December 2020

Managing Editor:
Matthew Dawson Essence of Mahamudra
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche
• Essence of Mahamudra
• Buddhist Summer School
Online January 2021
• Interview with Elizabeth
Mattis-Namgyel
• Interview with Dechen
Davies
• News from Maitripa
Centre, Healesville
• News from Nyima Tashi
Buddhist Centre New
Zealand
• News from E-Vam
Buddhist Institute U.S.
• News from Akshara
Bookshop
• News from Shogam
Publications
• E-Vam Institute 2021
Summer Teaching Program
• E-Vam Institute 2021
Autumn Teaching Program This is the first of a series of four talks Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche gave on Mahamudra Meditation
in Sydney in 2009. The next three talks will be featured in consecutive E-Vam newsletters.
am happy to take this opportunity to practise we basically owe to the Indians. The

I speak on a topic which is so profound

and vast.
As you know, all of the traditions of
Indian origin of Tibetan Buddhism is to be
valued. I think it’s very important not to
overemphasise the notion that as Tibetans
Buddhism that Tibetans practise came from we came up with something really
India. We inherited the practices from extraordinary, but to value the roots from
Indians, brought over by both Tibetans and which it came. I believe that to be very
Indians. Not only were Tibetans travelling to valuable because, after all, our roots mean
India in search of the most precious, most everything.
esoteric, and the most advanced teachings. Tibetan Buddhism encourages that notion
They then brought the teachings back to as do many other Buddhist traditions. In the
Tibet, translated the texts and explain to the Zen tradition they talk about The
Tibetans what those practices were all about. Transmission of the Lamp which is a very
It was also the Indian teachers, even those sacred Zen text that talks about the
who didn’t speak any Tibetan, also came to transmission of the lineage.
Tibet to share teachings. Buddhism came to Tibet in two waves.
So that’s something that we actually need They are known as the “spreads” of
to think about. The Buddhism that we Buddhism: the early and later spreads or

The Wheel of Times • 1

disseminations. The first one was known Padmasambhava and other earlier In exoteric Mahayana the model of a
as the Nyingma school, meaning “ancient”. Tantricas, before Langdarma’s time. really good aspirant on the path to
Nyingma, in this context, means the Buddhism was first brought to Tibet by enlightenment is known as the
“first,” the first Tibetans who embraced Guru Padmasambhava and is seen in “bodhisattva: the one who has generated
Buddhism. So the first people to embrace Tibetan and Bhutan and many other enlightened heart,” which means one who
Buddhism became known as places as a master and a hero. In Tibet we has made the commitment to cultivate
“Nyingmapas.” think of Padmasambhava as the second mind which is both enlightened, imbued
Buddhism was basically destroyed in Buddha: sang gye nyi pa (sangs rgyas gnyis with wisdom, and also with compassion,
the 9th century, around the time of King pa). Sang gye nyi pa means “second love and things of that kind. The
Langdarma. There was a lot of conflict Buddha” – sang gye of course means the cultivation of such altruistic qualities is
and factions within the courts – a “Buddha.” practiced for a long time, so five paths, ten
Buddhist faction and a Bonpo faction of With these new influences and events stages of the bodhisattva path are spoken
non-Buddhists. The Bonpos still wanted both in Tibet and in India – politically, about.
to practise their ancient Bön religion. sociologically, religiously – it was a very, The tantric path of the new school, as
Originally what is often referred to as very interesting time and also very opposed to the old school, is modelled on
the lama dance or “Black Hat’ dance – the unsettling as so many new things were that. Even the old school talks about the
dancers wear costumes with flared sleeves happening. nine yanas, nine vehicles and so on. It is
and broad hats, sometimes masks and When we think of Mahamudra slightly different because the old school
other attire. This was originally a Bönpo teachings and so forth we need to relate to approach is still not as gradual, not as
dance. Many of these rituals were the notion that new forms of tantra were descriptive, and the path is not presented
eventually incorporated into the Tibetan brought to Tibet. You would not find a lot in a very structured way as with the new
Buddhist tradition. The Black Hat dance of the old tantras in the Tibetan canonical school approach to Tantricism, esoteric
and many other ritual practices have many Buddhism.
elements of the Bönpo rituals remaining. “Mahamudra is The newer wave of Tantricism was very
After King Langdarma’s death his two seen as the highest structured. You start with the kriya,
sons moved into power. One son was pro- charya, yoga tantras which are different
Buddhist and the other was anti-
form of tantric levels of esoteric practices of which the
Buddhist. They fought and the Tibetan teachings that are highest form is known as “Mahamudra.”
kingdom ended up fragmented. This Mahamudra in itself cannot really be
ushered in a whole new kind of
discussed in Tantricism. described as a tantric practice in many
Buddhism, which is known as “new”, the How to integrate the ways and I will try to explain over these
Sarmapas. Nyingma means “old or first body, mind and prana four teachings what I mean by that.
school,” and Sarma means “new school.” For now it is sufficient to say that the
So the Mahamudra types of teachings that or motility – highest form of tantric practice you can do
are followed mainly within the Kagyu true integration.” in the new tantras is what we call
tradition come from that time, not only “fulfilment stage” practices. Practices like
in Tibet but in India also. Those were literature. They are not there in the dream yoga, illusory body yoga and other
turbulent times in India as well. The Tibetan canon, for example, but the new forms of yoga, yogas that will help you to
Moguls were making their way into India. tantras are. So the old tantras were put go deeper and deeper into yourself, not
The Moguls who saw themselves as into a separate collection, for example, the just using your mind but even your body.
Mongolian ruled India practically until Nyingma Gyübum (rnying ma rgyud So you use physical exercises breathing
the British came to India. bum), and have remained separate. exercises - the body, mind and breath, and
At this time a new development of The newer forms of Tantricism taught a visualisation bring together the mental
Buddhism was taking place, known as form of graduated path to enlightenment, aspect.
Tantricism, which is a form of esoteric in its own way. It was somewhat modelled The mental aspect is the most
Buddhism. History scholars argue about on the sutric approach to enlightenment, important thing and visualisation is a very
the timing but roughly it began around as taught in traditional Mahayana important part of that practice. So even
the 9th, 10th century, to the 14th. These teachings. Mahayana, as it is taught in when you are dealing with the body, you
dates are not precise. You can even add a Tibetan Buddhism, emphasises two are thinking of the body in a visualised
century or two or take a century or two different approaches. One is the sutric way. You are using imagination even with
off. approach, the exoteric approach, and the your body. You are not just thinking: Oh,
This new development in Tantricism other is the esoteric approach. The this is body and this is mind. I’m just
that was brought to Tibet ushered in a exoteric approach of Mahayana speaks thinking this or I’m just imagining this or
whole new way of looking at tantric about five paths, ten stages of that. What you are actually imagining and
teachings – quite different from that enlightenment and so on, which is a what you are doing with your body and
which was introduced by Guru familiar model of a bodhisattva. your breath are integrating them.

