插曲五 何以息苦?大眾禪修 之 《佛子行三十七頌》開示–內觀和自他交換

我們如何讓佛法融入自心,並將所學運用於現實生活?如何超越語言文字,將其付諸實踐?在本週日的「大眾禪修」中,我們不僅共同回顧了迄今所學的偈頌以及阿闍黎拉帕策林的開示,還繼續修行成為勇猛諸菩薩。

當下覺知

在完成開場祈請後,我們一如往常地從止禪(śamatha)的修持開始我們的修習。這種修習可以讓我們放下過去已發生的一切,不去預期未來可能發生的事情。

透過建立身、語、意的正確姿態,我們將覺知帶入當下時刻。藉此我們可以與內心深處的願望相應——無一例外地,為了一切眾生的利益,追求真正的解脫、安樂與幸福。

在保持上述身心安住狀態下,我們專心聆聽了迄今所學的《佛子行三十七頌》中每一頌。透過這種方式,我們不僅加深了對偈文的熟悉程度,也能更容易地理解其中義理。

斟酌《佛子行三十七頌》架構與創作目的

依據法本,以及阿闍黎拉帕策林與阿闍黎喇嘛滇巴嘉參的註疏,並結合第十七世大寶法王噶瑪巴鄔金欽列多傑於2018年在紐約所傳的教法,我們共同探討了《佛子行三十七頌》的結構及迄今所學所有偈頌的宗旨。以下是修習過程中分享的一張幻燈片,展示了我們所討論的內容梗概。

Partial overview of Ngulchu Tokmé’s structure of the text and purposes of the verses based on commentary up to verse 14.

超越文字本身

在簡要總結的基礎上,我們強調了幾個要點,並結合法王的教導進行說明。例如,法王提到,有時候人們修行多年,卻沒有明顯的進展跡象。他強調,這主要是因為「他們沒有讓自己的心與前行修法相融合或深入。」這指的是《佛子行三十七頌》中從第一至第七頌所表達的教誨。法王接著說道:

「我們很容易閱讀文字,並且基本理解其意義,但將這些教法應用於現實生活卻更加困難,因為這並不像閱讀那樣簡單。生活並不是那樣簡單明瞭,因為其中混雜著各種事物——好與壞、是與非交織在一起。由於生活複雜且沒有像書本那樣明確的界限,我們需要花時間運用我們的分析思維和智慧。生活不是一本開放的書,因此我們需要超越文字本身,觀察身邊周遭正在發生的事情。」

成為勇猛諸菩薩

更加仔細的閱讀第十至十四頌,即阿闍黎拉帕策林上週臨近尾聲時所講解的內容,我們進一步思考了將「平等安住」與「後得智慧」兩者修行融合的重要性,亦即禪修與後禪修實踐的結合。我們也可以將其理解為「座上修」和「座下修」。

正如阿闍黎拉帕策林多次所分享的,法王教導我們,這些偈頌中的表達雖然易於理解,但要將其付諸實踐卻格外困難。這些偈頌還表明,如果我們想要有效地修行菩薩道,就應該遠離對世間八法的執著,不應專注於享樂與痛苦的體驗。從這個角度來看,菩薩道的修行確實是困難的:

這需要極大的勇氣和信心,而這種勇氣與信心並非憑空而來,而是透過漸進的訓練培養起來的。並不是因為我們選擇了大乘佛法,就能立刻變成勇猛的菩薩。我們必須經歷一個嚴格的訓練和學習的過程。」

透過修持自他交換法訓練我們的心意識

在《佛子行三十七頌》中,無著賢菩薩提到了自他交換法(Tonglen)修法,阿闍黎拉帕策林和阿闍黎喇嘛滇巴也對此進行了講解。在我們的修行課程接近尾聲時,我們進行了這種修法,作為訓練菩提心的一種方式。

簡而言之,如果我們看到並感受到所有眾生都值得被關愛,因為他們同樣尋求幸福而不願受苦,那麼我們便能培養起真正的願菩提心——願意犧牲自己的幸福,以減輕他人所遭受的一切痛苦。

透過觀想,並藉助呼吸的起伏,我們可以深深地與關愛他人的發心相融合,無論是在座上還是座下。這不僅包括我們身邊親近的人,也包括那些我們覺得曾經傷害過我們的人,或者那些我們認為是導致我們曾經或當前所面臨不愉快境遇的源頭的人。

