News of the activities of His Eminence the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche
Mayum-La Lakar’s visit to Dzogchen Monastery March 2010
March 2010
Mayum-La blessing residents of Dhondenling
Tea ceremony presided over by H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche, with Mayum-La, Dechen-La, Pema-La, Vicky-La and the monastic sangha
Mayum-La with Tsewang-La, Orgyen-La and Jangchup-La
H.E Dzogchen Rinpoche and Mayum-La visiting Kindergarten Block 2
Three-month retreatants at the drubdra [retreat centre] offer Mayum-La khatags and receive her blessing
On March 14th Dzogchen Monastery was honoured to welcome back Mayum-La Lakar, Dzogchen Rinpoche’s mother, who played an integral part in the re-establishment of the monastery in South India.
Officially welcomed by Dzogchen Rinpoche, Mayum-La was also warmly greeted and offered khatags by the residents of Dhondenling whilst viewing the temple restoration, the Dalai Lama’s apartment and the shedra [university].
The international students who are participating in the three-month retreat also offered khatags to Mayum-La in the shrine room of the drupdra [retreat centre].
On the 15th March Mayum-La sponsored mönja, a ceremonial tea offering during which the monastic sangha performed prayers and recited the life story of Guru Rinpoche. Mayum-La also made offerings of khatags and monetary gifts to the monks.
Accompanied by Dzogchen Rinpoche, Mayum-La visited the Block 1 Kindergarten where she personally presented each child with biscuits. The children entertained Mayum-La by performing traditional Tibetan songs. Mayum-La also visited the Old People's Home where the residents lined the entrance, offering khatags in welcome.
On the 16th March Mayum-la revisited the room where she lived with Rinpoche-La’s father in what is now known as the Lakar Guesthouse. She also visited the monastery shop and the Dhondenling Central School for Tibetans.
Losar 2010
March 2010
Losar Tashi Deleg! Tibetan Year 2137, Year of the Iron Tiger.
On the morning of Tibetan New Year, Dzogchen Rinpoche conferred the long life empowerment from the Konchog Chidu in the Dzogchen Monastery Temple.
The many villagers who had gathered to receive this auspicious empowerment overflowed from the temple into the monastery grounds, creating a joyful atmosphere to welcome in the New Year.
For three days prior to the celebrations, volunteers from the village had made kabse, the traditional fried Tibetan treat and these were used as tsok offerings for all visitors to share.
Dzogchen Rinpoche hosted a special lunch for the monastic sangha and guests where games and festivities were enjoyed by all.
Drubpa Na Sel 2009
March 2010
The fourth Drubpa Na Sel, a week of intensive practice, took place from 27th to 31st December 2009 and was attended by students from around the world.
The practices were selected specifically by Dzogchen Rinpoche to clear obstacles and create an auspicious environment for a positive retreat.
Enthronement of Tulku Pegyal Yangsi and Tulku Sonam Nyima
March 2010
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche bestowing a long-life empowerment to Tulku Pegyal yangsi
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche bestowing a long-life empowerment to Tulku Sonam Nyima
Tulku Pegyal yangsi during the enthronement ceremony
Tulku Sonam Nyima during the enthronement ceremony
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche with Tulku Pegyal yangsi and family from Australia and monastic sangha from Thubten Do Ngag Shedrub, a branch of Dzogchen Monastery in Nepal
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche with Tulku Sonam Nyima and family from Bhutan
On the 1st Jan 2010 Tulku Jigme Sherab Gyaltsen and Tulku Sonam Nyima were enthroned at Dzogchen Monastery. Dzogchen Rinpoche presided over the ceremony and performed a long life empowerment especially for the two tülkus.
Following requests by close sangha and followers of Tulku Pegyal who passed away in 2001, His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche recognised his reincarnation.
Tulku Pegyal’s incarnation, Tulku Jigme Sherab Gyaltsen, was born into a family who were very dedicated to Tulku Pegyal. His mother is Tibetan and his father is Australian.
Tulku Pegyal, a highly respected Dzogchen lama was renowned for his prayers for the sick and shared a close relationship with the Dzogchen Rinpoches.
During the enthronement ceremony, many Tibetans and followers of Tulku Pegyal commented how Tulku Jigme Sherab Gyaltsen reminded them of Tulku Pegyal and that his face was exactly like his predecessor’s.
Tulku Sonam Nyima was born in Bhutan and was brought to Dzogchen Monastery on the advice of H.H.Dodrubchen Rinpoche. He is six years old, incredibly bright and energetic and is already displaying the great capacity to make friends with whomever he meets.