2 • The Wheel of Times

 hese teachings say that the breath, mission and receive instruction and then these practices are done in the exoteric

T prana, is not just about breathing.

I suppose it’s like oxygen and
energy so if we think of prana in that way,
practice many rituals, visualisations, chant
mantras and so forth. Tantricism is very
affective in bringing contradictions into
context but [we think of it] in a different
way, a non-graduated way – almost in a
non-systematic way. Instead of thinking,
instead of just breath or wind, as it is often one experience explicitly. You bring “I have to approach everything in a step-
translated, then we might get a better sense contradictions together and then you are by-step manner” you think in terms of
of what we are working with. Sometimes, if transported to another level of being, a how to empower yourself, how to
something knocks you out for a few state which you have not been familiar actualise yourself, how to realise yourself
seconds or you are rendered breathless and with within yourself. That is one of the in a more direct manner.
suddenly you come back, you become extraordinary things about Tantricism. That’s what Mahamudra teaches – as
rejuvenated and reanimated, brought back Tantricism is somewhat designed to be does Dzogchen of the old school. Being in
to consciousness – that is prana. practiced in such a way that it brings the natural state is what one is trying to
Tantricism says our breath and everything to a head. It becomes visible to attain and being in the natural state is
responsiveness is intimately related with the practitioner. You can’t play safe in equated with enlightenment itself.
our mind. When our mind becomes more Tantricism. That is why political Enlightenment then is not seen as
alert and more conscious then we start to correctness and tantricism do not always something remote, hard to reach,
breathe again. Your bodily sensations, go together. All the tantricas, the masters something that we have to wait forever for
bodily feelings and prana become have passed on their practices and or that we will not be able to realise unless
reactivated. methods. One after the other, one we subject ourselves to countless years of
Mahamudra is seen as the highest form transmits the essence of the practice to the hardship and ascetic practices or
of tantric teachings that are discussed in other and the other and other. So that’s something like that.
Tantricism. How to integrate the body,
mind and prana or motility – true
integration.
As an aside, Prana has many functions.
There are pranas that move downwards,
pranas that move upwards, pranas that
spread out all over your body, it is quite
intricate. While tantra focuses on
teachings like that, Mahamudra goes
beyond that. In Mahamudra there is no
need for visualisation or any specific forms
of tantric or ritual practice. At the same
time it is not like the exoteric approach to
meditation and the path of spiritual
practice outlined in traditional sutric
teachings, the Mahayana teachings.
It is not the graduated path with the five
paths and ten stages of the bodhisattvas the thing about the highest form, what we Enlightenment is presented, I suppose,
and so on. Rather, it is a special form of call the highest yogatantra – Maha- in a much more human way. It is
meditation which really focuses on how nuttarayogatantra it’s called actually – something that we can realise but that
to get into or uncover our own natural which is the last stage of tantric practice. does not mean we can realise Mahamudra
state, very much compatible with the Mahamudra goes beyond such just like that.
Dzogchen teachings of the old school practices. Mahamudra does not demand Obviously, you don’t attain Mahamudra
before Langdarma’s time. that we perform such rituals or that we do or anything by being lazy. But on the other
That’s why a little bit of the historical these kinds of yoga practices or anything hand, we may think, “Oh, it will take
background is important because there are like that. But that does not mean we do forever – many lifetimes, or many, many
similarities. Mahamudra has similarities not pay attention to physical postures, years of arduous practice” and
with the Zen and Chan teachings of Japan breathing, diet. These are still important “Enlightenment is something so hard to
and China as well. Mahamudra is very if you practise Mahamudra meditation. get,” that kind of thing. So avoiding those
advanced but at the same time very And explanation by a master is required. two extremes is the key, I suppose:
accessible. It’s more accessible than many The practice is about shamatha and knowing that you have to apply yourself,
other forms of esoteric practices. vipashyana. It’s not very complicated and that you have to be attentive because that
If one does esoteric tantric practices elaborate. It’s very direct and to the point. is the whole idea of doing Mahamudra
then one is required to receive initiations We use shamatha practice and vipashyana practice – it is supposed to empower you.
or empowerments, abhisheka, trans- practice similarly to the way in which But the only way we can empower

The Wheel of Times • 3

ourselves is if we are being attentive, if we we can actually relate to and aspire to, personally and psychologically as well –
pay attention and we learn to be aware – otherwise it might be a bit too remote. I’m that’s the key.
all those things. I will explain this more sure it is like that in life generally, in a way. In other words, Mahamudra teachings
over the four talks. Whatever it is that you aspire to – having have something to say about how we
That is the key, and then enlightenment that perspective is very important. should deal with our feelings, our
is not so remote. Enlightenment is not So in Mahamudra practice, basically emotions, our experiences, on a daily basis
something only Buddhas have what one tries to do then is to bring – what we experience, how we should
experienced because, after all, enlight- together one’s own actual state of being relate to those experiences, things like
enment also has degrees. Just like now and the state that we aspire to. In that, so it is not just in terms of
happiness – some of us are less happy than other words, what we want to become and enlightenment, of attaining nirvana or
others, some are happier than us and we what we already are – we try to bring them Buddhahood.
get worried and then we get less happy! together. That’s the key and that’s what we And I think that’s a very important
Enlightenment is also like that. We should always want to do but we always end up in point because there are many different
be thinking like that, in terms of degree. conflict because we don’t see any way to ways to deal with emotions and feelings
We should not be thinking of connect what we are and what we want to and so on within Buddhism. Buddhism
enlightenment as a fixed state, that it is be. Mahamudra teachings really talk actually has a very rich literature on the
like we are trying to get to some kind of about this on many different levels. subject, as you know, but Mahamudra
state. That is not the case with anything So that is a key point and it is talked teachings present a different angle to it.
actually. Even when we want to get a PhD about not just in regard to cognitive I would like to talk to you a little bit
degree or get married or something, just change, of how we should change our about that over the next few talks. I will
because all your life you have been attitude in terms of how we see ourselves put that in context and talk about how
thinking, “I just want to get married and now and how we want to see ourselves in meditation practices are done, how we use
live happily ever after, and this person is the future – not just in terms of meditation to effect these changes, in
going to give me all the comfort I need”. enlightenment, spiritually or in religious terms of our emotions, feelings, thoughts
It is a very important point and if we terms, but even on the psychological or and, of course, ultimately, how we try to
think like that then enlightenment personal or normal level. So it is dealing learn to be in our own natural state, just
becomes more tangible, something that not just with the spiritual level but learning to be, within ourselves. n

