EPISODE SIXTEEN: Pure Perception and the Destroyer of Demons
In my view, my grandfather Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche was more of a beautiful man than a handsome one. Until the end of his life he remained one of the most elegant and well-groomed people I have seen. So much care was given to tying his hair back. His shirts were pressed. The color combinations of his outfits were impeccable. I’ve heard many accounts of his charms being quite attractive to women. His rooms were immaculately clean. He had asthma and, while I may be biased, I must say that even his wheezing had an elegance to it. The way he held a page, the way he rotated a vajra, the way he beat a damaru was mesmerizing.
His defining ornament was the pair of tinted eyeglasses made of crystal that he always wore. I heard him telling people, including myself, that they should wear crystal glasses. That it was really good. In fact, Trulshik Rinpoche followed his advice and I remember him wearing crystal spectacles for his whole life. Dudjom Rinpoche had his specially cut in Hong Kong and recommended that other lamas do so as well. So not long ago when I went to Hong Kong I asked the same people to make some for me. But crystal glasses are so heavy and I just didn’t have the discipline to wear them.
I have never been a car person but, having said that, when I see a Land Rover Defender I become so nostalgic for a time when I was about six, traveling from India to Bhutan with Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche. Seeing one always stirs up strong memories and in my mind’s nose there is even a unique smell. Apparently, the queen of England also has a fondness for them. Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche made this journey at the invitation of my other grandfather, Lama Sonam Zangpo, and all in all it took several months. Mostly we travelled on foot, sometimes we travelled by palanquins, Dudjom Rinpoche supported by at least four people and me carried by two. And we went several lengths of the journey in a Land Rover Defender, in which I would be seated between Dudjom Rinpoche and the driver the whole way. It was a very memorable time because it was the only opportunity I had in my life to be close to my grandfather. I sometimes even dozed off with my head on his shoulder or lap.
It seemed everywhere we travelled in Bhutan, there were people lined up along the road for days just to get a glimpse of him passing through. Many still think he was Guru Padmasambhava in the flesh. Some stood with their dying family members on their backs. We stopped again and again for tea and snacks prepared by the locals. Villagers would wait in the wings and as soon as he departed, they would grab anything he left behind—tea or water, bits of food—and they would divide it up and savor it sometimes for years afterwards. The leftover tea would be put into a casket and used to make precious pills or put into butter for ointments for joint aches. Some of the leftover food would be dried with herbs and, when absolutely necessary, they would burn it to create smoke to ward off spirits and demons.
While Dudjom Rinpoche was my grandfather and I always had love, respect, and admiration for him, I never related to him as a grandpa that you visit at Thanksgiving or Christmas time. I was in awe of him. I read his writings, commentaries, songs, poetry, and instructions endlessly and wholeheartedly. But looking back, I realize there were some moments of familiarity. For example, whenever Dudjom Rinpoche was alone with me, he would speak in Pemako dialect, not straight Tibetan. I realize that was his way of expressing grand-fatherliness. Also when I was born, long before His Holiness Sakya Trizen recognized me as a tulku, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche named me Khyentse Norbu. Some have speculated that this is a clue that he also may have recognized me as a Khyentse incarnation. He was going through a period of naming everyone Norbu. He named my father Thinley Norbu, and one uncle Phende Norbu and another uncle Shenphen Norbu.
My mother was married to Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche’s son but I can vouch that never once did the thought cross her mind that he was her father-in-law. It was not in her vocabulary. She saw Dudjom Rinpoche as someone beyond the mundane world, someone she praised and visualized on top of her head and in her heart. No doubt Dudjom Rinpoche was the last thing on her mind when she was dying.
My mother and father
It was Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche who really nurtured and took care of me constantly, probably more than any of my family members. I could go to him any time, 24 hours a day. Meanwhile, despite being Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche’s grandson I was not given easy access to him. In fact, getting an audience with him was made rather difficult for me and a lot of people. One time I was left really broken hearted and upset because I wasn’t given an audience. Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche advised me that since I had received so many tantric teachings and abishekas from Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, I should never perceive him as an ordinary being, but rather as an enlightened being or Padmasambhava. And that therefore my step-grandmother who was the consort of Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche should also be looked at with pure perception. Such profound instructions not only saved me from having even a little bit of a wrong view of Dudjom Rinpoche, but as the years go by, I see and appreciate and discover Dudjom Rinpoche’s depth and breadth more and more.
