THE VOICE OF CLEAR LIGHT
News and Inspiration from Ligmincha Institute
Volume IV, Number 4
April 5, 2004
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For easy reading, we recommend that you print out "The Voice of Clear
Light."
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Great News! The details are in about the fall retreat with Yongdzin
Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche at Serenity Ridge.
An Interview With Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche on "The Healing Power
of Sound."
Come to the Spring Retreat: "Sacred Syllables - The Healing Power
of Sound in the Tibetan Bon Buddhist Tradition" with Geshe Tenzin
Wangyal Rinpoche, April 21-25, at Serenity Ridge.
"The Sound of Silence" - an edited excerpt from oral
teachings given by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche during the Bardo Retreat
at Serenity Ridge, April, 2003.
Updated Spring and Summer Teaching Schedule for Tenzin Wangyal
Rinpoche.
News Flash! Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche featured in the May issue of
the "Shambhala Sun" magazine.
New Items available at Ligmincha's Bookstore.
Correction on the dates of upcoming Trul Khor Chapter 4 Retreat: May
18-22.
Offerings
"Present Fresh Wakefulness" by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
Page 2 of 12
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GREAT NEWS! DETAILS ARE IN ABOUT THE FALL RETREAT WITH YONGDZIN
TENZIN NAMDAK RINPOCHE AT SERENITY RIDGE.
The Heart of Realization
Tantric and Dzogchen Teachings of Bon Buddhism
October 27 through November 3, 2004
With Yongdzin Rinpoche, Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Khenpo Tenpa
Yungdrung Rinpoche, and Geshe Lungrig Gyaltsen.
Ligmincha Institute joyfully announces that Yongdzin Rinpoche will be
at Serenity Ridge for an extended retreat this fall. Invited by
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Yongdzin Rinpoche will teach us the essence
of his heart practice: The Threefold Practice of the Primordial State
of the Mother Tantra, and enter us into the mandala of his personal
yidam, Sangchog Gyalpo, bestowing the complete initiation on Sunday,
October 31. To close the retreat, Yongdzin Rinpoche will offer us his
commentary on the Bon dzogchen text: Heart Drops of Dharmakaya.
For many years, Tenzin Rinpoche has carefully taught us the six
liberating meditation practices contained in the Mother Tantra: tsa
lung, dream yoga, sleep yoga, chod, powa, and bardo. These are the
principal tantric teachings for our sangha. They provide the
necessary support for the practice of dzogchen. During this retreat,
by Tenzin Rinpoche's personal request, Yongdzin Rinpoche will
instruct these tantric teachings for our clarification.
To further open our hearts and deepen our connection to the essential
tantric principles of lama, yidam and khandro, Yongdzin Rinpoche will
perform the Mother Tantra initiation. The experience of participating
in this authentic ritual initiation will truly be a once in a
lifetime blessing as Yongdzin Rinpoche is aided by Tenzin Rinpoche,
his heart son; Khenpo Yungdrung Rinpoche, his student and successor
as Abbot of Triten Norbutse Monastery, and Geshe Lungrig Gyaltsen,
graduate of the dialectic school which Yongdzin Rinpoche established
with H.H. Lungtok Tenpa'i Nyima. It will be an auspicious
ceremony inviting Sangchog Gyalpo, the Supreme Secret of Bon to
forever reside in the space of our hearts and on our retreat land,
Serenity Ridge.
During the final three days of the retreat, Yongdzin Rinpoche will
instruct the sangha in the rushen practices from Heart Drops of
Dharmakaya. The Kunzang Nying-tig, by Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen is a
powerful yet practical instructional text which cuts to the heart of
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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dzogchen meditation and the possibility of attaining the rainbow
body. Yongdzin Rinpoche's teachings and commentary on this text
are world renowned; we are fortunate to receive them from him during
his last visit with us at Ligmincha Institute.
Tenzin Rinpoche invites you to bring your heart to Serenity Ridge
this fall and allow it to be opened and filled with rainbow light
from the heart of a living master of our lineage, our beloved Lopon
Tenzin Namdak.
You can attend the entire eight day retreat which includes all the
teachings and the initiation on Sunday, attend five days of Mother
Tantra teachings concluding with the initiation, or arrive for the
initiation and remain for the Heart Drops of Dharmakaya teachings. If
it is not possible to attend the initiation, you may also attend the
Heart Drops teaching from Monday through Wednesday. Due to limited
space and out of respect for Yongdzin Rinpoche's teachings, we
are not able to accept registrations to attend the initiation alone.
Please register as early as possible as we anticipate a larger
attendance at this retreat.
Contact the Ligmincha office for pricing: (434)977-6161 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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AN INTERVIEW WITH TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE ON "THE HEALING POWER
OF SOUND" conducted at Serenity Ridge on December 29, 2003 by
Helen Gatling-Austin.
QUESTION: Sound is important in many spiritual traditions - but, you
point out, it can also be used in healing. How is sound used in
healing in the Tibetan tradition?