ONLINE
9-11 January 2021
www.buddhistsummerschool.org

Start the New Year immersing yourself in Buddhist Meditation, Philosophy & Psychology

4 • The Wheel of Times

 Interview with Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel
Felicity Lodro
spiritual retreat on the weekends. That is a This is important to recognize in
very practical and intelligent way to use ourselves. This way of poising the mind,
our time. But, the practice is much deeper makes dialogue, creativity and healthy
than how we organize our life around participation in life, available to us.
extremes. It refers to stepping outside this I think we humans needs us to find our
dualistic system of extremes altogether. way out of extreme thinking now more
Eternalism and nihilism are than ever. It is easy to look outside of
philosophical terms that the Buddha ourselves and accuse others of being
referred to in certain texts, but it is also fundamentalists, but in truth, if we are
important to examine how these extremes willing to look, we can find a lot of
express themselves in our lives. fundamentalism in our own mind…and
Experientially we might describe them as doubt too. It is really good to see — very
“rightness” and “doubt,” or “hope” and freeing to expose all that to the light of our
“fear”. Rightness (or fundamentalism) intelligence.
comes from our inability to embrace Felicity: Aspects of the Dharma describes
complexity and nuance. When rigid some of our experiences as illusory, also
beliefs are challenged by circumstances, that our attitudes and habitual tendencies
Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel has studied and we fall into doubt. Rightness and doubt
practiced the Buddhadharma for 35 years create an internal personal environment
are two sides of the same coin. We might that cause varying degrees of separation
under the guidance of her teacher and cling, for example, to the positive qualities
husband Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. She is from reality. Believing everything we see
we identify with a specific friend, and then hear and experience is real and
the retreat master of Samten Ling in feel betrayed when we see another side of
Crestone, Colorado and has spent over six permanent – eternalise, or that nothing is
him; or we might fall into despair when real nor has meaning - nihilism are seen as
years in retreat. She holds a degree in
anthropology and an M.A. in Buddhist extreme views. What philosophical point
“It is easy to look outside of of view would create a healthier and more
Studies and teaches throughout the U.S., ourselves and accuse others
Australia, and Europe. She is the author of moderated or central view of existence?
The Power of an Open Question: The
of being fundamentalists, Elizabeth: The Middle Way teachings of
Buddha’s Path to Freedom and The Logic but in truth, if we are willing the Mahayana offer us a way to investigate
of Faith: the Buddhist Path to Finding to look, we can find a lot of our assumptions about the world we
Certainty Beyond Belief and Doubt. fundamentalism in our own encounter. As you say, we often see things
Elizabeth will be teaching at the Buddhist in a course way, clinging to them as “real”
mind…and doubt too.”
Summer School 2021. or “permanent.” Of course, this is tricky
something happens in our spiritual territory because if we look out in the
Felicity Lodro: Thank you for taking the community that we don’t understand. We world and say: “Oh, don’t worry about
time for this interview. We are excited that may fall into a spiritual crises when we anything, it isn’t real,” it sounds like a
you can join us for the Buddhist Summer find ourselves unable to reconcile these denial of experience. We never want to
School January 2021. At the Summer spiritual and temporal worlds, because we undermine our own or others’ experience,
School you are speaking on the Middle are clinging desperately to how we think which arises due to the nature of
Way. How would you describe the life should look. The world is pretty interdependence and is very powerful and
Middle Way and what were some of your rambunctious when it comes to our acutely experienced. The point here is to
main reasons for selecting this topic? preferences, so to expect things to be as we respect the power of interdependence,
Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel: In a more think they should, lacks nuance, clarity while understanding that things are not
general way, the Middle Way describes a and depth. limited to what we think of them.
life of balance and moderation. The The Middle Way teachings offer a So how are things then? And what does
Buddha’s life story is an example of how solution — a resting place — that take us “real” or “unreal” mean in the context of
we can’t find unconditional happiness beyond this system of dualism. I often use the middle way? That takes time to
through external pleasures, or through the metaphor of “the mind of an open unpack, because we have so many
rejecting the richness of the sensual world. question,” to describe the wisdom aspect unexamined assumptions about “realness”.
For example, we might think of the of this path, because almost everyone has I promise to challenge everyone’s
middle way as trying to moderate our lives moments of engaging life with openness assumption about realness in this retreat,
between two opposing activities, such as and curiosity, which can accommodate a which is really fun!
working during the week and then doing more nuanced way of looking at things. I don’t want to get too philosophical

The Wheel of Times • 5

here. Yes, these teachings do have a and devotion, because through practice from a lack of information as to what the
philosophical aspect, but they are meant we venture into discovering something Buddha was actually saying. In fact, I
to be directly and personally explored. very deep about our mind and its world. would say that the middle way teachings
Philosophical views are abstract, and the Felicity: It is easy to understand the invite us into a way of being in life that is
middle way path brings us out of importance of moderating or carefully courageous and lively, because it has to do
abstraction ideas into a more direct considering ones approach, behaviours with committing oneself to not shutting
relationship with reality. A great and extreme or polarising attitudes and down around experience. Whoever trains
Buddhist master, Nagarjuna, said: “I views. Sometimes it can be understood as in the middle way, learns to embrace both
prostrate to he who has abandoned all not being too passionate in life, curbing the pain and beauty of life without
views.” He was speaking about the joy, enthusiasm, and less engagement in grasping and rejection. Life within the
Buddha, and the views he refers to here life. Can you speak about the essence of system of hope and fear keeps our mind
are eternalism and nihilism. He is the Middle Way in relation to engaging in constantly trapped in a disturbed state.
suggesting that there is another way of life and enjoying life? Wouldn’t it be joyful to get free of that?
being in the world that is insightful, in Elizabeth: It could be that some people Felicity: Thank you for providing such
accord with how things are, and accessible think of the middle way as passive, insightful answer. What a lovely interview.
by direct investigation. It is “first person neutral, disengaged or indecisive. That is I look forward to attending your course at
science,” which also requires a lot of heart a language assumption that also results the Buddhist Summer School. n