珍視他人,負其苦難

透過這種方式,我們將所做的一切和所處的每個境遇都融入修行之路,深入訓練我們的心意識。我們可以透過問自己一些問題來檢查自他交換法的修持:我是否感覺到自己減少了對世間八法的執著?我是否更能承擔他人的過錯與痛苦?在多大程度上,我能把他人置於比自己更重要的位置?無論進步多麼微小,我們都應該尋找進步的跡象,以確保我們的修行是正確的。

在我們本次修行課程結束時,以及每次修持自他交換法時,我們可以如此發願:「願我能比珍愛自己更愛惜他人;願我能代替他們承受其所受之苦。」

在我們迴向功德並祝願大家度過一個美好的一週後,喇嘛爾松誠摯邀請諸位下週日繼續聆聽阿闍黎拉帕對接下來偈頌的開示,繼續修行,成為勇猛諸菩薩。

噶瑪巴千諾!

插曲二:領悟真正的佛法修持:觀察與引導心念

在開場念誦之後,我們通過穩固而平衡的坐姿開始了止禪的修習。大家接受引導去觀察心念的流動,可能會想到禪修前的活動,或被未來的事情所牽引。無需任何評判,我們可以通過簡單地觀察這種心念的流動來修習止禪。如果心被當前的感官輸入(如聲音、氣味、記憶、感受或其他)所吸引,我們只需覺察它。通過這種方式,與身體保持連結的同時,我們向內轉而觀察心的流動。

當心開始安定下來時,我們可以通過生起覺醒的意念來引導它的流動。我們與這一意圖相連,想著:「願此心的流轉指向佛果,指向覺醒,為了所有眾生,無一例外。」一起靜坐就是將這種意圖付諸實踐的一部分。

內觀修習:我們何時修行?

止禪的一項重要功能是為內觀創造空間,使我們能夠深入觀察心的流動,以及當我們執著於念頭時所產生的生活狀態。在禪修期間,我們開始思考這樣一個問題:在一天中的哪些時刻,我感到自己在修行佛法?是否有某些時刻,我感到自己走在無畏的菩薩之道上?

所有參與者都被邀請從修行的三個方面進行思考:我們如何看待它(觀察)、如何在情感上感知它(感受)、以及它如何與我們周圍的環境互動(生活)。我們通過自問是否有任何特別的體會來結束內觀修習,然後簡單地放下,輕鬆地坐著。

在簡短的討論後,我們繼續學習第十七世大寶法王鄔金欽列多傑在《慈悲之道》中關於修行的開示與建議。他將「修行」這一問題置於其關於第一頌——珍貴人身——教法的核心。

今日擁有修行的自由

無著賢菩薩在這一頌中指出的菩薩行第一步修行是聞、思、修。大寶法王強調,我們可以將聽聞視為修行的願望,將思維視為獲得定解的方法,將修持視為將聞思轉化為實際體驗的途徑。他特別強調了在我們擁有修行自由時立即實踐的重要性。

在今天課程開始之前,我們簡短地談到了野火、暴雪、地震等自然災害。我們懷著慈悲心,祈願所有受影響的人都能夠平安並獲得必要的支持。與此同時,教法提醒我們,沒有任何保障說我們當前的條件會一直對修行有利。今天看似穩定的狀況,明天可能就不再如此。因此,正如阿闍黎拉帕策林對這一頌的評論所提醒的那樣,我們需要在修行的機會顯現時立即抓住它

修行的真實標誌

法王強調,通過認識我們的自由並真誠地發願修行,我們才能理解什麼是真正的修行。為了說明這一點,他回憶了噶當派的一個故事。我們的課本《佛子行三十七頌》正是屬於這一傳承。在課程中,這個故事被詳細地重新講述,提出了關於什麼是佛法真正修行的問題。以下是故事的簡要概述:

有一個人決心追隨佛法之道,並投入於轉繞(轉神山聖湖佛塔等)、讀經和持誦等修行中。然而,每次他這樣做時,都會遇到一位噶當派大師(很可能是阿底峽尊者的主要弟子仲敦巴),這位大師一邊讚嘆他,一邊問:「如果你修行真正的佛法,豈不是更好?」

