Kalu Rinpoche’s Parinirvana

Another important master that has come to this Saha world is Kalu Rinpoche.  His Parinirvana is tomorrow, May 20th.  Not without controversy, we certainly can learn a lot from this great, compassionate master.

Beneficial Quotes:

From the book The Dharma: That Illuminates All Beings Impartially Like the Light of the Sun and the Moon

Kalu Rinpoche tells us, “Whether we follow the scholastic or meditative approach really depends on our inclination, but regardless of how extensive or specialized our interest may be, some intellectual basis is certainly necessary. ”

“It is said that someone who tries to meditate without a conceptual understanding of what he or she is doing is like a blind person trying to find the way in the open country: such a person can only wander about, with no idea how to choose one direction over another.” — Kalu Rinpoche

From the Kagyu website:

“If we can practice bodhicitta, develop patience, and pacify all disharmony in our own home, then we have prepared the way leading to the development of limitless bodhicitta.”  He continues…

“If, on the other hand, we cannot maintain patience and harmony in our own home with our own family, then it is very unlikely that we will be able to do this with respect to all sentient beings, who are infinite in number.” — Kalu Rinpoche

From the book Gently Whispered: Oral Teachings by the Very Venerable Kalu Rinpoche

“In the current general cultural milieu of the Western world, expression of desire allows emotions to be actively encouraged, actively stimulated, and over-blown, all within the contextual appreciation of this as something healthy. If one has a desire, one is encouraged to fulfill it.”  He goes on to say:

“If one has an emotion, one is encouraged to stimulate it, to bring it to development by expressing it. Generally, this is seen as a healthy thing to do, while actually, in terms of karmic development, this approach tends to create a disproportionate exaggeration of desire and attachment. — Kalu Rinpoche

The Four ‘Faults’ of Natural Awareness:

1. So close you can’t see it.
2. So deep you can’t fathom it.
3. So simple you can’t believe it.
4. So good you can’t accept it.

A pith instruction:

“The pure nature of mind – emptiness, lucidity and intelligence without limit – has always been inside us.” — Kalu Rinpoche

Offerings:

Offering candles, incense, butter-lamps with a good intention (to the Lama) will create a lot of good karma and positive merit but offering the Tsok Feasts will generate the most merit and wisdom together that will forever be stored in our mind-stream.

The Kalachakra Tantra of Holding the Qualities of the Lama teaches:

“The merit accumulated by making offerings on the anniversary of one’s lama will dispel negative karma and obscurations accrued for countless eons, like the rays of the sun dispelling darkness.

This merit is superior to that accumulated by all beings in the three thousand world systems who gained merit through venerating and serving the Buddha.

Moreover, this merit is greater than the merit accrued by donating eyes, curing disease, and dispelling the sorrow of beings who are blind, ill or tormented by suffering in the hell realms and who are as numerous as the dust particles of the three thousand world systems.”

Tsok Dates:

Kalu Rinpoche passed into parinirvana on May 10, 1989 which falls on the 5th day of the 4th Month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar.    Previous Ganachakra ceremonies have fallen on these days:

• 2016: May 11th
• 2017:  May 30th

The parinirvana date for this year is: May 20th, 2018

Once again bringing forth awareness of the wrong intention and bad behavior within the mind of deluded sentient beings, Kalu Rinpoche’s yangsi (present incarnation) speaks out.  With a sincere heart and good intention he raises our understanding what is happening in the hearts of evil people.

 

Kunzang Dechen Lingpa’s Parinirvana

Kunzang Dechen Lingpa Rinpoche (1928-2006) was a tertön of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.  He was renowned in his homeland of Northeastern India as a realized master of Dzogchen and terton.  He was especially famous for the special healing ceremony known as Chöd practice.

Kunsang Rinpoche was born in the Earth Snake Year – 1928, in Southern Tibet in Lhodrak.  He was the13th reincarnation of the Buddha Rinchen Tsug Tor Gyen.  From childhood he was only interested in spiritual things.  At 16 he went into full time spiritual retreat, and studied with Dudjom Rinpoche for 10 years.

He became a terton or treasure revealer at age 20.  Rinpoche was recognized by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche as the Lodhak Terton, the reincarnation of Terton Longsel Nyingpo, of the Drubchen Melong Dorje lineage.