Interview with Dechen Davies

Matthew Dawson
Dechen: They ran the Centre before I was
born. And so it was my early life, I think,
probably up until I was about two or
three, maybe two, was when we moved
out of the Centre. Yes. I think my brother
wasn't born when we were at the Centre.
And it just wasn't appropriate to have a
family there at the time. But in terms of
when I was first introduced, I was a baby
(laughs). I can't remember the first
teachers. But there are photos of teachers
holding me as a baby, so yeah, very young.
Matthew: How about your parents?
How did they come across Buddhism or
were their parents Buddhists as well?
Dechen Davies has been a student of Traleg Nyingma schools?
Dechen: And their parents parents
Kyabgon Rinpoche for more than 20 years, Dechen: It's probably a less common (laughs)...I'm not sure exactly how my
for 8 of those she was ordained as a nun. She answer that I'll give. My parents mum first got involved with Buddhism.
has engaged in short term retreats and has introduced me to the Kagyu tradition. My But I know that she was at the first retreat
been practicing meditation for more than 2 parents ran a Kagyu Centre in Sydney in now known as Chenrezig Institute with
decades. Dechen will be teaching on the Joy the 70s and 80s where I first grew up. Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa. I think that
of Meditation at the Buddhist Summer After that we moved out of the Centre but was the first Tibetan retreat in Australia. I
School 2021. were still very closely involved. As a family, believe that was in the early 70s. And my
we would attend teachings there and visit dad was interested from a young age, from
Matthew Dawson: Thanks for taking the
the Centre often. We would have visiting a teenager, reading some zen and some
time to do this interview Dechen. What
teachers stay at our house. So from a Trungpa Rinpoche books as well. But it
school of Buddhism do you practice in
young age, I had Kagyu-Nyingma makes me realize how little I do know
within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition? influences in terms of teachers just in my because I couldn't actually tell you how
Dechen Davies: Kagyu-Nyingma life in a more casual way. they came to the Dharma.
traditions. Matthew: And how old were you when And so when His Holiness 16th
Matthew: And how did you first come they first started inviting teachers around Karmapa passed away in 1981 and then
across E-Vam Institute and the Kagyu and to their Centre? his cremation was held at Rumtek. And

6 • The Wheel of Times

because my parents had the Sydney Kagyu Rinpoche and Felicity, so yeah, more on And that sounds like I'm being a bit
Centre they went as representatives and I that kind of casual social basis. psychoanalytic. Do you get what I mean?
went with them. So I suppose that was a Matthew: It's amazing to hear that kind With something like karma or rebirth I'm
fairly big Kagyu influence in terms of early of background because I've known you for very aware that I might come across as
influences and getting to meet all the around 10 years, but I had no idea about very unscientific, but I don't care because
teachers as a baby at that point and that. I sort of knew that your parents were I don't have to worry about it. Like I get
attending His Holiness' cremation. Buddhists, but I didn't know that they on with my life. It's not an issue for me. In
Matthew: Oh, so you actually went to actually ran a Buddhist Centre up in terms of, other ways of living in the world.
Rumtek Monastery for the cremation? NSW and that you were raised from such I don't know, have I answered the
a young age, in that kind of environment. question?
Dechen: I mean, I can't remember it. But
So I guess your background would colour Matthew: I think you have. I feel like
yes, I did.
how you see spirituality and the modern what you were getting at was that there
Matthew: You were a baby or a small world because you've grown up in that seems to be a lot of resources dedicated to
child? kind of environment. So I just wondered making everything scientific. And some of
Dechen: I was a baby. I was like one or what your thoughts on how you see that energy could be directed into just
two. And then you asked how I came to E- spirituality, and how you see being a doing an experiment on yourself. To see
Vam Institute. So I started to modern person and engaging with whether you think it works for you. And
independently develop an interest in spirituality is for you? yeah, everything seems to be, well, at least
Buddhism. I wasn't raised Buddhist. I was Dechen: I mean, it's hard to say how your most things seem to be quantitative and
raised in a cultural environment with background colours your perception, isn't backed up with statistics and everything
Buddhism. I wasn't taught anything. That it? Because it's hard to say unless you butt like that. But on the other hand, there's
was a specific instruction from my parents up against someone with a different also that subjective experiential aspect to
teacher. Not to teach my brother and I background. I was discussing this the life as well, which is very hard to quantify
Buddhism. So we learnt about stories other day. I think that I have less of a and break down into, numbers and
about the masters, we read King Gesar, we problem accepting what a lot of modern pigeonhole. I very much resonate with
read Siddhartha's life story. So we had that people might consider non-scientific what you're saying about the energy being
cultural kind of environment. Also, we said ideas, like karma. I work in science, I work dedicated to different world views.
mantras for insects when they died. And in research, but I don't have any issue with Dechen: And I think that it's a misplaced
we understood, very superficially, about karma. And there's no kind of dissonance energy in some ways because, we all are
karma, but we didn't understand what within myself in accepting that. And I believing things that aren't scientific all the
Buddhism really taught. I really became think that perhaps, in that way, I might be time. You just decide what you're going to
interested when I left home. I separated similar to someone who was raised in a believe and that's it. You have some
myself from my parents because they were Buddhist country where it's just part of thought about it, but then you go with it.
big figures in the New South Wales and your belief system. I feel like I don't have That's just my opinion.
Sydney Buddhist scene. I moved to to put in energy to reconcile my modern
Matthew: I understand that you were a
Brisbane, became interested, started beliefs and my spiritual beliefs. In terms of
nun for a while. So you were part of a
practicing and studying there. Then I was practicing in a modern world, I think that
monastic community for a time in the
really wanting a teacher, and praying for is the key to it. We put in a lot of energy
Tibetan tradition. Might you want to say
and aspiring to find a teacher. Around that into trying to understand what is faith,
something about what that was like? And
time, Traleg Rinpoche came to Sydney and what can I back up with evidence, and
how do you think it compares, lifestyle
when I was down visiting my parents. And though those things are important to a
wise, to being a lay practitioner?
so I did Mahamudra teachings with him degree, we use so much energy doing it
then. It wasn't the first time that I'd met that it can take away from just relaxing Dechen: It's very different. I'd clarify by
him, but it was the first time I'd taken and going with a belief system that you've saying I wasn't part of a monastic
teachings from him. And from then on, I decided to go with. And I don't mean that community. I was a monastic. But I didn't
just kept taking teachings with him. And, in a blind way, that we should accept ever live in a monastic community. So I
yeah, that's how I got involved. things in a blind way, but I feel like a lot didn't really get to experience that. As a
of people struggle with just the energy is nun, there definitely was something about
Matthew: And you say you had met when I would be with other monastics,
what I see. There's a lot of energy having
Traleg Rinpoche previously, was that to be put out, or if you don't think that that just felt wonderful. And I'd see
when your folks had invited him up to you're putting out energy reconciling then someone and I'd be drawn to them, even
give a teaching at their Centre? perhaps you're kind of almost repressing seeing Catholic nuns, I'd be drawn to
Dechen: That was when he would visited and going, “I'm just going to put it on the them, just as others who have also
our house. I never attended the teachings back burner”. But to me, that also is a way committed to that way of life. And I was
then. But yes, he was doing teachings. But to expel energy putting it on the back speaking to other nuns and monks, they
he might come over for a meal, both burner, because it's still there, unresolved. also felt like that a lot. So there is

