閱讀..堪布 澤仁扎西

A Letter to the Disciples of Sogyal Rinpoche, the Author of “The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying”

From Khenpo Tsering Tashi

Dearest dharma friends of Rigpa Sydney,

The passing of Sogyal Rinpoche has been a great loss to all international Rigpa disciples, the ancient Nyingma Sect and the entire world of Tibetan Buddhism as well. Rinpoche was recognized as the reincarnation of Terton Sogyal Lerab Lingbo at a young age and was specially taught and mentored by such Mahasiddhas as the second Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro. He has been seen as an internationally renowned Buddhist icon and was a great spiritual leader to countless Rigpa followers from all over the world. 

Like any other successful people, Rinpoche also met some obstacles on his spiritual journey while benefitting sentient beings. Despite so he is nonetheless one of the most prominent spiritual leaders in the 20th century, who has successfully introduced Tibetan Buddhism into the West. Especially, Rinpoche’s great work “The Tibetan Book of the Living & Dying” has become a beacon of light to many who are facing life and death and been the cause for more people to pursue the Buddha Dharma and the path of Buddha. 

 Over ten years ago, as I recall from my memories, I was on a train to New Delhi and met an ordinary Indian who shared his personal experience with me. He told me that he had been a devout Hindu but because of “The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying”, which actually changed him and from then onwards, he became a devoted Buddhist. I also travelled to many other countries in the East and West and encountered many other people with very similar experiences, who were greatly inspired by the book “The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying” as well. As for myself, being someone who understands Chinese people slightly better, I’ve realized that whether they are Buddhist or not, as long as they enjoy reading, there are basically very few of them who have not heard of Rinpoche’s book. Instead, many of them, at different levels, have profoundly benefited from the book that positively impacted their lives. I believe many among us are like this too.

 Many dharma books on Buddhism are being translated into English, and into other major languages as well. However, most of these works remain merely as philosophical or intellectual. On the other hand, Rinpoche’s “The Tibetan Book of the Living & Dying” was anexception.

 Two crucial topics—life and death— were written in “The Tibetan Book of the Living & Dying” as the opening of the book. What is worth further mentioning is the vast use of root gurus’ pith instructions that awe readers, as well as many actual experiences from direct spiritual practices that continuously validate and reveal the wisdom of the masters. In my opinion, this is the main reason why the book is not only an International best-seller but also a precious nectar of life for many people. This is what I believe.

 This book of Rinpoche’s was definitely not written to introduce Tibetan culture in a new environment nor a basic introduction to Buddhism. It was not written with a commercial motivation to become a lucky best seller too. Instead it is a compass filled with immense wisdom and practical methods for spiritual practices in daily life. Even though Rinpoche has entered Nirvana and his physical body is no longer here with us, his wisdom and compassion of a Bodhissatva will never depart from the heart of his disciples with sincere faith.

 I came from Rdza Chu Kha of Kham Tibet, a holy blessed land and the birth place of Patrul Rinpoche and Mipham Rinpoche, and as many of you may know, they are great masters in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. In this sacred place, there are numerous carvings of holy scriptures and mantras on the rocks that were then piled into a wall that became the longest mani wall in the world. This wall was fundamentally built by the first Patrul Rinpoche. Later on, the second Patrul Rinpoche (author of Words of My Perfect Teacher) continued the building of the wall till completion that eventually became an extremely sacred site of the Triple Gems. 

 According to the biography of Patrul Rinpoche, before he entered Parinirvana, he had told his students that the mani wall would be their support and a representation of his presence after he left his physical body. I believe this is the same for “The Tibetan Book of the Living & Dying”. Not only had Sogyal Rinpoche benefited countless people when he was alive, but also this book will continue to serve as a representation of Rinpoche’s presence as well in the future.

