Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991)
“Of all practices, the one which, through its blessings, will fulfil our aims and aspirations most rapidly is Guru Yoga (or Lamé Naljor in Tibetan). Guru Yoga literally means “union with the nature of the guru” and is both the quintessence and the ground of all the preliminary and main practices. It is the ultimate teaching, yet one which can be accomplished equally by anyone, whatever their capacity – superior, medium, or ordinary. For dispelling obstacles, making progress in our practice, and receiving blessings, there is no better practice than Guru Yoga.
– Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, in “Guru Yoga” (1999, Snow Lion)
This quote is from one of the final teachings by Kalu Rinpoche, who was one of the first teachers of Hannah and Lama Ole Nydahl.
Kalu Rinpoche, one of Hannah and Lama Ole Nydahl's first teachers
“What we call the Buddha, or the lama, is not material in the same way as iron, crystal, gold or silver are. You should never think of them with this sort of materialistic attitude. The essence of the Lama or Buddha is emptiness; their nature, clarity; their appearance, the play of unimpeded awareness. Apart from that, they have no real, material form, shape or color whatsoever-like the empty luminosity of space. When we know them to be like that, we can develop faith, merge our minds with theirs, and let our minds rest peacefully. This attitude and practice are most important.”
– Kalu Rinpoche (1905-1989)
From “Dzogchen Essentials: The Path That Clarifies Confusion” Marcia Schmidt (Rangjung Yeshe, 2004)
We would like to share some inspiring impressions of H.H. 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje‘s first two visits to the UK, which happened before this blog was established. Gyalwa Karmapa’s first historic visit was in August 2005, when he stayed for four days in London at the invitation of Diamond Way Buddhism UK. He was joined by Lama Jigme Rinpoche, Lama Ole and Hannah Nydahl and other distinguished lamas who were part of the travelling entourage of the 16th Karmapa in the UK during the 1970s.
Reports of other visits of the 17th Karmapa to London can be found here (2007) and here (2009).
Flyer 1 for 2005 course (front)
17th Karmapa in London, 30 July 2009
In July 2009, H.H. 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje made his third visit to the UK to meet his students and give Buddhist teachings and empowerments. The visit started with a wonderful two-day programme in Manchester, hosted by the Dechen community. Details can be found here and here on the Dechen blog. There is also an article on the Dechen website where Lama Jampa Thaye reflects on the visit of the 16th Karmapa to Manchester in 1977. The Manchester Evening News announced the event and The Times also ran a report.
Diamond Way Buddhism UK then had the great honour of hosting Gyalwa Karmapa in Liverpool and London. He was joined by Nendo Rinpoche, Lama Tsultrim Namgyal, Lama Chopon Gyaltsen, and Lama Karma Wangdu, from Rumtek Monastery.
On the way to London from Manchester on 29 July, Gyalwa Karmapa stopped briefly in Liverpool to bless the Diamond Way Buddhist Centre there. Members of the Liverpool Centre and other groups in the north of the UK made a presentation about the activity of the northern Diamond Way Buddhist centres. He gave the oral transmission for the Four Foundational Practices (Tib. Ngondro) and the Third Karmapa’s Great Seal Wishes.
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