Aside from being revered as an accomplished master Dudjom Rinpoche was thought to be the descendent of one of three princes who were banished from Central Tibet. The legend is that a long time ago, the Tibetan kings would supposedly be pulled up to heaven by a rope. But there was once a king who had a dispute with one of his ministers and the minister cut the rope so that the king could not ascend. Instead, that king was killed and his three sons were exiled. Dudjom Rinpoche is said to be a descendent of one of these exiled sons.
Like the Khyentses, it’s important that people know that there was no high-ranking Dudjom lineage, political or secular. So if there is any Khyentse or Dudjom incarnation now or in the future claiming to be highly-ranked, they are lying. In fact in Tibetan society, where ordained monks were esteemed, there were a lot of stories of how Dudjom Rinpoche was dismissed as a micha, which means an ordinary layperson. Nevertheless, his scholarly knowledge was so outstanding that he was recruited to put together Tibetan school textbooks. In the credits there is never a mention of him being “kyabje” or even a rinpoche. He was simply referred to as Pekö Dudjom Tulku. Pekö was short for Pemakö.
He was dismissed by certain parts of society also partly because he was always a free thinker, if not a radical. It’s said that, in the 1950s, when he was conferring abishekas in Samye Monastery in Lhasa to some of the most important Nyingma masters, he would travel to and fro on a bicycle. In those days, in the eyes of a Tibetan, a lama riding a bicycle, especially one giving teachings to really important lamas, was like Pope John Paul playing roulette in a casino. But I am quite certain dismissed is exactly how he wanted to be treated: low-profile, free from titles and all the baggage that comes from a high standing position.
Never once did he raise his voice, let alone scold me. On a few occasions he would make comments about how I should dress properly because I was known to be sloppy. The closest he ever got to scolding me was when I was receiving teachings from him and somehow I raised my hands above Trulshik Rinpoche. Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche said to be respectful, but in a very, very gentle manner. This gentleness was so majestic that it has stayed with me all these years.
There were a lot of disgruntled people who blamed my step-grandmother for being overprotective of him, she really controlled his appointments. I have heard that when he separated from my grandmother and decided to be with my step-grandmother, some people were unhappy, especially my father. Because of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s kind words, I also tried hard to also have pure perception of my step-grandmother. Looking back, I think the boundary she kept was a good thing. He needed that space because there were so many people who were constantly vying for his attention. My step-grandmother took very good care of my grandfather, especially in his final days.
I didn’t have a close relationship with her until many years after Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche died in France. A few years before she herself died, she came to Bhutan and I took the opportunity to invite her to my Paro house, and she graciously accepted. During that lunch, she gave me her dark sunglasses, fitting for a very stylish older lady.
I hope I am savvy and have the wit to use the sight of an old Defender or crystal spectacles or ladies’ sunglasses to be a vehicle to remember the guru and therefore the dharma and therefore my own mind.
Great, Rinpoche
thank you again ***
This story is so touching and your heartfelt transformative view of your step grandmother makes you a true grandson of this great luminary Master of our time and an impeccable student of Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse. I bow to you.
Even more great by changed and added ….
please stay till all is emptied
Gratitude
I am simply obsessed with the life record of this incredible monk. Thank you mugwortborn.epengine.com for keeping the record and *Rimpoche* for sharing your lived experiences and your journey. Rimpoche truly is an embodiment of all the Buddhas and thank you for taking birth in our times _*(***)*_
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is not a monk
Her is MORE>>>.
every little thing she does is magic ….
The Police
Sad, so sad
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing your lilas. Very happy for having your precious presence among us. Long live to you Rinpoche la!
om mani padme hung
Thank you from Brasil ^.^
Reading this episode I can hear Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche’s voice like a soft well, so precious your words on the majesty of his gentleness, thank you for the blessings and the tears.
Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing
/\ /\ /\ First thing I read as soon as I woke up today. Thank you la Rimpoche !
I can’t even imagine how it must be to have Padmasambhava as a grandfather, but the first time I heard Dudjom Rinpoche really blew my mind-literally. Listening to the recording of his advice on mediation, I thought they were the most brilliant instructions I’d ever heard, and my mind just naturally settled into blissful shamatha without thoughts. I just “got it.” It had never been so easy for me during the thousands of hours of mediation I’d practiced under the guidance of many great teachers. I think it was the power of blessings of someone who must be no different than Guru Rinpoche. Now I devour his readings. Every single sentence had the power to dispel confusion and expand wisdom, it’s incredible. His mind is so vast and free, and his realization never ceased to exist. We must be infinitely greateful for his determination in realizing his grand aspirations in such such crucial times.