The Wheel of Times • 7

 person (Laughs). I mean, most people
who knew me, knew I wasn't, but there is
some level of respect for the robes, and
that certain behaviours around someone
wearing robes is not really appropriate.
And if those conversations happened, I
generally stayed quiet. And that happens.
If people gossip around me now, I often
stay quiet. But I think I'm more perceived
as rude for not joining in. Whereas in the
past, I had a good reason.
Matthew: And might you want to say
something about – and this ties in to the
social dimension of being a Buddhist –
Buddhists engaging in social issues. Might
you want to say something about that?
something about community that is really come for a drink. (Laughs) Like, I say that
Dechen: Are you talking about coming
important, but I didn't experience that. So as a joke, but it's actually true. People
from what we've been talking about or
yeah, I was ordained for eight years. In aren't going to ask you to so many events,
social activism?
terms of the difference between to so many social things. If you say no,
ordination and being a lay person... I you're not going to have people question Matthew: I'm talking more about social
suppose it really does depend on how you you on it, or they're not going to say, 'Oh, activism. I guess it can be seen as an
are a lay person. I spent three years come on just this once.' You know, you extension of those social situations, for
training to be a monastic and so my life have a very visible sign and people kind of instance, you're in a social situation having
was different, but it wasn't as different as it leave you alone in that sense. a conversation and a social issue might
is now, if that makes sense. So, pre taking come up, whatever that issue might be.
Matthew: Yeah, that's an interesting one.
robes was not as different as post taking On a personal level, taking the no Dechen: I think as a Buddhist, you
robes. And that makes sense because pre intoxicants vow has been a really should be engaged and you should not be
taking robes, you're gearing up, you're interesting experience for me because I apathetic to the world. You should take an
preparing for something. So it's not such a started to notice in social situations, how interest, when you have the energy and the
big shift in your life. The key one is, when much people talk socially, just about ability to do so. Some people don't have
you're wearing robes, it's a massive symbol drinking alcohol. So one thing taking that that ability. And I think it's completely
to everybody that you are on a different vow has made me take stock of is the types fine if they turn a bit insular in their focus.
path. And that they should probably treat of social groups that I mix with. But also I But I do think where possible, you should
you differently. And also to yourself every find in some social situations even if be engaged. However, it's important to do
morning, when you put on robes, it's a someone knows you are a Buddhist, that that with a sense of a greater perspective
reminder that you have taken vows and in some ways, you might not get invited and that we are aware, in terms of the
what that means, and what your purpose to so many social situations, like going for impermanence of things. The world
that you're giving to your life is. The actual a drink because of the perception that constantly changes. And we should have
activities might not differ to somebody Buddhists don't drink or like to have fun. great intentions to change the world. But
who is able to spend a lot of their time I mean, it hasn't happened overly to me, also understand that it will never be
practicing and studying the Dharma as a but on occasion I’ve felt that way. I could perfect. While beings have a dualistic
lay person. But there aren't many lay be projecting too of course. I'm just saying mind, they will never be free of suffering,
people who have the ability to make vow that I can relate to what you're saying no matter how hard we try. But that
commitments every day and then also about the robes being a symbol. And that shouldn't dampen our efforts. Also,
twice a month, making confession and it sort of tells the world to perhaps treat because we don't have great wisdom, and
purifying your vows. You know, unless you in a different way. we can't see clearly, even if we think we're
you're doing something like Vajrasattva Dechen: We just mentioned drinking, doing something righteously, and we have
practice regularly maybe some lay and that's kind of an obvious one, but it's all the facts, that whatever we do, may
practitioners don’t really experience that. I also other kind of wastes of time, and actually end up causing harm to others. So
think that although the activities might be conversations. So, as a nun, people that's, I think, evident throughout history.
dissimilar to someone who is living in a wouldn't make sexual jokes around me. People thinking they’re doing good, if you
retreat centre, or is full time in a Dharma Generally. I can think of a few exceptions. look back, perhaps there have been
centre and not having another job outside But there would be less kind of inane ramifications that were unforeseen. And
of that, the difference is that it's very conversations. Less gossip. In general so I think having some sense of, always
unlikely that you'll be asked by others to people have a sense that you are a holy having good intentions, we should try our

8 • The Wheel of Times

hardest, but not be fixed on what we're joy! I really think this is important. And Matthew: That's a very important point.
doing, not become obsessed, and it’s what I’ll be talking about at Buddhist Dechen: Yeah. I mean, there's no point
oppositional or polarised. It may be that Summer School practicing with joy, being an unhappy spiritual person or an
perhaps people who are doing something because, if you turn it into a hard slog, it’s unhappy Buddhist. Personally, I think joy
different, maybe their course of action not going to happen. And you’re just not is one of the most fundamental qualities.
might be the best one. We don't have great going to want to do it. And it sounds If you're joyful, you have the energy to
wisdom to see, we don't have that obvious, but I feel like spiritual practice, you are going to impart positive
foresight to see what the implications of practitioners, Buddhist and others can energy to other people. Even if you're not
our actions will be. So engaging in really fall into this pit of turning it into actually practicing, you're going to be in a
activism, engaging in social issues, while another form of self- flagellation, finding mind that is more likely to practice. So to
also maintaining a greater perspective. me, that's one of the keys.
another way of having negative thoughts
Matthew: And what advice would you about yourself. Guilt because you didn't Matthew: I'm looking forward to
have to people interested in spirituality in practice. Guilt because you didn't act the dropping in on your Buddhist Summer
general and Buddhism in particular, who way you should have. Yes. So do it, but try School course. Thank you so much for
have the interest or the inclination? What to create positive reinforcement around it. taking the time.
advice would you have for them? For example, always end on a high, don't Dechen: Okay. Thank you Matt. n
Dechen: Do it. Keep doing it. Do it with push yourself until it feels negative.