於是,這個人決定修習禪定。然而,他依然聽到相同的問題,感到迷茫:「如果這些都不算佛法修行,那什麼才是呢?」噶當派大師指出答案:「斷除你的執著,這才是佛法的修行。」

在對前行(Ngöndro)修行的開示中,第十七世大寶法王也提出了類似的建議。他分享說,他經常聽到人們談論前行修法的困難或是容易,也有人談到某些特殊的體驗。儘管這些都很有意義,但法王像噶當派大師一樣強調:「修行的真實標誌應是我們如何對治煩惱情緒。」

在課程中,通過反思這些例子,我們認識到,無論是轉繞、讀經、持誦等任何修行,都可以成為斷除執著的方式,更概括地說,也都可以用於對治我們的煩惱或心理困擾。當我們這樣做時,每一種修行都可以成為真正的佛法修行。此外,根據法王的開示,我們需要超越心與佛法的分離,將二者結合起來。例如,如果我們想生起菩提心,它只能在當下這一刻生起,而不是在其他時刻或別處。它必須在此刻此心中生起,因為菩提心只在這裡顯現。

讓禪修與睡眠更有意義:兩條建議

在對《佛子行三十七頌》的開示中,法王提到了一句藏語諺語,可以理解為「讓肉和骨結合起來」,意思是我們應該在日常生活的每一個方面與修行融為一體。在講授第八世大寶法王米覺多傑的生平時,他也強調了真正的佛法修行是修持並改變我們的心念。因為我們的心念是全天候與我們相伴的,所以修行也是全天候的。如果我們對自己的心不加注意,他教導說,就可能導致身、語、意的不善業。那麼,我們如何在一整天中修行呢?為此,法王提出了兩條實用建議:

  • 在正式冥想結束之前,為了防止修行像指尖彈動般迅速離我們而去,或者慢慢消失,我們可以對自己說:「在結束這次修習後,接下來的一整天,我會努力保留這種體驗和心態的滋味。」
  • 在入睡之前,我們可以反思自己一天的生活。今天做了什麼?哪些是善行,哪些不是?「當我們將善與不善區分開後,可以承諾明天我們將努力增加善行,減少不善行。」法王指出,如果我們以這樣的方式入睡,「我們的睡眠將不會是無用的或無意義的;它會轉化為一種正面的心態,從而增強善行的力量。」

帶著第十七世大寶法王的這兩條實用建議,我們結束了本次課程,並以迴向功德作為結束。在下次課程中,阿闍黎拉帕策林將從第八頌開始繼續對無著賢菩薩的經典進行開示。


Karma Rigpai Lhamo譯 Ella Peng校對

插曲:追隨第一世噶瑪巴的足跡

我們2025年國際新年的首次課程專門用於紀念第一世噶瑪巴杜松虔巴的涅槃周年。2025年1月3日,尊勝的第十七世噶瑪巴鄔金欽列多傑在Facebook上分享了一首優美的偈頌。儘管要完全傳達法王以藏文寫作的深刻和美感是非常困難,甚至幾乎是不可能的,但我們為課程準備了一份英文譯文,並在課上共同朗讀。

「三世所知之海,奔湧萬法清流,
匯聚於無所不知的智慧之器——
偉大的聖者,一念攝盡顯現與存在,
光輝的尊勝上師,今日我深情追憶您。」

——噶瑪巴 鄔金欽列多傑

安住於心,敞開於懷

由於阿闍黎拉帕策林的《佛子行三十七頌》開示將在1月19日繼續,我們本次課程以回顧此前已經學習的偈頌為起始,並結合經續中的補充教言以及第十七世大寶法王噶瑪巴第十世桑傑年巴仁波切的釋義。在討論這些內容之前,我們首先進行了日常的止禪修習。

提醒自己身體和心理姿勢的重要性,我們鼓勵在場的每個人都以舒適的姿勢端坐——既要穩固扎根,又要放鬆,不去執著於過去或未來,而是安住於當下。大家在輕鬆的狀態下,受邀敞開心扉,生起菩提心。我們留意心念的變化——當思緒紛飛或因困倦而失去正念時該如何應對——我們練習止禪,讓心安住。 正如阿闍黎拉帕策林常說的那樣,簡單地保持覺知。