Healing Chod

From the Zangdokpalri website:

Rinpoche was fond of performing the Healing Chöd for masses of Buddhist disciples who were instructed just to lay down and rest for about forty minutes or however long the ceremony lasted.

Chöd is a unique spiritual practice and a path to complete enlightenment.  It is an extremely effective method for healing our body, mind and spirit.  The chief way it does this is by clearing the karmic obstacles and blockages arising from our negative interaction with others in countless past lives.

Normally, obstacles stem from taking lives, vitality, property, honor, confidence or hope from others.  They may also arise from past actions, speech and thoughts, based on greed, attachment, apathy or egotism.

Similarly, the limitless ways in which humans disrespect or despoil the material and spiritual forces of nature, the planet, or the elements (fire, water, air, earth) are the basis of numerous difficulties and life obstacles; socially, materially, physically and mentally.  The way these many debts are repaid in Chöd is by offering our most previous and closely guarded possession – our own bodies – to the universe.

A Short Story:

I had the good fortune to meet Rinpoche back in the summer of 2004.  There are many stories about Kunzang Dechen Lingpa (KDL) but this one stood out in an overwhelming way because of Rinpoche’s compassion and his heroic action knowing his health might diminish.

One time, KDL had met a native Shaman and both got to know each other quite well and after some time became good friends.  Since the Shaman was amazed at the qualities KDL possessed and learned that the Bardo Ceremony would be useful to help deliver his soul during the intermediate stage, he requested help should he pass away before him.

When the Shaman actually did pass away, his disciples notified Rinpoche to fulfill his duties.  As KDL visited the home where the deceased body lay, the Shaman’s disciples said, “OK, now get in bed and lay next to our teacher and for the next few days perform the death ritual.  This is how things have to be done according to our tradition.”

To the horror of Rinpoche’s disciples, they protested vehemently believing that this would severely affect Rinpoche’s health for hygienic reasons.  Despite everyone’s objections Rinpoche acquiesced saying, “Since I made a promise, I have no choice but to uphold my word and perform the Bardo Ceremony and do it according to their needs and fulfill their wishes.”

After this, Rinpoche came down with an illness which affected his knees so much that he always had trouble walking after that day for the rest of his life.  It was obvious that KDL took on the karma without concern for his own well-being.

Namthar:

It’s also good to investigate the various namthars that are available in print to really aide us on our own spiritual path.  A namthar is a spiritual biography or hagiography and in Tibetan Buddhism it can gives us great insight in the conduct of extraordinary Mahasiddhas on their path to liberation.  Namthars can be outer, inner and secret in scope.  Here is a portion of KDL’s Namthar and the rest of the biography can be found here: Namthar

One night, just before dawn, I dreamt of a lama with a body slightly bigger than a human and with an overwhelming and extremely peaceful shining presence.  I was wondering whether or not this was actually Pema Jungney, then he spoke to me, saying “Son, eat this peach” and immediately gave me three peaches.

 I suddenly rose up, and, holding on to his index finger, just like that, we arrived instantly to Zangdokpalri, in the Southwest land of Orgyen.  At the door of a great gonpa, he said to me “Wait here, son, I will go request for you an audience with Guru Rinpoche.”  After saying this he went up a staircase.  Although I waited for a long time no one came.

Now I was wondering where that Lama was, so I went to see.  He was seated on top of a throne, in front of him were placed empowerment implements such as bumpas and so on.  I thought to myself “He is actually Guru Rinpoche”.  Then, while I was requesting vase empowerment, I suddenly arrived back in my bed.

Parinirvana Dates:

KDL passed away on March 28th, 2006 and sat upright unassisted for 2 and half days in what the Tibetans call Tukdom.  The anniversary of his passing is traditionally held on 29th day of 1st month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.  The ganachakra feast (tsok practice) ceremony is the best way to generate vast stores of merits.  Tomorrow is the day to make butterlamp offerings, light candles, offer incense and especially perform the grand ganachakra tsok feast to honor this great master.

