On 12/5/2008 With Sonam Dorjee one of my good friend ,who is all the way from Tibet.he is Ex-student of Tsering Art School.We took this photo in my Room during Summer retreat holiday after having lunch together.....!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
With Sonam Dorjee [one of my good friend from Tibet
On 12/5/2008 With Sonam Dorjee one of my good friend ,who is all the way from Tibet.he is Ex-student of Tsering Art School.We took this photo in my Room during Summer retreat holiday after having lunch together.....!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
God father and the Son of Bhutan,The tinny Himalayan Kingdom
“I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality.”
The view of Indo-Bhutan friendship
Indian MP Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi, Priyanka's husband Robert Vadhera, Bhutan's Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon, Queen Ashi Tshering Pem, Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo and the president of India's ruling Congress party, Sonia Gandhi, stand inside Tashichhodzong palace
Monday, November 10, 2008
Taktsang Monastery {Tiger Nest}
His Eminence the Ninth Khamtrul Rinpoche Jigme Pema Nyinjadh has led some of his friends and his students on several pilgrimages in Bhutan. One of the holy places he visited with a group was Paro Taktsang. As said the physical hardships definitely has a great effect on our mental progress, not only for this life but also for next life, so it is meritorious for us to spare some time from our hectic life and go for a pilgrimages like this in this fragile life. Here is a brief introduction by Khamtrul Rinpoche:
"Framed within the branches of pine trees, Taktsang Dzong Monastery, the most important religious shrine in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, emerges from delicate veil of shifting mist that caress the rocky mountain upon which it is poised. Looking up through the wispy green willow trees that line the road in Paro valley, one can see a tiny spec of a white building clinging to a block cliff at nearly 10,000ft above sea level. The path to the edifice cannot be seen from the road, so it is difficult to believe that one reaches the inner chambers of Taktsang temple after two hours of heart-pounding hiking through a dense forest of oak and rhododendron, climbing staircase curved out of granite.
The Taktsang monastery is one of the most impressive examples of religious architecture in Bhutan,mainly because of its spectacular location on the a ledge with a sheer drop of 1200m below. It seems almost unbelievable that it was possible to build on such a dangerous spot.
Known as Tiger Nest, Taktsang Temple is Bhutan's most recognizable cultural icon, which has been restored after the mysterious fire destroyed it in April 1998. An important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years.
Tiger's Nest temple got its name when in the Eighth Century, Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tigress, a manifestation of one of his consorts, and meditated for three months in the cave behind the present-day temple. At that time malignant spirits abounded and, in order to subdue them, he assumed the terrifying form of Guru Dorje Drolo, one of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, and consecrated Paro Taktsang as a scared sit to protect the Dharma and subdue harmful forces.
The Taktsang monastery consists of a number of temple buildings which the Taktsang Pelphu is the main one.The actual cave where Guru meditated is the most sacred place of Taktsang,around which the lhakhangs are arranged. Later the Tibetan poet saint Jetsun melarepa visited the place and composed one of his songs after having spent three months in meditation in the cave. Another famous person to travel to Taktsang was “iron bridge builder” Thangtong Gyalpo. The Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited the place in 1645,but it was only in 1692 that then Paro Penlop had the monastery built in this sacred place. A legend tells that there was not enough support during the construction of the foundation, until some fairies came cutting their long hair to serve as a support for the building. Taktsang is one of the holiest places in Bhutan."
"Framed within the branches of pine trees, Taktsang Dzong Monastery, the most important religious shrine in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, emerges from delicate veil of shifting mist that caress the rocky mountain upon which it is poised. Looking up through the wispy green willow trees that line the road in Paro valley, one can see a tiny spec of a white building clinging to a block cliff at nearly 10,000ft above sea level. The path to the edifice cannot be seen from the road, so it is difficult to believe that one reaches the inner chambers of Taktsang temple after two hours of heart-pounding hiking through a dense forest of oak and rhododendron, climbing staircase curved out of granite.
The Taktsang monastery is one of the most impressive examples of religious architecture in Bhutan,mainly because of its spectacular location on the a ledge with a sheer drop of 1200m below. It seems almost unbelievable that it was possible to build on such a dangerous spot.
Known as Tiger Nest, Taktsang Temple is Bhutan's most recognizable cultural icon, which has been restored after the mysterious fire destroyed it in April 1998. An important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years.
