An Auspicious Blessing

Recently, our high mountain village was blessed with the presence of four Tibetan monks and their spiritual leader, Gankar Tulku Rinpoche, recognized as the third incarnation of Gankar Tulku, the great master of the Dzindu Monastery in Tibet. Rinpoche is presently based in India at the Drepung Loseling University but travels yearly. He leads tours with groups of monks, some of whom are scholars, musicians, and artisans, and participates in many public events, forums, and conferences. He is the founder and director of Khacholing Center in Minnesota and Tardo Ling Center in San Francisco, and continues to work for the rebuilding of the Dzindu Monastery in Tibet. Jozef Dominguez, founder of OneJozef and Sierra Dove Global Association, had met the monks while on a sacred sites trip to India last year and was the liaison for their visit to Southeastern NM.

They came to Lincoln County for the week of September 20th – 27^th providing teachings, empowerments and pujas while also creating a sand mandala at The Art Connection, a non-profit association benefiting all ages through the arts, in midtown, Ruidoso. All events were open to the public with a small donation suggested. I was able to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies for the creation and dispersion of the sand mandala which were rich with chanting, ritual and profound symbolism. During the course of the week, two of the monks worked six hours a day placing grains of colored sand through small tubes onto the mandala design. The chosen mandala was of White Umbrella Tara, a deity that helps eliminate evil thoughts and can help put an end to disasters, bestow blessings, increase profits, and release souls from suffering. The mandala evolved daily into an exquisite representation of this beneficial manifestation. At the ending ceremony, Gankar Tulku Rinpoche led the monks in another powerful ritual dismantling the sand mandala, dispersing some of the sand in the Rio Ruidoso, then saving the rest to be used in ceremonies for the dying.

I also attended three teachings, each two hours long, at the Capitan Ponderosa; home of Michele Caskey who hosts such gatherings for Jozef and the Sierra Dove Global. There is also a walking Seven-Circuit Labyrinth and a sweat lodge on the property. Gankar Tulku Rinpoche gave us the teachings with the help of his translator, Tenzin, and another monk.

I highly recommend that anyone who has a chance to hear these precious, profound teachings from any Rinpoche, or Tibetan Spiritual master, to do so. Just being in their presence instills a sense of peace and tranquility. I’ve been a student of Tibetan Buddhism for many years and have developed a deep love and respect for these selfless servants of compassion, love and kindness. I’m including some photos from the week’s events, and some links to videos that show more of the ceremonies.

Placing the Sand

Monks Working

In Progress

Both Working

The finished sand mandala

Rinpoche and Monks

This is a Fire Puja Ceremony held in Phoenix, Arizona