 In the past sixty years, as Tibetan Buddhism gradually known by the West, HH The Dalai Lama and many other great teachers have been teaching Buddha dharma and made immeasurable contributions that have benefited many. At the same time, the noble aspirations and contributions of Sogyal Rinpoche had created the cause for students in the West to come in contact with Tibetan Buddhism as well as established the bridge for them to connect with great masters. As to my Lamas, HH Khyenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and HH Pema Tsewang Rinpoche , when they went to teach in the West, it was the support and personal arrangements made by Sogyal Rinpoche in person that enabled many western students the chance to create an auspicious connection with these great accomplished masters. For this reason, we should never forget his contributions and should be always grateful to Sogyal Rinpoche.

Rinpoche didn’t limit his great contributions to his own lineage. As a follower of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, founder of the Rimed tradition, his authentic respect for all sects, traditions and lineages within Tibetan Budhhism has made him a great friend, alliance and guide to other sects and lineages, that positively flourished the activities of Dharma in the West. In summary, Rinpoche is an agent who brought Buddha Dharma to the West.

Rinpoche’s devotion to his own gurus and his pure perception to all traditions astonish people. Either his positive qualities or his success in upholding the Dharma should be the reasons that propel us toward greater diligence in our own spiritual practices and more involvement in the activities of benefiting others. Rinpoche is our role model.

As the reincarnation of Terton Sogyal Lerab Lingbo, his success in dharma achievements have fully proved everything. I believe in the future Rigpa International will work closely together with Rinpoche's wish to make more contributions to the prosperity of Buddha Dharma and continue to benefit sentient beings.

It could be possible for some people that when Rinpoche was still alive, they did not know their teacher much enough and thus did not fully understand how to cherish their encounter with such a great master. Some may rely excessively on the physical existence of the Guru. Regardless of which type one belongs to, Rinpoche’s departure should be a reminder and hint for the practice of Guru Yoga that will draw us closer to the Guru within.

In the past few days, I have also seen on social media that monasteries, lamas, monks, media, and the public in Tibet, India, Nepal are highly concerned about the news of Rinpoche’s Parinirvana. Many monasteries have specially arranged memorial services as well as Guru Yoga Pujas, which show how much reverence Tibetans and Buddhists have in their hearts for Rinpoche. There is no doubt that promoting Buddhism, encouraging cultural communication and undertaking activities that benefit others have become the reasons why Rinpoche has always been remembered and held dear in the hearts of Tibetans.

I arrived in Sydney in 2016. At that time, I was not familiar to this new environment. Urgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche informed Sogyal Rinpoche that Khenpo Tsering Tashi would live in Sydney and asked if Rigpa center can extend some kind of assistance and support. Upon knowing my situation at that time, Sogyal Rinpoche immediately contacted the center here and assisted me through his special arrangements. In the same year, six months later, when I was in Deewhy, NSW, I was to organize a Guru Rinpoche’s Tsog for the Year of Fire Monkey. It is a very special occasion that only happens every twelve years. At that time, it was also with Sogyal Rinpoche’s assistance that I received support from your center. Some of you came to represent Rigpa at my event, which I guess you still remember.

I met Sogyal Rinpoche twice. Once was nine or ten years ago when I was still in Dzongsar Monastery. At that time, Sogyal Rinpoche was invited to Bihar, India to give a speech to the Sangha and I participated as well. His speech deeply impressed me and that was my first time meeting Rinpoche. The second time was when he last visited Sydney when I attended Rinpoche’s dharma teachings. Though I did not have many opportunities to be with Rinpoche and each meeting was short, I have deep respect and reverence for Rinpoche. His relentless dharma activities to benefit sentient beings have huge impact on my life.

Time passes so quickly and I’ve been here for over three years. Rinpoche has already left us. This is impermanence. Nonetheless, we are still in the same place. Tibetan Buddhists, especially those with the same Guru here, are extremely few in numbers in fact. Thus, we should do our best to maintain the most authentic interactions and sincere connections among our Vajra friends and support each other, and to dedicate our life to the liberation of sentient beings . 

Once again, on behalf of Yeshikorlo Tibetan Buddhism Association Australia, I extend our deepest regret and condolences to the passing of Sogyal Rinpoche. During this memorial service period, if we could be of any assistance or help, we will do our best and be more than willing to volunteer and be of service, in any ways required.

Lama Khyenno,

Khenpo Tsering Tashi