Wonderful stories, immense gratitude for creating this platform for sharing your stories and connection to these incredible beings for the benefit of others.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing so much of your life’s unique rich experiences. It is such a blessing to read it. Love every bit of it. 🙏🙏🙏:)
Thank you Rinpoche 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you another heartwarming episode Rinpoche. Always grateful to you ❤️
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has said in a private teaching that his first grandmother actually dumped Dujom Rinpoche and run away with their son-in-law. Therefore there is a “motherfucker” in their family. Too bad he didn’t talk about this funny scandal here.
So you did -.
Disregarding the illusary privatness,
thank you for spreading this juici joke.
With one foot in relativness, what else should come out of it, when the karmic wind blows ?
Rinpoche. With due respect I would like to point out that meaning of “Dudjom Rinpoche was the last thing on her mind when she was dying” could be construed to mean the opposite of what your holiness’s intent.
Since dujom rinpoche was her guru , she would remember him while dying so the last thing is kanje dujom rinpoche
So Heart and Mind-Opening 🙏 🙏 🙏
Thank You!
Thankyou So much Rinpoché for showing how devotion can manifest ,as views evolve , and time goes on the whole picture can shift,beautiful threads can be revealed.
Reading these 16 episodes evokes the preciousness of “sublime being”. Sadly some never get to see teachers in that way. After repeated glimpses, like them, I daily “fall asleep” into various delusions. The first teacher who magically lit “my” fire of interest in the dharma was HH Sakya Trizin. Like “Mugwort-born” Khyentse Rinpoché, he continually emanates infinite wisdom, which it is hard to ignore. Many other great un-describable teachers came across my path after him. The 16th Karmapa (refuge-giver) and 11th Trungpa (root guru). In NYC at a one dharma event, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoché was having alot of trouble breathing, while attended by a large crowd. He said, “Now stop your mind” to us. Instead of following his instructions, I almost immediately fell asleep. By contrast reading these is like a Prahevajra espresso break! For jolting us to pure perception; endless thanks.
Thank you Rinpoche, I love every episode and for some reason they all make me cry.
Thank you so much Rinpoche for sharing about your life! This brought Dudjom Rinpoche even closer to my heart.
Beautiful men… there is nothing like that balance of masculine and feminine in a person. Same with handsome women. Having access to Dilgo Khyentse 24/7, one solution for world peace ✌️ thanks for sharing.
Thank You Rinpoche, Early waiting for next episode
Always in my heart – genderfree.
Thank you for blowing the fire
sparks arriving – fading,
timelessly.
Love & gratitude
So beautyfull -.
Amazing how collectiv imagination
about meeting Buddha
could be.
Dust and gold
equaly.
May all be liberated
Remember the guru and therefore the dharma and therefore my own mind
Grateful Rinpoche for sharing yours stories, they inspire and teach us.
It would be great to read something to us young people who are stil trying to find our way.
In these twenty-something, after you throw everything in the air to find yourself, inside in the cocoon, goes through the depression of self-discovery, the seclusion, the pain of metamorphosis, the fears, understand yourself so selfish, lose confidence in yoursel, crazing… look at the world, for beings, feel your pain and cry with them.
And not being able (or notwanting) to renounce ordinary life and just follow the spiritual path (monasticly speaking) – because you knowm that your professional action can help many people, becomes mediocre on the spiritual and professional path.
If you could write about this within your stories, what would you say to us young people that we need to rescue the lightness in the chest and the courage to launch into the world, make the heart smile even seeing so many sufferings, how to follow the true path, the awakening, even having to pay the bills.
All the best to you and big hug to Brasil!
Even if these comments do not come to you, i leave a gift here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdBuDg7mrT8
Come, inspire me with your blessing.
_()_
By your blessing
may i conquer
the hordes of mara
and may all beings
tortured by fire and heat
be swiftly
abiding cool and peacefull
may your journey be protected
Thank you !
16 journeys into your life, my peerless guru. I cannot express my gratitude: first, you took me out of the samsaric movie with a whisper; second, you taught me Buddhadharma with infinite patience, skills and compassion; third, you gave me the gift of faith; and last but not least, you saved my current life in samsara so that I still can utter with devotion the name of the Buddha. And, as the gift of all gifts, you handed me the certainty that, when I will leave this body, I will pronounce your name, deeply sure to find you again in all my future lives, until I’m freed by this hallucination, along with all sentient beings, everywhere and in every time. You are a bodhisattva, and I will follow you for countless eons, no matter what. I bow.