《佛子行三十七頌》:一部菩提道次第經典

《佛子行三十七頌指南》一書的引言中,克里斯托弗·斯塔格(Christopher Stagg)提到了無著賢菩薩所著根本偈頌的格式,這部經典遵循了菩提道次第(lamrim),即修行的各個階段。這意味著它屬於噶當派的傳承體系,噶當派被認為最早由偉大上師阿底峽尊者(Atīśa,約公元982年–1054年)傳授。阿底峽尊者也撰寫了奠基性經典《菩提道燈論》(藏文:བྱང་ཆུབ་ལམ་གྱི་སྒྲོན་མ།,英文:Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment)。

無著賢菩薩是這一傳承中的後期註疏者。該傳承追溯到阿底峽尊者,通過偉大的噶當派大師們——哲嘎瓦、夏拉瓦、朗日塘巴、波圖和阿底峽的主要弟子仲敦巴。與阿底峽尊者一樣,無著賢菩薩的經典遵循了菩提道次第教義的一個關鍵方面:他根據三種眾生(或人類)能力的不同——較低、中等和卓越,逐步分類不同的修行法。在第8、9、10頌中,他指明了這三種能力,阿闍黎拉帕策林很可能將在後續講解中對此進行闡述。

似乎是一個頗為殊勝的巧合,使我們停下來思考第1至第7頌。到目前為止,我們所學的內容可以視為一系列初步的修行法門,具有一個共同的智慧目標:將心從迴轉向佛法。這一部分以關於皈依的頌句結束——包括外在和內在的皈依,正如阿闍黎拉帕策林在我們上次課程中所解釋的。

修心法:人人可修的菩提心要訣

無著賢菩薩也承襲了修心法(Lojong)的傳統。克里斯托弗·斯塔格解釋道,這一類經典「特別專注於相對菩提心和究竟菩提心的培養,並且在日常生活中,切實地與個人的處境直接互動。」

為了使這些教義對每個人都可行,包括那些沒有時間深入學習大量經典和註釋的人,這部經典以偈頌形式呈現,總共僅有四十三頌。我們可以在前七頌中看到這一特點,這些偈頌直接觸動我們的內心。在他的註釋中,阿闍黎拉帕策林通過經常將這些偈頌與我們自己的生活和當今世界相聯繫,進一步強調了這一點。以下是阿闍黎系列開示的總覽:

「生起菩提心」這一指示的含義

在第十頌指向大乘之道後,無著賢菩薩的經典餘下部分則呈現了適合具有第三種最高(人類)能力的修行法門。在這裡,培養菩提心被放在每一條教義的核心。雖然阿闍黎拉帕策林將在接下來的課程中進一步闡述這一點,但我們簡要探討了菩提心這一廣泛使用的術語的定義。

在偉大的噶舉派大師岡波巴《解脫莊嚴論一書中,肯·霍爾姆斯翻譯、圖丹金巴編輯的版本中,菩提心被定義為:

「覺醒的念頭」,一種為了所有眾生的利益而成就佛果,所發起的無私決心。

仔細審視這個定義,我們可以看到,它有兩個特點:一個是對象——佛果的完全覺醒;另一個是目的——他人福祉的實現。

此外,菩提心 通常分為兩部分,常譯為「相對菩提心」和「究竟菩提心」。 前者與無私的決心相關,而後者則是關於完全覺醒的心識空性的直接覺悟。

所謂相對菩提心,又可以分為兩種,岡波巴如是描述:

  • 願菩提心渴望獲得真實的覺醒念頭。
  • 行菩提心:在覺醒念頭上的實際修煉。

在我們修行的開始,通常會受邀「生起菩提心」。了解上述內容有助於我們理解這究竟意味著什麼,並意識到,如果我們真誠地希望成就覺醒念頭(願菩提心),這本身可能已經是一個偉大的成就。因此,阿闍黎拉帕策林常說的教導是具有啟發性的,並且有偉大的指導意義:「生起正念,想著『願此修行成為一切眾生成就覺悟的因緣』。」

