MANDALA BOOKLET The Activities of Kyabgรถn Phakchok Rinpoche
You are warmly welcomed to the Mandala of activities of KyabgÜn Phakchok Rinpoche and his international sangha. It is Phakchok Rinpoche’s vision to uphold our dharmic heritage by disseminating the Buddhist teachings, and to support communities in need through ongoing humanitarian efforts. In this booklet you will find a wide range of activities and how to further connect with them, and our Mandala.
THE MANDALA
THE MANDALA
Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation The Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation was first founded in USA in 2006 by His Eminence Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche together with Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche. Since then we have expanded our presence, and are now represented in Nepal, USA and Hong Kong. Our vision is to nurture our rich, innate potential, by unveiling the heart of wisdom and compassion and empowering others with true dignity. Complementing our vision, our mission is to benefit sentient beings and preserve the Buddha’s sacred teachings. In fulfilling our mission, our fundamental ideals are rooted in the authentic, genuine teachings of the Buddha, a timeless legacy that transcends race, gender, age, time, culture and nationality. We strive to liberate ourselves and all sentient beings from the mundane physical and mental sufferings of this life, as well as the suffering of future lives. To learn more about the Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation please visit: www.cglf.org
Genuine Roots Program
Monastic Education
Humanitarian Work
Given the expansive influence of western modernity, the aim of this program is to support local Buddhist communities in the maintenance of their Buddhist heritage and traditions by providing regular transmissions, empowerments, and teachings to village lamas, and equipping them with the tools the need to continue to support their communities.
Phakchok Rinpoche is both spiritually and materially responsible for five monasteries and two retreat centers in Nepal. The tantric tradition, particularly of ritual and the complex vajrayana arts are preserved in the monasteries and through the Monastic Education program, the Foundation is helping to ensure the dharma continues to spread beyond our own lifetimes.
Phakchok Rinpoche’s humanitarian activities aim to improve the resilience and wellbeing of the Himalayan communities most prone to natural disasters and pervasive health issues. Based on an innovative, hybrid model of direct-service provision and facilitation of knowledge-based trainings, and working within a local framework, it encourages traditionally sustainable solutions to development problems, while ensuring international standards of accountability.
Lhasey Lotsawa Translations & Publications All the texts of Lhasey Lotsawa are specifically chosen by our Rinpoches and meant for direct application. They range from the Buddha’s sutras to texts by great Indian masters sucha as Vimalamitra and Nagarjuna, and practice texts from the Chokling Tersar and Taklung Kagyu traditions. We aspire that by translating and publishing such precious texts we can help not only preserve the dharma of scripture, but also further its study and practice around the world.
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Zangdok Palri The construction of the Zangdok Palri, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, is in accordance with Chokling Rinpoche’s own prophetic dream and the heart advice of his root guru, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Zangdok Palri is the Glorious Copper Coloured Mountain, the pure land of Guru Rinpoche, and it will be of great benefit for the peace and happiness of the world, for the long lives and activities of all Tibetan Buddhist masters and the flourishing of the buddhadharma.. It is a supreme place of liberation through seeing, and accumulation of merit through offerings. In the future, the Foundation hopes it to house a tantric school dedicated to upholding the sacred teachings of the Secret Mantrayana.
Based on the universal values of compassion, equality, and justice, and empowering local communities to tackle those issues that affect them most, the Foundation works with all community stakeholders, regardless of faith or ideology, to nurture and entrench a belief in the basic goodness of humanity. Among other activities, the Foundation delivers low-cost and free healthcare from different healthcare traditions at its Kathmandu valley clinic; runs annual dental camps in rural Nepal and India; runs a Tibetan medicine training center, and; works with communities to prepare them for natural disasters.
Dharma Centers
Ratna Jewels
Currently there are twenty dharma groups and centers worldwide under the guidance of Phakchok Rinpoc he. Some of these groups and centers host Rinpoche each year for courses and teachings, as well as hosting other lamas and dharma teachers of our tradition.