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: We know that in healing practices such as
acupuncture, when a needle is placed in a part of the body, it sends
a vibration or message to another part or to an organ, which causes
balance and healing. In a similar way, the vibration of sound as it
reverberates on the lips, in the head, and in the chest, can affect
the body and organs in a very healing way.
QUESTION: How does one know what sounds to use?
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: This is a very ancient system and is
described in a number of Tibetan texts. I'm teaching primarily from
the Bon Mother Tantra (Ma Gyud). The Mother Tantra describes
specific sound practices to treat physical ailments such as
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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headaches, chest pain, and other problems. Ancient yogis who lived
in the wilderness far from medical care used these and other yogic
techniques to maintain their health
The right sounds can create balance between the five elements of
earth, water, fire, air, and space. These elements, that are present
in nature, are also present in each one of us. Our own particular
balance of the elements strongly affects our mental and physical
state - so maintaining this balance is essential to good health.
There are practices of chanting certain sounds, certain syllables,
which activate or pacify each of the elements. These have a subtle
but potent effect on our organs, and on our mental and spiritual
states.
QUESTION: So these sounds work on all levels - the physical, mental,
and spiritual?
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: There are different levels of sound
practice. As the health is affected, so the higher forms of
consciousness - emotions, mind, spiritual practice - are also
affected. If you are chanting the syllable RAM for the fire element,
for example, that vibration is going to open particular channels and
chakras, which will affect certain organs, in turn giving a
particular experience of higher consciousness.
QUESTION: Mantras, strings of sacred syllables, are very important
in the spiritual practices of Tibet, India, and other parts of Asia.
Can you say anything about the origins of mantras?
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: Historically, there were enlightened
individuals who themselves awakened in those sounds, who realized the
power of those mantras, and saw how they could benefit sentient
beings. They then developed whole cycles of teachings and practices
related to those mantras.
In essence, though, it is much deeper. Energetically, each
individual sound is produced by its own root, which is beyond time
and space. This is beyond historical concept. It says in the
teaching that when the sound and innate awareness merge, it produces
speech - enlightened speech and samsaric speech. So clearly, whenever
we speak, if our speech is connected with awareness, it will be aware
speech, very pure.
I will give an example of what I call "primordial sound." In Bon
dzogchen (Great Perfection) the three most important seed syllables
are AH, OM, and HUNG. These can be written in Tibetan letters, but
the real AH, OM, HUNG are the sounds themselves. And these sounds
can have a profound effect on the person chanting them.
When someone produces the sound AH, it clearly opens their heart
center in a very spacious way. This unblocks energetic, emotional,
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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and psychological blocks. Then, through chanting OM, one can
reconnect with missing elements or qualities within oneself. Let's
say that someone has a sadness that blocks her whole existence. With
AH you open the channels, then with OM you try to connect with a
sense of joy that has been hidden, and with HUNG you try to bring it
into manifestation. So to use this as a practice, once connecting
with the joy, we would continuously sound HUNG and feel more and more
joy. It's like charging up a potential. When the soul is finally
charged with that joy, when you open your mouth, so many beautiful
words come out. You want to write letters, you want to do things for
others, you want to have joy and fun in your life. Using sound in
this way can be a very healing practice on many levels.
QUESTION: It sounds like these practices are very relevant for
modern people, not just for the ancient yogis.
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: Very relevant. In this modern time, with
the many stresses we face, we need to develop ways to balance and
harmonize our energy. This is important of course for health. But,
most important, it can support our spiritual growth. That is my
purpose in teaching these very ancient Bon practices - to help
support people in their spiritual growth. That is the most important
reason for me.
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COME TO THE SPRING RETREAT!
"Sacred Syllables - The Healing Power of Sound in the Tibetan Bon
Buddhist Tradition" with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, April 21 - 25.
There's spring in the air at Serenity Ridge along with "The
Healing Power of Sound" - the subject of this year's spring
retreat.
During this retreat Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will explain the
relationship between the sounds of particular Tibetan syllables and
their healing qualities. With the capacity to translate ancient
texts into modern western idiom, Rinpoche will present these
teachings on sacred sounds and instruct the meditations that empower
their healing capabilities.
The retreat will be held from Wednesday, April 21 through Sunday,
April 25. Register by April 7 for the price of $450 or after that
for $500. Contact Ligmincha Institute by calling: (434)977-6161 or
by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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"THE SOUND OF SILENCE" - an edited excerpt from oral
teachings given by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche during the Bardo Retreat
at Serenity Ridge, April, 2003.
When you find a moment of silence, you can see it in two ways. One
way is to see what is not there. You may say, "The beautiful
music is not there anymore" or, "Someone I love to talk to
is not talking anymore." You see it here as an absence rather
than recognizing what silence itself is.
However, you can also look at silence in a different way. When you
find a silent moment, don't think of it as the absence of all
those sounds but rather, realize that the silence itself is an open
space where pure sound, knowledge, teaching, or anything can appear.
You recognize the silence in this way as complete, clear and open.
You recognize silence as the potential for manifesting all the speech
of enlightened beings, and not only enlightened beings, all beings.
You recognize silence as full of power. You recognize it as full of
joy.
When you open that door to what silence itself is, you feel more and
more of the joy and power in it. It's a very opening experience.