Maitripa Centre, Healesville Update

Michael Neighbour has been a
powerhouse in the gardens over the last
couple of months since restrictions have
allowed for him to come on site. His
contributions have included fire hazard
reduction, reduction of harmful weeds,
rejuvenating some of the garden beds with
new shrubs, and ferns, planting trees
throughout the property, and installing
possum guards on trees near buildings to
minimise any potential damage. We are
very fortunate to have Michael at Maitripa
and extend our sincere appreciation for
his efforts.
New residents Damian and Bec settled
into Maitripa just a few weeks before the
lockdown and were absolutely wonderful
at adapting to the new situation and
t has been an interesting year for subsequent travel, enough toilet paper to
I Maitripa. In 2019 as many may know,
due to a massive effort by some of the
see both groups through!).
Since then we have been attending to
carrying out various maintenance and
gardening tasks.
We have developed a clear covid-safe
Sangha and contractors we now have a routine maintenance tasks plus a few plan at Maitripa and look forward to
very impressive and immaculately minor upgrades to make sure Maitripa is welcoming the different groups and the E-
renovated kitchen area. Due to covid we in good condition for re-opening. Vam sangha once again. It is already
haven’t been able to show it off very much. During lockdown we stayed busy with looking like a busy start to 2021. We look
Thank fully, we are looking forward to a range of upgrades. We have installed a forward to hosting retreats again soon,
welcoming back groups to Maitripa in the new solid-wood staircase outside the both group and solitary, and are open for
near future. lower bedroom wing (driveway-side) in bookings and site visits. If you would like
Maitripa has been closed since March order to keep our exit-pathways safe. We to find out more or inquire about holding
2020 due to covid restrictions. The last have improved the plumbing in the upper a retreat at Maitripa please feel free to
group activity was a double-site booking bathroom block, small laundry, wash contact us at [email protected]
on Labour Day weekend between One room and smaller resident kitchen. Also, Wishing everyone a safe and healthy
Heart Yoga & Meditation and Ziran we now have an improved hot water Summer ahead. n
Kung Fu Academy. (We managed to supply to these areas and the excess piping Daniel Blaze
secure, through extensive searching and has been removed. Matripa Caretaker

The Wheel of Times • 9

 News from Nyima Tashi Buddhist Centre
Auckland, New Zealand
Throughout all of this, regular activity
of the Centre has continued through
weekly meditation classes and Book Club
– which this year has been reading
Shogam’s publication of Traleg Rinpoche’s
book “Desire : Why it Matters”. The
Shedra class has focused on Traleg
Rinpoche’s teachings on Mipham
Rinpoche’s great treatise “Gateway to
Knowledge”.
We wish to take this opportunity to
acknowledge our genuine indebtedness to
the indomitable Ani Jangchub Lhamo
whose unceasing devotion upholds the
precious legacy of The 9th Traleg
Kyabgon Rinpoche. We look to the 10th
Traleg Rinpoche with the unending
e at Nyima Tashi send our warmest government to contain the spread of aspiration that He will one day return to
W greetings to all and offer the best
wishes for everyone’s good health and
COVID-19. Through this time, activity
at the Centre has not ceased as it has been
His Centre here in Auckland. n
Meaghan Duffy
happiness. a ripe opportunity for practice and retreat. For more information about Nyima Tashi:
Nyima Tashi opened for 2020 with the Nyima Tashi offered teachings via zoom Website https://nyima-tashi.org.nz
annual Auckland Buddhist Summer starting with topics elucidated by the 9th Email [email protected]
School. This was the first Summer School Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche such as
in our beautiful new premises at 717 New Mahamudra practice & Compassion.
North Rd in Mt Albert. This year’s When open to the public, Nyima Tashi
Summer School featured the masterful has concentrated on short term courses
Zen teacher, Ekai Roshi, as well as the that have been well attended by Buddhists
lucid Judy Lief from Shambhala in the US and non-Buddhists alike. Examples of
and also Dr Tony Fernando, a practicing these courses are “Are we Unhappy?”,
psychiatrist based in Auckland with a “Learning to Sit” and most recently a
special interest in how to support medical short introductory course explaining the
professionals to develop and maintain basis of the practice of Tonglen.
Compassion.
Plans were well underway for a 7-day
retreat with Lama Chonam & Sangye
Khandro on the practices of Troma
Nagmo Chod from the Dudjom lineage
in April 2020. But as the situation with
COVID-19 rapidly unfolded and out of
concern for the wellbeing of our esteemed
Teachers and the many students who were
arriving from overseas, the course was
cancelled. We continue to hold the sincere
aspiration that it will be possible to invite
Lama Chonam & Sangye Khandro back
to Auckland in the future to receive
teachings from this most auspicious
lineage.
Like many other Centres around the
world, Nyima Tashi has spent many weeks
with its doors closed to visitors through
the various measures taken by the NZ The anniversary of Traleg Rinpoche’s parinirvana

