From the Editors of Bodhi
Dear Sangha Members and Friends, In this issue of Bodhi,
the first of the Metal Snake Year, we are delighted to be featuring the teachings of the great yogi, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, in the form of commentaries and songs. Rarely have we seen such prodigious scholarship combined with such a playful mind and heart. If ever you find yourself in the presence of Khenpo Rinpoche, you will probably find yourself singing a song. Most likely a number of songs, expressing the highest view of enlightenment and the profound meditation instructions, leading to the ultimate state! In Khenpo Rinpoche's presence, we all become joyful yogis and yoginis, and everything becomes "open, spacious and relaxed."
Khenpo Rinpoche's teaching on Milarepa's song, The Three Nails of the view, meditation, conduct and result, continues here. Additionally, two recountings of the history of Khenpo Rinpoche appear in this issue. His "outer" biography, Comings and Goings, was written by his own students; it relates the details of his birth, training, teaching and journeys. However, Khenpo Rinpoche himself tells his "inner" life story in The Sky Dragon's Profound Roar.
Here you will find nothing but the echo of pure dharma, the pointing out of the utterly inexpressible nature of reality, inseparable from great compassion. We are fortunate, indeed, when Khenpo Rinpoche comes to town, by land, sea or the expanse of sky…. For those of you looking forward to the next installment of the inconceivable and outrageous adventures of the lotus-born Padmasambhava, Part IV of The Life and Teachings of Guru Padmasambhava,
by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, will appear again in our next issue. In the interim, Bodhi presents Wisdom of Emotions: A Warrior's Journey. Using the metaphor of the warrior and the battlefield, Rinpoche describes progressive stages of engagement with our emotions, and the profound wisdom won by those who undertake this lonely, yet ultimately liberating journey. Of special interest is the recent news from India regarding the long awaited granting of refugee status to His
Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa, Ugyen Trinley Dorje. Martin Marvet, author of The Great Escape, which appeared in Bodhi V, updates us on recent developments and assesses the spiritual and political impact of His Holiness's new freedom to travel and meet with his countless, devoted followers. Something new: For children, parents and the community-at-large, we are introducing a children's section, "Seeds & Sprouts." Our initial offering is a short tale of
Algonquian origin, Glooscap and the Baby, which describes the predicament of a mighty warrior faced with his greatest challenge. Mark Williams and Heather Pylant, who live daily with such challenges, invite readers to share their real-life, mythical tales of raising children while trying to attain enlightenment within one lifetime. FYI: If you are health-conscious and frequent such support systems as Whole Foods, Wild Oats, or other like establishments, you may find a copy of Bodhi
in the newsstand. Bodhi will also be increasingly available in the magazine section of bookstores. With the joyful thought of seeing His Holiness Karmapa soon, we send sincere wishes for a peaceful and harmonious New Year. Cindy Shelton, Amita Gupta and Carole Fleming
Seattle, Washington |