Silence is not the absence of something. It's not dead.
It's full of energy and it's full of joy.
When you walk into a room and there is a sign: "Silence
Please" that is not what we are talking about here. That sign
just means "Hush up!" or "Don't make noise!" That
sign implies that n that room we are bothered by sound and we would
enjoy an absence of sound. It doesn't foster an insight or
recognition of the silence itself. It is not saying that there is a
great thing inside the silence, nor is it encouraging you to discover
that. This difference in perspective is as huge a difference as that
of earth and sky. Or, probably like the difference between sutra and
dzogchen. One who is practicing sutra may try to avoid sound by
going up into the mountains. But a dzogchenpa might go up into the
mountains and visit the same silent place not to avoid sound, but
rather to discover the inside of silence, the life in silence, the
recognition in the silence. I don't mean that sutra will not do
that, but the original intention is very different.
A little later, Rinpoche emphasized:
There is a very important distinction between one's being aware
of the silence and just being silent. Silence is always there.
The nature of mind is always there. When you're awake, it's
there; when you're asleep it's there; when you're
confused, it's there; when you're happy, excited, jumping,
it's there. It is always there. We are not talking about
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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whether the presence of your awareness is there or not, we are
talking about your awareness of that presence. Right? Being aware
of what it is is more important than knowing something is there.
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UPDATED SPRING AND SUMMER TEACHING SCHEDULE OF TENZIN WANGYAL
RINPOCHE.
APRIL
April 14, Charlottesville, VA.
`The Yoga of Sound' is the first in a series of three public
talks on The Healing power of Sound in the Bon Buddhist Tradition of
Tibet to be held at the Ligmincha Downtown Center, 313 2nd St. SE,
Suite #207. Call: (434)977-6161 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit
the Ligmincha website for a full schedule of teachings and meditation
sessions: www.ligmincha.org/html/c_ville_calendar.html.
April 16, Ithaca, NY.
`Healing with Form, Energy and Light' Evening Talk. Contact:
Namgyal Institute (607)273-0739 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
April 17-18, Ithaca NY.
`The Practice and Theory of Dream Yoga' Contact: Namgyal
Institute.
April 21-25, Charlottesville, VA.
`Sacred Syllables: The Healing Power of Sound in the Bon Buddhist
Tradition' Contact: Ligmincha Institute.
MAY
May 7, Mexico City, Mexico.
`Healing Ceremony of Yeshe Walmo' Contact: Garuda Mexico, Tel
and Fax: 52-55-5286-9913 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . In
English, contact: Lourdes, Tel: 52-5-536-5088 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
May 8-9, Mexico City, Mexico.
`Teachings on the Healing Practice of Sidpa Gyalmo' Contact
as above.
May 13-16, Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
`The Complete Cycle of Inner Rushen from Heart Drops of
Dharmakaya' (continuation), Contact as above.
May 20-23, Amsterdam, Holland.
`Bardo Teachings from the Bon Mother Tantra' Contact: Dr. Jan
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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Dinkelaar, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
May 28-30, Zurich, Switzerland.
`Healing with Form, Energy and Light: Teachings on the Five
Elements in Tibetan Shamanism, Tantra and Dzogchen' Contact: Ann-
Marie Jakob, Tel and Fax: +41 43 344 01 74 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit the website: www.garudaswitzerland.org.
JUNE
June 2-3, Scotland.
`Mi-lam Trul-khor' (Dream Yoga) Contact: Val Roger, Tel:
01236-72061 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Website:
www.yungdrungbon.com.
June 4-7, Warsaw, Poland.
`Soul and Life-Force Retrieval' Contact: Tomasz Szymoszyn,
Tel: 0604 177 666 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
June 18-20, Amherst, MA.
`The Eight Manifestations of Sherab Chamma and The Five Elements
Practice' Contact: Sharon Weizenbaum, Tel: 413-549-4021 or
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
JULY
July 4-24, Charlottesville, VA, Serenity Ridge Retreat Center.
`The 21 Nails and the Bon Mother Tantra: The 12th Annual Summer
Retreat' Contact: Ligmincha Institute, Tel: 434-977-6161 or
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
July 30-August 1, Rhinebeck, NY.
`Guidance for Living and Dying, Bardo Teachings from the Bon
Mother Tantra' Contact: Omega Institute, Tel: 800-944-1001 or
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
AUGUST
August 6, Frankfurt, Germany.
`Public Talk: Shamanic Teachings in the Bon-Buddhist
Tradition' Contact: Stephanie Wagner, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Visit the website: www.bongaruda.de.
August 7-8, Frankfurt, Germany.
`Soul and Life-Force Retrieval: Shamanic Teachings from the Bon
Causal Vehicle' Contact: Stephanie Wagner, e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
August 9-15, Frankfurt, Germany.
`The Six Realms: Purification and Transformation of Our Negative
Emotions' Contact: Stephanie Wagner, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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August 17-22, Warsaw, Poland.
`Healing with Form, Energy and Light, a Continuation'
Contact: Tomasz Szymoszyn, Tel: 0604 177 666 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
August 26-29, Italy.