The Kalachakra Tantra of Holding the Qualities of the Lama teaches:

“The merit accumulated by making offerings on the anniversary of one’s lama will dispel negative karma and obscurations accrued for countless eons, like the rays of the sun dispelling darkness.”

Previous Tsok dates have fallen on these dates:

• 2016 – March 8th
• 2017 –  March 27th
• 2018 – March 16th

The next ceremony will be held on: March 5th, 2019

Texts & Prayers:

LU MED KON CHHOK RIN CHHEN KUN DU PA
The embodiment of the infallible Precious Jewels,

TSHO KYEY PEY JYUNG YAB YUM JYIN LAB KYIY
The Sole Father and Mother Lotus-Born, Pema Jyungnye;

DRO DUL KUN ZANG DE CHHEN LING PA YI
By your blessings may the tamer of sentient beings, Kunzang Dechen Lingpa’s

GYAL SEY TRUL KU NYUR JYON SOL WA DEB
Bodhisattva reincarnation manifest swiftly, I pray!

These four lines are the brief form of the prayer commonly recited in the assembly.

Other rebirth prayers can be found here: Rebirth

Light,
Neo

Longchenpa’s Parinirvana

This Saturday, February 3rd is the parinirvana date of the great scholar, master and vidhyadhara Longchen Rabjam (1308–1364).  Longchenpa was a major teacher within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.  Longchen Rabjampa was born in Central Tibet.  He passed on the 18th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar in the year 1364.

Longchenpa wrote many works.  But he is probably best known for compiling the essence of Buddhism within the anthology known as the Seven Treasures.  This Collection of Seven Treasures is a synthesis of the entire path to liberation within Tibetan Buddhism. The Seven Treasures are as follows:

1. yid bzhin mdzod: The Precious Wish-fulfilling Treasury.
2. chos dbyings mdzod: The Precious Treasury of the Dharmadhatu.
3. theg mchog mdzod: The Precious Treasury of the Supreme Vehicle.
4. gnas lugs mdzod: The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding.
5. tshig don mdzod: The Precious Treasury of the Meaning of Words.
6. man ngag mdzod: The Precious Treasury of Oral Instructions.
7. grub mtha’ mdzod: The Precious Treasury of Philosophical Systems.

I’m proud to say that our late Holiness Penor Rinpoche was considered be a very powerful emanation of Longchenpa.

Poem:

Taken in part from Longchenpa’s Song of the Enchanted Wildwoods:

Wherever I look,
Apart from people putting their energy into the material world,
Those practicing the Dharma path are as rare as a supernova.
Having seen this to be true,
If I’m going to accomplish the true Dharma,
I can’t stay any longer — I’m going to the wildwoods.

Compared to those who seek distraction with every thought,
People who care for themselves according to the Dharma are altogether rare.
Those who actually practice it are bullied and disregarded.
Thus, I can’t stay — I’m going to the wildwoods.

Even if you spend this life in introspection,
It passes so quickly, without pausing day or night.
Having seen that laziness always gets the better of my virtue
And that this mind won’t settle even a little,
I’m off to the wildwoods right now.

Books:

While he was on retreat, Longchenpa had many pure visions where he was given direct instructions from Guru Padmasambhava himself.  Longchenpa lamanted that he wasn’t famous in his own time and therefore his writings weren’t of much benefit to others in a vast way.  Yet, as the centuries passed and all of his works translated and handed down; he is now considered one of Tibet’s most renown and precious teachers.

Here are a few links to research and enjoy some of the greatest works that beginner, intermediate and advanced Yogis and Scholars alike have cherished and benefited from. We are fortunate, in these degenerate times, that the most important texts are now translated into English.

Shambhala – Several nice books including the short and helpful You are the Eyes of the World

Lotsawa House – which includes free links or downloads to read

Life of Longchenpa – Biography of the Omniscient Dharma King

Seven Treasures – Where the two, must have, treasures can be found which are: The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding & The Basic Space of Phenomena

Tsok Practice:

From Rigpa Wiki:

The main benefit of tsok practice (ganapuja feast) mentioned in the tantras is the accumulation of merit with conceptual focus as well as the accumulation of wisdom beyond focus. There could be no greater benefit than this.