The parents of both tülkus travelled from Australia and Bhutan for the enthronement. During interviews with the parents, it was revealed that they all had received many signs in dreams before and after the tülkus’ births.
Monks and nuns from Tulku Pegyal’s monastery in Nepal, representatives of different monasteries, heads of departments, all the village leaders, many hundreds of village people and western sangha devoted to Dzogchen Rinpoche, all came to attend this unique occasion, offer khatags and receive blessings from the two reincarnations.
Gutor Practice February 2010
February 2010
The monks at Dzogchen Monastery prepared for Tibetan New Year by performing the three-day ritual practice of Gutor.
This ceremony from the Longchen Nyingthig tradition dispels all negativities and obstacles of the previous 12 months and creates auspicious circumstances for the coming year.
On the final day, a procession of monks completed the ceremony by performing a fire offering using the large wrathful torma, the centre piece of the practice.
The Anniversary of Longchen Rabjam (1308-63)
February 2010
On February 1st the anniversary of Longchen Rabjam, founder of the Nyingma school, was celebrated at Dzogchen Monastery.
Candles were placed around the stupas and the temple which was also lit up with thousands of coloured lights as part of a huge light offering. The monks recited a prayer in praise of Longchen Rabjam whilst performing kora [the circumambulation of the temple].
Three-Month Dzogchen Khandro Nyingthig Retreat
February 2010
Twelve years of intensive retreat has been accomplished by monks and yogis in the Dzogchen Monastery Drubde [retreat centre]. This is now being followed by the first Three-Month Dzogchen Khandro Nyingthig Retreat for Western sangha under the guidance of Dzogchen Rinpoche.
In the evening of the 28th January, the first day of the retreat, the boundaries were sealed in the traditional way, offering tormas and serkyem to the four directions to create a peaceful and auspicious environment. Dzogchen Rinpoche created the vajra tent which does not allow obstacles to enter or blessings to leak out for the duration of the retreat.
Retreatants are in the process of accomplishing an average of 1200 prostrations a day whilst also accumulating the additional practices of the Khandro Nyingthig Ngöndro. Dzogchen Rinpoche visits regularly as well as gives teachings in the intimate shrine room of the retreat centre.
The Three-Month Retreat will also be taking place next year.
9th Annual Retreat at Dzogchen Monastery
February 2010
The 9th Annual Retreat at Dzogchen Monastery concluded on the 12th January 2010 after 10 days of teachings and practice.
Students who had gathered from around the world received precise philosophical teachings from Dzogchen Rinpoche on the Abhisamayalankara, one of the five treatises of Maitreya.
It is particularly fortunate to receive explanations of this profound text from such a learned and realised master.
This cycle of teachings will continue during the 10th Annual Retreat in 2010.
Tsok Boom, 24th - 28th September 2009
February 2010
This year’s Tsok Boom was bigger than ever with more than 200,000 tsok prayers accumulated during the five-day festival - double last year’s total.
Dzogchen Rinpoche personally thanked more than 250 members from the lay community for their preparation of the tsok offerings.
Monastic sangha from nearby Kagyu, Gelug and Nyingma monasteries also joined the festivities which ended on September 27th with the celebration of Tshe Chu — Guru Rinpoche day.
Dzogchen study and practice group begins in Norwich
August 2009
Earlier this month Norwich held its first Gyalwa Dzogchen Sangha study and practice group.
The meeting was requested by people who had attended Dzogchen Rinpoche's public talk in June and were keen to learn more about the Dzogchen lineage and teachings.
Anyone interested in participating should email shenpen@shenpenuk.org
Annual Retreat News
July 2009
Details of the 9th Annual Dzogchen Retreat and Drubpa Na Sel Intensive Practice have been announced.
For further information on these events please visit the monastery programme page.
For an application form and information pack please email events@dzogchen.org.in
Netherlands Tour 2009
July 2009
In June Dzogchen Rinpoche toured the Netherlands teaching in Amsterdam, Zutphen and Utrecht. The tour concluded with the most well-attended Dutch National Dzogchen Retreat to date.
Meeting of Dzogchen Rinpoche and Nyidrak Rinpoche
July 2009
Dzogchen Rinpoche recently met with Nyidrak Rinpoche, an incarnation of one of the three main disciples of Pema Rigdzin, the first Dzogchen Rinpoche.
