What We've Been Working On: 2006

Khenpo Tsering Gyurme from Surmang. Photo by Marvin Moore

Khenpo Tsering Gyurme from Surmang returned to Halifax in January for an extended three-week visit, working with us primarily on texts from the Vidyadhara’s collected writings from Tibet (sungbum). Khenpo’s facility with English, combined with his deep knowledge of dharma and familiarity with the traditions of Surmang, provide us with an exceptional resource. He is also a lot of fun and filled with a savvy humor. We worked on a very important Avalokiteshvara terma, a Krodhikali (Tröma Nagmo) sadhana that incorporates a lengthy chö practice and phowa, and a supplication to Surmang tertön Rolpe Dorje, among other texts. Mark Seibold, committee member from Connecticut, joined us for some of this time, during which Khenpo gave a weekend program on the Trungpa lineage, including a short exposition from a famous mahamudra text by the fourth Trungpa, Künga Namgyal. 

Sönam Tobgyal Rinpoche and Lama Pejal. Photo by Marvin Moore

The promise of a June wedding brought a host of Tibetan visitors and lamas, and while they were all here to join in the festivities, we did our best to meet with a number of them. We had a wonderful reunion with Sönam Tobgyal Rinpoche from Toronto, with whom we have worked many times. We met briefly with Lama Pejal, the husband of Lady Könchok. We had several sessions with Jigme Rinpoche and one with his father, Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, working on the Gesar supplication by Trungpa Rinpoche. With the assistance of Jigme Rinpoche, the committee also prepared materials for the various empowerments and ceremonies connected with the wedding.

Karma Senge Rinpoche with Lama Ngodup & the Committee. Photo by Marvin Moore

Knowing that Karma Senge Rinpoche would be coming to the wedding, we made a special request for him to remain in Halifax for several weeks altogether. Khenpo Tsering also returned, but was only able to stay for the wedding events. Still, we were able to meet with him a number of times during these few days to conclude what we had begun in the winter. Khenpo returned home to Surmang quickly, as he is the main supervisor for the Shedra building project, and the construction season was well underway.

What We've Been Working On . . . continued