`Healing with Form, Energy and Light' Contact: Luca Violini,
Tel: 039-0255189346 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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CORRECTION ON THE DATES OF THE UPCOMING TRUL KHOR CHAPTER 4 RETREAT.
Please note this change on your calendars. The Trul Khor Chapter 4
retreat will be starting one day earlier than what was listed on the
spring brochure and in the last VOCL issue. The new dates are: May 18-
22, which will enable Tenzin Rinpoche to be able to attend at the end
of the retreat.
Contact Ligmincha Institute to register: (434)977-6161 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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NEWS FLASH: TENZIN RINPOCHE FEATURED IN THE MAY ISSUE OF
THE "SHAMBHALA SUN" MAGAZINE.
The latest issue of "Shambhala Sun" has it's first
full-length article by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. In this article,
entitled "Discovering the True Nature of Mind," beginning on
page 57, Rinpoche presents the Dzogchen fivefold teachings of Dawa
Gyaltsen, an 8th century Bon master in a wonderfully clear and
inspiring way. These pith instructions are a way of guiding students
toward recognizing their own true nature. Many students of
Rinpoche's will remember practicing what is taught in these
powerful teachings during the past several summer retreats.
Rinpoche's voice and clarity shine throughout the whole article.
His amazing way of connecting to modern day westerners is a gift to
us beyond words. Side by side the article are beautiful paintings by
artist Yahne Le Toumelin.
Look for the May issue of the "Shambhala Sun" magazine in
most major bookstores or order it online through their website:
www.shambhalasun.com.
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Ligmincha Bookstore carries a great practice
support - a card with "The Fivefold Teaching of Dawa
Gyaltsen" for $4, which can be ordered online at:
Ligminchastore.org.
** Thanks Sue Davis for enlightening all of us about this article and
for all your work in bringing us great Dharma books and practice
materials through The Ligmincha Bookstore. Keep up the great work.
We love you, Sue!
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NEW ITEMS AT LIGMINCHA'S BOOKSTORE
These new items can be found by going to Ligminchastore.org and
clicking on "Search by Category" and then clicking on
"New Items".
NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE
"Commentary on the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva", by His
Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, $9.95.
"English-Tibetan Dictionary of Modern Tibetan", by Melvyn
Goldstein, $40.
"Female Buddhas: Women of Enlightenment in Tibetan Mystical
Art", by Glenn Mullin with Jeff Watt, $29.95.
"Oracles and Demons of Tibet", by Rene de Negesky-Wojkowitz,
$35.
"Present Fresh Wakefulness" by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, $20.
"Say It In Tibetan" by Norbu Chophel, $8.
NEW RITUAL ITEMS AVAILABLE
Butterlamp, 4" high, $16
Offering Bowls, set of seven, copper with medallions, $24
Offering Bowls, set of seven, metal with medallions, $48
Offering Bowls, set of seven, with etched design, $20
NEW PHOTO AVAILABLE
Lopon Sangye Tenzin, 4x6 $3.50, 5x7 $5.50
ALSO NOW AVAILABLE
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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Card: The Fivefold Teaching of Dawa Gyaltsen, $4
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OFFERINGS
From "Present Fresh Wakefulness" by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche:
"If you take a stone from the river and split it in half, it is
still dry in the middle, even though it has spent years in the
water. One may expect, `Shouldn't it be wet or saturated
somehow?' In the same way, we can spend years and years in
Dharma circles, but unless we make the teachings our experience
through practice, it is like being that stone from the riverbed,
still dry at the core. There is a Tibetan saying: `The Dharmaprofessional
is not helped by the Dharma, just like the butter skin
is not softened by the butter.' Usually a piece of hide or skin
is softened by applying oil or butter and kneading it so that it
becomes really flexible. In Tibet, butter is kept in skins. That
skin spends all its time with the butter - it becomes saturated with
the butter - yet it grows totally stiff and rigid because it
hasn't been properly kneaded or worked. It's the same with
the need to apply Dharma teachings; we need to work them, knead them
into our being."
"Present Fresh Wakefulness" by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Translated from the Tibetan by Erik Pema Kunsang. Compiled by Marcia
Binder Schmidt and Edited with Kerry Moran. Boudhanath: Rangjung
Yeshe Publications, 2002.
**This book is available through Ligmincha's Bookstore as listed
in the above post of new items.
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***********************
The Voice of Clear Light is a free, e-mail publication of Ligmincha Institute. Your suggestions and
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For more information about Ligmincha Institute, the teachings of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, or retreats at
Serenity Ridge or our regional centers, please contact us:
Ligmincha Institute
313 2nd St. SE Suite #207
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-977-6161 fax 434-977-7020
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.ligmincha.org
*************************
For books, tapes and transcripts of teachings by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche as well as other books and items
supportive to Bon and Buddhist practice, please visit the Ligmincha's Online Store at
www.ligminchastore.org or contact the Ligmincha Store at 434-220-0060
or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
*************************
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LigminchaInstitute/
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News and Inspiration from Ligmincha Institute
Volume IV, Number 4
April 5, 2004
**************************
For easy reading, we recommend that you print out "The Voice of Clear
Light."