Ratna Jewels is a collection of items related to the Dharma specifically produced under the guidance and blessings of Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche and other authentic spiritual masters. Each item in the Ratna Jewels collection has been made with immense care to ensure its authenticity according to the Buddhist scriptures. These items, being the representation of the various aspects of the Buddha’s teachings are therefore, priceless. Through the production of these items, we also hope to be able to preserve a dying culture for the benefit of future generations. The profit from the sale of these items are dedicated to the charitable and dharmic activities of Phakchok Rinpoche.
The purpose of a dharma center is to offer a sustainable place of authentic learning and practice of the buddhadharma primarily for the local lay community. Starting and sustaining a dharma group is a commitment that should be entered into with a motivation of wanting to benefit one’s community and as a way of supporting people’s interest in the dharma and Rinpoche’s activities. To see a list of centers, please visit: www.phakchokrinpoche.org/ community
To learn more, please visit: www.cglf.org/projects/healthcare
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To learn more and to view our items, please visit: www. ratnajewels.com
THE MANDALA
Dharma courses Throughout the year at different locations around the world it is possible to take part in dharma courses with Phakchok Rinpoche. These courses cover a comprehensive range of study and practice of all levels of the Buddha’s teachings. Rinpoche teaches three primary streams of teachings that one can follow year after year. These are:
The Path of Meditation This mainly consists of the Mahamudra teachings of the Kagyu tradition. This is an approximately three to five year course.
The 9 Yanas Path This is an approximately eleven year course of study and practice following the common approach of the Nyingma tradition’s 9 gradual vehicles, very much combining both scriptural study and meditation practice. These courses are only held in Nepal and the US at this time.
The Traditional Vajrayana Path This path follows the vajrayana system of the Nyingma tradition according to the New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa. These courses are primarily held in Kathmandu, Nepal under the name Sadhana Ritual Courses.
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Phakchok Rinpoche gives public lectures on various topics as well as bestowing tantric empowerments and leading large vajrayana group ritual practices. All of these programs are open for attendance. Simply check Rinpoche’s schedule regularly for updates. For a more in depth presentation of these paths please see: www.phakchokrinpoche.org /introduction
Learning, Practice and Online Sangha All are welcome to become a part of Phakchok Rinpoche’s online sangha community. The sangha is the community of dharma practitioners that all share the common aim of learning, meditation and altruistic activity: the three dharma-wheels. The sangha also brings support to each individual practitioner connected to it, it is a source of merit and is a sign that the dharma teachings are alive and available to mankind. Traditionally the sangha lived in remote places studying and practicing the dharma together, supporting and nurturing each other’s individual inner growth. In modern times where most of us are busy with work, family and other responsibilities, there is still very much the need for a spiritual community and support. The Online Sangha Community of Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche is such a place.
Service & Volunteering Phakchok Rinpoche has developed the online sangha community with the intention to provide all who are interested with the opportunity to learn and practice the dharma in a way that is accessible and practical; yet unchanging and traditional when it comes to the tradition of lineage and time proven methods of practice. Rinpoche has begun to make many important teachings and regular dharma talks available online in the form of Online Courses, the Dharma Stream and more. This makes it possible to learn and practice on a regular basis with Phakchok Rinpoche regardless of location or schedule. To learn more about the learning and practice opportunities within our online sangha community please go to: www.phakchokrinpoche.org /student/home
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For the preservation and flourishing of the dharma, as well as bringing humanitarian aid to where it is needed , it is necessary to become active and bring forth one’s skills, interests, time and energy. Phakchok Rinpoche encourages everyone who feels a connection to his work and international sangha community, to volunteer some of their time and skills to some area of activity found in this mandala booklet. Please keep in mind that for all of these activities to flourish your volunteer service is greatly needed and appreciated. There are currently volunteers in over ten countries supporting and developing the projects found in this booklet. For volunteer opportunities please see: www.cglf.org /contribute#volunteer
LINEAGE The notion of lineage is central to the Buddhist tradition and to the Vajrayana tradition in particular. Following is a brief presentation of the particular lineages of which KyabgÜn Phakchok Rinpoche is a holder. The tradition of lineage implies that one received from one’s own guru all the knowledge, qualities, and wisdom of the tradition and is capable of sharing this with others beyond the confines of ego-centered views and motivations.