Nyidrak Rinpoche is a great tertön of the Nyingma school and was recognized by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Nyidrak Rinpoche studied for five years at Dzogchen Monastery, south India, under the guidance of Dzogchen Rinpoche.
YouTube Release
June 2009
Spontaneous Peace, the second official teaching by His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche to be released on YouTube, can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4EnV9dfNQU.
This excerpt was taken from a recent weekend teaching held in Montpellier, France during May.
In this video, Dzogchen Rinpoche explains that as long as we operate through mind, our inner peace will be disturbed by a chain of thoughts and emotions. Only when we rest will we experience spontaneous peace that is beyond the mind.
UK Photographic Exhibition
June 2009
To mark Dzogchen Rinpoche's 2009 visit to Birmingham, UK, there will be a photo exhibition at the city's Central Library. The Tibetan Seed of Lasting Joy: Images from Dzogchen Monastery exhibition runs from June 12th-26th and entrance is free.
Gyalwa Dzogchenpa Sangha Meet Alak Zenkar Rinpoche
June 2009
French and British sangha met with Alak Zenkar Rinpoche this May, during his meeting with Dzogchen Rinpoche and Dechen Lakar (Dzogchen Rinpoche’s sister).
Dzogchen Rinpoche said: "This was a great opportunity for sangha to meet such an extraordinary master".
The meeting, which took place in southern France, came during a break in this year’s European tour.
2nd Annual European Dzogchen Retreat
June 2009
Following on from the success of last year, His Eminence was invited by the European sangha to lead a seven-day residential retreat in the south of France. Students attended from across Europe and enjoyed a precious opportunity to receive direct Dzogchen instructions. Many retreatants offered their heartfelt realisations to Dzogchen Rinpoche, an auspicious sign that the European seed of the Dzogchen lineage is beginning to flourish.
French Tour 2009
June 2009
In April Dzogchen Rinpoche toured France holding a series of public talks and an empowerment in Paris, Montpellier and Marseille. The tour concluded with new and senior students attending the National Dzogchen Retreat in La Salvatat.
Preceding the tour, an article about the life and work of Dzogchen Rinpoche was featured in the French Buddhist magazine Buddhism Actualities, titled Rencontre avec le maître de la Grande Perfection [Meeting the Lama of the Great Perfection].
Teachings released on YouTube
April 2009
The first of a series of three teaching excerpts by H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche has been released on You Tube. The teaching, titled Magical Display of Mind, was filmed in London. Parts 2 and 3 will be uploaded this month. New videos will be released monthly.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche passes away
28 March 2009
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche at Dzogchen Monastery 2000
On the 27th March, His Eminence and the heads of the Nyingma schools gathered together to practice the Nyingma Thenshug for the long life of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche passed away in the evening of March 27th 2009.
His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche said, “The passing of His Holiness is an immense loss, both for the Nyingma school and for Tibetan Buddhism as a whole.”
His Eminence and the Dzogchen Monastery monastic and lay sangha pay their heartfelt respects to this great lama.
Temple Renovation update
March 2009
The intricate hand carving of the sacred symbols that ornament the temple pillars has been completed. In keeping with the traditional style of Tibetan temples, the pillars were designed in accordance with a vision had by the Buddha and include carvings of dragons and auspicious birds. The pillars are now being hand painted in a specific style and colour scheme that represents the highest quality of offering to the Buddhas.
His Eminence’ Losar message
March 2009
His Eminence was asked to deliver a Losar message by the radio station Voice of Tibet, which was broadcast throughout India and Tibet, on the day before Losar.
Australian Tour 2009
March 2009
The 2009 dates of His Eminence’ teaching tour of Australia has been announced. Public talks, weekend teachings and National Dzogchen Retreats will be held in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Anglesea, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Melbourne, Sydney and Torquay.
See the Teaching Schedule page for more information.
Indian dates
March 2009
Dzogchen Monastery has confirmed the dates of Drubpa Na Sel 2009 and of the 9th Annual Dzogchen Retreat for 2010. See the Teaching Schedule page for more information.
The Guru Rinpoche day of 25th January 2010 has been chosen to mark the beginning of the three-month Dzogchen Khandro Nyingthig Retreat.
His Holiness’ visit to Dhondenling
March 2009
On the 17th February 2009, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived by helicopter to Dhondenling settlement and, on the following day, addressed the thousands of people who had gathered for this auspicious occasion and bestowed the White Tara initiation and the bodhicitta vow.