How madly in love ones we are ……
Amazing how open space expresses itself. May we all wake up to our natural elegance. Thank you Dzongsar, Khyentse, born in a hidden world, from the jewel family, nicknamed leppo, another Chokyi Lodro, here again, mingling with the barbarians with enormous intellects, and of course, enormous potential. May you live long 💫
…so very young in Sidney !
Gratefull for hability to participate !
Looking happily forward
.. and turning night into day practise too 😉
Been reset to
beginners mind.
_()_
Though Chabjey Dudjom Rimpochey has passed away when i was not even ten years old. But i have a deep faith in him and i listened many times to his Meditation Teachings in You Tube given at Richmomnd, 1979. Rimpochey’s face and esp. eyes looks so compassionate and vivid. I meditate using Rimpochey’s photo. I also do Dudjom Terser Nyondro and at the present l am doing Mandala.
I am not blessed to see Rimpochey in person but we are blessed to hear his teachings.
A lady from Bhutan
Though Chabjey Dudjom Rimpochey has passed away when i was not even ten years old. But i have a deep faith in him and i listened many times to his Meditation Teachings in You Tube given at Richmomnd, 1979. Rimpochey’s face and esp. eyes looks so compassionate and vivid. I meditate using Rimpochey’s photo. I also do Dudjom Terser Nyondro and at the present l am doing Mandala.
I am not blessed to see Rimpochey in person but we are blessed to hear his teachings.
A lady from Bhutan
When it comes to
the magic-chapter
you where talking about
will remember
the mexican candel
… and the 72 words
for love
Less of knowledge
but heart and head full
of the one
trustworthy
passing clouds
blueness
allpervading
all shoulds
and should`nts
flew away
The beauty of
todays moon
the fragrance of
poems
unwritten
the seeds unfolding
offered
gratefully
Wow, dear photographer !
Touched by impress due to such express and perspective.
All this illusory display, my dear.
How lucky this moonlight
falling on it
– can´t help, sorry ***
To conclude –
Youtube, Full Moon Silhouettes, Mount Victoria, Wellington
by Mark Gee
Downbow <3
Moon
appearently come to zero
appearently fullfilled
being brilliant always
look at you
being you
always
Deep Gratitude. Precious One. _(())_
Wise princess on track !
Thank you Rinpoche La, for the inspiration, every word in the story is an as precious gem. I am even more longing to be in the presence of such sublime masters. May my karma allows me to be in the constant presence of pure beings. May I become one, My deepest Gratitude.
sung chik yenlak gyatsö drake´ kyi
gyalwa kün yang yenlak namdakpa
drowa kün gyi sampa jishin yang
sangye sung la taktu jukpar gyi
_()_
Sending
all goods
on this auspicious day
smart vision 😉
Trees, mountains
clouds passing
may we always hear
the melodious sound
of dharma
If imitation of namthars brings liberation, then surely you will, shall, or have already done so 🙂
see you in the sunrise
feel you by the breeze
hear you by the rushing water
smelling everywhere
sensing all over
knowing in the heart
funny side up !
may all beings be happy and well
Having offered the eagles flight
old song came in
may some ears will enjoy
FLY LIKE AN EAGLE by Steve Miller Band
being confidently at home
Another moon tomorrow and another song
Moon over Bourbon street by Sting
may jazzy ears enjoy
Blessed this very moment
gratitude
may all be liberated
thank you, Rinpoche
may your gentle voice
lead us along
Rejoicing the light
now and soon
***
Finally found it…
Heart of Gold – Neil Young
<3
brother, when hearing this guy
singing about brown eyes
and been bloon away
some peoples flesh begin to creep
remastered version of Like a Hurrican
Sister, I guess people sing all kinds of things
When they see a little calm in the eye!
some are dancing simultaniously
may we enjoy
for the sake of all beings
Thanks so much, Rinpoche.
You delight us and make us meditate about our own debts of gratitude about our parents, family, friends. We owe so much to all sentient beings.
Brother, feels like dancing with myself (Billy Idol) 😉
So grateful for your presence, writings, honesty, vulnerability, brilliance, humor. It takes so long to catch up with your constant offerings. You are Rime beyond Rime. Dedicating the merit to all beings. Your life has been guiding us all into the moonlight of Shakyamuni.
Dear Rinpoche, thank you for yesterdays words;
definitly virus cause planing the rest of my life – and for sure many others – differently. Patience to see, how it will be happen !
Confidently and with gratitude
Come lalita, Let’s Twist Again 😁
Newmoon aspiration
Bowing down
to the miracle
and let it be
Roarrr, lets go on with “Friday I´m in love” (Cure).