In the termas, we also find mention of unimaginable benefits.  For example, it is said that Guru Rinpoche himself will come and bless the tsok practitioners, or that the place where tsok is performed will become exactly the same as the Zangdokpalri heaven of Guru Rinpoche.

And Yeshé Tsogyal said that to practice tsok just once closes the door to lower rebirths.   It is also said that disease, famine and warfare will be pacified, and all the practitioners’ wishes will be fulfilled without the slightest obstacle.

The Kalachakra Tantra of Holding the Qualities of the Lama teaches:

“The merit accumulated by making offerings on the anniversary of one’s lama will dispel negative karma and obscurations accrued for countless eons, like the rays of the sun dispelling darkness.”

Making offerings such as lighting candles or preparing butter-lamps on that day would be a simple way to generate much merit.  However, preparing a more elaborate tsok-feast would definitely be the superior way to generate merit as well as wisdom simultaneously gathering all the right blessings to assist us on our spiritual journey.

Past dates have landed on:

• 2015 February 6th
• 2016 January 26th
• 2017 February 13th
• 2018 February 3rd

The next ceremony will be held on: January 23rd, 2019

Next year I will post Longchenpa’s Tsok date according to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.

Light,
Neo

Dudjom Rinpoche Parinirvana

From wiki website:

His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, Jikdral Yeshe Dorje, was one of the most outstanding yogins, scholars and meditation masters of recent times, who inspired not only awe in those who met him, but also devotion and deep affection.  After the flight of the Tibetans into exile, it was Dudjom Rinpoche who was the first master to be accorded the title of Supreme Head of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, the ‘oldest’ school introduced into Tibet in the 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava.

Biography:

In his previous life, he was identified in the 18th century as Dudjom Lingpa who was the combined  manifestation of Padmasambhava’s mind; Yeshe Tsogyal’s speech; and Keuchung Lotsawa’s body.

As Guru Rinpoche told Yeshe Tsogyal, an individual would be born who would be the Master of the 1002 buddhas of our aeon.

From the Vimala Video website:

Predicting the birth of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, Orgyen Dechen Lingpa said that:

“In the future in Tibet, on the east of the Nine Peaked Mountain, in the sacred buddhafield of the self-originated Vajravarahi, there will be emanation of Drogben, of royal lineage, named Jñana.

“His beneficial activities are in accord with the Vajrayana, although he conducts himself differently, unexpectedly, as a child with astonishing intelligence.” — Orgyen Dechen Lingpa

He will either discover new terma or preserve the old terma.  Whoever has connections with him will be taken to the Ngayab Ling (Zangdok Palri), the Copper Colored Mountain.”

Other termas hold that Guru Padmasambhava and dakini Yeshe Tsogyal reincarnated together, combining their actual presence in the birth and form of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche.

Heart Advice:

Dudjom Rinpoche explains the dharma with this wonderful pith instruction:

“Calm and self-control are signs of listening to the Dharma;
Few passions, signs of meditation;
Harmony with everyone is the sign of a practitioner;
Your mind at ease, the sign of accomplishment.” — Dudjom Rinpoche

Parinirvana Dates:

The Kalachakra Tantra of Holding the Qualities of the Lama teaches:

“The merit accumulated by making offerings on the anniversary of one’s lama will dispel negative karma and obscurations accrued for countless eons, like the rays of the sun dispelling darkness.

This merit is superior to that accumulated by all beings in the three thousand world systems who gained merit through venerating and serving the Buddha.

Moreover, this merit is greater than the merit accrued by donating eyes, curing disease, and dispelling the sorrow of beings who are blind, ill or tormented by suffering in the hell realms and who are as numerous as the dust particles of the three thousand world systems.”

As many of his students know, Dudjom Rinpoche passed into parinirvana on January 17th, 1987 which falls on the 18th day, 11th Month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar.

• 2015: December 28th
• 2017:  January 15th
• 2018: January 4th
• 2019: December 25th
• 2020: January 13th
• 2021: January 1st

The parinirvana date for this year is: December 25, 2018

I will update the dates every year when I learn of it.