His Holiness also gave a special teaching to the students of the Central School of Tibetans, making both the students and teachers laugh with joy. His Eminence was honoured and thanked by His Holiness and the school principal, for his tireless work to improve the education of the Tibetan and local Indian children and for his compassionate activity dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan culture.
His Eminence and Dzogchen Monastery accommodated the many representatives and guests that had travelled to south India for this very special event.
Losar 2136
March 2009
The Tibetan new year of the Earth Ox was marked with His Eminence bestowing long life siddhis and giving heart advice to the monastic and lay sangha at Dzogchen Monastery.
His Eminence meets His Holiness the 4th Dodrupchen Rinpoche
February 2009
On the 4th February 2009 a historic meeting between the two principal lamas of the Dzogchen lineage took place at Chorten Gonpa in Gangtok, Sikkim. His Holiness Dodrupchen and His Eminence exchanged gifts and His Holiness bestowed his blessings and offered heart advice to the sangha members, who had journeyed from around the world to witness this auspicious event.
His Eminence returned to his birth place and family home, Lakar Tsang and was welcomed by his brother Tigyal la and family. Sangha performed tsok in the family shrine room and heard many wonderful stories about His Eminence’ birth, his recognition as the Dzogchen lineage holder and the many miraculous signs that he displayed from a very young age.
Pilgrimage 2009
February 2009
Members of the international sangha travelled to Bodh Gaya for the 2009 pilgrimage to join the 20th Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, which this year was led by Dzogchen Monastery, Namdroling Monastery and Dordrag Sang-ngag Chokhorling Monastery. This annual prayer festival is dedicated to world peace and was attended by representatives from over 500 Nyingma monasteries from India, Tibet, Bhutan and other Himalayan countries. His Eminence also met with His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche Yangsi, Ganor Rinpoche and many other lamas, tulkus and khenpos.
2009 Tour Dates Announced
January 2009
The event details of His Eminence’ 2009 European teaching tour have now been announced. Please visit the Teaching Schedule page for more information.
The 8th Annual Dzogchen Retreat
January 2009
The 8th Annual Dzogchen Retreat was held at Dzogchen Monastery over the new year period and was attended by students from around the world. His Eminence taught extensively on The Eight Noble Path and began teaching on the Bardo Ngotrö, an introduction to the intermediate state after death. As part of the Kar Ling Zhi Thro of the Dzogchen tradition, this is one of Dzogchen Monastery's main practices.
At the request of his students, His Eminence promised to continue these teachings in the coming year and also announced that preparations have begun for the three-month Dzogchen Khandro Nyingthig retreat in 2010.
Drubpa Na Sel Intensive
January 2009
Drubpa Na Sel, a period of continuous purification practice and mantra accumulation, was completed on December 25th 2008, preparing the foundation for the 8th Annual Dzogchen Retreat. The Gyalwa Dzogchen Sangha joined together for a week of intensive practice to remove obstacles and to create an auspicious retreat environment.
Australian Teaching Tour 2008
January 2009
December 2008 saw His Eminence complete his largest teaching tour of Australia to date. Public talks, weekend teachings and three National Dzogchen Retreats were held in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Plans are already being made to extend the teaching tour even further in 2009.
American Teaching Tour 2008
December 2008
His Eminence’ 2008 American tour was hosted both by the big city and the local community as public talks were held in New York City and Mendham, New Jersey. The tour received excellent media coverage and there was a great demand to interview His Eminence.
Tsok Boom September 2008
14th August 2008
Gyalwa Dzogchenpa is greatly honoured to announce that His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche, will lead Tsok Boom 2008 from 10th September until 14th September. Tsok boom, the accumulation of over 100,000 prayers and offerings to remove obstacles, accumulate merit and generate an auspicious environment, is attended by the whole community, with hundreds of both monastic and lay sangha expected to participate in this year’s five-day festival.
For more information please visit the monastery events page
UK’s first residential retreat
30th July 2008
July saw His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche giving public talks and weekend teachings in Birmingham, Norwich, London and for the first time, a public talk in Oxford.
Following this successful schedule, Shenpen UK hosted its first residential retreat with His Eminence, in the Cotswolds, with students old and new having gathered from around the country to receive precious teachings and instructions on the Dzogchen practices.
International Dzogchen Retreat France
10th June 2008
Students of His Eminence from across Europe gathered together for the first International Dzogchen Retreat outside of Dzogchen Monastery, in the beautiful Tarn region of France. For many of the newcomers who attended, it was their first opportunity to study and participate in the ritual practices, within a retreat environment. His Eminence taught in depth on the heart essence practices of the Khandro Nyingthig, planting the seed for the Dzogchen lineage to flourish in Europe in years to come.