10 • The Wheel of Times

 News from E-Vam Buddhist Institute
in the United States

his year due to Covid we had our first Traleg Tulku, Nyima Tashi. This was a complete our practice and study time
T online Retreat, Study Group Series
and Meditation Day via zoom. The
profoundly moving time to reflect on our
teacher’s beginnings as a Master in the
together for the year. We look forward to
continuing more online activities
Sangha in the U.S. live quite at a distance Mahamudra tradition. The second study throughout 2021. Please check out the
from one another so the opportunity to group topic was on the “Essence of E-Vam US website https://evam.org or
meet online on such a regular basis Dzogchen”. We studied a series of Facebook for details, or send an email to
brought a closeness and intimacy that we teachings by Traleg Rinpoche, now [email protected] for further information.
really weren’t expecting. In this year’s included in Shogam Publications new Earlier in the year E-Vam assisted
annual retreat we studied a series of book, “Actuality of Being”. The teachings Shogam Publications to fund raise for the
teachings on Grasping and Fixation, and a by Rinpoche supported by the book documentary now being completed on
second series on Mahamudra by Traleg provided not only some of the pith Traleg Rinpoche’s life. We wish Shogam
Kyabgon Rinpoche. The teachings were so instructions of Dzogchen but also some every success with the premiere and
profound and extremely helpful in detailed practice advice. It was both a eventual release of the documentary.
navigating this most difficult of years. theoretical and practical study journey. To Premier invitations will be going out in
Lama Jinpa, a western Lama from Khenpo complete this years activities three of the the new year to all the donors and Sangha
Karthar Rinpoche’s Sangha provided Sangha members – Julie Brefczynski- who have made this project possible.
guidance for Chenrezig Puja, a practice we Lewis, Joyce Isabelle and Nina Widger led Thanks to all.
did daily on retreat. a day of meditations. Reviewing the We pray for the long life of Traleg
Over October and November we Dzogchen practices, contemplating the 4 Rinpoche the 10th. On behalf of the US
explored two study group topics. The first immeasurable – love, joy, compassion and Sangha I want to wish everyone a safe and
topic was the study of the book “Nyima equanimity; and resting the mind in prosperous New Year. n
tranquility meditation. A beautiful way to Traleg Khandro
Tashi”, a translation of a text from the first

The Wheel of Times • 11

 News From Akshara Bookstore
kshara Bookstore offers an extensive collection of Buddhist Also, congratulations to Sangha member Matthew
A Books and Ritual items, and I am always amazed by how
people come to the store young or old and are blown away by the
Dawson’s new Publication company Platform Booksellers and
Publications and the wonderful new release of “Making
range of Buddhist titles. It also surprises me that there are so many Friends Out Of Enemies” by Dungse Lama Pema.
hidden Traleg Rinpoche enthusiasts who come to the store eager “When destructive emotions control us, we fail to act
for the Dharma! in ways that benefit others. Instead, our enemies of
During Melbourne’s lockdown, although Akshara was closed to pride, jealousy, anger, greed, and ignorance hurt
walk-in customers, we were open online for contactless delivery. ourselves, and moreover, the beings and the
And with the help of the latest Traleg Rinpoche Shogam environment around us. This book introduces us to the
Publications, people enthusiastically kept purchasing their Dharma classic Tibetan Buddhist “mind training”, or lojong,
books locally. These books are excellent. If you haven’t purchased a instructions, which tell us how to regain our profoundly
copy of Rinpoche’s latest Shogam Releases, make sure you drop by peaceful and compassionate minds”.
Akshara or call us to get a copy.
Also soon to be released by Platform is a new book compiled
New Releases from Shogam books include: from talks given at E-Vam Institute: Timeless Truths and
Vajrayana: Modern Delusions: Buddhism, the Perennial Philsophy and
Vajray an a An Essential Guide to Practice Modernity, By Dr Harry Oldmeadow.
Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche explains the
An Essential Guide to Practice
As the sub-title of Timeless Truths and Modern Delusions
profound meaning of Vajrayana, inclusive of signals, this compilation of talks and articles focuses on
the Six Yogas of Naropa, and Dream Yoga Buddhism, the perennial philosophy and contemporary
demystifying the practices and providing the tensions between tradition and modernity. The author
necessary elucidations. expounds the traditionalist perspective informing the work of
Traleg Kyabgon such figures as René Guénon, Ananda Coomaraswamy and
Foreword by Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche
Edited by Salvatore Celiento

Frithjof Schuon, focusing on their affirmation of traditional

Desire: Why it Matters religious forms and their critique of modernity. Harry
In this book, Traleg Kyabgon discusses the Oldmeadow explores the challenges and opportunities facing
notion of desire from Buddhist and other Eastern religious traditions in the contemporary West,

Desire perspectives. He reviews commonly held

beliefs of desire that are often misguided and
examines the role of several key figures in the East-West
encounter, and elucidates traditional doctrines about time and
Why can be diametrically opposed. On the one cosmic cycles. The book is directly addressed to Buddhist
It practitioners but will repay the attention of anyone seeking a
Matters hand there is the belief that desire is an
important human experience that is natural, spiritual path amidst the confusion of our age.
which leads to happiness and pleasure. Then
Foreword by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
Both these book are and will available for order via Akshara
Edited by Traleg Khandro

there is the juxtaposition that desire is a type books, and you can check out Platform Booksellers and
TRALEG KYABGON

of demon whose expression leads to Publicationss here: https://platformbooks.co n

diminishment and destruction. There has been a long standing Mark Dawson
belief in some Eastern, Western religious and philosophical
traditions that all forms of desire are bad and that our ultimate goal
is a state of complete desirelessness.
Actuality of Being:
Dzogchen and Tantric Perspectives
ACTUALITY
OF BEING Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche elaborates on key
DZOGCHEN
AND TANTRIC
aspects of the view, meditation and action of
PERSPECTIVES
Dzogchen practice and outlines the way in
which confusion arises; the notions of self-
existing wisdom, primordial purity and 10% off Sale
non-conceptuality; the four levels of mind;
TRALEG KYABGON
the three ways of resting the mind; the three
Foreword by Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche
Edited by David Bennett
We are happy to announce a 10% off Sale of all titles
aspects of energy; authentication of body, (except new releases) during the month of
speech and mind; and the actualization of the ground; and presents December. For a Member of E-Vam Institute, that is
profound practice methods to deepen one’s understanding and 20% off! Supporting Akshara Bookstore also
supports E-Vam Institute, helping to provide the
experience.
education, practice, and support to the diversity of
Here is a link to the Shogam Website orders can be made through people’s practice and understanding.
Akshara books! https://www.shogam.com/books/