Tiger's Nest temple got its name when in the Eighth Century, Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tigress, a manifestation of one of his consorts, and meditated for three months in the cave behind the present-day temple. At that time malignant spirits abounded and, in order to subdue them, he assumed the terrifying form of Guru Dorje Drolo, one of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, and consecrated Paro Taktsang as a scared sit to protect the Dharma and subdue harmful forces.
The Taktsang monastery consists of a number of temple buildings which the Taktsang Pelphu is the main one.The actual cave where Guru meditated is the most sacred place of Taktsang,around which the lhakhangs are arranged. Later the Tibetan poet saint Jetsun melarepa visited the place and composed one of his songs after having spent three months in meditation in the cave. Another famous person to travel to Taktsang was “iron bridge builder” Thangtong Gyalpo. The Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited the place in 1645,but it was only in 1692 that then Paro Penlop had the monastery built in this sacred place. A legend tells that there was not enough support during the construction of the foundation, until some fairies came cutting their long hair to serve as a support for the building. Taktsang is one of the holiest places in Bhutan."
THE MOST REVERED KHENPO KARPO
The most revered Khenpo Karpo was born in Zhongmey, Lhuntse District, in eastern Bhutan, on the 10th Day of the 4th Month of the Fire-Rat Year, corresponding to 10 May 1934. In 1946 at aged 12, he joined Sherphu Gonpa and began his preliminary traditional studies such as reading practice of the Vajrachedika text and memorization of rituals prayers. In 1960 at aged 26, he planned to undertake a trip to Tibet to pursue study Buddhist studies. But it was failed as Chinese invaded Tibet and most of the renowned Rinpoches, Lamas and scholars fled Tibet. However, it was around that time he heard about His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche residing in Kalimpong, India, and his cousin Lama Pedma Longdrel had already been with his Holiness.
He traveled on foot to Kalimpong anticipating to study under His Holiness. Arriving there, he lived with his cousin. After a couple days, his cousin enquired him as to what he would like to do either to study ritual practice or philosophy. He explained to him that he could neither able to cope with the studies of Buddhist philosophy as he was already matured in age nor with ritual chanting as he had a bad voice. Instead, he expressed that he would like to undergo preliminary practices and receive empowerments, and meditation precepts and instructions on Dzogpachenpo, the Great Perfection. In accordance with his wish, the next day his cousin took him in the presence of His Holiness and introduced him to His Holiness. Initially, he received the Refuge Vow or Chabdroi Dompa and the Dharma name of Gyurme Namdrol. He then received the precepts on Preliminary Practice, following which he engaged himself in practising under His Holiness¡¯s guidance. In 1961, at the age of 27 he received full monastic ordination and the Bodhisattva Vow from His Holiness, the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche.
He continued his religious practice under the guidance of His Holiness Dujom Rinpoche. He attended upon His Holiness for almost 30 years from the age of 26 to 55 during which he received the complete Buddhist teachings covering empowerments, reading transmissions and instructions of the Nyingma, Kama and the Terma. He completed the three-year retreat of the Outer Mahayoga, Inner Anuyoga, and the Secret Atiyoga of the Dzogpachenpo tradition in Darjeeling in 1974 at the age of 40. Later, he undertook many meditative retreats in almost all of the scared places in Nepal and Bhutan.
In subsequent period of time, he received the complete Nyingthig empowerment and reading transmission from His Holiness Dilgo Khentse and His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche. Especially from His Holiness Dzogchen Polo Khenpo Rinpoche, he studied Madhyamika, Bodhisattvacharyavatara, Khejug, Yeshe Lama, Longchen Rabjampa¡¯s Sangnying Chochu Munsel, Khepo Ngakchung¡¯s Dzogchen Nyengyud (Hearing lineage of Trekchod and Thodgel), Astrology, Grammar, Literature and Poetry. Besides, he also received teachings and precepts from many other great Dzogchen masters.
Being a close disciple of many eminent masters like Dujom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Dzogchen Polo Rinpoche, he was able to receive their quintessential, precepts, instructions, and their mind-treasures. He was introduced to the direct experience of Dzogchen nature of mind by initiating into the essential teachings of the Semde (Series on the Mind), the Longde (Series on Space) and the Menngagde (Series of Secret Instruction).