Stay well, dear !
more friday impossible, sorry cant help
long live, dear Rinpoche
Carry on with Ben E. Kings
old and good
Stand by me …
Waltz no.2
Homage to the glorious dancing queen 🙏🏼
Can`t honour enough but inviting into a bigger ballroom …
thank you
***
Thank you!
Please lead on…
Long live the priceless treasure <3
It takes two to tango ? Obviously not!
Tekla Gogrichiani -Tango Womens Technique-
El Hurocan Solo Tango Orquestra
enjoy
Schubert Serenade in respose ; )
enjoy moonlight
Thank you for carry on undoing the continious knots ….
while some people lacking sleep during such night
you come along with a new chapter – wonderfull !
Dear Rinpoche, sending gratitude and long life prayers <3
… try my best without effort …
what a task ; )
Dancing eyes on palm, beautyfull
far from interpretation
going to tango
Gotan Project ,La Gloria
this one
You ain´t see nothing yet ; Bachmann, Turner, Overdrive
lifting 70th spirit
Dancing in the Dark (Bruce)
Thanks for patience ; )
…Bristlecone Pine (Rumer)
Leaves waving to beautiful melody
Downbow
to all your activities
involving us
to open up
completely
***
: ))
Cesaria Evora , Besame mucho , p.e. but others also great
velvet voice
Sagrado Femenino
Loli Cosmica
_()_
wind come to blow away
clouds
to gaze the moon eye
fully
standing by –
full of joy
for the beautiful Brothers in arms
who are dancing through endless fields
bringing back to life
the lost souls
Bird´s Teardrops
Peia Luzzi & Estas Tonne
…. wow ….
For causing the silent bird to chirp
….Astonishing feat
sorry, – done ; ))
Sparked mucho : )
Thank you sweetheart
_()_
risk a sweet eye
have a heart blink
v. vrs.
blazing the knees
to shake
downbow
The Rt hon Patrick Swayze
She’s like the wind
_()_
be blessed the wind
bringing strings and voices
into vibration
be blessed the wind
taking prayers
into all directions
be blessed who pass without clinging
like the wind blessed wind
To be embraced by such breeze–
What a tendrel!
Every day is a new day
Every morning a fresh morning
May all know the bliss of being held by you–
inconceivable delight!
so beautyfull said
melted away …
for the benefit of all beings
***
forever grateful
wishing all splendour and joy
always be yours
o supremely nimble one
: )
universe is singing
<3
this fresh morning
adorned
with seaside skygaze
innocent sound
light breeze
perfect
Ah! So concise …and we understand your mellow nature a bit more! Thank you
Manha de Carnaval
Eliszeth Cardoso
done!
what a link – amazing!
ah the fleeting beauty
Perfect Day
Lou Reed
🙂
swing time
Rogers and Astair
Virtue
Jesse Cook
may be next live as musician – the goddess will know how to serve best
***
Shakira * Waka Waka * This Time For Africa
; )
…. Ah
speechless
and in awe
***
Oh silent bird
move on in stillness
even the branches
echo in
same
morning of my life
esther & abi ofarim
<3
grata por compartilhar
💐💐💐💐💐
just wanted to express the infinite gratitude overwelming from the heart
but words can not show…
so i will just continue practising… it will do the job
(no need to publish, just this seeming endless grasping urged and made this sentence to be sent like this, even there is no need)
and when
your traceless flight
will cross
the altar of offerings
may the love be
mirrored
in all kinds of ways
in your
loving eye
melting snow blessings
in all directions
and beyond,
infinite rain of flowers,
may it reach every heart
💐
hidden whisper that opens
the door to the shining sun
HUNG
OR GYEN YÜL GYI NUB JANG TSAM
PE MA KHE SAR DONG PO LA
YAM TSEN CHOK GI NGÖ DRUB NYE
PE MA JUNG NE ZHE SU TRAG
KHOR DU KHAN DRO MANG PÖ KOR KHYE KYI JE SU DAK DRUB KYI
CHIN GYI LOB CHIR SHEG SU SÖL
GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG
Destroyer of demons
we all call you
come back
heart in hands we pray!
The world does not need more cynicism. But those that can to look upon her with the eyes of a child; through ‘Awe’ and ‘Wonder’. Whether it is rose colored glasses or crystal.
Bodhisattva club sandwitch
Ouch
How many more demon
Drops to go
Before to see…
faints…
reading the lines
some envy flares up
envy I read in some other readers’ posts too
emotion comes, emotion goes.
I have some of Kyabje Didjom Rinpoche’s DNA in a capsule around my neck
so I am told
Ma Kye Mi Gag Namkhai Ngowo Nyid