The following text is the transcript of an interview with the Third Jamgon Kongtrul in the USA in 1988 which was published in the journal “Material For Thought”, issue number 12.
A Conversation with Jamgön Kongtrül Rinpoche, October 21, 1988
Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
Lodro Chokyi Senge, the third Jamgön Kongtrül, was born in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1954, in accord with the predictions of the second Kongtrül Rinpoche. During his childhood he was recognized and enthroned by the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa and later taken to safety to be educated in his monastery in Sikkim. The Karmapa, head of the Kagyü lineage — which follows the traditions of Milarepa — raised him as one of his four “heart sons.” These four individuals direct the study and practice within the 39 centers established throughout the world during the Karmapa’s lifetime.
In continuing the Buddhist tradition, Jamgön Kongtrül, Rinpoche, is currently building two major centers. Rigpe Dorje, a center for study and meditation, is being established at Sarnath, India, where Buddha first taught. Pullahari, located on the southern slopes of the Himalayas in Nepal, will serve as a three-year retreat facility.
Jamgön Kongtrül, Rinpoche, visited Far West Institute in October of 1988, at which time conversations ranged from the difficulties of bringing an ancient tradition to the Western world to the nature of mind and of meditation.
Several members of Far West participated in the following discussion. Replies were given through a translator. Read the rest of this entry »