A mentioned has been made in the masterwork called Dujom Sungbum that Ven. Khenpo Karpo is one of Dudjom Rinpoche¡¯s heart-sons whom had been empowered with the authority to confer empowerment, initiation and meditational instruction whatosever on his lineage teachings. As desired by his root-masters Dudjom Rinpoche and Dzogchen Polo Rinpoche, Ven. Khenpo Karpo founded Palphu Retreat Centre in Zhongmey, Lhuntse, in 1992. At present, the Centre has 51 monks with the accommodation and food being provided free of cost by the Khenpo.
Today, Ven. Khenpo Karpo is respected by all sections of society as the most experienced meditation master in Bhutan on Dudjom Tersar Lineages of Nyingma tradition. He frequently undertakes Dharma trips to Europe and North America being invited by the Buddhist Centres there. His recent trip was in 2006.
He made pilgrimage trips within Bhutan and outside such as Nepal, Tibet and India. He was greatly motivated by the fascinating holy sights around the Himalayan regions. On his return to his Centre, he recollected a prophecy made by the Great Treasure Revealer Lerab Lingpa:
"At one point of time, there will be a war of horse in Kurtoe ValleyAnd to avert this war, a statue of Guru Nangsi Zilnon should be built."
The late Lama Sonam Zangpo, the most revered Yogi of Bhutan, also stressed on this prophecy that for ensuring continued peace and prosperity in the world in general and Bhutan in particular, a giant Guru Rinpoche statue has to be built in Takila of Lhuntse District in eastern Bhutan.
Thus, inspired by prophecies, visions and the blessings of his masters, Ven. Khenpo Karpo launched 'The Druk Oddiyana Foundation' in 2005 with the mission to construct a huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the form of Guru Nagsi Zilnon. Under his abled chairmanship, the foundation is currently mobilizing labour and monetary contribution. The total fund envisaged for the construction of the Guru Statue is about US$ 39,980,685 (US Dollar Thirty Nine Lakhs, Nine Hundred Eighty Thousand and Six Hundred Eighty Five) only.
With folded hands I beseechThe Buddhas of all directions,To shower an inexhaustible treasureUntil the completion of the construction of the Guru statue
He traveled on foot to Kalimpong anticipating to study under His Holiness. Arriving there, he lived with his cousin. After a couple days, his cousin enquired him as to what he would like to do either to study ritual practice or philosophy. He explained to him that he could neither able to cope with the studies of Buddhist philosophy as he was already matured in age nor with ritual chanting as he had a bad voice. Instead, he expressed that he would like to undergo preliminary practices and receive empowerments, and meditation precepts and instructions on Dzogpachenpo, the Great Perfection. In accordance with his wish, the next day his cousin took him in the presence of His Holiness and introduced him to His Holiness. Initially, he received the Refuge Vow or Chabdroi Dompa and the Dharma name of Gyurme Namdrol. He then received the precepts on Preliminary Practice, following which he engaged himself in practising under His Holiness¡¯s guidance. In 1961, at the age of 27 he received full monastic ordination and the Bodhisattva Vow from His Holiness, the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche.
He continued his religious practice under the guidance of His Holiness Dujom Rinpoche. He attended upon His Holiness for almost 30 years from the age of 26 to 55 during which he received the complete Buddhist teachings covering empowerments, reading transmissions and instructions of the Nyingma, Kama and the Terma. He completed the three-year retreat of the Outer Mahayoga, Inner Anuyoga, and the Secret Atiyoga of the Dzogpachenpo tradition in Darjeeling in 1974 at the age of 40. Later, he undertook many meditative retreats in almost all of the scared places in Nepal and Bhutan.
In subsequent period of time, he received the complete Nyingthig empowerment and reading transmission from His Holiness Dilgo Khentse and His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche. Especially from His Holiness Dzogchen Polo Khenpo Rinpoche, he studied Madhyamika, Bodhisattvacharyavatara, Khejug, Yeshe Lama, Longchen Rabjampa¡¯s Sangnying Chochu Munsel, Khepo Ngakchung¡¯s Dzogchen Nyengyud (Hearing lineage of Trekchod and Thodgel), Astrology, Grammar, Literature and Poetry. Besides, he also received teachings and precepts from many other great Dzogchen masters.
Being a close disciple of many eminent masters like Dujom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Dzogchen Polo Rinpoche, he was able to receive their quintessential, precepts, instructions, and their mind-treasures. He was introduced to the direct experience of Dzogchen nature of mind by initiating into the essential teachings of the Semde (Series on the Mind), the Longde (Series on Space) and the Menngagde (Series of Secret Instruction).
