Apr 13, 2007
The Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, has entered into retreat in Maratika, Nepal. Maratika is the cave where Padmasambhava and his consort Mandarava practiced and attained vajra body or the vajra state of immortality. This is a very famous and holy pilgrimage spot for Buddhists and Hindus.
Many years ago, a famous lama called Kasa Trapa did a mirror divination for the Sakyong, who was then in his early twenties. He predicted that the Sakyong would hold the lineage of kings, the lineage of Mipham, and his own terma lineage. The prediction also included the advice that he go to Maratika to do a long-life practice, and accomplish the Medicine Buddha practice before his forty-seventh year.
This year the time seemed auspicious for the Sakyong to do this. He is accompanied by His Eminence Namkha Rinpoche, his wife Khandro Tseyang, as well as other lamas and family members.
The Sakyong has asked that if anyone would like prayers recited for individuals who are ill, prayers will be done for them at this sacred site.
Please send names either by replying directly to this email or to the Office of the Kalapa Court
On this occasion, the Sakyong has requested Jules Levinson, Vice President of the Light of Berotsana, to translate verses describing Maratika, which follow.
While teaching in Tibet, Guru Rinpoche spoke to King Tri Songdetsen of his experience at Maratika:
At the cave called Maratika
An abode blessed by the protectors of the three lineages
Where even in winter flowers fall like rain
In that auspicious supreme abode so greatly blessed
Having opened the mandala of Amitayus (Boundless Life)
In three months we came to hold the knowledge of life
Amitayus appeared in the space before us
Placed vases upon the crowns of our heads
From the formation of the eon until the worlds have emptied
Birthless and deathless in the vajra body, that power we achieved
From that time until now, Maratika has been renowned as the flawless and fully endowed abode where the guru who embodied the wisdom, love, and energy of all the victorious ones gained the deathless vajra body. Hallowed by the accomplishments of the master Padmakara and the princess Mandarava, it has been revered as an extraordinary place where obstacles to one's life may be pacified. Fortunate ones who visit this place, offer prostrations, and venerate it will quell the forces that would otherwise interrupt the span of their lives, accomplish whatever they intend, and in the end, taken into the care of the guru and his consort, similarly achieve the siddhi of life without death. Such is the power of the aspirations and prayers they formed there; such is the benefit for those who trust in their accomplishment.
(This announcement was from the Shambhala News Service)