**************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Great News! The details are in about the fall retreat with Yongdzin
Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche at Serenity Ridge.
An Interview With Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche on "The Healing Power
of Sound."
Come to the Spring Retreat: "Sacred Syllables - The Healing Power
of Sound in the Tibetan Bon Buddhist Tradition" with Geshe Tenzin
Wangyal Rinpoche, April 21-25, at Serenity Ridge.
"The Sound of Silence" - an edited excerpt from oral
teachings given by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche during the Bardo Retreat
at Serenity Ridge, April, 2003.
Updated Spring and Summer Teaching Schedule for Tenzin Wangyal
Rinpoche.
News Flash! Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche featured in the May issue of
the "Shambhala Sun" magazine.
New Items available at Ligmincha's Bookstore.
Correction on the dates of upcoming Trul Khor Chapter 4 Retreat: May
18-22.
Offerings
"Present Fresh Wakefulness" by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
Page 2 of 12
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GREAT NEWS! DETAILS ARE IN ABOUT THE FALL RETREAT WITH YONGDZIN
TENZIN NAMDAK RINPOCHE AT SERENITY RIDGE.
The Heart of Realization
Tantric and Dzogchen Teachings of Bon Buddhism
October 27 through November 3, 2004
With Yongdzin Rinpoche, Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Khenpo Tenpa
Yungdrung Rinpoche, and Geshe Lungrig Gyaltsen.
Ligmincha Institute joyfully announces that Yongdzin Rinpoche will be
at Serenity Ridge for an extended retreat this fall. Invited by
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Yongdzin Rinpoche will teach us the essence
of his heart practice: The Threefold Practice of the Primordial State
of the Mother Tantra, and enter us into the mandala of his personal
yidam, Sangchog Gyalpo, bestowing the complete initiation on Sunday,
October 31. To close the retreat, Yongdzin Rinpoche will offer us his
commentary on the Bon dzogchen text: Heart Drops of Dharmakaya.
For many years, Tenzin Rinpoche has carefully taught us the six
liberating meditation practices contained in the Mother Tantra: tsa
lung, dream yoga, sleep yoga, chod, powa, and bardo. These are the
principal tantric teachings for our sangha. They provide the
necessary support for the practice of dzogchen. During this retreat,
by Tenzin Rinpoche's personal request, Yongdzin Rinpoche will
instruct these tantric teachings for our clarification.
To further open our hearts and deepen our connection to the essential
tantric principles of lama, yidam and khandro, Yongdzin Rinpoche will
perform the Mother Tantra initiation. The experience of participating
in this authentic ritual initiation will truly be a once in a
lifetime blessing as Yongdzin Rinpoche is aided by Tenzin Rinpoche,
his heart son; Khenpo Yungdrung Rinpoche, his student and successor
as Abbot of Triten Norbutse Monastery, and Geshe Lungrig Gyaltsen,
graduate of the dialectic school which Yongdzin Rinpoche established
with H.H. Lungtok Tenpa'i Nyima. It will be an auspicious
ceremony inviting Sangchog Gyalpo, the Supreme Secret of Bon to
forever reside in the space of our hearts and on our retreat land,
Serenity Ridge.
During the final three days of the retreat, Yongdzin Rinpoche will
instruct the sangha in the rushen practices from Heart Drops of
Dharmakaya. The Kunzang Nying-tig, by Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen is a
powerful yet practical instructional text which cuts to the heart of
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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dzogchen meditation and the possibility of attaining the rainbow
body. Yongdzin Rinpoche's teachings and commentary on this text
are world renowned; we are fortunate to receive them from him during
his last visit with us at Ligmincha Institute.
Tenzin Rinpoche invites you to bring your heart to Serenity Ridge
this fall and allow it to be opened and filled with rainbow light
from the heart of a living master of our lineage, our beloved Lopon
Tenzin Namdak.
You can attend the entire eight day retreat which includes all the
teachings and the initiation on Sunday, attend five days of Mother
Tantra teachings concluding with the initiation, or arrive for the
initiation and remain for the Heart Drops of Dharmakaya teachings. If
it is not possible to attend the initiation, you may also attend the
Heart Drops teaching from Monday through Wednesday. Due to limited
space and out of respect for Yongdzin Rinpoche's teachings, we
are not able to accept registrations to attend the initiation alone.
Please register as early as possible as we anticipate a larger
attendance at this retreat.
Contact the Ligmincha office for pricing: (434)977-6161 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
**************************
AN INTERVIEW WITH TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE ON "THE HEALING POWER
OF SOUND" conducted at Serenity Ridge on December 29, 2003 by
Helen Gatling-Austin.
QUESTION: Sound is important in many spiritual traditions - but, you
point out, it can also be used in healing. How is sound used in
healing in the Tibetan tradition?
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: We know that in healing practices such as
acupuncture, when a needle is placed in a part of the body, it sends
a vibration or message to another part or to an organ, which causes
balance and healing. In a similar way, the vibration of sound as it
reverberates on the lips, in the head, and in the chest, can affect
the body and organs in a very healing way.