A mentioned has been made in the masterwork called Dujom Sungbum that Ven. Khenpo Karpo is one of Dudjom Rinpoche¡¯s heart-sons whom had been empowered with the authority to confer empowerment, initiation and meditational instruction whatosever on his lineage teachings. As desired by his root-masters Dudjom Rinpoche and Dzogchen Polo Rinpoche, Ven. Khenpo Karpo founded Palphu Retreat Centre in Zhongmey, Lhuntse, in 1992. At present, the Centre has 51 monks with the accommodation and food being provided free of cost by the Khenpo.
Today, Ven. Khenpo Karpo is respected by all sections of society as the most experienced meditation master in Bhutan on Dudjom Tersar Lineages of Nyingma tradition. He frequently undertakes Dharma trips to Europe and North America being invited by the Buddhist Centres there. His recent trip was in 2006.
He made pilgrimage trips within Bhutan and outside such as Nepal, Tibet and India. He was greatly motivated by the fascinating holy sights around the Himalayan regions. On his return to his Centre, he recollected a prophecy made by the Great Treasure Revealer Lerab Lingpa:
"At one point of time, there will be a war of horse in Kurtoe ValleyAnd to avert this war, a statue of Guru Nangsi Zilnon should be built."
The late Lama Sonam Zangpo, the most revered Yogi of Bhutan, also stressed on this prophecy that for ensuring continued peace and prosperity in the world in general and Bhutan in particular, a giant Guru Rinpoche statue has to be built in Takila of Lhuntse District in eastern Bhutan.
Thus, inspired by prophecies, visions and the blessings of his masters, Ven. Khenpo Karpo launched 'The Druk Oddiyana Foundation' in 2005 with the mission to construct a huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the form of Guru Nagsi Zilnon. Under his abled chairmanship, the foundation is currently mobilizing labour and monetary contribution. The total fund envisaged for the construction of the Guru Statue is about US$ 39,980,685 (US Dollar Thirty Nine Lakhs, Nine Hundred Eighty Thousand and Six Hundred Eighty Five) only.
With folded hands I beseechThe Buddhas of all directions,To shower an inexhaustible treasureUntil the completion of the construction of the Guru statue
Following in Dalai lama's footsteps
*Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. when you lose,don't lose the lesson..
*FOLLOW THE THREE R'S: Respect for self ....Respect for other andResponsibility for all your actions.
*Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck ...*Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly....*don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship...*When you realise you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it...*Spend some time alone every day..
*Open your arm to change, but don't let go of your values...
*Remember that silince is sometimes the best answer...*Live a good, honourable life. then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time....*In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation.don't bring up the past...
*Share you knowledge.it's a way to achieve immortality.*Be gentle with earth ..*Onece a year, go some place you've never been before..*Remember that the best relationship one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other....
*Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it....!
*Approach love and cooking with reckless adbandon........!
*FOLLOW THE THREE R'S: Respect for self ....Respect for other andResponsibility for all your actions.
*Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck ...*Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly....*don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship...*When you realise you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it...*Spend some time alone every day..
*Open your arm to change, but don't let go of your values...
*Remember that silince is sometimes the best answer...*Live a good, honourable life. then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time....*In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation.don't bring up the past...
*Share you knowledge.it's a way to achieve immortality.*Be gentle with earth ..*Onece a year, go some place you've never been before..*Remember that the best relationship one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other....
*Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it....!
*Approach love and cooking with reckless adbandon........!
Lhuntse_Eastern Bhutan
Lhuntse Dzong {Fortress} is located in Eastern Bhutan on the top of the Hill which is blessed by many great Lamas......
Sunday, November 9, 2008
She’s 7 years older than the dynasty!
6 November, 2008 - Living to a ripe old age is life’s greatest blessing for 107-year old Abi Sonam Pelzom from Kheng Bjoka in Zhemgang.
Rich in memories of her encounter with Bhutan’s first King, whom she refers to as the king with a beard, the toothless, wrinkled old woman will get to see his great grandson crowned on November 6.
“Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck patted my head when I went to visit my brother Chimila, who served the King in Wangdicholing, Bumthang,” she said.
Brought from Gelephu, where she stays with her only daughter, ever since she was diagnosed with asthma and advised to live in a hot place, on November 2, Abi Sonam Pelzom, one of the four applicants for centenary citizen’s award, lives in Serbithang with her granddaughter today.