修行使經文生動

在稍微深入了解了經典的背景以及貫穿所有頌句的菩提心主題後,我們再次審視了第二首開篇頌句:這部經典的目的。

在當代噶舉派大師桑傑年巴的註釋中(該註釋僅有藏文,在此專門為《大眾禪修》翻譯),特別強調了「利益與幸福的源泉」這一概念,並將其與「依賴於對他們修行的理解」聯繫在一起。這是什麼意思呢?首先,他提出了一個問題:「為何圓滿的佛陀是利益與幸福的源泉?」這關乎於一個事實——佛陀不僅降臨於世,更重要的是他教導了真實的法門,「沒有這個事實,我們就無法開始修行真正的法。」

因此,我們非常幸運,佛陀降臨到我們的世界並教導了法。然而,這還不夠。桑傑年巴仁波切帶著一絲玩笑指出,我們可以將許多佛陀的經典堆疊在一起,但如果我們從不學習和思考它們,更別提付諸實踐,那將完全毫無意義。

另一方面,如果我們深入修行一部經典,它即可以消除我們的煩惱並處理我們困惑的根源。「如果我們將佛法與自己分開,就像把一樣東西放在這裡,另一样放在那里,那將毫無益處。 」因此,無著賢菩薩指出了圓滿佛陀的修行法門,目的是讓我們能夠與之相應修行。

吾將燈具傳與你,然道需汝親自行

為了進一步支持上述解釋,桑傑年巴仁波切常常引用佛經。在今天的課程中,我們思考了佛經中的兩句話。第一句翻譯成英文如下:

「我已向你展示了解脫的方法。然而,解脫依賴於你自己。 」

桑傑年巴仁波切釋論道,這兩句包含了所有的佛法(指佛陀的教義)。它闡明了佛陀教導了我們應當捨棄什麼——不善業,以及應當修持什麼——善行。他還教導了如何獲得解脫,如何走過五道十地。然而,桑傑年巴仁波切幽默地釋論道:「佛陀不能只抛一塊石頭在空中,然後突然每個人都得到解脫。」他说,解脱依赖于我们自己。为此,我们需要修行。

佛經中的第二句是:

「你是你自己的保護者;你也是你自己的敵人。 」

這與阿闍黎拉帕策林在我們之前的課程中解釋的內容密切相關。我們可能會認為他人是我們的保護者或敵人。我們可能認為地獄等存在於某個地方,認為其他的力量會導致我們墮入黑暗和痛苦。然而,正如佛陀的這些話所指出的,並非如此。正如阿闍黎所說,「當我們非常憤怒時,地獄就在那裡。」在這種情形下,我們就是我們自己的敵人。

這也意味著,如果我們將學習、思考和禪修作為菩薩道的最初修行,並通過三學的修煉,那麼我們就能獲得解脫和成就佛果。從這個意義上來說,我們是我們自己的保護者。

在今天的課程結束時,我們總結了桑傑年巴仁波切的註疏,強調我們必須了解修行並親自付諸實踐,否則我們將無法實現真正的佛法。通過思考佛陀的直接教導,並將其與阿底峽的教義相聯繫,我們可以說,正如無著賢菩薩在我們所學的這部經典中所傳授的那樣,他們已經為我們點亮了燈,但我們需要自己走這條道路。
在提醒大家下次課程中我們將進行觀禪練習,並學習第十七世大寶法王噶瑪巴鄔金欽列多傑的註疏後,我們以迴向功德結束了今天的《大眾禪修》課程:願我們跟隨第一世噶瑪巴的足跡,所有眾生都能成就全知的佛果。



Karma Rigpai Lhamo 譯 Ella Peng 校對

43rd Parinirvana Anniversary of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa

Karmapa Center 16 commemorates His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s parinirvāṇa every year on November 5th, the day of his passing at the clinic which is now called City of Hope Cancer Treatment Center, in Zion, Illinois. Under the guidance of our resident teacher, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering, and Lama Tashi Gawa, we will be hosting a full day of pujas and practice in Tibetan. Please register below to receive the Zoom link. If you’d like to join onsite, please make sure you indicate this on the registration form. 

We are also deeply honored that our friends in Taiwan will be hosting a 16th Karmapa Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat with a special teaching by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, as well as practices and teachings by our advisor, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, and our president, Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche, from November 1 to 3, and November 5. You can join online (via Zoom) or onsite. Teachings will be in English or Tibetan with translation into English and Chinese. Recordings will be made available to all registrants. 

