer. And for two weeks in November I will be at Rigdzin Ling, where at the request of my students, I will give the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi, the quintessential empowerments for the sixty-four bums (hundred thousands) of the Dzogchen tantras. These empowerments fulfill one of the two prerequisites for receiving transmission for Great Perfection, the other being the establishment of a pure, strong foundation through ngondro and particularly through guru yoga. A number of my students have created their practice foundation, and I feel that the moment has come to offer this incalculably precious jewel. For all who aspire to the pinnacle of realization that Great Perfection represents, I hope that my offering the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi will increase the momentum of their paths and bring supreme benefit to all beings.
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche
People often ask me, "Do lamas have attachments?"I don't know how other lamas might answer this, but I must say yes. I recognize that my students, my family, my country have no inherent reality, that they all represent a play of illusion, yet I remain deeply attached to them. I recognize that my attachment itself has no inherent reality, yet I can't deny the experience of it. Still, knowing the empty nature of attachment, I know my motivation to benefit sentient beings must supersede it.
Because suffering arises everywhere and for everyone in samsara, I follow the guidance of whatever wisdom I have in meeting those who are receptive to my presentation of Vajrayana Buddhism and who will use my teachings to transform their minds. Sometimes I am clearly directed, as when many years ago in leaving Tibet I dreamed of "America" before I had even heard the word. Sometimes I simply know, as I did after several visits to Brazil.
Now in Brazil I have students who have developed their dharma path by completing ngondro and attending winter retreats, as well as carrying out tremendous organizational activity on behalf of Chagdud Gonpa. If I maintained my base in the United States, these students would continue to support my travels to Brazil and to travel themselves in order to receive teachings here. However, I would not be able to reach many who would most benefit from my dharma teachings, the very poor people who cannot afford to attend the events that pay for my airplane tickets.
In Tibet, India and Nepal, I was always quite accessible to the poor; in the United States, I seem somehow less so. In Brazil I sense a longing for spirituality, a devotion among many whose lives are otherwise bereft of comfort. I hope my teachings can enrich their lives, so I am resettling to be near them.
I'm an old man now, and enjoy my comforts here and take pleasure in the company of my students. I am delighted with the qualities of Chagdud Gonpa's lamas and senior students (see page 2), with the harmony of the sangha and with the progress of the centers. I intend to return each year for the winter retreats, the Vajrakilaya drubchen and the Losar celebration, and to visit my centers at least annually.
Even as I plan to resettle in Brazil, however, like a feather in the wind my karmic destiny blows me back to Tibet, where I will go on pilgrimage this summer. And for two weeks in November I will be at Rigdzin Ling, where at the request of my students, I will give the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi, the quintessential empowerments for the sixty-four bums (hundred thousands) of the Dzogchen tantras. These empowerments fulfill one of the two prerequisites for receiving transmission for Great Perfection, the other being the establishment of a pure, strong foundation through ngondro and particularly through guru yoga. A number of my students have created their practice foundation, and I feel that the moment has come to offer this incalculably precious jewel. For all who aspire to the pinnacle of realization that Great Perfection represents, I hope that my offering the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi will increase the momentum of their paths and bring supreme benefit to all beings.
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche
People often ask me, "Do lamas have attachments?"I don't know how other lamas might answer this, but I must say yes. I recognize that my students, my family, my country have no inherent reality, that they all represent a play of illusion, yet I remain deeply attached to them. I recognize that my attachment itself has no inherent reality, yet I can't deny the experience of it. Still, knowing the empty nature of attachment, I know my motivation to benefit sentient beings must supersede it.
Because suffering arises everywhere and for everyone in samsara, I follow the guidance of whatever wisdom I have in meeting those who are receptive to my presentation of Vajrayana Buddhism and who will use my teachings to transform their minds. Sometimes I am clearly directed, as when many years ago in leaving Tibet I dreamed of "America" before I had even heard the word. Sometimes I simply know, as I did after several visits to Brazil.
Now in Brazil I have students who have developed their dharma path by completing ngondro and attending winter retreats, as well as carrying out tremendous organizational activity on behalf of Chagdud Gonpa. If I maintained my base in the United States, these students would continue to support my travels to Brazil and to travel themselves in order to receive teachings here. However, I would not be able to reach many who would most benefit from my dharma teachings, the very poor people who cannot afford to attend the events that pay for my airplane tickets.
In Tibet, India and Nepal, I was always quite accessible to the poor; in the United States, I seem somehow less so. In Brazil I sense a longing for spirituality, a devotion among many whose lives are otherwise bereft of comfort. I hope my teachings can enrich their lives, so I am resettling to be near them.
I'm an old man now, and enjoy my comforts here and take pleasure in the company of my students. I am delighted with the qualities of Chagdud Gonpa's lamas and senior students (see page 2), with the harmony of the sangha and with the progress of the centers. I intend to return each year for the winter retreats, the Vajrakilaya drubchen and the Losar celebration, and to visit my centers at least annually.
Even as I plan to resettle in Brazil, however, like a feather in the wind my karmic destiny blows me back to Tibet, where I will go on pilgrimage this summer. And for two weeks in November I will be at Rigdzin Ling, where at the request of my students, I will give the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi, the quintessential empowerments for the sixty-four bums (hundred thousands) of the Dzogchen tantras. These empowerments fulfill one of the two prerequisites for receiving transmission for Great Perfection, the other being the establishment of a pure, strong foundation through ngondro and particularly through guru yoga. A number of my students have created their practice foundation, and I feel that the moment has come to offer this incalculably precious jewel. For all who aspire to the pinnacle of realization that Great Perfection represents, I hope that my offering the Nyingt'hig Yab Zhi will increase the momentum of their paths and bring supreme benefit to all beings.
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche
