Lama Dance - Deer Dance

Cham or Lama Dance was started by Guru Rinpoche in Tibet. It is said that anyone who watches this dance with great devotion will be protected during their bardo state. It also helps remove negative karma and obstacles. This dance is the emanation of Heruka which is the reincarnation of Samantabhadra, the guru of Guru Rinpoche

Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche at Ratnashri PJ, Malaysia

Ratnashri Buddhist Center, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Committee Members doing Mandala Offering

Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche Bathing The Buddha Ceremony

Life Release on Wesak Day withDrikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche(2)

Life Release on Wesak Day with Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche in Malaysia

Saga Dawa And Wesak Day With Drikung Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche

Song dedicated to the children of Yushu Earthquake Tibet_Yangchuk Tso

"Small legs lost between the stones

Mother`s lap suddenly got cold

Weeping, shouting to father and mother

I fear, I tremble

FATHER/MOTHER_MOTHER/FATHER

My black hair coverd by the dust

My small body squeezed by the wall

MOTHER/FATHER_FATHER/MOTHER

Please! Search me once with your eyes

MOTHER/FATHER_FATHER/MOTHER

Please! Hold me once with your hands

Small flower destroyed by the storm

Mother`s song suddenly got cut off

Suffering pain, hopelessly

I feel cold, i feel hungry

FATHER/MOTHER_MOTHER/FATHER

My little playground is destroyed

My brethern, friends are pushed seperated

MOTHER/FATHER_FATHER/MOTHER

Please! Call my name once

MOTHER/FATHER_FATHER/MOTHER

Please! Kiss me once

MOTHER_MOTHER/FATHER"

With thanks to: Gangthuk Tibet Boedpa for posting it into his Facebook.

Translation from Tibetan to English by JIGDO

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=572356653#!/profile.php?id=100000750113271&v=wall&story_fbid=124564594225855

Yushu - After The Quake - What Next!

Three weeks into the Yushu earthquake and as news disappear from the world’s front pages, survivors’ needs increase. Temperatures are still at sub zero. They still lack the very basic necessities of warm clothings, blankets, fuel for cooking etc. They are living on meager food supplies and are driniking water from unsafe sources.

Those who survived the quake are psychologically traumatised. When they are awake they are nervous and when they fall asleep nightmares haunt them. Many of them are suicidal. They face an uncertain future after losing all that they have – family members and their homes.

No amount is too small as a gift to the people of Yushu. For every dollar you will be able to provide a bowl of warm meal, a bottle of clean water or even something to keep them warm. Below is an estimate of what your contributions can do for them :

* A jacket costs : 2 USD.
* A blanket costs : 2.40 USD.
* A toothbrush costs : 0.15 USD.
* One ton of coal costs : 51 USD.
* 20 * 500ml bottled water : 2.20 USD.
* Flashlight : 2.90 USD.

An orphanage, a clinic and library will be built on the grounds of former Norling Library. Norling Library was the brain child of Minam Rinpoche. It was a four storey building which stood proudly in the town of Yushu. Many people, especially children, thronged this library daily.

If you wish to be part of the Norling Library – Orphanage – Clinic project, let’s join hands with Minam Rinpoche to make Yushu a better place for the people of Yushu.

Updates from Minam Rinpoche - Xining

(Rinpoche's sister who perished in the quake)

Hong Kong entertainment industry is concerned about Norling Library. Hong Kong Film Director, Alan Mak and actor Mo Shaocong spoke with Rinpoche on the future of the people in Yushu. Rinpoche stressed that the immediate needs of the homeless people, the orphans and prayers for the deceased must be addressed with utmost priority. Rinpoche so far has personally come out with 300,000 yuan (excluding funds that are being sent) to buy tents, 215 solar energy system and also the basic necessities as in food and water.

Rinpoche has taken on the responsibility of looking after 20 orphans and he intends to build an orphanage - “Norling Orphanage”. He hopes that charitable organizations will join hands in this project.

Yushu Earthquake - Before & After

BEFORE : Yushu town

AFTER : Yushu Town


BEFORE : Overlooking Jiegu through the Chortens of the Ga Kye Gu Monastery, a popular place of worship for Jiegu's Tibetan community

AFTER: Tibetan monks are helping with the relief efforts.


BEFORE: Gesar Square on Jiegu's main street


AFTER: Gesar Square is now being used as a quake relief camp for survivors.

BEFORE: Woman sitting outside the markets on Jiegu's main road amid Tibetan mastiffs collars displayed for sale on the motorcycle handles.

AFTER: A roadblock stops motorcyclists in Jiegu in anticipation of Hu Jintao's visit on April 18, 2010.

BEFORE: The winged horse symbolizes things beautiful and wild celebrated in the horse festivals of the Khampa for which this town is famous. This statue still stands but the buildings around this major intersection are mostly gone.

AFTER: The building still standing in the upper left hand corner of this photo can be seen in in the previous photo of the township.

BEFORE: Pilgrims would spin prayer wheels, click rossaries, recite mantras, and add stones carved with prayers as they circumambulate the Jiana Mani temple, also known as the world's largest Mani stone pile.

AFTER: The Mani stones still remain, but the atmosphere is decidedly different.

BEFORE: Kids take a break from holy circumambulations for a fairy floss break amidst painted mani stones.

AFTER: Hunger is now a problem for the children

Kilung Earthquake Relief 2010

This article is extracted from an email that I received in my mailbox this morning.

Thank you one and all!

The outpouring from around the world was tremendous. Kilung Rinpoche’s vision fulfilled: Our friends in the wide world did become one warm heart to help raise the hopes of the devastated people of Kyekudo for their future. We exceeded our goal! (see below)

Our team of Kilung monks, community members, and friends from China tirelessly brought Tibetan food and goods to Kyeku, distributing relief in three days to over 2,000 striken individuals, including Tibetans, Chinese, and Muslims. The milk products, tsampa, and tea were enough to feed each person for 12 days. We also gave out ceramic bowls, lighters, candles, water, teakettles, soap, and first aid supplies.

The recipients were more than thrilled to receive healthy Tibetan food. Many of them pleaded for extra packages for those who couldn’t leave their tents. There were many grateful reports that our trucks were the only going to the far corners of the encampment grounds, serving folks who had previously received fewer supplies and food than others in the camp. While there was some other tsampa being distributed in Kyeku, we heard there were no other milk products, and so ours were received with resounding joy. When other NGOs heard about our butter and cheese packages, they were inspired for the future.

See more compelling photos by team member Trindar Getse showing the process from packing up food in Dzachuka, to delivery to outstretched hands and hearts in Kyeku.

The day after the earthquake, as Kilung Rinpoche and i were conceiving this plan, we gulped at the thought of raising the $32,000 needed, wondering if enough donors would answer the call. But the emergency nature of the situation required us to take a leap of faith…and did you ever deliver! In one week, we not only made the goal, but exceeded it: Over $38,000 was sent or pledged. We just can’t thank you enough!

Some of the surplus money will make possible a second trip to Kyeku with additional tsampa (barley flour), already ordered and milled for us. Another buying trip is needed to Ganze for the small camping stoves on our original delivery list.

The Kilung Foundation is planning to extend the relief effort to needy Kyeku earthquake victims for the next two to three years. Government relief has provided tents, packaged food, water, and most recently, the start of electricity and temporary housing in the form of metal huts. But we know that individual families are still in need of much to get them over the hump until Kyeku has been put back together again.

Our plan: To provide essential, nutritious milk products from Dzachuka to 50 Kyeku families for the next two to three years. We will do this in a sustainable way: by buying 100 yaks, grazing them on land provided by Kilung Monastery, cared for by several Kilung nomad families.* Milk products will be trucked over to Kyeku twice a year, and delivered to the 50 families that our monastery team has identified as most needy, with the advice of Kyeku community leaders and elders.

How you can help: Sponsor a Kyeku Family for $36/month for two years.

This will buy the two yaks (dri) needed for each family. 48 sponsors are needed, because Kilung Foundation has already sponsored two families with surplus money. Sponsors are needed by May 30 to purchase 100 yaks before start of the summer milking season. First delivery to Kyeku: mid-summer 2010!

To sponsor:
1. Send a check to Kilung Foundation, PO Box 622, Langley, WA 98260, or,
2. Go to our website to use your credit card, including automatic donations, or,
3. Email us for more information, including about automatic bank payments.

All donations tax-deductible. We will send tax receipts.

In addition to helping the earthquake families, our plan will benefit Kilung community in several ways — by helping to restock the yak population which still hasn’t completely recovered from the snowstorm of 2008; by encouraging the traditional Tibetan way of life; after Kyeku families are on their feet again, the milk products will go to Kilung community and monastery; and as backup resource for future emergencies in the area.

Deep gratitude to everyone, for the myriad of ways that you have made a difference for the people of Kyeku in time of dire need.
Sincerely,
Diane Berger
Kilung Foundation
Whidbey Island, Washington

*Note: Milk products coming from the high grasslands of Dzachuka, where Kilung is located, are famous for being extra-nutritious and rich. The yaks there graze on an amazing amalgum of fragrant medicinal and flowering herbs at an altitude of 14,000 feet. Kyeku, on the other hand, is located at 12,000 feet, in a different climate and growing zone. Bringing the cheese, butter, milk, and yogurt from Dzachuka is a high-essence and nourishing gift indeed!

http://www.kilung.org/
Letters on the Kilung website: Kilung Earthquake Relief Appeal .
On Facebook: Kilung Foundation Earthquake Relief Effort on FACEBOOK

Yushu Earthquake -Darkness, the darkest hour

Everyday as night falls I go about like a zombie. My heart aches and reaches the people in Yushu as they prepare for another bitter cold night. Our friends in Yushu are brazing the cold at night and here as we lay in bed, we turn on our air conditioner and at the same time cuddle up in our warm duvet. Isn't that an irony?

Many people have responded to this urgent cry but many are still nonchalant to this situation. It is made more sorrowful when you hear friends talking about this unfortunate event as a great conversational topic and disdaining others of their empathy for the people of Yushu.

I can no longer be a judge of who is what, as I wrap myself in spreading the plight of the Yushu-ians.

Tserkarmo Monastery

What Is "Tsa-Wa-i Lama By H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche

What exactly Is a "Tsa-wa i Lama" or "Root-Guru"?
There are several forms of Tsa-wa i Lama but we need only discuss the two most important ones here. The first form of Tsa-wa i Lama is the head of the particular school of Tibetan Buddhism that you are considering joining. The heads of that school can be traced right back for many centuries and this is called "The Lineage". The head of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism is His Holiness, Urgyen Thrinley, the XVII Gyalwa Karmapa. You could say that the heads of the schools hold a similar position to that of the heads of the Christian orders of the Benedictine or Franciscan monks.

The second form is the Lama (who may or may not have the title of Rinpoche) under whose guidance you feel you can learn most and travel furthest. It Is someone for whom you have total respect; the person you turn to in need; someone you can follow without doubt or hesitation - whose words "enter your bones". It is the person who helps you most to realize the true nature of your mind. This Tsa-wa i-Lama wall be your strongest connection with the Dharma.

What does the phrase "true nature of your mind' mean?
It means your "Buddha-nature". It Is the essence of the Buddha, the innate goodness, which lies within every sentient being. It is the revelation of the supreme qualities of compassion and wisdom.

What is the difference between a Tsa-wa i Lama and any other Lama or teacher?
You can learn, or should be able to learn, something from any Lama; indeed from any person and every situation. However, you will learn more from your Tsa-wa i Lama than from any other. The contact will be deep and will last for the rest of this life. It may have lasted for many lifetimes already and the connection will probably continue for many lifetimes to come. "Tsa-wa i Lama" is sometimes translated as "spiritual friend" or "spiritual guide" because he or she will be your main guide along the path of Dharma.

Is your Tsa-wa i Lama the Lama you take Refuge with?
Not necessarily. We call this Lama your "Refuge-Lama". The Refuge-Lama is the one who opens the door of the Dharma and introduces you. That Lama may become your Tsa-wa i Lama but only time will tell.

How does someone go about finding their Tsa-wa i Lama? How do you recognize him or her?
Have patience. Follow the advice of your Refuge-Lama. Practise diligently. Go to teachings when possible and the situation will become clear.

Is it possible to have a woman Tsa-wa i Lama?
Of course, why not?

Once someone has found their Tsa-wa i Lama does this mean they should not attend teachings or initiations given by other Lamas?
No, of course not, but a little care should be taken. Each tradition of Buddhism, such as Zen or Theravadin, and each school of Tibetan Buddhism has a different way of presenting things. If you listen to a great variety it is easy to confuse issues without realising you are doing so. It is like a paint box! The red is a nice colour, and those two greens are both clear and bright, and the yellow and that rich purple - all are fine colours but if you mix them all together you get a muddy brown! It is better to stay with teachers of the same lineage as far as you can so that your mind does not become muddy brown! However, a little of one colour added to another can be good. Ask your Refuge Lama or your Tsa-wa i Lama for advice.

It is said that there is a strong connection between the student and their Tsa-wa i Lama and that the student should offer uncritical obedience. Is this correct?
Yes, there is a strong connection or bond between the Tsa-wa i Lama and the student but the student will offer what he or she can. Some students learn more by simple acceptance; others learn more by asking questions. Both are good. This is not the army! The role of the Tsa-wa-i Lama is to bring you to know the true nature of your mind-to see the truth as it is - not to brain-wash you.