In addition to the teachings, this special retreat includes a traditional lung (oral transmission) of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga Sadhana (from Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche), and practicing this Guru Yoga together in the presence of sacred relics of His Holiness. 

Please find a tentative schedule below. Registration includes access to both the Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat and the Parinirvana commemoration. When you register, we will share the Zoom links, how to access recordings, and other practical information. For more information and registration in Chinese, please visit KC16 Taiwan’s Facebook Page.

May we always honor the radiant compassion and enlightened activities of His Holiness. 


Schedule

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 (at Karmapa Center 16 and online)

All times are shown in the local time zone, Central Standard Time (Chicago). Please note: Daylight Saving Time ends on November 3, 2024.

time (US Central Time, UTC-6)puja
7:00–8:00aTara
9:00–10:30aGuru Yoga (composed by Tai Situ Rinpoche)
11:00a–12:30pGuru Yoga (composed by Tai Situ Rinpoche)
2:00–3:30pGuru Yoga (composed by Tai Situ Rinpoche)
4:00–5:30pMahakala
Schedule for KC16 pujas onsite in Wadsworth, IL, USA on November 5, 2024
Click here to see the start time in your local time zone.

Please click to see the tentative schedule for His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat (Taiwan).


Registration

After making an offering (of any amount) below, a resource page with Zoom links and participation information for the Taiwan and KC16 Wadsworth events will be automatically emailed.

Please see the detailed schedule of pujas prior to the 43rd Parinirvāṇa Anniversary program. The Zoom link will be delivered in a confirmation email. Thank you for being part of this year’s Parinirvāṇa Activities and kind support.

The Karmapa Center 16 celebrates Parinirvana of His Holiness

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, with Tyler Dewar translating, welcomes guests to the celebration of His Holiness’ Parinirvana.

The annual weekend celebration of the Parinirvana of the 16th Karmapa

Under a full moon shining on the waters of Lake Michigan, the annual weekend celebration of His Holiness, the 16th Karmapa’s Parinirvana opened with a teaching by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche on Friday, November 4, at the Illinois Beach Hotel in Zion, Illinois.

Damayonti Sengupta, founding board member of The Karmapa Center 16 (KC16), greeted the audience, many of whom had traveled long-distances to be there, hailing from Asia, Europe, Canada, Mexico and numerous cities across America. Sengupta introduced the President of KC16 Board of Directors, Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche, who was present at the time of His Holiness’ death; Board Vice President and caretaker of the Center Lama Phuntsok Samkhang; and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, who envisioned the Center and was a life-long student of His Holiness.

FRIDAY NIGHT TEACHING: Manifesting loving-kindness and compassion

After extending a warm welcome to everyone, Rinpoche gave a teaching on loving-kindness and compassion that illustrated how his teacher, the 16th Karmapa (HHK16), manifested those qualities at all times towards all creatures throughout his life.

Rinpoche spoke about the physical and mental challenges present in our world today, about our fear that this is the worst time ever. Yesterday looks better, he said, even though the problem is the same. He then referenced an interview with His Holiness during the Cold War. Rinpoche recalled that His Holiness burst into laughter when the journalist asked him about current international tensions, replying “The world is always the same!”

We all want to make the world a better place, Rinpoche continued, but who will do that? You or me and how shall we do it? If we focus on the material problems and potential solutions, we miss the point of who is suffering, the people who are going through the hardship and pain. Looking beyond the labels, race, religion, the differences, we then see the similarities — we all are looking for freedom, joy and happiness. “If we can connect heart to heart, the boundaries do not exist, there is no judgement,” he said. “When we connect brain to brain, there are so many differences, so many concepts about differences. When we pay attention to the person, we connect with the heart of loving-kindness and compassion.”

Research today now shows what the Buddha taught over 2500 years ago — that all sentient beings possess loving-kindness and compassion. Buddha’s teaching to love all sentient beings without bias is present in every wisdom teaching of the world. “The one who manifested that unbounded love for all was His Holiness, my teacher,” Rinpoche said.