Gyalwa Dzogchenpa website launched
15th April 2008
Gyalwa Dzogchenpa has launched its new website containing the latest photographs and articles on the activities of His Eminence the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche, Jigme Losel Wangpo. The website contains lineage biographies, never before seen images, features, news releases and His Eminence’ 2008 teaching schedule. Information on all the activities of Gyalwa Dzogchenpa including Dzogchen Monastery, Dzogchen Shri Senha Charitable Society, Shenpen and the Gyalwa Dzogchen Sangha is available through the website.
8th Annual Dzogchen Retreat at Dzogchen Monastery
10th April 2008
The dates for the 8th Annual Dzogchen Retreat at Dzogchen Monastery have been announced. His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche will lead a 10 day Dzogchen retreat starting at the end of December 2008. The Drupa Na Sel Intensive is back by popular demand and will take place in the week leading up to the retreat. These events are expected to be the largest international gathering of the Gyalwa Dzogchen Sangha at Dzogchen Monastery and will be attended by students from America, Asia, Australia and Europe.
For more information please visit the teaching schedule page
Shri Singha Shedra awards
8th April 2008
On the 7th April 2008, His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche presented awards to the monks of Shri Singha Shedra at Dzogchen Monastery for their outstanding academic achievements. His Eminence gave a teaching to a full assembly of monks and detailed the plan of the Shri Singha Shedra for the coming year.
H.E. the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche: Australia and America teaching dates announced
18th March 2008
Shenpen International is pleased to announce the teaching dates of His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche’s 2008 tour of America and Australia. His Eminence will give public talks, empowerments and retreats in America from 15th - 26th October and in Australia from 5th November - 14th December.
For more information please visit the teaching schedule page
Temple refurbishment: building of thrones for statues
14th March 2008
The construction of the thrones for the new statues has begun. Each statue will sit on a four feet high throne, designed in accordance with traditional Tibetan design. It is expected the intricate detail may take two/three weeks.
Would you like to support the temple refurbishment?
To make a donation please visit the donations page
Temple refurbishment: gold plating of statues
24th February 2008
The new statues for the Dzogchen Monastery temple refurbishment have now been disassembled and polished in preparation for their gold plating. A team of highly skilled goldsmiths will gold plate the bodies, clothing and crowns of the statues.
Would you like to support the temple refurbishment? To make a donation please visit the donations page
Losar at Dzogchen Monastery
10th February 2008
Tibetan New Year - Losar was celebrated at Dzogchen Monastery on February 7th. His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche, gave a Könchog Chidü Long life empowerment and the Dhondenling settlement joined in the celebrations. Dzogchen Monastery wishes you Tashi Delek and an auspicious Earth Rat year.
Pilgrimage to Ajanta and Ellora
24th January 2008
During January 2008, His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche led his international sangha to the ancient pilgrimage sites of the Ajanta caves and the Ellora caves, located in Maharashtra state. The caves are world heritage sites that provide a tremendous sense of the spiritual history of the Buddhist tradition.
Temple refurbishment: new statues assembled
14th January 2008
The refurbishment of the Dzogchen Monastery Gonpa has begun with the assembly of the three new statues: Buddha Shakyamuni, Guru Rinpoche and Green Tara. Buddha Shakyamuni is 10.5 feet tall, Guru Rinpoche is 10 feet tall and Green Tara is eight feet tall. The statues are to be cleaned, polished, gold-plated, painted and filled with zung (mantra/sacred objects) before they take their place in the temple. His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche personally oversaw the design and construction of the new statues.
Would you like to support the temple refurbishment? To make a donation please visit the donations page
7th Annual Dzogchen Retreat at Dzogchen Monastery
14th January 2008
Students from all round the world participated in the 7th Annual Dzogchen Retreat, the largest ever international retreat held at Dzogchen Monastery, coming from Australia, America, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Switzerland, Netherlands and the UK. His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche lead the sangha in a 10 day retreat introducing the absolute path.
Vidyadhara Healing Clinic: work continues
20th December 2008
The external structure of the new Vidyadhara Healing Clinic, which will provide vital healthcare and medical facilities to the local Tibetan and Indian communities, has been completed. Internal work will shortly begin including electricity, plumbing, painting and furnishing.
Would you like to support the Vidyadhara Health project? To make a donation please visit the donations page