QUESTION: How does one know what sounds to use?
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: This is a very ancient system and is
described in a number of Tibetan texts. I'm teaching primarily from
the Bon Mother Tantra (Ma Gyud). The Mother Tantra describes
specific sound practices to treat physical ailments such as
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headaches, chest pain, and other problems. Ancient yogis who lived
in the wilderness far from medical care used these and other yogic
techniques to maintain their health
The right sounds can create balance between the five elements of
earth, water, fire, air, and space. These elements, that are present
in nature, are also present in each one of us. Our own particular
balance of the elements strongly affects our mental and physical
state - so maintaining this balance is essential to good health.
There are practices of chanting certain sounds, certain syllables,
which activate or pacify each of the elements. These have a subtle
but potent effect on our organs, and on our mental and spiritual
states.
QUESTION: So these sounds work on all levels - the physical, mental,
and spiritual?
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: There are different levels of sound
practice. As the health is affected, so the higher forms of
consciousness - emotions, mind, spiritual practice - are also
affected. If you are chanting the syllable RAM for the fire element,
for example, that vibration is going to open particular channels and
chakras, which will affect certain organs, in turn giving a
particular experience of higher consciousness.
QUESTION: Mantras, strings of sacred syllables, are very important
in the spiritual practices of Tibet, India, and other parts of Asia.
Can you say anything about the origins of mantras?
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: Historically, there were enlightened
individuals who themselves awakened in those sounds, who realized the
power of those mantras, and saw how they could benefit sentient
beings. They then developed whole cycles of teachings and practices
related to those mantras.
In essence, though, it is much deeper. Energetically, each
individual sound is produced by its own root, which is beyond time
and space. This is beyond historical concept. It says in the
teaching that when the sound and innate awareness merge, it produces
speech - enlightened speech and samsaric speech. So clearly, whenever
we speak, if our speech is connected with awareness, it will be aware
speech, very pure.
I will give an example of what I call "primordial sound." In Bon
dzogchen (Great Perfection) the three most important seed syllables
are AH, OM, and HUNG. These can be written in Tibetan letters, but
the real AH, OM, HUNG are the sounds themselves. And these sounds
can have a profound effect on the person chanting them.
When someone produces the sound AH, it clearly opens their heart
center in a very spacious way. This unblocks energetic, emotional,
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and psychological blocks. Then, through chanting OM, one can
reconnect with missing elements or qualities within oneself. Let's
say that someone has a sadness that blocks her whole existence. With
AH you open the channels, then with OM you try to connect with a
sense of joy that has been hidden, and with HUNG you try to bring it
into manifestation. So to use this as a practice, once connecting
with the joy, we would continuously sound HUNG and feel more and more
joy. It's like charging up a potential. When the soul is finally
charged with that joy, when you open your mouth, so many beautiful
words come out. You want to write letters, you want to do things for
others, you want to have joy and fun in your life. Using sound in
this way can be a very healing practice on many levels.
QUESTION: It sounds like these practices are very relevant for
modern people, not just for the ancient yogis.
TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE: Very relevant. In this modern time, with
the many stresses we face, we need to develop ways to balance and
harmonize our energy. This is important of course for health. But,
most important, it can support our spiritual growth. That is my
purpose in teaching these very ancient Bon practices - to help
support people in their spiritual growth. That is the most important
reason for me.
**************************
COME TO THE SPRING RETREAT!
"Sacred Syllables - The Healing Power of Sound in the Tibetan Bon
Buddhist Tradition" with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, April 21 - 25.
There's spring in the air at Serenity Ridge along with "The
Healing Power of Sound" - the subject of this year's spring
retreat.
During this retreat Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will explain the
relationship between the sounds of particular Tibetan syllables and
their healing qualities. With the capacity to translate ancient
texts into modern western idiom, Rinpoche will present these
teachings on sacred sounds and instruct the meditations that empower
their healing capabilities.
The retreat will be held from Wednesday, April 21 through Sunday,
April 25. Register by April 7 for the price of $450 or after that
for $500. Contact Ligmincha Institute by calling: (434)977-6161 or
by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
**************************
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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"THE SOUND OF SILENCE" - an edited excerpt from oral
teachings given by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche during the Bardo Retreat
at Serenity Ridge, April, 2003.
When you find a moment of silence, you can see it in two ways. One
way is to see what is not there. You may say, "The beautiful
music is not there anymore" or, "Someone I love to talk to
is not talking anymore." You see it here as an absence rather
than recognizing what silence itself is.
However, you can also look at silence in a different way. When you
find a silent moment, don't think of it as the absence of all
those sounds but rather, realize that the silence itself is an open
space where pure sound, knowledge, teaching, or anything can appear.
You recognize the silence in this way as complete, clear and open.
You recognize silence as the potential for manifesting all the speech
of enlightened beings, and not only enlightened beings, all beings.
You recognize silence as full of power. You recognize it as full of
joy.
When you open that door to what silence itself is, you feel more and
more of the joy and power in it. It's a very opening experience.
Silence is not the absence of something. It's not dead.
It's full of energy and it's full of joy.
