Tuesday
Sakyong and FamilyLetter from the Sakyong Wangmo
The Sakyong Wangmo writes to us from Nepal
As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of the Kongma Sakyong, I felt inspired to share some thoughts and feelings with all of you. As everyone knows, this has been a tremendous year for our family, first with the birth of our third child, Jetsun Dzedron, as well as the continued deepening and expansion of the Shambhala teachings with the many deep retreats and public programs that the Sakyong has led, all of which have deepened our understanding of basic goodness and enlightened society. After teaching a public program in Poland for the first time, the Sakyong then traveled to Nepal where I joined him along with Jetsun Drukmo, Jetsun Yudra, and Jetsun Dzedron in order to attend a very important empowerment ceremony at my family lineage’s monastery in Pharping.
This was an important moment for my family because my father, His Eminence Namka Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, conferred for the first time in its entirety his personal collection of teachings, known in Tibetan as gongter, or “mind treasure.” He first started to receive and compose these teachings in Tibet and has continued to the present day. As young men in Tibet, he and the first Sakyong often shared their vision, insights, and inspiration. Now, many years later, that collection of teachings is being passed on to and held by our Sakyong. This joining of the Shambhala lineage and world with my personal family lineage and clan of the Ripa tradition was especially important for me.
In attendance were tülkus, khenpos, monks, nuns, and a very large lay community of Himalayan people from Nepal, Bhutan, and India. A cheerful group of Shambhalians, as well as students of Ripa Centers from Europe, Russia, and Southeast Asia, were also in attendance, I am happy to say. The days were quite long, with a lung, “reading transmission,” given by my brother, Dungsey Lhuntrul Rinpoche, every morning, and the abhishekas, “ritual empowerments,” conferred by my father in the afternoons. At the end of each day, the Sakyong would then lead the individual bestowal of the empowerments to the entire monastic and lay communities, which often numbered over a thousand people.
Between the empowerments, the Sakyong and I would meet with local dignitaries and students, and in the midst of it all the Sakyong gave a talk to all of the Western students gathered, explaining the significance and meaning of the ceremonies. For my family and myself, the entire experience was very moving, for my father seemed especially happy and sometimes quite emotional since he was passing on his life’s work. It was a very deep, significant, and busy time. Everything ran smoothly under the guidance of my brother Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche.
At the conclusion of the abhisheka ceremonies, my sisters and I were invited to lead the sacred Lingdro dances associated with Gesar of Ling. This was a wonderful and inspiring occasion with both male and female warriors dressed in ancient costumes of Ling performing a circular dance of warriorship.
After the abhisheka was completed, the Sakyong did a personal retreat, which I was very happy about since he had been constantly traveling and teaching. What often strikes me is how the Sakyong is so deeply immersed in both the profound and ancient traditions of Tibet and his understanding and familiarity with the West and our modern culture. It feels as though he is tirelessly working for all of us and I believe for the true betterment of the world. I was glad that he could have some time to rest and rejuvenate. I’m also very happy that the Sakyong will be performing pujas for the health and prosperity of our community before he departs Nepal. These pujas are something that the Sakyong does annually, and I am delighted that he will be able do them this year in Nepal.
I feel inspired to share with all of you that one of the main messages and teachings that came from my father’s mind treasure were the teachings on Gesar of Ling and warriorship. Therefore I would like to encourage all of you to take to heart our profound, rich Shambhala teachings on warriorship. More than ever, I feel a spirit of fearlessness and gentleness encouraging us to go forward. As a mother, I feel especially moved by these teachings because they provide guidance and inspiration, not only for my children but for future Shambhalians and warriors to be.
As I write to you here in Nepal I feel a great sense of blessing and good fortune to be connected to all of you. I wish to extend my love and tashi deleks to all of you.
Yours in the vision of Shambhala,
The Sakyong Wangmo, Dechen Chöying Sangmo
Dec 1, 2015
Reply
Dear Lhacham, thank you for this heartfelt and articulate letter. You have captured the facts as well as the spirit of the gongter. It was a privilege to be a witness and participant in Nepal. Have a wonderful remainder of your stay in Nepal with your family, but remember that the rest of your family here in the west is anxiously awaiting your return. With respect, love and an ever deepening appreciation.
Nov 21, 2015
Reply
Your Majesty,
Thank you so much for sharing with us the importance and power of the gongter. The magic of this wonderful lineage leaves me feeling truly blessed. Happy, cheerful birthday to our dear, precious Sakyong! Sending love and warm wishes to you and all of your family. Lisa Aweida-Ross
Nov 21, 2015
Reply
Dearest Lhacham, thank you for sharing with us the beauty and power and blessings of this momentous event. I wish we could have been there with you. The gentleness and fearlessness of the lineage of Gesar are so much needed in the world now. It makes me so happy to hear that the Lingdro took place again in the context of these great teachings. We hope that one day soon we can dance again with you. Best wishes for an auspicious remaining time in Nepal with your family, and wishes for a safe journey. With love to you, the Sakyong and the Jetsuns, Amelie
Nov 20, 2015
Reply
Your Majesty-The Mother and Father Lineage hold up the Great Ashe. We know it in Sakyong’s steadfast gaze and wide Mukpo smile. We know it in your virtuous grace and deep devotion. How wonderful to see the recent photo of your dance offering. May your extended period at your family lhadrang deeply seep the wisdom and love of your Ripa clan into the vision of the Jetsuns. Know back at your Kalapa court, Kalapa Potrang stands well. In the cheerful smoke of the Sakyong’s birthday celebration, Dapon Orange
Nov 20, 2015
Reply
Thank you Sakyong Wangmo. It is lovely to hear from you, and your father passing on his treasure is so profound and meaningful, as is the work of the Sakyong. I too am happy that he can rest and take time for himself . Wishes of good, long life to you and your entire family. -Linda (Sad-Joy Lioness)
Nov 20, 2015
Reply
Thank you Your Majesty, for sharing your heartfelt experience with us. I wish we all could be there with you all for this profound moment. Sending love and good wishes from Boulder, Tamara
Nov 19, 2015
Reply
Thank you , Tashi Delek, and Love to you and your entire family. It is wonderful to hear from you. May the rest of your stay in Nepal be joyous and safe.
With much appreciation Karen
Nov 18, 2015
Reply
Very inspiring message. How fortunate this auspicious event has taken place, at this time of need of human bravery. Thank you, Sakyong Wangmo
Nov 17, 2015
Reply
My heart and mind are filled with gratitude, Your Majesty. I extend a deep (virtual) bow. /_\
Nov 17, 2015
Reply
Tashi Delek Your Majesty, the Mukpo Family and the Ripa clan!
Thank you for sharing your heart and message with us.
It is very helpful to learn of the blessings His Eminence is sharing with so many!
We are fortunate the Sakyong is leading us forward in this way.
With love, loyalty and in service,
Timaree Bierle-Dodds, Vancouver, WA USA
Nov 16, 2015
Reply
Thank you so much for this beautiful and inspiring message. It strengthens my heart. With love and appreciation, Susan