If someone learned that their Tsa-wa i Lama had behaved in a manner contrary to their own moral standards, is it possible for that student to break the bond and find another Tsa-wa i Lama?
The student should remember that the bond is voluntary and it is possible that that Lama is no longer appropriate. Perhaps it was not their true Tsa-wa i Lama so in that case there was no bond to start with. If the Tsa-wa i Lama should break his own personal Samaya (deep vows) then that dissolves the "contract" with the student and there is no longer a bond to break. If the student is unsure or uneasy then they should try to discuss the issue with their Tsa-wa-i- Lama, or with another Lama whom they respect - perhaps their Refuge-Lama. There may be a misunderstanding and an easy explanation. Time and common sense will show the way. If this is not possible, or if the student is still distressed, they should turn to their own Buddha-nature for guidance.

Beautiful Chortens

Just when I thought the shopping flavor on this trip to spiritual India was the one flavor missing, I bumped into this beautiful chorten.

Chortens are symbolic for the three aspects of the Buddhas which are the body, speech and mind. Great merit is said to be accumulated when we do circumambulations around chortens and even more when we build or are involved in the building of one.

This lovely chorten you see is of plastic material, measures about 6” x 6” at the base and is about 10”~12” tall (sorry do not have a ruler). It lights up when plugged to a 220V power source.

Lobsang Rampa's Books

I am looking for the full set of Lobsang Rampa's books. Anyone disposing them??? Drop me a line. Thanks

The Strings Of Attachment

It will be another long trip away. On one hand I am really looking forward to this trip but on the other hand the string of attachment plays the tug-of-war. Want to see my little string of attachment?

Internet access may be far and few but I hope to be able to do as many updates as I possibly can especially with pictures and video clips on the life and culture of the land of snows, the roof of the world. Do drop by for some great clips from next week onwards.

Tibetan Uprising Day

China's Brutal Crackdown On Ngaba Protests

Twenty Tibetans were reported dead following a crackdown by Chinese forces on a protest in Ngaba "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture" in Amdo Province of Tibet (present-day Sichuan Province) on March 16th; Ten have been confirmed and identified. Hundreds of Tibetans from Amdo are still missing.

Norbu, son of Phurwagoen, 15, student at Tibetan Middle School, from Shanglung Village

Tashi Wangchuk, 27, son of Tsedrugtsang from Lhade Gongma Village

Gephen Thaklo, 64, family name Khenyirtsang Village Headman of Asigma Village, Ngaba. Wife, 54, also shot and in critical condition

Atashia, 26, Gangwa Pakortsang From Ngoshil Tsode Village

Gyergyam, 40, family name Jamshotsang, from Porema Village

­Lobsang Nyima, 17, from Zamthang
He came to further his studies at Kirti Monastery

In addition to the six above, five additional victims have been identified as:

1. Tsezin Totsang (32-year old male from Thechung)

2. Lhundup Tsomo Jigshetsang, (18-year old female student at Tibetan Middle School, from Ngoshu Village)

3. Butrang Dhargyetsang (female)

4. Sangay (18-year old male from Raro Village)

5. Gyamtso Beize

Thai Olympic torchbearer withdraws in protest over China's crackdown in Tibet
AP[Sunday, March 23, 2008 16:24]

BANGKOK, Thailand, March 23: One of Thailand's representatives in the Olympic torch relay has withdrawn in protest over China's recent crackdown on protesters in Tibet, a statement said Sunday.

Narisa Chakrabongse — one of the country's six torchbearers — said in an open letter that she decided against taking part in the relay to "send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions."

Anti-government protests started in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, on the March 10 anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule and turned violent four days later, touching off demonstrations among Tibetans in three neighboring provinces.

Beijing's official death toll from the rioting is now 22, but the Dalai Lama's government-in-exile has said 99 Tibetans have died.

"The slaying of the Tibetans ... is an outright violation of human rights," Narisa wrote. "It happened two weeks before the Olympic torch leaves Athens and five months before the Olympic Games. This reflects the Chinese government's negligence of world sentiment."

Tibetans and their supporters have protested in cities around the world against China, where the games will be staged.

Some fear the arrival of the Olympic torch — which arrives in Thailand in April en route to Beijing — could spark violent protests against China, while others are calling for heads of state, dignitaries and even corporate sponsors to boycott the Olympics, or at least the opening ceremony.