When you walk into a room and there is a sign: "Silence
Please" that is not what we are talking about here. That sign
just means "Hush up!" or "Don't make noise!" That
sign implies that n that room we are bothered by sound and we would
enjoy an absence of sound. It doesn't foster an insight or
recognition of the silence itself. It is not saying that there is a
great thing inside the silence, nor is it encouraging you to discover
that. This difference in perspective is as huge a difference as that
of earth and sky. Or, probably like the difference between sutra and
dzogchen. One who is practicing sutra may try to avoid sound by
going up into the mountains. But a dzogchenpa might go up into the
mountains and visit the same silent place not to avoid sound, but
rather to discover the inside of silence, the life in silence, the
recognition in the silence. I don't mean that sutra will not do
that, but the original intention is very different.
A little later, Rinpoche emphasized:
There is a very important distinction between one's being aware
of the silence and just being silent. Silence is always there.
The nature of mind is always there. When you're awake, it's
there; when you're asleep it's there; when you're
confused, it's there; when you're happy, excited, jumping,
it's there. It is always there. We are not talking about
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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whether the presence of your awareness is there or not, we are
talking about your awareness of that presence. Right? Being aware
of what it is is more important than knowing something is there.
**************************
UPDATED SPRING AND SUMMER TEACHING SCHEDULE OF TENZIN WANGYAL
RINPOCHE.
APRIL
April 14, Charlottesville, VA.
`The Yoga of Sound' is the first in a series of three public
talks on The Healing power of Sound in the Bon Buddhist Tradition of
Tibet to be held at the Ligmincha Downtown Center, 313 2nd St. SE,
Suite #207. Call: (434)977-6161 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit
the Ligmincha website for a full schedule of teachings and meditation
sessions: www.ligmincha.org/html/c_ville_calendar.html.
April 16, Ithaca, NY.
`Healing with Form, Energy and Light' Evening Talk. Contact:
Namgyal Institute (607)273-0739 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
April 17-18, Ithaca NY.
`The Practice and Theory of Dream Yoga' Contact: Namgyal
Institute.
April 21-25, Charlottesville, VA.
`Sacred Syllables: The Healing Power of Sound in the Bon Buddhist
Tradition' Contact: Ligmincha Institute.
MAY
May 7, Mexico City, Mexico.
`Healing Ceremony of Yeshe Walmo' Contact: Garuda Mexico, Tel
and Fax: 52-55-5286-9913 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . In
English, contact: Lourdes, Tel: 52-5-536-5088 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
May 8-9, Mexico City, Mexico.
`Teachings on the Healing Practice of Sidpa Gyalmo' Contact
as above.
May 13-16, Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
`The Complete Cycle of Inner Rushen from Heart Drops of
Dharmakaya' (continuation), Contact as above.
May 20-23, Amsterdam, Holland.
`Bardo Teachings from the Bon Mother Tantra' Contact: Dr. Jan
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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Dinkelaar, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
May 28-30, Zurich, Switzerland.
`Healing with Form, Energy and Light: Teachings on the Five
Elements in Tibetan Shamanism, Tantra and Dzogchen' Contact: Ann-
Marie Jakob, Tel and Fax: +41 43 344 01 74 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit the website: www.garudaswitzerland.org.
JUNE
June 2-3, Scotland.
`Mi-lam Trul-khor' (Dream Yoga) Contact: Val Roger, Tel:
01236-72061 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Website:
www.yungdrungbon.com.
June 4-7, Warsaw, Poland.
`Soul and Life-Force Retrieval' Contact: Tomasz Szymoszyn,
Tel: 0604 177 666 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
June 18-20, Amherst, MA.
`The Eight Manifestations of Sherab Chamma and The Five Elements
Practice' Contact: Sharon Weizenbaum, Tel: 413-549-4021 or
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
JULY
July 4-24, Charlottesville, VA, Serenity Ridge Retreat Center.
`The 21 Nails and the Bon Mother Tantra: The 12th Annual Summer
Retreat' Contact: Ligmincha Institute, Tel: 434-977-6161 or
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
July 30-August 1, Rhinebeck, NY.
`Guidance for Living and Dying, Bardo Teachings from the Bon
Mother Tantra' Contact: Omega Institute, Tel: 800-944-1001 or
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
AUGUST
August 6, Frankfurt, Germany.
`Public Talk: Shamanic Teachings in the Bon-Buddhist
Tradition' Contact: Stephanie Wagner, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Visit the website: www.bongaruda.de.
August 7-8, Frankfurt, Germany.
`Soul and Life-Force Retrieval: Shamanic Teachings from the Bon
Causal Vehicle' Contact: Stephanie Wagner, e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
August 9-15, Frankfurt, Germany.
`The Six Realms: Purification and Transformation of Our Negative
Emotions' Contact: Stephanie Wagner, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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August 17-22, Warsaw, Poland.
`Healing with Form, Energy and Light, a Continuation'
Contact: Tomasz Szymoszyn, Tel: 0604 177 666 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
August 26-29, Italy.