Tashi Delek,
Neo

Chatral Rinpoche’s Parinirvana

From the Compassionate Action website:

Early Life:

At the age of 15, Chatral Rinpoche decided to leave his family (circa 1928) in order to study and practice Buddhism with the masters of the area.  This act of renunciation began his life-long journey as a carefree yogi seeking Enlightenment at any cost in order to effectively help other beings with compassion.  From the onset, Rinpoche was highly principled, traveling exclusively on foot and refusing a horse when offered. He stayed only in hermitages, caves or his small tent to avoid involvement with householders and their worldly preoccupations.

Chatral Rinpoche met his root guru, Khenpo Ngawang Palzang (1879-1941) of Kathok Monastery.  The great Khenpo had been the heart disciple of Patrul Rinpoche’s main student, Lungtok Tenpai Nyima (1829-1901), and was considered to be a manifestation of the 9th Century Dzogchen master Vimalamitra.

Khenpo Ngakchung gave Chatral Rinpoche many teachings and transmissions particularly of the Longchen Nyinthig tradition.  For the next six years Rinpoche studied under him, completing his ngondro and practicing trekchod and togyal, which are some of the most advanced practices of Dzogchen.

Recognition:

Khenpo Ngawang Palzang knew Rinpoche was very special and acknowledged him to be his closest disciple, explaining that, his mind and my mind are no different.  He bestowed upon Rinpoche the name Chatral Sangye Dorje, which means “Indestructible Buddha who has Abandoned all Mundane Activities.”

The first time Chatral Rinpoche’s greatness became revealed to others was at a large worship service at Kathok Monastery, attended by several high lamas sitting on lofty thrones. Rinpoche sat in the back on a simple meditation cushion with a few hundred other monks.  Khenpo Ngawang Palzang remarked during the service: “Among all of you here today, there are less than ten people who have one-tenth of my realization.  Then, there are less than five of you who have half of my realization.”

“Finally, there is only one person here whose realization is no different from mine, and he is Chatral Sangye Dorje.  He can now represent me to transmit the teachings and his merits are the same as mine.” — Khenpo Ngawang Palzang

This proclamation caused quite a stir in the assembly hall and afterward people came to congratulate Rinpoche.  Preparations began for a grand ceremony to honor Rinpoche in his new status.  Rinpoche was not one for all this attention and praise and so snuck away in the middle of the night with his tent to continue his practice alone in the wilderness.  The next day when they came to honor him, they found his room empty with no trace of where he went.  Once again, he lived up to his name Chatral, which can be translated as hermit.

Chatral Rinpoche once explained, “We abide nowhere, we possess nothing.”   In the ultimate sense, this is a profound statement on the impermanence of life and emptiness of all things.  In the conventional sense, this is how a yogi like Chatral Rinpoche actually lived in Tibet.  Having no household or possessions to weigh on one’s mind, one is completely free to practice the Dharma.

Strict Principles:

Chatral Rinpoche was renowned for being incorruptible and insistent on doing things the right way.  In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, when someone dies, it is standard to leave them for three days to allow ample time for the consciousness to leave the body and hopefully enter into a Pureland realm or at least a high rebirth.

From the AnimalPeopleForum Chatral Rinpoche exclaimed:

“I was the first to become vegetarian since we came to India. The first year of the Nyingma Monlam in Bodh Gaya was non-vegetarian.  In the second year I came there and spoke at a meeting of all the high Nyingma Lamas.”

“I told them that Bodh Gaya is a very special place which is holy to all Buddhists, and if we say we are gathered here for the Nyingma Monlam and yet eat meat, this is a disgrace and the greatest insult to Buddhism.  I said they should all give up meat from now on, during the Nyingma Monlam.” — Chatral Rinpoche

He went on to say, “Even the Tibetan lamas and monks eat meat!  What a shame if even the lamas can’t give up meat! First the lamas should commit themselves to being life-long vegetarians.  If the Lamas become vegetarian, then you can address the lay people. Then also you should urge the monks to become vegetarian. Otherwise if knowledgeable religious people eat meat, how can one expect the ignorant public, who follow along just like sheep, to become vegetarian?”

Chatral Rinpoche was very selective about those he actually gave teachings to.  He was fully aware that most of the people who ask him for teachings are not a fraction as serious about their practice as he is, so doesn’t bother to waste the precious nectar of his teachings on an unsuitable vessel.