Like many Bhutanese, Abi Sonam wishes to offer thri dar to His Majesty. But she is doubtful if her old age and legs would carry her. “I’ll whisper my prayers and good wishes of longevity to the king through the wind if I can’t manage to offer the thri dar,” she said. “But I’ll try to come.”
Having had the privilege to meet all four Kings of Bhutan, her only wish today is to take a photograph with the fifth King. “I have to come out nice in the photograph,” she smiled through her wrinkles.
Though her stream of thought often breaks down, Abi Sonam remembers her visit to Lho Drak Karchung in Tibet, where she offered cotton wicks, which are found in plenty in Kheng Bjoka, instead of money, at all the holy places she visited.
According to Abi Sonam’s daughter, Jigme Lhamo, 71, Abi Sonam claims to have lived so long because of her visit to Lho Drak Karchung, where Jetsun Milarepa, a Tibetan saint, had built a 13-storied castle. “Buddhist believe that one would be blessed with longevity if one visits the place,” Jigme said.
Holding her prayer beads in her left hand, Abi Sonam describes the tall, gigantic Bjoka Koche’s (a noble family in Lower Kheng) palace, all the rooms her uncles occupied, her journey into the interior Kheng villages of Kumari and Gugsangbi, carrying about 50 kg of maize.
All the centenarians in the country will be awarded cash prizes and certificates on December 17. According to Citizens’ Initiative for Coronation and Centenary Celebrations’s Dorji Wangchuk, a grand centenary citizen award would be given to the oldest. “It would be impossible to bring all the centenarians to Thimphu, but we’ll be sending our camerapersons to the places where they live and make documentaries,” he said.
Giving a kera (belt) as a souvenir to a monk, who visits her, Abi Sonam prays that the monk should live long like her. She has a brother, aged 101 in Gelephu.
Rich in memories of her encounter with Bhutan’s first King, whom she refers to as the king with a beard, the toothless, wrinkled old woman will get to see his great grandson crowned on November 6.
“Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck patted my head when I went to visit my brother Chimila, who served the King in Wangdicholing, Bumthang,” she said.
Brought from Gelephu, where she stays with her only daughter, ever since she was diagnosed with asthma and advised to live in a hot place, on November 2, Abi Sonam Pelzom, one of the four applicants for centenary citizen’s award, lives in Serbithang with her granddaughter today.
Like many Bhutanese, Abi Sonam wishes to offer thri dar to His Majesty. But she is doubtful if her old age and legs would carry her. “I’ll whisper my prayers and good wishes of longevity to the king through the wind if I can’t manage to offer the thri dar,” she said. “But I’ll try to come.”
Having had the privilege to meet all four Kings of Bhutan, her only wish today is to take a photograph with the fifth King. “I have to come out nice in the photograph,” she smiled through her wrinkles.
Though her stream of thought often breaks down, Abi Sonam remembers her visit to Lho Drak Karchung in Tibet, where she offered cotton wicks, which are found in plenty in Kheng Bjoka, instead of money, at all the holy places she visited.
According to Abi Sonam’s daughter, Jigme Lhamo, 71, Abi Sonam claims to have lived so long because of her visit to Lho Drak Karchung, where Jetsun Milarepa, a Tibetan saint, had built a 13-storied castle. “Buddhist believe that one would be blessed with longevity if one visits the place,” Jigme said.
Holding her prayer beads in her left hand, Abi Sonam describes the tall, gigantic Bjoka Koche’s (a noble family in Lower Kheng) palace, all the rooms her uncles occupied, her journey into the interior Kheng villages of Kumari and Gugsangbi, carrying about 50 kg of maize.
All the centenarians in the country will be awarded cash prizes and certificates on December 17. According to Citizens’ Initiative for Coronation and Centenary Celebrations’s Dorji Wangchuk, a grand centenary citizen award would be given to the oldest. “It would be impossible to bring all the centenarians to Thimphu, but we’ll be sending our camerapersons to the places where they live and make documentaries,” he said.
Giving a kera (belt) as a souvenir to a monk, who visits her, Abi Sonam prays that the monk should live long like her. She has a brother, aged 101 in Gelephu.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
With friends of Tsering Art School
Jeff {American}, Tsering Wangmo{Tibetan}, Miki Nakamura{Japanese}, Phuntso {Bhutanese, it's me owner of this blog} and last Jeevan{Nepali} at the ice-cream shop in Bhaktapur during Dashain.
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