`Healing with Form, Energy and Light' Contact: Luca Violini,
Tel: 039-0255189346 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
**************************
CORRECTION ON THE DATES OF THE UPCOMING TRUL KHOR CHAPTER 4 RETREAT.
Please note this change on your calendars. The Trul Khor Chapter 4
retreat will be starting one day earlier than what was listed on the
spring brochure and in the last VOCL issue. The new dates are: May 18-
22, which will enable Tenzin Rinpoche to be able to attend at the end
of the retreat.
Contact Ligmincha Institute to register: (434)977-6161 or e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
**************************
NEWS FLASH: TENZIN RINPOCHE FEATURED IN THE MAY ISSUE OF
THE "SHAMBHALA SUN" MAGAZINE.
The latest issue of "Shambhala Sun" has it's first
full-length article by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. In this article,
entitled "Discovering the True Nature of Mind," beginning on
page 57, Rinpoche presents the Dzogchen fivefold teachings of Dawa
Gyaltsen, an 8th century Bon master in a wonderfully clear and
inspiring way. These pith instructions are a way of guiding students
toward recognizing their own true nature. Many students of
Rinpoche's will remember practicing what is taught in these
powerful teachings during the past several summer retreats.
Rinpoche's voice and clarity shine throughout the whole article.
His amazing way of connecting to modern day westerners is a gift to
us beyond words. Side by side the article are beautiful paintings by
artist Yahne Le Toumelin.
Look for the May issue of the "Shambhala Sun" magazine in
most major bookstores or order it online through their website:
www.shambhalasun.com.
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Ligmincha Bookstore carries a great practice
support - a card with "The Fivefold Teaching of Dawa
Gyaltsen" for $4, which can be ordered online at:
Ligminchastore.org.
** Thanks Sue Davis for enlightening all of us about this article and
for all your work in bringing us great Dharma books and practice
materials through The Ligmincha Bookstore. Keep up the great work.
We love you, Sue!
**************************
NEW ITEMS AT LIGMINCHA'S BOOKSTORE
These new items can be found by going to Ligminchastore.org and
clicking on "Search by Category" and then clicking on
"New Items".
NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE
"Commentary on the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva", by His
Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, $9.95.
"English-Tibetan Dictionary of Modern Tibetan", by Melvyn
Goldstein, $40.
"Female Buddhas: Women of Enlightenment in Tibetan Mystical
Art", by Glenn Mullin with Jeff Watt, $29.95.
"Oracles and Demons of Tibet", by Rene de Negesky-Wojkowitz,
$35.
"Present Fresh Wakefulness" by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, $20.
"Say It In Tibetan" by Norbu Chophel, $8.
NEW RITUAL ITEMS AVAILABLE
Butterlamp, 4" high, $16
Offering Bowls, set of seven, copper with medallions, $24
Offering Bowls, set of seven, metal with medallions, $48
Offering Bowls, set of seven, with etched design, $20
NEW PHOTO AVAILABLE
Lopon Sangye Tenzin, 4x6 $3.50, 5x7 $5.50
ALSO NOW AVAILABLE
Mon, Oct 3, 2005 11:49 AM
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Card: The Fivefold Teaching of Dawa Gyaltsen, $4
**************************
OFFERINGS
From "Present Fresh Wakefulness" by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche:
"If you take a stone from the river and split it in half, it is
still dry in the middle, even though it has spent years in the
water. One may expect, `Shouldn't it be wet or saturated
somehow?' In the same way, we can spend years and years in
Dharma circles, but unless we make the teachings our experience
through practice, it is like being that stone from the riverbed,
still dry at the core. There is a Tibetan saying: `The Dharmaprofessional
is not helped by the Dharma, just like the butter skin
is not softened by the butter.' Usually a piece of hide or skin
is softened by applying oil or butter and kneading it so that it
becomes really flexible. In Tibet, butter is kept in skins. That
skin spends all its time with the butter - it becomes saturated with
the butter - yet it grows totally stiff and rigid because it
hasn't been properly kneaded or worked. It's the same with
the need to apply Dharma teachings; we need to work them, knead them
into our being."
"Present Fresh Wakefulness" by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Translated from the Tibetan by Erik Pema Kunsang. Compiled by Marcia
Binder Schmidt and Edited with Kerry Moran. Boudhanath: Rangjung
Yeshe Publications, 2002.
**This book is available through Ligmincha's Bookstore as listed
in the above post of new items.
**************************
***********************
The Voice of Clear Light is a free, e-mail publication of Ligmincha Institute. Your suggestions and
contributions to the Voice of Clear Light are welcome. To contact us, simply reply to this message and
your email will reach the VOCL editor.
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*************************
For more information about Ligmincha Institute, the teachings of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, or retreats at
Serenity Ridge or our regional centers, please contact us:
Ligmincha Institute
313 2nd St. SE Suite #207
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-977-6161 fax 434-977-7020
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.ligmincha.org
*************************
For books, tapes and transcripts of teachings by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche as well as other books and items
supportive to Bon and Buddhist practice, please visit the Ligmincha's Online Store at
www.ligminchastore.org or contact the Ligmincha Store at 434-220-0060
or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
*************************
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