Rinpoche then gave the remainder of the talk in Tibetan, with Nalandabodhi translator Tyler Dewar translating into English.Though it is difficult to image all the enlightened qualities of HHK16, Rinpoche said he had the good fortune of being nurtured as a young boy by the 16th Karmapa and as his attendant, he witnessed His Holiness’ many activities. There are many profound instructions given by gurus and teachers, Rinpoche said, but the most profound teaching is the life example of a master, seeing how a great master uses the teachings to help self and others. While many people teach loving-kindness and compassion, His Holiness’ conduct manifested those qualities all the time towards all creatures. His mere presence — his great humor and joy — gave relief to many who met him. “His service focused on beings who needed his help,” Rinpoche said. “We only saw him performing benefits for other sentient beings. We hear the word bodhisattva thrown about, but he is the true example.”

Rinpoche cited several personal examples of His Holiness’ altruistic activities and said that the flourishing of the Buddhadharma and Vajrayana Buddhism in the West is due to the vision HHK16. He spoke about His Holiness’ visits to the West, his encouragement of young lamas to establish centers here and his intentional blessing to America by passing away in Zion. He was the first Karmapa to display Parinirvana outside of Tibet. Parinirvana, Rinpoche explained, is when the enlightened mind of a great master parts with the enlightened body and dissolves into the space of true nature.

KC16 is an important project, Rinpoche said, because it is a physical commemoration of the life example of His Holiness, and when we recollect his life example full of loving-kindness and compassion, we can extract blessings to manifest those teachings in our own life.

Karmapa means “one who manifests enlightened activity.” Karmapa makes manifest all the compassionate actions of the Buddha. “The actions of HHK16 matched the meaning of his name,” Rinpoche said. His Holiness focused on others. When we focus on another human being, heart to heart, then self focus naturally disappears, and we are freed from delusion or confusion of a superimposed self-image. Research corroborates that, Rinpoche said, confirming that those who focus on others have greater joy and happiness.

Concluding the evening’s talk, Rinpoche said, “We are celebrating the immeasurable heart of compassion that manifested in this master. We are trying to emulate that experience of joy and caring and loving-compassion.”

Tea and snacks were served after Rinpoche’s talk, allowing old and new friends to greet and meet each other.

SATURDAY TEACHING: The spiritual journey

After a torrential morning downpour, the rain stopped in time for guests to gather at KC16, located on 10 bucolic acres in the township of Wadsworth, Illinois, five miles from the hospital where His Holiness passed into Parinirvana on November 5, 1981. Everyone took a seat in a large tent erected next to the barn on the property for Rinpoche’s teaching. Damayonti welcomed everyone to the Center, the blessed land and blessed teacher, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. Tyler again translated for Rinpoche.

Rinpoche began the teaching by recounting the story of the Buddha and his journey of awakening. An Indian prince, Siddhartha was full of curiosity about discovering the meaning of life and the real truth behind what we see, hear, feel and experience. That genuine enthusiasm led him on a “beautiful journey,” which he achieved under the Bodhi Tree. “It was a moment of awakening,” Rinpoche said. “Awakening is very short. It is the journey, the dream, to that moment that makes it beautiful.” Of course, awakening is also beautiful, he said, but it is one moment. The path is what is really exciting.

What the Buddha showed us was not just about the moment of awakening but also about the journey of what did and didn’t work. We have all chosen a path for living, Rinpoche said; the Buddha’s teaching involves living a life of caring for others, with wisdom, love and compassion. “His teaching is a genuine science of mind and way of living,” Rinpoche said. “It is controversial as it is other-centered not ego-centered. Like pure water — and we’ve had a lot of water today! — Buddha’s teaching can quench the thirst of beings’ minds tormented by thoughts and emotions.”

However, a good container is necessary to hold the nectar of dharma, he said, or it cannot be put into good use. If the container is not good, then no matter how profound the teaching, it is difficult to bring the wisdom and compassion to others. The vision for KC16 is to create a pure container to hold the dharma and share it with “as many limitless beings as possible.”

If the container could be anywhere in the world, then why in Zion, Illinois, Rinpoche asked. Because this is where His Holiness passed into Parinirvana. “That moment,” he said, “is the most potent moment.” Zion is a “sacred place of our most important master of the 20th Century. His Holiness dissolved into the dharmakaya right here in Zion.”

There is a spiritual power in the earth of a sacred place, and it influences the activities performed there, Rinpoche continued. “A sacred place has the energy to bring more joy, compassion, love and awakening from deep state of delusion.”