“There are three kinds of Dharma practitioners: firstly, there are those who look like practitioners outwardly, but inwardly they are not real practitioners; secondly, there are those who talk very high, but have no realization at all; thirdly there are those who do not look like practitioners outwardly, but who are in fact genuine practitioners inside.” — Chatral Rinpoche

Therefore as a strict rule, Rinpoche never transmitted any higher-level teachings to those who have studied with him for less than six years sufficient time for them to prove themselves as genuine practitioners.

Humility:

Despite the adulation of countless thousands in the Himalayan region, Rinpoche remains as humble as ever.  He once said, “I am just an ordinary sentient being and there is nothing special about me.  I just follow the teachings of Lord Buddha.  Without any cheating on my part, I stand firmly on the ground in practicing the Dharma and in helping all sentient beings.”

“I wish that all sentient beings could let go of the acts of self-deception and self-aggrandizement, so that they can really practice the Dharma in order to liberate themselves from cyclic existence and to help other sentient beings.  Otherwise, it will be too late when they are feeling remorseful!” — Chatral Rinpoche

On December 30th, 2015, Kyabje Chatral Sangye Dorje begin the transition to Parinirvana.  He remained in tukdam meditation until January 5th, 2016, when he attained Parinirvana.  Chatral Rinpoche passed in the 11th month on the 20th day of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.  This Friday, December 8th, will be a great time to make butterlamp offerings and ganachakra tsok feasts in honor of this great master.

Tsok Dates:

• 2016 – January 17th
• 2017 – January 6th
• 2018 – December 27th
• 2020 – January 15th
• 2021 – January 3rd

Texts & Prayers:

Some writings of Chatral Rinpoche that include prayers, practices, pilgrimages, and words of advice:  Lotsawa House

Yangthang Rinpoche Parinirvana

Venerable Yangthang Tulku Rinpoche was the immediate reincarnation of Dhomang Terchen, Dorje Dechen Lingpa.  He was the revealer of many treasure practices.  As one of the inconceivable great treasure revealers from Eastern Tibet, Dhomang Terchen was highly regarded by the greatest lamas and tertons of his time.

He revealed thirteen volumes during his life, which included treasures found in the earth, in lakes, in rocks, and in space, as well as pure vision treasures.  He is well known as the emanation of the great Vimalamitra, as well as Terton Lhatsun Namkha Jigmed.  Therefore, it is no surprise that his revelations also included many astonishing secret substances and materials necessary for the future propagation of Vajrayana practice.

Biography:

From PathToBuddha website:

In 1959, when the Communist Chinese invaded Tibet, Yangthang Rinpoche fled Dhomang.  He was later captured by the Chinese and imprisoned for 22 years.  He helped many fellow prisoners who could not bear the hardship to die peacefully by performing Phowa and transferring their consciousness to the Pure Land.

Though he witnessed and experienced much torture, he bears no resentment to his captors, only compassion.  In fact, he became a spiritual advisor to some of the guards.  When people express sympathy about his imprisonment, Rinpoche says that because of Dharma, his mind was more free in prison than worldly people experience in the best of circumstances.

“Because of Dharma, my mind was more free in prison than worldly people experience in the best of circumstances.” — Yangthang Rinpoche

Following the death of Mao Tse Tung he was released.  He returned to Dhomang to find his monastery completely dismantled.  He then obtained permission to go to Sikkim.  As a simple yogi he traveled back and forth to Nepal and Bhutan, receiving transmissions and empowerments from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche.

Parinirvana:

Yangthang passed into parinirvana last year on October 15th, 2016*.  So, as part of Vajrayana tradition, students and close disciples plan on doing tsok (ganachakra feasts) on the 14th day of the eighth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.  The parinirvana date for this year falls on: October 30th

• 2017: October 4th
• 2018: September 23rd
• 2019: September 12th
• 2020: September 30th

*Note: there was a double-month in the Lunar Calendar back in 2016

Stupa:

From Yangthang’s FB page:

The “sung-jug” for the two Relic Stupas of Yangthang Rinpoche has been completed smoothly today, the auspicious Guru Rinpoche Day, at Yangthang Rinpoche’s residence in Yuksom, Sikkim.