12 • The Wheel of Times

 News From Shogam Publications

hogam Publications introduced shared with sufficient detail that the I want to take this opportunity to thank
S eBooks in 2019, we plan to introduce
audio books in the coming year. These are
practices can be incorporated into ones
home meditations. It provides new
this years wonderful Shogam team for
their commitment to sharing Rinpoche’s
exciting developments. What is arguably insights, and demystifies many aspects of teachings and their commitment to
even more exciting is that we have Tantra creating a far more relatable producing quality books. Thanks to
ventured into a new world, and we are relationship with the ritualised processes Claire Blaxell, David Bennett, Salvatore
calling it Shogam Multimedia in line with designed to help us all understand the Celiento, Jhampa Dhadak, and our
Rinpoche’s wishes, as an arm of Shogam mind better. Actuality of Being is a newest editor Sue Howes. Also,
Publications. For our first project we will profound journey into the essential importantly I want to thank the many
be releasing a documentary on the life of Dzogchen practices of the Ningma transcribers and the many people who
Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche the 9th in tradition. It not only elucidates the view over the years recorded Rinpoche’s
2021. and path of Dzogchen, it also gives teachings, digitised those that needed it
I don’t want to share any spoilers so its astounding meditational practices to give and stored the teachings safely. This has
just a matter of waiting and then viewing, glimpses of a purer state of mind enabled us to review and study Rinpoche’s
teachings and continue to share them
and I hope you will all do that. This untainted by our constant and excessive
more and more with others. While Traleg
project has been made possible by many conceptualisation.
Rinpoche the 10th is growing we can
many people. All the financial donors – We were also able to announce
continue to educate ourselves in the many
thank you thank you thank you. To translations completed in 2020 by our
aspects of the Dharma that Traleg
cinematographer Leigh Tilson, whose friends and overseas Dharma publishers:
Rinpoche presented. We look forward
talent appears unending and our Director German translation of Luminous Bliss is
deeply and joyously for the time when
Editor Jocelyn Meli whose creativity has now available and the Chinese Traleg Rinpoche the 10th has grown and
been boundless. What a delight it has translations of Karma: What It Is , What is ready to return to his Centres. It is a
been to work with you both. I look It Isn’t and Why It Matters is also now great honour for all of us at Shogam to
forward to announcing the online available. Thanks to some very talented prepare books of Rinpoche’s teachings
Premier in the new year. translators we have an ever growing and the documentary of Traleg Rinpoche’s
The core of Shogam Publications selection of Rinpoche’s books through life to share globally. May all beings
activities is the books. The book team at Shogam Publications and Shambhala benefit. Wishing you all the very best for
Traleg Rinpoche’s publishing business Publications in a variety of languages. the new year. n
were excited to release two new books in Next year we are planning to produce Traleg Khandro
2020 by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche: two more books of Traleg Rinpoche’s
Vajrayana: An Essential Guide to Practice teachings, as well as introducing a new
and Actuality of Being: Dzogchen and author to our esteemed community of
Tantric Perspectives. Vajrayana, provides authors. We will be able to announce our
details and some practices not often new author in the coming year.

The Wheel of Times • 13

 E-Vam Institute 2021 Summer Teaching Program
9-11 January 2021 16 February-9 March
Buddhist Summer School – Online 8-9.30 pm Online
The 38th Annual Buddhist Summer School is online! Start your Special Event:
New Year by immersing yourself in teachings from Theravada, Do Tulku Rinpoche on the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra:
Tibetan and Zen Buddhism. The Summer School offers courses The Way of the Bodhisattva – Part One
on Buddhist philosophy and meditation, as well as psychology The Way of the Bodhisattva is known as
and comparative philosophy. Teachers in 2021 include: Ekai the path of the awakened beings, it is
Korematsu Roshi, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, Ajahn Dr synonymous with the Mahayana or Great
Buddharakkhita, Sam Bercholz, Dr Ruth Gamble, Dr Kathleen Vehicle. In this series Do Tulku Rinpoche
Gregory and Dechen Davies. Reserve your place now: will introduce the teachings of the
http://www.buddhistsummerschool.org/ Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra which provide
both the inspiration and guidance we
29-30 January need to bring compassion and wisdom
An Evening and Day of Teachings and Practice together on the path. This is part one of a
Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX Teachings on “View, two-part series. Details TBA.
Meditation and Action”
Born in South India in 1985, Do Tulku Rinpoche was
“We cannot separate Buddhist meditation from Buddhist
recognized by H.H. Sakya Trizin as the 6th Raktrul Rinpoche at
teachings. I think sometimes we may try to do that in modern
the age of 17. He completed eleven years of training in Buddhist
times but from the Buddhist point of view, the teachings guide
philosophy, practice and concluded his studies in debate with
us with our meditation”.
Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX the title of Acharya at the Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro
Many Tibetan Buddhist teachings are organised within the Institute. He is a lay practitioner with family. Do Tulku
framework of View, Meditation and Action, providing guidance Rinpoche is a translator in the 84000 project; and is appreciated
to the practitioner on the interrelationship between our for his learned, interactive and often unconventional and
perception of reality, subjective experience and how we interact humorous way of teaching Buddhist teachings.
with others. We welcome you to join with us for a Friday evening
13 March 2021
and Saturday of meditation practice and teachings where
Urban One-Day Retreat for Under 35s
Rinpoche explains how these notions fit together and their
As part of E-Vam Institute’s ongoing Under 35s Program, we
relevance not only to our meditation practice, but to our
welcome newcomers and those with an interest in Buddhism to
interactions with our world. These teachings were presented at
participate in the Urban One-Day Retreat. This full Saturday
the Buddhist Summer School in 2007. Details TBA.
program includes Indo-Tibetan yoga, meditation, Buddhist
philosophy and ritual practice. As well as incorporating aspects
of retreat such as noble silence and adopting a mindful and
positive attitude, the program offers an opportunity to
experience the fullness of retreat in a day of practice.
Details TBA.

PLAN AHEAD
E-Vam Institute 2021 Autumn Teaching Program
1-5 April
The Annual Easter Retreat
We look forward to sharing details with you soon.
1-5 February 22 April-13 May
A Week of Daily Meditation Practice Special Event:
“As it is said, meditation itself is a practice in habituation” Do Tulku Rinpoche on the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra:
Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX (BSS 2007) The Way of the Bodhisattva – Part Two
Please join us for our summer series of meditation practice in Do Tulku Rinpoche will continue his teachings on the
the evenings from 1-5 February. These sessions are open to Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra which provides both the
everyone – from beginners to experienced meditators – offering inspiration and guidance we need to bring compassion
an opportunity to encourage and consolidate daily practice. The and wisdom together on the path. Please note that
daily meditation practice series provides a welcoming and completion of part one is not a prerequisite for enrolling
supportive environment, guided by the meditation instructions in part two. Details TBA.
as taught by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX. Details TBA.

14 • The Wheel of Times

The Wheel of Times • 15
ETHICS • CONCENTRATION • WISDOM