LINEAGE
The New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa – Chokling Tersar
Taklung Kagyu The Kagyu lineage teachings came from the Indian mahasiddhas to the Tibetan Marpa in the 11th century. These teachings later were transmitted to Taklung Tangpa Tashi Pal who was the first master of the Taklung Kagyu lineage. The Riwoche branch of the Taklung lineage in eastern Tibet is renowned as a major institution that studies and practices both the Kagyu and Nyingma teachings. Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche is one of the three throne-holders of the Riwoche Taklung Kagyu tradition and was enthroned as such at age four by the four Kagyu regents. Phakchok Rinpoche received the Taklung lineage transmissions from the late Kyabje Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche.
The Nyingma, or Early Translation, lineage of Tibetan Vajrayana buddhism was brought from India and other surrounding regions to Tibet in the 9th century primarily by the great master Guru Padmasambhava. Padmasambhava gave many tantric teachings and often concealed them in the mind streams of his close disciples for them to later recall to mind, and to practice and propagate in later centuries for the benefit of people in those times. The hidden teachings to be revealed at a later time are referred to as terma or treasure teachings. In 19th century Tibet one such treasure revealer named Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa appeared and revealed a large amount of precious treasure teachings of Guru Padmasambhava, and this lineage has come to be known as the New Treasure of Chokgyur Lingpa or Chokling Tersar. Phakchok Rinpoche is a 5th generation descendant of Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa and has received the entire lineage of treasure teachings from both his grandfather Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and his father Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche. Terchen Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa 1829-1870. Founder of the Chokling New Treasure Lineage
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Taklung Tangpa Tashi Pal 1142-1210. Founder of the Taklung Kagyu Lineage
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K
KYABGÖN PHAKCHOK RINPOCHE
yabgön Phakchok Rinpoche was born in 1981 and is a lineage holder of the Profound Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa from the Nyingma School of Early Translations and one of the throne-holders of the Riwoche Taklung Kagyu Lineage. Phakchok Rinpoche’s primary root gurus are his grandfather, the late Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, and Kyabje Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. Phakchok Rinpoche has received a traditional education from the Dzongsar Shedra in India; The complete Chokling New Treasures lineage from Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and Kyabje Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche and Great Perfection lineage from Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. Rinpoche’s teaching style is direct, addressing the needs of those present; traditional, not compromising the methods of practice and transmission in the slightest; accessible, teaching the profound meaning in a way that is able to be understood and glimpsed by people of diverse backgrounds.
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As a yogi practitioner with a family and the responsibility of monastic institutions, Rinpoche is deeply familiar with both ways of life and practice. Rinpoche’s life defines what it means to be a dharma practitioner in today’s world by emphasising that a practitioner should find a balance in their life: There should be a base of study and contemplation in order to understand the profound views of the Buddhas teachings and practice should be emphasized in a way that genuinely reduces ego clinging and negative emotions through a range of methods and practices. Altruistic activity should address the needs of those in one’s community and beyond as an expression of the compassion and wisdom cultivated in practice. These are the principals that Rinpoche practices and teaches to his own students.
LINEAGE TEACHERS The following lineage teachers share the same tradition as Phakchok Rinpoche and work closely together as dharma teachers.
Kyabje Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche (1953-)
Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (1951-)
Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche is the second son of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and was enthroned at a young age by the 16th Karmapa as the fourth incarnation of Chokgyur Lingpa in the Tsikey lineage. Chokling Rinpoche is the vajra master of Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling monastery and the father of Phakchok Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche. Rinpoche received an extensive education at Rumtek monastery as well as teachings and guidance from his primary gurus: Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, and the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje.
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche was enthroned at a young age as a tulku of the Drikung Kagyu tradition and received the khenpo degree from Rumtek monastery. He has been the abbot of Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling monastery since it’s inauguration in 1975 and has extensively taught to an international audience since that time. His primary gurus are Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, from which he received a wealth of empowerments, teachings, and pith instructions.
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Urgyen Yangsi Rinpoche (2001-) Yangsi Rinpoche was recognized as the reincarnation of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche by the late Trulshik Rinpoche. Yangsi Rinpoche now lives in Nepal at the Nagi Gompa hermitage receiving his education and presiding over the vajrayana ritual practices at his monastery.