The sacred relic of Yangthang Rinpoche, along with his bone relics, and many other holy substance have been successfully offered inside Yangthang Rinpoche’s Relic Stupa (Kutung Chorten).

Benefits:

It is said that performing the Ganachakra feast on the anniversary of the Guru’s parinirvana day will bring immeasurable benefits and negative karma accumulated over many aeons will be extinguished. 

The Tantra of the Protector Crow states:

“One who holds ceremonies during the anniversaries of the lama’s passing will attain the irreversible state and after death will be reborn in the realm of Khachod dakinis.”

Tasihi Delek,
Neo

Parinirvana of His Holiness

As some of you may know, on March 27th, 2009 His Holiness Penor Rinpoche passed into parinirvana.  He was considered to be one of the strongest emanations of Longchenpa and Vimalamitra in our time.

The Palyul Clear Light magazine has a special issue (p. 42) with two great quotes about the merits of performing Ganachakra ceremonies or Tsok Feast offerings on this day.

The Kalachakra Tantra of Holding the Qualities of the Lama teaches:

Whatever virtue is accumulated by relatives for the sake of the dead will ripen upon the dead wherever he or she is born, just as a calf follows the cow.

Likewise the offerings devoted disciples make out of sorrow when their master passes away will ripen upon the master, whose wishes will be fulfilled; this will enable the disciple to follow his master’s example.

Whoever marks the date, month and the year of their master’s demise and makes offerings on that day will extinguish negative karma accumulated over many eons.

Achievement of the unsurpassable state will certainly be enabled.

It further states:

This merit is not equaled even by the merit of donating eyes or giving life to all beings in the three thousand world systems who are either blind or whose life is deteriorating.  This merit is not equaled even by the merit accumulated by leading all beings of the three thousand world systems towards arhathood or by making offering to them for eons.  The merit accumulated by making offerings on the anniversary of one’s lama will dispel negative karma and obscurations accrued for countless eons, like the rays of the sun dispelling darkness.

This merit is superior to that accumulated by all beings in the three thousand world systems who gained merit through venerating and serving the Buddha.  Moreover, this merit is greater than the merit accrued by donating eyes, curing disease, and dispelling the sorrow of beings who are blind, ill or tormented by suffering in the hell realms and who are as numerous as the dust particles of the three thousand world systems.

The Tantra of the Protector Crow states:

One who holds ceremonies
During the anniversaries
Of the lama’s passing.
Will attain the irreversible state
And after death will be reborn in the realm of
the Khachod dakinis

Vimalamitra statue:

On November 12, 2009 the Vimalamitra statue was consecrated in honor of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche at Tashi Choling, Oregon.  Dharma artist, Lama Sonam Tsering, worked on the construction of the Vimalamitra statue.  It has been said that His Holiness came to visit the center long ago and the statue now resides exactly where he had sat and gave teachings.

The Shurangama Sutra states:

Mahakasyapa who was present with the bhiksuni Golden Light and others (of his group), then rose from his seat, prostrated himself with his head at the feet of the Buddha and declared:

“In a former aeon, when Candra-surya-pradipa Buddha appeared in this world, I had a chance of following him and of hearing the Dharma which I practised.  After he had passed away, I revered his relics, lit lamps to perpetuate his light and decorated his statue with pure gold powder.  Since then, in every subsequent reincarnation, my body has been radiant with perfect golden light.”

You can make donations to partake in the supreme merits of creating a statue of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche at this site: http://tashicholing.org/

Ganachakra ceremonies:

For Buddhists, the Ganachakra tsok is a puja or ceremony which includes the recitation of sacred text and mantras.  In addition, there are many abundant offerings of music, candles, food and even wine.  These ceremonies are traditionally based on the Lunar Calender.

Therefore, each year His Holiness Paranirana Day will be celebrated on a slightly different day.  It is important to know, when His Holiness passed away, it was on the First day of the Second month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.  Past dates have landed on:

• April 4, 2011
• March 23, 2012
• March 12, 2013
• March 31, 2014
• March 21, 2015
• March 10, 2016
• March 29th, 2017
• March 18th, 2018
• March 7th, 2019

The next ceremony will be held on:  March 25th, 2020

Hope that helps!
Neo