![]() ![]() (.) I discovered that the Karmapa was presently in Rumtek (his Indian seat), so I went there with a friend. In this way all difficulties were overcome. The resistance fighters relayed a message to the next post that a great Lama was on the way and that they should do everything to help him. So I prayed for him, gave him blessings and shortly thereafter he recovered. One of them was sick, folded up in great pain. It was only near the Indian border that we met a few resistance fighters. On our way to India we didn't see anyone for three weeks. The Tibetans that accompanied me were overwhelmed and very thankful. It took two hours to get through the Chinese lines, and it was certainly due to the blessing of the refuge that they didn't catch us. Although our whole bodies were shaking with fear, we simply prayed to the Three Jewels and went on. The Chinese had flashlights and we came so close to them that we could see the glow of their cigarettes, their steaming tea cups and their guns pointing in our direction. In order not to be seen we waited until the dead of night had fallen. The Chinese had the entire route under their control. On one side were very steep cliffs and on the other the Brahmaputra. But I was sure that fleeing was the best thing to do and that the Three Jewels would protect us. Other Tibetans tried to dissuade me as they were convinced that the Chinese would kill me along with the others. I requested help and protection from the Three Jewels ( Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) and asked them to guide me because I was determined to escape. ![]() We came across many Tibetans who told us of their unsuccessful attempts to flee and said that there were no other routes open. During a Tsok-ritual we made the decision to flee Tibet, but it seemed almost impossible because the Chinese had already cut off all escape routes. We then retreated in a cave high up in the mountains in a valley called Lo where Rechungpa ( Milarepa's great disciple) once practised and meditated. Finally we found out that the 16th Karmapa had reached exile in safety. We then met friends and relatives in a town called Nye where we practised a Dorje Trollö (a protective deity) ritual to overcome disturbing influences. We immediately set out to join him there, but on the way we were stopped by the Chinese. We heard that the Karmapa was already on his way out of Tibet (following the Chinese invasion) and was staying at Paltsen Jowo Ri. On the return journey, we visited Tsurpu again. Then we felt that it was time to return home. Our next pilgrimage lasted three years we travelled through Tibet all the way to Mount Kailash. Thereafter we went to Urgyen Rinpoche's retreat-place in Kongpo and practised there for six months. Two of my retreat-friends travelled with me and after our meeting with the Karmapa, we spent several years in the mountains meditating in complete solitude. Our whole community was there, except for our cooks. A large tent was set up and many people came to see him. Once again I met the Karmapa and took part in a crown ceremony.įrom central Tibet, I travelled directly back home to Kham in eastern Tibet and spent about eight years in solitary retreat. He also gave us a Chenrezig ( deity symbolising compassion) empowerment.įollowing his visit I started a 3-year-retreat and after that I went on a one year pilgrimage throughout Tibet which led me to Tsurpu ( Karmapa's Tibetan seat). Karmapa stayed three days and gave a crown ceremony with the small black hat since he could not yet wear the large one. At that time, he was still a small child and the previous Situ Rinpoche accompanied him. I was 15 or 16 years old when the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa visited our monastery. When the Gyalwa Karmapa sent Gendun Rinpoche to Europe to guide all those who so wished along the path to inner discovery, he once said, "In the person of Lama Gendun Rinpoche, I am giving you a pure jewel". The reason behind the creation of Dhagpo Kundreul Ling, along with its retreat centers, monastery, and temple, is to ensure that the transmission of these precious teachings is continued so that they will not be lost, but will grow and spread. Receiving teachings from a master who has reached his degree of accomplishment is akin to receiving a very rare and priceless jewel. He represented the quintessence of the fully realised yogi and the perfectly pure monk. Everything he taught, had been experienced first hand during his numerous retreats in caves in the Himalayas and in India. Lama Gendun Rinpoche was one of the last great masters of the old generation of Tibetan Lamas. He spent over thirty years of his life in solitary retreat in Tibet and India. Lama Gendun Rinpoche was the meditation master and the spiritual leader of the four Dhagpos. ![]()
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