March 18, 2009


Arya Nagarjuna - 200 a.d.

Reflections on a weekend with Gelek Rimpoche

It has taken the four days since the weekend to let it sink in, and begin to appreciate the qualities of this great spiritual teacher. Rimpoche's teaching was a commentary on A Short Dedication, by Arya Nagarjuna. Because it is so short, I can include the entire dedication, first in phonetic Tibetan and then in English:

GEWA DI YI KYE WO KUN

SONAM YESHE TSOH DZOH SHING

SONAM YESHE LEY JUNG WAY

DAMPA KU NYI TOP PAR SHOH

By this virtue, may all beings

Complete the collections of merit and wisdom,

And attain the two ultimate bodies

That arise from merit and wisdom.

I would not presume to interpret, or even report on the content of Rimpoche's commentary. It included a full exposition on the Four Nobel Truths as an aid to material contained in the dedication. However, I can say that I feel a much improved understanding of many of the Buddhist concepts I have been learning at Jewel heart. Rimpoche has an ability to make human to human contact with his teaching. He offers a full understanding of Buddhism, but with a simplicity that seems to sweep aside contradictions. As a result the mind is able to accept it with less struggle; at least mine is.
As an individual, Rimpoche is very interesting. He has a great sense of humor. He makes every effort to help people feel welcome and at ease. He expresses humility to such a degree that it is very easy to forget that he is a high Lama with a lineage reaching into the heart of old Tibet and into the roots of Buddhism.

I feel a deepening comfort with Rimpoche as my personal Guru; I believe he would be of great help to me in resolving the struggle I feel between the practice of Buddhism and my devotion to Jesus. Frequently in his writings, Rimpoche has talked about the absence of contradiction respecting spiritual masters, and has specifically included Jesus. I think a discussion with Rimpoche would allow me to lay this matter to rest, other than to write about it for the benefit of others that may struggle with the same issue. Hope so; could work out.


DHL