Rinpoche then told the story of the first Karmapa’s spiritual journey that took place 1400 years after the Buddha and finished with the spiritual journey of the 16th Karmapa that brought him to the United States.

So, how do we connect with the 16th Karmapa, Rinpoche asked. If we recollect His Holiness, then a connection is made, he answered. To properly recollect, one needs the experiential connection of directly seeing the presence of the Karmapa. “That is why we are building the stupa,” Rinpoche said, “to establish the center as a commemoration of the Karmapa so people can make a direct connection with him.”

The goal also includes building a museum and library to learn about the Karmapa through texts, videos, photos and other memorabilia.Together we will accomplish that goal, Rinpoche said. No single skill will make it happen; rather it is everyone’s contribution who is interested in making a connection. Rinpoche invited everyone back to the Center to do retreat, work practice and/or provide financial support. “With everyone’s help, the power of the blessing will blaze.”

Rinpoche concluded the talk by thanking everyone who helped with the weekend and thanked the leaders of the Wadsworth Village before inviting guests to view the relics of His Holiness and other masters on display at the front of the tent. Nalandabodhi translator Chris Stagg explained the significance of each relic.

In the evening, KC16 gave a dinner party for the guests — held in the barn! Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche shared how the project began, recounted being in the presence of His Holiness, the importance of this project and praised the work of staff members, honoring Lama Phuntsok who oversees and cares, on an ongoing basis, for every detail at the Center. Damayonti then thanked by name the major donors and volunteers. She highlighted the importance of each contributing donor at any level and the vital work of volunteers, which is a beautiful and fortunate opportunity for everyone to make a meaningful connection with the life example of the 16th Karmapa. The evening was a joyful celebration!

PARINIRVANA SUNDAY: Puja and prayers


Early Sunday morning, the day of His Holiness’ Parinirvana, sandhill cranes, Canada geese and other flocks of birds passed over the tent where the 16th Karmapa Guru Yoga and puja were held in Tibetan. The puja began at 8 a.m., included a short break for breakfast, and ended at noon. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche presided over the puja, with Lama Phuntsok leading the chants as umdze.

Lunch was held in the barn, with Wadsworth Mayor Glenn Ryback and Village Board Trustees Ben Dolan, Doug Jacobs and Jim Zegar and their families, including Charlie, the Zegar’s dog. The Wadsworth dignitaries attended the afternoon session of Guru Yoga held in English, with Nalandabodhi member Stephanie Johnston leading the chants as umdze.


At the conclusion of the puja the weekend guests departed, brightening the gray, foggy day with their bright, warm smiles. The joy of being together — the presence of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche and practicing on the sacred land of His Holiness’ Parivnirvana — was evident: it a brilliant display of blessings received.

Join our campaign to purchase The Karmapa Center 16 land by October 31st, 2015

His Holiness, the 16th Karmapa with Chogyam Trungpa RInpoche in the United States.


We have an incredible opportunity to purchase the Wadsworth, IL land located 5 miles west of the 16th Karmapa’s parinirvana at the cancer center and blessed by the 17th Karmapa. We invite you to join us in this auspicious undertaking to establish this pilgrimage site in North America!

As we complete ecological and traffic studies to prepare for the county and village meetings and permit approval process, we are simultaneously fundraising to purchase the land. To date, approximately $300,000 has been raised… 

in order to close on this property, we require an additional $650,000 by October 31, 2015.  

How can I help, you ask?

We’re so very glad you did! There are several ways to make a connection to the project and contribute meaningfully:

  • Donate in the following ways:
    • Online
    • Write a check to “The Karmapa Center 16” and mail to: 41230 Kilbourne Road, Wadsworth, IL 60083
    • Wire transfer or direct deposit by contacting us at info@karmapacenter16.org, Subject line: DONATION
  • Spread the word
    • Tell your friends!
    • Share the news on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn
    • Contact us at info@karmapacenter16.org for brochures/pledge card packages to distribute
  • Share your stories, experiences, pictures and memories with the 16th Karmapa by emailing us at info@karmapacenter16.org
    • Video yourself sharing the story
    • Write your story
    • Scan your pictures or memorabilia

We look forward to hearing from you!

HHK blesses proposed Stupa ground
HHK17 blesses the proposed HHK16 parinirvana stupa ground at The Karmapa Center 16