HERITAGE Our lineage and dharma heritage come from Phakchok Rinpoche’s primary gurus. These were masters who dedicated their lives to the study, practice, and teaching of the buddhadharma which they so genuinely embodied. By learning about such masters we, in turn, learn about the path that we ourselves are embarking on.
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche 1920-1996
Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche 1932-1999
Tulku Urgyen Tsewang Chokdrup Palbar was born in Eastern Tibet and spent much of his life in meditation retreat. He studied and practiced both the teachings and practices of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions, though was primarily concerned with his familial tradition of the New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa. Tulku Urgyen was one of the masters responsible for propagating these treasure teachings widely, ensuring their survival. He was also renowned as having fully embodied the realization of the nature of mind and the teachings on the nature of mind, namely mahamudra and dzogchen. Tulku Urgyen was one of the first Tibetan masters to bring the profound teachings of the dzogchen great perfection to people around the world through introducing them directly and openly to their minds awakened nature. Tulku urgyen Rinpoche passed away peacefully at his hermitage in Nepal in 1996 and his legacy is carried on by his descendants.
Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje was born in eastern Tibetan and became a khenpo, or monastic scholar, at a young age. Having spent many years in mountain retreats, he later spent time wandering India as an anonymous practitioner without any fixed dwelling place. Later in life he became renowned as one of the most accomplished masters of the dzogchen great perfection tradition and particularly learned in the writings of Longchen Rabjam. Nyoshul Khenpo became an important guru to many of the younger generation of lamas and was renowned for his profound realization, vast learning, and gentle compassion. Having settled in southern France in his later years he passed away there in 1999.
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GET INVOLVED IN THE MANDALA Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation
Dharma Courses
Ratna Jewels
The Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation was established to support the activities of Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche, and to ensure that their initiatives receive the support and funding needed to be of most benefit to the most number of beneficiaries. The activities of the Rinpoches’ are focused on two major issues: the cultivating the root of the dharma and shaping a future that will ensure its flourishing.
Throughout the year at different locations around the world it is possible to take part in dharma courses with Phakchok Rinpoche. These courses cover a comprehensive range of study and practice of all levels of the Buddha’s teachings.
To learn more about the work of the Foundation and how to get involved, please visit: www.cglf.org
Please view Rinpoche’s schedule for up to date information regarding these courses at: www.phakchokrinpoche.org/ chedule/teaching-schedule
Ratna Jewels is a collection of items related to the Dharma specifically produced under the guidance and blessings of Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche and other authentic spiritual masters. These items are meant to benefit all sentient beings, by facilitating and complementing the spiritual practice of Buddhists in general. The profit from the sale of these items goes towards supporting the activities of the Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation.
King Ashoka Mandala
Humanitarian Work
The King Ashoka Mandala is a membership mandala of $1/day dedicated to helping the Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation fulfill the aspirations of our Rinpoches. Through this mandala, we hope to forge a strong spirit of kinship throughout all of Rinpoches’ sangha worldwide, providing a common thread that links everyone together.
The Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation’s humanitarian activities work to improve the resilience and wellbeing of the Himalayan communities most prone to natural disasters and pervasive health issues. The Foundation works with all community stakeholders, regardless of faith or ideology, to nurture and entrench a belief in the basic goodness of humanity.
For more information, please visit: www.cglf.org/king-ashoka-mandala
To learn more about how you can be a part of these efforts, please visit: www.cglf.org/ contribute#volunteer
Monastic Education Fund The Monastic Education Fund currently supports over 90 monks distributed over two monasteries in Nepal. A single Dharma teacher benefits thousands through his teaching, and therefore the merit in supporting and nurturing our Dharma-teachers-to-be is immense. For more information, please visit: www.cglf.org/projects/education 18
To view our products, please visit: www.ratnajewels.com
Dharma Centers Currently there are twenty dharma groups and centers worldwide under the guidance of Phakchok Rinpoche. Some of these groups and centers host Rinpoche each year for courses and teachings, as well as hosting other lamas and dharma teachers of our tradition. To see a list of centers, please visit: www.phakchokrinpoche.org/community