Warmest spring greetings!

After too long, I am finally able to write something about what Lama Chönam and I have been doing these past few months. As many of you know we lost our most precious root teacher this past winter, Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, yet due to Rinpoche's timeless blessing we have been able to feel his presence as though still with us in a corporeal form.

According to Rinpoche's final instructions we began practicing the Vajrasattva sadhana known as Vajrasattva Guru Yoga, a terma of Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche and holding a practice vigil at our home in Palm Desert. Although it was a hard decision to make, we decided not to accompany the Kudung [term for the deceased body of a high master that means literally 'relic kaya'.] The term 'ku' or' kaya' is honorific for the living and also the deceased but the term 'dung' is only reference to the deceased body as a relic due to faith and devotion. Rather than travel and be distracted we stayed home and just practiced as best we could during the sacred time of Rinpoche's dharmakaya realization.

We have also continued to work on the translation of the Chöd commentary written by the rainbow body disciple of Tragthung Dudjom Lingpa, Pema Lungthog Gyatso. Now we are about one quarter of the way into this remarkable text. It is clearly going to be pivotal for Chöd practitioners and all disciples for that matter as it illuminates the sutra aspect of the Chöd lineage in the initial history and gives us much needed insight into the connection with the Prajnaparamita, the Great Mother herself.

We returned to Tashi Choling several weeks ago and I led our annual Troma retreat here which was well received and a joy to attend. I have to say that these days many of the students are really becoming good practitioners and it was so powerful and engaging to practice and share together for a week.
Now our minds are turned towards the approaching teachings to be given by Khen Rinpoche Namdrol, the final or fifth year of the Treasury of the Genuine Meaning transmission that we are responsible for in terms of offering the entire English translation. Lama Chönam and I have completed the final three chapters to be taught this year and are presently in the editing process with Kay Henry. We will prepare for this until departing for Alameda on May 16th.

If you are not in this teaching then I would highly recommend that you do try to make a connection with Khen Rinpoche Namdrol for the next series of teachings that he will give whenever we know what that will be. The request for Rinpoche to continue teaching will certainly be made and perhaps after a year's break then a new opportunity will emerge.

Stay tuned to LOB's website for more updates and information. In the meantime we want to thank all of you for you interest and support and let you know how much it is appreciated on behalf of all sentient beings!

Sangye Khandro, Tashi Choling, spring 2012